There’s two secondary schools in the town and Peter and his sister have been enrolled in the high school rather than the academy. The high school has a better Ofsted rating then the academy and the academy, according to their parents, has a long waiting list whilst the high school has plenty of places. They browse online to see what their new town and school looks like. From the satellite view they can see tennis courts, an athletics field, a maze like layout of buildings around an enclosed yard. The school’s website looks about a decade old since it barely fills half of the screen. The pictures on the gallery page take an age to load and typical for a girl, Peter’s sister says she likes their tartan skirts. “…but I hope those bottle green tights aren’t compulsory.” she groans.

“Peter Pan tights.” Peter suggested with a grin. “I’m just glad it’s not one of those EP schools.” he stated as they scrolled through the online gallery showing the boys and girls in their respective uniforms

“Apparently Upton Grammar nearly became one of those.” Kate said. “The PTA voted last year and it was 52% against, 48% for.” she claimed.

“I bet the sigh of relief from the Upton boys could be felt as far away as Windsor!” Peter said. “Isn’t there one in Burnham?”

“There’s two.” his sister stated.

“Really?” Peter quizzed. According to his sister, not only is Burnham’s Queen Elizabeth Academy and EP school, but the adjoining Queen Elizabeth Junior school is too.

They spend their final week in Slough saying goodbye to their friends and frantically sorting, packing and chucking out many of their belongings. Peter’s final day is spent with his two best friends, Noel and Mark fishing on the Grand Union Canal. Noel’s sister Carol joined them and predictably, they didn’t get a single bite. They did have fun reminiscing about old times though and Peter was being mostly optimistic about the move. He mentions the ‘excellent’ Ofsted rating that his new high school has, before mentioning that the town’s other school has an average rating but a waiting list as long as ones’ arm. “Maybe it’s one of those EP schools.” Mark jovially suggested.

“Nah… I’ve already checked that.” Peter said. “Is it true that Upton Grammar ‘almost’ became one?”

“They voted on it but it was voted out.” Carol informed them.

“My sister said it was something like forty-eight percent for and fifty-two against.”

“You sure she wasn’t talking about Brexit?” Noel grinned.

Eventually they packed up their tackle and headed down the tow path, two by two due to its narrowness. Carol and Peter walked together and much to his surprise, she linked onto his arm and said she was sorry that he was leaving. “I’ve always had a bit of a crush on you.” she said.

“WOW!” Peter thought.