"It’s a beautiful day. Don’t let it get away."

We are delighted to share the Head's Michaelmas letter to parents that draws to a close a busy half-term, and especially thrilled to share the news that Christ College recently won the Regional Independent School of the Year (Central) award. 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

"It's a beautiful day. Don't let it get away." U2 - Beautiful Day

On Wednesday night, I travelled to London with Gemma Roberts, Director of Marketing and Admissions, for the Oscars. Well, the Oscars of the teaching world - The Independent Schools Awards. Maybe not so many celebrities and a few more elbow patches but equally a joyous occasion to spend time with the top schools from across the country. We are absolutely thrilled to share the news that we won the Regional Independent School of the Year (Central) award! The judging panel gave particular praise for creating an environment full of community and generating a real sense of belonging. We could not be more delighted and proud of the whole school. Winning such awards is very rare and special. A great boost to bound us into half term; pupils and staff deserve this award.

It feels like only yesterday that I was congratulating pupils on exam results day in August, and in the blink of an eye, we are at half term. Speaking of exam results, we have just improved our data tracking software and I am thrilled to announce we are in the top 9% of schools across the whole UK in terms of the value we add to pupils' results between GCSE and A Level. This is an exceptional feat and well worth celebrating.

This has certainly been an action-packed term, with so many highlights it would be impossible to list them all.

However, I do want to mention House Music last weekend. I had heard so much about this extraordinary event, and over the last 6 weeks I have seen the huge amount of dedication that this competition requires. I have had the privilege of seeing the preparation, the training, the rehearsals, the commitment behind the scenes and that is why I was so delighted to see a finished product of the highest quality. I had invited my parents to watch this extravaganza; they travelled up from Devon for their first visit to CCB and they were not disappointed. I’ve never felt so proud. Our job is to inspire the next generation, but I feel it is the other way around at CCB; our pupils continue to inspire us. What a privilege!

The Friday night instrumental competition was equally amazing. The performances were of the highest order, but what also delighted me was the way the audience listened. You could have heard a pin drop in every performance. This is the sign of a great school, a school which loves community and a school in which the culture is spot on. Thank you, pupils, and special thank you to Mr Ling, Mr Cooper, Mr Howells and Mr Hill for providing us with such entertainment. It was also wonderful to see so many parents filling the Sports Hall on Saturday morning. Thank you. 

Tomorrow is our annual fixture with Llandovery. This is a very special event, and the rugby game is considered the oldest rivalry in history. I had the privilege on Wednesday of awarding the ties to those pupils making their debut at the weekend. I wish both the First XI Hockey and First XV Rugby teams every success. I know you will do yourselves proud. Enjoy the crowd, enjoy the occasion, go out and create another memory. I am incredibly sorry that I am unable to attend tomorrow due to a prior commitment. Thank you in advance to many of you who will be making the trip to support both teams.

In other news, I am pleased to share that Harry Mackridge has been appointed as the Head of Senior School at Highgate International School in Thailand. Harry accepted the position during the summer term, and we wish both him and Sophie the very best of luck in this new and exciting adventure which begins in August 2027.

Of course, it is mixed feelings for us. In such a short space of time, I have really appreciated Harry's calm, kind and measured leadership and also friendship. I know many of us will be sorry to see him depart. However, he will make an excellent Head of Senior School and they are lucky to have him. Sadly, he steals his brilliant wife away too. Sophie will be greatly missed by all colleagues but none more so than her beloved de Winton Girls.

There’s plenty more time for goodbyes and lots to do between now and then but please do take time to congratulate Harry and Sophie on their next opportunity should you have the chance.

Finally, I want to wish all pupils and teaching staff a wonderful half term. It’s been a joy and privilege to have shared the last 6 weeks with you all. You deserve a good rest. Pupils (and my own kids) - don’t forget to help around the house: kindness and manners are the key to success!

Enjoy the break,

Alex Wallace

Head