FROM THE HEADMASTER

When reflecting on the last 15 weeks of term with Mrs Sanchez, the two of us could hardly fathom where the time has gone – even after 30 years teaching in schools it still baffles me each year when we get to this stage and suddenly September, October and November have been and gone, and we are well into December and the excitement and joy of Christmas is on the horizon.  A very big well done to all of the staff and pupils for everything achieved this term.

Scholarship Successes
I am delighted to announce the following scholarship successes: Isla Allsopp & Amber Bowyer – each awarded a Sport Scholarship to Rugby and Ginny McAra – Sport Scholarship to Uppingham. These are fantastic achievements and richly deserved, reflecting their talents and sporting commitment and dedication over the years – many congratulations to all three girls.

Christmas Events
Monday’s Christmas Concert was quite simply superb. There were so many groups and ensembles that were performing at such a high standard – very well done to all involved.

Mrs King and Miss Govier’s work was not done, however, as the Carol Services followed hard upon. The Junior Service yesterday was a beautiful event – the readers, choirs, string quintet, brass group were all so very good and the congregational carols, with the soaring descants, really were spine-tingling. I have no doubt that the senior service this afternoon will be just as special.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the wonderful SHSPA team, led by Emma Drage, as well as staff and Year 8 helpers, for a brilliant Christmas Fayre on Wednesday. Thank you too to all those of you who donated gifts, teddy bears and raffle prizes – all much appreciated.  The smiles on the children’s faces said it all.

Petition
I apologise for raising the subject of VAT, especially after all the good news above, but just to inform parents that a member of the campaign group Education not Taxation (made up of c30,000 parents) has set up a petition. This is different to the previous petition that went round a while ago as this one is on the actual Government page.  The aim of this is to achieve 100,000 signatures, thereby forcing a debate in Parliament.  This petition is being circulated to parents in all independent schools.  If you would like to join the petition, please click here. There is more information on their Facebook page here.

Grades and Report
Just a reminder that for those children in the prep school, parents will receive notification that the end of term Grades will be available for you on the school’s Engage Portal.  Please do take the time to look through these carefully and to sit down with your child so that you can talk them through together.  You will find the Form Tutor reports located below the Attainment Grades.

A Fond Farewell to Staff
As ever at the end of term we have to say goodbye to some members of the Spratton staff team. Firstly, to Sarjeewan Tiwari, who has worked in the catering department for 11 years. We wish ‘Sarj’ a very happy retirement and thank her for her good cheer and hard work in the dining room and kitchens.

As previously reported in these pages, our long-serving Bursar, Mrs Clare Cull, who has been in post for 21 very successful years, retires next week.  That the school is in such a sound and stable financial position and so efficiently run is in no small part down to Clare. As you can imagine, she and I have worked very closely for many years and I am so grateful to her, both personally and professionally, for all she has done. I, along with all the staff, wish her a very happy retirement. (I will write in my start of term letter in January with news of Clare’s successor.)

End of Term
Finally, it just remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025. I look forward to seeing all the children again on Tuesday, 7th January.

Thank you.

Simon Clarke
Headmaster

PRE-PREP

Pre-Prep Christmas Parties – Ho, Ho, Ho
Monday’s Christmas parties were tremendously exciting, especially when, amidst the thrill of party games, a loud ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ echoed through the room, announcing the arrival of a very special guest… Father Christmas! With a sack full of gifts, he took a seat as the children gathered eagerly around his feet, their eyes wide with wonder. Father Christmas captivated them with enchanting tales of mischievous elves, playful reindeer, and his endless love of mince pies. Of course, a party would not be complete without a few tasty snacks to nibble on and the platters of vegetable sticks, pizza fingers, sausage rolls and iced, gingerbread biscuits that the children enjoyed at the end, certainly went down a treat!

Theatre Visits ~ The Jolly Christmas Postman
Adding to the festive fun this week, the entire Pre-Prep department enjoyed a trip to the Derngate Theatre on Tuesday, where they were treated to an interactive retelling of the much-loved story The Jolly Christmas Postman. It was a truly brilliant production! The children (and staff!) were jiggling and dancing as Humpty broke into a lively rap, laughing as the Three Little Pigs dashed around the stage, and sitting tentatively on the edge of their seats as the Jolly Postman pedalled through a cold, swirling blizzard. All ended well with a heart-warming finale, which saw Father Christmas coming to the postman’s rescue as snowflakes magically floated down from above us – it was truly enchanting!

A Cheery Elf Pops into Assembly!
Giggles and gasps of astonishment echoed through Pre-Prep midweek when Mr Clarke arrived for his usual ‘Head Master’s Assembly’—dressed from head to toe as an elf! Complete with jingling bells on his shoes and big, pointy ears, Mr Clarke (or should I say, Chief Elf!) delivered a heartfelt message about the importance of spreading kindness throughout the festive season. It was certainly an assembly that left us with plenty to think about—and a few extra smiles too!

Numbots Over the Holidays!
To keep the children’s learning momentum going over the holidays, you will notice that teachers have sent home a few extra reading books and are encouraging continued practice on Numbots. The children in Years 1 and 2 have been set a weekly activity goal of 10 minutes, with Reception aiming for 5 minutes. Whilst screen time certainly needs to be carefully managed, just a few regular minutes on Numbots, every once in a while, will help keep the children’s number skills sharp. ‘Top Bot’ certificates will be awarded in the New Year to all the children who successfully complete their weekly activity goals.

Finally, as we close for the Christmas holidays, it is wonderful to look back and reflect on all that the children have accomplished and enjoyed since September. We are immensely proud of the children and they truly deserve a well-earned rest and some wonderful family time. Happy Christmas to all our families and we very much look forward to welcoming you back in the Spring term.

Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep