New Beginnings at The Villa

New Beginnings at The Villa: A Year of Discovery and Growth

There’s something truly special about the start of a new school year. The classrooms feel fresh and full of possibility; the playground is buzzing with anticipation. As Headteacher of The Villa, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome back familiar faces — and to greet the many new children and families joining our community for the very first time.

This September feels particularly meaningful. Following our outstanding inspection earlier this year, where The Villa was praised for “the highly positive impact on pupils’ emotional wellbeing” and our “engaging and challenging curriculum”, we are entering this year with a renewed sense of purpose and pride. The inspectors saw what we see every day: children who are curious, confident, and supported to become the very best versions of themselves.

A Place to Flourish

At The Villa, our aim has always been clear — to create a school where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and discover who they are. We want every child to develop the courage to try something new, the resilience to keep going when things don’t go to plan, and the confidence to celebrate their own unique strengths.

Whether it’s performing in front of their classmates for the first time, solving a tricky maths problem, or navigating the ups and downs of friendship, our children are learning skills that reach far beyond the classroom. They are learning how to flourish — academically, socially, and emotionally.

Old Friends and New Faces

There is something wonderful about the mix of old friends returning and new faces arriving at our gates in September. Our Reception pupils take their very first steps into school life this week — a milestone moment for both children and parents! Meanwhile, our older pupils return ready to build on last year’s successes, continue their learning journeys, and take on new challenges.

For us as a staff team, it is a privilege to witness these moments of growth: the first words read aloud, the first swimming strokes mastered, the first times a child realises, “I can do this.”

Looking Ahead

This year, we will continue to build on everything The Villa does so well:

• embedding the wellbeing and growth mindset work celebrated in our inspection report,

• offering a rich, creative curriculum that excites and challenges,

• and fostering the kind, inclusive community that makes The Villa so special.

And of course, we are proud to have been shortlisted for Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year — a reflection of the dedication, care, and passion shown by our entire school community.

As we step into this new academic year, I feel incredibly grateful — for our talented staff, our supportive parents, and above all, for our children, whose curiosity and courage inspire us every day.

Here’s to a year of discovery, growth, and joyful learning at The Villa.