Gordano School was delighted to celebrate the achievements of both current and former students at this year's Shape My City Awards Evening, held in the heart of Bristol. This year's programme saw two Gordano students, Bessie P and Tess H,

As we come to the end of another successful academic year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who contributes to making Gordano such a wonderful school.

The role of the Local Governing Body is to provide strategic oversight, support and challenge to school leaders, ensuring that every student receives the highest quality education and opportunities to succeed. Throughout the year, governors have worked closely with school leaders, staff and trustees to monitor progress, review key priorities, and support the school’s continued development.

I would particularly like to thank my fellow governors, who give their time voluntarily and bring a wealth of experience, expertise and commitment to the school. Their dedication to Gordano and its students is greatly appreciated.

I would also like to thank the staff and leadership team for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the young people at Gordano School. The achievements of our students this year are a testament to the strength of the whole Gordano community.

It is a privilege to serve as Chair of Governors, and I look forward to continuing to work with staff, students, parents and governors as we build on our successes in the year ahead.

If you are interested in finding out more about governance at Gordano, including the role governors play in supporting and challenging the school, please feel free to contact me via my school email address. I would be delighted to hear from you and discuss how governance contributes to the continued success of our school.

Hhall@gordanoschool.org.uk

Helen Hall

Chair of Governors

Gordano School held its annual Inter-House Swimming Gala at Portishead’s open-air pool, bringing together around 200 students for an exciting afternoon of competition, teamwork and house spirit.

The event featured a variety of races, from individual sprints to fast-paced relay competitions, with students giving their all in the water. The atmosphere throughout the gala was energetic and supportive, as classmates and staff cheered on competitors from the poolside.

After a closely contested afternoon, Fitzroy House emerged as the overall winners, delivering strong performances across the board to secure the title. Congratulations go to all Fitzroy swimmers for their outstanding achievements.

A special mention also goes to Biscay House, who demonstrated exceptional dedication and team spirit by entering a swimmer in every single event — an impressive achievement that reflected their determination and commitment.

The Swimming Gala was a fantastic showcase of sporting talent, resilience and house pride, and would not have been possible without the support of staff, students and spectators. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success.

We look forward to another brilliant gala next year!

Our recent visit to Nisbets Catering in Avonmouth proved to be an inspiring and memorable experience for a group of our Year 9 students. The trip offered a unique opportunity to explore the vast range of career pathways within a leading industry organisation, while also building confidence, teamwork, and new skills.

Gordano School is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone as it approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026/27.

Under the banner of Gordano70, the school is launching a year-long programme of activities designed to bring together current students, former students, staff, families and the wider community in celebration of seven decades of learning, achievement, and local history.

The celebrations will focus on three key themes: celebrating the past, inspiring the future and creating together.

Throughout the year, there will be opportunities for people to share memories and photographs, reconnect with former classmates and colleagues, take part in community projects, fundraising initiatives, and creative arts events, and help create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Headteacher Louise Blundell said:

"Gordano School has been at the heart of our community for 70 years and has played a part in the lives of thousands of students, families and staff.

Gordano70 is about celebrating those shared experiences and bringing generations together to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future.

We want this to be a community celebration and we're excited to invite people of all ages to get involved."

For the first Gordano70 project, all children and young people across the local community are invited to play a part in this special milestone by designing the official Gordano70 logo.

The school would love as many young people as possible to get involved. The winning design will be used throughout the anniversary celebrations and, alongside this, a large creative installation on the school site will incorporate all suitable entries. Gordano hopes that this project will not only celebrate the school's history but also create a legacy that reflects the creativity, talent and community spirit of young people in the community.

The competition is open to:

• Gordano School students
• Primary school children
• Young people living in the local community

The deadline for logo competition entries is Friday 10th July 2026.

The school is also inviting former students, former staff, families and members of the community to contribute memories, photographs and memorabilia as part of the anniversary celebrations. Organisers are particularly keen to hear from alumni living elsewhere in the UK or around the world, as well as anyone with connections to notable former students or public figures who may wish to support the celebrations.

For more information and to download a logo competition entry form, please visit:

www.gordanoschool.org.uk/community/gordano-70th-anniversary

To get in touch please email:

legacy@gordanoschool.org.uk

70 Years. Hundreds of Stories. One Gordano.