This week saw a truly special commemoration for Remembrance Day at The Sydney Russell School, reflecting the deserved respect for those who gave their lives for our freedom. At the primary, children formed a human poppy (photos in the Primary section of this newsletter), whilst at the secondary a poignant performance by the Chamber Choir preceded the Last Post and observance of a two-minute silence.

As such a large school, the pin-drop silence of over two thousand six hundred students and staff is always striking, and is a fitting reminder of our young people’s respect and understanding of how to hold themselves, showing the best of themselves.

Students are working hard – many have had important assessments over the past weeks, or are in the final stages of preparing for upcoming assessments. A reminder that dedicated home study time is incredibly important – whether that is daily reading or completing homework/revision tasks – it all matters, and should be part of a balanced approach to include relaxation and social time too.

If your child is not yet in a good home learning/study routine and you need support to help them put this in place, please contact your child’s class teacher/form tutor who will be able to support.

I had the pleasure this week of attending the annual Colin Pond awards, recognising some of our Year12 students who achieved fantastic results in their GCSEs, evidence that all the hard work pays off. You can read more about this in the Sixth Form section of this newsletter, but I convey my sincere congratulations to each of them.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Cross

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Newsletter | 14th November 2025