AGS Welcome FROM THE HEADMASTER
Welcome to the summer edition of Flourish, our termly newsletter celebrating the energy, ambition, and achievements of our School community.
This term has been one of the busiest yet, packed with memorable moments, outstanding accomplishments, and a huge number of trips, visits, and exchanges. From language and cultural explorations abroad to enriching day visits and workshops here in the UK, these opportunities continue to broaden horizons and enrich learning experiences beyond the classroom
Our students have once again excelled in a wide range of pursuits. Sporting success came in many forms, with strong performances in rackets, tennis, cricket, and athletics. The energy and commitment shown by our teams is something we’re incredibly proud of.
A major milestone this term has been breaking ground on our new all-weather sports pitch Thanks to the extraordinary fundraising efforts from the Pitch In Challenge last term and the generosity of our community, work has begun, a full year ahead of schedule. This facility will have a transformative impact on sport at AGS, providing our students with top-quality training and playing conditions for years to come.
As always, the end of the academic year is a time of celebration and transition We said farewell to our Year 13 students at their Leavers' Ball held at Stowe House, a fitting send-off after years of contribution to AGS life. Our Year 11 students also completed their GCSEs and now look ahead to exciting next steps. We wish them all the very best, whether continuing with us into Sixth Form or beginning new journeys beyond the School.
It’s also been a pleasure to welcome our newest students for Year 7 Transition Days This marks the beginning of a new chapter both for them and for AGS, and we look forward to seeing all that they will achieve in the years ahead.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Head Boys: Joseph Aloluwaloba, James Davies, and Freddy Crafts, who have done an incredible job this year Their leadership, integrity, and dedication have made a lasting impact At the same time, I’m delighted to announce and extend my very best wishes to our newly appointed Head Boys: Thomas Barlow, Evan Chapman, and Seb Jimenez. We look forward to the year ahead under their leadership.
As you read through this edition of Flourish, I hope you enjoy celebrating the incredible breadth and depth of AGS life, and the collective efforts that continue to define our community
Mark Sturgeon, Headmaster
@AGSHeadmaster
AGS Archive
NURTURING CHARACTER SINCE 1598
2023 marked the 425th Anniversary of Aylesbury Grammar School.
To commemorate this incredible milestone, we commissioned a beautifully illustrated hardback book which chronicles the rich history of our School Books are still available, click here to secure your copy
Furthermore, thanks to the generosity of the Aylesbury Grammar School Foundation, we have created the AGSDigitalArchive, a wonderful resource accessible to current and former students and staff.
STAFF
OLD AYLESBURIANS
DEVELOPMENT
AGS Events
FLOURISH IN ALL YOU DO
This has been another exciting year of house events. As we got down to the final two events of the year, five of the six Houses were still in contention to win a trophy.
The Brodie events continued this term with the introduction of a new house event – house cricket, where Hampden was victorious This was followed by house tennis where there was a joint 1 place between Denson and Hampden. We then held the highly anticipated house athletics event, which was won by Paterson. Several students set new school athletics records in this event It has been a very successful year in the Brodie for all houses, but it was Hampden and Paterson who came out victorious with a Joint 1 place finish in the trophy – something we have not seen at AGS since 1968 when there were only 4 houses at the school
The Watson concluded this term with the junior house quiz and junior house public speaking events Denson and Ridley were the joint winners of house quiz. For the junior public speaking event, we welcomed back Aymaan Sheikh (Ridley ’22) to adjudicate. Phillips won the junior competition, but Ridley secured the overall house public speaking competition win when the junior points were added to the senior event After a very close year in the competition, it was Ridley who have been crowned this year’s Watson champions.
Well done to all the students who participated and a heartfelt thanks to all the staff who made these events possible. Your Heads of House are incredibly grateful and proud of your support and wish you all a very restful summer break before the race to win the Brodie and Watson trophies begins again in September.
AGS Events
NURTURE YOUR CHARACTER
Cabaret Night showcased the outstanding musical and dramatic talents of our students, with a vibrant evening of live performances enjoyed by a packed audience. The quality and variety of acts made it a highlight of the term.
The annual AGS Fête brought together students, families, and staff for an afternoon of fun, food, and fundraising in the summer sunshine It was a fantastic community event with something for everyone to enjoy
Our Year 11 Prom provided a well-earned celebration after the conclusion of their GCSE exams. It was a brilliant evening full of style and celebration as students marked the end of an important chapter.
Year 13 students celebrated the end of their time at AGS with a memorable Leavers’ Ball at Stowe House. The stunning venue provided the perfect backdrop for a night of reflection, laughter, and farewell
We also came together for Junior Prize Giving, where the achievements of our younger students were recognised in a formal and uplifting ceremony. It was a fitting way to end the year and celebrate their hard work and success.
AGS Sport
NURTURE YOUR CHARACTER
Cricket
It’s been another excellent term of Cricket at AGS, with over 70 fixtures played The U15A team had a strong season, reaching the County Cup Semi-Final and beating RGS, Waddesdon and JHGS. Hamza Sohail and Ishaan Ella led with the bat, while Kit Chantrey, Joe Tilley and Charlie Wade starred with the ball. The U15Bs also impressed, showing great depth. The U14s continued to progress, with strong performances from Harry Godden, Swarup Hariprasad and Dom Gregson Max Smith, Anay Amith and Gwilym Walters shone for the U13s, while Sai Muddineni and Farhan Mahmood made great starts in the U12s. Senior teams competed well, including in the Reading Bluecoat T10, with Billy Dodds and Zach Cleary standouts. A big thank you to all staff involved, and to Mr Tarry for his expert care of the square in its final season before the new 3G
Football
Well done to our AGS footballers this term. Raphie London (Year 11) secured a scholarship with Watford U18s and helped the U16s win the Premier League Cup. Luca Dos Santos, Tumelo Imasiku, and Toluwani Lasisi continue to impress with Watford, MK Dons, and Reading. The Under 13 team retained the District Cup after a penalty shootout win against John Colet.
Rugby & Rugby 7s
Four members of the 1st XV represented Buckinghamshire in a thrilling 17-17 draw against East Midlands. Congratulations to the Under 13 Rugby 7s team who won the Northampton Saints Bowl, with fantastic try-scoring performances throughout the day
Tennis
Congratulations to our U14 and U16 teams for finishing 4th nationally in the School Sports Magazine National Finals. The U18s also competed strongly at the Glanville Cup Finals, placing 16th out of 300+ schools. Alongside these successes, our teams have enjoyed competitive fixtures against schools like John Hampden, RGS, and Dr Challoner’s, with notable wins throughout the term Well done to all players
Handball
Our U13 Handball team performed brilliantly at the Southern Region Finals, finishing 3rd overall with just one loss The U15 team also had a strong showing at the South Central Regional Finals, finishing 3rd and playing some excellent handball. Huge thanks to all players and coaches.
Squash
Well done to all our squash teams for their recent matches, including victories for the U13s and friendly fixtures against JHGS. Congratulations to Mr Withey and the England Squash Masters Over 60 team for their recent wins.
Padel
U15 and U18 teams recorded victories against RGS and enjoyed training sessions at Holmer Green
Ultimate Frisbee
The U17 Ultimate Frisbee team finished 11th at the UK National Outdoor Championships, with a memorable sudden-death knockout win
Swimming
Huge congratulations to Jake Chesworth (Year 12) who has been selected for the British team at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Slovakia
Athletics
Our Junior and Inter Athletics teams won their age groups at the ESAA Track and Field Cup first round. Harry Smith had a standout performance, smashing his personal best in javelin and ranking 6th nationally. The school also dominated the Aylesbury Vale District Athletics, winning multiple age groups and the overall boys’ title
Old Aylesburian News
Best wishes to Alex Davis (Cambridge University) for the T20 Varsity at Lords. Congratulations to Cam Brooker on his European Under 23 Swimming selection and success
Enrichment
We welcomed local primary Schools for a multi-skills event run by Y12 Sports Leaders and Mr Roberts, promoting community sports engagement.
School Games Gold Mark Award
AGS has been awarded the School Games Gold Mark for 2024/25, recognising our outstanding commitment to school sport and competition. Huge thanks to everyone involved!
Staff
Congratulations to Kayley Budd who completed her first London Marathon in an impressive 3 hours 49 minutes. Well done also to Gary Ramsbottom for completing the iconic ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ triathlon, raising funds for the new 3G pitch Congratulations to Darren Withey, selected for the England Over 60 Racketball Team and England Squash Team. Finally, shoutout to Ray Chambers who won his first tankard with the Marlow Rowing Development Squad at the Kingston Regatta.
AGS Visits
EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY
Year 7 geographers headed to Southend-on-Sea this term to investigate coastal processes and tourism. The trip provided a brilliant introduction to fieldwork techniques and allowed students to see first-hand how geography shapes our coastline and communities. @ags geography
A group of enthusiastic Year 8 students had the unforgettable opportunity to travel to Burgundy, France this term, immersing themselves in French culture, language, and cuisine The trip was packed with enriching experiences, from visiting traditional markets and historic towns to trying their hand at bread-making and tasting classic regional dishes. Students enjoyed practising their French in real-life situations and learning more about the region’s heritage through guided tours and interactive activities. It was a fantastic week that not only built confidence and independence, but also brought language learning vividly to life beyond the classroom
This term, Year 8 students visited the historic site of Bletchley Park, once home to Britain’s World War II codebreakers During the trip, students explored the fascinating role Bletchley played in shortening the war, delving into the stories of figures like Alan Turing and the groundbreaking work of the Enigma codebreakers Hands-on workshops allowed students to try out their own codebreaking skills and understand the importance of logic, problem-solving, and perseverance It was a brilliant day that connected history, computing, and critical thinking in a memorable setting.
AGS Visits
EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY
Year 9 students enjoyed a fantastic day at Willen Lake, taking part in a range of outdoor activities that challenged their teamwork, resilience, and sense of adventure
Meanwhile, Year 8 visited London’s Olympic Park, where they explored the iconic site, developed their geographical fieldwork skills, and gained insights into the legacy of the 2012 Games
Our Year 7 students enjoyed an unforgettable week away on their residential trip to Hertfordshire. With four coachloads setting off, it was an action-packed experience filled with adventure, team-building, and plenty of laughter The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for students to bond, grow in confidence, and create lasting memories together.
@AGSYear7Res
AGS Visits
NURTURE YOUR CHARACTER
At the time of writing, the 2025 Malawi Exchange is still underway, with 38 students from Years 11 and 12 already enjoying an incredible start to their journey Highlights so far have included game drives, fishing, and breathtaking night skies, as well as meaningful visits to Mkanda Primary School and Malosa Secondary School, where pupils delivered donations and spent time engaging with local students. The group has also got stuck in at a tea plantation, developed a newfound love for bricklaying and digging holes, and even spotted a giraffe on the way to breakfast! As building work in the local community gets underway, we are grateful to everyone who continues to support this life-changing exchange, which has now been running for over 25 years.
@AGSMalawi
A highlight for this term was the Year 7 STEM Day, where students launched rockets, built rollercoasters, and handled exotic animals ZooLab’s visit brought science to life with snakes, cockroaches, and tarantulas.
Year 7 also repaired their own pocket microscopes and built working projectors from lenses and cardboard linking practical science with sustainability and design In another challenge, students built paper roller coasters in the lab, applying real physics to create smooth, working tracks. Peer review added a great collaborative element.
Year 8 took on retro console repairs fixing screens, building circuits, and exploring the evolution of gaming tech It built on their learning in electrics and tested their problem-solving skills
@AGSBioTechs
AGS Life
EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY
Year 8 Enterprise Day
This term, Year 8 students took part in an exciting Enterprise Day led by The Inspirational Learning Group Their challenge was to launch a brand-new subsidiary airline for British Airways Working in teams, they designed logos, cabin crew uniforms, in-flight menus, and even filmed their own safety demonstrations. The day culminated in impressive final pitches delivered to the whole year group, showcasing outstanding creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial flair. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to develop key skills in a fun and engaging way.
Year 10 Activity & Enterprise Week
Our Year 10 students experienced a powerful and enriching Activity Week focused on PSHE, Careers, and Enterprise. The week began with expert-led workshops on vital life skills including alcohol and drug education, healthy relationships, first aid, personal safety, and recognising controlling behaviours. Careers Day followed, with inspiring talks from alternative providers, employability sessions from Bright Futures Experience Ltd, and guidance from our Careers Advisor The week concluded with a two-day Enterprise Challenge to design a business under £200 that ‘does good’, with a focus on upcycling. Congratulations to the winning group, Team 10 – TinFlower, whose planting kit using upcycled tin cans wowed the judges. Well done to Hamza, Pearce, Lashan, Hassan, Charlie, Vainav, and Aarav for their innovative and sustainable idea!
This term has been a lively and creative one in the Professor William Mead Library, with a packed programme of activities for students across the school. LibraryFest in July brought everything from Lego@Lunch and origami to quizzes, crafts, and a brilliantly chaotic liveaction game of Cluedo, won by Vinusan, who correctly deduced that Auggie Pullman stole the Golden Ticket from Narnia! Earlier in the term, the library marked Mental Health Awareness Week with daily themed events including mindful box-making, mandala art, and feel-good Kahoot quizzes The library continues to be a vibrant hub of reading, relaxation, and fun for the whole AGS community. A huge thank you to Mrs Pushong and the library team for organising such a wonderful programme of events.
AGS Life
EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY
This term, we were delighted to welcome both our future and current students for key transition events. Our Year 6 into Year 7 Transition Day was a fantastic opportunity for incoming students to experience life at AGS, meeting form tutors, exploring the school, and taking part in fun, confidence-building activities. Meanwhile, Year 12 Transition Day gave our future Sixth Formers a taste of A Level life, with subject taster sessions, enrichment opportunities, and time to connect with peers and staff Both days were full of energy, positivity, and promise for the exciting year ahead!
This term has seen outstanding success in digital innovation from our students. Congratulations to Vedanta, Ishan, Joshua, Vaibhav, Aryan, and Amal, whose coded experiment for the Astro Pi Mission Zero was successfully launched to the International Space Station and ran in orbit on 21 April an incredible achievement in teamwork and applied computing. We also celebrate Taman Nutakki (Pa8) and Lucas Xie (Le9), who reached the top 10 nationally in the Young Game Designer BAFTA competition (age 10–14 category). Their selfdeveloped games will be showcased to industry professionals at the BAFTA HQ in London We are immensely proud of all the students involved and grateful to Mr Chambers for his continued support of these initiatives.
Each year, the Phillips House Ben Embury Award celebrates the student who has made the biggest contribution to House life in memory of Ben Embury’s kindness and selflessness. This year’s well-deserved winner is Regan Footman (13), recognized for his quiet leadership, dedication, and generosity behind the scenes Congratulations, Regan!
Year 8 enjoyed an inspiring “Be True to Yourself” workshop with renowned illustrator Bruce McNally, the creative mind behind iconic characters like the Cadbury’s Caramel Bunny, NatWest Piggy Banks and Churchill the dog. Bruce shared his incredible journey of resilience, creativity and following his passion, including working with Jim Henson on Fraggle Rock and Disney projects.
Students then took part in a vibrant, hands-on session making pompoms for a collaborative art piece, with a select group attending a masterclass to recreate Bruce’s famous Miss Piggy. A memorable day that celebrated creativity and self-belief
AGS Life
CELEBRATE DIFFERENCE
Our Gardening Club has been blooming with activity this term! From vibrant planting to eco-friendly techniques, students have shown real dedication. A big thank you to Aylesbury in Bloom for visiting to judge our efforts, and to Mrs Levitt for her passion and leadership!
Culture Day was a vibrant celebration of the rich diversity within our school community. Organised by Sixth Form students and the Senior Leadership Team, the day encouraged students and staff to wear clothing that reflected their culture or identity, creating a powerful sense of belonging and pride Lessons also embraced themes of culture and diversity, reinforcing the inclusive values that define AGS.
AGS Staff SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Staff Departures
As the term comes to a close, we bid farewell to several valued members of the AGS community. Sally Smith, our Examinations Coordinator, and Stephen Ash, leader of KS3 DT and Engineering, are moving on, along with Mark Cornish, Cover Supervisor, and Marina Cory, Sixth Form Catering Supervisor. We also say goodbye to Neil Anderson, Physics teacher; Robert Kent, English teacher; and Art Technicians Laura Porter and Zeena Morris Cover Supervisor Boris Tasev, PE Technician Charlie Shepherd, and Biology teacher Ramona Chiriac are leaving as well. Data and Information Leader Vicci Powton departed at the end of June, along with Katy Miles, our Cleaner, and German Language Assistant Mhiriban Virit who left in April. We thank them all for their dedication and service and wish them every success in the next stage of their careers.
In Memory of Frank Delaney
Staff Achievements
This term, our staff have demonstrated incredible dedication both on and off the school grounds, raising funds for important causes. Mr Corby took on the challenging Chase the Sun cycling event on 21 June, riding coast to coast from sunrise in Kent to sunset in Westonsuper-Mare to support the AGS Malawi Initiative. Despite a delayed start and tough conditions, he completed the ride in over 12 hours, finishing well before sunset a remarkable feat It’s not too late to support Mr Corby and the Malawi Initiative here: justgiving.com/agsmalosa.
Meanwhile, Mr Ramsbottom conquered the gruelling Alcatraz Triathlon after months of dedicated training, raising funds for the Pitch In Campaign. We’re incredibly grateful for his commitment and outstanding effort. These achievements showcase the incredible spirit and generosity of our staff community.
It is with deep respect that we remember Frank Delaney, who dedicated 30 years to Aylesbury Grammar School as Chief Physics Technician. Beyond his vital contributions to the Science Department, Frank played a pivotal role in establishing squash at AGS. Under his guidance, the school’s squash teams won seven National Schools Championships, securing AGS’s reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.
Frank was also a founding member of the Hampden Squash Club and a key figure in the Bucks Squash Rackets Association, where he claimed the Bucks Closed Veterans’ trophy three times. His lasting impact on both the school and the wider community continues to inspire all who knew him.
Old AYLESBURIANS
SHARING EXPERTISE
Ryan Jay (Phillips ‘06)
Now a professional copywriter, Ryan returned to AGS to judge the 2025 House Writing competition Drawing on his experience, Ryan provided detailed and encouraging feedback to each House, praising the creativity, effort, and variety on show. He was particularly impressed by the involvement of students from all years and the imaginative interpretations of the theme, Refuge. We’re very grateful to Ryan for his time and for inspiring our young writers
Jonathan Harty (Ridley ‘11)
A political campaigner and strategist, Jonathan currently serves as Chief of Staff to Labour MP Marie Tidball and has worked on major campaigns for Keir Starmer, Anneliese Dodds, and 38 Degrees He delivered a fascinating talk to Year 12, offering insights into politics, history, and the value of staying informed.
Kavi Morjaria (Ridley ‘20)
A Cardiff University dental graduate, Kavi visited Med Soc to share his journey from AGS to dentistry. He offered valuable insights into student life, the UCAT, and the application process, emphasizing transferable skills beyond healthcare Students found his talk inspiring and informative
Bill Duling (Denson ‘22)
Bill returned to inspire our Year 12 linguists during Sixth Form Orientation Day. He also chatted with Year 10 students about Oxbridge, languages, and linguistics, sparking curiosity with topics from semantic bleaching to forensic linguistics Our students loved asking questions in French!
Old AYLESBURIANS
SHARING EXPERTISE
Liam Hyde (Ridley ‘15)
Liam returned as guest of honour for our Junior Prize Giving evening, sharing an inspiring message with students, staff, and families His motto: Try, Fail, Iterate (try again), reminded everyone of the power of resilience and the importance of learning from setbacks.
Sharing of Expertise 2025
Aymaan Sheikh (Ridley ‘22)
Aymaan, a seasoned debater and competition judge across Europe, returned to AGS to adjudicate Junior Public Speaking. He praised the high quality and variety of speeches and offered valuable insights to our young speakers. We’re incredibly grateful for his support and inspiration.
We were thrilled to welcome back 21 recent Old Aylesburians to share their experiences with Year 12 students Covering university, apprenticeships, gap years, and work, their insights helped guide our students as they plan their futures.
Thanks to Raihaan Usman, Gabriel Gullidge, Arya Kotian, Partaap Bajwa, Tom KirkpatrickBrown, Tom Proctor, Theo Russell, Shayne Lagyop, Sanjeev Ladhar, Kymir Ibragimov, Toby Sexton, Jatheep Raj, Dhruva Menon, Tom Hunter, Tom Ramsbottom, Thomas Baldwin, Safee Khan, Abshly Shaji, Joseph Horrox, Samuel Horrox, and Musa Khan for inspiring the next generation.
AGS Development INVEST IN OUR FUTURE
This transformational space will benefit students across the school, providing a high-quality, all-weather pitch for sport, teamwork, and physical wellbeing Sport at AGS is about far more than fitness, it’s where our boys develop leadership, resilience, and lifelong friendships.
We look forward to welcoming the AGS community to our Grand Opening Celebration on Thursday 26 September –please save the date!
Fundraising Success - £40,000 left to raise.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of parents, Old Aylesburians, and friends, we are proud to share that we have now raised an outstanding £780,000 of the £820,000 total cost.
This term we were also delighted to receive our first significant external grant for this project: £40,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation – a fantastic endorsement of the campaign’s importance and impact.
We also want to thank the tireless Pitch In Campaign Board – a group of dedicated parents and Old Ayesburians who have given their time, energy, and creativity to help us reach this stage.
With just £40,000 left to raise, we’re nearly there. If you haven’t yet contributed, there’s still time Every gift, no matter the size, makes a real difference
�� Click here to donate to Pitch In
Year 13 Leavers' Reunion – 16 December
In partnership with AHS, we look forward to welcoming the Class of 2025 to a reunion in Aylesbury (venue TBC) to reconnect.
Inscribe a Plaque – Celebrate Their Journey
As the Class of 2025 moves on, many families mark this milestone by inscribing a personalised plaque in the Sixth Form Centre, a lasting tribute to their time at AGS. This opportunity is open to all year groups
AGS Community Golf Day
On Tuesday 27 May, the AGS community came together for another fantastic day of golf at Chiltern Forest Golf Club. Students, parents, alumni, and staff took to the course under (mostly) sunny skies, enjoying great competition and camaraderie.
Congratulations to our U18 champions – Alfie, Tom, Joe, and Tom – and to the overall winners, Headmaster Mark Sturgeon’s team of Chris Duggan, Iain Digby, and Iain Wilson We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
Tell Us What You’d Like to See
As we grow our alumni programme, we want your input on the types of events and opportunities you’d like to see Click here to complete the Old Aylesburian Events Survey
Introducing AGS Aspire: Mentoring & Work Placements
We’re proud to launch AGS Aspire, a new initiative connecting students with mentors and real-world work experiences, tapping into the incredible expertise of the AGS community
To get involved, please email: alumni@ags.bucks.sch.uk
Support Our Oxbridge Applicants
We're seeking members of the AGS Community who studied at Oxford or Cambridge to support current AGS students preparing for interviews this autumn. Mock interviews will take place online between mid-October and mid-November.
If you’re willing to volunteer, please email: alumni@ags bucks sch uk
