“As ever at the start of the new academic year we are welcoming new staff to Fyling Hall.” So began our Headmaster’s update to parents prior to the start of the 2021-22 academic year.  Mr Allen’s update continued. . . .

Mrs Jeeves starts her maternity leave until Easter and we wish her all the best. As cover, I am delighted to welcome Ms Corrigan and Ms Havelock to the staff. Ms Corrigan will oversee the GCSE & A Level Drama classes, while Ms Havelock will oversee the ESL and Year 8 tutoring role. Both have been diligently preparing and will work closely with Mrs Jeeves to ensure continuity for the pupils. Mr Walsh has taken over as Head of the Maths department from the retiring Ms Mitchell. To work alongside Mr Walsh in the Maths department we are pleased to have appointed Ms Dickinson who is a very experienced teacher having taught all around the world. Mrs Gillings joins us as Head of Art; again she is a very experienced teacher and I am looking forward to seeing her implement all of her ideas. 

As we look to the future I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Mr Instone to the Senior Management Team as “Head of Curriculum, Enrichment and Communication”. Many of you will, of course, be familiar with Mr Instone as he is the face of many of our online assemblies and of course our Physics teacher. On top of this Mr Instone holds a Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning from the University of Oxford and prior to his teaching career ran his own business. We’re excited that he will be able to draw more on these skills in this new position. 

As I am sure you will have seen, Miss Anders acquired a dog called Bailey. Bailey will be largely based in the boarding house and will not be around during the school day a great deal but if any children are worried about dogs or suffer from allergies please could you let Miss Gilmour.

I hope everyone has enjoyed the Summer holiday and is looking forward to returning to school.  I have no doubt that the pupils are delighted to return and will join me in welcoming new staff to Fyling Hall. I am excited at the prospect of starting the new academic year focused on the future and making further strides towards what we would recognise as normal school life.