Associate Principal’s Message
Dear parents/carers,
I’m delighted to celebrate a fantastic start to the new term!
Our scholars have shown incredible dedication and focus in their lessons, setting a positive tone for the weeks ahead. A special mention goes to our Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9 students, who approached their termly assessments with determination and are giving their very best – their hard work truly shines through. You will have noticed that we’ve launched the next phase of our attendance drive this week – as always, schoalrs have got to be in it to win it!
Reflecting on the recent parent survey, many of you mentioned how regular I and the school staff mention attendance – there are multiple reasons for this;
- Good attendance is closely linked to high achievement in Y11, and we want every scholar to get the best possible opportunities post-16;
- Good attendance is a life skill – be it working for a business, self-employed or following an academic pathway, showing up every single day demonstrates commitment, dependability and resilience
- Attending school means that scholars can take advantage of the wide ranging support we offer through our pastoral, SEND, mental health, careers and academic staff, as well as benefit from being involved in day-to-day school life and the enrichment clubs taking place each week.
I’ll never apologise for pushing good attendance to school – it truly does have a positive impact on a scholar’s future success in lots of ways.
Thank you for continuing to support the school as we work to provide the very best for the young people in our care. Together, we are building a strong, supportive environment where every scholar can thrive. Here’s to an exciting and productive term ahead!
Kind regards
Mr Arezoo
Associate Principal
Key Dates
- Tuesday 6th January – Friday 23rd January – Year 7,8,9 assessments
- Monday 2nd February – Wednesday 11th March – Year 11 mock exams
- Thursday 5th February – Year 8 HPV vaccinations
- Wednesday 11th February – Year 7 Scholar Review Evening
- Friday 13th February – INSET Day
- Monday 16th February – Friday 20th February – February half-term
- Wednesday 25th February – Talent Showcase
- Wednesday 4th March – Year 9 Scholar Review Evening
- Wednesday 11th March – Year 6 Welcome Evening
- Friday 20th March – INSET Day
- Wednesday 25th March – Year 9 Options Event
- Monday 30th March – Friday 10th April – Easter break
- Wednesday 29th April – Year 8 Scholar Review Evening
Lunch Menu
A Meal Deal consists of the following:
- A meal meal and either a pudding or water
- A sandwich and either a cookie or water
- A pasta pot and either a cookie or water
Lunch debt
Starting January 6th 2026, scholars with outstanding balances on their dinner accounts will be offered a sandwich and a bottle of water only. Hot meals will not be available until the account is brought up to date.
Please ensure your child’s dinner account is regularly topped up.
Frozen water safety information
Barnsley College Junior Chefs
Year 10 University of Cambridge programme
Please see the poster below for details of an academic (online/afterschool) opportunity for Year 10s, delivered by the University of Cambridge.
Nut free school
A reminder that Astrea Academy Dearne is a nut free zone. We have scholars and members of staff in school who have severe nut allergies. Please do not allow children to bring in any products containing nuts.
Flu vaccination clinics (All year groups)
HPV vaccinations (Year 8 only)
Family Hubs What’s On Guide
Please see the link below for the Family Hubs Spring Term Digital “What’s On” Guide. This is full of great activities and support for families in our communities across the Barnsley area.