The Beginning of the Academic Year

The Start of the Academic Year

This year we are running a staggered return to school, with Years 7-9 and 12 arriving on 6th September and remaining years on 7th September. You will receive a guide to the Autumn Term 2021 in due course with full details of dates and times for arrival. You will be warmly greeted when you arrive at the house by me, Mrs Frith-Powell, Matron, the house tutors and the Head and Deputy Head of House – a real welcoming committee!

You will be shown to your room and have the opportunity to have a look round the house. After a brief introduction from me, your parents will say goodbye and go to Main School for a Reception with Mr Dyer the Headmaster (TBC). Your parents will not return to the house but go directly home after this. For this reason it is important that you say goodbye properly to your parents when they leave St Aidan’s – be kind to them as this part of the day is usually much harder for parents than it is for the girls!

You will be really busy for the rest of your first day – there are tours of the house, tours of the school and a chance to set up your school email account! After supper the whole house will come together to meet each other properly and have some fun! You will be able to unpack and settle before bed time.

The start of the year sees different induction activities for each year group, including tutorial time with your tutor. Your tutor will give you your timetable and allay any worries that you may have.

As each day passes we hope that things will start to feel more normal and you can relax into the routines and start to enjoy yourself.

Please always remember that the gift of an Ampleforth education is a wonderful one so make the very most of it. Work hard in your lessons, participate on the games field, join as many clubs and activities as you are able to and take the time to take strength and hope from the faith that underpins everything that we do. We hope that you will be a happy and proud member of St Aidan’s. Come to us as many times as you need for help, guidance or encouragement: we are here to help.

Please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail, phone or letter if you have any worries or questions before the start of term.

We look forward to welcoming you to St Aidan’s house very soon.

Key things to remember: ✓ Hand in pocket money so it can be kept in the House safe ✓ Hand in passports (overseas students) to be kept in the House safe. ✓ Ensure House staff are aware of any medication/health issues. Hand in any medication.