November is a month of tradition and unity for St Clement Danes, a time when we come together to honour our heritage and celebrate our achievements. This year was no exception, with two significant events marking the calendar alongside other memorable occasions.

On Monday 11th November, we welcomed Old Danes, governors and trustees to our annual Remembrance Service. Students across the school participated in tributes to honour those who have served and sacrificed. Years 7, 8, 9 and 13 gathered in their classrooms to watch a live assembly presented by the Royal British Legion and the National Literacy Trust, offering students of all ages an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Remembrance Day. Meanwhile, Years 10, 11 and 12 attended a special service in the Barbirolli Hall, featuring performances and tributes. I extend my thanks to all who contributed to this service, including Reverend David Hall for leading the Act of Remembrance, the BarberShop Choir for their stirring performance of Pater Noster by Nicolas Kedroff and Isla L. for her evocative playing of The Last Post. Thank you to our Head Boy, Jai, and Head Girl, Yona, who laid wreaths in the courtyard as a final gesture of remembrance, symbolising the school’s enduring commitment to honouring those who gave their lives in service.

As the month drew to a close, the school gathered again for the Commemoration Service at St Clement Danes Church on The Strand. This service, live-streamed to students and staff back at school, remains a highlight of the school calendar. The church’s stunning architecture provides a fitting setting for the event, enhanced by the exceptional music of the First Orchestra and the adult and junior choirs, all expertly conducted by Mr Butterfield.

The tradition of the Commemoration Service dates back to 1937 when it was first held at the church to strengthen the ties between the school, the church and the parish after the school’s move from Houghton Street to Hammersmith in 1928. That year, the entire school travelled by specially chartered buses to the service where the history of the school and its four houses; Clement, Clare, Temple, and Dane was celebrated. This year’s service was another remarkable celebration of the school’s heritage, community and spirit. My sincere thanks to everyone involved in its organisation.

In addition to these traditional events, November offered many opportunities for our community to come together. We celebrated the achievements of 248 students who earned Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards, showcasing the resilience, character and dedication of our students. Special thanks to Mrs Kirby and the volunteers who make this programme possible.

Saturday 16th November set the stage for our annual Winter Market, hosted by the Parents’ Association. This well-attended event brought together students, parents, staff and the local community. The funds raised— final total yet to be determined but many thousands I understand — will directly benefit the school, supporting its faculties and enhancing opportunities for our students.

Behind the scenes in November, we also saw the announcement of planning approval for a significant investment in the school’s energy efficiency infrastructure with the go-ahead given for 200 solar panels on the Carey Sixth Form Centre and the installation of an air source heat pump in the Anchor (MFL) building.  The Summer should also see us complete our work on refurbishing the curtain walling on the outside of the original school building and us embark on a complete replacement of all the lights in the school with LED lighting.   

We are grateful to all the students over the years who have worked with us through the Student Council as part of the Environment Committee, and also to DET Estates team for  helping us to take action on these important and long term projects for the future of St Clement Danes.  All of these projects are funded through central government grants to the school. This is ring fenced funding.

These capital projects and our constant drive to provide the best quality staff and physical environment for students is absolutely the right use of the funding received by the school.  For so many other elements of our offer to your children, we are heavily reliant on the support of the Parents’ Association and the Anchor Fund.  November also brought together the volunteers who comprise the Anchor Fund Charity Committee to discuss bids from faculties to support the students and the school.  So much of what happens in a school is reliant on goodwill and volunteers.  

As we enter the Christmas period, I want to extend my thanks to all those who give their time to St Clement Danes.  Some parents also support the students and the school through the PA events and the Anchor Fund.  The time people give is priceless, the harsh reality is we also need your help financially to maintain and improve your “outstanding” school.

I encourage everyone to consider supporting the school further through the Parents’ Association or a regular donation to the Anchor Fund.  Even a small contribution can have a significant and lasting impact on the education and opportunities we provide for our students.

Please take a moment to read the news articles below, which showcase the exciting trips, extracurricular activities and achievements of our students. A thank you to all the staff who dedicate their time and effort to organising these enriching opportunities, ensuring that our students' learning and experiences extend far beyond the classroom.

Finally, as we near the end of term, I would like to invite you all to attend our Christmas Concert which takes place in the Barbirolli Hall on Tuesday 17th December from 7.00pm. It is always a special occasion which helps to get us in the festive spirit; I look forward to seeing you there.