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CONTACT US Word from the Head – 17 October 2025
Dear Parents,
As we reach the end of a very busy half term, it’s fantastic to reflect on what we have achieved in these seven weeks. We’ve navigated the Learning Pit in every classroom, demonstrated creativity and invention, sung, danced, played sport and made connections within and beyond our immediate peer groups – and that goes for the staff just as much as for the pupils! I am immensely grateful for the hard work and cheerful attitude which has been so much in evidence around the school. It really does feel like a place where girls are enjoying success.
Over half term that will continue, with our Year 12s heading out on their first Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expedition and Mr Boxall’s intrepid group of 50 musicians choosing Croatia for a week-long music tour. I know that all the students and staff involved in both expeditions will have an extraordinary time – probably in very different ways! – and I look forward to hearing all about it (and indeed attending the post-tour Croatia Concert on 6 November) when they return.
This week we really enjoyed Tuesday’s Black History Month assembly, which focused on the theme Challenges, Change and Champions. The assembly aimed to show that Black history is not just a story of struggle, but also one of profound creativity, innovation and leadership. It emphasised a crucial point: Black history is British history.
Mr Hamilton and members of the Inclusion Society traced the presence and contributions of people of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain stretching back at least two thousand years, from Roman soldiers serving along Hadrian’s Wall to a thriving community in Georgian London. We were introduced to key figures who have shaped the nation across the centuries, and whose contributions are often overlooked, including:
- John Blanke: A trumpeter in Henry VIII’s court and the subject of one of the earliest portraits of a Black Briton.
- Ignatius Sancho: Once enslaved, he became a respected writer, composer, and the first known Black Briton to vote.
- Olaudah Equiano: His bestselling autobiography helped change minds and assisted in ending the slave trade.
- Mary Seacole: Recognised for her bravery as a nurse during the Crimean War, whose work helped shape modern nursing alongside Florence Nightingale.
The presentation also highlighted the immense service of Black Britons during the 20th century, including through two World Wars, where thousands of men and women from Africa, the Caribbean and across the Commonwealth served in the armed forces and supported the war effort, even when they weren’t granted the same freedoms they fought for.
They noted the contribution of the Windrush Generation: Following the Second World War hundreds of people from the Caribbean arrived on the Empire Windrush in 1948, invited to help rebuild Britain. They became nurses, teachers, and engineers, helping to build the NHS and keep transport running. One of these was Claudia Jones, a member of the Windrush Generation who founded Britain’s first major Black newspaper and started the Caribbean Carnival in London, which grew into the Notting Hill Carnival.
The assembly celebrated contemporary figures who continue to inspire and drive change, including Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, leading space scientist, and politicians including Diane Abbott, Britain’s first Black woman Member of Parliament and Kemi Badenoch, who came to Britain from Nigeria as a teenager and is now Leader of the Opposition.
Mr Hamilton offered students opportunities to reflect on this theme through the formation of the Roots & Wings Society, a new, student-led space launching this term. This club aims to celebrate diversity, belonging, voice and empowerment, meeting each Friday for open discussions, creative projects and cultural spotlights.
In addition there is a Black History Month Competition in which students of all ages are invited to produce a piece of work, in any medium, about a historically significant Black British figure or an important moment in Black British history. Entries are due on Monday 3 November so if you’re looking for a creative task to keep your child occupied over half term, here’s one!
Mr Hamilton’s final reflection was powerful:
So yes, Black history includes struggle. But it’s also a story of contribution – in science, culture, literature and leadership – that has made Britain richer in every sense of the word.
Things have slowly started to change. Schools, universities, workplaces and even politics now talk more openly about diversity, and we’re beginning to see more role models who reflect the true variety of Britain. But there is still work to be done – racism hasn’t disappeared, and representation is still unequal.
Black History Month isn’t just about looking back; it’s also about asking how we move forward together.
It reminds us that when everyone’s voices are heard, society is stronger.
Black history is British history – and it’s a future we can all shape together.
My thanks to Mr Hamilton, Mr Morgan, Yasmine (Year 13), Winnie and Darcy (Year 12) and Astrid and Lottie (Year 7) for their thoughtful and thought-provoking assembly and the exciting activities. I have no doubt that there are many girls who will be interested in finding out more about the Roots & Wings Society and hope that this new endeavour will thrive.
Today we have been in home clothes and Halloween accessories in aid of our school charity, the Teenage Cancer Trust, and paid an extra £1 for our contribution to One Tree Day. Channing has already contributed more than 2,500 trees through our support for the One Tree charity and our Sustainability Officers, Satine and Opal, led a group of our Eco Reps in assembly this morning, explaining the dangers of deforestation for climate, animals and local communities. The group also explained how we can make a difference individually by changing our diet – for example by embracing Meat-Free Monday – and ensuring that we avoid products which use palm oil. We will hear more from them after half term as we prepare for Sustainability Week in week commencing 17 November.
Finally, as we go into half term, I wish everyone celebrating on Monday joy, prosperity and a sparkling Diwali, and best wishes to you all for a good break. Wherever you are going and whatever you are doing, I hope it brings you rest and relaxation, alongside the joy of spending time with friends and family.
With warmest wishes
Lindsey Hughes
Headmistress
