One of my enjoyable Headmaster’s tasks, at the end of the Summer term, is to interview over 30 L6^th Form pupils, who apply annually for School Prefect posts.

The L6^th Form applicants have to write a letter of application (spelling both Wilmshurst and King’s correctly!) and then they are interviewed by me in the Headmaster's office. Feedback on each applicant is given by their Housemaster/Housemistress, other staff and by the current School Prefects, but these interviews give me the opportunity to briefly chat to the boys and girls about their life in school, and about their views on King’s. It is with a clear sense of relief that we seldom now mention COVID-19 in these interviews, but what comes across strongly, is how varied a King’s life is for these boys and girls, and how strong their allegiance is to the School, and to their House community. It never fails to impress me that our pupils have the opportunity to both excel and participate in music, sport, drama, CCF, DofE, activities and House events. The pupils also at their interview, now discuss with passion, the importance of equality, diversity, inclusion, mental health and green issues, and the various pupil committees are valued and respected. The hard task for me is to select only 12 School Prefects from this impressive group of aspiring leaders, but I know that the School is in safe hands for next year.

This has been the first COVID-free term for 2 years, and I have been delighted that the pupils and staff have managed to get everything back to normal so quickly and effectively. Exams went smoothly, music is now back thriving, and I doubt our sport, right across the School, has ever been stronger. Add to this CCF Field Days and DofE Expeditions and it is obvious that we are back to the vibrant, hectic school life that we knew pre-pandemic.

I am grateful to all the pupils for their positivity, and to the King’s staff for their professionalism and incredible dedication, which has ensured that this Summer term has been so successful.

Ian Wilmshurst - Headmaster