causes , including war and unrest around the world , with concerts and recitals , collection drives and art exhibitions , some of which have been incredibly moving . Our service programme continues its supportive partnerships with local groups , including Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees and local care homes .
I am so grateful for the commitment of our academic , pastoral and support staff , who create a nurturing and enriching environment that enables our students to do great things , particularly in these times of welldocumented challenges for young people .
Back in September , we began the year by gaining top marks in all areas of our inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate . We are also AGBIS School of the Year , recognised by the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools for our good governance and clear strategy . Sevenoaks was also named the top Independent Co-educational School in the UK in The Sunday Times , and the top independent school globally in Spear ’ s magazine , which noted the school ’ s curriculum innovation and pastoral support . It is great to win these accolades , and to have made progress on our strategic ambitions .
After the excitement of announcing Sevenoaks 600 , our strategy for the path to the school ’ s 600th anniversary in 2032 , I have been working hard with colleagues to lay the foundations to deliver and support our ambitions for the next decade .
A central aspect of our strategy is to widen access to the school and to build an endowment that will support this aim . Our commitment to making the school more accessible is helping to attract more applications for financially assisted places , and we are grateful to be receiving positive support .
We have made sustainability a priority on the school campus , embedding sustainability planning into financial processes , reviewing our suppliers , travel and trip activities , and undertaking a sustainability audit . The Catering team has worked with students and staff to reduce food waste quite dramatically .
I ’ m delighted that our ongoing commitment to inclusivity has seen the establishment of Equity , Diversity and Inclusion ( EDI ) Affinity Working Groups , which were formed last year and continue to meet regularly . Their committed endeavours led us to hold our first internal EDI conference in June , at which members of all the groups reviewed the year and discussed future plans .
The Sevenoaks education is unique and goes way beyond the curriculum , examination results or awards . There are moments of joy , magic and discovery here every day , and sometimes I have to pinch myself and remember to enjoy the moment – as I did at the Oxo Bargehouse when observing the artwork of our Upper Sixth leavers , and at the GCSE Art exhibition at the end of term .
This year we said goodbye to some long-serving members of staff . They have given so much to the school over so many years , and it speaks volumes of the school community that we have remained a place where people want to stay . I want to take this opportunity to thank them for making Sevenoaks such a special place over such a long period of time .
I would like to finish with some words from one of these outstanding teachers who are leaving the school . Jane Henshaw , our much-loved Head of English , spoke at Founder ’ s Day about the ability of literature to express , understand and feel what it is like to be fully human and to connect with one another , and the enjoyment staff and students experience , teaching and learning at Sevenoaks :
‘ Let all of us celebrate the continuities of learning , creativity , physical activity and enjoyment of each other ’ s company that make this school such an extraordinary and fully human community – a community that prepares all of us so fully for life here and beyond .’
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2022-2023 3