From the very first day of September, the school has been alive with opportunities across all areas of school life. Academically, pupils have continued to impress with their curiosity, commitment and enthusiasm in lessons, supported by a breadth of dynamic teaching across the curriculum. Learning walks and open-door weeks highlighted the outstanding practice taking place daily, and it has been inspiring to see pupils from Reception to Sixth Form fully engaged in their studies.

This term has also been exceptional for enrichment. Pupils have enjoyed a huge array of trips across Juniors and Seniors — from Year 5’s visits to Ewhurst Park and Winchester Science Centre, to Year 4’s day at Cotswold Wildlife Park, and the Sixth Form’s leadership and team-building experience at Boundless Outdoors. Year 7 explored Windsor Castle and Avon Tyrrell, Year 8 ventured to the Pitt Rivers Museum, the South Coast and The Making of Harry Potter, while Year 9 enjoyed a memorable residential in Parc Astérix. Older students expanded their learning at the Design Museum, a chocolate factory, London galleries and more.

Alongside these adventures, pupils have taken part in spectroscopy workshops, dance festivals, Music Showcases, and visits from organisations such as the RBFRS. Juniors and Seniors alike have relished outdoor experiences including medieval banquets, woodland campfires and s’mores. Our budding scientists shone, with four pupils reaching the regional finals of the Why I Love Science competition — a truly impressive achievement.

Supporting the wider community is integral to St Gabriel’s values, and this term the school raised over £2,500 for charitable causes. Highlights included a hugely successful Macmillan cake sale, a record-breaking Harvest donation, beautifully crafted Christmas hampers for the West Berkshire Food Bank, and an incredible 225 gifts donated by the Junior School to the West Berkshire Toy Appeal. Further funds were raised through Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Daisy’s Dream. Meanwhile, the PTA Fireworks Evening and first-ever Colour Run brought our whole community together in fantastic style.

In Sport, our teams have enjoyed another outstanding term: over 140 fixtures played across 60 teams in 7 sports, with countless wins and excellent team spirit. Individual achievements have been equally inspiring, with pupils representing Great Britain in European Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run, competing in international squash tournaments, and one pupil earning a place on the England Development Squad for Climbing. Creative successes have also flourished, with pupils excelling in textiles and ceramics competitions.

As Christmas approached, the school embraced a full calendar of festive events. Carol Services for both Juniors and Seniors filled the halls with beautiful music and thoughtful readings, while KS1 dazzled with their Nativity performances. The Senior Dance Scholars delivered a memorable Winter Festival of Dance, and the House Performance Competition once again showcased the enthusiasm and creativity of pupils from Year 7 to Year 13. Christmas Fun Runs, class parties, the Junior Christmas Quiz, a wonderful Christmas lunch prepared by Leon and the Catering Team, and even visits to the Nursery rooms from Father Christmas added to the seasonal magic.

As we now look ahead to the Spring Term, beginning Tuesday 6 January 2026, we do so with immense pride in all that has been accomplished this term. Our pupils, staff and families have contributed to another inspiring chapter in the life of St Gabriel’s.

We wish all members of our community a peaceful, joyful and very Happy Christmas — and we look forward to all that 2026 will bring.