From The Head - 9 October 2026
Dear Parents,
There are moments in school life that capture, in a single morning, much of what we hope to achieve. Our assembly today was one of them.
Standing up in front of the whole school is no small thing at any age. This morning, children from Reception and Year 6 did exactly that, sharing their writing with pupils, parents and staff. As I watched, it occurred to me that we were seeing the very beginning and the closing chapters of the Ryleys’ journey through the main school, side by side.
Our Reception children are only a few weeks into their time in the Pre-Prep, and they read their pieces about “My Daddy”. Some spoke out boldly. Others needed a reassuring smile from their teacher or a moment to find their words. They were met by an audience quietly willing them on. For four and five-year-olds, this was a real act of courage, and the pride on their faces as they returned to their places said everything.
To then hear collaborative pieces of Year 5 & 6 creative writing that were thoughtful, ambitious and, at times, deeply poignant, it was clear how far these pupils have travelled. You could hear it in their vocabulary, the maturity of their ideas, and feel it in the assurance with which they held the room.
Beginning with our Prep assembly this week, we have been thinking about and discussing equity, diversity and inclusion. The central message is that every person in our community is different, and that those differences are something to celebrate, not something to hide. This morning brought that message to life. Alongside the Reception and Year 6 readings, we gave out awards for maths, kindness, sport, trying again when something was hard, and for being a brilliant friend. No two awards were quite the same, because no two children are quite the same.
At The Ryleys, there isn’t just one way to be successful. Celebrating one another properly means looking for the very best in everyone, including the things that are easy to miss.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Warm regards,
Giles Puckle, Headteacher