As the end of yet another remarkable academic year draws to a close, we reflect on the challenges and successes that have come our way and marvel at the way in which, once again, the entire school community has come together.

The lockdown experienced in the spring term saw more than 40,000 live lessons delivered remotely across the trust, which is an absolutely phenomenal amount and was made possible thanks to the hard work of so many people. Teachers, support staff, parents, carers and of course the students themselves all played a vital part in the delivery and success of our online lessons, and we could not be prouder of how everyone has pulled together.

The determination and positivity which everyone has shown throughout this extended period of disruption is incredible and the hard work displayed by our students both at home and in school is to be commended.

Despite all the uncertainty, the return to school in March was fantastic and so much has been achieved during the spring and summer months.

We were pleased to support the fundraising for Thorn Grove Park, with students at Cheadle Hulme High School raising £300 to fund new play equipment for this important community space. The Year 7s hosted a brilliant Science Poster Fair, showcasing their innovative designs and ideas while some of our lucky Year 9 students had the opportunity to shadow the Carnegie Book Award, reviewing books and attending the virtual awards ceremony, screened from the British Library in London.

Our sixth formers sent a weather balloon into space, and Laurus won the school House Competition, edging it over the winners of the previous three years Citius House.

We said a fond farewell to our wonderful Y11s & 13s, and to end the term in style, the summer weather finally made an appearance so that we were able to hold our first sports day in two years. It was fantastic to return to some sense of normality and congratulations to all the winners. Finally, there was a visit from an ice cream van to round off the term with treats for our dedicated staff.

We now hope and look forward to a more settled term when we return in September but all that’s left for now is to thank you all for your continued support and wish you a happy, safe and well-deserved summer holiday.