P T Fraser MA Tel 0117 9655207 Email headmaster@colstons.bristol.sch.uk

7th September 2011

Dear Parents / Guardians

It is always a great pleasure to welcome pupils back at the start of the new year and I would extend a particular welcome to our new pupils and their families. Many of our new pupils will, in only four weeks’ time, act as guides at our Open Morning on Saturday 1st October, presenting their school with confidence to prospective pupils and their parents

We also welcome new members of staff and I would wish them a very happy time at Colston’s School. For your information our new colleagues are:

Mr Scott Proudman Head of English
Mr Peter Dean Teacher of English

In addition, Mr Nichols becomes Head of Roundway House ably supported by Miss Dana Drake who has been appointed as the Assistant Head of Roundway. Mr Nick Yaxley becomes our first Charity, Service and Community Liaison Coordinator and will look to broaden our links with the local community and our range of service activities

I would want to record my thanks to the colleagues who assisted with the D of E, CCF and summer expeditions. The U16 South Africa Tour was a great success (see the website article) and our boys and girls enjoyed generous hospitality from host families. Both rugby and hockey pre-season training have been prominent and I am grateful to all of the staff who run teams throughout the school year

Once again our public examination results were pleasing and we celebrate the achievements of all of our pupils. At GCSE a record of 54% of all grades were secured at
A* / A and 96% of all grades were C or above. At A Level we sustained our 100% pass rate and candidates secured in excess of 300 UCAS points for the third successive year. 40% of all grades were A* or A, 70% A* - B and 90% A* - C. Once again, the majority of our leavers secured their preferred University places in the face of stiff competition and record numbers of UCAS applications. Governors, staff and the wide school community would join me in congratulating all of our pupils on their personal success

This summer we started the first phase of the Teaching Block refurbishment and six classrooms have been upgraded. The remaining 10 rooms will be completed over the course of the next two years. In addition, we have converted boarding space in Bishop’s Palace into sixth form teaching rooms providing permanent locations for Psychology and Sports Studies.
The third major project (which is still on-going) is the complete refurbishment of the changing rooms in the ‘Arches’ and the ‘Dungeons’. When this is complete I can assure pupils that they will enjoy much improved facilities

Both Mrs Aspden and I have submitted formal responses to the ISI Inspection Report and we have discussed the findings at length with Governors. Of all things, we were delighted that the development of pupils, across all ages, and in all areas was judged as outstanding. This, of course, does not happen by chance and I would thank our parents for their strong and constant support for the school and all that we seek to achieve

The start of the new school year can prompt individual concerns and I would encourage you to raise these, in the first instance, with Tutors. Heads of House, Heads of Departments and senior colleagues will also look to your concerns as appropriate. In this, we will always look to respond to issues proactively and in the spirit of partnership

It is very important for boys and girls to engage strongly in the wider life of the school and I would encourage pupils to support clubs and to honour their extra-curricular commitments. I have enclosed a summary of key dates and would ask parents to respect term dates in line with our attendance policy

Parents are most welcome to support any event detailed in the Calendar. I would invite you to attend the Parents’ Society AGM on Thursday 6th October (7:30 pm in the Dining Hall). The House socials next week are excellent occasions and I would commend these to you. Please come if you can

Our Annual Open Morning on Saturday 1st October is an important promotional event. Should you have any friends who might wish to learn about Colston’s I would be grateful if you could encourage them to contact the school. There is no doubt that our parents remain one of the most effective advertisements for the school.

With best wishes to you all

Yours faithfully

P T Fraser
Headmaster


Attached: Key dates