Blogs

Sunday 14 December 2025 Advent: A season of hope and reflection We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done. Alan Turing As the days grow shorter and the mornings colder, we find ourselves entering the season of Advent - a time of anticipation, reflection, and hope. In schools and homes alike, Advent invites us to pause amid the busyness and prepare our hearts as well as our minds. Last weekend the choristers and choral scholars took part in the Advent services – ‘Darkness into Light'. These involve the cathedral starting in darkness and anticipation and gradually hundreds of candles are lit as the choir process and sing the beautiful music of the advent season.

Friday 12 December 2025 Unlock Your Child's Confidence Every parent dreams of seeing their child grow into a confident, happy individual who feels understood and valued. Communication plays a vital role in this journey, yet for many children, expressing themselves doesn't come easily. Shyness, fear of making mistakes, or simply not having enough opportunities to speak up, can create barriers that affect more than just conversation. These challenges can influence a child's self-esteem, their ability to build friendships, and even their academic success.

Monday 1 December 2025 Following the example of St Chad Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Friday 28 November 2025 The Science of Singing - Brain Development

Wednesday 26 November 2025 The Science of Singing - Physical Development

Tuesday 25 November 2025 Lessons from the Animal Kingdom Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

Sunday 23 November 2025 Hidden Benefits of Choir Singing

Friday 21 November 2025 From Shy to Shine - Help Your Child Find Their Voice

Wednesday 19 November 2025 Choirs vs Solo Singing

Monday 17 November 2025 Choir as a Gateway to Life-Long Musical Passion

Saturday 15 November 2025 5 Factors to Look For in an Excellent Children's Choir

Friday 14 November 2025 Remembering with Gratitude They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.” – Laurence Binyon

Thursday 13 November 2025 Why Every Child Should Join A Choir

Tuesday 4 November 2025 Together we achieve more: The importance of teamwork Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Helen KellerTeamwork lies at the heart of every thriving school community. From the classroom to the sports field, from choir rehearsals to collaborative projects, the ability to work together allows pupils and staff to achieve goals that would be impossible individually. Beyond simple cooperation, teamwork cultivates essential life skills: communication, negotiation, empathy, and resilience. These are not only foundational for academic success but also critical for personal development and we see them happening here at LCS every day.Educational research underscores the power of collaborative learning. Studies from the Education Endowment Foundation indicate that well-structured group work can boost attainment by as much as five months. Pupils working in teams learn to articulate their ideas clearly, consider alternative perspectives, and develop problem-solving strategies collaboratively. Cooperative learning has also been shown t

Tuesday 14 October 2025 Staying true: Nurturing identity and aspiration "To thine own self be true" William Shakespeare

Sunday 5 October 2025 Broadening horizons: the value of co-curricular life “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” W. B. Yeats

Tuesday 30 September 2025 Learning beyond walls: The power of outdoor education “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir

Sunday 28 September 2025 Why read for 30 minutes a day?

Tuesday 23 September 2025 Giving and Growing: Charity in Education One of the cornerstones of our educational philosophy is the cultivation of empathy and responsibility towards others. As we prepare for our Harvest celebrations, we are reminded of the importance of giving to those in need. This year, we once again invite families to contribute to our local Foodbanks, whose work makes a tangible difference in the lives of many in our community. Research shows that altruism has profound developmental benefits. A 2019 study from the University of British Columbia found that children who engage in charitable acts report higher levels of happiness and self-worth. Dr Thomas Lickona, a leading expert in character education, writes: “Moral life grows through practice. Children become caring by doing caring deeds.” Supporting the Lichfield and Rugeley Foodbanks provides children with a clear and meaningful way to see the impact of their generosity. It reminds them that education is not only about exams and lessons, but about learning to li

Friday 19 September 2025 How do we teach students to be creative?

Thursday 11 September 2025 The importance of beginning positively It is a joy to welcome all our pupils and families back to a new academic year. The start of term is always a moment of promise: new notebooks, sharpened pencils, and a fresh chance to set goals. I am especially proud to reflect on the excellent summer results achieved by our pupils. These are a testament not only to their hard work, but also to the steadfast support of our teachers, other school staff, and families. Psychologists remind us that how we begin matters greatly. Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset highlights the value of approaching each challenge as an opportunity for development rather than a final judgment of ability. A positive beginning helps set this tone. Establishing consistent routines at home - such as regular bedtimes, organised school bags, and a dedicated time for prep -provides children with the structure they need to thrive. The American Psychological Association (2021) notes that children with strong home-school routines experience lower stress and hig

Friday 18 July 2025 Can I Afford Private Schooling for My Child? Private school education is widely recognised for its advantages, yet many parents believe that it is financially beyond their grasp. In this guide, I will explore why this assumption is often wrong and give examples of how Lichfield Cathedral School supports families from diverse situations to make private schooling an attainable choice for their children.

Friday 11 July 2025 6 Reasons to Choose a Private School Is private school worth the investment? What advantages will my child benefit from that they can’t get in the state sector? Read on to discover the true value of a private education at Lichfield Cathedral School.

Friday 11 July 2025 Final update of the year ‘The flourishing of each and every pupil, is our garden at its very best, and we remain diligent in our custodianship of all that has been and will be planted in the future.' The bulk of this week's Head's Update is an extract taken from my Speech Day address. It seemed useful to include it, not least because I am rather taken with the analogy, but also because the thanks are so important and you would have only heard this if your child is in Year 7 or above.

Thursday 10 July 2025 More Than Marks - Why Pastoral Care Matters Most Ensuring pupils feel safe, supported and valued is vital to their success. In looking for a secondary school, have you asked: “How good is your pastoral care?” Find out why this might be the most important question you ask.

Monday 7 July 2025 Learning Looks Different for Every Child - and That's Where the SENDCo Shines Do you need to choose a school that will provide for your child’s specific SEND needs? Not sure which questions to ask? This handy guide tells you what to look for and what excellent provision should look like.

Friday 4 July 2025 Why More Midlands Parents are Choosing Lichfield Cathedral School Over State Options More Midlands parents are choosing Lichfield Cathedral School over state options – why? What is the school doing so differently that once they have completed a tour, parents are immediately enrolling their children?

Tuesday 1 July 2025 Friendship, Belonging and Ambition - the Cultural Advantage of Private School Beyond small class sizes, excellent academic results and great facilities, private schools provide a cultural advantage with far-reaching consequences for your child. Find out how Lichfield Cathedral School could give your child access to a world of opportunity.

Monday 30 June 2025 7 Reasons Why Small Class Sizes Matter in Private Schools Pupils in small-sized classes benefit from personalised, focused teaching tailored to each individual. Small classes ensure no child is ‘lost’ in the middle and allow every child to flourish confidently in a nurturing environment.