It was Open Evening on Wednesday 26 September and it was a great evening. Ukeleles were plucked, remote control model cars were raced, balls were hit and kicked, rooms escaped from, cakes were baked, helmets were worn, microscopes peered through – and some of our Art teachers wore facepaint. The energy and vibrancy of our staff and students was a joy to behold.

I don’t always have the privilege of seeing everything which goes on around the school at Open Evening as I am based in the Hall but the feedback I have had from prospective parents is so positive about all that we offer as a school.  Many people commented on the refurbishment in the school. The art and photographs and plants and sculptures all look wonderful and are a powerful visual representation of all that we are about as a school. This was great to hear as it has taken a lot of planning and organisation to provide this change over the summer – and, by the way, the gym block toilets refurbishment is progressing at pace and should mean the new facilities are ready soon.

However, the two things about the school which visitors most appreciated are our greatest assets – our staff and our students. Our staff are wonderful. They inspire our boys, support and guide them and have high expectations of them in everything they do.  And our students never fail to amaze me with their energy, commitment and love for their school.

Our school values are strong, real and tangible – it is the staff who are Inspiring Excellence and the students who display their Care, Courtesy and Commitment. I am very proud to be part of the St Birinus Community with all of them.

Mr Marston, Headteacher