28 June 2024

Dear Parents

I can’t believe it is the penultimate week of the academic year. It really feels as though September was only a few months ago, until I think of all the things that we have done and that your children have accomplished over the 2023 – 2024 year. As I write this, we have over 70 new pupils enjoying their ‘New Pupil Day’ at school today, who we look forward to welcoming as members of our very special Cranford community in September. We also welcomed next year’s Year 12 on Tuesday, for their Sixth Form induction. There is much to look forward to for the next academic year, but also so much else to fit into the final week of this year, not to mention what has been going on this week!

Robin Hood and the Sherwood Hoodies
Year 5 and 6 were spectacular earlier in the week, over three performances of the Year 5 and 6 show. They performed brilliantly, with fabulous humour and character as the cast of Robin Hood and the Sherwood Hoodies. There were so many stand-out cast members and the ensemble pieces were snappy and excellently executed; almost as well executed as King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham! The sound was faultlessly controlled by our very own Year 6 backstage Sound Manager, Matthew. The whole cast shone and performed with such energy, radiating happiness from the stage. They certainly deserved the standing ovation they received on Wednesday. Well done Year 5 and 6! Please see these pictures from the show.

Families Day
It was an exceptionally busy, vibrant and fun day in school on Thursday, as we opened the doors to our Junior Families for some incredible performances and the chance to look around the classrooms and see all the hard work your children have been producing over the last year. In the morning, Key Stage 2 children took to the stage in a sunny Willow Court performing a series of orchestral pieces and treating parents to some wonderful singing. In the afternoon, Pre-School, Reception and Key Stage 1 children had the chance to showcase their talents. Both events were a real treat for all our vising parents, who also enjoyed the chance to look around the classrooms. The children were so proud to share all of their academic achievements from the last year and rightly so – they have been exceptional!

In other performing arts news, we have had a record number of pupils sit an ABRSM Music Exam this week. We are so pleased that so many of our pupils elect to take up a musical instrument or take singing lessons and are very grateful to the Music Department and our extended team of Peripatetic Music Teachers for their ongoing support and encouragement of all these children. Cranford is certainly richer for it and we are looking forward to the Senior Summer Concert at Dorchester Abbey on Monday.

Do take a moment to have a look at these photos from this week!

Have a lovely weekend and see you next week for the final, epic week of this year!

With best wishes
Dr James Raymond
Headmaster