13 March 2026

Dear Parents

The Spring Term seems to be passing at remarkable speed - it is hard to believe that we now have just two weeks remaining before the Easter break.

This week has been another wonderful reminder of the breadth and vitality of life at Cranford.

On Thursday evening we were treated to a truly exceptional Key Stage 3 Music Tea Concert. A packed Willow Theatre was treated to an evening of outstanding instrumental and vocal performances from pupils in Years 7–9. The accuracy, sensitivity and confidence on display were hugely impressive and a real privilege to witness. Performances like this do not happen by accident. They reflect hours of practice, perseverance and the quiet determination that sits behind musical excellence. They also speak to something deeper: a thriving culture of music and the performing arts within the school. My congratulations to all the pupils who performed and to the staff who support and inspire them.

It was also a pleasure this week to welcome so many families onto campus. Tuesday evening’s Junior School Parents’ Evening and the Key Stage 3 Parents’ Coffee Morning were both lovely opportunities to connect with parents and carers. These moments of conversation and partnership matter enormously. Schools work best when they are genuine communities - where pupils, families and staff are all working together in support of young people as they grow and develop.

You may also have heard pupils talking about the new Year 9 and Year 10 Common Room, which has been in full use over the past week. The space provides an important social area for pupils and was designed directly in response to pupil feedback. One of our priorities as a school is to ensure that we continue to listen carefully to our pupils and to shape our environment around their needs. Schools should not simply be places where young people learn; they should be places that feel designed with them in mind.

Another highlight this week was the Reception and Year 1 visit to the Story Museum. Experiences like this are incredibly powerful in helping children develop a lifelong love of stories, reading and imagination. Stories matter. They help young people understand the world, explore different perspectives and find their own voice. Over the past week we have reflected quite a lot on the power of stories - not only the stories we read, but also the story of our own school community as it continues to grow and develop.

This morning, in both the Senior and Junior School assemblies, we also celebrated Science Week. We were inspired by Mrs Holbrook and Mrs Lanyon, who encouraged the whole school to remain curious about the world around us. Science begins with questions: Why does this happen? How does this work? What might be possible? It is this spirit of curiosity that drives discovery and innovation. From understanding the smallest particles that make up matter to exploring the vastness of the universe, science reminds us that learning is an adventure, one that begins with the courage to ask big questions.

Finally, I would like to wish the very best of luck to all pupils and staff involved in this weekend’s Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expeditions. It promises to be a challenging and memorable adventure, and I hope everyone enjoys the opportunity to work together, develop resilience and experience the satisfaction that comes from stepping beyond the familiar.

I look forward to hearing the stories when you return. Please take a look at this week in pictures.

With very best wishes

James Raymond

Head