Senior Reflections Week 7 November 2025
Dear parents,
Welcome back after what I hope was a restorative and enjoyable half term break. It has been a pleasure to see pupils return with renewed vigour and excitement for the weeks ahead, despite the dark mornings and evenings.
We are delighted to welcome back two members of our teaching staff from their maternity leave. Miss Blackmore rejoins the maths team, and Mrs Sheehan resumes her role as joint Head of Politics and Head of Goff House. My thanks go to Miss Nye for her superb stewardship of the house during Mrs Sheehan’s absence — her commitment and care for the pupils have been exemplary.
Over half term, our senior hockey squad enjoyed a hugely successful tour to the Netherlands under the leadership of Mr Jones. As ever, such trips offer far more than sporting competition: they develop teamwork and resilience, as well as providing wonderful cultural experiences that broaden our pupils’ horizons. Meanwhile, a group of sixth form physicists, led by Mr Tuohey, travelled to CERN, where they explored the frontiers of modern physics and saw first-hand the power of international collaboration when it comes to large scale scientific pursuits.
This half term I am delighted to be back in the classroom more permanently, teaching a Fourth Form (Year 8) physics class until Christmas. Spending time with our pupils remains one of the true privileges of my role and is always the highlight of my week.
This week our senior school artists have had the chance to develop their talents through two visiting artist workshops. Our Middle Fifth (Year 10) experienced a constructive and engaging session with sculptor James Lake and our Upper Fifth (Year 11) and sixth form spent time with rebound illustrator Milly Leck.
InspExe, our series of TED-type talks, took part on Thursday. The presentations from both pupils and staff were thought provoking, challenging and exceptionally well presented. The varied topics included, the importance of humanity in education; the emperor, the philosopher and the theatre; the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, how language shaped thought; and five songs that made me! A wonderfully eclectic and enjoyable experience, thank you to Dr Keane for organising the event.
Looking ahead to Friday evening, our Upper Fifth (Year 11) dramatists will perform their component one pieces as part of their GCSE drama course. I am greatly looking forward to seeing the fruits of their hard work, creativity, and teamwork — both on stage and behind the scenes.
We have also had a number of governors’ meetings this week, including one at the pre-prep. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable governing body, who provide both strategic vision and invaluable challenge and support, helping to ensure the school continues to thrive.
It was wonderful to welcome so many current and prospective parents to Thursday’s Sixth Form Open Evening. The event offered a real sense of the breadth, depth, and vibrancy of our post-16 provision. I want to thank all the staff and pupils who made the evening such a success.
Looking ahead, as we approach our remembrance service on Tuesday, please do encourage your children to purchase and wear a poppy as a visible sign of respect for the servicemen and women who have given their lives in the service of our country.
Also, on Tuesday we look forward to welcoming Third Form (Year 7) parents for their first parents’ evening, which will begin with short talks from myself and Mrs Daybell at 5pm.
On Wednesday after school, we host our next informal concert in the music department. If you have not attended one before, these occasions perfectly capture the spirit of our school — relaxed, inclusive, and pupil-led. Performances might range from a beginner in Upper One (Year 4) playing a Grade 2 piece, to a Lower Sixth (Year 12) pupil preparing for Grade 8. The mutual support and encouragement shown by the pupils never fail to impress, and the concerts are a joyful celebration of progress through dedication and practice.
Also on Wednesday, we hold our second parental forum of the term, this time aimed at providing an opportunity to reflect on our pastoral care following Miss Dunning’s recent survey. We believe our pastoral provision is excellent, but we are always seeking ways to improve. Your insights and partnership are vital in helping us ensure that every child feels known, supported, and encouraged. Schools are at their best when parents and staff work together with a shared purpose, and I hope many of you will join us for what promises to be an engaging and constructive discussion. If you are planning on attending, please complete the form on My School Portal.
And finally, a reminder that our scholarship application deadline is approaching on Friday 14 November. Full details and the application form are available on our website.
