It has been another purposeful week here at Duncombe, and it’s hard to believe that we will be stepping into October next week! September has flown by, and what a month it has been.

 

We have celebrated so many special moments already this term, from announcing our exciting new ownership under Blenheim Schools for the coming year, to being named finalists in the Independent School of the Year 2025 awards. Alongside this we were proud to achieve Microsoft Showcase School status and to share with you the publication of our glowing ISI Inspection Report. Each of these milestones reflects the hard work, dedication and spirit of our whole school community.

 

On the sporting front, our U11 Football Team gave us all reason to cheer as they achieved second place in the Regional ISFA Finals. They narrowly missed out on the title after an extra-time goal from Brentwood School of Essex, but this result proudly places Duncombe as the highest-ranked Prep School in Hertfordshire for U11 Football for the second year in a row! A huge well done to the team and staff for this brilliant achievement, and we now look forward with great excitement to the IAPS regionals later this year.

 

Today, the spotlight was on Global Be Well Day, where the theme of connecting has been at the heart of all our activities. Highlights included sensory circuits, community letters written to local elderly residents, Reception and Year 5 “buddy time” and the pièce de résistance – the Duncombe Dance inspired by High School Musical! What a joyful way to remind ourselves of the importance of connecting and sharing with one another.

 

This theme of connection was also beautifully embodied in yesterday’s PA Macmillan Coffee Morning. The cakes were divine, the organisation exceptional, and the chance for parents to pause, chat and come together in support of a truly worthy cause was deeply valued. Thank you to everyone who baked, organised and supported this event your contributions made such a difference.

 

I was also thrilled that as a community we were able to assist former parent Mrs Sue Lloyd in her South West Coastal Path sponsored walk in aid of Penny Brohn UK. If you would still like to support this, please use the link here: Sue Lloyd’s JustGiving Page.

 

Reception enjoyed a fabulous trip to Bekonscot Model Village which was a firm favourite of the late Queen’s childhood. The children equally delighted in the experience and did Duncombe proud throughout the day. Do look out for the full report.

 

We have had a number of concerned members of the local area reach out regarding parking at drop-off and pick- up times. Several cars have unfortunately been parking on pavements and blocking, or partially blocking, driveways and junctions. There was also an account of cars mounting the pavement partially to traverse the road. Please may I kindly remind everyone to park and drive considerately each day, and to use the unofficial one-way system to help us all. Thank you for your support and understanding with this.

 

Looking ahead, next week is set to be another busy one. The PA AGM takes place on Monday at 6.15pm; we have numerous netball and football fixtures across the week; Individual and Sibling Photos on Wednesday; Flu vaccinations for Reception to Year 6 on Thursday and finally, our first Open Morning of the academic year on Friday. Please do share this with friends who may be interested in visiting us, details can be found here: Duncombe Open Days.

Have a wonderful weekend and good luck to the Red Roses! Mr Phelan.