Head Master's letter to all parents Yrs 7 to 13 for the beginning of the new school year

15th September 2004

Dear Parents,

As the new terms begins, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself.

I am delighted to be at Wimbledon College – it is a school with a powerful reputation and tradition, all the more so as a result of Fr Michael Holman’s efforts over the past nine years. I see my task in these first weeks as getting to know this school, its pupils, staff and parents, and understanding what makes it successful and inspires the confidence and pride of parents and former pupils.

Having now taught in three Jesuit schools (in north London, Scotland and the US), it is already evident to me that Wimbledon College bears those characteristic hallmarks of a Jesuit school: a strong sense of Christian community, an overarching concern for the pastoral wellbeing of each pupil, high academic standards, a no nonsense disciplinary framework, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities which expand horizons and help boys grow into confident young men.

On this sound basis it is my task to build. I do so with an evidently competent and committed staff. Over the next months and, God willing, years, I would ask for your prayers and support.

I am pleased to tell you that the boys’ examination results this summer were the best ever recorded for Wimbledon College, both at GCSE and A Level. The A Level results improved from 34% grades A and B last year to 45% this year. The percentage of A to C grades rose from 61% to 71%. An impressive achievement by any standard. You will be sent the full analysis of grades in due course.

Among the priorities for me this year will be the new admissions arrangements, relocating Years 7 and 8 back to the Edge Hill site, and our bid for specialist science school status which brings a number of benefits in its wake not least the development of IT resources.

I am sure I will be meeting many parents over the coming months. Please know that I am always pleased to hear from you. If issues arise with your son which are not or cannot be dealt with by the appropriate member of staff, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Let us pray and work together that the children with whom we are entrusted by God will flourish in their time at Wimbledon College.

Yours sincerely,

Fr Adrian Porter SJ
Head Master