Dear Community,

As the school year draws to a close this is an opportune moment to acknowledge what has been a challenging but exceptionally rewarding one for our school.

The year was marked by our continued communal despair at what became Israel’s longest war, with its unprecedented hostage crisis and a shocking impact on Israelis and Palestinians. We have seen a terrifying increase in domestic antisemitism and have never felt so misunderstood.

At the end of the year, we are cautiously relieved at the pause in fighting. We held our breaths through hostage returns and we can, once again, dare to hope that a lasting peace can be achieved. 

In the confines of our beautiful school community and wider Jewish community this last three years have challenged us in so many ways but I am so proud that we have created a protective bubble of positivity around our school and have continued to facilitate enriching Jewish and holistic learning and fostering the tight knit community that we are so well regarded for.

At the opening of the school year, in sessions with staff, parents and students, I recounted the remarkable story of English table tennis champion, Matthew Syed. 

Matthew grew up in Silverwater Road in Reading and attended Aldryngton Primary School. 

This week's Year 9 Moving Up Ceremony was more than a milestone, it was a launchpad. Our students officially stepped across the threshold into Senior School, marking the end of one chapter and the start of an even bigger one. For a selection of photos from the Ceremony, please click here.

Jayne Wise praised not only the students' academic grit and leadership, but the way they’ve lifted each other up along the way. “Together, you’ve demonstrated that success is about more than just personal milestones — it’s about lifting others, recognising the worth of every person, and growing not just as individuals, but as a collective,” she reminded them. 

Year 9 level coordinator Brad Smith recognised each student's unique attributes and talent. 

Marc Light rounded out the ceremony by highlighting the cohort’s extraordinary range — Academic pursuit, Performing Arts, Sport, and everything in between. He encouraged students to apply these talents within opportunities in the School.