HM Prize Giving Speech - Summer 2012

Bramley Blog - Easter 2013

Hello and welcome to our school - Bramley was founded in 1945 and I'm only the fourth Headteacher since then, which speaks volumes about the special spirit of this place and its continuity. I've been Headteacher now since September 2003, and every day I count myself lucky and proud to be involved with such a unique school.

Bramley is a small and dynamic community in which each girl not only achieves her highest potential but in which they care for each other.  Bramley girls are confident, self-motivated achievers who develop enquiring minds and a love of learning.  They learn how to respect others and the contribution they can make to the wider community.

We're fortunate to be supported by enthusiastic and active governors and parents who readily offer their skills and talents to the benefits of the girls.  Teachers and parents work in partnership and this link allows us to nurture and educate the girls to the highest possible standard. Bramley School is full of spirit, and I strongly recommend that you and your daughter come and experience it for yourself. 

I think one of our Head Girls summed it up perfectly in her words to parents and pupils on Speech Day which I'm unashamedly reproducing below, because I think it tells you everything you need to know about this special place:

"Every year, at the end of the summer term we hold the Bramley barn dance.  And every year without exception Tops are in tears at the end. What is it about our time at Bramley that causes this reaction? My dad would like to think that it’s because we're going to miss our academic lessons. It's true that my classmates have continued the long Bramley tradition of getting into their first-choice schools, and I am sure that this year’s Uppers will carry that forward next year – so no pressure there, girls!  But as much as we all enjoy Mrs Thompson’s maths lessons, I don’t think that’s the reason for the tears. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to break up our successful sports teams.  We are a small school but we do well and not just in the Epsom Super-Teams.  For example (and to borrow a phrase from my rugby-playing brothers) the Tops B Netball team 'mullered' everyone they played – although in a nice Bramley way, of course! Perhaps it’s the music and drama we’ll all miss, the plays and shows that have been a part of school life ever since we joined Bramley.  But I don’t think this can be the case for me.  My personal peak in drama was playing an angel in the Sleepy Shepherd in Reception; I still remember the songs. And while I've enjoyed our music lessons, I've been trying to get out of recorder group for a year.  Somehow though, Mrs Ryalls always persuaded me otherwise, so if I am back for the Christmas carol service, don’t be surprised. Of course, the reason for the Barn Dance tears is much simpler.  It’s sitting in front of me and it’s the very spirit of Bramley. Because above all this is a caring, friendly school.  There's always someone to put their arm around you when you're having a bad day.  And we all have bad days, whether it’s your first and you’re barely bigger than your school bag or your last before you leave for your next school. That’s why leaving is so hard.  Bramley really is our second family.  So the tears are understandable.  All I can say is that I think the friendships we've made here at Bramley will continue long, long after we have left and that wherever we go in the future we will all be better people because we carry the Bramley spirit with us."

I say "Hear, hear", and I look forward to meeting you very soon!

Ms Paula Burgess
Headmistress