As we reach the close of another academic year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary and significant chapter in the life of our school. I also want to offer my sincere thanks to our parent body and wider community. Your support, encouragement, and engagement have been central to the success of this landmark year.  Whether joining us for our tercentenary celebrations, supporting your children through their school journeys, or contributing thoughtfully to our evolving future, your partnership has helped shape a vibrant, ambitious, and forward-thinking environment in which our students continue to thrive.

 

Honouring 300 years of curiosity, ambition and generosity

This year has been uniquely meaningful as we celebrated the 300th anniversary of the founding of the school by Sir William Perkins. Our tercentenary gave us the opportunity to reflect on our history, the legacy of our founder, and the values that have remained constant throughout – curiosity, ambition, and generosity.

The year was marked by events that brought our community together in celebration and connection. A standout moment was the music concert at Sinfonia Smith Square in London – a magnificent showcase of our students’ musical talents. We welcomed former students and staff back for a special alumni afternoon tea, celebrated our heritage in an exhibition at Chertsey Museum, and launched student-led volunteering projects that exceeded our target of 1,725 hours, paying symbolic tribute to our founding year of 1725.

We now look ahead to a new tradition that will continue to bind past, present and future: our inaugural Founders Day, taking place on the afternoon of Friday 17 October at Guildford Cathedral, open to our entire school community. Further details will be shared in the autumn term, and we hope you will join us in this special moment of celebration and reflection. Many of our school activities could not happen – including our forthcoming celebrations – without the unwavering support of our parent association Friends of SWPS. Their generous contributions of time and donations have an immeasurable impact, enabling the school to provide students with an enhanced experience. I extend my sincere thanks to all who continue to give so generously.

 

Autumn term highlights: innovation, creativity and community

The autumn term began with energy, creativity and ambition. Year 7 students immersed themselves in an eco-conscious design technology project, developing sustainable solutions and showcasing the power of innovation at an early age. On stage, our talented cast and crew brought the musical Rent to life, demonstrating the confidence, collaboration, and emotional intelligence that the performing arts instil in our students.

Across the co-curricular landscape, our students continued to excel. Whether representing Great Britain in gymnastics, swimming the English Channel, or competing in national netball, hockey, football, judo and dance championships, their drive and determination stood as a testament to our belief in nurturing every individual, both inside and beyond the classroom.

Our Sixth Form engineers made a strong impression in Formula 24, a national STEM initiative. Working in teams, they designed and built an electric race car, which they recently took to the track on a professional circuit. Their exceptional work reflects not just technical skill but also the teamwork and perseverance that define so much of our Sixth Form experience.

 

Spring term highlights: discovery and global perspective

British Science Week encouraged students of all ages to explore the theme of ‘Change and Adapt’ through experiments, projects and discussion, deepening their understanding of scientific innovation and environmental responsibility.

The term also saw students from Years 7 to 9 embark on an ambitious 14-day expedition to Morocco. Their journey through Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains culminated in a summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Along the way, students encountered remote Berber villages and dramatic landscapes, gaining both perspective and confidence. It was a transformative experience that built character, leadership and a greater appreciation for global cultures.

 

Summer term: celebration, growth and transition

As the academic year drew to a close, our Year 11 and Year 13 students turned their attention to public examinations, approaching them with focus and determination. The dedication they demonstrated throughout the year, from daily lessons to revision and reflection, was impressive and deeply encouraging.

We wish our Year 11 leavers every success as they take their next steps and look forward to a great many of them returning to join our Sixth Form in September.

For our Year 13 students, the summer term marked a fond farewell. At their Valedictory Celebration, students, staff and families gathered to recognise the achievements and contributions of the Class of 2025. We were delighted to welcome back alumna Dr Rachel Fentum (Class of 1997) to give the keynote address, offering her reflections on how our values unite generations of SWPS students. As our newest alumni, they now join a lifelong network that connects them to the friendships, experiences, and spirit of their time here. Whether they return as mentors, share their journeys, or simply stay in touch, they remain an enduring part of our story.

In true celebratory fashion, both Year 11 and Year 13 enjoyed their proms; Year 11 here at school, and Year 13 at Silvermere Golf Club. These wonderful events gave students the chance to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next with laughter and many lasting memories. We look forward to seeing them on the results days in August, where no doubt we will be celebrating incredible student achievements.

Alongside academic pursuits, summer enrichment activities offered invaluable opportunities for exploration and growth. Residential trips, including the Jersey netball and hockey tour, gave students the chance to test their skills, strengthen friendships, and grow in confidence while proudly representing the school.

Our rowing programme continues to go from strength to strength. We are immensely proud of one of our students who represented Great Britain at the Munich International Junior Regatta, securing gold in the U19 Women’s Quad. With strong showings at the National Schools’ Regatta, Henley Women’s Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta (where we are the only school to have qualified both junior boats in 2023, 2024 and 2025) and representation at the World Rowing U19 Championships, rowing at SWPS is making its mark on both national and international stages.

Summer also brought together our school community for our annual Sports Day, where students competed with determination and good nature, and our staff gamely took part in the ever-popular staff relay race, much to the delight of their pupils.

Our charity Jamboree, now a valued end-of-year tradition, was once again organised and run by our Year 12 House Prefects. Designed to celebrate the close of term and bring students together, the day featured a full programme of activities including inflatable challenges, a silent disco, live music and creative sessions. Without a doubt, a highlight of the day must be our very special guests in the form of teen band ‘The Entitled Sons’ who brought an important message of inclusivity to the proceedings. With food, entertainment and a festival atmosphere, it was a chance to enjoy time together while raising funds for our four House Charities.  The event captured the spirit of collaboration and leadership we see so often in our student body and was a memorable way to round off the year.

The end of the academic year also brings with it some fond farewells and this year is no different. We wish our retiring staff all the best for their new adventures; Andy Mulchrone retires from his 17 years in post as our Science Technician. Liz Nichols leaves us from her post as First Aid Coordinator and Alethea Gomez retires as Head of German after more than 20 years at the school. It was an honour to be able to thank Alethea for her incredible service alongside former students who returned to say their goodbyes, and staff. We also say goodbye to Jenny Mann, Science Technician, as well as Fiona Taylor, Teacher of Music, and thank them for their dedicated service to the school. We also thank all our departing gap year assistants for their service and wish them well for the future.

 

Looking ahead: preparing for co-education

This time last year, we announced the next major step in our school’s evolution: welcoming boys into Year 7 and Year 12 from September 2026, with a phased transition to full co-education by 2030. This decision is rooted in our values and a strategic vision to create a more inclusive, forward-thinking and future-ready learning environment.

Over the past twelve months, our preparations have been thoughtful, inclusive and wide-ranging. Dr Berryman, our Senior Deputy Head, has led the planning for this transition, and I’m proud of the collaborative spirit that has guided every stage of the process. Heads of Department have reviewed curriculum content, ensuring our teaching materials reflect the diverse perspectives of a co-educational environment. We welcomed a local co-ed prep school to spend a day with us, allowing our staff to teach mixed classes and explore classroom dynamics in real time. All teaching and support staff have contributed to reviewing our policies and practices to ensure they reflect the inclusive culture we are committed to fostering.

We are also exploring a partnership with a university to introduce a researcher in residence, a pioneering role that would capture and evaluate the transition process in real time. This initiative would not only support our school community but could contribute valuable insights to the wider education sector.

Students remain central to our preparations. School Council, Form Captains, and our Head Prefect Team have already begun sharing their perspectives and ideas for the years ahead. Their involvement will deepen further in the coming year, ensuring that their voices shape the evolving school culture in a meaningful way.

On a practical level, we are undertaking a detailed review of our facilities. For the first incoming cohorts, minimal reallocation of changing and toilet spaces will be required. Longer-term planning is already under way for additional investment in shared sporting facilities that will benefit all students and support the growth of key sports, including hockey, netball, football, cricket and rowing. A comprehensive feasibility study has been completed, and we are proud to be sharing outline plans with our parent body and wider community for our future development.

As we conclude a year that has celebrated our rich heritage and prepared us for a bold future, I could not be prouder of our students.  Their energy, integrity, and spirit have defined every moment of this year. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, in the lab, on stage, or out in the wider world, they have embraced every challenge and opportunity with enthusiasm, compassion, and courage.

Thank you once again for your continued support of our school and for the part you play in helping it thrive. I wish you a restful and joyful summer and look forward to welcoming you back in September, ready to begin the next chapter in our remarkable journey together.

 

Ms Debbie Picton

Head