The sun graced us again with its presence as we welcomed students and parents to Yarnton Manor yesterday. Our new arrivals were understandably impressed with the Manor from crenellated façade, through morning and music rooms, to the surrounding charm and solace of its grounds.

As students met and bonded with their roommates and classmates, parents enjoyed traditional English afternoon tea on the lawn. When rooms had been found and bags dropped, students were eager to explore the Manor – they swiftly located the ping-pong table on the back lawn, and set about a spirited international championship.

Programme Director Paul James struck a convivial tone in his welcome speech to students, setting inspiring standards for students and staff alike. Students were then ready to bid goodbye to their parents and get to know their new classmates in a round of icebreakers led by the campus counsellors. After a delicious evening meal in the Manor’s wood-panelled Long Gallery, students whiled away the summer evening sharing their stories and first impressions of their new home. Most were in their beds or on the way there by the time that the summer sun set on arrivals day.