I want to congratulate our Year 11s today for the hard work and commitment they have shown these last two weeks, during the recent round of GCSE mock exams. We have all had to get out of bed to a damp and cold morning every day, but those Year 11 students have faced the added prospect of a GCSE paper waiting for them at school. They are a credit to us and I am so proud of them all. 

Thank you to Dr Pareek and Mr Dockery too, for their exemplary organisation and efficiency in running these exams; and, last but by no means least, the teachers for all the hours they will spend marking the papers and providing valuable feedback to their classes. 

Earlier in the week we celebrated International Women’s Day. All the staff wore badges and lots of discussions were held about women’s achievements and the need to drive up gender parity. We are so very proud of our girls here at HSW, as we are of our boys, and we know that their futures will be outstanding if they continue to have self-belief and self-discipline. 

Have a good weekend everyone. Let’s hope the weather improves in the near future; I’m sure it will, and my rain-soaked gate duties will soon be flooded with Spring sunshine and smiles.