Academic
Senior School Scholarship Awards
We are delighted to announce that 21 Pinewood pupils have earned a combined total of 23 scholarships to their chosen senior schools.
Dear Parents,
First and foremost, I hope that this message finds you in excellent health and that you managed to enjoy spending time with family and friends over the summer holiday – especially given the glorious weather we enjoyed. At Pinewood, it has been wonderful to welcome the children back through our doors, as well as extend a warm welcome to all of our new pupils and families joining our community.
New Joiners
I am extremely excited to welcome the 70 new children who have joined the School this term. This is a record number of new joiners at the start of an academic year, and we are delighted to welcome them from a wide range of schools. As they embark on this exciting new chapter, I have no doubt that existing Pinewoodians will do everything they can to help their new friends settle in. We are also thrilled to welcome the following new staff to the Pinewood family:
Peter Archdale – Deputy Head
Hatty Davies – Head of SEND & EAL
Katie Cannell – Design and Technology Teacher
Felicity Woolnough – Music and Games Teacher
Joanna Bartlam – Year 2 Teacher
Adam Thompson – Head of Grounds
Laura Rideout – Teaching Assistant
Claudia Palmer – Teaching Assistant
Lydia Dilley – Teaching Assistant
Bea Ellis – Sports Graduate
Belle Tarrant – Grounds Apprentice
Jemima Tulloch and Polly Lloyd – Gap Assistants
Summer Developments
The School was a busy place over the summer weeks. In addition to hosting multiple activity camps, we carried out several exciting projects across campus. A broad programme of estates, grounds, and facilities improvements has been completed, including preparation of the grounds for the autumn term, substantial garden maintenance, new car park railings and a coach bay, a new pathway around Hoyland, electronic internal doors, and the installation of toilets in the sports hall. Further improvements include new Pre-Prep classroom furniture, redecoration in the boys’ boarding house, conversion of the former IT suite into a classroom, and supporting teachers in relocating to new learning spaces.
A particular focus has been the development of our new Innovation Centre, representing a significant investment in the school’s future-facing approach to design, technology, digital literacy, and innovation. This work involved the substantial transformation of the space, including the strip-out of existing facilities alongside the installation of state-of-the-art equipment. We are extremely excited for the children to begin using this outstanding new facility.
The start of a new academic year always brings a sense of anticipation, and I am truly delighted for all that lies ahead. While the first few days can bring a touch of natural anxiety for some children and families, our priority remains clear: to provide a warm, secure, and enriching environment in which every member of the Pinewood community can thrive. As we focus on helping everyone settle in smoothly, please remember that the School is always here to support you.
With my very best wishes,
Neal Bailey
Headmaster
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