As I head into today’s festive services (with the luxury of two separate ones and a country drive in between), I wanted to pause and say thank you.

Yesterday, walking down the hill with the lingering warmth of a mince pie still very much present, I was reminded yet again – as I so often am – of how beautifully the machine of school life works. The incredible catering team, who feed a titanic number of children every single day with such care, and then somehow still find the energy to feed countless others at events, always with a smile. I am endlessly grateful for them. I’m fairly sure there’s something special in the tea too – perhaps that’s where some of the magic comes from.

I’m grateful to all those working tirelessly behind the scenes for our boys: the people who make the school look cared for and welcoming (something I didn’t notice much as a child, but now deeply appreciate), those who keep everyone safe, uphold routines, and quietly ensure the school runs as it should. I’m grateful for the people who keep our boys moving – whether that’s a much-needed movement break to the office, transitions between lessons, or the energy and teamwork fostered by the wonderful PE department.

As I reached the bottom of the hill, I closed my eyes for a moment and reminded myself how lucky I am to stand in this place – and how lucky every single boy is to be nurtured by a staff body that includes so many people they may never even know by name. Boys flowing around the site, belonging.

The sound of the junior brass instruments settled into memory as I went to collect my child. Parents were buzzing with excitement about what they had seen. Teachers took a quiet breath of relief, having guided another day to a close – one where boys stood up in front of parents, spoke, read, and shone. Other parents arrived to park and wait. School taxis lined up. And all the while, a cohort of around 500 wonderful young men continued to experience the magic of More House School for just a few more minutes.

It’s remarkable the thoughts you can have in 50 metres of walking – and half a mince pie!

So, thank you. And as we come to the end of term, I wish the whole school community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the peace, hope and joy be with you all, and may the coming year be one of rest, renewal and continued belonging.