Welcome from the Principal

Each year I marvel at the energy and enthusiasm of our Heads of Houses. Ms Subhan, Ms Hateley, Mr Charkham and Ms Grubb have raised the bar even higher this year with their first House Assemblies. On Wednesday morning, all pupils left their House Assembly feeling motivated to compete for the year ahead and make their Heads of House proud. They were also offered the opportunity to apply to become a House Representative or House Captain. I strongly feel that the students play a big part in leading our school on its journey to greatness and these leadership roles, alongside the Prefects, are vital to us achieving that goal. Our Director of Houses, Ms Ling, has also organised a superb set of events and competitions for the Autumn Term. I will certainly be joining pupils in the gym on Thursday lunchtimes to have a go at the basketball shoot-out each week. Our House system offers both pupils and staff a great opportunity for competition and fun. However, it also plays a big part in the sense of community and family that we are so fiercely proud of here at The Hurlingham Academy. It offers us the chance to build our teamwork skills, to support others and to become more resilient. I encourage pupils to consider applying for the role of House Representative or House Captain and I look forward to hearing their views on how we can improve our school.

As I tell the students in my first assembly every year, I spend most of my summer holiday looking forward to September. Standing at the gate on the first day as I greet our smiling students and staff is an absolute pleasure every year.  I am immensely proud of the success of our Year 11 students in their GCSE results. The outcomes of their motivation and hard work throughout their time at school serves as a chance to take pride in academic achievements. However, this year I find myself considering the outcomes of an education that are harder to measure.