This weeks Flyer

 

FORT ROYAL FLYER

14/07/2026

Message from Mr Francis

 

As many of you know, I will be retiring at the end of this academic year after ten wonderful years as Headteacher of Fort Royal. It is difficult to put into words what this school has meant to me.

It has been an enormous privilege to know and work alongside so many remarkable children. Every child who has walked through our doors has brought something unique to our school community. Their resilience, determination, humour, kindness and achievements have been a constant source of joy, inspiration and pride. I will miss their smiles, their laughter and the many moments that have made every day at Fort Royal so special.

I would also like to thank all of our parents and carers. Thank you for the trust you have placed in us, and for your kindness, encouragement and support over the years. Educating children with additional needs is always a partnership, and I have been continually grateful for the way our families have worked alongside the school to help every child reach their full potential.

To our wonderful staff, I offer my heartfelt thanks. Your unwavering commitment, professionalism and dedication to our children are truly exceptional. I have been fortunate to work with such talented and caring colleagues, whose compassion and determination make Fort Royal such a special place.

Although I am looking forward to the next chapter, I leave with mixed emotions because Fort Royal has been such an important part of my life. My wife is also retiring this summer after many years as a French teacher, and together we are looking forward to beginning our retirement with a cycling holiday in Brittany before travelling to Australia later in the year to spend time with our son, who lives there.

Most importantly, I leave knowing that the school is in excellent hands. I have every confidence that Fort Royal will continue to go from strength to strength under Lara's leadership, supported by an exceptional staff team and dedicated governors. The future of the school is incredibly bright, and I know that our children and families will continue to receive the outstanding care, support and education they deserve.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being part of your children's lives. It has been an honour that I will always treasure, and I will carry many wonderful memories of Fort Royal with me into retirement. I wish every child, every family and every member of staff continued health, happiness and success in the years ahead.

With my very best wishes,

Ed Francis

 

 

Dates for your Diary

16/07/2026 Year 6 Leavers Service

16/07/2026 Last Day of School

03/09/2026 Return to School

 

GDPR In line with GDPR, all staff and students have the right to give or withdraw their consent for the use of their personal information at any time.

 

Mr Francis retirement interview

Have you enjoyed your time at Fort Royal?

They have been the best years of my life. I've been teaching for 35 years, and this has been the happiest and most rewarding period of my career.

What has been your biggest achievement?

It's probably a bit of a boring answer, but making sure the school has enough money to provide the staff we need has been my biggest achievement... and, of course, my assemblies!

What are you going to miss about Fort Royal?

The children. If I'm ever feeling a bit sad, I just think about the children here and it always brings a smile to my face. I'll also miss all the wonderful staff, although I definitely won't miss the long drive to and from school!

What is your favourite school dinner?

Definitely the roast beef, and I like any pudding with custard.

What is your favourite memory at Fort Royal?

Sports Day 2025. It was a fantastic day and one I'll always remember.

What are your plans for retirement?

My wife is also a teacher, and she's retiring at the same time. We're going to France in September to cycle along the canals. In October, we're travelling to Australia. One of our sons has been living there for the past four years, so we're looking forward to seeing him and doing some travelling while we're there. I'd also like to spend more time enjoying my hobby of painting

 

Class 1

Class 1's topic this half term has been All About Me. The children have looked at themselves in mirrors and made marks on photographs of themselves. During reading, they shared stories about different parts of the body and enjoyed washing the dolls. In maths, the children counted teddies in the bed and explored big and small tools in the sand. They also enjoyed singing songs such as Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and playing a variety of musical instruments during music.

Class 25

What a fantastic Summer 2 term we’ve had in UKS2! The children have been busy making wonderful memories, from taking part in Sports Day to preparing for the Leavers’ Service. Our Year 6 children also enjoyed their transition visits to Regency, helping them feel excited and ready for their next adventure. The hot weather gave us the perfect excuse for some extra fun, with paddling pools, water play and plenty of opportunities to cool down and enjoy time together outdoors. In literacy, we explored The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig, a fun twist on a traditional fairy tale. The children loved learning about different homes around the world, finding their own houses on Google Maps and using their creativity to design and build houses of their own. Music has continued to be a favourite part of our timetable. With the help of Nicola, our music specialist, the children have been developing their musical skills and confidence. We have explored a range of instruments, learned simple songs on the keyboard and even had a go at playing the ukulele! We are so proud of everything the children have achieved this term. They have shown enthusiasm, creativity and resilience, and have worked incredibly hard while having lots of fun along the way. We wish all of our Year 6 children the very best as they move on to their exciting new chapter