10 June 2022

Welcome to the final half-term of the school calendar! I can’t quite believe we are almost at the end of this academic year, but all the staff are looking forward to delivering an exciting, busy few weeks of teaching and learning and spectacular events ahead of the summer holidays. There is much to look forward to, including Sports Day, a Year 2 trip to Windsor Castle, winning house trips, a model United Nations Conference, Senior Experience day, the Year 12 Canoe trip, Junior Families Day, a Sixth Form Conference, residentials, proms and celebration events galore!

In addition to all the above events, two highlights on the horizon include the Year 7 and 8 show of ‘The Lion King’ and the Year 5 and 6 show ‘Star Warts’! Year 5 and 6 kicked off in style yesterday with their first full rehearsal and I have it on good authority that ‘Star Warts’ is set to be an out-of-the- universe show, complete with plenty of ‘dad-jokes!’. Year 7 and 8 pupils are putting the finishing touches to their production, featuring brilliant displays of talent, enthusiasm and energy that will no doubtcreateaspectacularperformance. Iamreallylookingforwardtowatchingboththese productions and look forward to seeing many of you there.

Earlier in the week, our Year 5-8 Athletes took part in the ISA London West competition, which was a competitive and enjoyable day for all involved featuring some excellent performances. Congratulations to Inis in Year 5 who won the Bronze Medal in the 75m sprint and to Rafi in Year 8 who won a Gold Medal in the 800m and who has been selected to represent London West at the National Finals on Monday at Manchester Arena.

Yesterday, our Year 12 students began researching their journeys beyond Cranford, considering degree apprenticeships, university and many other options. They learnt about application processes, the world of student finance, writing personal statements and how to find the right course. In the evening we were delighted to welcome our Year 12 students and their parents for drinks and the launch of UCAS applications for 2023. Having just supported our Year 13 pupils with finalising their Higher Education decisions for this coming year, we are excited for the adventures they are all heading off on, though we will miss them! We are looking forward to going on this big decision making journey with our Year 12 pupils over the coming year.

Meanwhile, our Year 11 and Year 13 cohort are continuing to model exemplary behaviour in their approach to a rigorous examination period. I’m sure they are looking forward to a wonderfully long and very well-deserved summer break!

Have a good weekend!

Dr James Raymond

Headmaster