A Message from Head Teacher, Simon Reid

Council, CH colleagues and I are thinking of Old Blues and their families across the world as we face one of the greatest challenges of our times. We send you all our very best wishes.

There is no hiding the fact that this is a very testing time for CH and our pupils. We had the painful experience of having to send our pupils home before the end of term, with the GE and Grecians knowing that their summer exams have been  cancelled. In true CH style, the Grecians organised a final Band Parade in front of all CH staff – displaying extraordinary fortitude as well as raw emotion. There were few dry eyes that day.

I have been humbled by the way in which pupils and staff have moved swiftly to an online learning programme. Despite all the challenges faced, the teamwork between staff, pupils and parents that is so essential to the CH approach, continues unabated. It is too early to know what shape the Summer term will take, but I am confident that we will be ready to provide every pupil with an excellent education and pastoral support whether in person or virtually.

You will not be surprised to hear that the financial toll on CH is significant, with the endowment being particularly affected. While many other schools may focus only on their fee income and shy away from the most vulnerable in society, CH must stand tall and redouble its efforts to support what is likely to be an avalanche of high need children. With the endowment being attacked on all fronts it will only be through support from those who believe in CH that we can continue to provide transformative opportunities for so many.

With all good wishes

Simon Reid

Head Teacher.