House Assemblies this week have involved Y12 students putting across their pitch to become the next House Leader.

The process began a few weeks ago when they had to send in a comprehensive application and then, in the second round, submit their Hustings speech - 90 seconds to convey their plans, their personality and why they are right for this important position. A few fell at the various hurdles but 34 made it to the assemblies and there were some phenomenal speeches, presented with such confidence in front of a quarter of the school - no mean feat! There were no false promises but well thought through propositions about how to continue the legacy of the previous successful incumbents by continuing to represent the student body, putting forward suggestions for improvements and further raising the spirit of their House through increasing motivation and participation. They put an emphasis on listening to the student voice, widening the range of opportunities and possibilities for interaction within school and the wider community as well as further enhancing the chance to celebrate student successes and the diversity within the school.

I was mightily impressed and look forward to working with the new leadership group... and that's where the students and staff come in. They are currently reflecting on and discussing each speech and voting anonymously for who they feel will best represent them, their House and their voice. Democracy is action!

It is a real shame that all 34 Y12s can't be House Leaders as they have shown such promise but I am sure some of them will have benefited from the experience, regardless of the result, by putting themselves out of their comfort zone and being a part of the process. In that respect, they are all already winners and should be proud of putting themselves forward to make a difference. They can all still be part of ensuring their House is as effective as possible as House Seniors and I would also encourage them to become involved in the various other student leadership roles we offer at NSB as these young adults have demonstrated amazingly just how capable they are.

For the results...watch this space...Good Luck to all the candidates!  

On Tuesday evening we held our annual Future Apprentice Evening which has been a major part of a busy Personal Development week for Mrs Greenaway who reports on an exceptional event:

The Y12 Apprenticeship Evening has gone from strength to strength! The event this week was extremely well attended and alongside the information about pathways and levels, opportunities and advantages, life as an apprentice, the importance of work experience and getting paid to learn, we had three panels. These consisted of alumni, with real-life experience of undertaking an apprenticeship at a variety of levels, employers, who regularly look to take on apprentices, who talked about what they are looking for and what gives applicants the edge and our new panel consisting of two Year 13 students; Liam and Harrison, who spoke eloquently about the application process which they are currently involved in.

Some key points highlighted by all contributors to make sure that candidates are in the best position to secure apprenticeship places were; doing your research, getting in early (once they are gone they are gone), undertaking as much work experience in your own time as possible, being resilient when rejected, considering other levels and not just degree apprenticeships plus applying for multiple places/areas that you are really invested and interested in. The employers made it clear that, as well as the academic qualifications needed, they are investing in the individual and so they look at the whole person, their personality and confidence and whether they are the right fit for the organisation...so making connections, being friendly and personable is equally as important.

Thank you to Judith Howard, who runs NSB's Apprenticeship Academy, for organising this superb evening with support from our Careers Lead, Hannah Rickaby-Collins, and the Careers Team. Thank you to all who attended and all those who provided a valuable insight into this post-18 pathway. As Mrs Howard concluded; "If at the end of the evening you have decided apprenticeships are not for you, at least you are now making an informed choice." For many who, after the presentation, were still very much wanting to find out more, they had the opportunity to network with a whole host of companies making vital contacts for the future. It was wonderful to see the atrium buzzing with enthusiasm and knowledgeable conversations.  

There was lots of positive feedback and the Head, who also attended noted; "Parents I spoke to were full of praise for a richly informative evening.  The event is now a well established jewel in  NSB's annual calendar, highlighting such an important and  progressively well-established Post 18 pathway option for our students.  It was a delight to listen to the Former Student Apprentice Panel as well as to members of the current NSB Year 13, who all spoke with impressive confidence in offering valuable experience-based insight and advice to the packed audience" 

This last piece of feedback goes to a Y12 student - after all they are what it is all about;

"The evening was very insightful as it provided detailed information about what it's like to be doing an apprenticeship, especially when hearing it from people of a similar age who have been in your shoes. The employers were very approachable and open to provide as much information as possible. It was a great opportunity to connect with new people and reach an educated conclusion on whether apprenticeships are for me."

Many former and current students have landed some brilliant apprentice roles which can be found in a link to the NSB Alumni Directory of Apprenticeships. 

 

On Thursday 23rd April 2026 the audience in the Royal Theatre were treated to a powerful NSB performance of Cloud Busting as part of the Connections series. Miss Clark who attended with Ms Hasan reports on a wonderful day of learning and experience for our aspiring actors. Thank you also to Mrs Walker who provided Trustee support in the audience and was equally impressed with the students' stunning levels of performance.

Yesterday, the cast of Cloud Busting spent the day at Royal & Derngate Theatre as part of Connections, the National Theatre's annual youth theatre festival. Students participated in an exciting workshop on 'Clowning', exploring comedic performance, playfulness and engaging with the audience. A key principle from the workshop included "I made a mistake, and that's okay". After watching other groups perform throughout the day, the NSB Ensemble took to the stage of the Royal to deliver a powerful performance of Cloud Busting.

Directed by the talented Ms Hasan, the cast captivated the audience with their beautiful storytelling, with many moved by its compelling message, made all the more powerful by the exceptional standard of the performers. Their performance radiated conviction and energy, bringing to life the play’s themes of friendship and bullying, while the incredible technical team elevated the atmosphere through outstanding lighting and sound. The cast and technical crew delivered a truly breathtaking performance; a moment that will hopefully remain etched in their memories for years to come.

 

There were some fantastic wins on the sporting front this week. Not least NSB's Flag Football Team who have marched into the National Finals after a deeply impressive regional outing  this week. Lead Coach, Mr Murray reports:

After winning their county competition last term, the NSB U15 Flag Football team headed to Nottingham University to play in the regional finals. After a last-minute injury to Lennon Jennings in the days leading up to the competition, Jude Constable stepped up to lead the team as quarterback after only a single training session in the role. It's fair to say he took it magnificently in his stride. 

Playing in Buffalo Bills shirts for the day, NSB started strongly winning all 4 of their group games. The semi-final was a close-run affair against Carres Grammar School. Despite a superb one-handed catch from Chirstopher Orekoya in the first half, NSB found themselves a point down with 5 minutes to go. Showing superb composure and resilience, the team scored to secure a 13-8 victory with 30 seconds to spare.

The final was a much more open game against Alderman White School in which NSB cruised to a 32-14 victory. Jude Constable deservedly won MVP for the tournament and showed great leadership skills on the day - doubly impressive given he was a year younger than many of his opponents and teammates.

This victory earns the team a much sought after spot in the National Finals in Manchester on June 17th. 

Equally impressive were the U16 Basketball Team who took time out of their GCSE preparations to reach the National Cup Semi-Finals in impressive fashion after an excellent 20 point win over St Peter's High School, Manchester. The boys have a short turn around time with the Semi-Final scheduled for early next week. Tough luck also to the U14B rugby team who have enjoyed a long County Cup run before falling just short of the title this week to a strong Moulton squad.

 

The National Cup winning U18 rugby squad have been deservedly feted by the national media after their triumphant win over Epsom College at Twickenham. They have also enjoyed two wonderful receptions closer to home in recent weeks, parading the trophy at half time at Franklin Gardens in the Easter Holidays and then yesterday the squad, coaches and Mrs Bradley-Brophy thoroughly enjoyed being the guests of honour at the Guildhall in a celebration of their stunning achievement, hosted by the Mayor of Northampton - Cllr Jane Birch.

We are always delighted to celebrate the success of our former students and further to the piece last week on Charlie O'Neil who is currently performing in Rambert's Peaky Blinders production on tour in China  there have been several other superb recent achievements by NSB Expressive Arts alumni - as reported by Miss Clinton:

One of NSB's finest ever stage actors - Posi Morakinyo has landed the iconic role of Simba in the West End production of the Lion King. The new cast start in May and we are already planning a school trip to watch the supremely talented Posi in action!

Link to website announcement https://www.westendtheatre.com/346318/news/disneys-the-lion-king-announces-new-simba-and-nala-for-the-west-end/

Steven Thompson is now a member of the internationally renown Diversity Dance Troupe and is on tour in their production of SOUL playing the main character George. (Photo attached- he is on the far left). Steven is still on tour with tickets available. 

Richard Bernard

Headteacher