And just like that, another contingent of students has descended at Yarnton Manor! Throughout the afternoon, taxi after bus arrived to drop off members of the new cohort for what is to be our biggest session yet. Our brilliant counsellors were on hand as usual to happily introduce themselves as they helped the students move their belongings into their accommodation.

It was great to hear swells of laughter as the garden filled with new students and the members of their families who had accompanied them, as everyone enjoyed refreshments on the lawn on arrival. The new group then took some time to stroll around and admire their surroundings in the sunshine.

As they waited to begin their more formal induction events, the new students played a few games of badminton and Frisbee. They all seemed eager to get to know one another as they chatted away, speaking often about their journeys to get here.

The students then enjoyed a welcome talk in the Long Gallery from Programme Director, Adam, who spoke a little about the history of the Manor and the projected schedule for the coming weeks. He also took a moment to stress the importance of being kind and respectful, both to each other and to themselves during their stay here.

After the talk, the students waved goodbye to their parents as they headed for their first meal together in the dining hall. The rest of the evening was spent playing fun icebreaker games, which were a great way to help the group to begin to gel as a whole. Everyone is excited for tomorrow afternoon, where they have the opportunity to tour the sights of Oxford.