Message from the Principal

This spirit of togetherness was particularly evident during our annual Pinktober event, where we raised awareness about cancer—a disease that tragically, affects 1 in 2 us. Most of us know someone, whether a friend or relative, who has been touched by this illness. I can personally speak from bitter experience about breast cancer and the impact it can have. Yet our Pinktober event reminded me that hope persists. We came together to learn, laugh, and show solidarity, proving that in community, there is strength and optimism for a better and brighter tomorrow.

This sense of community is not limited to events like Pinktober; it’s a continuous force in our school. Our students are taking ownership of ideas to make our school an even better place to learn and grow. Since becoming principal, I’ve committed to a "You said, we did" approach—ensuring that our community actively participates in shaping solutions. The student voice is becoming stronger, and their efforts are leading to real change, from making our school a no mobile device zone for students, to enhancing our facilities and streamlining canteen services.

As parents, you’ve also asked for more insights into the classroom and curriculum, and we’re delighted that the recent changes to Firefly have been well-received. Earlier this week, I attended the Senior School event, both as a father and as principal. I was inspired by the passion of our staff and their dedication to helping students find their unique paths. The positive feedback from parents has been overwhelming—thank you to everyone who shared your thoughts with us, your feedback makes improvement possible.

This half-term, I had the opportunity to attend the Nord Anglia Senior Leadership Conference, where leaders from over 80 Nord Anglia schools gathered. The collective drive to strengthen our global family of schools was truly remarkable. We are united by a commitment to provide a world-class, well-rounded, and internationally-minded education that prepares students for the future. Our partnerships with Harvard University, Juilliard, MIT, and IMG, along with the guidance from educational leaders like Sir David Puttnam, Steve Munby, and Lord Jim Knight, underscore our dedication to offering an exceptional experience for our students and their families.

I am continually inspired by how our community creates opportunities and shapes outcomes. From our youngest students to the broader Nord Anglia family, the passion for excellence is undeniable. By giving our community ownership, people feel invested, creating a safe platform where children can explore ideas, feel encouraged to share, and take risks. A recent example of student success is Gautham in Year 13. He has shown immense dedication, not only excelling in school but also pushing the boundaries of his interests. Gautham entered a prestigious global neuroscience research competition and achieved an impressive second place among numerous international participants - this is a remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations are also due to Adithya in Year 10, Rais in Year 11, Jiho in Year 11, Hyeonmin in Year 12, and Adam in Year 13 for achieving the highest scores in their respective year groups in a recent UK Mathematics Trust competition! These examples highlight how our students are thriving both in and out of school.

This half-term has certainly been busy, but I feel both energised and proud. It’s a true privilege to lead this school and be part of such an exceptional community. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child," and we are incredibly fortunate to be part of such a supportive and caring village.

Alan Cocker

Principal

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