Headmaster’s blog 29/09/2023

I’d like to begin by thanking all pupils, staff and parents for supporting this week’s ISI inspection. Initial feedback has been very positive, and the inspectors were particularly impressed with the pupils they met and the teaching they observed. They also understood how their visit made it an extraordinarily busy week for everyone and so were most appreciative – as am I – of the hard work that they witnessed and the great welcome that they received from our School community.

As is customary with the ISI, I had a feedback meeting with inspectors at the close of their visit, where they shared their findings with me verbally. This information will remain confidential until their report is published after half-term. I will then be able to share this with everyone.

We have some super stories in this week’s newsletter, ranging from Wetherby Senior being named national ski champions to exciting Sixth Form activities that support the ambitions of our young people. Indeed, Mr Hayes would like me to remind parents of older years about the SAT intensive course that UES Education (US admissions experts) will run in-person (at our School) and online during half-term. If your son is thinking of applying to the US or other global universities that require or recommend standardised entrance tests, then he should consider sitting these tests before submitting his application in his final year at Wetherby Senior. For more information, please see the letter sent to parents from Mr Hayes or email: schools@ueseducation.com.

Looking ahead to next week and planned tube strikes (Wednesday 4th and Friday 6th October) means we have re-scheduled our Year 7 parents’ evening to Tuesday 3rd October. For pupils, school will be open as usual on both Wednesday and Friday, so please plan ahead if usual travel arrangements are likely to be affected.

Registrations for our Open Day on Saturday 7th October continue to rise, and I look forward to introducing prospective families to Wetherby Senior then. Please can I again remind you that all current pupils are required in Marylebone for our Open Day, to help guide families or to represent different academic departments. I am always hugely proud of the efforts of our boys at these events, and I look forward to seeing your sons in action at our Open Day.