Year 11 Study Skills Evening – Thursday 1 October, 6.00–7.00pm

/in /by

We are delighted to welcome Dr Martijn van der Spoel, Educational Psychologist from Glia Learning, to Townsend on Thursday 1 October for our Year 11 Study Skills Day and Evening.

During the day, Dr van der Spoel will be working with Year 11 students, helping them develop effective revision, study and exam preparation strategies. His sessions were incredibly well received last year, and many students successfully used his techniques to achieve strong GCSE outcomes.

In the evening, parents, carers and students are invited to join us for a Year 11 Study Skills Evening from 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Dr van der Spoel will share practical advice on how families can support students through this important year. There will also be key information and updates from Townsend staff, including important dates and guidance for Year 11.

🎟️ Booking is essential. Please reserve your place here: Year 11 Study Skills Evening for Parents/Carers – 1 October, 6.00–7.00 pm.

Students are also very welcome to attend.

We look forward to welcoming you and supporting our Year 11 students as they prepare for their GCSE examinations.

SPACE Hertfordshire: Free Online Workshops for Parents and Carers

/in /by

Are you supporting a child or young person with autism, ADHD or other neurodiverse needs? SPACE Hertfordshire is offering a range of FREE online workshops throughout the Autumn Term 2026 to help parents and carers develop their knowledge, confidence and practical strategies.

Topics include:

  • Understanding Autism and ADHD
  • Autism and ADHD Dual Diagnosis
  • Understanding Behaviour as Communication
  • Sleep Support
  • Sensory Needs
  • Applying for and Preparing for EHCP Reviews
  • Autism in Girls and Young Women
  • Puberty and SEND
  • Preparing for Adulthood

The workshops are delivered online, making them easy to access from home.

📅 Workshop dates run from September to December 2026.

Scan the QR code on the poster or book your place via SPACE Hertfordshire Events.

Supporting families, building understanding, and helping every child thrive. 💜

Places are free but booking is essential.

BeeZee Families: Free Healthy Lifestyle Support for Hertfordshire Families

/in /by

Looking for support to help your family build healthy habits? BeeZee Families offers a FREE programme for Hertfordshire families, providing practical advice, fun activities and expert guidance to support children and families on their healthy lifestyle journey.

✅ Free 12-week programmes
✅ In-person and online sessions available
✅ Support for families across Hertfordshire

For more information and to check eligibility, visit the BeeZee Families website or contact the team on 01707 248 648.

Find out more and start your family’s healthy lifestyle journey today! 🍎🏃‍♀️💚

☕ SEND Coffee Mornings with Vista and DSPL7

/in /by

Do you have a child with SEND and would like advice, support, or simply the opportunity to talk with others who understand?

Vista and DSPL7 are hosting a series of SEND Coffee Mornings throughout the year. These informal drop-in sessions provide a welcoming space for parents and carers of children with SEND, regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis.

2627 DSPL7 & Vista SEND Coffee Mornings flyer

At each session, School and SEND Family Workers will be available to offer support, alongside the DSPL7 SEND Lead and a range of specialist professionals covering topics including:

  • Autism and ADHD
  • Anxiety, mental health and EBSA
  • EHCP advice
  • Eating disorders and ARFID
  • Early Years support
  • Mental Health Support Teams

📍 Venue: The Hub, Fleetville Junior School, St Albans
✅ No need to book to attend
🕘 Optional 25-minute appointments with professionals are also available between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm by emailing admin@dspl7.org.uk.

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to access expert guidance, share experiences, and connect with other local families. For further information, please contact Vista or DSPL7.

Angels Autism & ADHD Support – Free Parent and Carer Workshops

/in /by

We are pleased to share details of a series of free workshops and support sessions offered by Angels Autism & ADHD Support for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people.

These online sessions provide practical advice, information and opportunities to connect with other families, with upcoming topics including:

  • Meet and Greet with Local Support Organisations – 29 September, 10am to 12pm
  • Navigating Autism & Puberty – 6 October, 10am to 12pm
  • Emotionally Based School Absence (EBSA) – 13 October, 10am to 12pm

All workshops are followed by an open support session where parents and carers can discuss any concerns and access guidance in a supportive environment.

Angels Autism & ADHD Support runs weekly online workshops and support sessions during term time, helping families access information, advice and peer support.

Autumn Term Programme: Angels 2026 Autumn Programme Sept-Dec 2026

For more information visit Angels Autism & ADHD Support

Oaklands College Open Events 2026

/in /by

Thinking about your next steps after school? Visit an Oaklands College Open Event this October to explore courses, meet tutors and discover campus life.

📍 Welwyn Garden City Campus – Saturday 10 October, 10am to 3pm
📍 St Albans Campus – Saturday 17 October, 10am to 3pm

Students and families can register in advance or simply attend on the day. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more information.

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Workshops: October to December 2026

/in /by

Families may be interested in a range of free online Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) Workshops running from October to December 2026. Topics include emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, resilience, sleep difficulties and emotional regulation. Two workshops in November are specifically designed to support adolescents. Workshops are delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams and can be booked through Eventbrite. No referral is required.

For full details and booking information, please see the attached leaflet.

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Workshop Leaflet OCT-DEC 2026

Parenting Under Pressure: Exam-Season Survival Guide

/in /by

Step Schools are delighted to be hosting the first of three wellbeing events designed to support parents, carers, youth leaders and our wider community in helping young people navigate the challenges they face today.

In partnership with Haven Hope, this practical evening will provide insight into the teenage brain and offer useful strategies for supporting young people through exam season.

📅 Thursday 22 October
🕢 7.30 pm (refreshments from 7.15 pm)
📍 Verso Vineyard Church, St Albans

A small donation is suggested, but no one should feel unable to attend because of the cost.

🎭 Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime Auditions! 🎭

/in /by

We’re delighted to announce that this year’s Townsend School Christmas Pantomime will be Jack and the Beanstalk!

Join us for an evening of laughter, adventure and festive fun on Thursday 3 December 2026 at 6:30 pm in the School Hall.

Auditions are open to students from all year groups and will take place on Monday 21 September, from 3:25 pm to 4:25 pm in the Hall.

🌟 Want to be part of the show?

  • Join the Showbie class using code EEPGY7
  • Access the audition materials in the class folders
  • Come along and give it a try!

With over 20 named speaking roles and a wide range of ensemble opportunities, there’s a part for everyone, whether you’re an experienced performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time.

🎬 Rehearsals will take place every Monday and Wednesday leading up to the performance. Please ensure that your child can commit to rehearsals and the final performance before auditioning.

We can’t wait to see our talented students bring this classic tale to life!

For further information, please contact Mr Coates or Mrs Coates.

PE Extra-Curricular Timetable 2026/27

/in /by

Get Active, Try Something New and Be Part of #TeamTownsend!

We are delighted to launch our PE Extra-Curricular Timetable, offering a fantastic range of lunchtime and after-school activities for students to get involved in throughout the week.

Whether you are looking to develop your sporting skills, make new friends, improve your fitness, or try something completely new, there is something for everyone.

No sign-up required – simply meet outside the relevant indoor or outdoor changing rooms and join in!

Keep Active • Be Healthy • Make Friends • Achieve More

We look forward to seeing lots of students participating and making the most of these exciting opportunities throughout the year.

#TeamTownsend 💜💛

Term Dates News Policies Accessibility Statement Work With Us

High Oaks, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DR | Tel: 01727 853047 | Email: admin@townsend.herts.sch.uk