It has been an exceptional year with the pandemic and yet, having read several hundred individual school reports recently, I can honestly say that there is overwhelming evidence of the children’s positive attitudes to learning, engagement and sheer hard work. The rhetoric of ‘catch-up’ in the press has not, fortunately, been a concept that has featured at The Hampshire School Chelsea. The high quality and informative, up-to-date, qualitative and quantitative results that parents have received this term confirms that, across the school in the many departments, the children have exceeded expectations. 
 
This level of success in mind, and as we approach the end of the academic year, I have been reflecting on what makes our school so special. It is wonderful that we have had recognition through awards such as the nominations for the ISA’s Prep School of the Year and Innovation in Pupil Voice, as well as the more recent recognition with the Independent School Parent Magazine’s shortlist for Healthy Eating; but what sets us apart is our relentless attention to every child’s personal and academic development. It is our ability to produce articulate and determined learners facilitated through an education that is rooted in tradition and innovation, whilst providing a lens to the world. 
 
It has been an absolute joy to be able to welcome parents onsite to school events and I am sure, like me, parents have thoroughly enjoyed seeing; the children’s artwork in the Library for the Summer Arts Exhibition, their energy and skill on Sports Day, aiming high in music concerts, receiving recognition at the Prize-Giving assemblies and Reception Graduation, performing with confidence in the Nursery Summer Showcase and pupils celebrated for their achievement at the Year Six – Year Eight Graduation ceremony. These moments provide every child with an opportunity to shine. 
 
The teachers, as ever, have gone the extra mile for the children who are the beating heart of our school. I look forward to seeing many of the school community at the picnic in Battersea Park later today. 
 
I wish everyone a very happy holiday and look forward to welcoming returning families back in September.