A packed first full week back at Fortismere. Here are the highlights from the school’s newsletter — the full edition is available to download at the foot of this post.
Sixth formers at CERN
The standout of the week: our sixth-form scientists spent Friday at CERN in Geneva, working under the instruction of research physicists. According to the school, our students have been “surprising the scientists with the depth of their subject knowledge and challenging them with incisive questions, setting a standard that truly sets Fortismere apart from other visiting schools.” Not a bad way to start the year.
Closer to home, Year 11 Geography completed the fieldwork trip postponed by last term’s heatwave — which, with some irony, took place in pouring rain in Islington.
A prestigious essay prize
Congratulations to the Year 13 student whose entry to the Caius Explore competition, run by Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge, was selected as a winning submission. The essay began with a Victorian piece of hand-knitting held at the V&A and used that everyday object to explore the often-overlooked work, creativity and experiences of women through history — earning an invitation to a celebration lunch at Caius alongside students from across the country.
Year 13 rise to the challenge
Last year’s Year 13 students took on an inspiring range of projects through the Mark Evison Foundation, which supports young people to set and meet their own challenges. One group headed to Lake Ullswater to hike, camp and fish; others took on a Peak District hike; two students each wrote and produced their own EP; and another ran baking lessons for Year 6 pupils at a local primary school. All of it student-led, and all of it requiring real planning, fundraising and resilience.
Thank you from the Headteacher
Following our AGM, the Headteacher wrote warmly about the Friends of Fortismere, thanking us for “everything they bring to our school — from funding that directly benefits our classrooms to running community events that bring vibrant energy to Fortismere,” and encouraging as many parents as possible to connect with and support us this year. We’d love to have you involved.
Things worth actioning
- Free School Meals — if your child received FSM last year, you must recheck eligibility for 2026–27, as last year’s has ended. Use the FSM Eligibility Checker linked in the newsletter; the school is informed automatically. Contact the school office if you need help.
- Toilet facilities — the £250,000 upgrade is officially underway, with the North Wing refurbishment and two new blocks of individual cubicles in the South Wing. On track for completion by mid Autumn Term.
- Our Funfair poster competition — designs for the Funfair & Laser Show should go to your child’s Art teacher by Thursday 24th September. The winner gets two free rides.
New faces and new clubs
The LINC department welcomes a new SEND Manager, working alongside the SENDCo and Deputy SENDCo and overseeing SEND provision across the school. Elsewhere, KS3 Art Club is back on Tuesdays with a Day of the Dead theme, Dance Club returns on Thursdays through the Step into Dance scheme, and Latin, creative writing, netball and cross country are all up and running. The lunchtime Running Club goes offsite, so it needs parental permission in advance.
Finally, the school sent warm wishes to Fortismere’s Jewish families celebrating Rosh Hashanah — L’Shanah Tovah U’Metukah.
Summarised from the Fortismere School newsletter of 11 September 2026.
Download the full newsletter — 11 September 2026 (PDF)
All school newsletters are also available on the school website.