9 May 2025

Dear Parents,

It has been an exceptionally enjoyable week across the school as the Summer Term continues at a pace! The last seven days have seen the first GCSE examinations, Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Year 3 and Year 4 tea concerts, a plethora of fixtures and sporting endeavours and a school wide celebration of the class of 2025 as our Leavers’ Service marked the culmination of their school years for the fabulous Year 13s. The sheer variety of life at school is hard to capture in a weekly newsletter, but I hope these pictures allow you a small glimpse into a wonderful few days at Cranford.

Tremendous Tea Concerts

The Summer Tea Concert season is in full swing, and Year 3 and Year 4 did not disappoint with their performances. It was lovely to welcome so many parents into school for these events. It takes a huge amount of hard work, practice and composure to stand up in the Willow Theatre and perform to friends and I was very proud of all of our performers! The future of Music at Cranford is certainly safe in the hands of our Junior School pupils. (Year 3 Tea Concert Pictures & Year 4 Tea Concert Pictures)

Year 13 – Class of 2025!

Our Year 13 Leavers’ Service is always a poignant occasion and it was a treat to gather with pupils from across Year 6 to Year 12 to celebrate our departing year group and wish them well on their adventures. It is one of the great privileges of school life sharing this journey with your children as they progress onto Sixth Form, University and the world beyond school! The Leavers’ Service was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their life at school, and the everyday leadership, kindness and generosity of spirit that has epitomised them as a year group. We were treated to some simply exceptional musical performances and touching readings by the Sixth Form. They will be much missed and I know everyone will join me in wishing them every success in their A-level examinations this summer! Thank you to all the families who joined us at the Beetle and Wedge to say farewell in a very enjoyable day of celebration. Please see some of the pictures of this special day.

Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Success

Last weekend, an intrepid group of over a hundred Year 9 and Year 10 students participated in the assessed Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions. The staff were incredibly proud of all of the students who showed outstanding commitment, teamwork and resilience, supporting one another throughout and approaching every challenge with positivity and determination. From navigating their routes to setting up camp, the students worked brilliantly together and demonstrated the very best of Cranford’s values. Every student who took part should feel incredibly proud of all they achieved.

The excitement of the summer term continues next week, as GCSE and A-level examinations gather pace, Year 3 and Year 5 head off on their residential adventures and the school prepares for the eagerly anticipated Reception Tea Party! Lots to look forward to in a busy summer schedule.

Have a great weekend.

Nest wishes,

Dr James Raymond

Headmaster