A message from the Head, Jude Lowson:

In our final assembly of term, I spoke to pupils about how it had felt to attend the Archbishop of Canterbury’s installation service, accompanied by five of our pupils. What a privilege it was to be part of such a significant and meaningful occasion, and to be sufficiently close at hand to see how much it meant to Archbishop Sarah Mullally as she processed out of the Cathedral to a rousing and warm ovation. Many occasions are branded as ‘historic’ without really being worthy of the title – but it is absolutely apt in this case. The installation of the first female Archbishop is a truly historic moment, and I was enormously proud that our school formed such an important part of the backdrop.   

It has been an exciting few days for the School, filled with anticipation as police and royal staff prepared the school site and cathedral for the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales for the service, while in parallel Archbishop Sarah Mullally made her way to Canterbury.  She also established a striking and new tradition, deciding to commence her ministry with a six day pilgrimage walk from London to Canterbury. Mother Lucy and Reverend Collins joined part of that journey, alongside three of our pupils who walked the final stage from Chartham. 

At its conclusion, Archbishop Sarah Mullally reflected with honesty: “It’s been a real joy; it’s also a joy to know that we’re done.” This is a sentiment that no doubt will feel familiar to many pupils at this point in the term. Worthwhile things are often both uplifting and demanding, and there is a real sense of satisfaction in reaching the end of sustained effort. 

In her sermon, she described us all as “pilgrim people”. A pilgrim, she suggested, is someone who continues with purpose, even through difficulty, and who makes space for others along the way. It is a simple but powerful idea, and one that resonated strongly as a way of thinking about a school term. 

As I explained to pupils yesterday, this term, like any worthwhile journey, has not been defined by a single moment and certainly not just by its destination, but by a steady accumulation of effort.  

And, like any journey, it is not undertaken alone. 

In assembly, I asked pupils to reflect on who has been walking alongside them this term. First and foremost, our staff: teachers, house teams, coaches, pastoral and medical colleagues, and support staff, all of whom guide, challenge and support our pupils with remarkable care and consistency. I am deeply grateful for all that they do. 

But equally important are the pupils themselves. Through house visits and Head’s lunches or breakfasts this term, I have been struck not only by the breadth of what pupils are involved in, but by the way they go about it: with energy, humour, and a genuine willingness to support one another. These qualities, often less visible than headline achievements, are central to the character of the School. Our pupils do a great deal to support one another on each of their journeys.  

So as we reach the end of term, there is much to be proud of, not just in what has been achieved, but in how it has been achieved, and I do hope that you will enjoy reading the highlights which follow.  Thank you, as ever, for your continued support of the School. I wish all our pupils a restful break and look forward to all that the Summer Term will bring. 

In this newsletter:

• Key King's Talks and Workshops
• Partnerships, Outreach and Charity overview
• Academic highlights
• Lent term sport achievements
• A selection of OKS and Development updates 

Click here to read the full newsletter.