Dear families,
After a successful summer of results for students, and securing progression to an increasingly wide range of high level apprenticeships and universities, we are looking forward to welcoming you back to school next week.
First Week Arrangements
We will look forward to welcoming years 7,11 and 12 on Wednesday 3 September. Students should arrive for the start of registration at 8.45am and will need to go straight to their tutor rooms.
All other year groups will return to school on Thursday 4 September at 8.45am.
Students should come prepared for lessons with the correct equipment such as pens, pencils and a ruler. Here is a reminder of the equipment needed for school http://tgschool.net/equipment-list
Uniform Reminders
The wearing of the correct school uniform fosters a sense of unity and belonging.
We would appreciate your assistance in supporting your child to wear the Thomas Gainsborough School uniform correctly. A detailed guide can be found via the following link: www.tgschool.net/uniform, or alternatively www.tgschool.net/policies then selecting Behaviour Policy 2025-2026, with uniform detailed in Appendix C, pages 26 and 27.
Please note that as of July 2025, no false eyelashes or nails are permitted.
Transport Changes
Last week we received updated travel information from the bus companies. This is summarised on our transport page where we keep the most up to date information. www.tgschool.net/transport At the bottom of this page are links to the travel companies where you can get full information on stops and times.
Please note that Chambers & Hedingham buses have rebranded to Konect, and will change route numbers from this Sunday. Their routes linking Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Colchester (formerly 84, 753 and 784) have been redesigned as a family of services 43, 43A, 43B and X43. Information about their changes are online at Konectbuses Unveils Its Expanded Suffolk Bus Routes with County Council Support - KonectBuses
Go4Schools and Groupings
We leave Go4Schools available during the holiday for families to access previous school reports, exam results and any activities set for the summer.
However, while we prepare our systems for the coming year you may see conflicting or inaccurate information in Go4Schools, and on the student's Outlook calendar.
Final confirmation of groups and timetables will be printed ready for students on their first day at school next week. Following trials of new groupings in Year 7 last year, there will be some further changes to students Year 8 classes. Go4Schools is also a day behind changes as it updates each evening.
We will let you know when Go4Schools is accurate and how as families of new students you can login.
Rewards Trip
Just a reminder that our Rewards Trips are on Friday 5 September.
Students going to Chessington World of Adventures need to meet in the bus park for 7.45am. We will be returning to school 7.30-8pm, students will be in touch during the return journey with an exact time. Please do not park in the bus turning circle. With 8 coaches returning the Leisure Centre carpark is likely to be busy - we will open the gates beside the library so that parents can park on the beach carpark and walk along the path.
Students going to Braintree Freeport need to meet in the bus park for 8.30am and will be returning to school for 4pm.
School Gateway Payments - new students
To activate your School Gateway account, you need to use your email address and mobile number that school holds on record for you. Download the app: If you have a Smartphone, please download School Gateway from your app store (Android and iPhone). The app shows the same information as the website. OR Visit the website: www.schoolgateway.com and click ‘New User’. You will receive a text message with a PIN number. Use this PIN to log into School Gateway. If you are having trouble logging in, it may be because we do not have your current email and mobile number on record. Please call us and we will update your details. We hope that you will find School Gateway to be a fast and easy way to pay for school events and items in the future.