Greenwich has emerged as the strongest-performing borough in south‑east London, according to the latest Department for Education results. With 72 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths during the 2024–2025 academic year, Greenwich sits well ahead of Bromley, Southwark, Lewisham and Bexley.

This year’s outcomes highlight a borough where high achievement is widespread, consistent and deeply embedded across its schools. Greenwich’s performance places it firmly at the forefront of primary education in the region.

Bannockburn Primary School stands out within a high‑achieving borough.

Among the many strong results across Greenwich, Bannockburn Primary School achieved 73 per cent, placing it securely within the borough’s upper-performing schools. The school’s success reflects its commitment to high‑quality teaching, strong leadership and a culture that supports every child to thrive.

As a trust, we are incredibly proud to have Bannockburn as part of our family of schools, and its performance this year is a testament to the dedication and expertise of its staff and community.

Why Greenwich’s results matter

To meet the expected standard, pupils must achieve the benchmark in all three subjects, reading, writing and maths, making these figures a robust indicator of overall attainment. Greenwich’s ability to outperform every neighbouring borough demonstrates:

• a stronger overall educational landscape
• more schools exceeding national expectations
• greater consistency across the borough, not just isolated high performers

This year’s results reinforce Greenwich’s position as a borough where educational excellence is the norm.

Winter Lights at Canary Wharf 

If you are looking for something fun, free, and a bit different to brighten up the winter evenings, Winter Lights at Canary Wharf is the perfect half‑term escape. The festival is celebrating its tenth birthday this year and runs from Tuesday 20th January to Saturday 31st January, with the lights glowing from 5.00pm to 10.00pm every evening.

This year’s theme, DREAMSCAPE, feels like stepping into another world. There are sixteen incredible light installations created by artists from across the globe - glowing structures, moving displays, and immersive pieces that make you stop, take photos, and just enjoy the moment.

You can wander through colourful tunnels, explore giant illuminated sculptures, and discover interactive installations that are great fun for teenagers and adults alike. It is creative, surreal, and a brilliant way to spend an evening without spending any money.

Whether you are heading out with friends, taking a family trip, or just looking for something inspiring to do after school, Winter Lights is a fantastic way to get out, explore, and enjoy the city. And the best part is that it is completely free.

As temperatures continue to drop, we want to make sure our students are staying warm, healthy, and ready to learn each day.

Cold mornings can be tough, so here are a few simple ways to look after yourself during the winter months:

Top Tips for Staying Warm This Winter:

• Wear your blazer and coat: These are part of your uniform for a reason - they help keep you warm on the way to and from school. Please make sure you are wearing both during colder weather.
• Layer up: Wearing several thin layers is more effective than one thick layer, helping to trap warm air close to the body.
• Bring your winter essentials: Hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks make a big difference on cold mornings.
• Eat something warm: A hot drink or breakfast can make a big difference to your energy and focus.

Wishing You an Inspiring New Year!

As we welcome 2026, we reflect on the incredible achievements and progress made across our Trust in 2025. Together - students, staff, families, and our wider community - we have built a foundation of collaboration, creativity, and resilience that makes us proud.

The year ahead is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and inspire. We look forward to continuing this journey with you, supporting one another, and creating even more moments of success and joy.

From all of us at PolyMAT, we wish you and your families an inspiring, positive, and fulfilling New Year. Here’s to a year of innovation, togetherness, and endless possibilities!

Happy New Year!

The festive season is all about joy, family, and great food - but it doesn’t have to break the bank. UK supermarkets are spreading cheer with incredible deals on your favourite Christmas vegetables. From carrots and potatoes to Brussels sprouts and parsnips, you can stock up for just pennies and create a feast that’s both tasty and budget-friendly.

Aldi - “Festive Super Six” (5 pence each)

Dates: from 19 Dec – 24 Dec 2025. Offer (each item limited to 4 per customer):

• White potatoes (2 kg) – 5 p
• Carrots (1 kg) – 5 p
• Parsnips (500 g) – 5 p
• Red & white cabbage (each) – 5 p
• Brussels sprouts (500 g) – 5 p
• Swede (each) – 5 p 

Lidl - Festive Veg at 5 pence

Dates: 18 Dec – 24 Dec 2025. Offer (nationwide):

• Brussels sprouts (500 g) – 5 p
• Carrots (1 kg) – 5 p
• White potatoes (2 kg) – 5 p
• Swede (each) – 5 p
• Parsnips (500 g) – 5 p
• Deluxe echalion shallots (300 g) – 5 p

Morrisons - 5 p Festive Veg (More Card holders)

Dates: 18 Dec – 26 Dec 2025. Offer (limit 8 per item):

• Carrots (1 kg) – 5 p
• Parsnips (500 g) – 5 p
• Brussels sprouts (500 g) – 5 p
• Swede (whole) – 5 p 
• Additional: Roasting potatoes (1.5 kg) – £1 (non-card)

Tesco - Clubcard Member Prices at 15 p

Dates: 18 Dec – 24 Dec 2025. Offer:

• Carrots (1 kg) – 15 p
• Potatoes (2 kg) – 15 p
• Parsnips (500 g) – 15 p
• Brussels sprouts – 15 p
• Broccoli (each) – 15 p
• Swede, red cabbage – 15 p each

Sainsbury’s - Nectar Card Holders, 15 p Veg

Dates: 18 Dec – 24 Dec 2025. Offer:

• Carrots (1 kg) – 15 p
• Potatoes (2 kg) – 15 p
• Parsnips (500 g) – 15 p
• Brussels sprouts, swede, red & white cabbage – 15 p each 

Asda - 15 p Main Veg (Everyone)

Dates: 18 Dec – 24 Dec 2025. Offer:

• Carrots (1 kg) – 15 p
• Potatoes (2 kg) – 15 p
• Parsnips (500 g) – 15 p
• Brussels sprouts – 15 p
• Broccoli, swede – 15 p each 

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

Food & Essentials

• Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme - Free clubs with meals for children on free school meals.
• Royal Greenwich Holiday Food & Fun - Free meals and activities across Woolwich, Plumstead, Eltham, Thamesmead.
• Trussell Trust Food Banks - Emergency food parcels nationwide.
• Family Action FOOD Clubs - Affordable food boxes and holiday support.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

• Childline - Free confidential help for under-19s (0800 1111).
• Shout - Text CONNECT to 85258 for 24/7 mental health support.
• ThinkNinja App - Free mental health tools for ages 10–18.

Helplines Open on Christmas Day

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Papyrus (Suicide Prevention for Young People): 0800 068 4141
• NHS Mental Health Crisis Line: Call 111 (Option 2)
• Refuge (Domestic Abuse): 0808 2000 247
• Shout Text Service: Text 85258

Family & Parenting Support

• Family Hubs & Start for Life - Parenting advice and early years support.
• FamilyLine by Family Action - Emotional support for parents.
• YoungMinds Parent Helpline - Advice for children’s mental health (0808 802 5544).
• Parenting Smart by Place2Be - Practical wellbeing tips.

Extra Christmas Help

• Grants & Appeals - Turn2Us, Family Action Welfare Grants, Cash for Kids, Salvation Army Toy Appeal.
• Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal – Gifts for children in need.