Swan Bites is our weekly College bulletin for parents and carers – it is published every Thursday.
We welcome any feedback or comments via: enquiries@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk

College Notices

Welcome back!

A very warm welcome to our new Year 7 pupils and welcome back to everyone returning to Swanmore College. We hope you have had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to the year ahead.

Swanmore is now a smart device free site

The Department for Education has introduced new statutory guidance requiring schools to prohibit mobile phone use throughout the school day. In line with this national requirement, Swanmore College is now a smart device free site.

This builds on the plans we shared earlier this year, which were supported by 75% of parents who responded to our Parent View survey.

Thank you for working with us to make this change a success. Please support your child by ensuring they do not bring smart devices onto the school site. By working together, we can help create a calm, focused environment where pupils can make the most of their school day.

Late bus and after-school clubs

Please note the following changes to the late bus service and after-College clubs:

Thursday, 03 September to Friday, 04 September 2026: There will be no late bus service or after-school clubs for the remainder of this week.

The late bus service and after-College clubs will resume from next week beginning Monday, 07 September 2026. The late bus will then operate on its usual schedule of Tuesday to Friday.

 

 

SEND – new booking system for parents/carers

We are currently trialling a new booking system for SEND pupil meetings. If you wish to arrange a meeting with the SEND Team or the SENCo, please use the booking link below.

SEND Parent/Carer Meetings | Book

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and you wish to book an Annual Review meeting, you will have received separate communication regarding this process.

Peter Symonds College open events

Peter Symonds College warmly invites prospective Year 10 and Year 11 pupils and their families to explore the campus during its upcoming Open Evenings. Whether pupils are in Year 10 beginning to explore post-16 options or in Year 11 preparing for their next steps, these events offer an ideal opportunity to visit the college, speak with subject tutors, and learn more about college life.

Key Information:

• Dates: Wednesday, 30 September & Thursday, 1 October

• Times: 5:30pm – 8:30pm

• Booking: Places must be booked in advance. To register:  Open Evening: Peter Symonds College

Peter Symonds College looks forward to welcoming prospective pupils and their families.

Hampshire Specialist Music Course (HSMC) information evening

For pupils interested in pursuing music at an advanced level, Peter Symonds College will be holding a dedicated information evening for the Hampshire Specialist Music Course (HSMC). This event provides prospective pupils and parents with detailed insight into the course structure, audition process, and specialist facilities available.

Key Information:

• Date: Monday, 28 September

• Details & Booking: Please keep an eye on the college website for session timings and booking instructions: Home: Peter Symonds College 

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Year 7

There are no specific College items for Year 7 only.

Year 8

There are no specific College items for Year 8 only.

Year 9

There are no specific College items for Year 9 only.

Year 10

There are no specific College items for Year 10 only.

Year 11

Peter Symonds College: key application dates

As Year 11 pupils prepare for their transition to post-16 education, Peter Symonds College has outlined the key dates for the upcoming admissions cycle. Pupils are encouraged to submit their applications promptly once the portal opens via the college website.

Key Deadlines:

• Applications Open: Monday, 14 September 2026

• Boarding Applications Close: Monday, 2 November 2026

• General Applications Close: Monday, 7 December 2026

Steve Willis Training Centres apprenticeship Open Days 2026/2027

Steve Willis Training Centres is hosting a series of Apprenticeship Open Days for its 2027/2028 intake. These events give prospective learners and career changers a chance to tour the state-of-the-art workshops, meet the training team, and learn about starting a career in the skilled trades.

Apprenticeship Open Day Dates:

• Tuesday, 29 October 2026: 4pm – 7pm

• Saturday, 14 November 2026: 9am – 1pm

• Tuesday, 16 February 2027: 4pm – 7pm

Key Information:

• Featured Programmes: Electrical Installation and Gas Engineering Apprenticeships. 

• Location: Steve Willis Training Centre, Portchester, Hampshire.

• Booking: Attendance must be booked in advance via the website: Apprenticeship Open Days 2026/2027 | Steve Willis Training Centres

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Next week’s events

Monday, 07 September 2026

• No fixtures/events

Tuesday, 08 September 2026

• No fixtures/events

Wednesday, 09 September 2026

• No fixtures/events

Thursday, 10 September 2026

• Y7 parent/carers: Meet the Tutors evening: 4pm - 5:30pm

Friday, 11 September 2026

• No fixtures/events

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Community notices

British Army virtual webinars (September 2026)

British Army online information sessions

The British Army is hosting a series of free online webinars throughout September 2026. These virtual sessions offer prospective candidates, parents, and advisors direct access to Army representatives to learn about career pathways, application procedures, and assessment expectations.

Upcoming Sessions:

• Inside Army Careers: Explore 7 Ways to Serve

  • Target Audience: Year 10 and Year 11 pupils

  • Details: Covers soldier and specialist roles, combining qualifications with military service, and available career training routes.

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, 9 September 2026 | 6pm – 6:30pm

  • To register: Meet Your Army | Inside Army Careers: Explore 7 Ways to Serve

     

• British Army Insights: Parent Voices

  • Target Audience: Parents and carers

  • Details: Features insights from current parents, practical support tips, and guidance on lifestyle and safety.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, 17 September 2026 | 6pm – 7pm

  • To register: Features insights from current parents, practical support tips, and guidance on lifestyle and safety.

     

• Breaking Down the Army Assessment

  • Target Audience: Prospective applicants and parents/carers

  • Details: A walkthrough of the Assessment Centre process, including physical fitness, medical checks, and team evaluations.

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

  • To register:  Meet Your Army | Breaking Down the Army Assessment
     

• Your Army Journey Explained: Regular Soldier

  • Target Audience: Individuals considering applying to join as a regular soldier.

  • Details: Outlines eligibility requirements, the step-by-step application pipeline, and what to expect when starting service.

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 | 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

  • To register:  Meet Your Army | Your Army Journey Explained: Regular Soldier (Sept 26)

How to join:

Attendance is free, but registration is required prior to each event. Places can be reserved online via the above links.

Learn to swim with Fareham Nomads – spaces available

Fareham Nomads Swimming Club has spaces available in their Learn to Swim programme for children aged 4 and above.

Led by qualified coaches and following the Swim England programme, sessions help children build confidence, develop strong technique and improve water safety skills across Stages 1 to 7.

Pupils benefit from:

• Swimming twice a week
• A friendly club environment
• Opportunities to progress into competitive squads
• A chance to make new friends and learn a valuable life skill

📍 Venue: Fareham Leisure Centre
📧 Free trial and enquiries: enquiries@farehamnomads.co.uk

Competitive swimming and fitness opportunities

The club also offers competitive swimming for all ages, including under 18s and adults.

• Pathways from local competitions through to County, Regional and National levels
• Masters squad (18+) for fitness or competitive swimming
• Coaching support, including training and fitness advice
• Friendly environment with social events

📍 Venues: Fareham Leisure Centre, West Hill Park School, Holly Hill Leisure Centre and Mountbatten Centre
📧 More information: enquiries@farehamnomads.co.uk

 

Please note that any external clubs / events / organisations that are advertised here are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with Swanmore College in any way.