Yesterday was a day of great contrast. We began with a service in memory of Mr Perry. It was a very moving occasion full of tears and laughter as the community remembered him with real love and affection. The tributes from staff and students were outstanding and the School paid a fitting tribute. This was a service that will be remembered by the whole community.

Last night I went to see the School production of Oliver!. It was a wonderful musical experience which worked on every level imaginable! All the lead parts were terrific and the chorus sang and acted brilliantly. This is a performance with no weaknesses. Well done to all the students who took part and of course to Mr Bailey, Mr Anderson and Mr Barraclough who have worked so hard to put the show together. Please do not miss the show. Every student and parent should see it. The Theatre last night was at around 70% capacity: please do try to go and ensure that the last two performances are sold out. This is something to be very proud of. 

The building work in the Deanery began this Monday and will be completed by the beginning of June. When complete this area will house the main School reception and administrative base of the School. It is due to open in September. The demolition of the Fortune is now complete and there will be archaeological work taking place over the next six weeks.

HRH the Princess Royal will visit the School on Monday to officially open the Academy. The visit will begin at 2:20 pm and will conclude with an assembly in the Cathedral. During the visit HRH will visit some classrooms and talk to students. I have asked students not to leave their bags around the School buildings as this is a security risk. The Princess Royal will unveil a plaque, which will be displayed in the Deanery when the works are completed. College Square will be closed during the visit. During the assembly, the Chamber Choir will sing At the round earth’s imagined corners, a piece commissioned by the School’s Chair of Governors, Mr Parsons, an old boy of the School and a former Cathedral Chorister. Its composer, Malcolm Archer, was organist at Bristol Cathedral early in his career and has gone on to a number of leading musical roles, including organist and Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral. The Gospel Choir will also perform at the assembly.

The critically acclaimed BAFTA-winning star of BBC One's Not Going Out and Would I Lie To You, Lee Mack, will visit the School on Thursday when he will adjudicate our first-ever comedy award. A number of students have been practising hard. Mr Mack will be performing at the Hippodrome on Wednesday evening.

Over the half-term holidays, students and staff have been working very hard to prepare for the musical Oliver! which will be performed at the Redgrave Theatre from the 23-25 February. Tickets are on sale now and can be obtained from the main School reception or on the door, spaces permitting. Please do support this event and help us to ensure that every night is sold out.