We aim to form a community inspired by the principles of St Benedict: leadership is given by example, equal respect and love is shown to all, kindness is nurtured. We are encouraged in our strengths, supported in our weaknesses and stretched to fulfil our potential.
St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s Junior House, for children in Years 7 and 8, is an integral part of Ampleforth College. Situated at the heart of our beautiful estate, we provide a prep school environment with all the benefits, including extensive range of facilities, opportunities and specialist expertise, that a senior school can offer. Our vision for the College, set out in October 2020, is of a vibrant and challenging school which provides life-changing experiences and addresses the future needs of students, maximising their chances of fulfilling their potential at Ampleforth and beyond: Our Vision.
St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s is the only co-educational house at Ampleforth College and a crucial preparation stage before our children move on to one of the boys or girls senior boarding houses in Year 9. St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s has distinctive and special qualities. A dedicated team of warm and nurturing staff make it a home from home where each child is given individual support and care, enabling them to find and develop their unique talents and to grow in confidence. Our children describe this close-knit and happy community as their second family.
Years 7 and 8 have a bespoke curriculum designed to challenge academically and help to establish proactive and independent ways of learning in readiness for Year 9 and beyond. We create a stimulating environment where each child can explore their interests and discover their potential, not only in the classroom but through our extensive co-curricular programme. We encourage the inherent sense of wonder that our young learners find in the world around them ensuring they continue to find their learning enjoyable.
Our stunning North Yorkshire location is a wonderful asset. With over 2,200 acres of College estate, there can be few better places for children to grow up and experience the joys of the countryside and all that it has to offer.” to “Our stunning North Yorkshire location is a wonderful asset - there can be few better places for children to grow up and experience the joys of the countryside and all that it has to offer.
Mr Sebastian Phillips, Housemaster
St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s is a lively and happy, close-knit community. Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. We know our children incredibly well and understand how to best support their progress. Our dedicated staff are specially trained to meet the specific needs of Years 7 and 8. From our years of experience teaching these year groups, we know that as well as nurture and care, our children need space to grow and develop. They don’t always get things right first time. To give them the best support we possibly can, we build a strong partnership between parents and the school team, with the child at its centre.
Mrs Charmaine Smith, Housemistress, is responsible for the overall pastoral care and wellbeing of every child, ably supported by Mr Piers Butler in his role as Assistant Housemaster.
Mrs Smith, who joined us from Mayfield School, is a very experienced house parent, teacher and mother and provides a wonderfully creative and dynamic environment for our junior pupils.
Every child has a Tutor who is responsible for the academic life of no more than eight children. Tutors keep a close eye on each child’s academic progress and are ready to provide extra support and challenge when appropriate. They are trained to differentiate learning for children of this age and understand a child’s developing needs; they know when something extra is required. St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s has a team of caring and compassionate Tutors who forge close relationships with their pupils and are in frequent communication with parents about each child’s progress and achievements. Alongside the Housemistress, Tutors are the main point of contact.
St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s is lucky to have two Matrons who, between them, are on duty seven days a week and play an important part in the pastoral care of our children. Our Matrons have many years’ experience working in the College with children of this age. They are kind, thoughtful and caring, as well as a lot of fun! They help with settling into the House, and provide everyday assistance with clothes, laundry, medications and a whole lot more.
Four St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s College Monitors also contribute to House life. These are Upper Sixth students appointed with responsibility for junior pupils, particularly to help with prep and social events. They visit the House regularly and build up friendships with the pupils, helping them grow in confidence socially and feel more connected across the College. They are strong role models for the younger children.
Our House has been prepared specifically to meet our needs. There are two boarding wings to allow for a co-educational environment and provide secure accommodation. Central, shared social
spaces include dedicated activity, quiet, and study areas as well as music practice rooms. We even have our own Chapel. A lot of cooking and baking goes on in our well-equipped kitchen, sometimes as an activity choice but also just for fun. Hot chocolate is also in plentiful supply on cold winter evenings when we snuggle down on bean bags to watch a film. Another of our favourite House activities is regular Mini Mastermind competitions; we look forward to the day when one of our St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s alumnus takes the Mastermind crown!
All pupils have breakfast in the House which brings a feeling of a family home to St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s. Lunch and supper are eaten together with House staff in the College Refectory. Our children love playing hockey and football on our own astroturf and enjoying fun social events in our large garden. We have outdoor as well as indoor table tennis tables, including one of only three famous Mouseman versions in existence! Of course, we also have thousands of acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside at our disposal for exploration and learning about nature.
Whilst senior houses offer either full boarding or day places, St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s enjoys the distinction of being able to offer flexible boarding. This is a great introduction to boarding life and several of our younger pupils choose this option before entering Year 9 as full boarders. At a practical level, flexiboarding allows pupils to remain longer in school on certain days for social events, evening activities and early morning rehearsals. We encourage every child to board fully for the first three weeks of their first term so they can immerse themselves in the life of the College and build strong bonds with their peers and House staff.
Day pupils are fully integrated into the life of the House and we ensure that they do not feel left out in any way. Each day pupil is allocated their own study space and they are always welcome to join social events and activities in the evenings and at weekends. Many of our day pupils opt for full boarding once they have settled into the routine.
Our Scholarship and Awards programme in Years 7 and 8 recognises those pupils with particular academic, musical, sporting, dramatic or dancing potential and provides opportunities, as well as tailored support and stretch, to further develop their ability.
Scholarships and Awards are prestigious; recipients are required to show strong and ongoing contribution to the life of the school, to work hard and set a good example. All recipients are re-assessed at the end of Year 8 to decide whether they will be put forward for a Basil Hume Scholarship for Years 9 to 11.
The number of overall scholarships and awards made in any year is at the Head’s discretion. As well as providing some financial benefit in Years 7 and 8, Awards are extremely advantageous when applying for means-tested bursaries.
Academic Development Awards are decided based on performance in our 11+ Scholarship examinations and carry a 10% discount on fees for the duration of Years 7 and 8. Successful candidates are expected to attend an Academic Development Group every fortnight to stimulate independent and critical thinking and encourage them to start deploying relevant facts and arguments persuasively. The group enjoys presentations, lectures, and discussions on a wide range of topics and current affairs. Other opportunities for academic enrichment include external and internal competitions and visits to places of interest.
The Head of Academic Enrichment, who oversees the Academic Scholarship programme across the whole College, provides mentoring sessions. These help Award recipients to pursue their individual interests and prepare them for examinations and interviews for the Basil Hume scholarships for Year 9.
Music Scholarships at Ampleforth offer gifted musicians the opportunity to make music at the highest level as part of one of the country’s leading music departments. Candidates for Development Awards in Years 7 and 8 should be at least Grade 3 standard in one instrument. Successful candidates who play one instrument are encouraged to take up an additional instrument. All Year 7 pupils are given one term of free tuition to allow them to try out new instruments.
Music Scholars receive weekly teaching in their chosen discipline with these lessons provided free of charge. To enable progression, they attend a bespoke programme of rehearsals and tutorials in ensembles relevant to their instrument. Music Scholars are often expected to take a lead in these ensembles. As well as taking a central role in tours, outside concerts, and the busy recital programme in the College, our Music Scholars take part in masterclasses given by some of the finest musicians in the country.
Sports Development Awards are awarded to pupils who show great potential and carry a 10% discount on fees for the duration of Years 7 and 8. Applicants are scored on ability in their current sport, physical literacy and competency, and their potential to excel in a broad range of sports as they progress through their time at Ampleforth. Successful candidates are expected to attend skill and development sessions on a weekly basis and participate fully in our sports offering, representing Ampleforth in competitive sports teams and acting as ambassadors for their sport and school.
The Sports Development Awards programme is an integral part of our performance pathway for sport. We help recipients make excellent progress so they are in an advantageous position to apply for a Basil Hume Sports Scholarship in Year 9.
Drama Development Awards and Dance Development Awards offer promising actors and dancers the opportunity to train at the highest level as part of an outstanding school Drama department or with a Royal Academy of Dance registered teacher. They also help prepare students for the assessment for the Basil Hume Drama or Dance Scholarships into Year 9.
Recipients of Drama or Dance Development Awards receive weekly one to one actor training or dance training with lessons provided free of charge for the duration of Years 7 and 8. To enable progression, they attend a bespoke programme of rehearsals, performances and masterclasses and are expected to show full commitment. They may also be given the opportunity to take part in workshops given by some of the country’s leading theatre practitioners, choreographers and dancers.
Years 7 and 8 follow a broad and academically challenging curriculum designed to lay strong foundations for GSCEs. We prepare our pupils to start Year 9 equipped with essential skills, able to organise themselves and take responsibility for their own learning. Pupils are taught by specialist subject teachers in Mathematics, English, Design and Technology, French, Latin, Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education, IT, History, Geography, Christian Theology and the Sciences.
Our Christian Living programme includes citizenship, wellbeing, and British values. It ties in closely with our Deanery system, promoting the ideas of respect, service, wanting what is best for each other, and taking responsibility for the world around us.
As our studies are not focused on Common Entrance, learning is not constrained by an exam-led syllabus. There is time to go beyond mastering the required knowledge and skills, to explore subjects more deeply and feed curious minds.
Academic enrichment is fostered through opportunities to take part in both internal and external competitions, visits, talks and additional activities. We make the most of our beautiful environment to continue learning outside the classroom as often as possible and enjoy the wonders of nature. The journey towards independent thinking, learning and coping begins in Years 7 and 8. With the support and encouragement of teachers, pupils begin to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, to confidently articulate their thoughts and ideas, and develop resilience. Our pupils are inspired to have a lifelong love of learning.
All Years 7 and 8 pupils work towards the St Laurence Certificate which is completed at the end of Year 8 when pupils showcase their best work and achievements including musical performances, art and Prize Projects. The certificate is highly sought after and is assessed through contribution and effort in our general curriculum and in three additional areas:
Lyceum: A programme of visiting speakers from all walks of life and academic disciplines engaging pupils in a diverse range of topics.
Prize Project Competition: Pupils explore a personal area of interest over several weeks, working independently to research and complete their projects before presenting them to their peers and a panel of judges. They are evaluated on planning and organisation as well as their response to the judges’ questions.
Debate: Discussion sessions on current events with additional reading sometimes led by and always encouraged by Tutors.
Ampleforth College has a long-established theatrical tradition of excellence and has produced many illustrious alumni who are stars of the stage or screen. Junior pupils can perform in our annual Ampleforth College Theatre (ACT) Showcase, performed in our Upstairs Theatre, believed to be the oldest purpose-built school theatre in the UK. We also have a state-of-theart Performing Arts Centre - specialist studio space with sprung floor, dance bars, mirrored walls and professional sound and lighting facilities - as well as a flexible open space in our Downstairs Theatre. Our productions are of an exceptional standard and skills blossom through the experience of collaboration, creativity and self-expression.
Private Dance, Speech and Drama lessons are available and many of our pupils take LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) exams to improve their confidence in speaking and listening and to enhance their physical skills.
Our Music Department is vibrant. All Years 7 and 8 pupils have one academic music lesson per week and with over 25 visiting instrumental teachers, tuition is available on most instruments; orchestral, jazz and rock, as well as keyboard instruments. We also provide tuition for all vocal styles. We are proud of being home to the Ampleforth Highlanders Pipe Band and tuition is available on Highland Pipes and Drums.
a printmaking workshop, a ceramics studio, sculpture facilities, art library, computer room and exhibition space. Pupils are encouraged to explore ideas and media, discover their own enthusiasms and passions, develop ideas and skills and become independent and creative learners. Every week there are opportunities to choose a wide variety of art activities, from jewellery-making to photography, life drawing to ceramics, and there are regular opportunities for all pupils to enter termly art competitions.
As part of our broad and inclusive curriculum, all Year 7 students receive free tuition on either the Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Bassoon or Oboe, French Horn, or Trombone for their first Autumn Term. This is an exciting opportunity to try something new and receive guidance from some of the finest musicians in the country. At the end of the term, students who show potential and commitment may be offered a Development Award which allows them to continue their lesson free of charge for the remainder of the academic year.
Music lies at the heart of Ampleforth life. Singing in House services, Mass and Assembly makes it part of a pupil’s daily routine. In addition, there are a range of opportunities to be involved in music performance. Schola offers singers of all age ranges the chance to be part of a flagship choir that provides music in College and Abbey liturgies as well as recordings and tours. The Junior Band is a training ensemble for younger brass, wind and percussion players. The opportunities continue to open up as our pupils progress through the College.
The Art Department is always a thriving hub of activity and has a long-established reputation for cultivating great talent. Occupying a central position in the School, the purpose built Sunley Centre is both inviting and well equipped, with large painting studios,
In Years 7 and 8, Sport is a wholly inclusive programme which offers competitive and participation opportunities for all pupils throughout the year. Every pupil is encouraged to represent the College in all the sports we offer, including Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Swimming, Athletics, Tennis and Cross Country. To help them develop fully, pupils have at least seven hours of focused, dedicated sport each week, plus fixtures. Our Match Day fixture list is extensive across all sports and all pupils will be selected to represent the College in some form. At Ampleforth we believe in the positive benefits and values that team and individual sport can bring, and we aim to instill in our pupils a lifelong love for participation in sport and exercise.
We aim to provide a culture and environment where individual talents, and indeed challenges, are recognised and self-esteem is nurtured so that all pupils may reach their full academic potential whether they are the most academically able or need additional support along the way. Those requiring extra help are referred to our Learning Hub where a team of specialist teachers provide advice and support to pupils, their teachers and parents, ensuring a cohesive approach. Pupils with greater needs will have an individual Student Learning Profile and may receive targeted help in the form of in-class or prep support, or small group intervention. 1:1 support lessons can be arranged where appropriate at an additional cost.
In addition to timetabled Sport and PE, there is a plethora of activities available at St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s every day of the week. We have IDEA (Inspirational Digital Exploration Award), Chess Club, Baking, Cricket, Hockey, Smaller–Bore Shooting, Drama, Astronomy, Karate, Art Club, Lego Club, Book Club and Lyceum (a forum for visiting speakers, discussion and debate). Rugby, Girls’ Hockey and Netball, Cricket and Junior Band are run as additional activities within the timetabled day. Many pupils are members of the Schola or choir. We make sure there are opportunities for Music Scholars to practise, take music theory classes and attend specialist music groups.
Years 7 and 8 often take part in whole school events and activities at weekends, designed to entertain, encourage team spirit within boarding houses and build friendships. These include fundraising efforts for our College charity, FACE-FAW, which supports many worthy causes selected by our pupils, both locally and across the world. We also have our own programme of outings and activities on Sundays to suit this age group.
Highlights are surfing, mountain biking, theatre and cinema visits, high-wire and climbing activities, pottery making and local museum trips. Sometimes pupils just wish to relax and have time with their friends in House or enjoying a walk across the Valley.
Fr John Fairhurst, our House Chaplain, visits daily to say prayers in the morning and evening and to conduct House Mass once a week. Fr John has been accompanying our junior pupils through their Ampleforth journey since 2007. His commitments range from running House Retreats to preparing boys and girls for Confirmation. In support of his work, we also run a Deanery system where members of House staff explore moral questions and Ampleforth’s core Benedictine values with pupils in tutorials. St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s has a dedicated Chapel which sits at the centre of House life, both communally and for private reflection or prayer.
Co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for Years 7 to 13
Ampleforth College, York, YO62 4ER 01439 766863 admissions@ampleforth.org.uk www.ampleforthcollege.org.uk
