The Flagpole

And just like that, another term ends. Lent is a lot shorter than Michaelmas, however, this is not reflected in the business of all that has happened during the last ten school weeks. Last Friday saw the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Jules Chevallier, founder of the MSCs, the religious order who established Princethorpe College in 1966. It involved a week of various activities, culminating in birthday cake as all good celebrations should do. Remembering our history and the values that form our Foundation, is massively important to ensure the Princethorpe ethos remains as strong as ever.

Our new Admissions cycle for 2025 entry to the College starts after Easter, following one of the biggest Admission seasons to date. Our new Year 7 cohort for September 2024 is a very exciting and strong group of young people and offers to external Sixth Form candidates are more than double compared to previous years. Our reputation as a school where every child is valued, encouraged, and challenged, is clearly resonating with people outside of the Princethorpe family. Every visitor and prospective pupil comments on how impressed they are with our pupils. The time spent with Sixth Form tour guides remains the highlight when prospective families visit, as it provides a window on the diverse, individual stories of each pupil at the College. Our pupils are incredible, and others want to be part of that.

The last progress evenings for Year 11 and Upper Sixth took place this half term and they are now firmly focused on their final external exams after Easter. There has been a real change in the atmosphere as our pupils set their sights on the results they hope to achieve. Clinics, drop-ins, workspaces, and homework clubs have all been buzzing as the term drew to a close. We wish them all the best with their preparations during the Easter holiday – remember, make every day count!

Everything that happens at Princethorpe would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of my colleagues. They genuinely go above and beyond to ensure the best experience for our pupils. All our staff deserve a massive thank you and well-earned rest. This term we are saying goodbye to Mr Alan Harris and Dr Dominic Phelps. Mr Harris leaves us after a year of maternity cover where he has become part of the school community and I know pupils will miss his positive approach in Maths. Dr Phelps is off to Wales to be with his family, and he goes with our blessing as a weekly commute up and down the M5 is never easy. However, his impact in the classroom and on the hockey pitch will be missed as he has made a difference to so many in our community. To both these colleagues, thank you and all the best for the future.

When we start the Trinity Term, it is a good opportunity to reset and return to the habits that ensure a positive experience for everyone at the College. Can I request pupils return with the correct uniform and positive approach to standards. We will continue pushing manners and making sure teaching and learning is front and centre of what we do. The rest of the school will be preparing for their internal exam week which is also important. Taking stock of progress and setting targets for moving forward resonates with our feedback and response agenda that we have developed throughout the year. I would also like to remind parents of my letter about your child’s safety when they step into social situations. The holidays create opportunities where young people do sometimes make bad decisions. The number one thing for us is that they stay safe. Do have those conversations with your child as is relevant and appropriate.

I would like to issue another quick plea for host families who can look after some of the Dutch hockey players coming to Princethorpe after Easter. If you have the ability to host two (or more) pupils for a few nights, do contact Mr McCollin who would be very keen to hear from you.

Finally, may I end by wishing every family a blessed and peaceful Easter. The themes of forgiveness, life, and hope are very necessary in our society. I wish I could bottle the good that happens at Princethorpe, through the living out of our values, and share it in the world beyond the bottom of our drive. I hope all of our community have time to get off the treadmill and reflect on what has been an inspiring term at the College. Rest is deserved and I look forward to welcoming everyone back after the holidays.

With my very best wishes,

Grove du Toit
Headmaster