Gordano School has welcomed representatives from Sainsbury’s Portishead to see how funding from its Good Food For Us All Community Grant is helping to create inclusive opportunities for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase how the grant is supporting Gordano’s work to improve access to food and develop practical, food-related learning opportunities for students, helping them build confidence, independence and valuable life skills.

Toni Stuckey, Community Champion for Sainsbury’s Portishead, met with Gordano School Headteacher Ms Louise Blundell and Ms Caswell from the school’s SEND department to learn more about the initiative and see how the funding is making a difference to students.

The grant is helping the school develop meaningful experiences that support students’ wider personal development, ensuring they can access opportunities to learn practical skills in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Ms Louise Blundell, Headteacher at Gordano School, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Sainsbury’s for their generous support. Funding like this enables us to create meaningful, practical opportunities for our students and ensures that every young person can take part, develop new skills and feel a valued part of our school community. It was wonderful to welcome the Sainsbury’s team and show them the difference their support is making.”

The visit also highlighted the importance of strong relationships between schools and local businesses in helping young people thrive. By investing in opportunities that support students’ individual needs, community partners can play a valuable role in strengthening inclusion, independence and a sense of belonging.

Gordano School is committed to ensuring that every student feels known, valued and included, with opportunities to develop the skills and confidence they need for the future.

The school would like to thank Sainsbury’s for its investment in the Gordano community and for taking the time to visit and see the impact of its support first-hand.

We’re inviting artwork and photography entries that celebrate the Christmas spirit and show a clear connection to Portishead.

A group of our Year 10 and Year 11 students recently enjoyed an exciting visit to South West Skills Campus (SWSC), Weston College, where they gained first-hand insight into life as a further education student and explored potential career pathways within the construction industry.

There is so much happening at Gordano beyond the classroom, from enrichment and trips to clubs, competitions, community projects and opportunities that help our students to flourish.

Inspiration, opportunity and pride as prospective students experience life at Gordano

Gordano School welcomed hundreds of prospective Year 7 students and their families to its Open Evening, offering visitors the chance to explore the school, meet staff and students, and experience the breadth of opportunities and community that make Gordano special.

Families were welcomed on arrival by live piano music, while a student band performed outside the Music Department, complete with a song request board for visitors to choose their favourites! Across the school, students and staff brought the evening to life, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere from the moment families arrived.

The evening began with a welcome from Headteacher Louise Blundell, followed by an inspiring presentation and student Q&A across a range of year groups. Students also performed a poem and sang for visitors, showcasing the confidence and creativity that are such an important part of life at Gordano.

Families explored classrooms and specialist facilities, met teachers and students, and saw learning in action across subjects including languages, science, art, Design Technology and sport. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore Gordano’s sports facilities and find out more about its three new specialist SEND provisions, reflecting the school’s commitment to inclusion and ensuring every student feels known, valued and included.

Discovering the Gordano community

A particular highlight was the opportunity for families to discover more about Gordano’s House system. The Elliot Hall, a Hogwarts-inspired space specifically for Year 7 students, showcased the House system; an important part of Gordano life, helping students build friendships and connections beyond their year group, develop a sense of identity and belonging, and take part in competitions, activities, leadership and community initiatives. It gives every student another community within the wider school and provides opportunities to Dream Big, Give Back and Do Your Best together.

Families rate their Gordano experience 4.5/5

Feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive, with the overall experience receiving an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Parents particularly praised the student guides, describing them as knowledgeable, helpful, enthusiastic and welcoming. Many valued being able to ask current students questions and hear directly about life at Gordano, while student contributions to the main presentation and opportunities to speak with teachers were also highlighted.

The Headteacher’s presentation was described as warm, welcoming and informative, with families praising the way it communicated Gordano’s culture and values.

One family explained that they had specifically chosen to move to Portishead partly because they wanted their child to attend Gordano School.

One Year 6 parent summed up their experience:

“We had such a great evening, and I wanted to make sure the efforts of your students and staff were recognised.”

Their student guide, a Year 10 student from Shannon House, spent around two hours showing the family around the school.

“He was an absolute credit to the school; enthusiastic, proud and a real pleasure to be around.”

The family also commented on the enthusiasm they encountered throughout the evening, from a French Guess Who game and student artwork to Design Technology projects, sport, science and canteen food tasters.

“The passion, enthusiasm, and pride of everyone we came into contact with was clear to see. We left with one very happy Year 6 student who cannot wait to start!”

The feedback highlighted that the evening was about more than showcasing subjects and facilities. It gave families the opportunity to experience the people, culture, opportunities and sense of belonging at the heart of Gordano.

Headteacher Louise Blundell said:

“Our Open Evening is always a wonderful opportunity to welcome prospective families into our school and give them a real sense of what makes Gordano special. We were incredibly proud of the way our students represented the school. Their confidence, warmth, enthusiasm and pride really shone through. Our thanks go to all of our students and staff who gave their time to make the evening such a success. We hope our visitors left with a strong sense of our culture and values, as well as the opportunities available to every student who joins the Gordano community.”

Come and see Gordano in action

For families who would like to experience Gordano for themselves, the school will also be opening its doors for Open Mornings from Friday 9 October to Tuesday 20 October 2026, offering prospective Year 7 students and their families another opportunity to see the school in action and experience the Gordano community.

Gordano School Open Mornings at Gordano School event tickets from TicketSource

Gordano School’s Sixth Form boys’ football team have secured their place in the county cup quarter-finals after a thrilling Round of 16 encounter against Beechen Cliff, winning 7–6 on penalties following a 3–3 draw after full time.