Parent Forum

Tower College’s Parent Forum is a vital part of our school community. It provides parents with the opportunity to work in partnership with the school, helping to shape its future and strengthen the bond between home and school. By sharing ideas, raising concerns, and supporting initiatives, the forum ensures that all aspects of school life run smoothly. Together, we can make Tower College an even better, more enriching place for our pupils to learn and grow.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the current Parent Forum members listed below, who generously give their time and commitment at each meeting.

Ms Bingley (Principal)
Mrs A Kelly – Preschool representative
Mr D Edwards – Reception representative
Mr D Barr – Reception representative
Mrs A Lynch – Y1 representative
Miss S Young – Y2 representative
Mrs E Hayford – Y3 representative
Mrs V Halliday – Y4 representative
Mrs H Williams – Y5 Representative
Mrs N Allen – Y6 representative
Mrs E Johnson – Y7 representative
Mrs K McAllister – Y8 representative
Mrs C Stamper – Y9 representative
Mrs Z McLeod – Y10 representative
Mrs N Allen – Y11 representative

Next Parent Forum Meeting
Thursday 22nd January 2026

Parent Forum Minutes

EYFS Parent Forum – Sept 2025 Feedback & Actions

Dear EYFS Families,
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our recent Parent Forum. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our communication and support for your children. Below is a summary of the key points raised and the actions we’ve taken:

🥗 Food & Lunches
  • You Said: It would be helpful to have the lunch menu in advance to prepare your child.
  • Action Taken: Menus are now shared weekly via class information sheets and Parentmail.
  • You Said: Parents would like to know what their child has eaten each day.
  • Action Taken: A link is now provided to view daily updates on lunch and snack choices.

💡 House Points System
  • You Said: Some parents, especially new ones, are unfamiliar with how house points work.
  • Action Taken: A Parentmail was sent explaining the ePraise system and how house points are awarded.

🔐 Technology Access
  • You Said: Some parents had trouble accessing ePraise, especially with multiple children.
  • Action Taken: Updated passwords have been sent out, and individual support is available as needed.

We appreciate your continued support and collaboration.
Our next Parent Forum Meeting will be held in January. 

Lower School Parent Forum – September Feedback

Dear Parents,
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our September Parent Forum. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us enhance the experience for all pupils and families in Lower School.

📊 Summary of Feedback
  • Total concerns raised: 23
  • Actions completed: 11
  • Actions in progress: 12
We are committed to addressing all feedback and ensuring transparent communication throughout the term. The next meeting will be held in January.

🔍 Key Themes Raised
Here are the most frequently mentioned topics:
  • Uniform – 2 mentions
  • Football – 2 mentions
  • Communication, Homework, Clubs, Sports, Lunch, Epraise, SATs, Library, Toilets – 1 mention each
These themes help us identify areas for improvement and focus our efforts where they matter most.

✅ What We’ve Done So Far
Here are some of the actions we’ve already taken in response to your feedback:
  • Advance notice of events: Weekly class information now includes a rolling “Dates for Your Diary” section with at least one month’s notice.
  • Homework clarity (Y1): Weekly updates now include clearer guidance, emphasizing that homework is optional.
  • House Points & Certificates: Parent login details for ePraise have been sent, along with guidance on how the system works.
  • SATs Clarification: Y2 and Y6 parents have been informed that pupils do not take SATs at Tower College.
  • Drop-off Supervision: A staff member is now on duty at 8:30am near the conservatory.
  • After-school Clubs: A wider variety of clubs are planned, including EYFS–Y2 sports and more diverse options for Y3–6.
  • Sports Teams: Plans are underway to establish Lower School football and netball teams.
  • Leadership Roles: Prefects and Playground Friends will be elected and announced before half-term.
  • ISA Events: A full calendar of ISA sporting events has been organized and shared.

🕒 What’s Still in Progress
We’re currently working on:
  • Improving locker/storage space. An audit is underway.
  • Clarifying uniform transitions (pinafores to skirts).
  • Responding to feedback about PE kit quality and surveys to be implemented.
  • Exploring library access and updates.
  • Reviewing all feedback from the Ice Cream Farm event.
  • Coordinating with a parent-coach re a  football club.
  • Creating a Lower School Welcome Pack for new families.

We appreciate your continued support and collaboration. If you have further suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms McNamara

Middle & Upper School Parent Forum Highlights - Sept

Thank you to all parents who attended our recent forum. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve the experience for our students and families. Below are the key points discussed and actions being taken:

Year 7
  • Willersley Castle Trip: Room sharing and communication concerns addressed . Updates will be shared via social media.
  • Bags & Coats: Outdoor hooks in poor weather raised concerns. A locker audit is underway.
  • Canteen Provision: Food shortages and peer interactions noted. Staff have followed up with Thomas Franks (catering company) and surveys will be distributed.

Year 8
  • Lockers: Continued concerns about heavy bags. Audit underway.
  • Parental Introduction Sessions: Future events will mirror Year 7’s format for all year groups.
  • Homework Balance: Inconsistencies noted. Staff reminded to maintain consistency; parents will receive guidance via ParentMail.

Year 9
  • PE Kit: Issues with design and availability. A survey will be conducted with pupils and parents.

Year 10
  • Parents’ Evening: Now offered in hybrid format – online or face-to-face.
  • Communication: Events list shared and a dedicated webpage created for updates.

Year 11
  • Trips: Students can attend trips until they leave school.
  • Prom: Pupils lead planning; committee to be formed in January.
  • Wellbeing: Support includes mentors, mindfulness activities, and tea mornings. Pupil voice will guide future initiatives.
  • Communication: Parents encouraged to contact teachers directly; regular reports provided.
  • CareersCareers Week (2–6 March) planned with visits and guest speakers.

Looking Ahead
  • Next Parent Forum: January 2026
  • Parents are welcome to contact CM with concerns and ideas in the meantime.
  • Fundraising ideas invited – suggestions like a school ball are welcome!
We appreciate your continued support and collaboration. If you have further suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms McNamara