24 December 2025
We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we hope everyone manages to have a well-deserved break. Our Year 13 students have all completed their mock exams and we’d like to say well done to everyone for working so hard and behaving so responsibly in as near to proper exam conditions as possible. Thank you to S6C staff for the tremendous team effort to organise.
We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for many different reasons and we have provided some links to support which we hope will be useful.
We look forward to seeing all of our students when term begins again on Tuesday 06 January.
The Bridge Youth Project
We’re so proud of our students for their work with The Bridge Youth Project on The 12 Days of Bridgemas. They have learned loads and the work they have produced has been exceptional!
Brain Day: when passion becomes infectious! Dr Guy Sutton’s introduction to Neuroscience is beyond inspirational, with everyone in the room hanging on his every word. Even the more squeamish in the group couldn’t help but be drawn into the discussion and debate surrounding the advances being made and the moral and ethical questions being raised.
Yr 12/13 Film and Creative and Yr 12 Animation trip to Harry Potter Studios
The Creative Faculty recently visited the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter. The trip was a great reminder of how important the creative industries are and that our students are at the beginning of a very exciting journey with a wealth of opportunities ahead.
S6C HOODIES are on sale now!
The perfect gift for family and friends, our hoodies are available in nearly 100 colours and are only £20! To order, please click on this link and fill in the form. You can pay by card or cash at Reception or through your Parentmail account. Your order will take a couple of weeks to process and we’ll email you when it arrives. If you have any questions, please ask admissions@s6c.mlp.college
Salisbury Museum Oral History Project
We have been thrilled to welcome members of the Salisbury community to tell us about their childhood memories and discuss with students how our experiences shape our lives. Thank you to The Salisbury Museum for inviting our students to be involved in the fascinating Oral History Project and helping to bring history to life!
Philosophy Conference at Southampton University
Last week the RS department spent the day at the annual philosophy conference at Southampton University. Students took part in lectures on Self Identity and Metaphysics, the Ethics of Neurodiversity and the existence of Free Will.
S6C Christmas Tree in St Thomas’s Church
“Salisbury Giant of Christmas Present”
A Dickensian Christmas Carol giant with the spirits description of ignorance and want as a boy and a girl and multiplying vices in the form of marionettes made by the super talented Salisbury 6th Form animation students. Christopher the giant’s head courtesy of the wonderful art club students at S6C and the cube net presents festooning Christopher’s cape are by the prodigious Sarum Academy art club.
Elf Day
S6C staff and students had a wonderfully festive day with cakes, tombola prizes, hot chocolate, gingerbread decorating and more! Over £650 was raised for charities Beyond Dementia and Alzheimer’s Society. Thank you to Emma McAndrew for her endless support and the BTEC Business students for making it happen.
Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo Maths Competition
Well done to Emma and Ash! With their Gold Certificate in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge, Emma Ward and Ash Natelson-Carter were both invited to participate in the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo Maths Competition. They were given 20 short answer questions to complete in 60 minutes. Both Ash and Emma represented S6C well, earning Bronze awards with 45 points, 9 correct answers, and 40 points, 8 correct answers respectively. It is a huge honour to have two representatives in this follow-on Challenge and we are incredibly proud of our students for doing so well.
Volunteering at Beyond Dementia
Since the start of term, 15 of our students have been volunteering for half a day as part of our volunteer programme, providing regular support to the Beyond Dementia Day Club at Scotts Lane in Salisbury. This inspiring intergenerational project gives students the opportunity to befriend, support and work alongside club members in a welcoming and caring environment.
The project has proved hugely beneficial for everyone involved. Members of the day club enjoy companionship, conversation and laughter, while students gain valuable life experience, empathy and a deeper understanding of the wider community. By building meaningful relationships across generations, the project offers both students and members a richer picture of the world around them.
We are grateful to Heidi and team at Beyond Dementia for providing us with the opportunity to grow the project. Her kindness towards and support for our students has been hugely important in helping them thrive.
On Friday 12 December, students joined members at Scotts Lane to celebrate Christmas. The event featured a singer and a stunning choir, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere. Students danced, shared laughter and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the members, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.
We are extremely proud of our students for their commitment and the positive impact they continue to make.
If you would like to donate to Beyond Dementia, please do go to their website at beyonddementia.org.uk
Salisbury Pantry appeal
THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the Salisbury Pantry appeal. Your generosity is hugely appreciated by local families in real hardship and the items that you have donated will make a big difference for them.
Support contacts over the Christmas period
If you feel you need any support to be put in place at the beginning of term in January, please email the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Rebecca Anderson at randerson@s6c.mlp.college.
- Childline advisors are available throughout Christmas and New Year, including on Christmas Day if your young person needs to speak to a counsellor or talk to other young people on the message boards.
- Wiltshire Children and Young People Emotional Wellbeing Service: a local service that young people or their parents can use for mental health advice or to arrange support.
- The Trussell Trust: for anyone experiencing long or short term food poverty
- Salisbury Pantry: for anyone experiencing long or short term food poverty
- Talk to Frank: honest information about drugs
- Samaritans- www.samaritans.org (phone call and email service)
- Young Minds- https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
young-person/ (lots of advice, blogs and articles) - The Mix: https://www.themix.org.uk/ – essential support for under 25s; if you feel like you can’t cope or are worried about how you are feeling, you can contact our crisis messenger 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by texting THEMIX to 85258
- If you are at risk of immediate harm, you should call 999
UCAS
Well done to everyone who has already submitted their applications but if you haven’t, there is still time! If Year 13s are wanting to apply to university by the January 14th deadline then they really need to get their applications ready asap so we have time to process them, which typically takes up to two working weeks. They should keep their tutors well informed about their intentions and progress. As ever, we are all here to help.
Appren-T-Fest Salisbury – Wednesday 21 January 2026, hosted by S6C
All parents and carers (from all Salisbury schools/colleges) are invited to find out more about local apprenticeship options. You can book to attend 16:00-17:00 or 17:00-18:00. There will be a short talk about apprenticeships and an exhibition of local employers to speak to about their opportunities. Click here to book to attend.
Tickets are free of charge but you must book tickets in order to attend. The exhibition will be open to our students to explore during the college day.
January Vocational Exams
Attached is a reminder of the January timetable for all those taking vocational (CTEC, BTEC, or AAQ) exams in January. There is also a copy of this timetable in the S6C foyer.
If you have any queries or concerns ahead of January, please get in touch with the exams team (or pop in to see Meghan in the exams office mgollins@s6c.mlp.college)
Notice regarding student safety
Please take extra care when dropping off and picking up outside the college on Tollgate Road. Student safety is of utmost importance to us and Tollgate Road can be very busy at times, with cars travelling at speed.
Year 12 Pastoral and Safeguarding
Well done everyone on settling in so well so far. You are a fabulous bunch of humans and we are really proud of you all. If you do not feel you have settled, then please let us know, we can only help if we are aware. Talk to or message your teachers, tutor, Rebecca (Pastoral and Safeguarding Lead), Liz (Mental Health), Rachel (Attendance and Safeguarding), Hazel on Reception (Pastoral or any enquiry), or Craig (Assistant Head, Pastoral and Safeguarding), Nicky (Assistant Head, subjects, and SEND), or Ben (Head of College) and we will be there for you the best we can. There is so much that we can do to help, from being a listening ear, to referring you for support with our external college counsellors/mental health support teams/specialist services, booking you in for sessions with our Learning Mentors, answering questions about your subjects, pointing you in the direction of sound advice for all sorts of things. Don’t forget that the School Nurse is in college most Tuesdays from 12pm until 1pm and Zoe can talk to you about anything affecting your wellbeing, ranging from long term health conditions, migraine, period pain, sleep, contraception, mental health, worries or concerns etc. You are never alone and support is always available online via Text Shout, Samaritans or The Mix. Please remember that Alabare Riverside Sanctuary also offers free counselling in Salisbury, whether you are a student or a parent/carer, and you can refer yourselves to them anytime. Students and their adults at home can also refer themselves for mental health support from Talking Therapies.
Year 13 Pastoral, Safeguarding and Next Steps
As above, we are here for you. In addition: you should be well underway with writing your personal statements if you are applying to university. To do this you will have needed to do your uni research, there may still be open days available to book, and there are also lots of online tours available. You still have time – but now is the time! All the info you need to apply through UCAS, and the various internal and external deadlines, are on Information Classroom under Life Skills. It would be great if you could open the slides up with your parents/carers and look together. If anyone needs any help or advice or personal statement checking, then please get in touch with your tutor. You may find that you need to spend a bit more time building your wider engagement in your chosen area before you complete your application. Try podcasts, professional websites, documentaries, youtube channels like Crash Course, and free courses on OpenLearn. Ask Rebecca or your teachers for recommendations for any subject. If you are wanting to apply for a degree apprenticeship then the process is on a similar time frame. Look at UCAS Apprenticeships and Amazing Apprenticeships. This is also the time to start revising for your March exams, there are slides on Information Classroom. You may feel a little pressure and this can prompt you to take action, but if you start to feel stressed, please let us know, as this needs managing.
Match Reports
12 November – A Statement Away Victory against the Mighty Bryanston!
The team delivered a monumental performance, producing a memorable away victory that highlights just how far MLP Rugby Academy has progressed over the past three years. The group continues to set new standards, carrying the shirt with pride, unity and a culture that grows stronger by the week.
Bryanston came out firing in the opening stages, putting us under heavy pressure. But our defensive resilience was exceptional – every player stood tall, scrambled tirelessly, and refused to break. Having absorbed the early storm, we struck with our first real opportunity in the opposition’s red zone. A well-constructed team move was finished superbly in the corner, and the try was converted.
With momentum swinging our way, confidence surged. Although we created several promising chances, we couldn’t extend the lead, and Bryanston capitalised with a score of their own after more courageous defensive work from our boys.
That setback sparked us back into action. Another flowing attacking move ended with us diving over in the corner, again it was converted, sending us into halftime 14–5 ahead.
The second half began much like the first, with Bryanston coming out quickly. A combination of errors and poor decision-making allowed them to turn the tide, and suddenly we were staring at a 21–14 deficit. Missed opportunities and lapses threatened to let the game slip away.
But, true to the character this group has shown all season, they responded magnificently. After multiple phases of sustained pressure at 21–21 with five minutes remaining, Bryanston had a chance to regain the lead from the tee, but their kick drifted wide. Seizing the moment, we pushed back onto the front foot, earned a penalty well within range, and with the clock in the red, we struck it cleanly through the posts. A fully deserved 24–21 full-time victory.
Every player was outstanding. The reaction at the final whistle was something special and yet, the awareness that we left points on the field shows the high standards this group now holds. With more composure, the margin could have been even greater. SO PROUD!
20 November – Glory in defeat against an impressive Dauntsey’s School
Immensely proud of every single one of the boys. These last two weeks have been phenomenal and a measure of how far we have come as a group.
The scoreline is incredibly harsh and flatters them a lot (34-0). After 20 minutes (0-0) we were playing brilliantly and going toe to toe with a first class outfit. The best rugby I have seen S6C play since we started this academy three years ago.
The tenacity, fight for the badge and togetherness were there for all to see. Our attacking shape was also very good and we caused them a lot of problems. We were very much in the driving seat, dictating the play. Sadly we couldn’t convert our pressure into points.
Dauntsey’s, in fairness, were ruthless and capitalised on our mistakes and poor moments. This we must learn from!
Little moments didn’t go our way, some interesting ref decisions and not executing when we had opportunities was the tale of the rest of the game.
The pleasing thing was we never dropped our heads and we fought to the final whistle. Their Director of Rugby was blown away and very complimentary about you all.
I can’t fault you today boys – what a shift! Some unbelievable performances out there. Harvey Broyd outstanding – left it all out there and some! Warner, Vuki, Palmer, Ceniza and Dear also standouts.
But an incredible squad effort. You really need to believe lads and see that this is the level we deserve to be at. No more being fearful or wasting energy on opposition sides. Always focus on us and what we are building!
Really good afternoon and many lessons to help us get better! The future is exciting. Thank you. JK (Coach)
Mike Brown
What an afternoon for the boys today. A huge thank you to @englandrugby legend @mikebrown_15 for sharing his journey with us.
What an inspiration and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, grit and determination.
An old @wyvernsteds pupil and former @salisburyrugbyclub junior. Certainly close to home and we are incredibly proud, in awe and inspired to be the best we can be! Thank you Mike.
S6C Rugby Academy 19 – Peter Symonds College 10 – INCREDIBLE SCENES!
S6C Rugby Academy rounded off the term with an impressive 19 -10 victory over Peter Symonds College, a side competing at ACE (Advanced Coaching and Education) level, the professional rugby academy pathway. The strength of the opposition made the result particularly notable, with 11 of the 15 Peter Symonds players representing Bath RFC.
The performance reflected the steady progress the S6C squad has made both individually and collectively over recent weeks, continuing to develop an effective and attractive style of rugby built on physicality, cohesion, and confidence in possession.
The first half saw S6C in firm control of proceedings. Strong performances on both sides of the ball allowed the Academy to dominate territory and possession, outmuscling their opponents and dictating the tempo of the game. Two well-executed team tries, scored by Green and Broyd, were complemented by two excellent conversions to give S6C a deserved 14–0 lead at half-time.
With the wind at their backs in the second half, Peter Symonds applied increased pressure. S6C managed the conditions well overall, although a lapse in discipline allowed the visitors to cross for a try.
S6C responded positively and reasserted control with another well-worked attacking move, finished by Green for his second try of the afternoon. While further scoring opportunities were created, they went unconverted, keeping the scoreline closer than the balance of play suggested.
Peter Symonds added a late consolation try with the final play of the match, but the outcome was never in doubt as S6C secured a deserved and highly impressive victory.
Stand-out performances came from Vuki, Broyd and Botwright, with Green narrowly earning the Man of the Match award following an outstanding all-round display.
The squad now breaks for Christmas before turning its attention to the upcoming 7s and 10s programmes in the New Year.
JK (Head of Rugby)
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Monday 22 December 2025 – Monday 05 January 2026
Christmas Break
Monday 05 January
Staff Training Day
Tuesday 06 January
Term Begins
Wednesday 07 January – Friday 16 January
Vocational Exams
Thursday 08 January
Yr 13 DC7 reports published on parent portal
Thursday 15 January
Yr 13 Parents Evening
Wednesday 21 January
Appren-t-fest
Yr 13 History trip to Hampton Court
Monday 26 January
Yr 12 DC3 Assessment Week
Thursday 29 January
Interview Evening
Yr 13 Env Sci trip to Passive House
Saturday 31 January
Applications Close
Tuesday 03 February
S6C Celebrating Cultures Day
Wednesday 04 February
Yr 13 Eng Lang trip to Dr Johnson’s House
Yr 13 Art/Photography trip to Tate Modern
Monday 09 February
Articulation Prize
Wednesday 11 February
Yr 12/13 RS trip to Salisbury Cathedral
Yr 12 Biology trip to Marwell
Thursday 12 February
Yr 12 DC3 reports published on parent portal
Friday 13 February
Term Ends
Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February
Half Term
Monday 23 February
Term Begins
Tuesday 24 February
Interview Evening
Monday 02 – Friday 06 March
Yr 13 DC8 Mocks Assessment Week
Thursday 05 March
World Book Day
Sport/PE trip to Bath University
Monday 16 March
Yr 12 DC4 Assessment Week
Yr 12 Vocational Mocks
Tuesday 17 March
Yr 12 Vocational Mocks
Yr 12 English Language/English Literature trip to British Library
Trip to Auschwitz
Wednesday 18 March
Yr 12 Vocational Mocks
Friday 20 March
Business revision workshop
Sunday 22 March – Tuesday 24 March
Rugby residential trip
Thursday 26 March
Yr 13 DC8 reports published on parent portal
Interview Evening
Friday 04 April
Term Ends
Monday 30 March – Friday 10 April
Easter Break
Monday 13 April
Term Begins
Wednesday 15 April
Yr 12 UCAS Fair @ Bournemouth University
Thursday 16 April
Yr 12 DC4 reports published on parent portal
Monday 20 April
Yr 13 DC9 Assessment Week
Wednesday 22 April
Yr 12 Human Biology trip to Salisbury Hospital
Wednesday 29 April
Interview Evening
Monday 04 May
Summer Exams Begin
Bank Holiday
Friday 22 May
Term Ends
Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May
Half Term
Monday 01 June
Term Begins
Monday 08 June
Yr 12 DC5 Mocks Assessment Week
Tuesday 23 June
Yr 12 Psychology trip to Marwell
Yr 12 History trip to Chalke History Festival
Monday 29 June
Staff Training Day
29 June – 3 July 2026
Yr 12 Geography residential trip
Thursday 02 July
Yr 12 DC5 reports published on parent portal
Monday 06 – Friday 10 July
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award trip to Brecon Beacons
Tuesday 07 July
Yr 12 ‘Unlock Year 13’ Day
Tuesday 07 – 11 July
Yr 12 Art, Animation, Creative and Film trip to Venice
Thursday 09 July
Yr 12 Parents Evening
Tuesday 14 July
Term Ends
