BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

A very warm welcome back to the Lent Term 2026. The new term has certainly begun with a flourish, as winter decided to remind us of its presence by transforming The Blue Coat School into something of a seasonal wonderland. Snow and ice inevitably bring their own challenges, but if the past week has demonstrated anything, it is that BCS is never dampened, either in spirit or resolve, by the weather.

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to our Estates Team, led so ably by Frankie Paterson. While most of us were still enjoying the comfort of a warm bed, the team was already on site from 4.30am, ensuring paths were cleared, buildings were safe, and the School was ready to welcome pupils back. Their work is often unseen but absolutely essential, and it is a privilege to acknowledge it. I am equally grateful to colleagues across catering, housekeeping, finance, admissions, and our academic staff. The first week of term is always demanding, and doing so amid wintry conditions requires professionalism, adaptability, and good humour. This week, those qualities were evident everywhere, and because of them our pupils returned settled, confident, and ready to hit the ground running.

We are also delighted to welcome our new GAP students to BCS: Arkie, Jess, Daisy, Flynn, and Harry. GAP years flourish when students feel a sense of belonging, and I am certain that our pupils and staff will ensure you feel part of the community from the outset.

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of giving the start of term assembly to the Prep School, focusing on the idea of “5% more” and the importance of living in the moment. In a world that encourages children to look constantly ahead to what comes next, or backwards to what has already passed, there is real value in learning to grasp opportunities in the present. Small, intentional acts, giving a little more attention, kindness, or effort, are often what shape character over time. As Seneca wisely reminded us, “While we are postponing, life speeds by.” Encouraging children to invest in the here and now is not about pressure or perfection, but about helping them recognise their agency and the power of incremental growth.

Reception enjoyed a particularly joyful return to School with an enrichment day centred on Traditional Tales. These stories played a formative role in my own childhood and later in fostering a love of reading in my own children, and I suspect many parents will feel the same. Traditional tales are far more than comforting narratives; they are cultural foundations that develop language, imagination, and moral understanding. In an age where digital intervention is increasingly prevalent, such stories offer something enduring and deeply human. As C.S. Lewis observed, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” I very much hope these tales continue to inspire a lifelong love of reading within our pupils.

As we move fully into the term, I am struck once again by the resilience, warmth, and sense of purpose that define the BCS Community. Winter may still be with us outside, but inside the School there is energy, optimism, and a shared commitment to helping our pupils flourish. In the meantime, please stay warm and enjoy a well-earned and relaxing weekend.