This week, I discovered something completely new to me – the world of LEGO custom build. With Wednesday marking International LEGO Day, our Huddle gave the perfect opportunity to explore some of the most extraordinary and ambitious LEGO creations ever made. We learnt about the incredible ‘Master Model Builders’ who design and construct models using more than 300,000 bricks, working in teams for months to bring their ideas to life. Unlike standard LEGO sets custom builds do not come with official LEGO instructions. They are unique imaginative creations shaped from a huge variety of pieces – and the results are truly astonishing.
In Huddle, we reflected on how this mirrors real life. Sometimes, to achieve something remarkable, we have to be brave enough to take risks, step away from the familiar, and create our own path. A LEGO custom build is not about ‘doing it like everyone else’ – and really, who wants to be just like everyone else anyway?
This week, Pennthorpe has waved goodbye to January in truly spectacular style, with our third piece of wonderful news in just one month! We began the year by celebrating our new partnership with Hurstpierpoint College, securing the long‑term future of our much‑loved school and opening up exciting opportunities for our pupils and community. Hot on its heels came our glowing ISI Inspection report, which so accurately reflected the exceptional, all‑round, holistic education that Pennthorpe children experience every single day.
And now, to round off the month, we are absolutely thrilled to share that Pennthorpe has been named one of the Top 250 Schools in the UK by Talk Education! This is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to our dedicated staff, wonderful families, and brilliant children. We have long been described as a ‘hidden gem’… but something tells me that might be about to change.
On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of joining our Reception Readiness talk – an event designed for both current Pennthorpe families and those joining us from outside the school, all keen to learn how best to support their child as they take those exciting first steps towards Reception. As highlighted in our ISI Inspection report, the EYFS provision at Pennthorpe is a real strength for our school. Six members of our brilliant Early Years staff guided parents through top tips, how to support at home and what to do in different scenarios. Sitting there, listening to them share their knowledge so openly and passionately, reminded me just how fortunate we are. Our staff are true experts in their field, and with families travelling for more than an hour to hear from them, it’s clear that others see this too. It’s no wonder our youngest children make such remarkable progress during their time with us.
Our staff recruitment is well under way, with three roles now live on the website which are already attracting strong interest. We are now in the short-listing phase for the Reception Teacher role with interviews taking place next Friday. Please do share these opportunities, which can be found here with anyone who might enjoy working at one of the very best schools in the United Kingdom (factually now, not just my opinion!). We are also delighted to be hosting a Staff Recruitment Event on Thursday 5th February at 7pm here at Pennthorpe. This event is for anyone interested in working with us—whether for one of our current vacancies or for future opportunities within our brilliant school. To attend, please email recruitment@pennthorpe.com.
The countdown to our much-anticipated whole school production of Frozen is now very much on. With just 11 days to go, the staging is up, the first complete run-through has taken place and next week will see the grand unveiling of our principal cast costumes. Please keep an eye out at drop off!
Finally, a conversation on the gate on Friday morning with a parent who has had four children come to Pennthorpe, reminded me just how incredibly supportive and passionate our parent body is. I know I say this often, but it truly is something unique, and something I am endlessly grateful for. As we look towards a period of growth over the coming weeks and months, please do keep spreading the ‘Word of Pennthorpe’ far and wide. Our community is the strongest I have ever known, and you, our parents are our greatest advocates. Thank you for every conversation you have about our school; over coffee, on the touchline, or while running laps round Horsham Park in the rain!
