Meadgate Primary School were very impressed with the number of pumpkins that arrived into school for their annual pumpkin carving competition.  Once again, the creativity and imagination that went into some of the carvings was impressive, making it very tricky for the Head of School to judge.  This regular event at one of our trust primary schools, is just one example of how fun and simple activities, such as carving a pumpkin, is a great way to work on skills such as fine motor, visual motor, coordination, along with imagination and creativity - and of course our pupils just love taking part every year! "Well done to everyone who took part, we hope you had a great time creating your entries and we’re sure they all looked fabulous on doorsteps over half term."   

The start of the new term is a busy one for the secondary school within our trust, as Great Baddow High School invites pupils and their parents from primary schools from the local area into their school for their annual Open Evening. Prospective parents and students have the opportunity to see the school in action and experience first-hand the outstanding educational facilities they have at GBHS. "The evening was a resounding success with everyone impressed by the offer at Great Baddow High School. I can honestly say the students at Great Baddow High School represented the school so positively, and each and every one of them was outstanding on the night and portrayed our community in the best possible light." Paul Farmer: CEO & Headteacher This week, it was the Sixth Form that had the opportunity to shine at their Open Evening, with Year 11 students touring the school to find out about the range of courses on offer, with current Sixth form students on hand to talk to them about life after GCSEs. The open evening events are an important part of our school offer, enabling prospective students and their parents to visit the school, meet the Headteacher and departmental staff and get a feel for it's culture and values before making an application. These events are crucial for parents and children to gather information, ask questions, and determine if a school is the right fit for their needs. We are extremely proud of the staff at all our schools, and it is never more evident than when we are opening our doors  to welcome visitors to these events, that our staff are just as proud to be working here too. Application Deadlines If your child is in Year 6 of a primary or junior school during the 2025/26 academic year, you will need to apply for their secondary school place for September 2026 via Essex County Council  Admissions | Essex County Council.  The closing date for applications for Year 7 in September 2026 is 31st October 2025. The application form to apply for a place at Great Baddow High School Sixth Form in September 2026 is now open and will close on Friday 12th December. APPLY FOR GBHS SIXTH FORM HERE.  

This month saw the official opening of a new football facility at Great Baddow High School. Over the past 5 months they have seen the development of the new facility, which includes an exceptional 3G football pitch and first-class changing rooms. Students from Years 7-11 were invited to take part in specifically designed football sessions led by the coaches from the West Ham Football Club Foundation. Students were actively involved in a range of small-sided possession games, passing drills and shooting activities, challenging them as football players. It was fantastic to see the coaches working with  students, providing them with an additional opportunity to improve their skills and receive feedback. The coaches complimented the quality and commitment of all of the students involved. Staff spoke with students at the end of the session and Mr Farmer officially declared the facility as open. The Sports Department at Great Baddow High School are delighted to be able to now fully utilise the pitch, with PE lesson taking place on there daily and also the extra-curricular clubs and fixtures. The facility will also be used by the local community, providing an additional space for local clubs and groups to hire, as well as the opportunity for the West Ham Football Club Foundation to use the facility for their Holiday Hammers Football Camps for young footballers aged 5 to 14. West Ham United Foundation Holiday Camps.

Maylandsea Primary School launched a brand-new Scrap Store Play Pod this week, designed to transform playtimes by offering children a unique opportunity to engage in creative, imaginative, and active play. The Play Pod, developed in partnership with Suffolk at Play, is filled with a wide variety of recycled and repurposed materials – from fabric rolls, cardboard tubes, and crates to ropes, tyres, and dressing-up items. These open-ended resources encourage children to invent games, collaborate, problem-solve, and use their imagination in new and exciting ways. "This is about giving children the freedom to create their own play, The Play Pod will help transform lunchtimes – children will work together, be active, and have fun in a way that builds resilience, creativity, and teamwork."  Clare James Headteacher, Maylandsea Primary School Research shows that access to open-ended play improves children’s wellbeing, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. By using recycled materials, the Play Pod also helps promote sustainability, showing children the value of re-use and environmental responsibility. The Maylandsea Primary School Scrap Store Play Pod officially opened on Monday 29th September and is already being met with excitement and enthusiasm from pupils, parents, and staff alike.  

Over the past two weeks we have welcomed our new students into our schools. We have been impressed with how well the children are settling into school life. For our new Reception pupils in our seven primary schools, it has been great to see the children playing together, making new friends and building positive relationships with the adults in the classes. This can only be achieved thanks to the brilliant children, their families and our school staff that work tirelessly every year to ensure a smooth start to our reception children’s education. Year 7 students at GBHS, were welcomed by the Year 11 Prefects, with an induction day organised to help them settle in and meet their tutors on the first day of term. The sports department offered a number of activities before their first day to enable them to meet their new classmates and many attended the Summer Camp during the holidays. It is fantastic to see that the Year 7 students at GBHS are now starting to find their way around their new secondary school and parents have been invited to their first Curriculum Information Evening, which provides important information on the expectations and ambitions in Year 7 and how they can work with the school to support their child's progress and success.      

Our seven primary schools achieved strong academic outcomes once again in the summer of 2025. The pupils leaving our primary schools, to start their secondary school adventures, left with the vast majority achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, higher than the national averages once again. A significant number of our pupils achieved the higher standard, well above the national averages. "Good luck to you all as you start secondary school." Joseph Figg: Deputy CEO of Quantum Multi-Academy Trust

Great Baddow High School celebrates another year of outstanding GCSE results, and record-breaking A Level and Vocational results. GCSE results in 2025 reflected the hard work, dedication, and resilience of students and staff. Their achievements marked a significant milestone in their academic journeys, and provided a strong foundation for future success. They are also proud to announce their best-ever set of A Level and vocational results, with a record 59% of grades at A*-B and 100% A-E*, and many of their vocational students achieving top grades. These results open the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities for their students. The GB Medic Programme continues to support students aiming for careers in medicine and dentistry, with several students securing places on these highly competitive courses. Reflecting the different further education pathways available to students, a number of students successfully gained places on competitive apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships such as BP and Bellway Homes.  Special mention must go to their Head Boy and Head Girl for their outstanding grades: · Daniel H achieved A*, A, A, B and will study Physics with Astrophysics at York University. · Ellen S achieved A, A, A, B and will study History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. “I would like to congratulate all of our students and staff on an exceptional set of results. We are delighted that these outcomes provide our students with a strong platform for future success.” Mr P Farmer, Headteacher at Great Baddow High School Photos from the Exam Results days can be found on the GBHS School Gallery.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Quantum Multi-Academy Trust website, designed and developed by school website design agency Cleverbox.  QMAT aims to provide the highest standards of education by: Providing all pupils within the trust with an education that enables them to fulfil their potential while developing social and interaction skills that prepare them for adulthood. Creating a culture within which all members of the schools' communities demonstrate outstanding practice and learning. Identifying potential leaders and providing the opportunities to develop this potential through collaborative practice. Ensuring that all members of staff are given a structured and rigorous programme of development that ensures they become creative and skilled practitioners, able to deliver excellence.