We had a fantastic turnout for the International Pupil Welcome Tea Party in the first week of term, with our busiest event yet. International pupils – both new starters and returners from last year – from across the school came together in the Library to get to know each other and swap experiences and advice. 

It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces and the rich diversity we have in school, with representatives from every house, year group and at least eighteen nationalities in attendance, all enjoying some well-earned downtime and sweet treats.

Attendees wore flag badges which served as conversation starters and allowed pupils to spot others from their home country, meet pupils from other parts of the world, and brush up on their geography, while hopefully forming the foundations of some lifelong friendships. For pupils adjusting to a new school as well as a new country, culture and language, it can be a helpful reassurance to know others have similar experiences and our returning pupils did a wonderful job of offering support to their newer peers.

We will continue to hold bi-termly informal gatherings for our international community, enabling the pupils to build upon these strong foundations.