BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Week 2 of the Lent term began in a far more peaceful fashion, following last week’s rather magical winter wonderland. I would like to begin by thanking the pupils, staff, and parents who pulled together so admirably to make our online learning provision such a success. As the saying goes, “Keep calm and carry on,” and that is precisely what the BCS community did. I do hope that, alongside the lessons, many of you managed some precious family time, perhaps a snowman hastily assembled before it melted, or a bracing bit of sledging.

Staying with the snowy theme, almost fifty very excited Year 6 pupils gathered this week to hear Mrs Bennett outline the itinerary for our ski trip to the French Alps later this term. From all accounts, this is fast becoming one of the must-be-on trips in the School calendar. While the fun is obvious, trips of this magnitude quietly instil independence and resilience in ways that simply cannot be measured in the classroom alone. Or, to borrow a very British understatement: “It’ll do them the world of good.”

There was also a cause for celebration closer to home. Congratulations to our Chess team, who successfully qualified from the regional qualifiers. Mr Newman reported that pupils across all teams demonstrated real focus and commitment, qualities that serve them well far beyond the chessboard. The Blue Coat School continues to build a strong and increasingly prolific chess academy, with talented players emerging across the school. Many congratulations to all involved.

On Thursday, my assembly with the Pre-Prep year groups focused on the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, taking place in February this year. Together, we learnt about the traditions surrounding the celebration and about the Chinese Zodiac. May 2026, the Year of the Horse, bring you strength, vitality and success. 

Our senior classicists, meanwhile, have continued to develop a genuine love for their subject. I believe we remain the only Prep School in the area to offer this discipline, and I was delighted to have a productive conversation with the Chief Master of King Edward’s School, who is keen to support a partnership with BCS in this area, further reinforcing the strong bond between our schools.

I must also give a special mention to Year 2. I visited them this week and they were quite simply on top form. The energy in the room was electric; the pupils were engaged, motivated, and visibly happy. A wonderful year group, supported by wonderful staff. 

Looking ahead, we are delighted to welcome parents and pupils to our Open Morning this weekend. Places at key entry points, in Nursery and Year 3, are already at a premium, with 2027 now oversubscribed. I am immensely grateful to our parent body, who are so often referenced by prospective families for their continued support and advocacy of the School. As ever, that support does not go unnoticed.

Wishing you all a very happy weekend.