Common Entrance Results

Our Common Entrance candidates have triumphed again. Following very good scholarship performances, with two Winchester scholars, we were left with 22 Common Entrance candidates.

I am delighted to say, first of all, that once again all our candidates passed, but they did a lot better than that. 

51% of all grades were A* or A, a fantastic achievement. In French and History, 70% of grades were A* or A! In Greek, 100% of all grades were A*-B and in five subjects, the average grade was an A. One boy was placed in the top 28 of boys who took Common Entrance and this earns him a starred pass.

Boys took CE to the following schools:

• Eton
• Harrow
• Stowe
• Tonbridge
• Radley
  
• Sherborne
• Uppingham
• Oundle
  
• Rugby
• Monkton Combe 

Manners - a thing of the past?

Is it just me or do manners and courtesy seem to be becoming things of the past?

Yesterday I was on a train back from a washed out T20 Blast game at Lords. There had been a derailment at Paddington and we were crammed in like sardines. People were still queueing to get on the train. One poor girl was crying because she felt so claustrophobic. 

Standing next to me were my son and my father-in-law. It was his first time to Lords and it was a bit of a damp squib. Also standing next to us was an elderly couple who must have been in their late seventies. They were on their way back to Swindon so had a long journey ahead of them. It certainly looked like they were going to have to stand all the way to Reading. 

There were a number of much younger people on the train, sitting very comfortably, looking on. Eventually I said, to no-one in particular, but certainly loud enough for people to hear, "Would someone offer this couple their seat?" The response was amazing

​. Nobody moved, books became more interesting, text messages more important, the scenery more fascinating. Eventually, after some prodding from another standing passenger, a girl stood up and offered her seat but it took some persuading. 

At Sunningdale, we believe that teaching good manners is an essential part of a good education. It costs nothing to be courteous and considerate but it leaves a lasting impression. I wish that all schools would place their importance right at the heart of the education of all children. It would make a real difference. 

Brexit: to leave or not to leave

I am so pleased that at the moment the senior boys in the school are really engaged on this topic. Of course they will not be able to vote on the 23rd of June but this decision will really affect their futures. 

On Tuesday the scholars held a fascinating debate with boys representing both sides. Their speeches were very well researched; they were informative, challenging and thought provoking. The boys who listened to the debate were so engaged and full of questions for the speakers. At the end there was a vote and it was remarkably close, much like the real thing will be, I suspect.

Last night journalist and former parent, Simon Heffer, came to present his views. He started with the history of the European Union, explaining how we have got to this point and he made a clear case for the Brexit campaign. The boys submitted questions before the talk started and they asked such intelligent questions that prompted excellent responses from Mr Heffer. A number of parents also attended the event. 

We are in the process of trying to find a speaker for the Remain campaign to ensure that we give the boys both sides of the debate.

It would be easy for prep school boys to ignore the whole subject but it is so important that they are aware of what is going on and take an active interest.