Academically, we're delighted to see so many students getting so many UCAS offers quickly, including four students heading off for interviews at Oxford and Cambridge University - we wish them the very, very best of luck.

Cultural life in the school has seen a huge amount happening in Drama, and our Music Department activities culminated in the absolutely extraordinary Advent Service that marked the end of term.

We've been busy connecting with Old Oratorians, with events like our Requiem Mass in London, and with events abroad in Munich and in Madrid.

Finally, as always at The Oratory, it's been a busy term on the sporting front with the 1st XV Rugby successfully defending their County Cup and then the 1st XI and 2nd XI Hockey teams successfully defending their Berkshire League Championships - and just a word about the girls' 1st XI - they've successfully defended their title for the fifth season in a row. That's a truly extraordinary achievement.

As Mrs Watson, Head of Oratory Hockey said, it really is legendary and what's incredible is that they've achieved this over these last five seasons without having a home pitch. And so... we're delighted that today we've had formal completion of our Caritas All-Weather pitch, which I'm excited to be able to show to you today!

The Caritas All-Weather Pitch is is not only a place where pupils can really enjoy hockey when they get back next term, it will also be a facility that will benefit future generations of Oratorians.

I wish you and your families a very, very Merry Christmas."