The Headmaster writes…
Just over a week ago we heard that yet another of our scholarship candidates had been successful; with Sasha Jennings being awarded a top academic scholarship – the Douglas Bader Award – to St Edward’s, Oxford. This brings the total of scholarships awarded this year to thirteen (to eight different schools) which, considering this is nearly 45% of the year group, is a wonderful achievement and we are extremely proud of all of these girls and boys. It is the turn of the Common Entrance candidates after half-term and we look forward to reporting on their success in due course.

The Headmaster writes…
Just ten days ago a team of inspectors completed their five day inspection of St Hugh's during which over fifty lessons were observed, hundreds of exercise books scrutinised, responses to pupil and parent questionnaires analysed, many interviews with pupils undertaken and rigorous checks of all procedures carried out to ensure we comply with all regulatory requirements. The inspectors systematically examined all areas of our educational activity and will report their findings in writing in a few weeks time. The inspection was conducted by ISI (Independent Schools' Inspectorate) which is the OFSTED-accredited agency which inspects all independent schools. The process is painstaking, comprehensive and thorough.

The Headmaster writes…
I first came across the poem below many years ago, as a scruffy, photocopied piece of paper stuck to the door of a friend's fridge. I can only vaguely remember when I saw it but I do remember that it was before we had children and, consequently, it seemed to hold little relevance for me. When I ‘rediscovered’ the poem, years later, its poignant message held much greater meaning for me and I now have it stuck to a board in my study. You may well be familiar with this poem, and its relevance will, of course, differ according to our own personal situations. If you don't already know it, I commend it to you.

The Headmaster writes…
We would probably all agree that there is no age or stage when our children don’t cause us to be anxious or concerned. They are, after all, our children forever and even when they may no longer be dependent in a financial sense (in time...) they remain dependent in an emotional sense and they will always need our love and support. Mature adults have different needs to babies, toddlers and young children and although those needs may be less time-consuming, they are often demanding of our emotions.