High Oaks, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DR | Tel: 01727 853047 | Email: admin@townsend.herts.sch.uk
Collection of GCSE & A Level Certificates Information
We are pleased to inform you that the certificates are ready for collection from Main Reception starting 6th January 2026. They will be available until the February Half Term -13th February.
Main Reception is open for collections between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
It is expected that the students will collect their own certificates. If they wish to send someone on their behalf to collect the certificates, please ensure they bring confirmation or they email us prior to the collection.
Thank you for your attention.
Kind regards,
The School Office
Celebrating Outstanding Year 9 Achievements
This week we were delighted to celebrate the achievements of 52 students in Year 9 who have either maintained 100% attendance or received zero negative behaviour points during the first term.
| Majus | Gabrielle | Peter | Ismaeel |
| Emily | Ollie | Ryan | Kayla |
| Anahit | Matthew | Harry | Freya |
| Torben | Lyla | Jim | Kai L-W |
| Daniel | Obi | Seranda | Anna |
| Susanne | Millie | James | Ryan |
| Grace | Michael | Rene | Sophia |
| Elijah | Harry | Roman | Angel |
| Daniel | La’miyah | Ainsley | Amy |
| Callum | George | Jamie | Ceyda |
| Millie | Josh | Esther | Melissa |
| Tommy | Lottie | Kye | Jack |
| Sophia | Mayokun | Holly | William |
This is an outstanding accomplishment and reflects the commitment, resilience, and positive attitude these students bring to school each day. They should be extremely proud of themselves, and we hope this recognition encourages them to continue their fantastic efforts throughout the year.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students succeed.
Wishing you and your families a very lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mr M Brooks
Head of Year 9
Bike competition sponsored by Tony Gee- DEADLINE EXTENDED
We are delighted to have been offered sponsorship again from Tony Gee, a civil engineering company with a St Albans office, to support a bike competition.
Last year students were invited to create a 30 second short video and the winner of a new bike was one of our Year 11 students. This year, as last year, the competition is open to Year 7-13 and they have to redesign the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol with sustainable means. All details are on the Design Brief attached. The deadline for entries to be submitted to Showbie is now Monday 5th January!
DT teachers will be able to provide support if students have queries.
Entries will be judged anonymously by Tony Gee and the winner will receive a bike of their choice or a £300 gift card from Go Outdoors.
Mr D Hill (Head of Technology)
Miss C Reynolds (Sustainability Lead)
Mrs H Line (Deputy Headteacher)
Sixth Form News
It’s been another busy and inspiring few weeks in the Sixth Form, with students taking part in a range of activities designed to develop their skills, broaden their horizons, and strengthen our school community. From guest speakers and volunteering inspiration to festive events and leadership activities, our students have truly embodied the Townsend values of service, curiosity, and teamwork.
Volunteer Talk
Students had the pleasure of hearing from Claire Robinson from the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, who delivered an inspiring talk about the many benefits of volunteering. Claire highlighted the positive impact volunteering can have on both communities and individuals — from developing new skills and forming friendships to improving wellbeing and supporting important environmental work. Students also learned about the incredible local opportunities available through the Trust and how they can get involved.
Parliament Talk
We were delighted to welcome Kelly Stroud, Senior Education and Engagement Outreach Officer for the East of England, who spoke with students about the vital role Parliament plays in shaping the country. Kelly explained how laws are made, the importance of democracy, and ways young people can get involved in politics and civic life. It was a fascinating and engaging session that encouraged students to think about how their voices can make a difference.
Over 65s Christmas Party
Our Year 12 students once again hosted the much-loved annual Over 65s Christmas Party, welcoming around 40 guests from the local community. The event was organised and run by Gracie, Luigi, Hannah, Zena, Ronnie, Joshua, Nasri, Gaby and Charlotte, who ensured everyone had a wonderful afternoon filled with festive fun. Guests enjoyed a Christmas quiz, refreshments, and a surprise visit from Townsend Santa! This event continues to be a highlight of the year, bringing generations together in the true spirit of Christmas.
Student Leadership Team Christmas Quiz
To round off the term, the Student Leadership Team organised their inter-year Christmas Quiz and Games Afternoon. The event brought together students from both year groups for some friendly competition, laughter, and teamwork. It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of term and strengthen the bonds within our Sixth Form community — well done to the team for their creativity and enthusiasm in hosting such a successful event!
As we approach the end of term, we’re proud of the maturity, initiative, and kindness shown by our Sixth Form students. Whether they were hosting community guests, leading events, or engaging thoughtfully with visitors, they’ve ended the year in fantastic spirit — well done, everyone!
Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form
Art exhibition at Art-K St Albans
Please see the below information from Art-K about their upcoming exhibition.
‘Art-K St Albans supports children and adults in developing their artistic skills through structured, confidence-building creative sessions.
We would like to warmly invite your school community to our upcoming Student Art Exhibition, ‘Joy in Every Stroke’, taking place at the Collective Gallery, St Albans:
Sunday, 14th December
12:00pm – 5:00pm
Collective Gallery, 7 Holywell Hill, St Albans
The exhibition will feature over 140 artworks created by children and adult students from our St Albans branch. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the joy of learning through the arts. The event is free, open to all, and families are welcome to drop in at any time during the afternoon.’
Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Workshops
Please find attached link to the Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Workshops leaflet, which provides a list of all the emotional wellbeing workshops being delivered by the team from January to March 2026.
Workshops are delivered virtually on Microsoft Teams. They are free to access, and families can sign up to attend via Eventbrite.
Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Workshop Leaflet JANUARY-MARCH 2026
Christmas Shop
Please see the below poster about our upcoming Christmas Shop which has been organised by our PTA (Friends of Townsend).
Quiz night for 18-30s on Monday 15th December in Harpenden
Be.Ya is a group of young adults from Bethany Community Church who have started to organise social events for young adults in the local area.
For those who are 18-30, there is a Christmas quiz run by Be.Ya next Monday 15th December, 8pm at Bennett’s Club, Harpenden.
Please sign up and save your spot here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beya-18-30-christmas-quiz-tickets-1975185860078
Helena (STEP) & Mrs H Line, Deputy Headteacher
Christingle Cathedral Service
Our Christingle Cathedral Service is taking place on Tuesday 16th December at St Albans Cathedral (2pm-3pm).
We are very much looking forward to our next service at the cathedral on Tuesday 16th December at 2pm, where Year 7 will be processing with Christingles. If you would like to book a seat, please email admin@townsend.herts.sch.uk. Please do remember that students will need to make their own way home from the abbey at 3pm, when the service finishes.
Mrs H Line
Deputy Headteacher