This was a hugely welcome reminder of another rich seam of the boys’ experience and achievement that runs through the school, with boys involved from Pre-Prep right up to Year 8. 

Substances have been doing a great job of showing care and attention to their Shadows, as our new boys become familiar with our rather complex and busy school week. I have noticed so many of them doing so well in this role, and it is an important – and not easy – one. My thanks to all of them for spending a good deal of time putting the needs of another over their own during the opening to term.  

On Wednesday, I was delighted with all the boys involved in our first football fixtures of the season against Walhampton. They achieved some strong victories, with the 1st XI, Colts A and Foals A, among others, coming out on top. More to the point, however, the boys I had the pleasure of watching in the Home fixtures played with excellent spirit and sportsmanship. 

Both the Choristers and Quiristers have made excellent starts under their respective new choir masters – a big change for both choirs, which they have engaged with admirably. These two tight-knit teams, spread across Years 4/5 to 8, have to accelerate from a long restful summer to singing their first services within 24-48 hours of the start of term: a challenge at the best of times! Learning a new style of rehearsing, and even performing, at the same time makes it even more so. They have given it their all. Bravi, boys! 

On the staff front, I would like to take the opportunity to give some praise to our crucial support teams: administrative, catering, estates, IT, cleaning and transport. We have had such a proactive and supportive start to the year from all of them and with several new team members in busy roles; seeing problems before they are raised and working their socks off on behalf of the boys and the wider community. My sincere thanks to them. 

Suffice to say, all the above puts a considerable spring in the step of the community as we set off into term. Ahead of us, we have trips to France for Years 6 and 7 already winking like an old ‘pen pal’ from across the Channel, the first nip of Autumn in the air, and swathes of co- and extra-curricular activity beckoning from amidst the academic learning. There are a number of upcoming parent events too and I look forward to seeing many of you soon.  

Tim Butcher
Headmaster