We have returned to school this week with darker evenings and a lot of rain but the focus on teaching and learning in lessons and the vigour of the wider life of the school are strong characteristics of everything we do despite the change in the clocks and the seasons. I have spent a lot of time this week walking around school and in and out of lessons and as ever it is one the pleasures of my job to do so – the school is full of committed teachers and associate staff with high expectations and fantastic young people. It’s a busy term ahead and we relish everything that it will bring.

Events do happen in schools and we have had a problem in school during this week with the power supply to our new teaching block. This has been out of our control and extremely frustrating for everyone. However, I have to commend all of our students for the way in which they have dealt with the room changes which have been implemented as a consequence with each and every one of them displaying their maturity from Years 7 to 13. We anticipate being back in the block during next week which will be a relief for all.

I never fail to be impressed by the activities which our young people participate in and I have promised that I would raise the profile of a group of our Year 10 students who are raising funds to support their participation in the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in 2023. As part of this they are collecting old inkjet cartridges in order for them to be recycled – there is a box for them in the main school reception and any donations are very much appreciated.