Strengthening Our School Community: The Power of the Southborough PTA

At Southborough High School, education is a journey we take together. While the teachers and staff work tirelessly in the classrooms, there is a dedicated group working behind the scenes to enrich the experience for every boy: the Southborough Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

An active partnership between parents and staff, the PTA exists to support the school, the students, and the wider community. From funding vital equipment to tending to the peace of the Southborough courtyard garden, their impact is felt in every corner of the school.

A Record-Breaking Success: The Christmas Raffle

Before looking forward, we must look back and say a massive thank you to the PTA team for their most recent triumph. The Christmas Raffle was a spectacular success, featuring 16 incredible hampers and prizes overflowing with gifts. Thanks to the generosity of our families and the hard work of the organizers, the raffle generated over £1,000 for the school. This significant sum will go directly back into school departments, providing resources that benefit our students' learning and extracurricular lives.

How the PTA Makes a Difference

The PTA isn’t just about fundraising; it’s about building a vibrant social fabric for the school. Over the last year, the association has hosted a variety of events that bring people together, including:

• Comedy Nights: Featuring well-known stand-up comedians.
• Bingo and Quiz Nights: Complete with food and a licensed bar.
• Seasonal Treats: Such as ice cream sales during the warmer months.
• Event Support: Serving refreshments at school productions and concerts.

The Impact of Parental Engagement

At Southborough, we live by our motto: "Making the difference for ALL our students." We are proud of our strong sense of community, where staff truly understand what "makes our students tick." However, research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) shows that when parents engage with the school, students make an average of four months' additional academic progress.

Engagement isn't just about grades; it strengthens the bond between parent and child through common goals. It fosters social skills, improves classroom behavior, and increases the likelihood that pupils will successfully transition to university, college, or high-level training.

How You Can Help (At Any Level)

We recognise that teamwork makes the dream work! Whether you have an hour a year or a professional specialty to share, there is a place for you here:

• Donate Pre-Loved Uniform: A fantastic way to support families and raise funds.
• Join the Parent Focus Group: Help shape school policy by feeding back on everything from the website to mock exam schedules.
• Share Your Skills: We have been lucky to host parent-led masterclasses in cookery, STEM talks from experts at Google and BAE Systems, and even sessions with a BBC War Correspondent. Whether your background is in trade, tech, or the arts, your experience inspires our boys.
• Professional Support: Our Parent Governors and volunteers use their skills in coding, graphic design, and gardening to keep our school running effectively.
• Attend a Meeting: PTA meeting dates are advertised in The Griffin and the full School Calendar.

Get Involved Today

The Southborough PTA and our wider volunteer network are the heartbeat of our school. From donating boxes of pens to sourcing raffle prizes through local business links, every gesture helps us provide a "support and challenge" environment.

Ready to make a difference? Please register your interest via our [Online Form] or contact the school office directly at office@southborough.kingston.sch.uk.