I am delighted to welcome you all to the start of a new academic year. September always brings with it a sense of renewal—a chance to set fresh goals, take on new challenges, and look forward with optimism.
A particularly warm welcome goes to our new Year 7 students and to any families who are joining our school community for the first time. I hope that, in these first weeks, you quickly feel at home and discover what makes PHS such a special place to learn and grow.
The start of the year is also a reminder of the values that define us as a community: respect, effort, and resilience. These qualities underpin all that we do at Portsmouth High School—from the way we treat one another, to the ambitions we set ourselves, to the way we respond when things don’t go to plan. If we embrace these values in the year ahead, then together we will achieve great things.
Already, our calendar is filling with exciting opportunities: lessons that inspire curiosity, clubs and activities that showcase talent, and events that bring us together as a whole school. I encourage all the pupils to get involved and make the most of what is on offer.
Thank you, as always, for your support of this wonderful school of which I am so proud to be Head.