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CONTACT US Word from the Head – 7 November 2025
Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe that we have only been back from half term for a week: it’s amazing how quickly a holiday can wash off! However I must say that receiving the call from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, or ISI, at 9am on Monday morning was welcome, as we have been waiting for them to visit since the first Monday of term back in September. The week disappeared in a flash as we worked with the inspection team to ensure that we could show off the best of Channing.
I must offer my thanks to those of you who completed the questionnaire which you were sent on Monday morning. It required a quick turnaround and you are very busy people, so the fact that so many of you contributed to the inspectors’ picture of Channing through your feedback is hugely appreciated. While I can tell you that we were pleased with the in-school part of the inspection, I am not at liberty to give you any further details as the writing of the final report takes several weeks. We are likely to be sharing it with you in January and I look forward to being able to do so as soon as I am able.
The stars of the show this week are, of course, our wonderful students and staff. A huge number of our students in the Senior and Junior School were involved in discussion groups with inspectors and more than 750 of them completed their questionnaire. My thanks to them for being their usual brilliant selves, for sharing their perspective on life at Channing, and for throwing themselves (as always) into the events of the week.
Finally, I cannot thank the staff enough for their enormous efforts this week and for everything they did to show the inspectors their work, both in and out of the classroom, at Channing. Every teacher and member of the support team has gone above and beyond in demonstrating their skill, care and commitment to the students and the school – I am so very grateful for and appreciative of their hard work. Thank you!
It was a joy to end the week at last night’s Croatia Tour concert – a tour de force, if you’ll excuse the pun, which highlighted the ability, camaraderie and enjoyment which our students exemplify. My thanks to Mr Boxall, Mr Kokkinos and Miss Bacon for their musical direction and to Mrs Bhamra-Burgess, Mr Jacobs and Miss Della-Porta for accompanying the trip. It was particularly lovely to have our former Assistant Director of Music, Miss Zanardo, in the audience. She had composed a new piece specially for the tour and it was the first time she had heard it sung live: a wonderful moment.
And so to the weekend, which I hope will bring some rest and relaxation alongside activity with family and friends. By now you will have received the disappointing news that tomorrow’s Fireworks event has been cancelled. Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the field at Stanhope Road was deemed unsafe due to recent weather conditions.
This decision was not taken lightly, but I am sure you will understand that the safety of attendees is paramount. My thanks as always to the Channing Association for everything they do in support of the School.
On Sunday morning I will be laying a wreath on behalf of the school at the Highgate Remembrance Service. This event is just one example of our commitment to our community, one which I am very so proud to lead.
With warmest wishes
Lindsey Hughes
Headmistress
