Celebrating a Remarkable Year at Shaftesbury Park

As the academic year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly vibrant and enriching year here at Shaftesbury Park. Together, we have shared countless achievements, adventures, and proud moments. It has been a year filled with meaningful learning, strong community partnerships, and unforgettable experiences – and you, our parents and carers, have been an essential part of it all.

Academic Excellence and Ambition

This year’s KS2 SATs results are a source of great pride – not just because of the scores, but because of the determination, resilience, and growth shown by our pupils. Our results were above national averages in reading and writing, broadly in line in maths, and above national in the combined reading, writing and maths measure. Notably, our higher attainers excelled, performing significantly above both borough and national averages in reading and in the combined subjects.

Beyond the numbers, our curriculum has continued to come alive through hands-on, real-world learning. Pupils have:

• Investigated forces and materials at the Science Museum

• Explored food hygiene and business at Pizza Express

• Partnered with Putney High for exciting science experiments

• Collaborated with Emanuel School on rainforest projects, debating, and scientific thinking

• Crafted beautiful, historically accurate Viking shields in Year 3

The arts have flourished too – from Year 1’s Tate Britain-inspired gallery to expressive performances at the Clapham Grand, and our school band, The Creepers, rocking the summer fete.

Enterprise and Enrichment

As a proud Flagship School for Enterprise, Shaftesbury Park continues to develop entrepreneurial, curious and confident learners. This year we:

• Hosted a delegation of 25 education professionals from Czechia to learn about our Enterprise curriculum

• Hosted Thorn Grove School to share our enterprise approach

• Welcomed local business leaders for our Enterprise Fair

• Represented the only UK primary school at the 25th Anniversary of the Tycoon Project, where pupils met Peter Jones and presented their business ideas nationally

• Hosted UK Power Networks and Kyndryl who worked with pupils on formal presentations for their inventions

Our residential trips to Sayers Croft and Normandy built independence, resilience, and teamwork, while offering rich cultural and outdoor experiences.

Language, Culture and Global Connections

Bilingual education remains a hallmark of Shaftesbury Park. This year we strengthened links with the Académie de Versailles and, from September, bilingual classes in Years 1–6 will collaborate on joint projects with partner schools in France.

We’ve also brought together schools across Wandsworth to create a Bilingual Hub, sharing best practice and championing bilingualism borough-wide. Our pupils shone once again in DELF exams, and Bastille Day was a showstopper – complete with a French-inspired fashion show and a dramatic re-enactment of the Revolution, led entirely by pupils.

Literacy and the Love of Reading

Reading has continued to thrive through the Battle of the Books, a borough-wide reading quiz, and a creative, joy-filled Book Week with visiting authors, shared stories, and brilliant costumes.

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

We were proud to receive the Healthy School Award – Silver, recognising our commitment to wellbeing through healthy eating, active lifestyles, and mental health awareness. Our sights are now set on achieving Gold next year.

Talent, Pride and Community Moments

This year’s highlights included:

• Maguette’s stunning ballet performance at the Phoenix Theatre

• Ambrose tossing the coin at Wimbledon

• Former pupil Sacha playing his first live gig, building on his musical foundation at Shaftesbury Park

Our Awards Day was a fitting finale, celebrating the progress, achievements, and contributions of pupils across the school.

Farewell to Year 6

We bid a fond farewell to our Year 6 leavers – resilient, kind, and capable young people who have been outstanding ambassadors for our school. They leave with results they can be proud of and, more importantly, with the confidence and character to thrive in the years ahead.

Thank You

None of this would have been possible without our incredible community. Thank you for your support – at events, at home, and in countless quiet ways every day. Shaftesbury Park thrives because of the partnership between school and families, and I am proud of all we have achieved together.

Wishing you a restful, joyful summer – we look forward to welcoming you back in September for another exciting year.

Bunmi Richards
Headteacher