In my opinion, one of the most difficult choices that parents have to make when they are in Year 4, 5 and 6 is that of onward schooling. While many parents have already made the decision when joining CCJB that they want their sons to go all the way through to Year 13 at the senior school, some parents do not have that plan and would like to keep different options open. It is my job to ensure that every parent has the relevant academic, pastoral and enrichment information about their son, along with a candid conversation about what specific secondary schools offer in terms of facilities, GCSE options, and most importantly, their values. It’s then the simple job of matching boy to school…….!!!!! If only it were that simple!!

Some parents (and boys) are thinking ‘11+, but would grammar school suit my son?’ Some think ‘Scholarships to Claires Court Senior Boys, but how do I get started on this?’ Some think ‘Which is the best local comprehensive, and am I in catchment?’ All I can say to you is do not fret, we will give you all the advice and support that is needed to make the best choice with your son on the best secondary school option. With state school options being made public several days ago, and the number of pupils who have received their first choice options at a National low, never has there been a more high profile issue presenting itself to parents.

In several weeks I will be holding an informal consultation with Year 4 parents, the first time we have ever done this, to answer questions that it seems are popping up earlier and earlier in the calendar year to help parents with some of the anxieties they are facing regarding secondary education - more information on when this will be held will follow in next week’s bulletin. The best of luck to our Year 6 boys who are sitting Senior Boys scholarship papers tomorrow and the sports scholarships today - I am sure they will do themselves proud.

Onto other matters. For me, the worst moment of the week was when Mr Leuzinger made public to the boys in assembly that I am giving up sausages for Lent…..we are only a few days in and I am already struggling! This was balanced however with some brilliant news that the boys in Year 6 raised £326 in their 30 minute cake sale on wednesday, and by the looks of things, Year 5 will be hot on their heels with this amount of money due to their very successful cake sale today. A huge thank you to parents who have been so generous with their time and money in supplying the cakes

This weekend see’s our Under 9 and Under 11 chess teams take on the best schools in the area for the EPSCA challenge. Winning teams will compete at the EPSCA national event in Bristol on May 13. Good luck boys!

Have a lovely weekend