20 September 2024

Dear Parents

It has been a wonderfully busy and varied week and as ever I have been struck by the enthusiasm, curiosity and sense of fun displayed by pupils across Junior School and Senior School. On Wednesday we enjoyed a spectacular evening of celebration at the Sheldonian Theatre for our annual Prize Giving Celebration. I was incredibly proud of the pupils who spoke so eloquently during the evening, sharing readings and reflections on their year at Cranford with self-assurance and warmth. Our musicians and singers delivered a truly remarkable musical programme; I never cease to be amazed by the ambition and range of the musical repertoire selected by Mrs Powell and our pupils.

More broadly across the evening we reflected together on the values that bind us together at Cranford, the importance of Generosity of Spirit and Happiness as cornerstones of our community. Our graduating Year 13s reminded us of the power of effort and application - hard work & application is something we believe has tremendous value in securing success at school. Our school motto, Per Salicem ad alta (Through the Willow to the Heights) reminds our pupils that if we only dare to dream, and work hard, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. I know that together as a school we will make this the best year yet at Cranford. Many thanks to families who joined us for this very special celebration of our school values and our pupils. One of the great joys of this school is that we are a family community - built around shared aspirations for incredible young people who spend their days at Cranford. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement for our pupils. Please look through the photos from the evening here.

This morning in assembly, 11B returned to the theme of generosity of spirit, reminding the Senior School of how this important value can shape our daily lives at school. They talked powerfully to their peers about the role each and every member of our school community can play in making this a happy and successful place to come to school every day.

Senior School Experience Day

We enjoyed an exciting Senior School experience day on Thursday, as Year 6 were joined by pupils from local primary and prep schools for their first full day in senior school. They had wonderful day, hosted by Mr Kelly (Head of Year 7) and Mrs Mir (Director of Studies). They enjoyed lessons from Science and Geography to Performing Arts and Sport. We are delighted that we continue to be heavily over-subscribed for Year 7 entry, with three applicants for each place for entry in September 2025. We hope you see this, as we do, as a strong endorsement of the warm and happy environment your children create at Cranford.

School Council & Pupil Voice

One of the many great joys of life at school is the articulate, clear and well-considered contribution our students make to shaping the future of our community. This week alone I have been approached by pupils across the school with wonderful suggestions for developing our classrooms, ideas on teaching and learning, the power of making reading a part of our daily lives and new ideas for singing in assembly! I'll look forward to updating you more regularly in these pages on the ideas our pupils are bringing forward to make this a happy and successful school.

I hope you are looking forward to a restful family weekend.

With best wishes

Dr James Raymond
Headmaster