'As I write, the snow is falling and the Quad and playing fields look especially beautiful. It was lovely to observe the joy and enthusiasm exhibited by returning pupils yesterday evening. Despite the bitter cold, there was a real sense of excitement in the air and plenty of laughter. Of course, it does take all of us a little while to adjust to the rhythm and familiar routines of school life after the Christmas holidays.

Our Upper Sixth Formers are just beginning their mock examinations, and we wish them the very best for the days ahead. I am delighted that plans for the new Health and Wellness Centre are progressing very well and we should be able to provide a detailed update on this project in the next little while. The launch of the BTEC in Sports and Exercise Science (September 2026) will provide a superb new pathway through the Sixth Form.

Similarly, the launch of A level Psychology is promising to be very popular. The appointment of Camilla De Boulay as our new Head of Sixth Form is reflective of the intellectual ambition and cultural dynamism that we expect all our Sixth Formers to embrace. The development of a Sixth Form Centre will provide a physical space for the pupils as well as for the members of staff who will be supporting them, whether that be academically or with their University choices and applications.

I should add that whilst there are distinctive elements of our scholars’ programme, all academic lectures and workshops are now open to all interested students. We have moved away from the arbitrary and exclusive nomenclature of ‘gifted and talented’ and, instead, embrace an inclusive model of academic enrichment which welcomes any young person with a nascent or active interest in a particular subject or topic.

Last term, we really valued the opportunity to connect with parents during our online forums, and I am keen that these sessions should happen at least once every half term. It provides an excellent context within which to discuss different aspects of school life. Indeed, the feedback that we receive during such sessions is invaluable. The next parent forum will take place just before the exeat weekend, on Wednesday 21st January at 6:00pm. Above all else, we look forward to welcoming you to school in-person, and we hope to catch up properly at drop-offs, concerts, plays and sporting fixtures. Fiona and I will be welcoming Fifth Form parents to Crossways this term and we are really enjoying getting to know everyone during these events. We are very grateful for the warmth and kindness of Bradfield’s friendly and enormously invested parental body.

Please accept our very best wishes for the year ahead. We are tremendously grateful for everything that you do to support us. It is by working in close partnership together that we are able to provide our children with the very best of experiences.'