Associate Principal’s Message
Dear parents/carers,
As a proud Barnsley resident, it’s been truly inspiring to see the council’s continued investment in supporting the young people in our care. From the free bus pass to the £100 uniform support, the Great Childhood Ambition (GCA) programme is gaining real momentum.
At Astrea Academy Dearne, we’re proud to be working in partnership with GCA. Our scholars have already benefitted from the summer breakfast pilot, and we’re now in the process of introducing youth worker support—another valuable layer of guidance that our young people will soon be able to access.
We remain committed to exploring every opportunity to ensure our scholars receive the broadest possible support, in line with our overarching mission of helping every scholar learn, thrive and succeed: watch this space!
This Wednesday, we welcomed an incredible turnout of 145 Year 11 scholars and their families to our Climbing The Mountain event—our highest attendance ever! It was a joy to see so many of you engaging with external partners about post-16 pathways, speaking with our staff about subject-specific success strategies, and receiving revision support packs (thanks again to another GCA initiative!). These packs included wireless headphones, a power bank, notepad, stress ball, revision guides—and even a good luck duck!
It’s been a fantastic start to the year, and I’m more confident than ever that 2025/26 will be a year of academic and personal success for all our scholars.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend.
Mr Arezoo
Associate Principal
Key Dates
- Wednesday 24th September – Year 6 Open Evening
- Thursday 25th September – School photographs
- Saturday 27th September – Dearne Community Arts Festival
- Wednesday 15th October – Tutor Review Evening
- Friday 24th October – INSET Day
- Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October – October Half Term
- Monday 3rd November – INSET Day
School Photographs
School photographs will take place for all scholars on Thursday 25th September.
Year 6 Open 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
Dearne Community Arts Festival
Barnsley College Parent Information Evening
Attendance Team
Our Attendance Team can be contacted on the following extension numbers. Please check carefully as some have changed since our telephone system was upgraded:
Year 7 – Keeley Dickinson – ext. 1218
Year 8 – Gary Crew – ext. 1208
Year 9 – Karen Davis – ext. 1235
Year 10 – Lindsey Laycock – ext. 1245
Year 11 – Julie Mason – ext. 1215
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.
Meet the Hatter theatre show
Please see the link for details regarding a show at Barnsley Civic: https://barnsleycivic.co.uk/event/meet-the-hatter/
Blaze Runner
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has launched Blaze Runner, a fast-paced online game that helps you think about how to escape safely in a house fire.
As you race through the maze, you’ll collect items like a phone and keys – just like you would in a real emergency. If you score high, you could win prizes including Tramlines Festival tickets, a Gulliver’s Valley family pass, a Yorkshire Wildlife Park visit for six, or a £150 shopping voucher.
After playing, you’ll be invited to download a free template and make your own fire escape plan with your family to keep you safe in your home.
Play the Game: Blaze Runner
Love Where You Live Programme
As part of the ongoing Love Where You Live programme, council officers are wanting to work alongside residents, volunteers, schools, and businesses in order to target local hotspots.
They will be in the Dearne North (Thurnscoe and Goldthorpe) between 22nd – 25th September with a focus on Elizabeth St, Marlborough Close, Church Street, Lansdowne Close and Dearne South (Goldthorpe and Bolton) between 11th – 13th November with a focus on Beever St, Frederick St and Broadwater, Ingsfield Lane lower area.
They will be providing the pickers, high viz vests and bags, all you need to bring is sensible shoes and clothing. They appreciate any time you can give on the day and would really welcome your input. (They normally start at 9.00am and finish for 2.30pm but any time you’re able to give during these hours is greatly appreciated)
Please email darrylhand@bransley.gov.uk if you would like to attend so you can be kept up to date with meeting points and times, as well as any changes they may need to make due to weather conditions.
New OWLS
Night OWLS is a single point of access, overnight listening service for people experiencing emotional difficulties. This is to support young people, their parents and carers living in Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield and Barnsley.
Night OWLS
Call: 0800 148 8244 (freephone)
Text: 07984 376950
Online support: wynightowls.org.uk
Open from 8pm – 8am. 365 days a year
Lantern Workshops
Parenting Courses
Please see the link below to parenting courses offered by Barnsley Council: