The Flagpole

As always, we have had a busy start to the second half of the Michaelmas Term. It was wonderful to have new Headmaster, Grove du Toit in school for the first week back, giving him the opportunity to meet with key members of staff and discover more about Princethorpe’s systems and approaches before he starts and I begin my new role as Princethorpe Foundation Principal in January. 

Grove also had the pleasure of being involved in Entrance Examinations Day on Saturday 5 November and met many prospective and current families, which I know he enjoyed. He also sat on the Admissions Panel over two days, helping us decide which of the many candidates will be offered places to join us in September.

One of the most poignant events of this term is our annual Remembrance Day Service. It is such an important occasion for us to mark as a whole school. We gathered together in the playground and with music and prayers reflected as a community on the sacrifices made for us all, not only in the First and Second World Wars but with ongoing conflicts in mind. You can read more about this in the News section.

I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Peter Bucknell, our Head of History and Politics and Head of Rugby, who has been appointed to the role of Deputy Head – Academic at The Kingsley School in Leamington with effect from May 2023. Peter is a much respected and valued member of staff both academically and on the games field and has been part of the Princethorpe family for 10 years. Peter will continue working with his exam classes up until May half term and we wish him all the very best in his new role.

Finally I hope to see many parents at this evening’s Prize Giving at Warwick University’s Butterworth Hall, as ever it promises to be a wonderful, joyous celebration of our young people and their many and diverse achievements. Wishing you all a very good rest of term.

Ed Hester
Headmaster