Latest News

Thorpe Park!

Many pupils attended the Thorpe Park Reward Trip which they enjoyed.

Back to the Future Gold Investor in Me Trip!

Pupils were invited to watch the Back to the Future Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. They greatly enjoyed the journey to London and the theatre production.

Primary & Nurture Sports Day

Primary and Nurture Sports Day was a vibrant and inclusive event designed to celebrate participation, sensory engagement, and physical activity for all pupils. The day featured a wide range of activities tailored to different needs and abilities, including traditional favourites such as the egg and spoon race and the sack race, which encouraged teamwork and coordination. Children also enjoyed the excitement of bubble games, the bouncy castle, and colourful ball pits, offering both stimulation and joy. A dedicated sensory circuit provided a calming and structured environment for those who benefit from sensory regulation, while parachute games fostered group interaction and shared laughter. The event successfully combined fun with accessibility, ensuring every child could take part and feel valued. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents and staff whose support, enthusiasm, and dedication helped create a nurturing and safe environment, making the day a memorable success for everyone involved.

Year 11 Prom!

The prom on Friday evening was a dazzling celebration that brought the entire Year 11 class together for one unforgettable night! As the sun set, students arrived dressed to impress, stepping out of cars and into a venue transformed with fairy lights, elegant decorations, and a buzzing atmosphere. Laughter and music filled the air as friends posed for photos, shared stories, and danced the night away. The DJ kept the energy high with a mix of classic hits and current favourites, while the photo booth and refreshments added extra fun. It was a perfect way to mark the end of exams and the beginning of new adventures, leaving everyone with cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment.

Secondary Sports Day!

To conclude an action-packed sports day featuring events such as javelin, shot putt, egg and spoon, cross country, and sprinting, the final race of the day brought together teachers and parents/carers in a spirited display of community and camaraderie. Participants gathered at the starting line with a mix of enthusiasm and good-natured competitiveness, cheered on by pupils and spectators alike. As the race commenced, the field came alive with energy and laughter, showcasing not only athletic effort but also the strong bonds between school staff, families, and the wider school community. It was a fitting and joyful end to a memorable day of sporting achievement and shared celebration.

Summer Fair

As part of their ongoing support for Nutritious Minds Charity Trust, our pupils took on an exciting Apprentice-style challenge by creating and running their own stalls at the school’s Summer Fair. With creativity and entrepreneurial flair, they set up a variety of fun activities including face painting, raffles, “throw the sponge at the staff,” a guess-the-sweets-in-the-jar competition, a sizzling BBQ, and many more engaging attractions. The event was a huge success, drawing in families and friends from across the community, and raising valuable funds for a cause that continues to inspire our pupils to care for their mental and physical wellbeing.

In total the pupils raised a profit of £450.00 which will be donated to Nutritious Minds Charity Trust.

Spelling Bee

Celebrating Success: Debate on Social Media and Spelling Bee Achievements
We are excited to share highlights from two fantastic recent events at Serenity School: On the 26th June, our school community came together at Serenity School Maidstone for a spirited debate on a topic that affects us all: The impact of social media on behaviour. Four enthusiastic Serenity School teams – Maidstone, Eltham, Coulsdon, and Crawley – took to the stage to share their views, research, and personal experiences. Each team impressed us with thoughtful arguments, respectful listening, and creative presentations. The students explored both the positive and negative effects of social media, considering how it can influence friendships, learning, and wellbeing.

Special Mentions We would like to give a special shout-out to one exceptional student from each team:

  • Maidstone: Austin confidently opened is team’s case, sharing real-life examples and engaging the audience with his clear explanations.
  • Eltham: Max stood out for his ability to summarise complex ideas and answer questions from the judges with poise.
  • Coulsdon: Nicholas brought the debate to life with his confident and expressive delivery and persuasive arguments.
  • Crawley: Jo impressed everyone with his teamwork and thoughtful reflections during the Q&A session

And the Winner Is…After a very close contest, our judges named Eltham as the winning team! Congratulations to Eltham and to all our debaters for their hard work and respectful collaboration. We are proud of everyone who took part. Events like these help our pupils develop important skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and empathy. Thank you to all staff and students who supported and attended the debate. We look forward to more discussions that challenge us to think and grow together.
Spelling Bee Success The Spelling Bee was a buzzing success, with pupils from all four teams competing in a friendly yet challenging contest. The atmosphere was electric as each contestant tackled tricky words with determination and focus.

Special Mentions:

  • Maidstone: Kiya impressed with her calm under pressure.
  • Eltham: Paige showed fantastic dedication and enthusiasm.
  • Coulsdon: Will amazed everyone with his spelling accuracy and speed.
  • Crawley: Claudia stood out for her positive attitude and perseverance

Congratulations to Coulsdon, who took home the Spelling Bee medals, for the second time! Their dedication to supporting each other made all the difference.

Thank You

Thank you to all pupils and staff who participated, supported, and celebrated these events. We are so proud of everyone’s achievements and look forward to more opportunities for learning and teamwork.

Charity Car Wash

The School Council recently organised a fantastic fundraising event in support of Nutritious Minds Charity Trust, who had visited our school to deliver inspiring Art sessions and teach pupils about the importance of healthy nutrition for brain development. Motivated by the charity’s message, the pupils decided to host a car wash to raise funds. Their teamwork and enthusiasm paid off, as they successfully raised £100.00 for this meaningful cause. We are incredibly proud of their initiative and community spirit!

Thatched House School Trip

This term Thatched house class book is called ‘Yucky Worms’. We took a trip on a bus to a local park to try and find some worms. The children used sticks to dig. They then built a stick house for the worms. We ended the trip by playing in the park

High Grove School Trip

HighGrove went to the Tarn and a park for our end of half term rewards trip. The learning intention was to develop their cultural capital through exploring the local area.

Birkhall Class Hosts Charity Football Match for Teenage Cancer Trust

As part of their ASDAN qualification, the enterprising students of Birkhall Class took on the challenge of planning and delivering a charity event—and what a success it was!

With a shared goal of raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the class organised a thrilling staff versus pupils football match. The staff team came prepared and played with determination, ultimately securing the win. But the real victory was the incredible spirit and teamwork shown by everyone involved.

The event wasn’t just about football. Pupils and staff teamed up to cook and sell delicious food, offer refreshing drinks, and run a fun-filled lucky dip stall. The entire school community came out in full support, cheering from the sidelines and contributing to the lively atmosphere.

Thanks to their hard work and enthusiasm, Birkhall Class raised an impressive £85.00 for charity. It’s clear we have some budding entrepreneurs in the making!

Well done to everyone involved—your dedication and creativity continue to impress every day!

Nutritious Minds Trust Charity Visits Serenity School: Supporting Neurodivergent Children Through Art, Nutrition, and Care

On Tuesday 20th May 2025, Nutritious Minds Trust Charity 🍓 (NMTC), founded by Dr Rachel V. Gow, made a heartfelt visit to Serenity School in Eltham, engaging with children, educators, and families in a day filled with hope, learning, and empowerment.
Dr Gow, a renowned Nutritional Neuroscientist, Registered Nutritionist and Child Neuropsychologist, founded NMTC after her own son was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia. These neurodivergent conditions sparked her lifelong mission to support other families navigating similar challenges. The charity works to improve the lives of neurodivergent children and young adults—those with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and related conditions—by offering educational, psychological, and nutritional support with a focus on the creative and performing arts, music, and movement.

At Serenity School, NMTC hosted interactive sessions focused on brain health, and the power of nutrition in improving attention, behaviour, and wellbeing. Teachers and students alike responded with enthusiasm and curiosity, demonstrating the school’s deep commitment to nurturing the whole child. “It was inspiring to see how engaged the children were,” said Dr Gow. “It really validates our mission to empower neurodivergent young minds through science-backed strategies and compassion.”
Join Us at the Wellnergy Festival! Visit the Nutritious Minds Trust Charity Speaker Tent & Zone – With 50% Off Tickets!
Nutritious Minds Trust Charity is proud to be hosting the Main Speaker Tent and Neurodivergent Zone at Wellnergy Festival 2025, taking place in Wimbledon Park on Saturday 14th June 2025, 10.00 AM – 5.00 PM.
This is a must-attend event for families, educators, and anyone passionate about neurodiversity and mental wellbeing. The NMTC space will be a vibrant hub filled with:
· Conversations on the Couch morning session hosted by Dr Rachel Gow and world-renowned experts and individuals sharing their neurodivergent experiences
· A Children’s Art & Craft Tent hosted by our professional art team
· A Children’s Performing Art Tent hosted by trained actors
· An adult Wellness Tent with Reiki, Reflexology, Breathwork and Indian Head Massage
· A Mini Village with neurodivergent-friendly supplements, skincare/beauty and food
Limited-Time Offer: Get 50% Off Your Tickets:
Bring your family and join our community! Use code: NMTC50 for 50% off your tickets – this offer is for a limited time only. Wellnergy Festival 2025 – London – Powered by YuLife
About Nutritious Minds Trust Charity
NMTC is a UK-registered charity driven by a passionate mission to support neurodivergent children and young people through diagnostic services, nutritional support, community events, advocacy and more! To learn more or donate, visit www.nutritiousminds.org and follow us on Instagram at @nutritiousmindstrust

Sixth formers River Thames trip to meet the Marine Police

On March 28th, two of our sixth-form students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a police patrol that journeyed from the picturesque Greenwich Pier to the historic Westminster. This immersive experience provided them with stunning views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the majestic London Eye, London Bridge and the impressive Palace of Westminster.

Throughout the patrol, the students gained a deeper understanding of the marine police, exploring their vital roles throughout history and their current responsibilities on the River Thames. Furthermore, they visited the renowned Wapping Police Station, celebrated as the oldest police station in the world, founded in 1798. This historic site houses a fascinating museum that offers insights into the evolution of river policing and its significance in maintaining safety and order along the Thames.
This experience enhanced our students’ appreciation for the role of marine police in society and inspired them to consider a future in the police force.’

Rosa Potricelli
Numeracy Co-Ordinator
Teacher
Sixth Form tutor

Trip to the Florence Nightingale Museum

On the 26th of March, some of our Year 11 and sixth-form students currently studying Health and Social Care at Serenity Eltham went on an educational trip to the Florence Nightingale Museum in central London. This trip provided an exceptional opportunity for students to learn about Florence Nightingale and her significant contributions to nursing. Her work was instrumental in developing modern nursing practices, emphasizing the importance of sanitary conditions for patients, adopting a holistic approach, and utilizing evidence-based practice.

The students were deeply engaged at the museum and gained a greater appreciation for Florence Nightingale’s life and her impact on the modern nursing world.

Additionally, they had the chance to explore Westminster, view landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye and spend some time relaxing in the park near the London Eye. This experience also allowed them to bond with one another.

World Book Day 2025!

At Serenity Eltham, World Book Day was a delightful celebration filled with creativity and joy. Staff and pupils embraced the spirit of the day by dressing up as their favourite characters or donning comfy pyjamas to relax and read. The pupils embarked on an exciting reading trail, discovering beloved characters hidden around the building, including Paddington Bear, who was cleverly concealed behind his own book. Each pupil received book tokens to choose a World Book Day book from a local shop and were thrilled to take home their own special book. The day was brimming with artistic fun as pupils crafted their favourite characters out of potatoes using various arts and crafts materials. They also created imaginative narratives, read to their peers, and engaged in lively discussions about their favourite books, sharing the immense pleasure they derive from diving into the world of literature.

Sixth form Trip to Biggin Hill Airport

On the 27th of February, some of our Year 11 and sixth-form students went on an educational trip to London Biggin Hill Airport. This trip provided an exceptional opportunity for students studying Travel and Tourism, as well as those interested in the course, to discover the exciting world of the industry.

Biggin Hill, a historic site, is celebrated for its crucial role during the Battle of Britain in World War II, serving as a key fighter base that heroically protected Southeast England from German bombers.

In recent years, Biggin Hill has transformed into a vibrant hub for business flights, primarily catering to business jets and similarly sized aircraft, showcasing the endless possibilities within the aviation sector.

The students were fascinated as they explored various war bombers and absorbed the inspiring stories of bravery from both World Wars. They were also introduced to luxurious jets, opening doors to future business and apprenticeship opportunities in aviation.

During the visit, they captured unforgettable moments through pictures and embraced the exhilaration of stepping inside one of the remarkable jets, igniting their dreams and aspirations for a bright future.

Kind Regards,
Claire Pettman

Headteacher
Serenity School Eltham

PRICE Training at Serenity

We are pleased to share that due to our schools growth, 8 staff members were selected to complete the 5 Day PRICE (Protecting Rights In a Caring Environment) training to become trainers.


We are devoted to cultivating a positive atmosphere where both staff and students are treated with respect, appreciation, and encouragement. This training help to equip our teams with the necessary skills to manage behaviour in a caring and efficient way, ensuring the safety and rights of every student.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH 2024

 
On Wednesday 17th December, our students enjoyed our traditional Christmas lunch with Christmas Crackers, party hats, balloons and Christmas decorations to celebrate the occasion.  We even received a surprise visit from The Grinch! 
 
We are all looking forward to the festive break and our whole staff team would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
 
With warm wishes, 
 
Claire Pettman
Headteacher

FUNDRAISER FOR DEMELZA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

 
For our Asdan as part of our module, My Community, we decided to do a fund raiser for Demelza Children’s hospital. We made homemade cakes and lots of sweet treats to sell to staff and students.
 
Sue Ferguson
Teacher  
 
 

PRICE Training at Serenity

 
We’re proud to share that our dedicated PRICE trainers have successfully completed another round of PRICE (Protecting Rights In a Caring Environment) training for our new staff. 
 
This vital training equips our team with compassionate and effective behaviour management skills, ensuring that we can support every pupil’s rights and safety. At Serenity School, we are committed to creating a nurturing environment where both staff and pupils feel valued, respected, and empowered. 
 
A huge thank you to our trainers for their commitment and expertise!

TEEP Training at Serenity!

Our Teaching and Learning Leads across our schools recently completed an intensive three-day training in the Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Programme (TEEP), a research-based model that aligns closely with our vision of fostering inclusion, independence, and self-worth for both students and staff. This training led by the remarkable Andy Williams of SSAT UK, marks the first step in our journey to becoming a fully-fledged TEEP school.
 
The TEEP model is centred on creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments, designed to empower each individual within our school community. Through this training, our leaders explored impactful strategies that will help us nurture self-worth in students and staff, foster a greater sense of independence in learning, and promote a collaborative culture that values every voice.
 
In the coming months, Serenity Schools will work to embed the TEEP framework across all classrooms. With our senior leaders guiding the way, we are committed to making TEEP a central part of our educational culture, building a school community where inclusion, independence, and self-worth are at the heart of everything we do.

Parents Comments

“Enjoyed chatting and catching up with other mums. Would be nice to do this more often.”

“It was nice to meet with other parents.”

“It was lovely to meet with other parents, learn new things and exchange ideas.”




“Really enjoyed today! Great mums and teachers. Hope to do this again.”

“Enjoyed a lovely morning meeting other mums and staff. Thank you for making us so welcome and enabling us to see our Granddaughter’s school.”

The Great Serenity Spelling bee and Debate held at Eltham

Our literacy Focus for Summer 2 includes providing students with a valuable opportunity to improve their literacy, spelling and debating skills. On Tuesday, 18th June 2024 at 10:30am to 1:00pm, The Great Spelling Bee and Debate Competition was held at Serenity School, Eltham. Students showcased their spelling abilities, confidently tackling challenging words, and demonstrated exceptional debating skills, passionately arguing on the topic “Should vaping be banned in Schools?”.
We had 6 representatives from each of the Serenity Schools – Serenity Coulsdon, Crawley and Eltham, mostly from Lower School – Year 7, 8 and 9 students representing the competition.
The competition was opened by the Charmaine Ayisi, Director of SEND and Commissioning/Interim Headteacher at Serenity School Eltham. Also supporting the event was Ebere Emezie, the Chief Operating Officer, SED. Group Ltd, the Head of Upper School Eltham, Vivien Ochiama and Head of Lower School Eltham, Amanda Bridgeman. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and encouragement from peers, teachers, and the leadership team.
 
The event highlighted the importance of literacy, a passion for reading, critical thinking, and public speaking. This celebration served as an inspiring demonstration to the importance of literacy and a fun day out. All students received Spelling Bee medals, and a book prize while the winner Serenity Coulsdon won the trophy, celebrating their dedication and hard work. The awards and book prizes were presented to the winners by Charmaine Ayisi.

School Learning Partnership Day 3rd June 2024

 
All members of staff at Serenity Schools Group recently came together for an Inservice Training Day (INSET). During this comprehensive session, we had the opportunity to engage in planning and training activities designed to help us reflect, enhance our educational practices, and better support our students.
 
We also benefited from a session by Trauma Informed Schools UK on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), equipping us with strategies to support students who have experienced trauma and how to ensure that this does not become a barrier to their learning.
 
The highlight of the day was hearing from some of our Year 13 pupils who have recently gained admission into university and who shared their experiences of being students at Serenity School. Their insights and personal stories provided valuable perspectives, reinforcing the positive impact of our collective efforts and our commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Independence, and Self-Worth for all members of our school community.

World Book Day 2023 - Primary

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

February 7th – February 13th, 2022 is Children’s Mental Health Week. The theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is Growing Together.

Growing Together is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help each other grow. Challenges and setbacks can help us to grow and adapt and trying new things can help us to move beyond our comfort zone into a new realm of possibility and potential. However, emotional growth is often a gradual process that happens over time, and sometimes we might feel a bit ‘stuck’.

As parents and carers, you play an important role in your child’s mental health. Check out some free resources for families on the link below.

www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/parents-and-carers

Statement from the Headteacher

In addition to our robust COVID-19 action plan, I want to reassure parents/carers and all stakeholders that Serenity School Eltham has carried out a thorough COVID-19 Fog Decontamination procedure in school on Thursday 2nd December 2021. Please see our Decontamination Certificate attached.

I am also working in partnership with Public Health England, London Coronavirus Response Cell and Greenwich Local Authority for additional guidance to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 within our school community.

Trip to Tower of London

“Our Primary formal children were lucky enough to have their first school trip this year when they visited the Tower of London. The children were impeccably behaved and enjoyed the journey by train looking at the sights along the way. When we arrived at the Tower of London the children were amazed that an old building still existed and were impressed with how big it was! We saw the Crown Jewels and were bedazzled with just how bright and big the jewels were. We saw lots of Ravens and we found at that they are called the guards of the tower and we also learned lots of gory facts about what happened in the Tower. There was so much to see and learn about the White Tower, the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, Battlements, Medieval Palace, Bloody Tower, Torture at the Tower exhibition, Fusiliers Museum, and Royal Mint exhibition. We had a fantastic day and were very well behaved!”

Year 11 successes

Despite COVID-19, we are excited that the 2020-21 academic year was a huge success for our year 11 pupils at Serenity School Eltham. We are pleased to announce that 100% of our year 11s were able to secure a qualification in Maths and English and 83% successfully achieved our Serenity Baccalaureate (5 or more qualifications). It is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, that all pupils have chosen to remain on at our prestigious Serenity School Eltham Sixth Form.

Welcome 12s, 7s and total number of new students

We want to formally welcome all new pupils including our sixth formers to Serenity School Eltham in September 2021. We now have approximately 80 pupils and young people on roll across the school. However, we maintain our very small pupil to adult ratio of assigning no more than 8 pupils in each class.
Our classes are structured as follows:

Primary phase

  1. Nurture groups
  2. Semiformal groups
  3. Formal group

Key Stag 3

  1. Semiformal groups
  2. Formal groups

Key Stage 4/5

  1. Semiformal group
  2. Formal groups
  3. Sixth Form group

What’s new

We have also appointed 20 additional staff at various levels within the school. This is to ensure we provide the required1:1 and small group support as outlined on learners EHCPs and IEPs. We have now implemented our robust 3 Tier Curriculum (Nurture-Informal, Semiformal and Formal) Pathways to create a more bespoke learning experience, and to meet the diverse needs of our pupils across the school community.

Reminder of first days at school etc.

We are welcoming back all existing pupils from Monday 6th September 2021. All new pupils will have their transition day on Friday 3rd September 2021. All Primary phase new pupils will officially start on Monday 13th September 2021.

Scroll to Top