Year 7 First Day & Start of 2026-27

As the 2026-27 academic year began, the school was just over three years away from the 400-year anniversary in 2030. This impressive institution has seen hundreds of thousands of local boys receiving a quality education - a huge heritage that we take extremely seriously. It bleeds through every aspect of school life as we create a community where young people can discover their potential and be the best that they can be.

The term began on Thursday 4 September with a new cohort of excited yet nervous Year 7s. They were met outside the front door 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 as they find their place and discover 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 over the next few, with all year groups receiving dedicated assemblies 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 a busy 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, as we continue to help students find their place and discover their journey.