Autumn Term - Newsletter 2025

Christmas Header

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians/Carers

I want to pass on my thanks to all of our students, staff and families for their continued commitment and support as we bring this Autumn term to a close. The term has been filled with meaningful learning, personal growth, and shared accomplishments. Whether it’s academic progress, participation in school events, or contributions to the wider community, I am proud of the resilience, aspiration and respect shown by everyone in our school.

To our Year 7 students – you have made an excellent start to your journey at Forge; we are extremely proud of your hard work, and engagement in the school community. To our Year 11 and 13 students, we recognise the hard work you’ve put into your studies this term, and we’re behind you every step of the way as you prepare for the next stages in your education and life beyond school. Being a Forge student doesn’t start and end at the Academy gate. You are part of our community from the day you start, and we hope that you’ll always consider yourself a part of the Forge family.

Whether you’re spending time with family, travelling, or just simply enjoying some well-earned downtime, I encourage everyone to use the break ahead to rest, recharge and reflect. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, refreshed and ready for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday.

Best wishes,

Dr L Mason – Principal

Vibrant wall clock with colorful numbers on a bright yellow background, emphasizing modern decor.

Back to school

Monday 5th January 2026 is an INSET day. Therefore school will be closed to ALL students
ALL Students are back on Tuesday 6th January 2026. To be on site by 8.30am.
Please note there is Free toast, bagels and fruit available 7.30am to 8.30am.


What have we been up to?

The school regularly post on Facebook and Instagram to keep students and parents/carers informed about what is going on at the school. Since the start of term there have been 1 Million views on our Social accounts, which is a great achievement.

All the posts can be seen using the links above but here is a brief summary of what Ormiston Forge has posted.

We have celebrated various events during this term:

Ormiston Forge boys winning the U15 Sandwell Boys Football tournament, House darts competition, Form attendance winners, Netball teams, raising money for good causes, Christmas card competition, Remembrance day and we even had a Pizza Party! Plus a whole lot more!


Uniform and Equipment

The School Uniform consists of:

  • School tie
  • Black blazer with embroidered Academy logo
  • Plain black trousers
  • Plain black knee length skirt
  • Plain black jumper (optional), (no sweatshirts)
  • Shirt/Blouse – White (no casual shirts or t-shirts)
  • Head scarf – (optional) plain black
  • Polish-able plain black shoes or ALL black trainers
  • Outdoor coat in a plain, dark colour (not leather or denim)

PE Kit

  • Black/burgundy Polo shirt, with Academy logo.
  • Plain black football-style shorts (cycling shorts can only be worn underneath football shorts).
  • Plain black tracksuit bottoms (discreet logo is acceptable) OR black tracksuit bottoms, supplied via our approved PE kit supplier.
  • Leggings are allowed to be worn underneath football shorts.
  • Plain black football socks (outdoor)
  • Plain white sport socks (indoor)
  • Appropriate footwear for the activity; suitable trainers for indoors and sturdy trainers or moulded stud boots for the Astroturf.

It is essential that students come to school fully prepared to ensure a productive day of learning. Students are expected to bring a school bag (pouches are not permitted), a pencil case with pencils, pens, ruler, rubber, a scientific calculator and a refillable water bottle. Your support in reinforcing these standards is greatly appreciated.


Attendance Update


Safeguarding

Useful links:

Sandwell Children’s services – 0121 569 3100

Dudley Children’s services – 0300 555 0050

CAMHS crisis line Dudley – 01922 607000

CAMHS crisis line Sandwell – 0121 612 6620

Support can also be accessed through:

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

Childline – 0800 11 11

For Mental Health Support:

Kooth – kooth.com

Shout – text 85258

Samaritans – 116123

Papyrus – 0800 068 4141

Young Minds – text YM to 85258

NHS – 111


If a child is at immediate risk call the Police on 999


Year Teams for Academic Year

Year 7

Head Of Year: Mr M. Gill
Assistant HOY: Mrs J Monahan
Pastoral Support Officer: Miss J Goodridge

Year 8

Head of Year 8: Mrs L Arnold
Acting Assistant HOY: Mr D Siviter
Pastoral Support Officer: Miss C Webster

Year 9

Acting Head of Year 9: Mr Scott Wallace
Assistant HOY: Miss N Downing
Pastoral Support Officer: Miss C Poyner

Year 10

Head Of Year: Mr J Adams
Assistant HOY: Mrs L Marsh
Pastoral Support Officer: Ms T Pearson

Year 11

Head Of Year: Ms N Wiseman
Pastoral Support Officer: Mr J Wood

Attendance Manager: Ms M Dean

Senior Leader Pastoral: Mr W Grant

Assisant Principal Behaviour and Attitudes: Mrs S Taylor

Vice Principal Student Services: Mr S Lodge


Enrichment Leaderboard


House information

A massive well done to all the students in participating in House events. The points this term are as follows:


Student Achievements

ERIC Reading Leaders!

We are delighted to share the names of our current KS3 leaders in ERIC points:

Year 7 – Lily-Mai with 14 points

Year 8 – Ella on 11 points

Year 9 – Vaneeza on 8 points

Congratulations to these fantastic young readers! Their dedication, consistency, and love of books are wonderful to see, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts so far this academic year! We look forward to rewarding your efforts on the last week of term!

A Kenning for Christmas Poetry Winners:

There were many entries which were absolutely incredible and the choice was very tricky! 

In the end the winners are:

1st Place – Ruqayya Year 10

2nd Place – Ilyas Year 8

3rd Place – Cody Year 8

Well done on your wonderful entries that displayed exceptional creativity and imagination.

#WeWillCare

Our Care Champions have had an incredible term!
Wow what a term it has been for the Forge Care Champions! They organised a festive Christmas visit to Apsley House, raised funds to support the trip and our thrift shop, and even showcased their creativity and teamwork at the Westminster School Enterprise Fair.

We’re so proud of their hard work, generosity, and community spirit. 

#WeWillCare 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


What’s On

Monday 5th January 2026 – INSET Day.

Tuesday 6th January 2026 – Back to school for ALL students.

Monday 12th January 2026 – Year 8 to 13, Careers Fayre.

Monday 12th January 2026 – Student Council Parliament Trip.

Wednesday 14th January 2026 – Year 11 Parents’ Evening, 3.45pm to 6pm.

Friday 16th January 2026 – Year 10 Gurdwara Trip.

Wednesday 21st January 2026 – Spain trip Parent Information Evening 4pm to 5pm.

Friday 23rd January 2026 – KS5 Houses of Parliament Trip.

Wednesday 28th January 2026 – Year 10 Parents’ Evening, 3.45pm to 6pm.

Wednesday 28th January 2026 – Year 11 ‘The Woman in Black’ theatre trip, 6pm to 10.30pm.

Wednesday 4th February 2026 – Year 9 Options Information evening.

Wednesday 11th February 2026 – Sixth Form External Applicant Open Event, 5pm to 7pm.

Monday 23rd February 2026 – INSET Day.

Tuesday 24th February 2026 – Year 13 Mock Exams start.

Monday 2nd March 2026 – National Careers Week.

Monday 2nd March 2026 – Year 9 Options Week.

Wednesday 4th March 2026 – University of Birmingham Law Trip

Thursday 5th March 2026 – Parent Voice Evening, 5pm to 7pm.

Wednesday 11th March 2026 – Year 9 Parents’ Evening, 3.45pm to 6pm.

Monday 16th March 2026 – Book Fair in school for the week.

Monday 23rd to Friday 27th March 2026 – Spain Trip.

Tuesday 24th March 2026 – Year 11 Parent Meetings, 4pm to 6pm.

Wednesday 25th March 2026 – Sixth Form Parents’ Evening, 3.45pm to 6pm.

Friday 27th March 2026 – Last day of term.

Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April 2026 – Half-term holiday.