Primary Voices, Secondary Choices - Why choose Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary Schools?

We are proud to share our latest video spotlighting James Thompson, Headteacher at Hawksmoor Primary School, as he explains why he confidently recommends Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys and Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls to his Year 6 pupils and their families.

Mr Thompson speaks to the strong academic foundations, inclusive ethos, and outstanding pastoral care that define the PolyMAT secondary experience. His perspective offers valuable reassurance to families preparing for the next step in their child’s education.

Watch the full video to see how strong partnerships between primary and secondary schools help shape successful futures.

#PolyMAT #PolyMATSchools #PrimaryVoicesSecondaryChoices #woolwichpolytechnicschoolforgirls #woolwichpolytechnicschoolforboys

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.

Episode 4 is here! We’re proud to share the next chapter in our heartfelt video series, Our School, their choice - a celebration of the voices that matter most: our parents and carers.

As we count down to the summer holidays, we’re releasing a new video each week, each one capturing the powerful reasons families choose Woolwich Polytechnic schools.

In this week’s episodes, we asked two simple but powerful questions:

💬 “Would you say your child feels safe at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys?”

💬 “Do you feel that your child is happy here at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls?” 

At both schools, we believe that safety and happiness are the foundations of success. From our dedicated pastoral teams to our inclusive cultures and strong staff-student relationships, everything we do is built on care, respect, and community.

Watch now to hear inspiring stories from our school community and see why our schools are more than just places of learning. Subscribe to our channel to follow the series and hear more from the families who make our community so special.
 

We are so pleased to share the third episode in our video series, Our School, Their Choice. This series offers a heartfelt window into the reasons why families choose to become part of our school community. With each new release, we continue to celebrate the voices of our parents and carers - capturing the trust, hopes, and aspirations they hold for their children’s educational journey.

In the third video of our series, we asked one powerful question: “Why did you choose our school for your child?” Their answers are honest, moving, and filled with emotion - stories of belonging, trust, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your child is in safe and caring hands.

Each week, as we count down to the summer holidays, we’ll be releasing a new video that captures these beautiful moments.

Be sure to subscribe to our channel to catch every inspiring story. Watch now:
 

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of inviting parents and carers from both Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys and Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls to share their personal stories on camera.

These heartfelt interviews offer a genuine insight into what makes our school communities so special - from first-day nerves to proud milestones, and the everyday moments that shape a student’s journey.

In the second video of our series, we asked one simple but powerful question:
“How would you describe your child’s journey at our school?”
The responses are honest, moving, and a true reflection of the care, support, and opportunities we strive to provide every day.

We’ll be releasing a new video each week in the lead-up to the summer holidays. Follow our page and subscribe to our YouTube channel to hear more inspiring stories from the families who make our schools what they are.
 

Something exciting is coming soon...

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been working on a special project with parents and carers, to share their experiences on film. Through open and honest conversations, they’ve reflected on their journey with our two secondary schools, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls and Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys.

This has been an incredibly insightful and rewarding experience, allowing us to connect deeply with families and hear first hand about their children’s growth and education. Their support and contributions have brought this project to life. A huge thank you to everyone who has taken time to be part of this project, we appreciate you.

The insights and perspectives that these parents and carers have shared will have a significant impact on shaping our school communities and showcasing the incredible experiences within our schools.

So watch this space - we can’t wait to share more soon!