6 June 2025

Dear Parents,

The summer term continues to race along at an incredible pace! I never cease to be amazed by the sheer range, variety and depth of our pupils musical and performing arts talents. Preparations are in full flow for our forthcoming Year 7 & 8 and Year 5 & 6 productions, the pupils are working incredibly hard, and we can't wait to share all their hard work with families! Year 5 Senior Experience Day was a day enjoyed by all, the children had a broad range of activities that gave them a wonderful flavour of what’s to come! A huge thank you to everyone involved in rehearsals taking place across this weekend. Excitement is also building for the Hexagon music concert in the last week of term, we've been overwhelmed by parent support for this event, and we are all looking forward to rounding off the school year with a musical extravaganza! I very much look forward to seeing you there. 

Year 10 Work Experience 

This week, our Year 10 students took their first steps into the world of work, spending three days immersed in a wide variety of professional environments. Whether shadowing chefs in high-end kitchens like Raymond Blanc’s Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons or learning the rhythms of hospitality in independent restaurants, they discovered the intensity and creativity required in the culinary world. Others explored design and innovation through placements in interior design and at the Aston Martin Design Studio, while some stepped into the fast-paced spheres of law, business, and technology, including time with solicitors Fenwick Elliott and at Google.

There were also placements that nurtured empathy and social responsibility, from working with children in schools and youth sports settings to supporting the vulnerable at Centrepoint, a charity tackling youth homelessness. A number of students chose hands-on, practical experiences—on construction sites, equestrian farms, animal sanctuaries, and in veterinary surgeries—gaining confidence, resilience, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Across every sector, employers spoke with warmth and enthusiasm about our students’ maturity, curiosity, and willingness to learn. They were a real credit to Cranford - diligent, independent, and enthusiastic. This week was not only a chance to try something new, but a meaningful step towards shaping their futures and making valuable connections along the way. Many thanks to the families across the school who were able to help in hosting pupils for work experience- this support is hugely appreciated by the pupils and everyone at Cranford. 

Elsewhere in school, our pupils have enjoyed a busy week of sport despite the rainy weather this week, sport has thrived across the school!
 

We proudly competed in 17 cricket and 5 tennis fixtures, showcasing resilience and team spirit. A special shoutout to our Year 6 cricketers, who had a dominant afternoon against St Joseph’s College - winning all 5 of their matches. An outstanding performance!

ISA London West Athletics Competition

It was early start for the both the Junior and the Senior School team as we headed off to Thames Valley Athletics centre. 

The day went well with pupils demonstrating resilience and true Cranford spirit. The older pupils supported the younger pupils and were fantastic role models taking them to their events and providing much needed support to each other. There were lots of successes throughout the day - well done to all who completed.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful and restful weekend, and I'll look forward to seeing you around school over the coming weeks. Please take a moment to enjoy our week in pictures.

Best wishes 
Dr James Raymond
Head