The Headteacher's Blog - The Burfordian, Issue 11 2024-2025

This is the Headteacher's Blog which was first featured in issue 11 of the Burfordian published Friday 4 April 2025

Headteacher’s Blog, 04/04/25

Last Thursday, we held our second pastoral evening of the calendar year. Coordinated by Mrs Barker, the event brought together parents, carers, and professionals from both within and beyond the school to explore a wide range of important topics. Those who attended received valuable advice on vaping, mobile phones, social media, revision techniques, anxiety, school avoidance, neurodivergence, sleep hygiene, and the development of the teenage brain. Parents and carers also had the opportunity to hear from Lizzie Bean, who spoke about the importance of looking after themselves while navigating the challenges and rewards of raising young people. We hold these events three times a year—please do look out for the next one.

The past month has been a stark reminder of the importance of accessing the right professional support in times of difficulty. I am, as always, deeply grateful to every member of our team for their dedication to guiding young people and each other through both the bright spots and the challenges of everyday life. I must also commend our students, who have shown remarkable strength, care, and support for one another. Their resilience over the past few weeks has only reinforced what we already knew—they are extraordinary. Words cannot fully express my respect for every member of Team Burford.

Also on Thursday—proving just how busy our school is—we hosted our latest Business Breakfast. I had the pleasure of introducing our new Director of Business and Finance to the local business community. With catering by our Head Chef, Darren Salmon, we discussed how we prioritise spending, always grounding our decisions in our core values. While the financial pressures on schools are well known, our commitment remains clear: Respect, Participate, and Reach. Burford is about more than just grades; we believe in developing the whole child. This is why we offer a broad curriculum, ensuring students can explore their wider interests—whether in teams, bands or on stage. Recent events such as our production of Dracula, the Spring Concert, and the community choir event in town are a testament to this commitment. Additionally, trips to Bristol, Oxford, and Windsor—covering law, economics, business, languages, and literature—have allowed students to extend their learning beyond exams. We are truly grateful for your support in making this vision a reality.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a restful Easter, and I look forward to seeing you at one of the many events in the coming term.