23 October 2026
Friday 23rd October 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
Sixth Form Students Lead the Way!
Whilst I have been spending this week working alongside our Estyn inspection team, it has been wonderful to (literally) hear the fantastic things continuing to happen across our school community! One event in particular perfectly captured the spirit, kindness and leadership that makes me so proud to be part of Llanishen High School.
On Wednesday evening, our incredible Sixth Form students organised and led a Halloween Disco for our Year 7 students. From the moment students arrived, it was clear that a huge amount of thought, planning and effort had gone into making the event a success. The hall was transformed with dazzling disco lights, music and Halloween decorations, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that our youngest pupils absolutely loved.
Of course, no Halloween celebration would be complete without some amazing costumes, and both Year 7 and Sixth Form students certainly rose to the occasion. There was a wonderful sense of excitement throughout the evening as pupils danced, played games and enjoyed spending time together. The smiles on their faces said it all.
What stood out most, however, was not the disco itself but the exceptional young people who made it happen. Our Sixth Form students were organised, responsible, enthusiastic and, above all, caring. Throughout the evening they ensured that every Year 7 student felt included, welcome and safe. They gave up their own time to create a positive experience for younger students and did so with energy, patience and genuine warmth.
Transition from primary school to secondary school is one of the most significant milestones in a young person’s education. Events such as this help our Year 7 students feel a stronger sense of belonging and connection to our school community. Seeing older students leading activities, encouraging participation and creating such a positive atmosphere helps younger pupils to build confidence and develop relationships across different year groups.
The evening also highlighted the enormous value of student leadership. We are incredibly fortunate to have a Sixth Form cohort who consistently embrace opportunities to serve others and contribute to school life. They are outstanding role models who demonstrate that leadership is not simply about titles or positions; it is about making a difference, helping others and setting the highest standards through their actions.
I often speak about the “LHS Extra Mile” and Wednesday night’s Halloween Disco was a perfect example of exactly what that means. It was young people going above and beyond for one another. It was students creating opportunities for others to feel happy, included and valued. It was our school values being lived out in practice.
To all of our Sixth Form students who helped organise, supervise and lead the event, thank you. You represented the school brilliantly and should be incredibly proud of what you achieved. You made a lasting impression on our Year 7 students and showed exactly why our Sixth Form students are such an important part of the Llanishen High School family.
Student Council Update
Our students actively shape the future of their school and have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their education and wider school experience.
This week, our Student Council demonstrated exactly why student leadership is such an important part of our school community.
The Council recently held its second and extraordinary meeting of the academic year, bringing together student representatives who are committed to ensuring that the views of their peers are heard and acted upon. These meetings provide an important opportunity for students to discuss key issues, share ideas and contribute directly to school improvement. They are much more than discussion forums; they are a genuine example of partnership between staff and students.
A significant focus of this week’s meeting was Pupil Voice and its role in helping us continually improve teaching and learning. Mr Maidment presented the results of a recent student survey and invited Council members to consider the feedback provided by pupils from across the school. Students were asked to reflect on a range of issues connected to learning experiences in the classroom, what is working well for students and where further improvements could be made.
The meeting also included an important moment for the Council itself as members voted to fill a key leadership position. Congratulations to Ruby Brewis, who was elected as Second Secretary of the Student Council. This role carries significant responsibility and reflects the confidence that fellow Council members have in Ruby’s ability to support and strengthen the work of the student leadership team.
Alongside this appointment, First Secretary Hayden Watkins selected Dylan Edwards to serve as Clerk of the Council. Both appointments will play an important role in ensuring that the Council continues to operate effectively, communicate clearly and represent the views of students across the school.
I would like to thank all members of the Student Council for their continued commitment and enthusiasm. Their dedication to representing their peers and improving our school is inspiring. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of their work throughout the year ahead.
What a week!
As the end of an exceptionally busy week and very productive half-term comes to a conclusion I would like to say a massive and heart felt thank you to all members of our school community for representing themselves with such pride to the very large team of Estyn inspectors that visited our school this week.
I’m exceptionally proud of everyone and the way in which they demonstrated the values of our school community, and I can’t wait to share more about the outcomes of the inspection (after we’ve all had a good break!).
All that remains is for me to wish everyone a very well-deserved half-term break.
Be safe, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday 2nd November.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry
Headteacher