15 November 2024

Dear Parents

We started the week with a very poignant Remembrance Service in Willow Court, where we gathered as a school to reflect on the significance of remembering those who have fought for our country, and those who we have lost. Joined by parent and veteran Mr Realey, we also reflected on the wider reaching impact of war on family and friends. It was a very humbling moment, and I was very proud of our school community; it was clear that the importance of the occasion was felt by every pupil in the school, who as 11:00am fell, marked the minute’s silence with respect and thoughtfulness. Thank you to our Heads of School speakers and also to our Senior pupils who played beautifully ‘The Last Post’.

Senior School Entry Days
Well done to all our Year 6 pupils who have had a particularly busy week, taking part in the Senior School entry process. All I can say is that your children were an absolute credit to you. Over two days this week, they have had interviews, team building and group discussion activities, working exceptionally well together and showing our external visiting pupils just what it is like to be a pupil at Cranford. So many of the Senior teaching staff who interviewed the pupils or facilitated one of the sessions have commented on what a delightful cohort Year 6 are. We have also had many comments from the external families on the wonderful welcome our pupils gave their children. We are delighted that such generosity of spirit was so evident!

Junior Parents’ Evening and Year 10 Parents’ Evening
Thank you to all the parents who joined us this week for Parents’ Evening. On Monday, we welcomed Junior Parents and I know our Junior teaching team enjoyed sharing the amazing progress your children have been making. Then on Thursday, we enjoyed meeting Year 10 parents to find out how the first term of GCSEs have gone. Thank you all for your continued support.

Year 9 Options Fair
The sports hall became a hive of activity on Thursday morning for our annual Year 9 Options Fair, as pupils begin to think about the GCSE options they might like to take. It is a huge privilege being able to share this journey and see what paths your children select. Year 9 appeared excited by the prospect of next steps and impressed the teaching team with the questions they asked about subject combinations and course content. We were delighted with the mature way in which they approached this event and look forward to discussing things further parents at the Year 9 Options Evening later this term.

Children in Need – Cranford's very own bake-off!
Thank you to all our families for your support today, raising funds for Children in Need. We had an amazing number of entries for the ‘Gateau Gamble’. The Sixth Form Lecture Theatre became a haven of temptation, with so many fabulous and creative bakes. We are certain the winners will enjoy the cakes this weekend.

Finally, congratulations to our U15 Girls’ hockey team, who came 5th out of 32 schools in the ISA National Hockey cup. It should also be noted that they only conceded 4 goals throughout. Think it’s fair to say they smashed it!

Please do take a moment to see some more of the photos from this week.

With best wishes
Dr James Raymond
Head