Cocktails and conversation flowed as guests enjoyed our inaugural Sparkle Soirée’s bespoke welcome cocktail – the ‘Frankie H Sparkler’: a delightful concoction, designed especially for the occasion by The Lanesborough’s mixologist, with a respectful nod to our school’s founding father and named by our Development Director, Tom Robertson.

Set against the Regency charm of this historic hotel, the collective festive energy of parents and FHS staff were matched only by the occasional burst of London fireworks erupting overhead on this crisp Guy Fawkes night. Mrs Haydon welcomed guests to the charming Great Hall, raising a heartfelt toast celebrating the spirit of unity, ambition, vison and joie de vivre that defines our school’s vibrant community and reminding everyone of the importance of collaboration and friendship.

The Sparkle Soirée was a celebration of what makes our school outstanding – our indomitable pupils, supportive parents and dedicated staff. A reminder of the brilliance that shines forth when people come together collectively and the good they can do.  The Sparkle Raffle, boasting superb prizes, raised £4,021 for FHS’s partner charities. Congratulations to all our winners!

The Sparkle Soirée proved that on Guy Fawkes Night, the brightest lights are not simply in the sky – but in the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Thank you to all our fellow parents and guests for supporting our school community and to the outstanding Sparkle Soirée Team.

Special thanks are owed to our elegant Soirée Co-Chairs, Miliana Katic and Antoinette Lettieri, without whom the evening would not have been possible, to The Haase Family for donating the flowers and to Lindsey Haase for designing the arrangements (complete with 4am sourcing runs to the New Covent Garden Flower Market!) Karen White joined Year 7 and the SSPA in September and has become another brilliant MVP – thank you for your beautiful branding and digital work. Claudine Akaoui, Gen Davis and Lindsay Wake – our community is as ever in your debt for your attention to detail and good humour.

As ever, the Sloane Square Parents’ Association is a warm welcoming body – if anyone wishes to join our fast growing, happy team – please do reach out.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening unforgettable. We look forward to many more happy moments together!

Cat Hardy, SSPA Co-Chair