So here we are, the first day of term, the first day of a new school year and, in many ways, a whole new chapter for Brookes.

On behalf of all our staff, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to those of you who are new to Brookes. I am delighted that you have chosen our school for your family and I know that the team is working hard to exceed your expectations over the months and years ahead.

Welcome back also to our returning families – we are grateful for your continued support in a variety of ways. Brookes is a small and unique school that thrives on the active engagement of our families – from our parent-led Corporate Governance Board through the Parent-Teacher Association to the numerous activities and events during the year. There will be opportunities for families to get involved, and I would welcome you doing so to enhance our close-knit family environment and help make the school everything we want it to be.

This year we have around 40 new pupils joining us across all our year groups – the biggest and most diverse intake we have seen for many years. But we still have places in some year groups, and we’re always looking to enrol new pupils who we feel are a good fit for Brookes and the kind of education and experience we’re offering. Because we’re a small school we depend upon our families to be our ambassadors – we encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and share good news far and wide so people know what we’re about.

I would like to highlight the fundamental, essential needs that are at the top of our agenda:

• Safety – safety for all is our number one priority
• Wellbeing – the wellbeing of all is considered, supported and developed
• Education – a focus on the best quality teaching and learning

These are givens for every member of the Brookes school community, pandemic or not, and will always be at the heart of our approach. That said, meeting these needs will not detract from giving every child a unique school experience that will unlock their potential and set them up for life. This is what I am determined to deliver.

I hope you are as excited as me about the new school year and I look forward to catching up with all of our families in the days and weeks ahead.

Graham Ellis
Principal / Academic Director