It’s always a pleasure to walk around our school at any time and this week has been no exception as I have been in and out of lessons and around the place in social times. At the end of the second full week of the academic year routines and expectations are now established and everything feels purposeful and busy. The school is back in full flow and this is something we embrace.

I have been talking with staff who are new to the school about their first few weeks as part of the Wallingford School community and it has been great to hear their reflections. Some of this is about learning new systems and routines but what they come back to time and again is just how impressed they are with our students. They note their positivity, good manners, high aspirations and kindness to each other. As Headteacher, I know this and never take it for granted. We are fortunate as adults to work with these young people and it makes our job a real pleasure.

It has certainly been a pleasure to see our new Year 7 cohort both in lessons and around school this week. Again, everyone keeps saying to me how well they have started secondary school and very well done to them all.

As ever, the link between home and school is vital and thank you to all the families who have managed to attend the Tutor Evenings for each year group over the past couple of weeks. A reminder that the presentations are available online (under Parents > Year Groups).

Finally, the extra-curricular life of the school has also now really kicked in with the school production launched, fixtures starting and music drifting down the corridors – please do keep an eye for the Clubs and Activities timetable which pulls together everything which is on offer at lunchtimes and afterschool this term.