A Message from the Rector

By Richard Hall | Posted: Thursday November 6, 2025

I wanted to share how incredibly pleased we are with the way the Year 9s and 10s navigated their recent exams.

It’s a real testament to their hard work, and the results clearly show that our boys can and do perform well when a meaningful challenge is placed in front of them.

Now, let's be honest — exams aren't easy. I wasn't thrilled about them when I was at school, and I know they aren't your sons' favourite way to spend an afternoon! But they are achievable, they are worthwhile, and, frankly, all of our boys — regardless of their academic strengths — can pass them. That's why I'm so proud of their effort.

When we talk about challenge here at school, we mean more than just a tough curriculum. We want our boys to be academically challenged in the same way they're pushed on the sports field or asked to step up on stage.

We simply cannot remove challenge from a young person's life. I believe passionately that this school must remain a place where challenge is embraced, and that’s why examinations are, and will remain, a key part of our structure.

I’m currently reading Johann Hari’s book Stolen Focus, and it gives us a crucial perspective on why this matters right now.

Hari argues that we are facing a systemic "attention crisis." He suggests that our inability to sit still or quietly — even for two hours — is a symptom of this. Think about that: in 2025, the simple physical act of sitting still and focusing for the duration of an exam is not a given for many young people.

So, here's the powerful connection: by sitting for those exams, our boys are doing more than just memorising facts — they are actively reclaiming focus and strengthening a vital life skill.

Hari explains that true, deep focus is achieved when we hit a state called flow — that feeling of being completely "in the zone," where you're so absorbed in a challenging task that time vanishes.

The exam is one of the best environments to practise flow. It's set up perfectly:

It’s undistracted: Phones away, quiet environment.
It’s challenging: It pushes them to the edge of their abilities.

When they succeed in that room, they learn the most important lesson of all: challenge is to be embraced, not shied away from. They learn that success and mastery only come when you lean into difficulty. This lesson is far more valuable than any single mark they receive.

I look forward to seeing their results soon.