Looking back at 2013-14, I am proud to  say that we’ve  lived up to our Carpe Diem school motto. We’ve certainly seized the day and made the most of the exciting opportunities which have come our way.

Look at what we’ve achieved: record breaking GCSE results, great OFSTED report and the increasing support of prospective parents. Remarkably, we’ve admitted 60 students by mid term transfer since September so the good word about us is definitely getting round. It’s great to know that  parents and carers from all over North Tyneside and south Northumberland are seeing us as their first choice of secondary school, even though they don’t live in our immediate locality.

And to top it all, it is thrilling to know that we have secured government funding for an entirely new school building. So in September 2016 we will open the doors to a brand new Marden High School, containing far superior opportunities for academic study and  fully integrated provision for technology, sport and the arts so that the extracurricular life of the school will flourish even more.

All of these good things are happening  in the midst of a local authority review of school provision. I don’t envy the weight of responsibility carried by North Tyneside Council. The decisions it makes will determine the education of our young people for decades to come. However, I will say that in my discussions with the council, I have stressed our strong desire for a Marden sixth form. With the increase in the school leaving age, the main point of educational transition will shift from 16 to 18. This is massively significant and we at Marden want to keep our brilliant students for a couple of years longer so that we can make sure that they get the best possible start to university or the world of work.

So keep an eye on our website for news about our campaign to bring sixth form education to Marden.

Finally, I must thank all friends of Marden High School for their great support. Your feedback has been inspiring and invaluable. May I wish you all a happy, bright and enjoyable summer.

Jonathan Morris