What an eventful half term! I honestly cannot believe how much has happened in the time we have been back: Beginning of Year Ceremony, Open Day, Year 8 residential MFL trip, Year 11 residential Geography trip, Senior School Lecture, PE fixtures, auditions for the School musical and to top it off, the ISI inspection!

Firstly, I would just like to thank all students that were part of these events. We have just finished another Commendation Assembly and I am pleased to see so many students receiving recognition for their efforts. I would also like to thank our parent body for their support over the half term and the inspectors very much appreciated how many parents filled in the ISI survey – it was very generous of our parents to provide time to do this. Regarding the inspection report, we are not at liberty to reveal the details until the official report is sent to us, which will be in approximately three to four weeks. Once this is sent through, we will pass on the communication, and this will be up on our website.

This is my final week as Acting Headmaster and I hope you don’t mind if I say a few words of gratitude about our whole staff body, both teachers and non-teachers. We have all had to take on extra responsibilities, often without much notice, but our staff have been unflinching with the demands placed on them. The inspection week was just a small example of how the St James team are able to align themselves, putting our students at the centre of our discussions. It has been a privilege and an honour to be in this position and we look forward to welcoming Mr Brazier after the half term break!I hope you all manage to spend some quality time together over half term and are able to cherish those family moments. Just a reminder that the clocks go back just before we return to School, so an extra hour for us to enjoy!