Year 7 First Day & Start of 2025/26

The 2025-26 academic year has seen the school move even closer to its 400-year anniversary, which will take place in 2030. Hundreds of thousands of local boys have passed through our doors in that time, reflecting a huge heritage that we take extremely seriously. It bleeds through school life through our traditions and values. The new year sees a renewed commitment to be “outstanding in every respect”, creating an environment where young people can thrive. We are proud to welcome students from all cultures and backgrounds and offer hands-on teaching tailored for boys. 

The term began on Wednesday 3 September, with a new cohort of excited yet nervous Year 7s. They were met in the foyer by the Co-Headteachers, offering a warm welcome handshake. Then, students met their new Pastoral Leader, Mr McAlinden, and were introduced to the key ethos that will follow them through their I&S journey – exceptional education, outstanding opportunities and traditional values.

For Year 7, it was a day of ‘firsts’ – first assembly, first Study Support session, and their first lessons in English, maths and computer science. Students also met their Form Tutor and were given a first introduction to their house – Adam, Brunel, Shackleton or Turner. Each house exemplifies certain values, and this first day got students thinking about how they could best represent these house ideals during the school year.

The rest of the school returned in a staggered way throughout that week, with all year groups receiving dedicated sessions to help prepare them for the year ahead. This was particularly the case for Year 11 as the run-in to their summer examinations begins, and Year 12 as they join our successful Sixth Form. All year groups had a special assembly to welcome them back and set expectations. It was a joy to have a full and happy school once again, with students settled neatly back into the Isleworth & Syon way.