A Warm Welcome Back to School From Our Principal

As we open our doors to a brand-new academic year, I want to extend the warmest welcome back to each and every one of you, whether you're returning or joining us for the first time. The start of the year always brings a mix of emotions: anticipation, excitement, and yes, even a few nerves. And that’s not just for students, our staff feel it too! It’s all part of the journey as we settle back into the rhythm of school life.

At our school, we pride ourselves on being more than just a place of learning. We are a community, a place where relationships matter, where every child is known, and where care and connection are at the heart of everything we do. This culture of kindness and support isn’t accidental; it’s intentional. From the way we recruit staff to the way we engage with families, we choose people who are not only experts in their field but who are also good people. These arepeople who understand that great learning begins with great relationships.

Personally, I love this time of year. There’s a freshness to it, a sense of possibility. It’s a chance to reflect, refine, and re-energise. Our staff return with renewed energy, and our students bring with them the joy and curiosity that make our school such a vibrant place to be. I’m especially looking forward to reconnecting with you - whether it’s at the school gate, during coffee mornings, or at one of the many workshops we have planned. Please do keep an eye on your emails; there’s a lot happening!

I must also give a big shout out to the students who achieved so well in IB, BTEC and GCSE this yearOur results are not only outstanding, above world averages, but continue an upward trend. The students have shown dedication and commitment as have parents and staff. I am so proud of how well they are all doing and continue to do so. Well done one and all.

What’s New This Year?

There are so many reasons to be excited about the year ahead:

New Facilities: Thanks to student voice and community feedback, we’ve added several new spaces to enhance learning and wellbeing:

-   A brand-new Inclusion Hub

-   A refreshed Primary Library

-   An upgraded Year 1 Outdoor Learning Space

-   Improved Science Labs

-   Upgraded play surfaces and more shade

-   And coming soon: new classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, a Multipurpose Hall, and a Parent Café!

Stronger Teams: We’ve welcomed new staff across departments, adding depth and leadership capacity to drive further improvement. Every new team member brings not only expertise, but also a shared commitment to nurturing the whole child.

Supporting the Whole Child

Our mission goes beyond academics. We are here to help every child grow into a confident, resilient, and well-rounded individual, equipped not just for exams, but for life. Whether through our pastoral care, enrichment programmes, or leadership opportunities, we aim to give students the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to a year filled with learning, laughter, and growth. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.

Warm regards,

Alan Cocker
Principal