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  • Record-Breaking Attendance at Gordano School’s Open Evening

    Published 26/09/25

    Gordano School welcomed a record number of prospective students and their families to its Open Evening this year.

    Visitors enjoyed live music, touring classrooms and specialist facilities across all departments, speaking with staff and students, and sampling food prepared by the school’s catering team. Tours were led by Gordano students themselves, who shared their own experiences of school life and gave families an insight into the opportunities on offer. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, reflecting the vibrant community that Gordano is proud to foster.

    Presentations from the Headteacher and current students were a highlight of the evening, giving families a clear sense of Gordano’s ethos, values and everyday experiences. The combination of leadership vision and authentic student voices gave prospective families a real insight into what makes the school unique. Ms Blundell shared how Gordano balances personal growth with academic success, ensuring that every student enjoys their time at school.

    “This is an exciting time to join Gordano,” said Ms Blundell. “We continue to enhance our facilities and celebrate strong academic results. But above all, our ethos is centred on developing the whole person – confident, curious and compassionate young people who are ready to thrive beyond school.”

    One parent shared their appreciation:
    “To all staff, support staff and catering department – thank you so much for a really enjoyable Open Day. It was lovely to tour all the departments and chat to teachers and taste the food on offer. We do appreciate the extra time and effort that went into putting it on.”

    While proud of its strong record of success at GCSE and A Level, Gordano offers a rich experience in and beyond the classroom. Students join a warm and ambitious community, supported by outstanding pastoral care through six House communities. From the Duke of Edinburgh Award to creative arts, sport, debating, outdoor learning, and an unrivalled Trips and Activities Week, Gordano’s wide-ranging opportunities help students grow in resilience, leadership and confidence.

    Recognised as an ‘Area of Excellence’ for Inclusion, Gordano ensures smooth transitions into secondary school and Sixth Form, with tailored support for every child, including those with SEND.

    Families who were unable to attend the Open Evening – or who would like another opportunity to visit – are warmly invited to Gordano’s Open Morning on Friday 3rd October at 9:45am.

    BOOK YOUR OPEN MORNING PLACE HERE

    At Gordano, the values are clear: Dream big. Do your best. Give back. Families at the Open Evening experienced first-hand what makes the school such a vibrant and opportunity-rich place to learn and grow.

                 

                 

                 

                 

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  • Sweet Success for Christian Union Cake Sale

    Published 03/10/25

    Gordano School’s Christian Union brought a little extra joy to the school community with their hugely popular lunchtime cake sale.

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  • Not Just for Students: Gordano School’s GoShine Sports Centre and Facilities Welcomes the Whole Community

    Published 03/10/25

    The GoShine Sports Centre and Facilities at Gordano School in Portishead isn’t just for students – it’s a fantastic community facility available for everyone aged 16+.  Go-Shine.uk

    It offers:

    Affordable Gym Memberships – Starting at just £15/month, with no joining fee or contract.

    Unlimited Fitness Classes – Including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Indoor Cycling, Boxing Fitness, Dance Fitness, and Body Conditioning

    Flexible Access – Pay-as-you-go classes for casual users

    Sports Facilities for Hire – Badminton, squash, pickleball, table tennis, a full-size floodlit astro pitch, and a 3G 5-a-side court all for hire.

    📅 Opening Hours:

    • Early Morning Gym: Mon/Wed/Fri 06:30–08:00
    • Weekdays: Mon–Thu 16:30–22:00, Fri 15:30–21:00
    • Weekends: Sat 08:30–18:00, Sun 08:30–20:00

    The centre is managed by GoShine in partnership with Gordano School, ensuring high-quality community engagement and expanding offerings such as holiday clubs and local football training through Portishead Town FC.

    You can explore more or book online at GoShine’s official website. Go-Shine.uk

    It's fitness made simple, flexible, and local. Ready to shine?

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  • Gordano Students Give Back: Nearly 5,000 Hours of Volunteering Recognised by Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme ​​​​​​​

    Published 01/10/25

    Gordano School is celebrating the outstanding commitment of its Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) participants, who between April 2024 and March 2025 dedicated an incredible 4,537 hours to volunteering in the local community. The Duke of Edinburgh Award has calculated the social value of these hours at more than £29,000 – a figure that highlights the significant contribution made by our young people.

    From working in charity shops, community cafés, and libraries to supporting local sports clubs, Scouting and Girl Guiding groups, and school activities, Gordano students have given their time generously to help others. Their volunteering not only strengthens community life but also helps students develop valuable skills and confidence for the future.

    “We are really proud of our students for what they do to give back to their local community,” said Mrs Allen, Deputy Lead for Outdoor Education at Gordano School. “These placements are also great work experience for our students and help them to build confidence and develop the skills they need to secure jobs in the future. A huge thank you to all the local organisations that offer placements and support our young people.”

    One organisation to benefit from student volunteering is Turn the Tide Portishead, a local community group dedicated to keeping the town’s beaches, open spaces and streets clean. They said: "Local community group Turn The Tide Portishead are delighted to have the help of Gordano students completing their Bronze, Silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.  Since 2020, 130 students have completed their voluntary hours and joined us on our monthly Portishead Big Cleans as well as carrying out their own litter picks around the town, working with us in our mission to keep Portishead’s beaches, open spaces and streets clean and tidy.  Since September 2020, the students have collected 1,771 bags of litter from over 90 locations in Portishead. Many of our students express a new awareness of the effect littering has on both our local and wider environments and a desire to spread the word among their peers and carry on the good work."

    Other local organisations – including the Beacon Hub, Portishead Youth Centre, and Portishead Library – have also provided opportunities for students to gain experience and make a difference.

    Nigel Osmond of Portishead Football Club said: “We have always been proud to support pupils from Gordano School in their pursuit of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Their commitment and enthusiasm not only contribute to their own personal growth, but also bring real benefits to our club. Our coaches value the energy and dedication these pupils bring, and we’ve been fortunate to see some of them go on to become talented future coaches within our team.”

    The Duke of Edinburgh Award has praised the achievements of Gordano’s participants, saying:

    “We are immensely proud of the dedication, effort and achievement of young people making an impact in their community.”

    As the school launches its 2025/26 Duke of Edinburgh programme, many new students are seeking volunteering placements. Gordano would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the community groups, charities and businesses that continue to support young people on their Duke of Edinburgh journey.

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  • Gordano School is Hosting a SEND Open Evening for Parents and Carers

    Published 26/09/25

    Gordano School is delighted to invite all parents and carers of current and future pupils to An Evening of SEND, taking place on 22 October from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Gordano School, St Mary’s Road, Portishead, BS20 7QR.

    This special event will provide valuable information, guidance and resources for families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through access to outside agencies. There is no need to book – simply come along.

    The evening will feature a wide range of exhibitors and information stands covering key areas such as:

    • Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
    • Cognition and Learning
    • Sensory and Physical needs
    • Communication and Interaction
    • Mental Health and Wellbeing
    • The EHCP process
    • Inclusion and funding opportunities
    • Careers pathways
      … and more.

    We are delighted to welcome representatives from North Somerset Council, NHS Talking Therapies, Portishead Youth Centre, Wellspring Counselling, JHF Youth Charity, Equine Reflections, and many other local organisations who provide invaluable support to young people and families.

    At Gordano, we are proud of our strong SEND provision, designed to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Our experienced SEND team works closely with families and professionals to create tailored support, from high-quality classroom teaching to personalised interventions. With dedicated spaces and a strong ethos of inclusion across the school, we are committed to meeting a wide range of needs in a nurturing environment.

    This Open Evening is the perfect opportunity to:

    • Meet staff and discover the support available at Gordano.
    • Learn about resources and services that can help your child flourish.
    • Connect with other parents and carers in the community.

    We warmly welcome all parents and carers who would like to access SEND support and information, whether your child already attends our school or may join us in the future.

    Event Details
    Date: 22 October 2024
    Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
    Venue: Gordano School, St Mary’s Road, Portishead, BS20 7QR
    No booking required – just turn up!

    For more information about Gordano School's SEND provision, please visit: www.gordanoschool.org.uk/our-school/send

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  • Staff Spotlight: Welcome New English Teacher, Mr Newport

    Published 26/09/25

    Gordano School is proud to attract outstanding staff who bring with them a wealth of academic achievement and professional experience. This September, the school welcomed Mr Newport, who has joined the English Department after an impressive journey into teaching.

    Having grown up and studied in the Bristol area, Mr Newport achieved A Levels in English Language, Government & Politics, and History before securing a place to study Law at the University of Nottingham in 2019. After four years of rigorous study, he graduated in 2023 with an Honours degree in Law.

    Following university, Mr Newport worked as a Local Government Officer and Paralegal in Child Law with Nottinghamshire County Council. This role offered insight into the importance of safeguarding and supporting young people, but it also reinforced a desire to pursue a career where he could make a direct, positive impact every day.

    Motivated by that commitment, Mr Newport returned to Bristol in 2024 to train as an English teacher, gaining a PGCE in English in 2025. His legal background, analytical skills, and passion for language all enrich his teaching practice — qualities that make him a fantastic addition to the team.

    Headteacher Ms Blundell said:
    “We are thrilled to welcome Mr Newport to Gordano. His dedication, expertise, and unique professional journey will inspire our students and strengthen our English Department.”

    Gordano School provides its students with teachers whose dedication, expertise, and diverse professional backgrounds ensure the very best learning experiences.

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  • New Boxing Class at Go Shine Sports Centre – Gordano School

    Published 25/09/25

    We’re excited to announce the launch of a brand-new Boxing Class, held every Monday at 6pm at the Go Shine Sports Centre, Gordano School!

    This high-energy class is designed to boost fitness, improve strength, and sharpen coordination – all while having fun in a friendly and motivating environment.

    FREE for all GoShine members – included in your unlimited gym and exercise class membership
    Pay as you go available – only £7 per session if you’re not a member

    GoShine Membership

    Memberships are available to anyone aged 16+ and there’s also a special GoLSP membership exclusively for students (16+) and staff at any of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) schools which gives unlimited use of the fitness suite and all classes for just £15.00 per month.

    At Go Shine, things are kept simple:

    • A choice of flexible memberships to suit your lifestyle
    • No contracts
    • No joining fee
    • No induction fee
    • Just great fitness!

    Boxing joins the already packed timetable of classes, including Pilates, Yoga, Dance Fitness, Body Conditioning, and more. There’s something for everyone, whatever your fitness goals.

    Come and give it a go – your first punch is waiting!

     

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  • Record-Breaking Futures Week at Gordano School Showcases Student Talent and Community Spirit

    Published 23/09/25

    The Careers Department at Gordano School is proud to announce the most successful Futures Week in its history. This year, an unprecedented number of Year 10 students secured Work Experience (WEX) placements, with around 99% taking part.

    “This was no small task, and we are incredibly proud of our students,” said Sue Jones, Careers Advisor. “We also want to extend our sincere thanks to all the employers who welcomed our students. Your support is vital, and we deeply appreciate it.”

    Year 12 students also benefitted from an exciting programme of opportunities, including workshops led by universities, employers, and apprenticeship providers. They further developed their employability through mock interviews with industry professionals, and practical life skills sessions such as ‘How to Cook on a Budget’.

    The week concluded with a community litter pick in partnership with Portishead Marina, before students headed off to their own work experience placements.

    Nancy from Portishead Marina Boatfolk praised the students’ efforts, saying:
    “The students did a great job, and we really appreciated it. It would be great to have them here every year—in fact, every week!”

    Futures Week 2025 has set a new benchmark for student engagement, employer partnership, and community collaboration at Gordano School, leaving a lasting impact on both students and the local community.

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  • Gordano Extra Showcases Unprecedented Range of Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

    Published 22/09/25

    Gordano School is proud to announce the publication of the latest edition of Gordano Extra, celebrating the extraordinary breadth and quality of extra-curricular opportunities available to its students.

    Gordano Extra shines a spotlight on the unrivalled range of clubs, activities, and experiences designed to inspire students to dream big, build resilience, grow socially, and find happiness beyond the classroom. The opportunities on offer reflect Gordano School’s commitment to helping each individual realise their potential, discover their passions, and achieve personal success.

    Gordano Extra is currently advertising 45 clubs available to students during term 1 and 2, including 3D Printing, Chess, Cipher, STEM, Dance, Duke of Edinburgh, LGBTQ+, Craft, Flying Start, Games, Karate, Pottery, Photography, Sport and so much more.

    While Gordano has long been recognised as a high-performing school with an exceptional record of academic excellence at both GCSE and A Level, what truly sets it apart is the richness of experience on offer.

    Opportunities beyond the classroom include:

    • The Duke of Edinburgh Award: Gordano is proud to be the regional leader, with the highest number of new starters in the South-West for two consecutive years. Through outdoor adventure and service, students develop confidence, resilience and independence.
    • Creative Arts: From large-scale school productions to the vibrant Creative Arts Festival, students enjoy countless opportunities to perform, exhibit and showcase their talents.
    • Sports and Competitions: A thriving sports programme, national Maths challenges, Debate Society and more allow students to compete, collaborate and grow as problem-solvers.
    • Activities Week: This year for Activities Week, over 1,000 students took part in over 40 off-site trips across three-year groups. Over half of its students attended a residential trip and a host of on-site activities designed to engage, challenge and inspire were also enjoyed.
    • Trips Programme. Gordano School is proud to offer the most extensive annual school trips programme in the region, giving students a wealth of opportunities to broaden their horizons. From European cultural exchanges and outdoor challenges across the UK to subject-led expeditions and performing arts tours, learning at Gordano stretches far beyond the classroom walls.

    Upcoming enrichment trips students are looking forward to are : sixth form trip to new York for 30 Business and Economics students in February half term 2026 and a ski trip to Italy for 60 Year 10 and 12 students over the Easter holidays in 2026.

               

               

               

                    

    At its heart, Gordano is far more than a place to study—it’s a place to belong, explore, and become. With a culture that nurtures the whole child, the school delivers excellence in teaching, a breadth of opportunity rarely matched, and a community that celebrates every individual.

    Headteacher Louise Blundell said:

    “We are immensely proud of the opportunities Gordano Extra reflects. The diversity and quality of our extra-curricular provision show that Gordano is not only about achieving excellent results, but about helping every student thrive as a whole person. These experiences prepare our young people for happy, successful futures.”

    With its unparalleled offer, Gordano School continues to set the standard for excellence, ensuring that every student has the chance to discover their strengths, embrace new challenges, and flourish both within and beyond the classroom.

     

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  • Social Media, Self-esteem and Mental Wellbeing Event: 20th October 25

    Published 19/09/25

    St. Peter's Church, Portishead, is hosting an evening event with Katharine Hill on 20th October looking at Social Media, Self-esteem and Mental Wellbeing. This will be of particular interest to parents and anyone working with children and young people. 

    Contemporary Ethics Forum:  Social Media, Self-esteem and Mental Wellbeing    

    St. Peter’s Church, Portishead, BS20 6PS: Monday, 20th October, 7:30 pm

    Smartphones, Snapchat, TikTok, gaming, AI… technology forms the backdrop to our lives - there are many advantages but also huge challenges. In this forum, we will not only look at the evidence and highlight the dangers but, more importantly, offer practical help and renewed confidence in navigating the digital age in the context of family life. Discover how to keep our young people safe online, while forging good habits ourselves. Learn how to shape our digital lives so they don’t shape us!

    Katharine Hill is a Director of Care for the Family, a national charity which aims to strengthen family life and help those who face family difficulties. As an established speaker and broadcaster, she has addressed thousands of people both across the UK and internationally on marriage and parenting issues. She is the author of several books, including the popular “Left to their own Devices? Confident parenting in a digital world” and “A Mind of Their Own – building your child’s emotional wellbeing in a fast-changing world”.       

    All are welcome. No tickets needed. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to cover costs and to support the work of Care for the Family. We also plan to livestream the forum to the church's YouTube channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/live/yvU7h88GnDI

     

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  • Gordano School Awarded Grant from the Rosemary Bugden Charitable Trust to Support Music Education

    Published 19/09/25

    Gordano School is delighted to announce that it has received another generous grant from the Rosemary Bugden Charitable Trust. This vital funding will enable the school to continue running its choir, string, brass, and woodwind groups, as well as provide one-to-one peripatetic lessons for all Pupil Premium students studying GCSE Music.

    The grant reflects the Trust’s long-standing commitment to making classical music education accessible to all.

    Alongside its wide range of music groups and opportunities, Gordano School is also celebrated for its outstanding musical events, giving students the chance to showcase their talents and grow in confidence. Highlights include seasonal concerts, large-scale productions, the annual Creative Arts Festival, an international tour to the Netherlands, and open mic nights within the local community. The school’s vibrant music scene has even caught the attention of BBC Radio Bristol, which recently featured Gordano following a generous donation of instruments from a local family—some of which once shared the stage with legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix.

    John Sharpe, Trustee of the Society, commented:
    “The Rosemary Bugden Charitable Trust was founded in 1987 by the philanthropist Rosemary Bugden with the primary purpose of promoting the growth of classical music education. The Trustees, who are based in Bristol, currently operate a scheme to provide funds for music students in local state schools, whose parents would otherwise be unable to afford their tuition fees. The Trustees are pleased to have been able to assist with musical education at Gordano School.”

    Gordano School wishes to celebrate and thank the Rosemary Bugden Charitable Trust for its generosity and vision. Their philanthropic support ensures that every student has the opportunity to develop their talents and passion for music.

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  • Netball Training Camp October Half Term

    Published 16/09/25

    As well as Holiday Clubs for primary-aged children this October Half Term, Shine is also offering a Netball Training Camp for children in Years 7 – 10 with their amazing netball Coordinator, James, here at Gordano School.

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