It is hard to believe that we are already approaching half term, the first six weeks have gone in a flash. September is always the most exciting time of the year. The energy which the pupils bring to the school makes for such a vibrant start to the academic year and in so doing, enables all the new pupils and staff to feel welcomed into a thriving and kind Prep School. Every day seems to bring something new, refreshing and fun and it is no surprise that each day I see so many children excited to be at school.

Over the summer, as with every summer for the last ten years, I found myself immersed in our unique and transformative Channel Swimming programme. To take 18 children across one of the busiest and most dangerous stretches of water in the world takes a leap of faith and trust in the on-going leadership of Hamish McCarthy and the courage shown by all our pupils. It is life changing for them but also for the staff to see the impact that these events, and similar, can have on the course of a child. Three boats, nearly £15,000 raised for Compass Disability and a lifetime of stories and achievement provide a brilliant microcosm for what a brilliant and formative Prep education can do for a child.

Being back in school makes you appreciate that there are wider pockets of transformation happening every day in classrooms and in activities run before school, at lunchtimes, after school and even into the evening. Without the staff none of this would happen and I remain indebted to such a brilliant common room which has been strengthened with new appointments this September. From Performing Arts Cafes through to STEM clubs, choirs, dance and the plethora and breadth of sport which is the envy of many – when I do tours with prospective parents, they often ask if they could go back to school at TPS! – this term has flown by in a whirl of activity.

All of this is built around Thone, our thriving boarding community. Our week is developed around their needs because TPS is their home, one they generously share with all the staff and pupils. The depth and breadth of the opportunities on offer reflect the thriving boarding needs of our pupils and in so doing, all the pupils benefit from the busy schedules we build for those who build their lives around their ‘home from home’. The thriving nature of Thone is a great testament to Mr and Mrs Wells and I know they will continue to support and nurture their extended family over the course of the year.