Fortismere School’s first newsletter of the new academic year is out. Here are the highlights — and you can download the full newsletter at the foot of this post.
Welcome back — and exceptional exam results
The headteacher’s message celebrates a brilliant set of 2026 results, with GCSE top grades at double the national rate and A-level progress in the top 10% nationally — read more about the results here. There’s a particularly warm welcome to the new Year 7 and Year 12 students, who are already settling in well. The school has also apologised for an IT issue affecting some email communications at the start of term, which it is treating as its top priority.
Clubs and co-curricular
- J-Soc is back — the Jewish Society runs on Tuesdays (week 1) at lunchtime in the NW Hall and is open to all students, regardless of background. First session Tuesday 15 September. Six sixth-form places are also available on the Holocaust Learning Trust’s “Lessons from Auschwitz” programme, including a one-day visit to Poland on 7 October.
- Latin Club — the popular after-school beginners’ classes restart on Wednesday 16 September (3.20pm, Room S12). Last summer 58% of GCSE candidates achieved top 9/A* grades. Open to all, and ideal for Years 7–8.
- Music — a full programme of free ensembles, bands and choirs kicks off this term, all building towards the Welcome Back Concert on 1 October. The Community Symphony Orchestra is inviting grade 6+ string players to join for a Brahms and Beethoven programme.
- School of Rock — rehearsals for this year’s production started on Monday 7 September, and backstage and tech-team roles are open to anyone not performing.
Sport and PE
A new-look PE department welcomes Mr Oliver and new Head of PE Ms Vangucci. The PE clubs timetable is packed with free lunchtime and after-school activities — volleyball is new on Mondays and dance is back on Thursdays.
Friends of Fortismere AGM
Don’t forget our AGM on Thursday 10 September in South Wing Hall — bar from 7pm, meeting from 7.30pm. Everyone’s welcome.
Summarised from the Fortismere School newsletter of 4 September 2026.