13 May 2022 | Cranford School

It has been a wonderfully busy week in school and I would like to thank all the parents that have attended the various events, from coffee mornings to Tea Concerts to our Year 11 Celebration Tea. These events cement what is so special in school and it has been lovely for pupils and staff to be able to share them with you all.

Well done to our Year 5 pupils, who performed brilliantly in their Tea Concert earlier this week. There were some exceptional musical interludes, and the standard was incredible. This afternoon, it was Year 4’s turn to take to the stage for their Tea Concert, which was equally special. The talent and confidence shown by all was very impressive. The range of instruments and different genres of music has also been startling. Well done to all!

At the start of the week, there was much chatter and excitement as our Year 6 pupils boarded the coach, heading for their week-long residential to Condover Hall. They have packed so much into the week, from climbing walls to buggy building, abseiling, circus skills, kayaking and hiking, not to mention lots of fun and laughter which all equate to a highly memorable week! I hope parents enjoy hearing all about their escapades - I think that it is safe to say that they will sleep well tonight. Meanwhile, Year 7 pupils have also enjoyed an action-packed few days on their residential. Following a similar trajectory, they have tested their courage, teamwork, coordination and head for heights, attempting amongst other things archery, a vertical climbing challenge, sports challenges and raft building. I have it on good authority that very few pupils, or members of staff, escaped this challenge without getting wet!

Finally, this week has been particularly memorable for Year 11, who commenced study leave today ahead of their GCSE examination period starting next week. I’m sure parents will have noticed the outside of Cranford looking a little different on Wednesday morning during drop off, sporting a few unusual signs, notices and décor. The inside of Senior School was equally well decorated, as part of the traditional Year 11 Muck Up day. On Thursday, we gathered for a very special Year 11 Celebration Assembly in the Willow Theatre, applauding the achievements of this incredible cohort. Many of the pupils have been at Cranford from Junior School, and in a very special assembly, we shared fond memories, a few tears and much laughter. Cheered on by the whole Senior School as they made their way out of the Willow Theatre, the Year 11s then enjoyed a wonderful tea with parents. I’m sure you will all join me in wishing them the best of luck for their GCSE examinations!

Have a good weekend!

Dr James Raymond

Headmaster