There has been much to celebrate this half term with success on the sports field, numerous enrichment and charity events taking place — as well as students being awarded praise points, merits and Golden Tickets for effort and achievement in school.

I have been reading a lot recently about ethical leadership. It coincided with preparing to speak at the fifth UK #WomenEd Unconference back in October.

This last week has been one of the toughest that many headteachers and their colleagues will have faced. The rate of change is rapid; the demands on us, as educators, decision makers, leaders and human beings, are high.

It is so easy to say “Yes I am fine thanks” on an email; so much harder to look someone in the eye when you’re feeling terrible and say the same thing.

I am really proud of the way in which the students have coped with remote learning. I am also incredibly grateful to the staff for the commitment to making remote learning work and for supporting students whilst facing their own challenges.

I could not be more proud of the way the students have handled the changes and the new way of working. It was delightful to see them excited to be back, with their friends and back into school life.

It has never been more appropriate than now, when we require a whole community approach to bring our children up and support them during a time of global crisis.

As I was preparing for the start of the new term, I thought very carefully about what messages I wanted to give to staff on the first day back.

During this time of immense pressure and stress, anxiety can present itself in different ways and by having that self-awareness we can make sure we don’t end up our own worst enemy.

I have received some lovely emails in the last week from members of our local community complementing our students on their conduct, behaviour and good manners. This is music to my ears!