BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at The Blue Coat School – or at least it feels like it! What gives it away, you ask? Well, tomorrow we’ll be rolling out the red carpet for none other than Father Christmas himself, as we kick off The Friends’ Christmas Fayre. It promises to be a day of festive cheer, family fun, and perhaps even the odd mince pie. Nothing quite says “Advent is here” like trying to stop your little one from asking Santa for a pet unicorn.

Speaking of Advent, our phenomenal Chapel Choir will make their way to St. Philip’s Cathedral this Sunday at 4pm for the annual Advent Processional. If previous years are anything to go by, it’s a truly moving experience that brings us back to our spiritual roots. It’s one of those events that could warm even Scrooge’s heart. Do come along if you can; I promise you won’t regret it – just make sure to get there early for a good seat!

Today, the Christmas spirit was in full swing with our dress-down day supporting the Christmas Fayre. The pupils embraced the festive vibe, but for me, the real highlight was welcoming the Salvation Army Brass Band to BCS. Their uplifting melodies reminded us all of the true meaning of the season – community, joy, and perhaps, the beginning of a little relaxation. Or as Charles Dickens so aptly put it, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour.”

That said, it’s not all glitter and garlands. While we revel in these festive occasions, I reminded our pupils that we need to keep the momentum going in all areas of School life. Let’s aim for that extra 5% in everything we do – whether it’s in academic studies, music rehearsals, or sports fixtures. Thankfully, our pupils seem to have taken this to heart.

The Year 3 and 4 Prelude Concert this week was a shining example of this effort, with performances that would have made Beethoven beam with pride. Meanwhile, our sports teams have shown not just skill but true determination and pride. As ever, they’ve embodied our BCS Values. I often joke that here at BCS we do everything with a capital letter – whether it’s Pride, Excellence, or just plain Fun – but it’s true.

And the pride doesn’t stop there. This morning, we had the privilege of welcoming former Head Boy and Old Scholar, Hasan Ahmed, back to school for a talk on ISEB examinations and life at Eton College. Hasan’s insights were as refreshing as they were realistic, giving us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of one of the country’s most prestigious schools. Over the last five years, we’ve had a large number of pupils achieve A-list places at Eton, alongside others securing spots at equally renowned schools like King’s Wimbledon and Westminster as well as the wonderfully high achieving Schools in the local vicinity. It’s wonderful to see our pupils reaching for the stars – and catching them!

The week started on a high note too, with a visit from author and comedian Russell Kane. Known for his wit and wisdom, Russell inspired not only our BCS pupils but also children from neighbouring schools who joined us for the event. It’s moments like these that remind me how important it is for BCS to remain a vibrant hub at the heart of our community.

As we march into December, let’s celebrate the joy of this season while keeping our eyes on the prize. Whether I see you at the Christmas Fayre tomorrow or the Advent Processional on Sunday, let’s make this Advent a time of togetherness, gratitude, and just a sprinkle of magic. After all, as someone wise once said (or at least I think they did), “Christmas isn’t a season; it’s a feeling.”