Wearing Red for Sickle Cell Awareness

Today, staff at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys came together to wear red in support of Sickle Cell Awareness, helping to raise awareness of a condition that affects many individuals and families across the UK, including members of our own school community.

Sickle cell disorder is an inherited blood condition that affects the shape of red blood cells. These cells can become hard and sickle-shaped, which can cause severe pain, anaemia and other serious health complications. While it is a lifelong condition, greater awareness and understanding can make a real difference to those living with it.

We recognise that sickle cell affects a number of students, families and staff within our community, making it all the more important that we continue to raise awareness, promote understanding and show our support.

Thank you to everyone who wore red today and helped shine a light on this important cause.

Turning Awareness into Action

As part of our Sickle Cell Awareness activities, we are incredibly proud that one of our Year 13 students has taken the initiative to book a blood donation appointment on 16th October.

A number of staff members will also be joining him to donate blood and show their support for those living with sickle cell disorder. For many people with sickle cell, regular blood transfusions are a vital part of their treatment, making blood donation a simple act that can have a life-changing impact.

The student is also encouraging his peers to consider joining the blood donor register, helping to raise awareness of the ongoing need for donors.

If you've ever thought about becoming a blood donor, now is a great time to take that first step. There are a number of convenient donation venues close to our school community, including:

Mobile Blood Donor Centre (Thamesmead) - Morrisons, Thamesmead

Mobile Blood Donor Centre (Abbey Wood) - Crook Log Leisure Centre

Woolwich Works Pop-up Donation Sessions - Royal Arsenal, Woolwich

We are proud to see our students and staff turning awareness into action and supporting a cause that affects many individuals and families within our wider community.

NHS Blood Sign Up

Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form Enrolment

Congratulations on completing your GCSEs! We hope you are proud of your hard work during these two years.

From Monday 24 August to Friday 28 August this sixth form will be hosting late enrolment sessions between 10am and 1pm only. Last entry will be 12:30pm. Please call on 07858 085721 when you have arrived for your appointment.

Please email Ms Bowles Dove - LBowlesDove@woolwichpolyboys.co.uk and cc Mr Brogan – lbrogan@woolwichpolyboys.co.uk to arrange an appointment on one of these days. Please call 07858 085721 when you have arrived for your appointment.

Please note enrolment for Friday 21 August is by invitation only. Enrolment will conclude at 1pm on Friday 21 August. Last entry will be 12:30pm.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sixth Form Team

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys is delighted to announce another year of great results, manifesting our vision of ‘Success for Everyone’

We have massively increased our top grades across the board, achieving an increase of one third more 7+ grades than in 2025, enabling even more students to access academic studies at 6th form.

We are proud of our achievements across the board but particularly note results in Maths, Further Maths, the Sciences, French, Spanish, Community Languages, Art, ICT, Music, Sports that are all significantly above national averages, with nearly all other subjects achieving above national averages as well. It shows that our boys are leaving us fully-rounded, with a range of secure skills from across the curriculum, ready to take on further study or employment with solid foundations.

Key highlights include:

• 90% pass rate in Art
• 100% pass rate in Music
• 91% pass rate in Sports
• 89% grade 6 and above in Biology
• 95% grade 6 and above in Chemistry
• 90% grade 6 and above in French
• 18% grade 9 in Spanish
• 100% grade 7 and above in Community Languages
• 30% grade 7 and above in Maths
• 41% grade 6 and above in English Literature
• 100% grade 6+ in Further Maths
• 46% grade 6 and above in History

Although Progress 8 measures are not being published this year, the school's internal analysis demonstrates continued strong progress and achievement across the cohort, with students consistently performing above expectations.

Headteacher, Mr T Lawrence comments:

‘I am delighted that by so many measures, our Class of 2026 have performed so well. We have increased the number of grade 7s and above by a significant margin; in French, we have performed amongst the very few best schools in the country, followed closely behind by a number of other subjects significantly beating national averages, such as Maths, Art, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish, Community Languages, ICT, Music and Sports. All of this means that there are even more open doors for our outgoing students to pass through with most, we hope, returning to us to join our highly successful Sixth Form. I must also congratulate teachers for their enormous efforts and offer my gratitude to parents and carers for supporting their sons and us through these times: everyone’s efforts have been rewarded with great success.’

We are incredibly proud of our boys’ efforts and well-deserved achievements. I must also congratulate teachers for their enormous efforts and offer my gratitude to parents for supporting their sons and us through these times: everyone’s efforts have been rewarded with great success.

Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form Celebrates Outstanding Year 13 Results

Tomorrow's Leaders Achieve Outstanding Success

Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form is celebrating another year of strong Year 13 outcomes, with 75% of qualifications awarded at A to C grade or equivalent, ensuring the vast majority of students can progress confidently to higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

The impressive success rate reflects the commitment, resilience and ambition of the Class of 2026 and continues Woolwich Polytechnic's track record of preparing young people for bright futures.

Among this year's standout achievements is a student who has secured a place to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the University of Oxford, one of the most competitive undergraduate courses in the country. Many of her peers will be progressing to Russell Group universities, while others have secured prestigious apprenticeship opportunities with leading organisations including Google and Schroders.

These achievements demonstrate the wide range of pathways available to Woolwich Polytechnic students and underline the Sixth Form's commitment to its motto, "Tomorrow's Leaders."

Headteacher, Mr Lawrence, comments:

"Our Class of 2026 have done themselves proud. With 75% of qualifications achieved at A to C grades or equivalent, our students have created opportunities for themselves across higher education, apprenticeships and the world of work. These results reflect their hard work, perseverance and aspiration, as well as the unwavering support of our staff and families. We are immensely proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing them develop into the leaders, innovators and professionals of tomorrow."

The success of this year's cohort highlights the strength of the Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form experience, where students are encouraged to aim high, work hard and realise their ambitions. Whether progressing to Oxford, Russell Group universities, sought-after apprenticeships or employment, the Class of 2026 leaves equipped with the skills, qualifications and confidence to make a positive contribution to society.

Congratulations to all our Year 13 students on their achievements. We wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their journey.

PE Uniform – Compulsory for All PE Lessons

We would like to remind all parents and carers that the school PE uniform is compulsory for all PE lessons.

During periods of hot weather, students may be required to wear their PE kit instead of their full school uniform to ensure their comfort and wellbeing throughout the school day.

To Help Students Be Fully Prepared

• At least two PE shirts (to ensure a clean shirt is always available)
• One pair of PE shorts
• One pair of PE tracksuit bottoms
• Red Rugby socks
• One rugby long-sleeve shirt, which can be worn during the colder winter months for warmth and comfort during outdoor PE lessons

Having these items will ensure students are equipped for PE throughout the year and in all weather conditions.

Purchasing PE Uniform

PE uniform can be purchased from SWI Schoolwear: Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys (CU-0005612). Other items of school uniforms can also be purchased through the same website.

Important Information for September – New 4G Pitch

We are delighted that our new 4G pitch will be in use from September.

To access and use this facility safely, students will need Astro Turf (TF) trainers with lots of small rubber dimples on the sole.

• Suitable for the new 4G pitch
• Can be worn for all PE lessons
• Appropriate for a range of different sporting surfaces
• Provide comfort, grip and durability throughout the school year

Please ensure your child has the correct footwear ready for September.

Thank You for Your Support

Having the correct PE kit helps students participate fully, safely and comfortably in all lessons and sporting activities. We appreciate your support in ensuring students come to school prepared for PE throughout the year.