Townsend School was delighted to host and lead this year’s ALPS Conference 2026, the culmination of months of planning and collaboration.

The event brought together over 250 Year 12 students from across the Alban Learning Partnership schools, including Marlborough, STAGs, Loreto, Nicholas Breaskspear and Samuel Ryder Academy.

Our outgoing Student Leadership Team acted as hosts for the day, with sessions delivered by student leaders from across the consortium. The conference theme, “Escaping Reality”, focused on mobile phone use and its impact on young people. This was supported by an engaging keynote speech from Dr Cheryl Greyson, who explored the role of mobile phones in industries such as marketing.

Students took part in thoughtful and thought‑provoking discussions around issues such as fake news, catfishing, and recognising when it is important to put the mobile phone down. It was an impactful day that encouraged reflection and awareness.

Well done to all Year 12 students, who were excellent ambassadors for the school, and a special thank you to our outgoing leadership team Daniella, Ingrit, Shammy and Jocelyn for their leadership and dedication throughout the day.

Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form 

Please see the below information about the James Marshall Foundation and the type of grants that they are able to offer for financial support.

‘We are delighted to share our brand new animated video which explains what we do, the types of grants we offer and how young people in our community can apply for our financial support. Please take a look to find out more about how we may be able to help.

Please note that we are only able to help students who live within our charity catchment area (Harpenden, Wheathamptead, Kimpton, Redbourn, Markyate and Flamstead).’

https://jamesmarshallfoundation.co.uk/

If your child is in Sixth Form and is unable to attend the school day, please let us know by phoning our attendance line or by reporting their absence via Edulink or emailing attendance@townsend.herts.sch.uk 

If we are not aware of your child’s absence, then their absence will be recorded as unauthorised. 

Thank you,
Attendance Team

Our annual talent show will be taking place in July.

Auditions for acts that wish to be involved will be on Tuesday 5^th and Thursday 7^th of May in the Drama Studio from 1:20pm-1:50pm. Students wishing to sign up for an audition will need to see Mrs Coates next week in the Drama Studio during the following morning break times: Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th April. All acts welcome, come and share your talents and skills!

Pathways to Property is a charitable programme run by Henley Business School that’s designed to raise awareness about the vast range of careers available within the Real Estate industry for students in Year 12.

It is being held at the University of Reading on 14 – 17 July 2026. All travel, accommodation and food will be paid for. Students will continue to be supported after their attendance.

The fully funded four-day course is ideal for students who have an interest in the property sector and who would like to learn more about the industry. Over the course of four days, your students will:

• Sit in on taster lectures
• Visit a large development site and learn how they operate
• Get involved in group projects and debates
• Develop key skills such as networking and presentation skills
• Attend a mini careers fair with leading names from the industry
• Hear from industry professionals about the incredible career opportunities available via degrees and apprenticeships
• Stay in our university halls, gaining a first-hand experience of university life

Students who attend our Summer School will be invited to carry out a work experience placement in October and participate in an e-mentoring programme.

We will continue to support students through our Propel alumni programme sending them relevant information. If they choose to undertake a property industry focused degree or qualification, they will be eligible to apply for up to £30,000 in bursary funding and if they study Real Estate at Reading University they will receive a guaranteed conditional contextual offer plus a welcome bursary.

To apply please use the link below: 

P2P Summer School 2026 | Henley Live

Applications close on Sunday 19th April.