Start of term – appears to have been pleasingly event-free, though inevitably we all relax a little more when the timetable has gone through a full week…

11+ day – is next Saturday (14 September), and there appear to be a record number of applications this year at just under 400. The previous record is around 330, so this represents a very substantial increase on previous years if they all materialise. I am sure that the return of Army personnel will have had an effect as will the various housing developments around Salisbury and Amesbury, but I am still surprised by the sudden upturn.

Sixth Form recruitment – the first visits of BWS staff to other schools will take place during the coming week.

Sport – the first block fixture took place at Sherborne on Saturday, with the usual lively sound track. Some great games – the 1st XV lost, but the boys did well against strong (but not invincible) opposition. A good start to the new rugby season.

Prize Giving – a reminder that this takes place on Thursday 19 September 1530 start in the Cathedral. Nick Beer (ex-Chair of BWS Govs) is the guest speaker.

And finally – the BWS bus has gone, bought by a ‘collector’ apparently…