Year 10 Exams
Please see the below information about the upcoming Year 10 trial exams.
From the 5th May- 8th May.
High Oaks, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DR | Tel: 01727 853047 | Email: admin@townsend.herts.sch.uk
Unifrog- Helping your child to make decisions about their future.
Unifrog is an online platform used by all students at Townsend School to help them explore their interests, choose the best academic or vocational pathways, find out about different careers and submit applications for universities, apprenticeships and colleges.
By following the link below you can set up your own parent account on Unifrog so that you can use Unifrog to help support your child in making decisions about their future.
Mrs K Davey
Assistant Headteacher
ALPS Conference 2026
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
Senior Athletics Championships
A number of senior students represented Townsend School at the District Senior Athletics Championships held at Westminster Lodge on Wednesday.
All students demonstrated great commitment and determination across a range of events, representing Townsend Athletics exceptionally well.
A special mention goes to Jare (Year 11), who achieved an outstanding 3rd place overall in the Senior Boys Shot Put. This was an impressive performance and a fantastic achievement. Very well done to all students who took part.
Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form
The James Marshall Foundation and Financial Support
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).’
The Hidden Dangers of Pinterest – White Hatter
Pinterest tends to fly under the radar. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, it has never attracted the same level of public concern, it’s older, it’s built around image collections, and most parents consider it benign, if they think about it at all.
That perception is the problem. The White Hatter, a Canadian digital safety organisation, published a blog post recently after supporting two families whose children had shared intimate images via Pinterest’s direct messaging feature. In both cases, the parents had no idea the platform had a messaging function.
It’s a broader pattern worth raising with parents. Platforms that present as visual or creative tools like Pinterest, VSCO, Tumblr, Lemon8, Canva, Amino, often include messaging features that aren’t obvious. The question worth putting to parents isn’t “what app is my child using?” but “what can that app actually do?”
The article is a short, practical read:
https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/post/what-parents-didn-t-know-about-pinterest-matters-for-all-caregivers
Ms L Gibbons
Assistant Headteacher
Townsend’s Got Talent!
Our annual talent show will be taking place in July.
Auditions for acts that wish to be involved will be on Tuesday 5th and Thursday 7th 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!
Kind regards,
Mrs V Coates
Head of Drama
Arriva New Mobile App
Please see the below information about the new Arriva Moble App.
As per the attachment, any queries from student/parents should be directed to talktous@arriva.co.uk
Henley Business School for Year 12 Students
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.
Workshops and Support Groups
Please see the below information about upcoming workshops and local support groups.
