Among the varied happy burdens I perform as a Headmaster, one I particularly enjoy is the opportunity to meet with pupils during the scholarship application, and this week's assessments for the Burkitt Scholarship at 16+ are a lovely reminder of this. It is a delight to speak with the candidates, allow them to test their thinking and demonstrate their creativity and agility of mind. I hope this is part of a journey in which the pupils recognise that scholarship is not simply an accumulation of a specific body of knowledge but, importantly, how that knowledge can be applied, and, significantly, how creativity of thought allows us to draw connections across and beyond the curriculum in imaginative and demanding ways. The award of the post-nominal K.S. [King's Scholar] or B.S. [Burkitt Scholar] is a visible sign of the ability and dedicated learning of those pupils.

Last night saw a variety of musicians and ensembles from across the senior school play and sing at the Winter Concert in Chapel, and all are to be commended on their performances. The standard of musicianship was excellent and it was a splendid introduction to the festive season.

Looking ahead, we have published today an outline of the arrangement for the final week of term, including the service of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral, and I do hope you are able to join the entire Foundation as we mark the end of term and the journey toward Christmas.

I offer my best wishes for the weekend.