I want to pay special tribute today to a treasured member of the Chatsworth Schools family, and a friend and mentor, whom we sadly lost this week. Mr Graeme Delaney was our Director of Education, and the first Chatsworth Schools’ Head at Hall School Wimbledon in 2018. He went on to become Head at The Village Prep and Pattison College. He dedicated forty-five years of his life to education and inspired so many pupils and staff during his outstanding career. Graeme was a wonderful man, wise, thoughtful and so very kind. I had the privilege of working closely with him on a number of projects and always found him to be the very best of company and the most generous and kind-hearted colleague you could wish for. Many of the staff here at HSW will have worked with Graeme during his time here, and I know there will be many families in our community who will have known him and will share our sense of loss at his passing. He will forever be remembered as an inspiring leader, a champion of inclusive education, and a true teacher, dedicated to enabling all children to flourish.

How fitting then to see so many pictures this week of children flourishing, in so many varied pursuits, from horse-riding to cycling, conducting field studies in the forest, to dancing to Michael Jackson in the playground. It has been a busy and vibrant week at the Hall and we couldn’t be more proud of the progress our cherished pupils are making.

Have a restful weekend everyone.