Our Main Hall was glowing last week with spooky creativity as students (and staff!) took part in our annual House Pumpkin Competition!

From your classic pumpkins to sparkly designs and funny faces, the effort and imagination on display were fang-tastic! Every carved pumpkin earned 100 House Points, helping boost those all-important totals!

A huge thank you to everyone who got involved, your creativity (and pumpkin-carving skills!) made for a brilliant display of Crossley Heath spirit.

Earlier this week we had the privilege of visiting St. Augustine's Centre Halifax to present a cheque from our Fundraising Fortnight activities. We were honoured to learn more about the incredible work they do to support refugees, including access to haircuts, clothing, English lessons, technology, practical support with housing, employment and qualifications, as well as friendship, community and so much more.

Our students also had the opportunity to meet some of the centre’s users, including the lovely David who is pictured, and to hear their moving and inspirational stories. It was a powerful experience and one we will not forget.

A huge thank you to everyone at St Augustine’s Centre for welcoming us so warmly. We left feeling inspired, grateful and motivated to explore more ways we can continue to support their important work.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming Alosa from Noah’s Ark Centre into school to present her with a cheque from our recent fundraising efforts. This wonderful charity provides counselling support for our students, offering a confidential space to talk openly with a trusted professional who is separate from their home and friendship circles.

The photo features just some of our fundraising superstars who helped make this possible. We are incredibly proud of them and would also like to thank our supportive school community for donating so generously - we truly could not have done this without you.

We are so grateful for the vital work Noah’s Ark does for our students and our wider community.

We were thrilled to welcome Northern Broadsides to school yesterday for an inspiring drama workshop.

Our students threw themselves into every activity and had an amazing time. If this is anything to go by, we’re in for a very exciting school production this year – there is so much talent in our drama community!

We’re so proud to share an update from Luke, one of our very first recipients of the Crossley Brothers Scholarship - a new programme supporting outstanding Sixth Formers as they take their next steps beyond school.

Luke has now started university and is already thriving: settling in well, enjoying his modules and embracing everything student life has to offer. He told us that receiving the first instalment of the scholarship has made a big difference, helping with accommodation costs and giving him access to invaluable opportunities, including:

An upcoming Leadership Conference in London

Connections with alumni working in the industries he aspires to join

Support for future ambitions, including internships and placement plans

Luke is aiming high, hoping to finish his first year at First-Class level, secure a summer internship, and line up a year in industry with a leading company. We have no doubt he’ll get there.

We’re incredibly proud and can’t wait to see all that he achieves!

Our rugby squads have touched down in Canada and are already making an incredible start to their tour! After settling in and soaking up the atmosphere, both teams took to the pitch for their first fixtures and what a way to kick things off!

U16s: 60–0 win

U18s: 57–14 win

Outstanding performances all round skill, teamwork and Crossley Heath spirit on full display. A huge well done to all our players and staff for representing the school so brilliantly overseas.

Exciting times ahead —the Canadian adventure continues!