We encourage our students to ‘build a network of luck’, which means they make the most of every networking opportunity they have because those contacts may prove invaluable at a later date.

Our first UCAS application has been submitted and the student concerned received their first offer within 24 hours of applying! Early birds and worms spring to mind. As a result, there is quite a buzz amongst Year 13 and the motivation to polish personal statements, complete application forms and register for face to face or virtual open days to help finalise course and university choices has palpably increased.

The Zen Zone is up and running, with a significant number of students joining Ms Ackland-Snow in the art room on Fridays for hot chocolate and a chat about the stuff that matters to them. I dropped by and was treated to a doughnut and was impressed with the candour and quality of the conversations I heard about later.

‘Why bother?’ A provocative question posed to our new Year 12 cohort this week in relation to applying to university! Jane Marshall, former Imperial College Admissions Tutor and now independent consultant, brings a witty and rhetorical approach to her presentation.

‘You can have talent and ability, but you need the right attitude, the right mindset and behaviour - this generates belief, confidence and success.’ (Mark Foster). This sentiment, describing what makes an Olympic athlete successful, is especially pertinent to Year 12 and Year 13 students at the beginning of a new academic year; they have a fresh start, a blank canvas, with so many opportunities to thrive and flourish ahead of them.

Year 13 celebrated their final day in school with an energy and pizzazz befitting their remarkable two years in the Claires Court Sixth Form.