News Blog

A heartfelt thanks to ambassadors from Canterbury Christ Church University for coming along to work with some of our Year 8 students!  Pupils took a fictitious student on a full educational journey from selecting GCSE options to final careers, and explored all the different transferable skills they could develop along the way.

Year 9 recently visited the Imperial War Museum in London as part of their studies of WWII and the Holocaust. Students spent the morning taking part in an interactive workshop, exploring personal stories and artefacts, before spending the afternoon immersing themselves in the museum's impressive collection of tanks, aircraft and personal items. As we move further away from this defining conflict, and fewer eyewitnesses remain to share their experiences, it was truly wonderful for the History team to see our Year 9s so engaged and commited to keeping these important storeis alive for future generations.

Last month our students had so much fun exploring how maths helps us solve everyday problems. From filling tessellations and creating shapes, to balancing penguins and cracking number puzzles (like figuring out all the ways to multiply to make 20), the day was full of challenge and creativity! A huge well done to our amazing students and staff for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and brilliant problem-solving skills. A massive thank you to Lauren from Happy Puzzle Company for delivering such an inspriring and engaging experience!

On Tuesday 16th December, the Year 10 Food Tech group prepared a Christmas afternoon tea for the Riverside Community Centre. The guests all enjoyed a delicious tea that the students had prepared. The event was finished with some traditional Christmas songs by members of our school choir and Mr Floate.  It was an amazing event and everyone involved had a great time!          

Last Friday, students from Years 9-13 joined the MFL department for a fantastic day in Lille, practicising their French and experiencing the culture firsthand. Their enthusiasm, engagement and outstanding behaviour made the trip a joy from start to finish - moments like these remind the teachers why we love what we do! A huge thank you to all the students for a brilliant day, and special praise to Ms Bensouilah for organising such a wonderful trip!

What a day! Students and staff were recently invited to the UK House of Lords to celebrate and participate in the launch of the National Careers Challenge 2026 with The Inspirational Learning Group An incredible event surrounded by employers and educators, all brought together to drive the futures of young people. Mrs Chamberlain was invited to speak on behalf of Astor to reiterate the importance of the project and what it offers. Whatever their background, starting point or circumstances, this project is for every child and everything is possible! We’re very proud of our students and who they have become throughout this process!

Our Sixth Form Level 2 Care students were lucky enough to welcome back a former student who is now a paediatric nurse and has extensive experience working in a busy London A&E department, as well as working in neonatal care, looking after very premature babies

A massive well done to the dance and photography students involved in the immersive ‘Elvis Is Still In The Building’ performance on Wednesday 12th November at the Maison Dieu! It was an amazing opportunity collaborating with Flexer & Sandiland and to perform in such a wonderful venue alongside MA students from the University of Chichester, The Fuddlers, and the Acting our Age dance class.

Proud to support our Armed Forces! Our Year 8 & 9 students visited the Battle of Britain Memorial as part of their CCF personal development pathway. They explored the history of the Royal Air Force, honoured the sacrifices of service personnel past and present, and took part in hands-on activities in the Scramble Experience. Outstanding ambassadors for Astor School and our local community!