The first full week of the academic year has been a busy one with everyone learning their timetables, going to new rooms, meeting new teachers and becoming familiar with new routines. Our new Year 7 students continue to make an excellent impression with their enthusiasm and collective impeccable manners which have been a delight. We have also had tutor evenings for families in Years 7, 13 and 10 which help to ensure that channels of communication between school and home are open for the year with more to follow next week.

I have led assemblies this week and have spoken with students about the destinations of last year’s Year 13 students. I have outlined the courses they are about to go away and study – from Medicine and Law to Architecture and Fashion Design, from English Literature, Chemistry and History to Sports Journalism, Aerospace Engineering and Software Engineering and a whole lot more, the range and variety of courses are stunning and a tribute to their aptitudes and abilities. I said to our current students that this is where they will be soon enough, that they should aspire high, think big, work hard and grasp every opportunity which comes their way.

Finally, it was a pleasure to attend the AGM of the Wallingford School Association this week. It was a great opportunity to thank the committed volunteers of parents and staff for all of their efforts over the past year in raising funds to support the school. The addition of the outdoor seating in the quad is a testament to their fundraising and has been very much appreciated by our students. The WSA is always looking for new recruits and their Facebook page can be accessed here - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Db1HHi5ud/?mibextid=K35XfP - if you do get in touch, they are a very friendly and welcoming team.