It has been a pleasure over the past couple of months to read our Year 13 students’ personal statements for their UCAS applications – I’ve read every one - and then to see the offers of places at universities and colleges come rolling in. The passion, commitment and sheer intellect that are encompassed in these personal statements never fail to impress me and also emphasise what a pleasure it is to work with a group of young people with such talent and potential. Equally, the range of courses and destinations they apply to is always fascinating, demonstrating their aspirations for their futures and showing that a serious amount of research has been undertaken. The UCAS process continues up until the application deadline at the end of the month but very well done to everyone – staff and students – who have been part of a complicated process.

It has also been great this week to see our Sixth Form enrichment lectures kick in with the first – with the title Psychological Disorders: Risk and Resilience - taking place on Tuesday; next week’s is titled The Link between 9/11 and the Iraq War and again promises to get everyone thinking. It is great that our Sixth Form students wish to attend but younger students, particularly those in Years 10 and 11, are very welcome and the schedule is shared in school and available through our social media channels.

Finally, the opening night edges ever closer for our school production of The Addams Family. Rehearsals are going well with a huge cast and support crew and the excitement is building. Tickets are being sold via our ParentPay system this year (please select 'other items' and 'Production Tickets' on your preferred performance date) and we all look forward to seeing what will be a brilliant show.