Here are the highlights from the school’s newsletter of Friday 25 September.
North Wing works and partial closures
The Headteacher thanked families for their understanding while partial school closures were put in place to manage an issue in the North Wing. Some lessons moved to live Google Meet sessions, and the school issued guidance for parents and students on how those run — a quiet space to work, microphones muted on joining, and no recording or screenshotting of lessons. The school is meeting regularly with the local authority and says full written updates will continue to come directly by email and ParentMail, so it’s worth keeping an eye on both.
The Head also praised students for adapting to the changes “with complete calm, flexibility, and maturity”. Sports fixtures and after-school PE clubs were unaffected — the sports hall, gym and field are all outside the works.
A big welcome to Year 7 and Year 12
Nearly 300 parents and carers came to the Year 7 welcome event, with tutor group meetings followed by presentations from the Year 7 team and from us at Friends of Fortismere. We were delighted to provide the afternoon tea and cake alongside the school’s canteen team — lovely to meet so many of you. The Year 12 Welcome Evening ran the same week, with presentations from the Sixth Form team.
Music
Fortismere is now offering harp lessons — the only school in Haringey to do so — and there’s space for new students this term. A new Percussion Ensemble also starts on Thursday lunchtimes, with no previous experience needed, and the Guitar Ensemble is back for Years 7 and 8. There’s a piano masterclass with pianist Thomas Hoppe later in the term for advanced players.
The term’s first concert was also announced — see our Welcome Back Concert post for the confirmed date and tickets.
Sport
The Year 10/11 girls’ football team opened their Middlesex Cup campaign against a strong and well-organised Latymer side, going out 3–0 on a hard pitch in warm conditions. The team showed real determination throughout. Students also competed in the Haringey Schools Cross Country at New River Stadium.
Art on our doorstep
Two local art stories worth knowing about. Muswell Hill artist Ben Wilson — the “Chewing Gum Man”, who turns discarded chewing gum on pavements into tiny detailed paintings — held an open studio at his home and gardens. And a vibrant new mural has appeared on Avenue Mews celebrating the launch of Fudge, the new album by musician and former Fortismere student Michael Kiwanuka. Well worth a look if you’re passing.
Creative writing
Weaving Words, the after-school creative writing club run in the library by Ms Massey, continues this year. Some current Year 10s have been attending since Year 7. As she puts it: “There is power in the pen!”
Our Funfair & Laser Show
Save the date for the Fortismere Funfair & Laser Show on Thursday 5th November, 5pm–9pm on the Field, with the laser and quiet fireworks show at 8pm. Ticket sales and volunteer requests are coming soon.
SEND drop-in sessions
The LINC team ran drop-in sessions in the Conference Room for parents of students with an EHCP and for Year 7 parents on the SEND register. Email [email protected] for details of future dates.
Summarised from the Fortismere School newsletter of 25 September 2026.
Download the full newsletter — 25 September 2026 (PDF)
All school newsletters are also available on the school website.