I remember a few years ago I was inspecting a school on behalf of an Academy Trust I worked for at the time. I was in the dining room, and one of the Year 3 boys said to me, ‘Guess what I’m going to be when I grow up?’

‘Ooh, do tell me,’ I said.

He looked at me, wide-eyed and fizzing with ambition…

‘A YouTuber.’ he said.

There is no doubt that career ambitions evolve through generations. There was I expecting him to say a Formula one driver or an astronaut. Perhaps I am the one who needs to change. But I am certain that whatever our own students’ ambitions may be, whether they lie in the world of social media fame or not, they will need to be grounded in some human roots that simply don’t change. We want our students to be aware of their talents and motivations; we want them to have self-worth and the self-discipline that comes from believing you’re good enough; we want them to be able to get along with others, showing empathy and kindness; and we want them to have an awareness of what careers are out there and the skills and attitudes required.

I am certain that an HSW education provides these strong roots and, just as importantly, a bespoke space for them, that flexes as they grow and adapts to their changing needs, as they continue to form and forge their own unique view of the world and their role within it.

Another busy Open Day tomorrow. Thank you, in advance, to everyone in our community for giving up their Saturday morning to help us showcase our bespoke, nurturing and ambitious school.