Education is the most complex of human activities, even more so than train timetable management, so I am pleased the academic year is up and running to plan. 

There will of course be some individual plots and plans that are not quite yet fully ‘gelled’, though all being well the full range of activities start-up next week to complete the full range of provision on offer. Specific mention in despatches needs to be given to Paul Robson and the outdoor education staff, who will have run two major DofE Bronze events in the first three weeks of term AND relocated the entire sailing club to our new centre at Taplow Lake. We hope to have an official opening after 4pm on Monday 30 September, of which more details next week.

Our special guest at Speech Day is Dr Peter Woodroofe, a former Claires Court pupil, now the Deputy CEO of the Independent Schools Association. Peter is both a great friend and admirer of the school, so it is genuinely lovely to welcome him back.

And finally...my brother Hugh is making a good recovery from his recent hip surgery and sends his best wishes to all. We both are hard at work and soon to discuss with RBWM planning and our partners Berkeley homes how best to resubmit our plans for a more positive outcome, though we still await the written decision and feedback on our applications from the managers there.