18 September 2026

Dear Parents 

What a wonderful second week of term it has been; with a brilliant atmosphere across the School. It has been a particular pleasure to welcome so many families to coffee mornings and events throughout this week. We are enormously grateful for the warmth and enthusiasm with which you support school life- it is a vital part of what makes Cranford such a happy and special community. 

One of the highlights of my week was our celebration dinner for last year’s Year 13 students as they prepare to leave for university. Hosted in the magnificent surroundings of Magdalen College, Oxford, it was a very special opportunity to celebrate everything they have achieved and to wish them well for the exciting adventures ahead. 

It was lovely to speak with students and their families about everything from emergency expeditions to IKEA and Lidl, to new courses, ambitions for the future and favourite memories of their journeys through Cranford. Our drinks reception on the cloister's lawn was made even more memorable by beautiful music from Lucinda Fosker, one of our talented peripatetic music teachers. 

We were also privileged to hear from Grace, a Cranford alumna and current third-year Chemistry student at Oxford. She spoke with tremendous poise, warmth and wisdom, offering thoughtful- and reassuringly practical- advice about university life. 

A common thread ran through the evening: kindness, happiness and generosity of spirit. We celebrated some exceptional academic achievements, but even more important were the friendships these young people have formed and the impressive young adults they have become. They leave Cranford as wonderful role models, and we could not be prouder of them. 

That idea of looking out for others continued in Senior Assembly this morning, when we reflected on what it means to be an upstander and a strong friend: having the courage to notice when someone needs support, to speak when something is not right and to stand alongside others. We are very fortunate to belong to a community in which those qualities matter so deeply. 

I am already looking forward to welcoming families to Prize Giving on 29 September. Mrs Powell and her team are preparing some wonderful musical treats, and it promises to be another joyful celebration of our pupils and all that they contribute to the Cranford community. 

Have a wonderful weekend. 

James Raymond 

Headmaster