On Friday, we were honoured to welcome over 30 incredible women into WPG for our International Women’s Day celebrations. These inspirational guests generously gave up their time to speak with our students, sharing their journeys, challenges, and achievements across an amazing variety of careers.

Our Year 7s took part in a Famous Careers Carousel, rotating between speakers and exploring new possibilities for their futures.
Meanwhile, Years 8 - 10 enjoyed interactive assemblies led by four of our brilliant guest speakers - each offering insight, motivation, and real-life stories that truly resonated with our girls.

We were incredibly fortunate to host women from such a wide range of professions, including the police, fire brigade, solicitors, MP, funeral directors, local councillors, health & safety, dog grooming, and many more.

We were especially proud to showcase women in underrepresented industries, such as site managers in large-scale construction projects and project managers, demonstrating the power of representation and visibility in shaping young minds.

A huge thank you to every speaker who joined us - your presence made a lasting impact, and our girls left feeling inspired, empowered, and full of ambition. 

Proud Hosts, Proud Champions: WPSfG Wins the Greenwich Regional Final

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls was proud to host the Greenwich Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge on 24 February 2026. The evening was a powerful celebration of youth voice, confidence and creativity, with each speaker demonstrating remarkable courage and authenticity.

Representing Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls were three exceptional Year 10 students - Yaiza, Daniela and Fatiha  all of whom delivered confident and compelling speeches that made a strong impression on the audience.

However, the highlight of the evening for our school, and a moment of immense pride for our entire community, was the outstanding achievement of Fatiha Sanni, who was named Regional Champion. Her speech was delivered with exceptional clarity, insight and emotional impact, earning her the top honour of the night. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and the hard work, dedication and maturity she demonstrated on stage. This is a truly significant achievement, and we could not be prouder.

The results of the evening were:

• Regional Champion: Fatiha - Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls
• Runner-Up: Nia - Eltham Hill School
• Third Place: Isabella - Eltham Hill School

We congratulate all the winners and commend every participant for contributing to a memorable and meaningful event.

Adding to the atmosphere were superb musical performances from our talented students Elisha, Neriah and Isimeme, who showcased their vocal and piano skills and helped make the evening even more special.

We were also delighted to support our partner school, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, whose Year 10 representative Dyuvan delivered a fantastic speech and represented his school with confidence and conviction.

A heartfelt thank you to the Jack Petchey Foundation for making this opportunity possible, and to Councillor Ann‑Marie Cousins of Abbey Wood Ward, who kindly joined us to present the certificates and awards to our young people. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms J. Ross, whose dedication and behind‑the‑scenes leadership made this event, and our involvement in the Speak Out Challenge, such a success.

Hosting the regional final was an honour for Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, and the evening highlighted the courage, talent and sense of community that define our students. It was a night we will remember with great pride - especially as we celebrate Fatiha’s remarkable success as Regional Champion.

‘It was a wonderful evening that showcased the confidence and talent of our young people. I was especially proud of Fatiha, whose outstanding speech earned her the title of Regional Champion - a remarkable achievement for her and for our school. I was equally proud of Yaiza and Daniela, who represented the school so beautifully and spoke from the heart with honesty and courage. The evening highlighted once again how remarkable, creative and talented our young people are.’
Ms L. Williams, Headteacher

Relive the incredible moment Fatiha was announced as the Greenwich Regional Champion at Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge.

 

Why Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls Is the Perfect Choice

National Offer Day is today, and families across the borough are finding out which secondary school their daughter will be joining this September. We know how important this moment is, and we understand the need for reassurance that she will be safe, supported, and encouraged to achieve her very best. At Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, that is exactly what we offer.

Our school is a warm, inclusive, and ambitious community where young women grow academically, socially, and personally. We believe in every student - and we help them develop the confidence to believe in themselves.

Why families choose Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

• A nurturing and empowering environment where girls feel valued, respected, and encouraged to flourish
• High academic standards delivered through dedicated, expert teaching
• Exceptional pastoral support that prioritises wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth
• A culture of leadership and aspiration, inspiring girls to speak up, lead confidently, and celebrate their achievements
• A broad range of enrichment opportunities that spark curiosity and help students discover their passions

If your daughter has received an offer from us today, she will be joining a community that celebrates her potential and supports her every step of the way.

We are delighted to celebrate the fantastic success of students from Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls and Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys who took part in this year’s UKMT Team Maths Challenge.

The girls’ team finished in 15th place and the boys’ team in 16th place, separated by just a single point - a clear reflection of how closely matched, focused, and competitive the event was. Competing against grammar, private, and international schools, both teams demonstrated impressive mathematical ability, teamwork, and resilience throughout the day.

The Trust extends a huge thank you to the Premises Team for supporting with transport and remaining with the group for the entire day. Sincere thanks also go to the wider team for their invaluable support with logistics. Mr M. Barrett and Mrs F. Abdulsalam‑Mustafa are recognised for their ongoing commitment to supporting both teams every Tuesday.

Message from Ms Williams, Headteacher of Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls: “Well done! It is always wonderful to see our girls and boys working together. This was a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills and build their confidence. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this happen!”

Message from Mr Lawrence, Headteacher of Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys: “Well done to all the students who took part in this year’s UKMT Team Maths Challenge. Their teamwork, determination, and enthusiasm were outstanding. It is fantastic to see our boys and girls working together and embracing the challenge. Thank you to all staff whose support made this opportunity possible.”

Inspiring Futures Together: Careers Carousel for International Women’s Day at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

On Friday 6 March, we will be welcoming women from a wide range of professions to Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls for our Careers Carousel Event, held in celebration of International Women’s Day.

This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and help inspire the young women in our school as they explore the many career paths open to them. Your experiences and insights can make a real difference in shaping the confidence and aspirations of the next generation of female leaders.

If you’re interested in taking part this year, please contact Miss Burrows at RBurrows@polymat.co.uk for more information. Feel free to pass this on to anyone in your network who might be interested.

Below is a snapshot from last year’s incredible event.

Safer Internet Day 2026: Helpful AI Safety Resources for Parents and Carers

Safer Internet Day 2026 takes place on Tuesday 10 February, with the theme “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.” This theme reflects how artificial intelligence now shapes many aspects of children’s online lives, from personalised recommendations to voice assistants and homework tools.

To support families, we have gathered a collection of trusted UK-specific resources offering practical guidance, conversation ideas, and age-appropriate support.

Official Guidance from the UK Safer Internet Centre

The UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) provides the key resources for Safer Internet Day 2026. Their dedicated hub includes advice on using AI safely, talking to children about new technologies, and supporting responsible digital choices at home.

Practical Advice and Conversation Starters

A parent-friendly information letter is also available. It explains how AI affects the information children see online, how AI may be used during homework, and the potential risks linked with misuse such as scams or manipulated images. It also provides conversation starters to help families approach the topic confidently.
Download the letter

ParentLine – UK’s AI Online Safety Assistant

ParentLine is the UK’s first AI‑powered online safety assistant for parents. It provides clear, practical guidance on online risks, apps, games, social media, AI tools, cyberbullying, privacy settings and more. It uses verified information from the NSPCC, Internet Matters and the UK Safer Internet Centre.

AI Safety Resources Designed for Parents

The London Grid for Learning (LGfL) offers specific materials to help families navigate generative AI. These include an explainer video, a downloadable parent letter, and a ready-made presentation for running parent information sessions.
LGfL resources

NSPCC – AI Safety Tips for Parents

The NSPCC provides trusted, expert‑backed tips on how AI tools work, what risks they pose to children, how to recognise AI‑generated content and how to talk to children about what they’re seeing online.

UNICEF – Guidance on AI and Children

Global guidance focused on children’s rights in the age of AI. Helps parents understand AI risks, child data protection, fairness, transparency and how global changes affect young people.

Why These Resources Matter

AI is increasingly present in children’s everyday digital interactions. Whether through search results, games, online platforms, homework support or social media, children often engage with AI without realising it. Providing families with accurate information and practical tools helps children:

• Recognise when AI is being used
• Think critically about information online
• Understand the limitations and risks of AI
• Make safe and responsible choices

These resources empower parents and carers to guide children confidently and support positive digital experiences.