During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, we have all had to learn new skills and I am full of admiration for the way our children and staff adapted to online learning so quickly and effectively. Our Bassett House values of resilience and perseverance came to the fore and new challenges were tackled head on and conquered.

It has been wonderful to be able to welcome all children back to school before the end of the summer term and to have an injection of normality with the entertaining musical productions of Alice in Wonderland from Form 3 and Grease from Form 6. I have missed our rich extra-curricular provision in recent weeks although earlier in the year there were many musical, artistic and sporting highlights.

It is always hard to say goodbye to children who leave Bassett House, especially Form 6 who leave to take up their places at senior schools. They have learnt to be more independent and adaptable in recent weeks which will stand them in good stead for the future.

This year also sees David Wingfield leaving to take up his headship at Eaton House the Manor Pre-Prep. I couldn’t have asked for a more intelligent, hard-working, inspirational and fun deputy head and I know he will make a brilliant head.

It has been an extra-ordinary time but I am immensely proud of the children and staff at Bassett House: it has been a privilege working alongside them all during the coronavirus crisis. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their support and encouragement. As we look ahead to a new academic year, we can do so with pride, integrity and optimism for the future.

I hope you enjoy a wonderful summer holiday and I look forward to seeing the children on Thursday 3 September.

I gave the children and staff some sunflower seeds to see how they would grow during lockdown and congratulations to our Form 3 pupil who wins the pupil prize for the tallest sunflower and to our Early Years Coordinator who wins the staff prize!