The Latest News From UK Schools This Month – June 2024

All the latest UK news from schools this month, June 2024, from dance competitions to leadership changes and new developments.

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Events

New Hall Dancers’ Competition Success

Dancers from New Hall School in Chelmsford competed in the Supreme Dance Competition.

The school’s Year 1 & 2 Festival Team performed three routines in the ‘8 Years and Under’ category and gained within the top three places for every dance. The older dancers were also placed within the top three for all of their routines.

In addition to this, four dance routines were selected to be performed at MOVE IT Dance Convention next year.

Head of Dance, Sarah Molina, said: ‘I could not be prouder of the students and their achievements. Both their individual and collective successes are a testament to their dedication, talent, and teamwork. We are very excited for the coming year and look forward to finding new opportunities for our dancers to excel.’

Pupil Celebrates DofE Award at Buckingham Palace

A pupil from Royal Hospital School, Lucy, celebrated achieving her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at the Buckingham Palace Garden.

This was one of four celebrations that are taking place at the palace to recognise 8,000 young people who have shown resilience and perseverance.

Lucy achieved her award in a unique way – with a sailing expedition from Ipswich to Ramsgate.

She said: ‘I definitely gained perseverance skills from my expedition, and from my residential, I confirmed that my passion for music extends to military music, and will consider the Army as a career.’

Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, commented on the celebration at Buckingham Palace: ‘The young people here today have achieved something exceptional, and it is wonderful to see them celebrating together, sharing their experiences and hearing their aspirations for the future.’

Bedales Collaborate On A New Musical Performance

Bedales School is preparing a new musical in collaboration with the award-winning composer behind the ‘EastEnders’ theme tune, Simon May.

Students in Years 6-12 at Bedales Prep and Senior schools will perform Rick in June, a production that touches on topics such as neurodiversity, self-confidence, and resilience.

Head of Drama, Hayley Cole commented: ‘Collaborating with Simon May on Rick has been an incredible journey for Bedales students, offering them the chance to develop and perform a scratch musical from the ground up.’

You can see the performance from 27-28 June 2024, book your tickets here.

Kensington Wade Hosts Dragon Boat Festival

Hundreds of families celebrated the Dragon Boat Festival at Kensington Wade. Those in attendance enjoyed a Dragon Dance performance by London Lion Dance, traditional Chinese foods and students took part in a Dragon Boat race by carrying large inflatable dragons.

Huw May, Head of Kensington Wade, said: ‘At Kensington Wade, we pride ourselves on our bilingual education, which allows us to celebrate and incorporate such important cultural events into our school life.’

Young Reporters At The Beacon

Year 8 pupils from The Beacon Independent School took part in a Young Reporter Initiative, a project aimed to develop content creation skills and an understanding of current affairs. 

After choosing their topics, the boys arranged interviews to support their stories. They got the opportunity to speak to lots of great people including Peyton Reed, Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer and Huw Phillips, Professional Tennis Racket Stringer.

Educational Conference To Take Place in Warwick

On 8-9 July 2024, key educational topics will be discussed by educationalists from across sectors and a panel of generation Z students, as part of a free conference.

On the first day there will be over 40 presenters, and on the second day there will be workshops led by industry experts.

Richard Nicholson, Principal of Warwick Schools Foundation and founder of Future Fwd, reflected on the importance of the conference: ‘This year, we have more speakers than ever before, with a breadth of truly insightful topics to discuss. If you are similarly passionate about what the future of education should look like for our young people, we would love to welcome you to Warwick this July.’

You can find out more on the Future Fwd website.

Malvern College’s Hunted Spin Off Show

Students from Malvern College were dropped off in the Malvern Hills with the task of evading capture by staff hunters equipped with sniffer dogs, drones, e-bikes, 4x4s and possibly even a helicopter. This spin off of TV show Hunted, started on Saturday 15 June.

The race against the clock was eventually won by Daisy T and Camryn A who in the final stages had 13 hunters desperately trying to seek them out in addition to two tracker dogs and drones.

Jay Watts, the College’s Head of Outdoor Pursuits, commented: ’It is important to note that we are truly led by pupil initiative and these events are very popular and successful because our pupils embrace the opportunity to challenge themselves in an environment where they are safe to hone their risk-taking skills.’

Head of Malvern College, Keith Metcalfe said: ‘I would like to congratulate our winners, those who stayed the course without getting found and all those who pushed themselves outside of their comfort zone to take part.’

JUST ONE Tree Thanks Participating Schools

JUST ONE Tree has recognised over 80 schools as Planet Hero Schools for having taken part over three years in the annual JUST ONE Tree Day to help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. Each school has been given a certificate and logo to mark their efforts.

The schools helped plant over 330,00 trees in countries near the equator where they have the biggest impact.

The next international JUST ONE Tree Day is on 18th October 2024.

Mill Hill Hosts Knight Frank School Triathlon

Over 800 children came together at Mill Hill School to take part in the Knight Frank Schools Triathlon, raising over £120,000 for charity.

This year was the first year that Mill Hill School has hosted the event, with local businesses and over 2,000 attendees coming together for the event.

Aaron Liffchak, Director of Sport at Mill Hill, said: ‘It’s heartening to witness the enthusiasm and passion of so many young athletes as they tackled each leg of the triathlon with determination, excitement, and lots of team spirit.’

Expressive Arts Showcase At The Radlett Centre

Pupils at St Margaret’s School performed an Expressive Arts Showcase at the Radlett Centre.

The event was an opportunity for pupils to showcase their talents within several performances across music, drama and dance.

Head of St Margaret’s School, Lara Pechard, said: ‘Our pupils have worked tirelessly perfecting their performances, giving the audience a chance to relive some of our most memorable moments within the performing arts, including our production of Les Misérables last December.’

The event was hosted by St Margaret’s alumna, Nicola Bonn, broadcaster, writer and award-winning podcast creator. She added: ‘Not all young people who love music, dance and drama will go on to pursue them as careers but if my experience is anything to go by, a school that provides these opportunities is equipping its students with a confidence and passion that will be with them for life.’

CBeebies’ Mr Bloom Inspires The Royal Russell Eco Garden

The Plastic Clever Schools Programme

Achievements

Cranleigh Pupil Awarded Ballet Associateship

A Year 11 pupil at Cranleigh School, Charlotte, has been awarded a Senior Associateship at the English National Ballet.

St George’s Windsor Feature In Channel 5 Documentary

On 1 June students and staff at St George’s School Windsor Castle were featured in Channel 5’s light entertainment documentary series about Windsor Castle.

The school was featured in episode 6 of Channel 5’s Inside Windsor Castle series. The episode began in the Boarders’ Common Room with a practice session for the school’s budding rock musicians. Mr Williams, who runs the St George’s rock band went on to describe his fond memories of being a chorister at St George’s during the 1990s.

The Chamber Choir also impressed the programme’s presenter, Dr Xand van Tulleken, with a performance of Cantate Domino by Giuseppe Ottavio Pitoni. 

You can watch the episode on My5.

RHS Pupil Wins Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Voluntary Service

Year 13 pupil at Royal Hospital School, Henrietta Tyler, has recently won the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Voluntary Service in the Young Person category.

Henrietta volunteered with the City of Chelmsford Mencap’s lifelong learning service, supporting people with learning disabilities of every age and ability.

Grace Lidstone, Services Manager at City of Chelmsford Mencap, said: ‘Her abilities are outstanding, and she demonstrates a real passion for social care and for ensuring our vulnerable service users feel enthused, enabled and empowered.’

Taunton Brothers Crowned Skiing Champions

Two brothers from Taunton School have extended their reign as international skiing champions.

Jack and Lucas Cox, 17 and 11 years old, won their competitions in France. Lucas was crowned champion of the U12 British Ski Championships in Tignes, France for the second year running. Jack is now a three-time skiing champion, winning the French Ski Championships in Les Saisies.

Lucas said: ‘I am very happy to have won the British Ski Championships, especially against people older than me. I can’t wait for the next season to start and I’m hoping I can continue my winning streak!’

Millfield Pupils To Compete in International Events

Thirteen pentathletes from Millfield School will compete in international competitions this summer.

Those competing include:

• Upper Sixth student Gerard McGrady will compete in biathle at the U19 European Championships. 
• Year 9 pupil Ruby Bodman will compete in laser run, biathle, and triathle at the U15 competitions. 
• Year 9 Valentina Kemp will be competing in the U17 laser run and triathle. 
• The following Millfield Prep pentathletes have accepted their places to compete in the European Championships in Madeira in various disciplines and age groups: Zachary Dowden, Willow Saunders, Raffie Bodman, Eloise Suffield, Kruze Frampton, Polly Warman, Bea Soper and Eva Dowden.
• Year 9 Mateo Elliott will represent Great Britain at the upcoming Modern Pentathlon U17 European Championships in Ankara, Turkey, from July 2-7.
• Sebastian Forrest will be competing a level above his age group for Great Britain at the Junior World Championships in Alexandria, Egypt. He will also be competing in the Modern Pentathlon U19 European Championships in Barcelona.

Time to Write Winners Are Announced

ISEB’s Time to Write creative writing competition has announced its first winners. 

The winning entry in the Years 10 & 11 category was ‘The Tale of the Time-Travelling Schoolboy’, written by a pupil from Trinity School.  

First place in the Years 7, 8 & 9 category went to ‘1904: The Sole Survivor’, written by a pupil from The Cathedral School Llandaff. 

In the Years 5 & 6 category, ‘Seed of Life’, written by a pupil from Solefield School, won first place. 

‘Never Forget the Elephants’ written by a pupil from Cumnor House Girl’s School was the winning entry in the Years 3 & 4 category.

Julia Martin, ISEB CEO, said: ‘The quality of the work was so high that we found ourselves talking about the shortlisted entries in the same way we might analyse the work of graduates and professionals.’

Eaton House The Manor Prep Announce 2024 Exam Results

Eaton House The Manor Prep has announced their 2024 examination results, which includes 12 scholarships to prestigious schools. 

The scholarships include: an Academic Scholarship to King’s College School, Wimbledon; 3 Academic Scholarships and a Sports Exhibition to Dulwich College; a Drama Scholarship, a Choral Scholarship and Scholarship English Prize to Brighton College; 3 Academic Scholarships to Whitgift and a DT Scholarship to Marlborough College.

All boys achieved excellent results and gained places at 18 different schools.

Headmistress Sarah Segrave said: ‘We pride ourselves on helping our boys to find the perfect fit at senior school, where they will continue to thrive and be happy. This follows close consultation with parents and the boys themselves and thorough preparation for exams so that they can achieve their goals.’

Students Present Their Own Designs At Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Two South West-based Garden and Landscape Design students have been given the opportunity to each present a show garden at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, which will take place between 2 – 7 July.

Victoria Cucknell and Hayley Herridge are both studying Garden and Landscape Design HNC at the Cornwall College University Centre based at the Eden Project.

Victoria and Hayley’s gardens will be judged as part of the Pocket Planting category, open to budding garden designers who are studying, or have recently graduated from, a horticultural course. This year’s Pocket Planting theme is ‘Resilience’.

Victoria said: ‘The opportunity to show one of my garden designs at Hampton Court has been an incredible challenge and a huge learning curve. Having only started the HNC course in September (2023), I could never have imagined being here now building Wild Child Cornwall at the Palace. I can’t wait to start designing more.’

School Developments

York House Announces Co-Education Model From 2026

York House School has announced that they will move towards a 11+ co-educational model from September 2026. 

The school will phase out its current Year 7 and Year 8 cohorts over the next two years.

Chair of Governors at York House, Helen Regan, said: ‘We engaged with several senior schools ahead of the decision and we recognise that as a thriving co-educational prep school, the vast majority of girls’ schools focus entirely on 11+ and the majority of our boys that feed into the independent market as well as local state schools, also offer entry at 11+.’

New Leadership

New Master Announced at Dulwich College (From September 2025)

Robert Milne has been appointed as the new Master of Dulwich College from September 2025.

Mr Milne was previously Deputy Head at King’s College School, Wimbledon, Head of English at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and Head of House at King Edward’s School, Birmingham.

He commented: ‘During conversations with governors, Dr Joe Spence and the leadership team, it became clear that my own professional and personal values very much align with those of the College.’

Bishop’s Stortford College Announces New Head Of Prep From 2025

Bishop’s Stortford College has announced Rachael Cox as the new Head of Prep from April 2025.

Rachael is currently the Head of Eton End Prep School and acts as a visiting tutor for the University of Buckingham initial teacher training course. She graduated in Politics and History, and completed her PGCE at the University of Reading.

Canford Announces New Headmaster From September 2025

Canford School has announced the appointment of Chris Wheeler as the new Headmaster from September 2025, succeeding Ben Vessey.

Chris Wheeler is currently Head at Monkton Combe School and has previously worked as Headmaster at Brighton College Prep School and Housemaster at Brighton College.

He is also currently Chair of The Institute of Boarding and a member of the HMC Finance and Risk Committee.

Mr Wheeler said: ‘I am very much looking forward to joining the Canford Community with my family next summer and building on the success of the school to date.’

Mowden Hall Appoints New Head

Mr Phil Sturt has been announced as the new head of Mowden Hall School from January 2025. 

Mr Sturt joined the school in 2022 as Assistant Head (Pastoral). Prior to this, he worked at Durham School for eleven years as a Housemaster, Science Teacher and leader of CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.