A Year to Remember: Celebrating 2024–2025 at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

This video offers just a glimpse into the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past year. From welcoming our new Year 7 students and celebrating their first steps into secondary school, to being recognised as the top-performing girls’ school in Greenwich - it has been a year full of proud moments.

We’ve celebrated student achievements, hosted countless fundraising events (including our standout Odds and Socks Day, where we raised an amazing £518!), and ended the year with heartfelt goodbyes to our Year 11 leavers and the unforgettable Culture Day.

We want to extend our deepest thanks to our students, staff, families, and community partners for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. This year, we’ve shared more content than ever before - from videos and articles to behind-the-scenes moments, capturing the spirit of Poly life and celebrating every success, big and small.

Thank you for every like, share, and kind comment. Here’s to another fantastic year ahead!

On Monday 21st July, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls welcomed families, governors, and guests to its annual Celebration Evening 2025 - a heartfelt tribute to the academic progress, creative expression, and leadership qualities of our students.

The evening reflected the school’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity, featuring:

• Subject Awards for students in Years 7 to 10, spotlighting individual commitment and curriculum success across English, Science, Maths, the Arts, and Humanities.

• A proud moment of recognition as students received their Prefect Badges, symbolising trust, responsibility, and peer leadership.

• Live performances showcased the musical talent of our community: the Vocal Ensemble moved the audience with “Perfect” and “Speechless,” while the WPSfG Concert Band energised the hall with Pirates of the Caribbean.

• Warm hosting from the Head Prefect Team- Ellie, Kirpah, Toluwani and Gessy.

• Special Prizes honoured extraordinary dedication, resilience, and community spirit, reminding us that success comes in many forms.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came from guest speaker Dr. Yewande Oduwole, award-winning dentist and advocate for diversity in STEM. Her speech resonated powerfully with our students, encouraging them to dream boldly and work persistently toward their goals.

The event was opened by Ms. S. Seale, Assistant Headteacher, and brought to a close by Ms. Williams, Headteacher, whose final words celebrated not just achievements, but the character and courage of our students.

Heartfelt thanks to all the staff, families and guests who made the evening such a vibrant celebration of potential and progress.

Watch now:

Here’s a helpful roundup of free support services available to students and parents/carers during the summer holidays when schools are closed but needs still arise:

Food & Essentials

• Holiday Food and Fun Programme Free holiday clubs offering meals and activities for children aged 4–16 who receive benefit-related free school meals. Includes inclusive sessions for children with SEND. Locations across Woolwich, Plumstead, Eltham, Thamesmead and more.
• Free Holiday Meals available at libraries and leisure centres across Greenwich - no booking required. Check days and locations via the council’s website.
• Trussell Trust Food Banks Emergency food parcels and support across the UK. Find your nearest location using the Trussell Trust food bank finder.
• Family Action FOOD Clubs Affordable weekly food boxes and holiday support for families.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

• Childline (Ages 18 and under) Free, confidential support via phone (0800 1111), chat, or email. Explore resources at Childline’s summer support page.
• Shout Text Service (Ages 10+) Text CONNECT to 85258 for free 24/7 mental health support. More info at Give Us A Shout.
• ThinkNinja App (Ages 10–18) Free mental health app with tools for managing anxiety, stress, and low mood. Available on app stores.
• Kooth If you or someone you know needs extra mental wellbeing support during the holidays, Kooth are here. Visit go.kooth.com/idp for any Children or Young Person to be able to refer themselves or with your help.

Family & Parenting Support

• Young Greenwich Parenting Support (METRO Charity) Free advice and support for parents of children aged 10–19 (or up to 25 with SEND). Available to all families living in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
• Families Information Service (Royal Greenwich) Help with childcare, SEND support, and local services for families with children up to age 19 (or 25 with SEND).
• Greenwich Community Directory A searchable hub of local services, events, and support groups.
• FamilyLine by Family Action Free emotional support for parents via phone, text, email, or web chat.
• Parenting Smart by Place2Be Practical advice and tips for managing children’s wellbeing. Explore resources at Parenting Smart.
• YoungMinds Parent Helpline Free advice for parents worried about their child’s mental health. Call 0808 802 5544 or visit YoungMinds.

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls Staff Challenge #2

On Saturday 5th July we laced up our boots and took on the scenic route from Minnis Bay to Reculver and back.

It was a day filled with sunshine, laughter, and meaningful conversations - a true breath of fresh air.

There’s something truly uplifting about stepping away from the everyday and coming together as a team.

These challenges give our staff the chance to reconnect, recharge, and strengthen the bonds that make our school community so special.

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Year 10 student Precious, who was named Runner-Up at the 2024-2025 Grand Final of Jack Petchey's "Speak Out" Challenge held at the Cambridge Theatre, London, on Monday 7th July 2025.

Precious was one of just 15 finalists selected from over 35,000 entries across London and Essex. Her powerful and deeply personal speech on sickle cell captivated an audience of nearly 1,000 guests and earned her second place in this highly competitive event.

This remarkable accomplishment reflects Precious’s courage, eloquence, and commitment to raising awareness about an important health issue. Her success is a source of immense pride for the entire school community.

We are incredibly proud of Precious and all that she has achieved. To be recognised on such a prestigious stage is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the strength of her voice.

 Teen Reading Challenge - Summer Fun at Greenwich Libraries! 

This summer, teens aged 11 and up are invited to take part in an exciting reading challenge across Greenwich libraries! 

All they need to do is read 4 books of their choice. Once completed, they’ll earn a £10 Love2Shop voucher – perfect for spending at loads of popular high street stores! 

It’s a great way to dive into new stories, explore different worlds, and get rewarded for it!