Strong communities exist in all sorts of shapes and sizes, often characterised by a commonality of interest or purpose and a focused effort to maintain harmonious relationships within. Of course, it is also vital that communities build an outward-looking character in order to reach their full potential. Research repeatedly shows that of all the means by which one might improve one’s own happiness, acts of selflessness and doing good deeds for others are consistently close to or at the top.  

As the liberal, democratic tradition tells us, promoting exposure to the voices of others, allowing their experiences and opinions to be considered alongside our own, is a further pillar of strong community. And so it is that, alongside our thriving debating club, we offer two additional opportunities to introduce rich discussion and wider understanding into our community; one for pupils and one for parents. I’m keen to take this chance to highlight them.  

The Twilight Talks series for pupils, which takes place on certain Wednesday afternoons, exposes the boys to some fascinating areas of the world beyond Pilgrims’, and my enormous thanks to a number of parents who are giving their time and expertise to present. I urge parents who may not have had a chance to digest Mr Cuyler’s recent communication about the talks to try and do so. All boarders attend and I very much encourage day pupil parents to think about booking their sons in too for the talks that most appeal.  

For parents, there is the Pilgrims’ Parley series of discussions which I wrote out about recently. These will be an excellent opportunity to hear a range of senior school panellists discussing ‘of-the-moment’ topics in education. If you’re a parent whose interest has been piqued, but you haven’t yet booked in for the first discussion via the link in my previous letter, please do so when you can. Our first Parley is on Saturday 8 February. 

On Wednesday, I was in Windsor for the termly meeting of prep school Heads in our district. As you will appreciate, there were plenty of things for us to be covering and some really high-value discussion. I also took the opportunity to visit two London prep schools that finish at age 11, having previously visited two in November. My focus was on establishing relationships that might put us in mind for families looking for a Year 7 & 8 bridge to a boarding 13+ senior school.  

It’s always good to spend a bit of time in other schools because it reminds me of what Pilgrims’ does so well. On Wednesday, I was struck by the significant contrast in the range of sporting and extra-curricular opportunities. The range we offer at Pilgrims’ is truly extensive for a school of our size, with some 35-40 Commoners a week and multiple sports accessible throughout the year. It is not just the beautiful location and nature of our site for which I am therefore so thankful when I’m in London; I am also full of thanks for the staff who work so hard to ensure such a wealth of opportunity. As we head into Exeat, it is to them that I doff my cap!