I am very proud to let you know that, in the week before half term, we were awarded School of Sanctuary status. This accreditation recognises schools that combine personalised support for children with refugee status with a broader commitment to educate the whole community about the experiences of people who have been forced to flee their homes. In giving the award, assessors highlighted the culture of welcome and safety that exists at Hampstead School, and the emphasis on belonging that has been central to our ethos for many years. I would like to thank the staff, students and parents who contributed to the assessment process.

One way in which we create a culture of belonging is recognition and accommodation of different religious beliefs. Ramadan will start this weekend – Ramadan Kareem to you all! We will spend time over the next month learning more about Ramadan and Eid, and are always keen to hear of ways in which we can support the students and staff who observe this period of fasting and reflection.   

Families have always been clear in emphasising that the obligations of Ramadan should not undermine education; with this in mind, we would appreciate it if you could talk through the following guidelines with your children:

• All students must wear kit on the relevant day and participate in PE. Activities will be modified to reduce exertion and increase rest breaks.
• Sleeping/eating patterns cannot be used as a reason for lateness to school. Normal punctuality procedures will remain in place.
• All students must participate in music lessons if on their timetable; this is part of the taught curriculum.
• The Main Hall is available to any student wishing to pray or reflect. Students should not access unsupervised areas.
• If students wish to wear an abaya, jilbab or thobe, it must be black and be accompanied with a school jumper, cardigan or shirt/tie. 
• If they wish to wear a hijab or  taqiyah, it must be black, white or red.        

Finally, next week sees our flagship Careers Fair event. We would love parents and carers to attend; there are more details below.

- Matt Sadler, Head

Whole School Notices

Hampstead School Careers Fair – Thursday 6^th March 2025

We warmly invite you to attend the Hampstead School Careers Fair on Thursday 6th March 2025. The Careers Fair is taking place between 9am – 3pm at Hampstead School. Over 40 employers and higher/further and technical education providers will be attending. Throughout the day, students in every year group will visit the fair and will have the opportunity to speak with our guests to learn more about careers in different industries and sectors.

We would like to invite parents to attend the Careers Fair to give you the opportunity to talk to employers and education providers about your child’s progression and future career opportunities.

The following employers and education providers will be attending the Careers Fair, among many others:

• Lloyds Banking Group
• Savills
• The Civil Service
• Hertford College University of Oxford
• The Savoy
• The Francis Crick Institute
• Kings College London
• University of the Arts London
• London Screen Academy
• City of Westminster College Group

If you would like to attend the Careers Fair, please can you complete this short form so that we can prepare for your visit on the day. There will be year group time slots throughout the day, outlined on the form. If you would like to attend, you can choose to attend with your child’s year group or at any other time. Please indicate on the Microsoft Form if and when you will be attending. 

Link to the form:  https://forms.office.com/e/Fbz4MZSDMR

If you have any questions, please contact either Mrs Aksu (Careers Leader): b.aksu@hampsteadschool.org.uk or Ms Morrell (Assistant Head): t.morrell@hampsteadschool.org.uk

We are very much looking forward to this very exciting event and hope that you might be able to attend the fair on the day.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Bahar Aksu
Careers Subject Leader

We are very excited to inform all Parents and Carers that Hampstead is the UK's most recent School of Sanctuary.

A School of Sanctuary is a school of welcome for all. It educates why people have been forcibly displaced and supports students from all backgrounds to feel seen, supported and included.

There will be various celebrations and will be an official award ceremony taking place during the International Arts Festival. Please, join us on 19th of June at 17:00 till 18:30 to celebrate.

- Ms De Regibus

Donmar Warehouse Event - Friday 21st March 2025.

Hampstead School have been working with theatre directors from the Donmar Theatre on the My Future project, a new project for Key Stage 3 students exploring activism and theatre-making. My Future will have 9 in-school sessions over the course of the Spring Term, where young people discuss the most pressing issues of climate change with peers and activists and create a piece of theatre. This will be staged on the Donmar stage on Friday 21st March, at 14:00.

Book by March 17 to request your tickets, CLICK HERE TO BOOK.

Year Group Updates

Year 7

Parent Consultation Evening: 16:00 - 18:30 Thursday 27 March 2025

Bookings will open two weeks before the event.

A reminder that any donations towards Food Technology classes are due today, Friday 28 Feb. Please see information in the Communications Archive.

Sixth Form

HAP Year 12s were exemplary ambassadors for Hampstead School on the recent day trip to Girton College, University of Cambridge. The college ran a fantastic briefing which included a 'Choosing a university and degree course' seminar, subject specific taster lectures, a tour of the college, and a very useful 'Personal Statement Workshop and Q&A.' Ms Pilkington and Ms Benson accompanied, and were very proud of our students' courtesy, enthusiasm, and engagement with the activities.

School Calendar

Key Contacts

Reception

If you need to contact the school please call Reception on 020 7794 8133 or email enquiries@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Absences

To report your child absent, please visit www.studybugs.com.

To request a Leave of Absence during term time click HERE