
I can hardly believe it’s the end of the half term already – it seems to have flown by!
This week, our Year 5 children took part in the Big Sing at Eggar’s School. They had a wonderful time, and we were so proud of their enthusiasm and beautiful singing. One parent commented, “It was an absolute pleasure to watch year 5 at Eggars for the Big Sing. They all did brilliantly and should be super proud of themselves”. Well done, Year 5!
Our Year 6 children also enjoyed an exciting visit to the Watercress Line as part of their World War II topic. They had a brilliant time travelling on a real steam train and learning more about wartime life.
After half term, we are delighted to welcome a new member of staff to the Bentley family. Miss Yeo, who some of you may know from her time at Dottie Tots, will be joining our EYFS team. I am sure you will all make her feel incredibly welcome. Mr Metters will also be working more closely with our Year 3 and Year 4 children after half term, supporting learning across the classes.
If you have any spare time and would like to volunteer to read with our children, we would love to hear from you. Your support makes such a difference, and our pupils really enjoy sharing stories with visitors.
Looking ahead, Friday 7th November marks the return of Bentley’s Fireworks Night – a fantastic community event and always a highlight of the autumn term! It would be wonderful to see as many of you as possible there. A huge thank you to our PTFA, who will be running both the BBQ and the bar.
A quick reminder that Monday 3rd November is an INSET Day, so school will be closed to pupils. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 4th November.
Wishing you all a wonderful half-term break – we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for the second half of the autumn term.
Vicky Hallett
Headteacher
This week’s housepoints totals:
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362 |
372 |
308 |
514
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Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and our governors play a vital role in ensuring that our school consistently follows robust safeguarding procedures. Our Safeguarding Governor Leads, Kay Taylor and Helen Dowlatshahi, work closely with school leaders to monitor our safeguarding practices, review policies, and ensure that statutory guidance is being met. They regularly meet with staff to discuss how we keep children safe, support the promotion of safeguarding across the curriculum, and ensure that the wellbeing of every child remains at the heart of all we do.
Governors have set the attendance target for the school at 97%. The class with the best attendance last week was Year 3. Well done Year 3!
Attendance figures for each class for last week are below:
Well done to those children who were awarded a gold card or were in the Gold Book. We’re very proud of you!
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Gold Book |
Gold Cards |
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Year R |
Connie |
|
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Year 1 |
Amelie |
Lissy, Louis, Annabelle, Tilly-Rose, Benjamin |
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Year 2 |
Tony |
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|
Year 3 |
Archie |
Oscar B, Oscar A, Gus, Eli, Theo |
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Year 4 |
Rafe |
|
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Year 5 |
Anna |
Arthur, Anna, Dominic, Harry, Indianna, Allan, Polly, Pippa |
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Year 6 |
Benedict |
Harry, Talisa |
The office staff are busy checking through the data collection forms and working out which House has most quickly returned the most. There are lots of house points up for grabs! If you still have not returned your child’s signed data collection form, please do so on the first day back after half term (Tuesday 4th November).
The deadline for applying for a secondary school place for current Year 6 children is 31st October. To apply for a Year 7 place for your child please follow this link: is https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions
“Eggars Big Sing was an outstanding experience. We loved performing to the other schools. We sang "Don't Stop Believing" altogether and our school song was "Cover Me in Sunshine" by P!nk. We loved Eggars and had a great time.” Polly and Anna

We went on a steam train on the Watercress Line dressed as World War II evacuees to begin our new history topic. When we were on the train, we wrote our identification passes and had them officially stamped by an inspector just like they would have done 85 years ago! In the education centre there, we also learnt all about rationing, clothes they would wear, music they listened to and even got to try on gas masks and soldier helmets - it was great fun dressing up in all of the different hats and clothing.
My favourite part was when the steam train gave a loud 'Chooo Chooo' which made us all jump! (Lauren)
I enjoyed dressing up with the South Western train conductor's hat. (Henry)

Is your child starting school in September 2026?
If so, come and visit us here at Bentley to find out all about our lovely community-centred, village primary school and to see if we are the right school for your child. Bentley welcomes children from within our catchment area and beyond.
Applications open for Year R starters in 2026 on 1st November 2025. If you have a younger child who turns 4 between 1st September 20245 and 31st August 2026 (or know someone locally who does) we are hosting open events for prospective parents on the following dates:
Wednesday 5th November 25 at 2:00 pm
Tuesday 11th November 25 at 9:30 am
Friday 21st November 25 at 2:00 pm
Wednesday 26th November 25 at 7:00 pm
Wednesday 7th January 26 at 9:30 am
Click here to book your place.
We have received lots of positive feedback regarding our new school meals offering, but there have been a couple of changes to the menus for after half term in response to some constructive comments made. Please see the updated menus below, and a reminder of the great benefits of choosing a Caterlink school meal for your child.


As part of the Bonfire night celebrations we are having a special Bonfire night menu on Friday 7th November (the same day as Bentley Fireworks). Please see the menu below, and some facts about the origins of Bonfire night.



ECO UPDATEParent and Governor Eco Workshop
Thank you to those parents who were able to attend our first Parent and Governor Eco Workshop. For more information about the work that we are doing as a school to empower the children to take action for our planet, please do visit our school’s website – click here.
The Tale of the Waste Beast
Yesterday Lauren and Mollie from Year 6 and Dottie, Montanna and Annabella from Year 5 attended The Tale of the Waste Beast launch party at Goldfinch Books in Alton. All the girls won the Young ACAN animation competition earlier in the year with their creative ideas for a story about a waste beast. They even participated in a sound recording at the Butts Primary in the summer in order to voice the characters in the animation. To watch the fabulous animation by Flossy Waters, click here and why not start a conversation about waste with your family and friends.
Team Energy - Switch Off Fortnight
Between November 10th and 21st Eco Council’s ‘Team Energy’ will be leading the school as we take part in a national project called Switch Off Fortnight. Simple actions like switching off a device when not needed can save a surprising amount of money as well as CO2. Team Energy will be delivering a Switch Off Fortnight launch assembly after half-term which will be followed up with a special Eco Lesson. Please watch this space for more energy reducing ideas atter half-term!
Calling all Crafters and Makers!
Young ACAN is asking for your help! On Friday 21st November Young ACAN will host a stall at the Alton Christmas Lights Switch On. The aim is to raise funds through donations for some GOOD QUALITY recycled/natural Christmas crafts - wrapping paper, cards and decorations. This is an ideal half-term activity that families can get involved in. The items need to be good quality - we don't want to be left with a box of things that people don't want! There are lots of great ideas online. Alton College will be the collection point for the Christmas Crafts. Please bring your items into school by Wednesday 19th November and Madame Jones will collect them. Thank you so much!
Sara Wood is running a kid’s club on the INSET day after half term in the Scout hut. Please see the attached poster for more information and details of how to book. Please note, this is not a school organised activity.
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CRUMBLE MAKING DATE: Monday 10th November, Froyle Village Hall, 6:30pm.
It would be great to see as many people as possible there!
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Bentley’s Bonfire Night - Friday 7th November
Bonfire night is quickly approaching! It’s a fantastic evening for all the family and brings the whole village together.
Keep an eye out around Bentley for timings and the theme. The PTFA organise all the food, drink and glow items for the children.
Please help us by volunteering on the sign up sheets. Thank you!
Apple donations for toffee apples to be brought in Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th Nov please ![]()
Set Up
https://volunteersignup.org/JTR8H
BBQ Cooking
https://volunteersignup.org/WL39C
BBQ Serving
https://volunteersignup.org/8XTJH
Bar
https://volunteersignup.org/J7R8E
Children’s Refreshments
https://volunteersignup.org/3CDW8
Toffee Apples
https://volunteersignup.org/TAPTA
Tidy up Crew
https://volunteersignup.org/AJF7L
You’re Invited to The Bentley Bash! ![]()
Join us for a spectacular evening at the beautiful Bury Court, a stunning local venue, as we celebrate in style with music, dancing, food, and fun.
When?
Friday 15th May 2026, 7-11:30pm
What’s Included:
• Live band, music & dancing all night long
• Delicious pizza & dessert (included in your ticket)
• Raffle prizes, games & extra entertainment to keep the fun flowing
• Minibus taxi service available to make your night hassle-free
Dress Code: Dress to impress!
🎟 Tickets:
• £50 if purchased before 1st December
• £55 after 1st December
• Option to pay in two £25 instalments if booked before 1st December (final payment due by 1st February)
Venue: Bury Court – a stunning local setting that makes the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
Don’t miss out on what promises to be a night to remember – music, laughter, dancing, and plenty of surprises along the way!
Tickets on sale now!
Www.pta-events.co.uk/bentley
