Page 2 - September 2020 Newsletter

ABBERLEY ADVENTURES
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A Message from Carey Leonard, Chairman of Governors
I sincerely hope that parents and pupils have had as relaxing a summer holiday as possible in these difficult times. As I write, we are intending to open the school as planned, with the required precautions, which have already been communicated to you. I know that everyone at the school is hugely looking forward to the return of your children and the arrival of our new joiners.
I am delighted to have taken over as Chairman of such a wonderful school with its proud history. I look forward to helping to take the school forward as we combat the impact of Covid-19 and the pressures that the independent school sector were already facing. There is no doubt that boarding prep schools, particularly in rural areas, have not had it easy as demand for the traditional model declines and many parents seek a more flexible approach to the education and development of their children. The economic effect of the pandemic will certainly exert more pressure on the sector.
In this context, much hard work is being undertaken to produce a blueprint for the school that will position it for the future whilst preserving the school’s rich heritage as well as its uniqueness and continuing to deliver a high-quality education and an all- round experience. This work has been led by Jonnie Besley, supported by his senior team at the school and colleagues at Malvern College.
Key dates for the start of term
I have been most impressed by the professionalism, speed and enthusiasm with which Jonnie has immersed himself in
his new role during the summer holidays. I know that in Jonnie, supported by his wife Tessa, we have appointed the right 2 Headmaster to take Abberley Hall forward.
I think it important to touch on the relationship with Malvern College as we develop and grow Abberley. The benefits of the association are already visible in the refurbishment of the Astro that will soon be visible, the remodelling of the boarding houses, the enhancement of the school’s IT architecture and investment in the marketing and admissions process. As parents are aware, the two schools have always had a strong relationship and I see the now closer association having immense and positive value to Abberley to ensure it is able to thrive in these challenging economic times. That said, parents will be under no obligation to send their children to Malvern College: Jonnie and his team will continue to prepare your children for the right school for them.
I am very much looking forward to meeting as many parents as possible at our meeting on 23 October at which Jonnie and I will provide an update on the various plans that we are developing for the school. In the meantime, I am very happy for parents to contact me and they can do so via the school office.
Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th
Pre-Season Training.
Mr Bennett-Tomlin has sent out information. If you have any queries then email matt.bennett-tomlin@abberleyhall.co.uk
Sunday 6th from 5pm to 6pm
Return of full-boarders.
All to arrive at the Main Hall entrance.
Monday 7th
The return of all children to school at the drop off times and locations outlined below.