I write to you at the end of another long but highly successful term.

We began the term with a roll of 705 pupils, the largest that RHS has had for at least 20 years, and although this presented one or two logistical problems at the sharp end, it was of course a very good way to begin the term.

As ever, this has been a very busy term as in spite of the somewhat hard ground that met our rugby players at the beginning of the season; our U16B XV, 3rd XV and 2nd XV have had splendid seasons, as indeed have our junior girl hockey players.  It was also noteworthy that the 1st X1 girls’ team finished the season with three straight victories.  On big block fixture days we have managed to field 14 rugby teams and 9 hockey teams, and in addition we have run an extensive programme of house leagues.

Other highlights of the term have included the Remembrance Day Parade and Service attended by 1,400 people, two very successful Open Days, a superb inter-house Drama Competition, an outstanding Trafalgar Night Dinner and an excellent Junior Drama Production (Winter Wonderland), which was presented at the end of term.

This has been another keynote term for our Choir.  Earlier in the term the Choir performed in the National Seafarers’ Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and in the Admiralty Carol Service in St. Martin-in-the-Fields, following which I received a highly complimentary letter from the First Sea Lord, Sir Mark Stanhope, and as I write, the Choir is preparing for the end of term Carol Service.

RHS remains in fine form, pupil numbers are healthy, the academic work rate of both staff and pupils is impressive, and our pupils continue to behave/conduct themselves in a manner for which we can all be very proud.

I wish you a very pleasant Christmas and Happy New Year.