The past five months have posed innumerable challenges for the staff and students of The Purcell School. Throughout this time, I have been deeply impressed by, and grateful for, everyone’s commitment to finding the best path through and with the flexibility and optimism staff, students and families have approached working throughout this period. 

The tumultuous events of the past week have been traumatic for many students and their families and I thank you for your patience while we lobbied exam boards, Ofqual, the Department for Education and our MP for a fairer solution than that presented last week. I am delighted that our petitions (along with those of many others) were finally heard. Under the current circumstances no system of assessment is without issue, but this outcome (for both A Level and GCSE) has to be the fairest. 

I want to congratulate all our students on their achievements especially those who have received results (and/or revised results) today and in recent days.  Those who are moving on do so with my very best wishes for the future. For those returning, I look forward to welcoming you back in a couple weeks.

I want to thank all parents and guardians for their constant support of the School and for the wisdom and guidance they have provided.

I want to particularly congratulate all staff for supporting and enabling students so impressively. Thank you for enabling their successes; thank you for your adaptability, your innovation and your tireless work throughout the lockdown period. I am deeply grateful and know that I speak on behalf of our students in expressing such gratitude.

There will be many challenges ahead but I am confident that by continuing to work together as we have done, we can look forward to a safe, happy and healthy Autumn Term full of exciting, stimulating and musical activity.

Paul Bambrough