BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Last Friday, I received the wonderful news that The Blue Coat School has been shortlisted as one of only five schools nationally for Prep School of the Year. This is no small achievement, particularly when one considers the calibre of schools that were long listed. It is heartwarming to know that the dedication of our pupils, staff, Governors and parents is being recognised on such a national stage.

Our ambition and forward-thinking approach, always with your child at the centre, clearly strikes a chord at a time when independent education is facing significant pressures from government policy. Our commitment to you remains steadfast. We will continue to nurture, guide and inspire so that every child can thrive in every sense.

I was reminded of the uniqueness of our community during a recent conversation with a parent who had moved away from BCS for work reasons. He said to me, “You do not know how lucky you are to have a School that offers so much, from pastoral care to academic challenge to extracurricular opportunity.” Those words gave me pause for thought. It is easy in the busyness of School life to forget just how extraordinary this place is. To lead such a community is a privilege and an honour. 

This week, like so many here, has been full and rewarding. Our parent workshops and inclusion meetings were very well attended, a clear sign of the shared commitment between home and School to provide the very best for each individual child.

The pupils also enjoyed a rich variety of opportunities. Many took part in the Scotsman’s Run at Warley Woods and the Harrison Mile here at School. Coming so soon after the BCS “invasion” of Cannon Hill Parkrun, it was uplifting to see so many pupils giving their all and so many parents cheering them on with such enthusiasm. The cross-country teams already look in fine shape for the season ahead, and I thank you for your support on the sidelines.

Another highlight has been the growing excitement around the House Art Competition. Conversations with pupils revealed just how inspired they are. The Art Department has raised the bar once again, and the competition promises to be every bit as strong as last year. It will be inspiring to see the pupil’s creativity and imagination on display.

Meanwhile, our Year 5 pupils were treated to a Shakespeare Company workshop. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Although I remain particularly fond of Rabbie Burns, I must admit this event brought Shakespeare’s work alive in a way that felt fresh and accessible. As one pupil told me afterwards, “It helped me to understand Shakespeare much better and it was fun.” Breaking down barriers to comprehension and writing at this age is so important, and I have no doubt that this experience has opened many eyes to the richness of language and the joy of literature.

Finally, may I thank you for your support ahead of our Open Day tomorrow. Once again, we are welcoming many interested families. The number of applications for Pre-Prep is already unprecedented, and remarkably we are seeing strong interest in Years 3, 4, 5 and even 6. As one prospective parent said to me this week, “We want the best for our children, and we believe BCS will deliver that.” Such comments are humbling, but they also remind us of our greatest responsibility: to deliver for the children already entrusted to our care.

Wishing you all a very happy weekend.