Headmaster’s blog 16/06/2023

It has been a busy time across the entire Alpha Plus Group, as you will know from my correspondence earlier this week. I am delighted with the news and very much look forward to getting to know people from the Inspired Education group in the coming weeks. Whilst it will remain very much business as usual here at Wetherby Senior – with our focus on continuing to provide a first-class educational experience for your sons – there will be much to be gained from widening our network to include a truly global group of outstanding schools.

At 6.30pm, on Tuesday 27th June, we will welcome senior members of the Inspired leadership team to Wetherby Senior, so you can meet them in person and hear about the work they are already doing. I will send a separate letter about this early next week but if you are interested in coming, please make a note in your diary.

As a result of this meeting, our Year 10 parents’ evening will now move to Monday 26th June and Ms Bainbridge will be in touch about this. I apologise if this causes any disruption to your schedule.

Our PTA met this morning, and one agenda item was to reflect on the fundraising gala in May. Now the dust has settled, and those who danced all night have recovered, I am very pleased to tell you that it raised in excess of £100k for bursaries! This is a tremendous achievement and due to the hard work of a great number of people. I am most grateful to all of you who worked hard on the event, to those who came, and to those who generously contributed auction lots, bids, and donations. Together you ensured this wonderful evening generated a sum of money that will have lasting impact on bursary recipients. Thank you very much indeed.

Turning back to this week and it has also been busy for our pupils, with co-curricular activities taking place in and outside London. On Wednesday, for example, Field Day saw pupils head across the city to take their learning beyond the classroom in a wide range of subjects. Indeed, with so many activities taking place, we have some news stories in this week’s newsletter but will save others for next week, and I’d like to thank staff for arranging such a varied and successful day.

Moving outside London, our Year 12 geographers recently explored Guernsey. Ms Maroudi, our Head of Geography, tells me the island provided the perfect geographical features for their A Level research and that all boys conducted themselves admirably. In addition, many of our young musicians are now in Paris, enjoying valuable performance opportunities at DisneyLand Paris and Luxembourg Gardens. Bon voyage to Mr Martin and our wonderful Concert Band!

GCSE and A Level exams continue for Years 11 and 13 so, next Thursday, we invite parents, pupils and staff to view our Wetherby Senior Art Show 2023. This will take place from 4pm to 7.30pm in our Drama Studio at Marylebone Lane. Our Drama Studio will also host our Lower School play on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th June. A reminder that tickets for The Government Inspector are on sale via ParentPay.

Looking further ahead, Mrs Deedat would like me to remind Year 11 parents to complete this form regarding arrangements for our Sixth Form induction. We also have our Year 13 leavers’ farewell drinks reception, for Year 13 pupils and parents, on Friday 23rd June. This will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the end of exams and reflect on the years spent together in Marylebone, before our Year 13 start the next stage of their academic journey at university.

With that, I hope everyone enjoys a restful weekend in the sunshine!