Last Friday was an unusual day in School as we said farewell to the Upper Sixth; the sun generally shone and there was much laughter and fun throughout their final assembly led by the School Captains and the other activities which took place including the increasingly popular 'Form Breakfasts'. It's a day that is bittersweet: the students are ready to move on and excited to be doing so but there is also that dawning realisation that years of friendships and shared experiences may be coming to an end.

In recent years, we have come to call Year 13s' final day of formal taught lessons a 'transition day'. This is in recognition of the intensity of revision and examination preparation that is required for students to do themselves justice in their GCE Advanced Level examinations, and the simple fact that students will be back in school not only to take their exams but also to continue to contribute to and benefit from the extra-curricular programme. I am really pleased to see members of the Upper Sixth taking a lead here, particularly through participating in our cricket fixtures and continuing with music commitments in the build up to our 350th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service next Thursday at 2 pm at Gloucester Cathedral – a reminder that parents are most welcome to attend.

Over the last week or so, many boys in Year 11 have chosen to do at least some of their revision in school as well as attend the extra revision sessions that teachers have arranged to help pupils in the final furlong. It is heartening to hear that exams seem to have gone well so far and I am ever grateful to colleagues for continuing to support pupils at such a critical stage in their learning.

This term isn't simply about exams; there is still much success and enjoyment to be found in our extra-curricular programme which will continue apace until the end of term and includes athletics and swimming meets as well as cricket and tennis matches. Please do have a look at the calendar to see what is going on. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we do occasionally need to move events, to alternative dates, for example you will note that the Speech Day in September is now a week later than originally publicised. Therefore, we advise you to regularly check the on-line calendar and if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Finally, parents may be interested to learn of a new school bus service to Sir Thomas Rich's from the Quedgeley and Abbeydale/Abbeymead areas which also covers Stonehouse and Whitminster. Although parents are required to make their own arrangements to transport their child to and from school we do keep our bus information up-to-date on the website. If you are interested in any of the services, please contact the bus companies directly.

Matthew Morgan,
Headmaster