Dear Parents
As we begin the Spring Term, I want to pick up a thread first woven together in assembly last term: that schools are, at their best, communities of shared values and shared opportunities. This term promises both in abundance.
It was a pleasure this week to speak to so many families at the Year 9 Parents’ Evening. This is always such an important moment in the school year, as pupils are granted their first opportunity to shape their next steps in their school career. I greatly enjoyed conversations with families about the GCSE pathways available at Cranford, and just as importantly, starting the process of exploring what lies beyond GCSEs, A-levels and school! What struck me most in conversations with pupils and colleagues this week was just how much progress our Year 9 pupils have already made this year: in confidence, in maturity, and in clarity of purpose. They are well on their way towards making this a very successful year! As a year group Year 9 have shown themselves to be thoughtful, ambitious and grounded, epitomising the school values – I am looking forward to sharing their next steps in their journey through school.
Elsewhere around the school, the unmistakable energy of the Spring Term is already evident. Rehearsals for the Senior School production of Oliver! are going exceptionally well. There is a palpable sense of excitement building, and I cannot wait to share the final performance with families very soon — it promises to be something rather special.
In our Early Years, a visit from the Goring fire engine brought smiles, curiosity, and no small amount of awe. The children loved exploring the fire engine and chatting to the firemen and women – it was a very exciting morning!
I would also like to congratulate our Year 11 and Year 13 pupils, who have navigated the second week of mock examinations with calm focus and impressive resilience. Their approach has been exemplary and speaks volumes about their preparation and character. We are looking forward to welcoming families into school next week for the Year 11 and Year 13 post mock examinations Parents’ Evening to discuss next steps as we build up towards the summer.
Fixtures are now back in full swing, and it has been wonderful to see so many pupils representing the school in football, hockey, and netball. My congratulations go to everyone involved - not just for results, but for the commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship on display. Even the rather unforgiving weather of recent days failed to dampen spirits; learning, laughter, and enthusiasm have continued undeterred, both on the pitches and inside classrooms.
Finally, a word of thanks to our parent community. It has been a joy to see the new parent coffee shed next to the astro already working so effectively as a hub for conversation and connection. Small things matter in schools, and places where people can pause, talk, and feel part of something larger matter a great deal. Thank you to everyone who came along to support fixtures this week - we know how difficult this can be to squeeze in during a busy working week.
Please do take a moment to review our week in pictures.
As the Spring Term unfolds, we are all looking ahead with optimism, momentum, and a shared belief in what our pupils can achieve. Thank you, as always, for your support and partnership.
With warm wishes
James Raymond
Head
