Dear Parents and Carers,


I am writing to share an early update about a number of important developments we are planning to introduce from September 2026.

We want to keep you informed well in advance and begin an open, positive conversation about how these changes will continue to strengthen both the curriculum and pastoral care we provide for our students, with further detail and opportunities to engage shared over the coming months.


Since joining the school, I have had the privilege of spending time in classrooms, working closely with staff and students, and listening carefully to families. Building on the strong foundations already in place, these planned changes reflect both my previous experience and what I have seen at Thomas Gainsborough School. I am confident they will further enhance what we are able to offer your child.

At the heart of this work is our shared commitment to “Excellence: for each, for all” – ensuring that every student benefits from an ambitious curriculum and high-quality pastoral support, delivered in a way that helps them learn well, feel supported and thrive.


Curriculum changes from September 2026


From September 2026, we will be moving from our current two-week timetable of 30 × 100-minute lessons to a one-week timetable model consisting of 25 × one-hour lessons. This represents a shift to shorter, more frequent lessons across the week. While the structure of the timetable will change, the total curriculum time remains comparable, and the breadth, depth and ambition of our curriculum will be fully protected.


This approach is designed to:

  • Strengthen learning and long-term retention through more regular contact with each subject
  • Support improved focus and engagement through clearer lesson structure and pacing
  • Create consistent weekly routines that are easier for students to follow and benefit from
  • Maintain a broad, knowledge-rich curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum and examination requirements

Importantly, subject quality will not be diluted. Expectations will remain high, students will continue to benefit from specialist teaching, and all subjects will be delivered through well-sequenced programmes of study. These changes are about refining how learning is organised so that students are supported to make the very best progress.


Pastoral changes from September 2026


Alongside the curriculum changes, we will be further strengthening our pastoral provision to enhance the support students already receive by moving to a Year Group Tutoring System.


This approach builds on existing strong practice and is designed to refine and improve how support is delivered at each stage of a student’s education. In particular, it will enable:

  •  Even more tailored, age-appropriate support in reading, citizenship and careers education
  •  Greater consistency and clarity in pastoral leadership within each year group
  •  Stronger continuity in relationships between students, tutors and families
  •  Quicker, more precisely targeted support for attendance, wellbeing and behaviour

Students will belong to a consistent year group team, supported by dedicated pastoral leaders who know them well and understand the needs of students at each stage of their school journey. This enables strong pastoral care and personal development, ensuring students feel supported, secure and confident in school.


In the Sixth Form, tutor time will remain blended, with Year 12 and Year 13 students in the same tutor groups.


Our strong sense of community remains central to school life. The house system, enrichment opportunities and cross-year activities will continue, ensuring that students benefit from a rich, inclusive school culture alongside enhanced year-group support.


Looking ahead


These developments represent a carefully considered and evidence-informed step forward for the school. They are designed to strengthen learning, improve consistency, and ensure that every student continues to benefit from an ambitious curriculum and high-quality pastoral support.


This letter marks the start of an ongoing conversation. Over the coming months, we will share further detail, provide clear guidance well ahead of implementation, and offer opportunities for you to ask questions and engage with the changes as they take shape. Working in partnership with families remains central to this process, and we look forward to moving forward together.


Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Thomas Gainsborough School.


Kind regards,


Craig Lewis
Headteacher