testimonials

“Good evening to you all,

Where do I start….. what a warm welcome we received for the Open Day. I thought we’d be there for half an hour and then be on our merry way. Three hours later, I was heading out of the door with two children not wanting to leave after having a blast.

Everything from start to finish was well thought out and well executed, all the staff and children were engaging and made us all feel at ease. We experimented in the science lab and visited most departments, but could have easily stayed longer.

I do hope that we get Rednock for our daughter next year, you’ll certainly be at the top of our list. A huge well done Rednock, we liked everything we heard, from the pastoral care, to the vertical tutoring and the ‘every child matters’ ethos.

As much as we will be visiting other schools, you’ll be a hard one to beat, you’ve certainly set the bar very high. Please pass on our thanks to the staff and students alike for their time and enthusiasm, what a lovely community you all are.”

Prospective Parent – September 2021

“Hi, just a quick email to say my Year 7 child had a fantastic day back, testing was smooth and easy. Extremely well organised, the staff were all pleased to see our child’s classes and likewise with her peers. Everybody wore a mask and she felt safe. So pleased we chose Rednock as a school. Thank you to all of the school team.”

Parent of Year 7 student – March 2021

“We just wanted to say a big thank you to you all before the February half term break. We have been so impressed with the live lessons that our boys have had since January. They are both fully engaged with them and although neither are the sort of children who will pipe up as much as we would like, they are listening, understanding and taking it all in. They both are ready well before 8.30am and haven’t missed a single lesson.

It has been great for us, as parents, to listen in on some of the lessons and find out what the boys have actually been doing during the day! It’s been lovely to put faces to names of teachers as well. We’ve enjoyed helping them (where we can!) and I think this has enhanced their learning as anything they are too shy to ask online, we can go through with them.

So, a big thank you. We hope you all have a well deserved rest next week.”

Parents of Year 9 and Year 7 students – February 2021

“Dear Mr Cheeseman,

Today our son has received his GCSE English Language result (a subject in which he has struggled with throughout his academic life), he achieved a Grade 5. I cannot tell you how proud we are of him and cannot thank the staff at Rednock School in helping him achieve this. To say that he is walking on air today is an understatement as he has achieved something that he never thought he would.

It is with this in mind, that I am writing to you – when our son left primary school, we (as in his parents) were told that our son is a lovely lad but will struggle to achieve GCSE’s. We (as a family) picked Rednock as a secondary school not only for your reputation, but we knew that he had more to give and that Rednock would help him along the way – and you certainly did! As parents we cannot thank you and your staff for all the support you have given him over his academic life. This has given him confidence in the choices he makes and the visionary ability to choose his future career path – sincerely, we thank you.

As our son continues his education, through the sixth form I am also writing to congratulate you on your online learning curriculum – in the last lockdown our son struggled with this and being in Year 11 it was an incredibly difficult and stressful situation for all students. Since the Government announced the lockdown and delay in students returning to school, our son became apprehensive and was not looking forward to the new term, it seems that the introduction of ‘Live Lessons’ has reignited the ‘spark’ to continue his learning – these lessons are inspiring and are going extremely well (a huge accolade to your teaching and support staff).

Kind Regards,”

Nikki and Mark Harrod (Parents) – January 2021

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the Head Teacher and staff for their hard work and effort in ensuring that our children have been able to access on-line learning support.”

Parent of Year 10 Student – January 2021

“I just wanted to congratulate you and your team for getting the live lessons up and running, they are brilliant and I know quite a few parents who are delighted with the learning/contact and structure that it brings to our children.

Thank you again for making the best out of a difficult situation, it is so appreciated.

Kind regards”

Shirley Wood (Parent) – January 2021

“Hello

What a week in education, let alone the rest of the country.

Wow you have adapted so quickly.

I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Rednock. I was anxious sending both my children into school this week, we didn’t use the keyworker place last time round so it was very much the unknown.

They have had a brilliant 3 days, they are enjoying the new way of learning. I also feel that their medical needs are being looked after too. Amongst the chaos you haven’t let your commitment to everyone matters drop and I feel they are well looked after on all levels.

I can confidently send them off to school while I go to work in a primary school.

Many thanks for all that you are doing including the response to my queries.

I hope you are able to have a large glass of something tonight and can relax a bit over the weekend.”

Parent of Year 7 and Year 10 students – January 2021

“I would just like to let you know that you and your staff are doing an incredible job under the most difficult circumstance. I was so impressed at how well the school did keeping our children as safe as they possibly could have been before the Christmas break. Again you’re having to adapt to an ever changing environment and new challenges and you must all be exhausted but please take care of yourselves as well.

I am in a fortunate position of not working (retired after 34yrs in the NHS) if there is anything that I can do to help in anyway please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you once again, take care and stay safe.

Kindest regards”

Deborah Galliott (Parent) – January 2021

“I would just like to send a quick email to thank you and your staff for a successful first day of remote learning. There was a certain amount of anxiety beforehand (from the children and myself) about how it would work but after today, we have all been reassured that, although this is not the ideal solution, Rednock have provided the next best thing. The hard work and
dedication from the staff, during the most difficult of times in education, was clear to see.

Please can you pass on my thanks, it really is appreciated. I’d also like to thank you for keeping us up to date during these ever changing times.

Kind regards,”

Leeanna Ashford (Parent) – January 2021

“I just want to pass on my congratulations to all the Rednock staff who have pulled off today’s first online mass delivery. Looking past a few technical teething problems I think you have all done amazing. I’m sure when you took up the vocation none of you envisaged delivering classes this way. Despite all the behind scenes trepidation you all delivered with enthusiasm and professionalism. You must all be exhausted maintaining the engagement over such extensive periods and with limited resources. A special mention must go out to my son’s Year 7 English lesson at 12.30 today. The tone with which the reading was delivered was superb and came across so well. I heard the genuine desire and love of the subject even sat in the next room! The only suggestion for improvement overall is whether lunch breaks could all happen at the same time. Having two children one in Year 7 the other in Year 11 was a nightmare to co-ordinate food, keeping quiet and off camera while working from home myself.

Kind regards”

Mrs Page (Parent) – January 2021

“Hi

Just a quick note to say my son (Year 10) is buzzing after today’s online lessons. It makes such a massive difference having his teachers there live to listen to and interact with in contrast with lockdown 1 when he sometimes found it hard working independently with no daily access to teachers.

Thank you so much for all the work that’s gone into facilitating this for the children!”

Parent of Year 10 student – January 2021

“To the senior leadership team,

We would like to say an enormous thank you for the fantastic job you have done guiding the school community through the storms of 2020. We feel the needs of our son (nieces, nephews and children of friends) have been well catered for. Communication from school has been thorough and the environment kept as safe as possible. Yesterday’s newsletter was a delight to read and your staff should be incredibly proud of the education they are providing in these challenging times.

The high profile of support for mental well-being has been reassuring and much appreciated in the community. Prioritising this whilst managing the changing expectations and challenges from government highlights the real strength of Rednock School.

We hope you are able to have a rest and look after yourselves and your families over the Christmas break in the knowledge that you have done the best job possible in a very difficult situation.

Wishing you a safe and peaceful Christmas.

Best wishes”

Lisa and Darren Jones (Parents) – December 2020 

“Hi,

Please can you forward this to all your staff :

We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and hope you all get a well earned restful and peaceful break over the holiday period.

You have worked tirelessly this term to provide for all the children at Rednock School and for that we are grateful.”

Parents of Year 8 and Year 11 students – December 2020

“Morning,

Could you please pass this on to the Head. We would just like to express our thanks for all of your & your staffs hard work in keeping themselves & pupils as safe as possible, it must be an incredibly difficult time. The children still seem to be enjoying school & getting amazing teaching, which is a great achievement in such a disruptive period.

Thank you again & hope you all have a happy Christmas”

Joanne Taylor (Parent) – December 2020

“Dear David and Rednock School Staff,

I am just emailing to say a big THANK YOU from the Carey family. Our children have all attended Rednock School for part of or all of their secondary education over the last 10 years or so.

We would all like to say a fond farewell and we are grateful for the many many happy memories; concerts, school productions, music trips abroad, sport events, parents evenings, exam results, our children meeting good friends, to name a few….

Rednock School has been a huge part of our lives and we are very grateful to the time and effort put in by staff, school officials and all those involved in running such a good school.

Thanks again,”

Gordon and Lindsay Carey (Parents) – September 2020

“Hello

I just wanted to say that the article in the Guardian was picked up by my brother in Madrid and he told me about it.

Many congratulations to get the school so positively written about in these strange and different times.  I am pleased that the young people who need one to one support in a smaller cohort are getting it and flourishing as a consequence.  It must be a real delight for the staff involved.

It is a lovely article.  These are indeed surprising times.

With my best wishes for the reopening of the school.”

Parent of Year 9 student – June 2020

“Hello All,

Thanks so much for all you are doing at school. It’s such a help knowing our son is in safe hands and actually doing the work he is supposed to while I’m at work. It’s great that he’s getting a chance to do things like badminton as well. After the lockdown at home I think it’s needed. Over the last two weeks we have seen what a difference it has made to our son being at school a few days and I thank you so much for the measures you’ve put in place to keep him safe.

Once again, thanks again to everyone there.”

Parent of Year 7 student – June 2020

“I wanted to let you know how lovely it was to read the article on the school in The Guardian. It was inspirational. A friend who is a head at a local primary school showed me the article and I quote said “I love Rednock”. The school deserves so much praise for the way it conducts itself and you have really stepped up during this period of uncertainty.

My two daughters are students at Rednock. I am so pleased our family choose your school (it was a family decision), when we could have easily chosen another school. Both my girls have thrived under your schools leadership. They are working hard at home, and I thank you and all the staff for all their unwavering dedication and empathy for the kids at such a stressful time.

They have had emails, calls and cards from various teachers connecting and encouraging them, which is so touching and really appreciated. Speaking to friends and family locally and around the country this is not always the norm, thus demonstrating just how much the school cares.

Thank you.

Kate van der Meulen” (Parent) – May 2020

“I just wanted to send a quick email to say a huge thank you to you and your staff for your dedication and hard work during these challenging times. Both of my children have commented about how supportive and reassuring the staff have been, answering questions honestly whilst not causing unnecessary worry. This really is appreciated.

Many thanks,

Leeanna Ashford” (Parent) – March 2020

“I just wanted to take the time to email you to say a huge thank you for all what you have done and are doing for my daughter and all of the children that you care for and look after day, after day. These are very difficult times for us all and especially for our children which we all must stay positive and show understanding, support at these uncertain times.

But as we have had the news yesterday that the Year 13 properly won’t be attending school now, I wanted to give all of you thanks for what you have achieved in teaching our three daughters over the past 10yrs. They are well rounded, kind, hardworking girls and I give heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you at Rednock School. You have been amazing one way or another over the years in supporting my husband and I in achieving this.

I hope celebrations will go ahead for the Year 11 and 13 in the future so they have their chance to give thanks to you all and celebrate their perseverance and achievements.

Kindest regards,

Alison & Rob Herbert” (Parents) – March 2020

“Mrs Price, just a quick note to say thank you for being so supportive with all that is happening with our daughter.  These last few months have really tested us all and your calm, supportive and caring manner has really helped when I have felt so out of control and worried.  I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate all you have done for us! Thank you for being there and being so calm and lovely.!

Mrs Taylor (Parent)

“Dear Rednock School and Staff

In spite of having had to be up at some unearthly hour this morning to see our son off on the coach for the school French Trip, I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the school and staff for all that they do for the students.  Thank you for providing opportunities like the trip to France; the kids were very excited and I’m sure they will have a great time (learning a lot in the process).  However, the purpose of this email is to say that we really appreciate the time and commitment put in by all of the school staff, not just for extras such as trips, but week by week, throughout the year.

The Key Stage 3 Awards Evening last week was a really positive celebration of the school and students’ successes.  it was uplifting and a privilege to hear the showcasing of some of some of the students’ musical talents; as a parent I particularly appreciated the celebration of both attainment and effort & progress; and the event’s finishing touches, such as tickets, flowers, organisation of logistics, were subtle but didn’t go unnoticed.

Our son had a really positive start to his secondary school education last year.  The best testament to the schools’ ethos and ability to provide a positive learning environment is the fact that although our son engaged with and worked really hard at his studies all year, he stopped chewing his nails!

Once again, thank you to all of the school staff.

Yours sincerely”

Parent of Year 8 student – October 2017

“I felt compelled to write to let you know how impressed I was at the open evening last night – 13th September 2017.  I brought my daughter who is in Year 6 but also had to bring my 8 year old as my husband wasn’t available to come with us.  The 8 year old wasn’t very keen to come but she had a brilliant time.  As soon as we arrived, two Year 11 girls took us and showed us to the art rooms.  My daughter immediately took a liking to one of the guides in particular and she ended up staying with us all evening.  She was so good with my daughter and got involved with all the activities with her.  Unfortunately I cannot remember the student’s name but she is a credit to the school.  She gave my daughter a hug when we left; it was as though they’d become best friends.  It was lovely to see.  Thank you again, Stacey” (Parent)

“Dear All

Thank you so much for the huge amount of time, enthusiasm and effort you put into making Rednock such a great school.

We are grateful for the support you have given us.

Nearly there!  Enjoy your summer.

Love the Chastneys”

School Visit to Women’s Cricket World Cup – Wednesday 5th July 2017

“Dear Sir

It was my pleasure to be one of the volunteer Cricketeers working at the England v South Africa game in Bristol today.  When I saw the Rednock children arrive it made me smile as my partner and her family are all from Dursley and all attended your school.  I just wanted to say that all of the children were a credit to your school.  Immaculately turned out, extremely polite and well mannered and friendly.

One pupil in particular stood out.  Whenever she walked past us she smiled and engaged us in conversation.  After a short while Lauren Farr approached us and asked if she could help us.  As we were trying to deal with around 600 children her help was gratefully received and she was tasked with face painting the children.  She was happy, enthusiastic and patient.  She probably dealt with in excess of 150 children.

If any pupil could be picked to represent your school in a positive and engaging manner, it would be Lauren.  Not to put to fine a point on it – she was brilliant.  No other word will do.

At the end of the day I spoke to the England and Wales Cricket Board representative and we decided that Lauren deserved some recognition of her efforts today and she was given a cricket set.

I think a word of thanks should also be given to Mr Sykes and Mrs Knight.  They were totally in charge of the children in a quiet and unassuming manner and are obviously well regarde by their pupils.

It was a pleasure to have such well behaved and polite children in our zone at the ground today.

Kind regards

Sean Carey”

Thanks to 6th Form Code-Club Students

“Please could you pass on my thanks to your 6th Form students who have been running an after-school Code-Club in Dursley Library for the past few months.

My daughter who is in Year 5 at a local primary school, attended the club and not only enjoyed it but has gained a huge amount of confidence, enabling her to have fun experimenting with coding at home and leading her to ask “Why can’t we do more coding in ICT at school?  Maybe the 6th Formers could help our teachers too!”

I’m not sure who initiated the idea of a Code-Club at the library but from a parent’s perspective it was a great idea to run it in such an accessible, neutral, welcoming environment.  Please commend the students running it – for their enthusiasm, their commitment in turning up every week and their positive role-modelling, both to ‘younger pupils’ and within the local community.  They have been a credit to themselves and the school.”

Kind regards, C Gruber (Parent)

Ski Trip 2017

“I would just like to thank you and all the other members of staff who have just returned from the ski trip for all your hard work in making it a memorable last school trip for our son.  He had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and is quoted as saying it was the best trip ever!

Many thanks once again for all your work over the past few years that my sons have been skiing with you.”

With kind regards, Angela Willilams (Parent)

“Please can you pass on our enormous thanks to all the staff members on last week’s ski trip, especially Miss Dennis.  Our daughter was well looked after by everyone and really enjoyed the week.”

Kim Webb (Parent)

A Huge Thanks

“Mr Carter, I hope you are getting some much needed rest.  I just want to thank you and the rest of the staff who went on the France trip.  In the U.S., where we used to live, the school trips usually consisted of going to Chicago or maybe Washington DC.  Conner would have never had such an opportunity to visit another country, I want you to know that the succes he had was mostly due to the planning, sharing of information and overall understanding of his needs and meeting them.  Living with his autism and ADHD for 9 years, I wouldn’t have dreamed years ago that he would have made such a trip.  Please share my gratitude with the others and to know that you are all appreciated.”

-Denise Houser (Parent)

“I had fun on the French trip.  The teachers were helpful and I thank them for this opportunity for me to travel by myself (without parents).”

-Conner (Student, Year 8)

“Our daughter is so happy about going to school everyday and so motivated in her work.  As parents, we could not have asked for a better start in her learning journey at Rednock.”

-Parents of a Year 7 student, September 2016

“I recently visited your school as a guest of a health and social Care class along with several other members of an older generation.
I would just like to say what a pleasure it was.
We were given tea and cake, which was delicious. We were shown around the school even permitted to see some of the other classes in action. The building is certainly impressive and the displays of pupils work far better than anything we achieved at school. The girls who showed us around were so polite, friendly and informative.
When education and the younger generation are so often slated in the press and in society in general I felt it was important to tell you what an excellent job you are doing and how your teachers and pupils alike do Rednock proud.

Thank you again for a lovely afternoon.”

— Glynis Robinson, Domestic Billing Administrator

“We just wanted to say a huge heartfelt thank you for making our daughter’s journey from primary to secondary a smooth one. On her first morning it was very hard to leave her and not walk in with her but she went off with no problem, my mind and heart was with her all day. She came out with a great big smile and said how great it all went. The next morning on the way to school she talked about wanting to join the pony club, drama, choir. I watched her as she walked in with a new friend smiling.
I know that my husband and I have made a great choice when deciding on Rednock and feel they should be aware of what a great job they do and all the members of staff – each child is really cared for.”

— Parents (Year 7 Student September 2015)

“Having lived in the area for a long time I wasn’t going to bother coming to your Open Evening on the 23rd September but I was very glad I did. It was a fantastic evening. Music, drama and art were very impressive and I felt the talk by the Head Teacher came from the heart. My daughter absolutely loved it too and we will be back for the Open Morning.”

— Prospective Parent