Weekly Update
25/03/26
Message from the Headteacher
Last week our students enjoyed the Year 7 and 8 Interhouse Netball competitions, showing fantastic teamwork and enthusiasm. Selected students from Years 8 and 9 also took part in the Team Maths Challenge at Lancaster University School of Mathematics, tackling complex problems with great determination and creativity.
Our Dance and Gym Showcase Evening was a true celebration of talent, with students performing with confidence. In addition, our Joint Orchestra travelled to take part in the Music for Youth Regional Festival, sharing their hard work and musical excellence.
Finally, as we reach the end of term, a reminder that we break up for the Easter holidays at 3:30pm this Friday 27th March.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students, staff and families for their hard work, support and positivity throughout this busy and rewarding term. I hope you all enjoy a restful and refreshing Easter break.
Warm wishes,
Mr C Beard
Important Updates
Dates for your diary:
- 24th March – UCAS Event at Lancaster University (Year 12)
- 24th March – CCF (Army) Range Day
- 25th March – Biosciences Masterclass at Lancaster University
- 15th April – Great Debate Cabinet Meeting at Preston County Hall
- 16th April – Sicily Information Evening
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Student News
Isabelle
Congratulations to Isabelle and her partner, Robert, who participated in the International Maia Acrobatic Gymnastics Competition in Portugal. Their partnership earned a bronze medal for The City of Lancaster Gymnastics Club. Well done on your fantastic achievement, Isabelle!
Honey
Honey represented our school at the Zero Carbon Cumbria Summit, which marked the conclusion of her placement with Future Proof Cumbria, the organisation responsible for the event supported by the Centre for Leadership Performance. During the summit, Honey led a session presenting the findings of her mini consultation on young people’s views about transport in their local area. She also supported another student in producing a short film about the event and its significance, interviewing several attendees to gather their perspectives.
Last Wednesday, Honey also attended the handover ceremony for the Member of Youth Parliament for Westmorland and Furness. She delivered a speech summarising her term in office.
We are incredibly proud of Honey’s continued dedication to representing LGGS across such valuable opportunities beyond the classroom.
School Devices
Our internet filtering is provided by the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) through their SchoolProtect (in school) and HomeProtect (at home) systems. Both are powered by a solution called Netsweeper, a widely used content filtering system in many schools across Lancashire.
How our filtering works
At home: When students use their school device, HomeProtect ensures that harmful or inappropriate websites remain blocked and logged, even when not connected to school Wi-Fi.
Please note that personal devices (e.g. phones or family tablets) are not filtered by us.
How our monitoring works: We use a system called Senso to monitor the activity of students and staff on school devices:
- Senso records what is typed, and which applications are used, and uses AI and machine learning to flag potential safeguarding concerns.
- If something is flagged (for instance, if a student appears to be searching for resources on self-harm or pregnancy) then a screenshot is captured and sent to a secure online portal for analysis.
- This portal is accessible to the school’s safeguarding lead, as well as a dedicated safeguarding team at Senso. If there is potential danger to life, the team will telephone the school and, in some cases, may also contact the police.
- Supervise use: Ask your daughter to show you what she has been working on or using her device for.
- Use parental controls: HomeProtect’s filtering can coexist with parental controls from your internet service provider – you can find guidance on setting these up at the UK Safer Internet Centre here.
- Talk regularly: Discuss safe and responsible use of technology, including social media and online behaviour.
Easter and Exams – Kooth
Easter and exams march 2026 – Kooth & Qwell Resources
The Exam Stress Calm Zone – Explore Kooth
Kooth are available over the Easter holidays. Their BACP-accredited digital service provides free, safe, and anonymous support with no waiting lists or referrals needed. Live chat opening hours remain the same: 12pm- 10pm on weekdays and 6pm- 10pm on weekends. All other parts of the platform including the journal and goal setting features, wellbeing articles, forums and messaging service are available 24/7.
Bike Marking Event
Your local Neighbourhood Policing team are giving you the opportunity to get your bike registered with the National Bike Registry.
The Police will be in Dalton Square in Lancaster on Wednesday 8th April between 12:00 – 14:00 (weather dependant).
Bring your pedal bike down to Dalton Square ahead of summer and get it registered for free – it helps police return stolen bikes and deters thieves.
WhatsApp Now Allows Under 13s
WhatsApp has been a significant concern for many schools, particularly chat groups where predominantly low level issues suddenly escalate.
Last week WhatsApp announced that children under 13 can now use WhatsApp via ‘Parent-Managed Accounts’.
Essentially these are accounts set up by the parent on the child’s device, but managed from the parent’s device. As well as no access to AI within WhatsApp and no ads, there are parent management features which include:
- Contact management – parents can choose who can contact their child and which chat groups they can join. Children cannot join groups without parents approval. Messages from unknown contacts are sent to the parent first for approval.
- Activity notifications – parents can view their child’s activity such as when a child adds a new contact or if disappearing messages are turned on. Parents will also be notified if their child blocks or reports a contact.
Link – Introducing parent-managed accounts on WhatsApp.
Link – How to set up a parent-managed account.
Looking After Ourselves During Easter
The Easter Holidays can affect our wellbeing in lots of different ways. For many, it’s a welcome break, a chance to rest, reset, and step away from the busy pace of school. For others, coming out of routine, spending more time at home, or having less structure in the day can feel challenging. You might find that…
- You struggle when you’re out of your usual routine and find the lack of structure unsettling.
- You feel bored, restless, or unsure how to fill your time.
- You feel lonely or left out if it seems like everyone else has plans.
- You feel pressure to “make the most” of the week when you’re actually tired and just need rest.
- You enjoy the break but worry about the return to school afterwards.
- You’re trying to support someone else who finds half term difficult.
Remember: all these feelings are okay. Breaks affect everyone differently.
Tips for Coping During Easter
- Add a little routine: Plan small parts of your day, like when you’ll get up or one thing you want to do.
- Get outside: Fresh air and movement can lift your mood — even a quick walk helps.
- Do something you enjoy: Spend time on hobbies, creativity, or anything that makes you feel good.
- Rest properly: It’s okay to slow down and recharge.
Reach Out If You Need Support
You don’t have to cope alone. During the school holidays, these organisations are here to listen and help if things feel overwhelming:
- Kooth – Free online support for young people
- Childline – 0800 1111
- Samaritans – 116 123
- Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258
Future First Alumnae Network
We have a growing Alumnae network and, as a reminder, you are able to keep in touch with school, each other, and receive our termly Alumnae newsletter by signing up to Future First.
Our Alumnae also provide support to our current students through talks, mentoring or offering work experience. Further along your career path, this may be something that you wish to be involved with.
Mental Health Support for Young People
There is a wealth of useful information from Young Minds to help parents and carers understand more about their young person’s mental health. Find the right help for them or hear from other parents who’ve been there.
You will find advice on:
- Helping your child to talk
- Looking after yourself as a parent/carer
- Speaking to professionals
An A-Z guide to mental health and a guide to mental health services.