Thoughts from the Study
Community
Insights from behavioural economics and psychological research reveal that, as human beings, we have a deep need for connection, belonging, purpose, and meaning, particularly within our school, place of work, and local community. Leading in the education sector, presents a unique case, because the school, is the place of work, where a community come together in the single entity that is Broomfield.
Reflecting on the idea of community, and defining it here as a group of individuals with shared values, this week has been a testament to the strength of the Broomfield community and the holistic importance it brings to the school’s culture. This shared sense of purpose creates the wonderfully positive atmosphere for which I am immensely grateful.
A great example of this was Thursday morning, when we welcomed over 150 parents, friends, and grandparents to the Early Years Nativity plays and the Year 1 and 2 junior festive performance. I was so proud of all of the children. Eventbrite provided a data-driven indicator of demand for tickets to these events, with tickets (offered free of charge) ‘selling out’ in just over an hour after launch. In simple terms, it shows that people want to be in school. Just as the children often skip through the gates without even glancing back at their parents at drop-off, this enthusiasm reflects a shared desire to be part of the Broomfield community, with an energy and commitment to ensuring no one misses out.
I am, of course, naturally inclined to believe that Broomfield is the best prep school in London. While we have robust holistic data to support this claim, comparing at both national and local level, we also hear directly from the children through pupil voice initiatives and happiness surveys, which affirm that we are providing them with an excellent experience. However, what truly sets Broomfield apart, though less easily measurable, is our outstanding community. This sense of connection and shared purpose forms the foundation of everything we stand for and significantly enhances the school’s positive impact.
This sense of community was equally evident at our wonderful Christmas Market this morning, another extremely popular event well-organised by our active and supportive PTA. The school was jam-packed with attendees enjoying the festive atmosphere. Coffee at 7:30am on a Friday morning, chocolate crêpes, and a wide variety of stalls selling wares all helped, but the biggest factor was the opportunity to come together, to share ideas, check in, laugh, and perhaps buy some brightly coloured toys that we will soon regret. These moments remind us how great it feels to be part of a community made up of brilliant people.
For those of us fortunate enough to call Broomfield our place of work, this sense of community is something we experience every day. Whether in assemblies, classrooms, choir practice, the Dining Hall, on the sports field, or on stage, there is a tangible positivity in the air that makes us all feel greater than the sum of our parts.
Let me take this opportunity to thank you all (and my brilliant staff) for being so invested in our school, for your support, for sharing your ideas, and for ensuring that the link between school and home is strong and deeply rooted. Research often highlights the home school relationship as one of the biggest contributing factors to children’s learning and development, and I am grateful that this connection is firmly established at Broomfield.
As we head into the weekend, perhaps putting up Christmas trees at home or attending local community events, we now look forward to our Carol Service next week. This more formal occasion will give us another opportunity to come together, reflect, and celebrate what has been a truly superb year in the history of our school.
All the very best for the weekend.
Mr Anstey
Headmaster
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