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.

Year 7 Take On the Tetrahedron Challenge with The Helix Group

On Monday 26th January, our Year 7 students took part in an exciting Tetrahedron Challenge led by the Helix Group and they absolutely rose to the occasion.

Throughout the workshop, students developed key transferable skills including communication, teamwork, active listening, and problem‑solving as they worked together to design and build a prototype tetrahedron for a playground structure.

They also had the chance to explore a range of careers within the construction industry, learning about roles such as quantity surveyor, health and safety manager, and engineer. This hands‑on insight opened their eyes to the many pathways available in STEM and the built environment.

We are especially proud that our girls were the first students in the country to take part in this new workshop, which will soon be rolled out nationwide. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and natural aptitude for STEM shone through from start to finish.

Thank you to Ms Barrett for bringing this wonderful learning opportunity to our students. A huge well done to all involved - the future of engineering is looking bright.

 

This 11-week course primarily offers effective strategies to manage the challenges of parenting teenagers. The skills learned are transferable and have increased in their use in other areas e.g., schools and workplace settings and other agencies and services. They have been endorsed by employers.

NVR stands for non-violent resistance, and the programme addresses challenging, problematic, and self-destructive, concerning behaviours in children and adolescents. The methods and ideas of non-violent resistance were first introduced by Professor Haim Omer in Tel Aviv and stem from the political struggles of such figures as Mahatma Gandhi, and civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks. They are used in family settings and the wider community. The course can help parents and carers overcome their sometimes sense of helplessness, develop a support network that helps address destructive behaviours both in and out of the home and improve relationships between family members and the outside world.

Attendees will explore how they can:

• Become a positive, authoritative presence in their children’s lives.
• Strengthen relationships.
• De-escalate challenging situations.
• Develop a robust network of supporters.
• Take a firm, authoritative stance against behaviours of concern.
• Explore how the strategies can be utilised in other settings.

• Start date: 3 February 2026 (10am – 12noon)
• Duration: Every Tuesday for 11 weeks
• Venue: Moorings Sociable Club, Arnotts Close, Thamesmead SE28 8BG
• Cost: Free
• Audience: Parents/carers of young people who attend Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls 

Coordinators:
Jane Prescott – NVR Coordinator/Member of the NVR association
Natasha Friend - School Counsellor

To register email: JaPrescott@woolwichpolygirls.co.uk

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls has been formally commended by the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, for achieving exceptional outcomes for disadvantaged pupils at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. The school’s performance places it among the highest‑achieving schools nationally, marking a significant milestone for the community.

In her letter of congratulations, the Secretary of State praised the school’s “excellent outcomes” and highlighted the dedication of staff and the hard work of pupils as key drivers of success. She noted that Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls’ achievements “show what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together,” and encouraged the school to continue leading the way in sharing best practice across the sector.

The Department for Education has also identified opportunities for the school to support wider system improvement, including through active engagement with RISE networks, collaboration with local schools and trusts, and continued focus on raising outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

This national recognition reflects the collective effort of teaching and associate staff, whose commitment to excellence has helped secure life‑changing opportunities for young people across the community.

Comment from Ms L Williams, Headteacher, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

“I am delighted that Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls has been recognised nationally for the exceptional outcomes achieved by our disadvantaged pupils. Receiving this commendation from the Secretary of State is a testament to the relentless dedication of our staff and the determination of our students, who consistently rise to every challenge with ambition and resilience.

This achievement reflects the strength of our community - a community built on high expectations, compassion, and a shared belief in the potential of every girl who walks through our doors. I am incredibly proud of our teachers, support staff, and pupils whose collective effort has made this recognition possible.

We remain committed to sustaining this excellence, continuing to champion disadvantaged pupils, and working collaboratively with partners across the sector to share what works. Thank you to everyone who contributes to making our school such a powerful place for young people to thrive.”

Comment from Mr T Plumb, CEO of PolyMAT

“Congratulations and thank you. I want every member of staff across both schools to know just how significant this recognition is. To receive commendations from the Secretary of State is a rare honour, and it speaks directly to the exceptional standard of care, teaching, and support that defines our Trust.

I am incredibly proud of and deeply grateful to all our staff and students. This achievement reflects the extraordinary difference you make to the lives of young people every single day. Your dedication ensures that our pupils, particularly those facing the greatest challenges, are given the opportunities, encouragement, and belief they need to thrive.

This is a moment for our whole Trust to celebrate. It reinforces what we already know: that PolyMAT is a community of excellence, compassion, and ambition. Thank you for everything you do and for the impact you have on the futures of our young people.”