As the new academic year gets underway, I wanted to take a chance to issue everybody a very warm welcome back, or indeed, welcome for the first time to those of you who are new to the Westholme family. I know that the start of a new year can be a particularly daunting time for those pupils for whom it means entering into a new phase in their lives, whether that be for secondary school or for Sixth Form, and so it has been a delight to see those new students integrating seamlessly and being welcomed with open arms by the school community.  

The week got underway in true Westholme style, with a plethora of events and extra-curricular activities for students to get involved in. Tuesday evening saw our annual GCSE and A-Level Art and Photography exhibition in which family and friends of the school had the opportunity to observe the artwork of Westholme’s talented artists and appreciate the hard work and dedication they have put in. On Wednesday morning, all students attended the co-curricular fair. An event whereby pupils are given the chance to talk to staff members to learn more about the various clubs on offer at Westholme. Following this, they can then sign up for the ones they have taken a particular interest in, thus broadening their academic horizons as well as providing them with enriching social experiences to carry with them throughout their time at Westholme. There was also much excitement in the Prep school this week, as students from Prep R to 2 were paid a visit by authors Kes Gray and Jim Field on Thursday. The pupils gained an interesting insight into the pair’s newest book ‘Oi Dinosaurs!’ and could even receive a signed copy. 

It has been an absolute privilege to be able to watch the first week of term unfold and it has been a delight to see Westholme’s core values being perfectly encapsulated in the positive attitudes and enthusiasm of students right from the start of the year. Finally, I wish everybody the best of luck throughout this academic year, I have no doubt that you will make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.