I applaud the incredible stoicism of those in Year 11(not forgetting their amazing head of year and tutors, Mr Thompson, Mr Boulton, Mr Cripps, Mrs Ging and Ms Mirza), and in the light of the ever changing assessment expectations of the DfE, consolidating into the regular update assessments this term against the various components of each subject.

Thank you as well to the parents who have supported their sons and daughters so incredibly well, and for your on-going appreciation for our efforts. Year 9 are indeed palpably excited about ‘moving onwards’ to GCSE, and we were reminded of Mr Ansell’s kind and authoritative stewardship when he spoke of some of his ‘charges’ last night reflecting with him that in hindsight, they had not quite made the most of their school work this year. Mr Ansell is choosing to emigrate to Australia in 2022, and is taking a break from teaching next term to conclude his AstroPhysics degree. We wish him well of course, though he’ll certainly remain around the wider Claires Court community until that happens. Mr Hammerton, currently Head of Year 8 moves up to Head of Year 9 in his place, and we welcome Mr Thorne as incoming Head of Year 8 from September.

It’s time to announce that another senior member of staff is on the move at the end of this term, to take up headship of an independent school in Malawi. My deputy head pastoral, Charlie Bretherton has become one of those amazing ‘living legends’ in the school, both in terms of teaching as well as in leadership and the pastoral support of others. Boys throughout the school over the past 10 years have all benefited from the personal insights he has brought to bear over their development, and particularly those passing through troubled times. Charlie has provided me with invaluable support too, and I am delighted for him in rising to his own headship at Hillview International School, one of those rare opportunities back on a continent where he was working before returning to Claires Court in 2011. Mr Huw Buckle, Deputy Head Careers steps up to take over these Pastoral responsibilities, already well known at Senior Boys for his work as head of Business Studies. 

And finally, I was delighted to interview James Wragg, our new Outdoor Education Lead Instructor, at Assembly on Thursday morning (first couple of minutes), to introduce him more widely to the school. Mr Wragg has been establishing our new paddling centre on Boulters Island, and spoke to the school about assisting fellow Maidonian Nick Hollis in meeting his 721 challenge to be the fastest man to climb the Seven Summits, reach the North and South Poles and row the Atlantic Ocean in December, for which James will be Nick’s partner!