Warm welcomes

Recent weeks have been happily dominated by recruiting processes - with both new colleagues and new pupils being considered for admission. This is such an exciting part of my job: to source, see and select new talent and bring in new opportunities, interests and ideas. I hope you will all find time to offer them a warm welcome in the new academic year.

School Staff

Welcome to Cransley.

If you haven’t already, please read the previous Journal entry acknowledging those colleagues who are leaving us this term - some after decades of service; some after only a few but meaningful and enjoyable years.

Mrs West’s teaching allocation will be taken up by the familiar and hugely talented Mrs Louise Chester, who, up until now, has focussed on teaching Textiles with great success, given the outcomes of recent ISA Art Festivals and the astonishing fabric display and mannequins from our GCSE pupils adoring the Hall.  (I have my eye on one piece in particular, but it is uncertain whether there is enough fabric to cover my ever growing torso.)

Mrs Caroline Kenny, a very capable and eager teacher of French and Spanish at Didsbury High School, and a teacher of English to those for whom English is a new language, will take up the teaching of languages left by Mrs Gilmour and Mrs Wagstaff as they retire.  Much travelled and very experienced, Mrs Kenny will take a part-time role alongside Ms Wilde in September, as we promote the valuable uptake of languages at GCSE.

[By the way, Mrs Gilmour has offered to host Spanish adult evening classes in the new academic year, therefore anyone seeking more linguistic confidence in the local language before their 10 day, all-inclusive to Torremolinos should get in touch now.]

Dr Boomer leaves us for new climes teaching all sciences at Weaverham in September, with her lessons of Biology and Geography being led by other colleagues next year.  A huge advocate of International Science week and campaigner for the uptake of Natural Science as a new GCSE, Dr Boomer will no doubt be thrilled that the DFE has confirmed plans to move ahead with the plan, and we will keep a close eye on the opportunity to introduce it here at Cransley.

Mrs Tanya Baylis will be joining our Junior School, fresh from maternity leave and a relocation, having taught for several years in Richmond upon Thames across the Primary age range.  Mrs Baylis brings a strong pedagogical expertise and range of additional extracurricular interests to the School for the benefit of all the Junior pupils.

Mr Hinton who has long-served Cransley in a variety of roles, has finally got his hands on the Utility belt of Estate management and is proving wonderfully capable and vigilant, supporting the safety of pupils and staff alike, and facilitating so many activities taking place in this vibrant setting.  Mr Hinton will be working alongside Mr Gresty, under the supervision and guidance of Operations Manager, Mrs Holt.

We have, this week, selected Mrs Nicola Underhill as the new School Secretary, replacing Mrs Matthews over the summer.  Mrs Underhill has had many years of secretarial experience notably at a local independent prep school, and joins Cransley with a great deal of knowledge of families, a deep fondness for children of all ages, of ISI inspections and compliance requirements and of the general complex operation and management of school.  I have no doubt that you will all quickly get to know her voice and her writing style, and her seemingly unwavering and unflappable patience, as your inevitable first point of contact at the School.

We also welcome a dynamic and capable learning support assistant, Miss Kate Charlesworth, to support pupils across the school, having previously enjoyed time as a full time Mum and then Support Assistant and Key worker at a local nursery (kids, not plants).  

Pupils

We are scheduled to start the next academic year with the same pupil roll as we have currently - around 255, with a continued push to fill places through the Autumn term, targeting 260 by Christmas; even 270 by the need of the year.  The warmth and welcome of our pupils and families is marvellous to see in action, and I thank all those who have reached out to uncertain families to assure them of the choice ahead.

Satisfyingly this year, we will begin with a full Reception EYFS class, for the first time in the School’s history, meeting another of our four-year-plan targets.

So that the date is saved in your diaries, and so we can use your delightful children to be tour guides and ambassadors, please note that the Autumn Open Day will take place on the 20th September 2025, 10pm to 1pm. 

Remember: tell only those friends and families that you like.

Have a lovely weekend.

Richard Pollock

Headteacher

Fond farewells to familiar faces

I like my colleagues across the School very much. It would be rather awful to work with people I didn’t like.

Each is a true expert in their own field, and, whether they be teaching, pastoral, administrative and operational, all are integral to the care and individual needs of our pupils.

It is hence sad to say goodbye to any colleague who chooses to stop working in our School, but, invariably, they do for the right reasons. I am pleased that many will not entirely leave.

We therefore say a fond farewell at the end of the year to some whose service to the School and its pupils has extended over decades* and some who have integrated themselves so easily into the operation of the School, that one is surprised to find that they have only been here for a short while.

*The hairstyles may have changed, but their hearts and minds, each committed to the successes of our children, have not!

Mrs West in 1996

Mrs Jill West has taught fine art at Cransley for 40 years. Her gentle creativity and care-filled crafting of the finest and most delicate of skills has enabled children to create extraordinary images filled with self-expression, form and visualisation. I often stand in awe of our pupils’ work, and it is one of my greatest pleasures to stop and stand to see the artwork on display and understand the journey taken to reach that final piece, usually outlined in exquisite sketchbooks. Her legacy will live on the walls and mantlepieces of all of our homes as parents.

Mrs West will continue to see our Year 10s through to their GCSEs and support Mrs Chester as she takes over the teaching duties for both Textiles and Fine Art next year.

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Mrs Gilmour in 2000

Mrs Ros Gilmour was described by a colleague recently as one of the funniest people you could ever meet, and I cannot agree more. There is arguably no finer complement, and she is adored by all. Professionally Mrs G has taught languages for over 25 years, resulting in most Cransley linguists communicating abroad with curiously Celtic accents, and more recently coordinating the provision for pupils with particular needs for whom she was a champion.

Mrs Gilmour will continue to work in the administration and delivery of our GCSEs as an Access Arrangements coordinator and exam invigilator.

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Mrs Wagstaff in 2006

Mrs Jane Wagstaff has taught French and Spanish for 20 years and is fondly thought of by staff and pupils alike. She has tirelessly and successfuly promoted the learning of languages at Cransley at a time when the subject is fading in many schools. As an experienced teacher and caring form tutor and friend to many colleagues, she will be much missed.

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Dr Paula Boomer has been teaching Biology and Geography over the last three years and will be moving to Weaverham High School to teach all of the Science subjects. A keen advocate of all matters scientific, and promoter of International Science Week, Dr Boomer has been a brilliant part of our small but mighty science department, and will be much missed for her innvation and passion for the subject.

You may have noticed that Mr Lee Colclough has not been around the Estate for a couple of months, and certainly his warm character, incredible knowledge of many things and willingness it share it with anyone, has been much missed. We wish him every success in his new position, working closer to home.

We have had the wonderful privilege of working alongside the brilliant Mrs Charlotte Lane teaching Year 3 for this year only - she will be returning back to Switzerland, as planned, and we wish her and her family every fortune with the relocation ahead. I wouldn’t hesistate in employing Mrs Lane permanently, if I were to have the chance.

And finally, after only three years, Mrs Kathy Matthews, our School Secretary will be taking the opportunity to travel the world extensively with her family, with some eviable trips ahead. I have been instructed by her to point out that she is NOT retiring. Kathy has been the first point of call for so many of you each day, doing so with symapthy and efficiency, and has been integral in introducing new systems as well as maintaining those administrative duties within our well-run office. I know there is a reciprocated fondness between her, staff, parents and pupils alike.

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As fond as we are of our colleagues, and as brilliant they are in their roles, such departures bring opportunities to recruit or develop new talent, and we have done just that. This will be the subject of a future Journal entry, once all safer recruitment procedures have been completed. Suffice to say, I am delighted with the range and talents of candidates making applications.

Cransley School clearly is a very attractive place to work, and I am keen to maintain that at all costs.

Richard Pollock

Headteacher

Head's Report - Spring 2025

A summary adaptation of my usual termly report to the Board. nb. Dates for the Diary at the end!

Academic & Curricular

Education, training and recreation

The School continues to enhance its curriculum for the engagement and enjoyment of learning and finally to benefit the results of GCSE examinations.  The Junior Curriculum continues to employ research-based pedagogical approaches to enhance the delivery of learning, and the Senior School subject specialists are developing even more cross-subject collaboration within their departments and the Junior School, and with other settings.

The Year 11 pupils have commenced their GCSE examination period. They have received ever more comprehensive preparation, including additional intervention and teacher-led revision sessions, exam technique and instruction. This year has brought about the innovative application of AI (Notebook LM) for resource creation and revision. This software synthesises GCSE course materials (indeed any source material), and then enables interactive text dialogue conversations/quizzes to facilitate revision, even generating podcast-style conversations. Consequently, pupils can engage in revision even when walking the dog. Parents could even subliminally play the podcast in their rooms, so pupils could even revise as they sleep!

Our Year 10 pupils have also recently had their first taste of formal examination procedures - something which we have long recognised allows pupils to feel as comfortable as possible with the real thing, when it quickly comes around.

As mentioned above, the swift but safe and steady development at Cransley of Artificial Intelligence as a tool for learning, a tool for assessment and a tool for administrative time-saving, has been hugely beneficial across the school.  The Digital Review and Management Team, and the associated AI implementation team, continue to seek new innovative opportunities whilst maintaining a high level of privacy and confidentiality, support for unsure staff, systems for monitoring pupil activity and conduct and wider standards of use.

Personal Enrichment & Wellbeing

Social and economic wellbeing and contributions to society, including careers.

Enrichment (CSE) clubs will be maintained next year within a similar timetable from Monday to Thursday, desipte the longer working day.  On a Friday Afternoon, when the formal timetable ends at 1 pm, enrichment activities will be led mainly by external providers (with supervision from Senior leaders) or part time staff working additional hours providing enrichment activities at a cost (approx £10-12 per hour, depending on the specialism).  Alternatively, Senior School pupils can study independently (supervised, and free) using our new library facility and Junior school pupils can attend ASC (at our competitive rate of approx £5 per per hour).

Plans for Junior Friday Enrichment includes: Judo and Archery, Mad Science, Street dance, Farming and more.  Senior Friday Enrichment includes Performing Arts, Gourmet Bakery, Motorsport and Engineering and Sports. Further details will be shared with parents in due course.

We are also exploring the development of a social space for parents and staff based within our glorious grounds, where children can play and parents can access refreshments and enjoy the beautiful surroundings - something which could be run by our older pupils for work experience. Feedback on the concept would be appreciated.

Cransley Community

Farm

The outdoor provision at Cransley continues within our beautiful estate with the Cransley Farm Project now ahead of schedule and engaging and employing all Junior pupils several times each week, to the delight of them all.  The holistic advantages of working outside, preparing and managing land and seeing results within a matter of months has been hugely rewarding.

Cransley Speedworks Motorsport has developed quickly and sustainably, already achieving standards far beyond our initial objectives, reaching the National Final of the F1 in Schools Competition, and preparing to race their two new F24 electric carts at the forthcoming Aintree circuit in September. A new garage facility will be built on the Estate to allow easier access to the workshop, and funded in part by our motorsport partners.

The pupils and staff have enjoyed the opportunity of two foreign trips this term - a ski trip to La Molina (Spain) and a short cultural trip to Madrid. The next trip aboard will be in December 2025 to Bormio, Italy, before a major trip being planned to California in June 2026.

Other visits include a wonderful history residential for Y5 and Y6 in York, trips to Jodrell Bank, Roman Chester, even Tescos amongst many others, this term alone.

The revitalised assembly system has continued to engagement pupils with House events, a substantial and well supported ‘Cransley’s Got Talent’ event, and a series of meaningful class assemblies based on some difficult subjects, and fantastic guest speakers.

Wellbeing Support - Physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing and safeguarding

The Hub remains a vital and integral source of support for pupils who may find elements of learning difficult, or who may be experiencing personal difficulties. Our ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) manage a supportive timetable of listening support, organisation assistance, peaceful retreat and behaviour restoration.

Our staff training on Health and Safety systems recently took the form of an in-depth review of risk assessment and, in particular, our Invacuation procedures.  Senior pupils have had the matter addressed in an assembly and staff will speak to pupils in the Juniors separately to discuss what these procedures are, and why they are important, before we conduct some invacuation drills.  We are aware that some child may question such matters as a result of our conversation and rehearsals, but we will assure them that we are just trying to be the safest we can possibly be.

It is surprising sometimes to see news reports of schools taking the ‘pioneering’ steps of banning mobile phones in class.  Cransley has never permitted pupil phones.  It is nice to be about 14 years ahead of everyone else.

It is not surprising, at the same time, to see our youngest pupils superseding adults as the sensible and astute factors within the diseased time of smartphone social media addiction.  Our Year 5 pupils have studied the benefits and disadvantages of social media and wider smartphone use, and have made a Smartphone pact amongst themselves to request of their parents that they are not given a smartphone until they begin Y7 at the earliest, and some even pressing on to their 13th birthday.  The leadership intend to support parents and pupils in making similar choices in the younger years, before the temptation grows too strong.

Staff and HR

Teaching, Administrative and operational

The term will serve as the swansong to four colleagues who will starting retirement after many years of service (although nearly all of them will be immediately reemployed in a different role) and and another returning to a life aboard. Further details will follow in a separate Journal entry, with the time and space to better acknowledge their huge contribution to the School, over the years.

We have already begun recruitment for their replacements with the net cast wide in order to assure ourselves of the very best of future colleague.

Three members of teaching staff are about to embark on a two-year Senior Leader Apprenticeship (with Masters) qualification, which is currently being completed by Mr Morris, who has entered his end-point assessment this month.  The course delivers a comprehensive and challenging study of leadership styles within an educational context and accumulates in a substantial business project to enhance the School.

Finance and Business Management

The school has rolled out a new version of the Parental Contract and new Parental Code of Conduct in readiness for September 2025.  There have been no objections or queries.

The School is unlikely to meet its admissions target of 270+ pupils for September 2025, but will at least maintain a slightly higher pupil roll at around 260.  This is traditionally a fertile time for admissions, and this year is no exception with several tours and taster days held already and scheduled over the coming weeks.

School Tours remain delightful opportunities to showcase the school without effort, manipulation or false selling.  Our pupils remain polite and welcoming to guests and keen to share their experiences, and the beauty of the Estate, in this sustained glorious weather, never fails to impress

Our ability to source alternative forms of business income have been developed to holding a pupil holiday club through school holidays (moving from The Grange); hosting events for a local nurseries, and becoming a Hub for a local large Cheshire music group.  Although direct income is limited, we have received several admission enquiries as a result of families attending these events and being impressed by the school grounds.  We are considering further alternative business revenue.

Belmont Hall

The Estate work currently is focused on the rear windows of the school, replacing all frames and casing, much of which is over 100 years old. Once complete the attention will shift to the front of the school with a steady yet sustained replacement of each 18th Century curved sash windows with their unique octagonal windows.

Further Estate developments being considered include small versatile multi-purpose enterprise units, sustainable developments (e.g. solar panel installations and foresting areas of current agricultural land) as part of a necessary Climate Action Plan and repairs to our driveway and Estate roads.

Richard Pollock

Headteacher

Dates for the Diary

02 Jun 25 - SCHOOL RE-OPENS

07 Jun 25 - Yr 9 Duke of Edinburgh Training Weekend

07 Jun 25 - EYFS OPEN DAY - TEDDY BEARS' GARDEN PICNIC

08 Jun 25 - Yr 9 Duke of Edinburgh Training Weekend

09 Jun 25 - Junior School Assessment Week

09 Jun 25 - FULL STAFF MEETING, 3.45-5pm No CSE clubs on this day.

10/11 Jun 25 - Year 6 to 7 Transition Days

11 Jun 25 - STEM Trip Liverpool (selected pupils)

11 Jun 25 - U13 and U15 ISA Rounders Tournament @ Alderley Edge

11 Jun 25 - All the flavours of Spain for lunch

12 Jun 25 - LAMDA Exams - Year 6 and some Y7 and 8s

12 Jun 25 - Y10 Extra Parent's Evening for pupils on progress review

16 Jun 25 - ISA National Athletic Finals in Birmingham

 17 Jun 25 - Manchester School of Art Degree Show Trip

18 Jun 25 - Pupils permitted to attend the Royal Cheshire Show with families

 19 Jun 25 - Junior and Senior Sports day

 20 Jun 25 - Reserve Junior and Senior Sports day

 21 Jun 25 - Yr9 Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Weekend

 25 Jun 25 - Cransley Foundation Afternoon Tea

 26 Jun 25 - Y6 & New Y7 Starters Campout

 26 Jun 25 - Acting Bug Performance - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

 28 Jun 25 - Cransley Foundation Summer Ball

 30 Jun 25 - GCSE Y10 Geography/Biology Field Trip

 30 Jun 25 - Junior and Senior Reports Issued

 01 Jul 25 - Y7-9 Reward Trip- Ninja Warrior

 03 Jul 25 - PRIZE GIVING JUNIOR (AFTERNOON) SENIOR (EVENING)

 04 Jul 25 - Year 6 Leavers Assembly in Gymnasium

 04 Jul 25 - SCHOOL CLOSES FOR SUMMER

 08 Jul 25 - Speedworks Race - Doncaster

 30 Aug 25 - CransleyFest 2025