The Headmaster reflects on a successful Christmas Term...

I am delighted that my summary of this Christmas Term is so challenging, given how busy and successful the pupils have been. From the Headmaster’s Essay Society to rugby matches, from the amazing school musical ‘Six: Teen Edition’ to fun House nights, from Ten Tors training to the CCF Dinner, from nineteen pupils being confirmed by the new Bishop of Bath and Wells to hockey success, the variety and quality on offer for the pupils, only made possible by our dedicated staff, has been extraordinary.

We are experiencing unprecedented demand for places into our Lower 6^th Form, with over fifty applicants for only a handful of 2023 places, and this is a testament to the quality of our 6^th Form education. Mr Cupit and Mr Daws continually look to improve the 6^th Form curriculum, and the inclusion of A Level Politics has proved a resounding success. Academics will remain the priority for all the boys and girls at King’s, and our incredible A Level and BTEC results last summer indicate the strength of the teaching here and the precision of the academic and Higher Education and careers advice on offer.

Despite the cold weather at the moment, it is exciting to look forward to the Summer Term when the Sir Peter Squire Memorial Pavilion will be opened. Work is progressing well, with the ground floor of the new changing rooms rising brick by brick every day, and the complete refurbishment of the original 1920s pavilion taking shape.

I was honoured to be invited to address the Old Brutonian London Lunch at Apothecaries' Hall last week. The interest and affection for King’s, from the 130 OBs present, was evident, and I outlined the successes and developments taking place at the School.

It is with great sadness that we heard of the tragic deaths of Peter Jenkins OB (New 2014-19) and his father Mark in a light plane crash in Kenya. The School is tight-knit community, and this loss affects us deeply, and our thoughts and prayers are with Peter’s mother Clare, and his brother Myles (New 2013-18).

I wish everyone in the School community a peaceful, safe, and enjoyable Christmas, and I look forward to welcoming the pupils and staff back in January for an exciting 2023.

Floreat Brutonia. Deo Juvante.

Ian Wilmshurst - Headmaster.