“Evening all,” as Dixon of Dock Green used to say. It is a strange and wonderful thing to be an in-service Principal leaning back to watch a younger, more talented generation lead your school toward a bright new future.

The Handover

Passing the baton to Christine Cunniffe and the team at Claires Court in the early Spring of 2026 has been a strategic necessity. While it successfully shielded a family business from the Chancellor’s deepening reach, the true victory lies elsewhere: uniting our school with the Licensed Trade Charity. This partnership provides the scale and reach essential for the decades ahead. At the same time, I know I carry a lot of that history with me, hence my privilege in presenting to Gareth Wellen and family his ISA Whitbread Certificate for outstanding performance at GCSE this Thursday 16 April, and to be able to lead the Sixth Form assembly next Thursday before Year 13 depart on A level leave. 

The Artemis Transition

As with the NASA Artemis 2 return to Earth overnight, a transition of this magnitude is bound to be a bumpy ride for a time. However, with the Summer term now with us, and significant investment liberated for new works and projects, the momentum is undeniable. I am very clear that my on-going purpose is to develop further the many relationships, business and otherwise, that we’ve formed as an institution to date, and as each interest comes into focus, I’ll certainly publicise where next for that interest. For example, this week has included ensuring our 4 main cricket squares are ready for the new season, and with 6 major adult teams based at CC, it’s great news to report that we’ve been able to install 2 new artificial wickets into place to support the game should the weather otherwise prevent play.

Looking Ahead

In my developing role as Principal Emeritus, I find myself looking after more such features in the “stratosphere.” The PTA remains an incredibly important feature of Claires Court life, and now formally as a Trustee, I can help shape that even more closely to meet the school and community’s lead for years to come. My own interest in research and academy has remained as keen as ever, so being able to contribute to national debate and to represent our sector is of equal importance. While I will inevitably look back to ensure safe landings for those on the ground, my focus remains fixed on the stars. It is in the strength of our grasp for the future that the promise we offer our students—young and old—will be fulfilled.

“Et Omnes Unum Sunt”

(That they all may be one)