St Martin-in-the-Fields High School For Girls - a Church of England School in South London

The first day of the new academic year at St Martin's marks a new chapter in the life of the oldest girls' school in Britain which was founded in 1699. There was much to celebrate as the girls' beaming faces captured the excitement and anticipation of the year ahead. As students arrived in their new school uniforms (kindly sponsored by the Governors) the visible changes that have taken place over the summer, along with the high levels of attainment at both GCSE and A levels, were being shared and celebrated amongst students and staff alike. This summer's results saw A Level students succeed across a wide range of subjects including English Literature, Government + Politics, Sociology and Psychology. Students are now following their career aspirations by attending the most prestigious universities in the country to take up studies in their specialist subjects. GCSE results day also saw a similar set of strong results with students performing exceptionally well in English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Drama, Religious Studies, French and Spanish.

Our drive to deliver a 21st century education with a tradition of educating successful women who go on to have high flying careers, exciting developments are evident in the curriculum and enrichment programme as we continue to focus on developing our student experience. As the school enters its 90 years celebration of being located in Tulse Hill, this anniversary year will see a wide range of activities and events involving primary schools and the local community.

Today students revelled in all of the improvements they saw around them from the new cafe, launched as The Plaza, to newly refurbished areas of the school. We are also delighted to welcome our new Chaplain Mrs Moorey and we will soon be opening our new school chapel which can be accessed by students and staff.

Students shared their excitement, joy, awe and anticipation for the future with some of the following quotes captured for posterity:

"When I walked in I couldnt believe what was before my very eyes - everyone in new uniform, the fantastic new lunch hall and all of the work that has happened over the holidays. Mrs Stanislaus has done an outstanding job, she has changed everything and made it all fantastic. I am so excited about the year ahead." Ayomide, Year 10

"Our group of friends are excited about our bright future - all these improvements have really given us confidence to succeed."

Sapphia, Shantel, Laila, Aliya and Maria, Year 8

"This is a fresh start for us; I am very optimistic about the future and the positive outcomes I know we will achieve." Bomi, Year 10

"I am excited about the year ahead, and delighted to be back at school meeting our new teachers and other students." Angel, Year 10

Headteacher Beverley Stanislaus commented: "This is such an exciting year for St Martin's, building on all of the positives that have recently happened. To see the joy on the girls� faces has been a day to cherish as we start a new chapter in the school life of St Martin's. We want to share our successes with everyone and would like to welcome prospective parents and the community to visit us throughout this new academic year. For those parents and pupils joining us in September 2018, I am delighted to announce a new Awards Scheme, full details are available on our website. We look forward to welcoming one and all to our school as we continue to live and breathe our values and the school motto Caritate et Disciplina - with love and learning."

New Beginnings!