The Bedian 2025

THE BEDIAN

Photography by: Tom Bridges, Alumnus.

WELCOME

I am thrilled to share the incredible news of another truly exceptional year at Bede’s! We continue to flourish, marked by a host of impressive achievements and inspiring developments since our last connection.

First and foremost, Bede’s has once again celebrated a year of brilliant successes. Our dedicated staff and truly amazing pupils have excelled both within and beyond the classroom. Bedians continue to shine brightly academically, achieving outstanding results in exams and securing coveted university placements. We are profoundly proud to nurture well-rounded individuals who genuinely cherish each other’s differences and uplift one another with unwavering kindness. This year’s Upper Sixth has magnificently embodied our holistic approach, excelling in arts, sports, and dedicated community service. We are incredibly grateful that the School Prefects have raised a significant amount for the Bede’s Foundation, making a tangible difference through Foundation Scholarships.

Thanks to the boundless generosity and heartfelt contributions from our cherished alumni, parents, and friends, the Foundation has joyfully welcomed its first two bursary recipients who have just completed their transformative Sixth Form journey at Bede’s in June 2025. We passionately believe that every child deserves the precious opportunity to reach their full potential, irrespective of their economic circumstances. The establishment of the Foundation powerfully demonstrates our unwavering determination to uphold this ethos and create a lasting, positive impact in the lives of future Bedians.

We continue to wholeheartedly organise events to expand our efforts to engage and deepen our connection with our wonderful alumni community. This year, we were blessed with a truly wonderful reunion for the Leavers of 2017-2019, many of whom hadn’t seen each other since the cherished end of their U6 year. We also had the immense pleasure of hosting a magnificent evening at the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, to celebrate the illustrious 130-year anniversary of the Prep School. It was a truly fantastic opportunity to reminisce and joyfully reconnect. The enthusiasm and heartwarming camaraderie at these events were both deeply encouraging and profoundly inspiring. We are eagerly anticipating our Alumni Sports Day, taking place on the 1st September 2025!

As we enthusiastically embark on another exciting year, we sincerely encourage you, our incredible alumni, to continue to be a vibrant part of Bede’s. Your unwavering support and enthusiastic engagement are absolutely crucial to our ongoing success. Whether you are delivering insightful workshops, contributing financially, or generously sharing your invaluable experiences, your involvement truly shapes Bede’s vibrant future.

In closing, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to each and every member of the Bedian community for your unwavering support and dedicated commitment. I sincerely hope this magazine serves as a beautiful reminder of our cherished memories, remarkable progress, and the incredibly bright future that lies ahead.

Peter Goodyer, Head & CEO

WELCOME

As we prepare to welcome a new academic year, it feels especially meaningful to take a moment to reflect—and to share just how vibrant and significant this past year has been for our Bede’s community.

We were thrilled to celebrate a truly historic milestone: the 150th anniversary of Bede’s Prep School. This moment not only honoured our heritage but reminded us of the generations of pupils, staff, and families who have contributed to our school’s enduring story. From those earliest days to now, Bede’s has remained a place where values are lived, and young people are encouraged to grow in every sense of the word.

This year also marked a defining moment in our commitment to pupil welfare. We are immensely proud to have become a STEER Champion School, a reflection of our proactive dedication to the mental health, resilience, and wellbeing of every child. From Reception to Year 8, we continue to prioritise their emotional journeys alongside academic development always with care, curiosity, and compassion.

We were also delighted to receive national recognition in other key areas. Our pupils achieved the Gold Standard for the Independent Project Qualification, and for the fourth year running, Bede’s Prep achieved the Eco-Schools Award with Distinction. These accolades speak not only to academic rigour and environmental leadership, but also to the way our pupils engage with the world; thoughtfully, courageously, and with a strong sense of responsibility.

At the heart of everything we do are the core values that define us: Courage, Compassion, Curiosity, and Conscientiousness. These are not just words we teach; they are principles we see lived out every day. In courage, we witnessed pupils stepping onto stage for the first time, debating in public, exploring new sports, or embarking on international trips. In compassion, we saw young people support Children in Need, bake for WOLO, fundraise on Yellow Day, and sing for residents at St Wilfrid’s.

In curiosity, we saw eyes light up during Languages Week, STEM challenges, Robotics and AI workshops, and explorations in our Science labs. In conscientiousness, we saw pride taken in every piece of work, every shared responsibility, and every thoughtful reflection.

This year was bursting with unforgettable highlights. Our residential trips to France, Spain, Windmill Hill, Bushywood, and Kench Hill gave pupils opportunities to build independence and form lifelong memories. The 130th Anniversary Spring Ball brought our community together to celebrate a truly special chapter in our school’s history. Events such as our first Bede’s Star Chef competition and Intersections Competitions captured the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and joy that pulses through our school life.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our remarkable staff who continue to lead with energy, empathy, and excellence. I thank them for going the extra mile, every single day.

To our alumni, thank you for remaining connected to Bede’s. Your legacy inspires current generations, and your continued involvement strengthens the very fabric of our community.

We look forward to keeping in touch.

Leigh-Anne Morris, Head of Prep School

MEET THE ALUMNI TEAM

Another year has flown by and with it comes a new edition of The Bedian which we hope that you will all enjoy. The more time that I spend at Bede’s, meeting and talking to so many Old Bedians, the stronger my sense of pride for who we are as a school and what we stand for. It gives me great joy when OB’s contact us with their triumphs, impromptu gettogethers and celebrations of births, just as it fills me with sadness when we hear about those who have passed. Thank you, genuinely, for continuing to share your lives with us, it means a great deal.

Please keep in touch, sending us photos, reminiscing, suggesting events and OB clubs so that we can support you and create an Old Bedians community which is as special as Bede’s or St Bede’s has been and continues to be for all of us as a school.

I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible over the coming year and hope that you will all sign up to our new platform as we look to increase the number of events, clubs and digitalise our archives so that you can delve into the history of the school with ease.

Charlotte Sutton Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations

As the Alumni Relations Officer, I’ve had the pleasure of working with our alumni since April 2024. In that time, we’ve expanded our reach with successful events at the school as well as in London, Hong Kong and Bermuda, we have grown our social media platform to connect with even more Old Bedians.

I recently went on maternity leave after having my daughter, and I’m grateful for the amazing support from Clare, who joined our team and is keeping everything running smoothly. I’m eager to see how the alumni department continues building on this momentum, celebrating the Bedian community and catching up with you all and your news!

Jasmine Cox Alumni Relations Officer

In my role as Data and Insights Manager for the Alumni & Development office, I have the pleasure of uncovering insights that enrich our community, from growing our alumni database to boosting event engagement. A true highlight is witnessing the bond that Bedians hold for the school long after their departure. This connection is brought to life on our alumni site, Outreach, which has become a vibrant hub for nearly 1,000 users.

Building on this, I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Deputy Housemaster in Dorms House from September 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to more deeply support our current pupils and leave a lasting, positive impression on their time at Bede’s. Working in boarding, you see how important these connections are. It is a genuine privilege to watch our pupils grow into the next generation of our proud alumni network.

Stephen Farebrother Data and Insights Manager

It’s a pleasure to be back at Bede’s! I’ve returned in a new capacity as the Alumni Relations Officer, having previously taught Art here. I joined the team in April 2025, and it’s already been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Connecting with our Alumni has been truly inspiring. Hearing your stories and seeing the deep and lasting connections you have to the school is a powerful and rewarding reminder of the impact we make every day. It’s clear that the Bede’s community leaves a positive and lasting impression, and I’m looking forward to building on these relationships in the months to come.

Clare FitzGerald Alumni Relations Officer

EVENTS 2025/2026

STAYING IN CONTACT WITH BEDE’S

At Bede’s, we cherish the bond we share with our alumni and love hearing about your journeys and accomplishments. Whether you’ve started a new job, embarked on an exciting project, or reached a personal milestone, we want to hear all about it!

To stay connected and keep you informed about our latest news, events, and opportunities, we’ve made it easier than ever. Simply scan the QR codes below to share your updates and access our resources.

Instagram: Bede’s Outreach

Facebook: Old Bedians

LinkedIn: Bede’s Outreach

Website: Bede’s Outreach

WELCOME TO THE NEW ALUMNI OF 2025

THE NEXT CHAPTER – A SNAPSHOT

This year, our Upper Sixth leavers are heading off to an outstanding variety of Universities, studying an impressively diverse range of subjects. They should be incredibly proud of everything they have achievedindeed it is an outstanding collective achievement for the year group.

Below are the destinations of all of our leavers in house order - this should serve to give you an insight into the talent and ambition of this year’s crop of Bedians who are heading off into the wider world. We are proud of everything they have achieved and wish each and every one the very best of luck.

Bloomsbury

The university destinations of our Bloomsbury leavers span the UK from north to south. Starting at the top of the map, Izzy Lynch will be pursuing Medicine at Aberdeen. Another of our very finest academics, Zoe Whittington, will study Theology at Edinburgh. Also heading a long way north is outgoing Head of House Betsy Wilson, who will no doubt continue to excel in a Psychology degree at Durham. Head of School Liv Driver, meanwhile, will take Theatre and Performance at Leeds. Charlotte Watkins will be a little further south in Nottingham, where she will dedicate herself to Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, while Rosie Coupland will embark on a Midwifery course at Oxford Brookes, after a gap year. Looking further west, Ella Belk will take Sport Management and Coaching at Bath. Closer to home, Malena Bywell takes her exceptional Dance talent to Chichester, Kayley Houghton will study Primary and Early Years Education at Sussex, and two of our most gifted artists, Scout Brown and Carmen Crane, will do Art Foundation courses at Brighton MET and East Sussex College respectively.

Camberlot

Business Management is the degree of choice for two of our Camberlot leavers this year: Cooper White will study at Durham, and Sam McCann at Manchester Metropolitan.

Tyler Jones will join Sam at Manchester Metropolitan, where he will study Fashion Marketing. Jadyn Lutta has opted for Business Administration at Hult International in Boston, USA, and also America-bound is Archie Nelson, who will go to Santa Rosa Junior College on a football scholarship. Sonny Pettett will read Marine Biology at Newcastle, and Oscar Wright will transfer his talents to the University Campus of Football

Business in east London. Head of House Max Nash, finally, will pursue Theatre Production at the University of Surrey.

Charleston

The University of York is lucky to be welcoming Georgie WakehamDawson, such an inspirational Head of

House this year, on a Psychology degree, while her equally marvellous twin sister Amy Wakeham-Dawson heads to Oxford Brookes to study Digital Media Production. Florence Hill will also be at Oxford Brookes, taking Photography. Deputy Head of School Eliza Hutchison will make the most of what Edinburgh has to offer, reading Spanish and English Literature, and joining her north of the border is Heidi Rayson, who will do Digital Marketing and Business Management at Abertay. Two more Charlestonians continuing language studies are Mia Milic, who will combine International Business and Management with German at Reading, and Holly Hamilton-Andrews, who will study French with English Literature at Warwick. Megan Lilley, another academic powerhouse, will be excelling on a Liberal Arts degree at Nottingham, while Noor Rahman will be equally outstanding at UCL, where she will read History and Politics of the Americas. Another unique talent, Anna Scott, will be a major asset to Exter and its Zoology course, and Lilia Rush will also prove a great addition to Durham, where she will study Psychology. Florrie Maltz will take up a place at Bournemouth for Sport and Exercise Science. Finally, Nell Drake, Daisy Rogers, Zadie Jarrett and Sadie-Rose McLean

WELCOME TO THE NEW ALUMNI OF 2025

Young will all take a gap year to consider their futures, while Tess Dean goes straight into employment. Whether academic or professional, those futures will be bright and we wish them the best.

Crossways

A pair of Crossways leavers are destined for Psychology degrees: Leila Imbriani will be at City St George’s in London while Margot Cabaret studies at Brighton. Three more will embark on degrees in Sport: Matty Brand will do Sport Coaching at Bournemouth, NaiJanni Cumberbatch Sport Sciences at the University of the West Indies, and Daisy Harrison goes to Oxford Brookes for Sport and Exercise Science. Joining Daisy at Oxford Brookes will be budding Architect Emma Wang. Finally, Ruby Mitchell will pursue her studies at Leeds Arts University: Fashion Photography is her chosen specialism.

Deis

Two young men of Deis House will be found at Nottingham for the next three years: Joe Beckett will be studying International Management while Bear Ashley takes Finance, Accounting and Management. Rafe Coetser is one of a number of Bede’s finest intellects to be attending Edinburgh, where he will undertake a Physics degree, while another strong academic, Tommy Paynter, heads a long way north too: he will study History at Newcastle. Peter Duckworth takes his creative skills to Hertfordshire for their 3D Animation and Visual Effects degree, and Kobe Agbude will study Liberal Arts with a football scholarship at Hofstra University, New York. Ben Field, Jack Hamblett and Theo Isachsen will not be pursuing academic study: Ben will take an advanced apprenticeship in underwriting at Allianz, Theo will join the Army, and Jack will begin an apprenticeship in Construction Management with Laing O’Rourke.

Dicker

Two of Dicker’s finest Upper Sixth leavers will be transferring their considerable abilities to Bristol: Seb Snajdar to study Computer Science and Patrick Rodohan to take Engineering Mathematics. Alfie Sadlier will not be too far away in Exeter, where he will undertake a degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences, and Will Dodsworth will be a little closer to home in Chichester, where he will begin an Acting course. Luca Asfour will take a gap year, Toby Leonard has decided on an apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering at Paynes, and the remaining Dickerites are heading north: Seamus O’Sullivan is going all the way to Scotland to study Game Design and Production at Abertay, Zach Webb up to Liverpool for a Business Management degree, and the two outstanding Dicker leaders will both be found in Yorkshire. James Berry will study Computer Science with Cyber Security at York, and after a gap year Head of House Harry Burgum will continue his studies at Sheffield, reading Aerospace Engineering.

Dorms

The University of Leeds Business faculty has lured no fewer than three of this year’s Dorms cohort, with Head of House Ryan Choi, Marcus Kwan (both International Business) and Tom Pateman (Business Management) all linking up there in the near future. Ryan Young will study International Management at Liverpool where he will be joined by Max Kastner (Business Management), while another trio heads to Exeter: Zander Rafferty to begin a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ben Langusch to study Business Management, and Abhinav Yattapu to read Finance. Two Dorms leavers will begin Law degrees - Alex Holley at Durham and Anh Phan at Surrey - while another academic heavyweight Hau Tak Ng will study Sociology at Edinburgh. Will Grima will pursue the study of Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church, and Timothy Lai will be found in the Chemistry labs of Manchester. Felix Venter will be doing Sport and Exercise Science - and presumably playing cricket - at Nottingham Trent, while two other talented sportsmen Gonzalo Lebrusan

WELCOME TO THE NEW ALUMNI OF 2025

Capel (CUNEF University, Madrid) and Jamie Dickie (ESBS, Valencia) are destined for Spain to study International Business and Business Sport Management respectively. Another academic high-achiever, Philip Amir Sehhi, will return to Germany for a degree in Real Estate Economics at Hochschule Fresenius in Berlin, while Milo Morrison travels furthest of all: he will take International Liberal Arts at Waseda University, Tokyo.

Dorter

Three of the school’s most gifted performers will be leaving Dorter House this year. Lara Prenzlin, Hannah Millen and Deputy Head of School Maya Goswami will all pursue Musical Theatre: Maya at Mountview, Lara at Staffordshire and Hannah at Greenwich, where she will also take Professional Dance. Mia Gaymer goes to Leeds Beckett for Sport Coaching, Paula Gutierrez Landeta will read Law at CUNEF University in Madrid, and the study of Marketing has lured Amelia Lacy to Reading. Prithvi Sharma-Joehnk will be a real asset to UCL, taking a degree in German and Philosophy, while outgoing Head of House Mila Jusidman Martinez and fine academic Holly Mucha both take gap years to consider the next stages of their promising futures. Izzy Crotaz will be studying Fashion Photography at Bath Spa, Maddy Franks heads to the neighbouring University of Bath for a Management degree, and finally Dia Veleva will not be moving too far from us: she will study Physics at Sussex.

Knights

Our Knights leavers have a diverse array of destinations and degree choices between them. Exeter is the one university option shared by three of them: Francis Gordon will study Global Politics, Ryan Daunt will pursue Mathematics and Seb Chance will undertake a Marketing and Management

degree. Also heading west are Louie Venables (Photography at Bath Spa) and Ruby Leonard, who will embark on an English Literature and Language course at Cardiff. Toby Burdekin will be found in the midlands, on a Human Sciences degree at Birmingham, and the rest are northbound. Ben Craggs will go all the way to Newcastle for Economics and Finance, Finn Austin will study Finance and Accounting at York, Jago Anderson Politics and Sociology at Manchester, and Dylan Sudan - esteemed Head of House - will make Liverpool his home while he reads Biomedical Sciences. Tom McNicholl travels all the way to the University of Virginia to study Economics. Finally, Harrison Garton will go into agricultural employment, Basie Sturdee takes a gap year and Henry Taylor begins an apprenticeship in Accountancy at Digivolve.

Stud

Nottingham will be home to former Head of School Hamish Phillipson, where he will pursue his interest in Environmental Science . Elsewhere in Stud, Economics and Finance are popular options: Josh Ting will study both at Bristol, while Jack Barraclough has settled on Economics at Leeds and Lucas Castree - a fine Head of House - will study Finance at Exeter. Two of the Stud ‘Class of 2025’ will embark on Psychology degrees: Ravi Tong will read for his at Oxford Brookes while Archie Forrester will be up in York. Nathan Kioni will be on the other side of the Pennines in Lancaster, studying Marketing, a subject also favoured (along with Business) by Charlie Samms, who will be at Manchester Metropolitan. Similarly, Business Management is the chosen degree for Leruo Ramphele - he will study at Greenwich. Alfie Norton will take a year out to assess his options, Chris Downey does an Art Foundation course at City & Guilds of London Art School, and finally Keith Ochieng will study Cyber Security and Forensics at Leeds Beckett University.

PRIZE GIVING

On Friday 27 June we congratulated this year’s prize winners and marked the last day at Bede’s for our Upper Sixth leavers. The morning began with a welcome from Bede’s Chair of Governors, Mr Nicholas Mercer, ahead of the Headmaster’s review of the year. We were delighted to welcome Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, the Chief Fire Officer of the West Sussex Fire and Rescue service, to Bede’s as our guest speaker and before giving her memorable address, she presented awards to this year’s prize winners.

There were some wonderful musical performances from Alfie Burton, who performed the 1st movement of “Vivaldi’s Concerto” on violin, Max Nash performed “Little Lion Man” before Pame Mariscal Cassis sang “One Moment in Time”, by Whitney Houston. Thank you to Jasmine Andrade Lee and Moon Ng who opened and closed this year’s Prize Giving with some wonderful piano playing.

PRIZE GIVING

BEDE’S CONNECTS: HONG KONG 2024

On 19th October 2024, Bede’s held a successful event in Hong Kong, attended by Peter Goodyer, Head of Senior School; Richard Mills, Director of Admissions; and Sachin Choithramani, Assistant Head of Innovation and Development.

During their visit, they had the pleasure of meeting a wide range of individuals connected to Bede’s, including prospective parents, alumni, and current parents. Events like these are invaluable for Bede’s, as they provide a wonderful opportunity to engage with our community around the globe.

The event, hosted exclusively for the Bede’s community, was a fantastic chance to reconnect and catch up with those who may not have visited the school for many years. It was heartening to hear alumni share fond memories of their time at Bede’s and to discuss how the school has evolved since then.

We are now excited to create a video showcasing the school for our older alumni, allowing them to see the latest developments and revisit familiar landmarks. This video will be presented by one of our prefects.

We extend our gratitude to The Langham, Hong Kong, for their exceptional hospitality in providing such a stunning venue and expertly organising this event.

“It was a genuine delight to meet with parents and alumni at our recent reception in Hong Kong. It was a real success, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to enhance our relationships with parents and rekindle our connection with Bede’s alumni.” - Peter Goodyer, Head.

A few words from Peter Goodyer and Sachin Choithramani;

BEDE’S CONNECTS: HONG KONG 2024

“It was fascinating catching up with some Old Boys who were actually at Bede’s at the same time I would have been in secondary school in Hong Kong. It felt like a real connection to the school’s history, hearing their stories and experiences from those years. I felt a real sense of pride telling them about how Bede’s has changed and developed since their time, and how it continues to be such a forwardthinking school. The thread that has connected their past experiences with the present is the care and love that Bede’s bestows on the children in its care. It was lovely to share news of the teachers who were there all those years ago and remain a core part of delivering that exceptional care and guidance at Bede’s today. Perhaps this is why some of the Old Boys were beginning to consider the value of a Bede’s education for their own children.

This event also reminded me of the extraordinary times we faced during the pandemic. When the Hong Kong borders slammed shut, I had the privilege of accompanying a group of our Hong Kong students back home in early December. Can you imagine, over twenty of us flying together and then quarantining in a hotel? It was quite an adventure, but seeing their faces when they were finally reunited with their families for Christmas made it all worthwhile. It was so lovely to see one of the parents at the event and hear how much it meant to her that Bede’s was able to support her daughter during that difficult time and to return her home, safe, in time for the holiday.

Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart – my parents still live there, so in many ways, it still feels like home. It was brilliant to connect with the Bede’s community there and strengthen those ties. Events like these are just wonderful for fostering a sense of belonging and shared history.” - Sachin Choithramani, Assistant Head of Innovation and Development

BEDE’S CONNECTS: HONG KONG 2025

ALUMNI VISIT: MATT ARMSTRONG-FORD

Were you at the school from Prep to Sixth Form?

Yes, I was here from Prep through to Sixth Form. It was a long journey, but a great one!

What was your experience like at Bede’s?

I was on a sports scholarship, so sports played a huge role during my time at the school. From the Prep school through to Sixth Form, sport and the social side of school were key parts of my experience. We didn’t have all the facilities back then, but the ethos around sport was the same, very important and deeply ingrained in school life. I also had a close-knit year group; most of us came through Prep together and spent about 10 years growing up here.

Do you still keep in touch with old friends?

It’s challenging now as everyone is dispersed all over the world, but social media makes it easier to keep track of what everyone’s doing and send the occasional message.

Did anyone at the school inspire your interest in wildlife?

Yes, I had some incredible teachers who really encouraged me. For example, John Tuson was my English Teacher, but with his zoology background, we shared a common interest in wildlife. Richard Mills, the careers advisor at the time, and Taff, who was from Zimbabwe, were also very supportive. They encouraged me to pursue my passions, rather than push me into more conventional career paths like accounting or medicine.

Have you always been passionate about wildlife and photography?

Yes, I’ve been interested in wildlife and nature for as long as I can remember. My parents took me on Safari when I was three months old, though I obviously don’t remember that! The turning point came when I was about 13. We went on a family Safari, and that’s when I knew that this was what I wanted to do.

Do you have a favourite memory from your school days? It’s hard to pick just one because the overall environment was amazing. It never really felt like school. There was always something exciting happening; football matches, training, or other activities. My strongest memories are of the energy and the constant opportunities to try something new. Very little of my time here was just sitting in a classroom.

ALUMNI VISIT: MATT ARMSTRONG-FORD

What is one of the most amazing places you’ve been?

The Arctic is incredible, but South Luangwa National Park in Zambia holds a special place in my heart. I lived there for about three years, and it’s a place I return to regularly. It feels like home, calm, peaceful, and truly special.

Does your job ever feel like a job?

Sometimes it does! My days can run from 4AM to 10 or 11PM, and a big part of the job is managing clients’ expectations. They often have limited time, two or three weeks, and want to see everything, so I have to balance their goals with my own approach to wildlife experiences. It’s demanding, but incredibly rewarding.

How did you get into photography?

I started with a camera when I began guiding, but I had no formal training. I was lucky to have incredible subjects to photograph every day, which allowed me to develop my skills quickly. Over time, as more photographers began travelling for wildlife, it became a natural path for me to follow.

What advice would you give to beginner photographers?

My best advice is to shoot for yourself. Capture what you love, not what you think others want to see. The moment you start trying to please others, your work loses authenticity. If you focus on what interests you, your passion will shine through, and people will connect with it naturally.

Do you still enjoy wildlife and photography in your personal time?

Absolutely! I even go on Safari for my holidays. That’s when I can truly relax, enjoy nature at my own pace, and share these experiences with my children. It’s a joy to show them the wildlife and landscapes that shaped my passion.

Where would you like to go next?

I have done the Arctic now, I would love to travel to Antarctica!

What would your advice be to the current pupils at Bede’s?

To enjoy your time here more, don’t worry too much about where you will end up, relax and take it all in.

What advice would you give to those who want to go down a similar path?

Be prepared, and willing to work hard. Having some experience behind you is key. But I would say just go and get out there!

CABARET 2024

This is an event which, as was said on the night, ‘ … hopefully rivals that of not only any other school, but of any professional establishment, too’. Cabaret is one of those events that are special because of the sheer breadth and depth of talent that Bede’s enjoys: it is made so by the hard work of, not only the teachers, but also support staff and external crew who make the MPH look like a professional theatre: the proscenium arch stage and floor laid with deep, midnight-blue carpet, make it feel like a winter wonderland!

Cabaret 2024 was an incredibly special celebration of music and the performing arts across the whole school community. We were delighted that so many Bede’s pupils, from the Prep School all the way to some of our incredible alumni took part in this year’s event. Who could forget Will Page’s soulful Bob Dylan number ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’, Imogen Lock’s incredible rendition of ‘One More Kiss’ from Sondheim’s ‘Follies’ and Will Hopkins giving his own stamp on Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’. Then there was a whole host of stunning pupil performances, too many to mention here: the whole evening was a stunning event, which charted the history of popular music from Vivaldi to the current era and took the audience on a journey through a diverse range of styles and genres. There is no better way to celebrate what it means to be at Bede’s than a concert like Cabaret. It really is something that is special and unique and is not replicated at any other school.

Robert Scamardella Director of Music

CABARET 2024

ALUMNI PERFORMANCE: WILL PAGE

Will, Bede’s alumnus - now dedicated musician and performer! Will has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, and parts of the US, including the renowned music hub of Nashville. As a member of Noble Jacks, he has released three studio albums, two of which achieved success in the Official Americana Album Charts. His career has seen him perform at some of the world’s most celebrated festivals, including Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival, and the Cambridge Folk Festival, as well as sell out numerous headline shows during his tours.

In recent projects, he collaborated with folk icon Steve Knightley on his debut solo album, marking a significant milestone in his career. Additionally, he partnered with Elles Bailey, a leading figure in the blues and Americana scene, to release a festive Christmas single that further showcased his artistic versatility.

Noble Jacks have received widespread critical acclaim for their distinctive sound and dynamic performances. Baylen Leonard of Absolute Radio Country noted: “Noble Jacks build their unique British sensibility on a foundation of bluegrass and roots, creating a sound all their own.”

This sentiment was echoed by Acoustic Magazine, which described their music as:

“Just the kind of sonic elixir we need in these troubled times.”

Meanwhile, On The Beat highlighted the group’s infectious energy:

“An explosion of insurmountable energy and brilliantly catchy riffs.”

As a former Pupil of Bede’s (2004–2006) and a member of Dicker Deis house, Will fondly recalls his time at the school as a period of immense personal growth and opportunity. Bede’s provided an exceptional environment for excelling academically, athletically, and musically. The professionalism, discipline, and mutual respect instilled by the teachers played a pivotal role in preparing Pupils for success in higher education and beyond.

His passion for tennis flourished under the guidance of Julie Salmon, the school’s head tennis coach. Regular training sessions at the Falmer indoor tennis centre at Sussex University offered a unique chance to practise alongside some of the nation’s top-ranked juniors and, occasionally, professional players. These moments left a lasting impression and served as a significant source of inspiration.

Although Cabaret had not yet been introduced during his time as a Pupil, he has since been delighted to contribute to it as an alumnus. The development of such creative opportunities highlights Bede’s continued commitment to fostering talent and encouraging artistic expression.

Reflecting on his time at Bede’s, he credits the school with laying a solid foundation for his later achievements in music, sport, and life. It remains a chapter filled with gratitude and inspiration.

ALUMNI PERFORMANCE: IMOGEN LOCK

After graduating as Head Girl in 2019, my gap year was significantly disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. I worked as a key worker at Alfriston Village Stores, delivering groceries to vulnerable villagers who were unable to leave their homes due to social distancing restrictions. It was a super challenging but rewarding experience. I witnessed some pretty horrible stuff, like people fighting over toilet paper, and some amazing heart warming stuff, like a villager anonymously paying for a NHS nurse’s shopping to show them they were appreciated, without needing credit. Aside from that I felt lucky to spend lockdown with my parents, my brothers and our animals, and aside from the stress of lockdown, it is a time I look back on with gratitude and fondness.

I started my degree in German and Italian in September of 2020, and that again was challenging! Despite the challenges of lockdowns and spending much of the year with my parents, I managed to get a foothold in the Bristol music scene and was so excited to be cast in my first principal role as Pamina in Magic Flute with the Bristol University Opera Society, which ended up being online due to Covid but was still a fantastic opportunity.

In my second year, things improved greatly for both me and the world, and I was able to find my core group of uni friends who would become my future housemates and best friends. I was again cast in a principal role in the Opera Society - as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus - which was a huge responsibility and my first experience singing an entire role

with an orchestra on stage. It remains one of my greatest achievements and fondest memories!

In my third year, I studied abroad in Munich and Florence... I had wonderful experiences in both countries, and joined choirs in both cities, which was a great way to keep up my singing and meet new people.

Back in Bristol for my final year, I faced numerous challenges, including living in a less-than-ideal house and experiencing initial setbacks with conservatoire auditions. Determined to pursue my dream, I immersed myself in the Bristol music scene, securing solo performances with university and professional choirs. I graduated with First Class Honours, including an Oral Distinction in Italian, and a strong dissertation on motherhood in contemporary German literature.

Since graduating, I’ve been actively developing my vocal skills with the Morley Opera School while tutoring to support myself. Following further auditions, I’m thrilled to have received offers from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Royal Northern College of Music, and I’m currently in the process of deciding which institution to attend.

Coming back to Cabaret to sing was a huge honour, and it was an amazing opportunity to appreciate how amazing Bede’s is as a school. Now that I consider myself a fulltime performer, I see how invaluable those experiences on stage were as a young person. Cabaret was always the highlight of our year when I was at school and my friends and I still talk about it now. It was nostalgic and emotional to be back, and I was also so impressed with the standard of talent on display from the student body. When I was a student I never realised how phenomenal it is to have enough talent in one school to put on a show like Cabaret! Aside from that, I was also so impressed by how friendly and kind everyone was backstage.

ALUMNI PERFORMANCE: WILL HOPKINS

There’s a special kind of pride we feel when a former pupil returns to the stage where they first discovered their passion, and that feeling was palpable when Will Hopkins, a remarkable alumnus of both Bede’s Prep and Senior School, joined us for our recent Cabaret performance. From the moment he first graced our music rooms, Will demonstrated a talent that hinted at the exciting career he’s building today. His return to perform was a wonderful reminder of the deep connections and enduring talent that defines the Bede’s musical community.

Will attended both the Prep and Senior school, and I still recall his audition - singing Bring Him Home from Les Misérables! He was a remarkable young singer, with huge potential even at the age of 12, and always someone who shone on stage. Will Hopkins had, and continues to have, a wide vocal range and is proficient in various singing styles, including pop, rock, and classical. The impressive nature and scale of his voice meant that he was able to shift from style to style, and make it his own. He possesses a real stage presence that comes to the fore when performing in front of a large and appreciative audience.

Naturally and organically, as Will’s voice began to mature over time, he took on bigger roles culminating at the famous Online Cabaret in December 2020 and performed, with huge aplomb, Born To Hand Jive from Grease The Musical. Will then left to study at ArtsEd on their Musical Theatre programme, just as the theatre world was coming out of the global pandemic.

Cabaret 2020 was never quite the same as an actual live performance, in front of the usual 500 people in our very own MPH, and so in December 2024, we invited Will to return to Bede’s and perform Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas as part of the theme ‘History of Popular Music’. It was a wonderful occasion to accompany him in this number, which he

performed with his usual panache and style, accompanied by the Concert Band and the Jazz Choir.

Will is now a London-based singer and actor who has a burgeoning career. He was a recipient of the Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Award in 2023. He has also been cast as Puck in Opera North’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Will’s professional success, from receiving the Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Award to being cast in Opera North’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a source of great pride for everyone here at Bede’s. We are incredibly fortunate to have played a small part in his journey and look forward to following his flourishing career as a London based singer and actor. The opportunity to share the stage with him once again was a highlight of the season, and we wish Will all the very best as he continues to shine, proving that the remarkable potential we saw in that 12-year-old singing “Bring Him Home” has truly come to fruition.

NEIL GLOVER: Chasing the Horizon: My Transatlantic Journey

The decision to embark on this transatlantic voyage was years in the making, a relentless pursuit of what’s widely considered the toughest endurance race on Earth. This second attempt carried even more weight. Just 12 months prior, we’d been dramatically rescued 1,000 miles out in the Atlantic after our vessel, Destiny’s Tide, succumbed to the worst storm in a generation. That devastating loss could have ended it all, but instead, it reignited our resolve.

Setting off from Lanzarote, we were dwarfed by the Atlantic’s vastness. As the land disappeared behind us, the daunting reality of what lay ahead took hold: 3,000 miles of open ocean, profound isolation, and an uncompromising test of body, mind, and spirit. Life at sea quickly settled into its grueling rhythm—a relentless cycle of two hours on the oars, two hours off, around the clock. Seasickness hit hard initially, but the knowledge that it usually passes within two weeks offered some solace. I had to carefully monitor for protein deficiency while struggling to eat, burning 5,000 to 7,000 calories a day but managing to keep only around 1,000 down. Muscle wastage didn’t take long to set in.

The grueling hours of training in the year leading up to the race were worth every drop of sweat; my body didn’t miss a beat. I still remember Christmas Day, alone on a rowing machine for hours, questioning why I was doing it. In hindsight, it was one of the best investments I ever made. As a navigator, I meticulously set waypoints—¼ distance, ½, ¾—knowing that even a few degrees of course adjustment could mean days gained or lost. These markers provided crucial milestones to cling to when the days blurred into an endless expanse.

Night shifts in the early weeks were brutal. Cold and exhausting, I recall one particularly harrowing early morning. After just 30 minutes of sleep, I emerged from the cabin to find the sea white with rage—waves the size of buildings crashed over us. Another wave soaked both my teammate and me. I turned to him, shouting above the storm, “This is great fun!” He, understandably, did not share my humor. While I never complained, that night was exceptionally tough. We were battered by huge seas, soaked and freezing, with a near-capsize that still plays in slow motion in my mind. As the boat rolled, I looked into the cold, black sea and told myself, Not tonight. I threw myself outside the deck to counter the roll, and she righted herself. My teammate screamed, “Aren’t you scared?!” I’ve always believed fear is a choice, but that night, I questioned it. My wife’s parting words echoed in my mind: “If you die, I’ll never forgive you.” The weather became both friend and foe. At times, the ocean

mirrored the sky—calm, endless, almost spiritual. Those were gifts. I would watch stars emerge in the stillness of night, the moon rising like a guardian, its light allowing us to spot the next rogue wave. Wildlife encounters were humbling; we reached out and touched whales, and dolphins danced around our vessel. At least once a week, we’d spot a cargo ship, and I’d radio them just to speak to another human voice. One captain replied, bewildered, “What are you doing out here?”

One surreal moment came as we passed the coordinates where we had abandoned Destiny’s Tide a year earlier. I had set a waypoint there. Quietly, I smiled and told my teammate, “Time to abandon ship!”—a private nod to the past. Midocean, we reached our halfway mark, a huge psychological milestone. We’d saved treats and a bottle to celebrate, but when we opened the hatch, we found the storage flooded, all food and drinks ruined. That truly tested our mettle. We had already lost 15% of our body weight. I told the team, “Think of the calories!”

The second half of the journey brought relentless heat. My cabin, facing west, became unbearable; I craved nightfall for its cool relief. Then, after 50 days at sea, the lights of Antigua appeared—a faint blur at first, then a promise, then a tangible reality. The smell of land and vegetation hit us like a wave. Five miles out, the coastguard met us, guiding us along Antigua’s coast. Boats came out to greet us, offering food and drinks, cheering us home. It was done. Five years in the making. And we had set a new world record—the oldest crew to row the Atlantic Ocean.

But for me, it was never about the record. It was never meant to be about me. I had my reasons—some selfish—but the heart of it was to inspire. To show what humans are capable of. Mid-ocean, I received a WhatsApp from a four-year-old boy whose class had been following our adventure. A simple drawing of our boat, floating on the ocean, with the words: “Come home safe.” That was everything. That’s all I wanted. Would I do it again? I hope not.

ALUMNI: NIKO TERHO

Niko Terho, alumni of Bede’s who left back in 2014 was a football scholar with a hidden aspiration to act. Now flying high in the film and TV world based in LA, Niko was kind enough to take time out of his very busy Grey’s Anatomy schedule to join us on a google meeting with some of our current drama pupils, answering their questions and giving an insight into the life of an actor. Here is a snippet of the conversation that took place.

Thank you Niko.

Can you share your journey from leaving Bede’s to pursuing a career in acting?

Sure! I left Bede’s in 2014. At first, I focused on football, attending trials and even playing for Bournemouth for a while. But acting kept calling to me. I realised I didn’t want to look back after years in football and regret not giving acting a shot. So, I decided to leave football and fully commit to acting. I moved to New York and enrolled in a two-year conservatory covering all aspects of acting. It was intense but rewarding. After that, I faced the challenge of finding an agent and building a career. It took six years of persistence before I started landing significant roles.

Was it difficult to break into acting in New York?

Absolutely. It’s hard to find even unpaid work at first. I relied on “survival jobs” like being a personal trainer to support myself. Many actor friends were in similar positions, juggling restaurant jobs or other work while pursuing acting.

How did you eventually get your big break?

After years of effort, I auditioned for a showcase organised by ABC. This was a unique chance to perform in front of agents and managers. I was fortunate to sign with a great team, and my first audition with them led to a role, which opened more doors. Now, I’ve been on Grey’s Anatomy for a few years, and it’s been an incredible experience.

You mentioned moving to the UK when you were younger. What brought you here?

I’m originally from Barbados and was scouted to play football with Torquay United at 15. They weren’t high in the leagues, but it was a professional opportunity, so I moved to the UK to join them. That experience, along with my time at Bede’s, really shaped who I am.

Did Bede’s influence your decision to pursue acting over football?

Definitely. Studying drama at Bede’s helped me see acting as more than just a hobby—it became a real career option. Without that experience, I don’t think I’d have had the confidence to leave football and pursue acting fully.

ALUMNI: NIKO TERHO

What advice would you give to aspiring actors?

Be sure acting is truly what you want because it’s a tough, unpredictable path. Stay motivated, keep improving your craft, and don’t let setbacks discourage you. Networking and perseverance are crucial—meeting the right people and being ready when opportunities arise can make all the difference.

What was the biggest challenge you faced transitioning from football to acting?

The uncertainty. Football has a clear structure—you know where you stand and what’s expected. Acting, especially early on, feels far less predictable. Building confidence and learning to handle rejection were big hurdles, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing—it’s been worth it.

How has being on Grey’s Anatomy changed your life? It’s been fantastic! The show has given me a platform to grow as an actor and connect with amazing people. It’s surreal to be part of something loved worldwide.

What’s a typical day on the set of Grey’s Anatomy like?

The day starts with a call time, which varies. I’ll go to hair and makeup, then rehearse and block scenes with the director. While we take a break, stand-ins work with the camera team to finalise lighting and angles. Then we shoot, doing multiple takes from different angles. It’s a meticulous process but ensures every detail is captured.

How do you unwind after a long day on set?

I like to decompress by stepping out of character completely. Watching TV, hanging out with friends, or relaxing helps me recharge for the next day.

Any advice for actors working on long-running shows? Be adaptable. Characters evolve over time, so flexibility is essential. Prepare and commit fully to the role, but also take care of yourself—maintaining balance is key.

What’s the most challenging part of being on set?

Balancing technical demands with staying in the moment as an actor. Continuity can be tricky—you need to match previous takes. But over time, you develop an instinct for how scenes will be edited, which helps.

Any final words for our aspiring actors?

This career is so much fun, I could not imagine doing another career in my life. I will say, if this is something you really really really want to do then it is definitely worth it. Well, good luck to you all, I hope that a bunch of you pursue this career because I do think it is amazing! And let me know if you need anything, I will be there.

Class of 2014 House: Dorms

2017 - 2019 BEDE’S REUNION

A heartwarming alumni reunion from 2017 - 2019 took place on Friday the 25th April 2025 at the vibrant Lansdowne Club, London, drawing in over 100 former students and staff members from Bede’s for an evening filled with laughter, stories, and renewed connections. The successful turnout underscored the enduring bonds formed during school years and the shared memories that continue to unite the Bede’s community.

As guests arrived, the atmosphere quickly filled with excited chatter and warm embraces. Old friends picked up conversations as if no time had passed, while former students and staff reconnected with genuine joy and curiosity about one another’s journeys. It was a touching reminder of the school’s lasting impact, not just as an educational institution, but as a formative chapter in so many lives.

Throughout the evening, attendees shared stories about their current paths, offering glimpses into careers, families, and personal achievements. Whether pursuing careers in the arts, sciences, business, or education, the diverse experiences highlighted the incredible growth and potential nurtured within the school’s walls.

Near the end of the event, Mr Goodyer delivered a brief but meaningful speech, thanking everyone for attending and emphasizing the importance of staying connected. He spoke about the power of shared experiences and encouraged our alumni to continue building on the positive foundations laid during their school years.

This memorable evening served as a wonderful reminder that while time may pass, the bonds formed during school remain strong — and when given the chance, they thrive.

2017 - 2019 BEDE’S REUNION

“It was so lovely to catch up with familiar faces and to hear what they have been up to in the time since leaving at Bede’s. I felt very proud of them.”

Marian Baker

2017 - 2019 BEDE’S REUNION

“It was a pleasure to catch up with so many of the class of 2017-19, particularly our History and Politics alumni - it was great to hear about their journeys since leaving Bede’s, and how they had used their Sixth Form achievements as a foundation for success in their chosen careers.”

James Whitaker

“A delightful evening of reminiscence and laughter, it was wonderful to reconnect with so many past and present bedians and share cherished memories.” David Byrne

2017 - 2019 BEDE’S REUNION

“What a fantastic evening! I was absolutely delighted to reconnect with so many pupils from Deis House, my French lessons, and those I coached in tennis. It was great catching up and hearing what everyone’s been up to!”

Lionel Pianet

"Lovely to catch up with all of the Stud Boys. Many of you are doing the jobs you dreamed of and some of you are doing jobs that you never dreamed of, but all of you have made a success of your career. Looking forward to hearing much more about all of you."

Peter Jones

ALUMNI NEWS: JAMES NORWOOD

The Bede’s Impact: Shaping a Player and a Person.

Looking back at your time at Bede’s, how did the school’s environment and the football program contribute to your development as a player and a person?

It was absolutely massive. We had Mr. Cole (Steve Cole) in charge, and from early on, when I was at Crystal Palace, he’d let me leave school early for training on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He was incredibly supportive. We also had Dave Leggett (“Lego”) and Mr. Turner before him. We even won the National Cup under Lego and reached the national finals under Turner. It truly felt like being in an academy, with the training and coaching we received, and then, of course, playing games. It was like going from one academy straight into another.

The setup was perfect for pursuing a career in what you wanted to do. It was the same with rugby; during the rugby season, you’d train and play rugby games. The way everything was structured, from day-to-day life, is pretty much how I live now.

Do you keep in contact with many friends from your school days?

Yes, I still speak to quite a few people. We were really close, and we grew up outside of school too. We’re all from the same town, so we grew up together, which has been great. I obviously still speak to teachers and students. I think it was such a community, especially when I was there; everyone was really supportive of each other, and I have really fond memories.

In a previous interview with the school, you mentioned the importance of keeping standards high and making every training session count. How did your time at Bede’s instill that work ethic in you?

It started everything for me. As you come up through the age groups, you have different teachers: I remember Mr. Waterhouse was the U13/U14 coach, then we went on to Paul Turner and then Dave Leggett. If you didn’t train properly, you wouldn’t play. If you wanted to be in the first team and do well, then you had to be better than everybody else. You weren’t there on merit; you had to behave in class, show up on time, turn up to training on time, and then you had to train hard.

I think this is important in any walk of life. My timekeeping, ever since I was at Bede’s, has always been on time; in fact, on time is late! So, it’s not only what’s important on the field; it’s everything all around, contributing to a 100% positive outcome.

It’s like buttering toast, I remember training one year; one of the younger lads was buttering toast and I said, “Just do it perfectly.” It transitions from little things: if you’re going to do something, you do it to the best of your ability. If you’re just going to slap butter on toast, are you really going to enjoy that? But if you really spend time on it and really make it, then this attitude transitions into folding clothes, keeping your room tidy, your house tidy, and then your boots clean. Everything just transitions one into the other, and you start finding your standards becoming higher and more strict on yourself. I just found that analogy of butter on toast, and whenever I did it, I would do it to the best of my ability.

Were there any particular teachers, coaches, or moments at Bede’s that had a lasting impact on you?

Yeah, obviously Dave Leggett, Paul Turner, Mr. Waterhouse who was my first housemaster, Mr. Mills when I went into Knights, and Mrs. Leggett who was my Home Economics teacher. But Mr. Cole was, I think, the biggest influence for me. He made my stay at Bede’s possible because of certain things, and he really put me under his wing. I’m really

ALUMNI NEWS: JAMES NORWOOD

thankful to him for allowing me the opportunity to stay there for Sixth Form and continue developing as a man and, of course, as a football player. I missed quite a lot of school due to going to football clubs and things like that, and he was more than happy to cater to that. Even when we made the national final, it was a Saturday, and he was like, “Right, you guys are coming in for, say, 10:00. Don’t worry about coming in for half eight. You’re going to come in and I’m going to lay breakfast on for you.” He allowed us not to go to classes that day so we could focus on this game, and then he canceled school so everyone could come and watch us play. It was amazing, a national cup semi-final at home, and we had 1,200 people there, which at the time no one had experienced something like that. It was really special. We ended up winning 7-5. I think when they turned up, we sort of got on the front foot and started to build our way into the game. I think there were a few nerves, especially with Patrick Murray, because he tackled our goalkeeper and he was brilliant at getting everyone back for the 2009 game.

If you could give one piece of advice to new pupils starting out at Bede’s, what would it be?

Embrace everything! Whether you’re into sport or not, try things. The activities that are available are amazing. Try everything, throw yourself into it, because I know from my experience with the teachers at Bede’s that they care about you, so they’re going to make everything as enjoyable as they can. Embrace the moment because you’ll be told countless times that school is the best years, and I’ve spoken to people who say it’s not, but for me, those 10-odd years I was at Bede’s, from the prep school to the senior school, it was the time of my life. I threw myself into everything; I even ran cross country, and I hate running! But I did it because I just think experiences that Bede’s are able to provide don’t come around often, especially the older you get, those experiences get less and less.

Since leaving Bede’s, can you talk us through how your football journey has developed?

Like I said, I was missing a lot of school, and in my final year, I was going to certain clubs for four or five days at a time. I had to leave on Friday, and I think I said goodbye to everyone on the last day of school. I then went to Exeter on the Monday and ended up doing pre-season there and signing after a couple of days in League One. I did preseason, obviously not expecting too much, and then on the 8th of August 2009, I woke up to a phone call saying, “You need to get the bus; you’re going to Leeds.” So I ended up getting on the bench and coming on for 20 minutes at Elland Road in front of 30,000 people.

How did you feel in that moment when you got called onto the field?

I was so hyped, I put on the wrong shirt! I put on another player’s shirt and had to get called back to change. It was a moment I felt like I’d worked 10 years for. I didn’t want to let myself down, and for me, it was about making sure that I had something to stand by and go, “I’m going to make it.” Then I ended up playing three or four games that season against Yeovil, QPR, Norwich, and Brighton, so they just threw me in for the big games.

Did you find it quite hard juggling academics alongside sports?

Yeah, I did, but I was quite fortunate that I was quite academic and I enjoyed it, so I was able to take information in and balance it quite well with the sports. I had great teachers, though, that were really understanding of what I was trying to achieve, so it was made easy. They’d give their time up for me, doing an extra half an hour somewhere else if I had to leave class to go somewhere. So it was all down to all the teachers; they allowed me to do my A-levels while I was chasing my dream.

ALUMNI NEWS: JAMES NORWOOD

Was there ever a moment where you doubted whether professional football was the right path for you, and how did you push through that doubt?

There were, yeah. I had an offer from Michigan University in America to go there and play football and study, and shortly after leaving school, they came to watch the semi-final and they offered me a scholarship. That was the only real doubt. I’ve had doubts along the way, but not so much “can I do it?” because you know you’re perfectly capable; it’s just whether you can keep that momentum going. I think the biggest doubts I’ve had are with my injuries: whether my body has just packed in and can it still do it. So that’s been in the more recent years where I’ve just thought, “Will my body just shut down?” But I feel good.

What would you say are some of the key turning points in your career so far?

That’s a great question! I think I needed to be released from Exeter. I was in with some young lads that were a little bit older than me, and you get influenced, so probably not the lifestyle you should have as a footballer. They were playing in the first team, and I was obviously chasing to be a consistent part of the first team, and I made some mistakes there. I slept through training once because I’d been out the night before, and you just don’t do this at this level. I got released and dropped down to Forest Green, and I sort of knuckled down.

Another turning point for me was when I was playing midfield. I could have gone to the Championship. I don’t know why I didn’t, but again, I didn’t understand football. I signed for Tranmere Rovers, and then I spoke to the manager, and he was like, “You’re going to play as a center forward,” and that is all I’ve wanted to do, because I was playing left midfield, I’d always been a striker. He said, “I want you to play every game, and I want you to play up front.” And from that point on, I had four amazing years at Tranmere; got promoted twice and won the Golden Boot. I then left and went to Ipswich, so that catapulted my career as such, because I went from left midfield to scoring goals every year and making a slight name for myself. Then finishing with two promotions in a row and going to Ipswich. So I think the turning point for me was getting out of the first couple, because I was done and I learned to work hard, and then I wanted to play in my position. So I think those were the key factors: finding what made me happy.

Can you take us back to that moment in extra time at Wembley, what was going through your mind as you scored that vital equalizer to bring Oldham level?

I would love to say I had thoughts. It’s an out-of-body experience; that’s the best way to describe it. I don’t remember anything I did on the pitch; you’re just so locked into everything, adrenaline going, and it just takes you out, and you don’t remember. Especially those last three minutes. I have to watch the game back all the time for the last 10 minutes from that goal onwards to the end of the game because you’re just so focused on not letting them score, so you just go into autopilot.

Your career has been a testament to your perseverance and goal-scoring ability across the different leagues. What have been the biggest challenges and learning experiences you’ve taken away from playing in various divisions of English football, and how did you deal with them mentally and physically?

The biggest challenge is how different the leagues are. You have to play certain ways. The National League is so much more physical with less time, and the refereeing decisions are mentally testing; it’s a different standard of player. League One is just a mental battle; you’ve got to be so ready for your position and where to be and be so tidy. You might have a little bit more time because people are more respectful of you, but it’s more of a mental test. I think you have to make sure that everything you’ve learned in terms of movement and timing and the way you play has to be so concise, otherwise you’re offside, or because people are so clever. So I think the test has been juggling the three leagues, finding different movements for certain leagues, and I pride myself on goal scoring.

ALUMNI NEWS: JAMES NORWOOD

Now that promotion has been secured, what are your personal and professional goals for the next chapter?

My personal goals are to look after my body better. I suffered with a few injuries this year, and I need to try and figure out where it’s stemming from. Professionally, I don’t know where I’m going to be next year; I’m out of contract, so I’m working on seeing what’s available. Obviously, it would be nice to stay with Oldham, and that’s not off the cards, but I just want to go into the league. I want to do better than I did the last couple of years in the National League; I want to prove to people that I can score goals at any level and progress again. I feel like a phoenix rising out of the ashes again, so hopefully a little bit of a rebirth, and I come back firing.

What advice would you give to any current students who dream of becoming professional athletes?

My advice is that it comes back to the “buttered toast”: do everything as perfectly as you can, to the best of your ability, whether it’s in class listening or doing your work; it transitions throughout life. I’ve seen players in the game that have stayed in the game for 20 years. It’s not all fun and games; it’s repetitive, it’s mental strain, discipline, it’s working hard. It’s not all the things that aren’t fun but are so much fun to do when you’re doing it. I know it sounds quite the antithesis, but it’s so boring every day that it’s

fun! I would say, just do everything that you think isn’t fun, and you’ve got a great chance at doing it and enjoying it.

If you could go back and speak to your 16-year-old self, what would you say?

I would say, “Just keep going.” Yes, “Just stick with what you’re doing, and in a few years, you’ll make decisions, some you’ll regret, some you won’t. Find good people, you’ve made a good group of friends that have been with you for 17/18 years, and just stick to your beliefs and what you do, and then just try and behave yourself a little bit more.”

Outside of football, what keeps you grounded and motivated?

I love golf; that keeps me very grounded. I’ve got a decent handicap but have days where I look like I’ve never played golf before, so it’s the most humbling sport of all time. I just don’t think you can crack it, which is why I love it. I think because it’s competitive, it helps my mental health; golf is all about hitting a bad shot and resetting to make sure it doesn’t compound. So it’s been really good for me. Just socializing too, I love a cup of tea with friends; I know I sound so old! If you asked 16-year-old me that, it definitely wouldn’t be the answer, but just going to the coffee shop with friends and having a chat. I think I’ve learned to appreciate the people around me a lot more as I’ve gotten a little bit older, and just having a cup of tea with people for half an hour is so relaxing to me.

What does success mean to you, and has that definition changed over time?

100% it has changed. Success for me before was winning stuff and getting to a certain level and getting this and getting that; all those material things were a measure of success for me. I think now, success to me is waking up every morning happy. I’ve learned to appreciate everything every day.

That’s success for me: “embracing every day”.

How did you feel in that moment when you got called onto the field?

I was so hyped, I put on the wrong shirt! I put on another player’s shirt and had to get called back to change. It was a moment I felt like I’d worked 10 years for. I didn’t want to let myself down, and for me, it was about making sure that I had something to stand by and go, “I’m going to make it.”

Then I ended up playing three or four games that season against Yeovil, QPR, Norwich, and Brighton, so they just threw me in for the big games.

Class of 2009 House: Dicker

2025 LEAVERS BALL

On Friday 23 May, Bede’s hosted their Summer Ball to celebrate the end of the Upper Sixth pupils’ time at the school. Over 200 pupils, parents and staff gathered on the lawn to enjoy a special evening of delicious food and entertainment.

There were speeches from the Headmaster: Peter Goodyer, Heads of School and the Head of Sixth Form Engagement. Everyone enjoyed a delicious three-course meal followed by plenty of fun and entertainment: a live band, casino tables, a magician, funfair stalls, a karaoke booth and a caricature artist. Pupils, parents and staff were able to raise a toast to celebrate the Upper Sixth pupils’ time at Bede’s, before gathering on the lawn for a spectacular firework display over the lake.

It was wonderful to see many parents, including some who had travelled from overseas, joining their children to mark this special occasion and congratulate the pupils’ on their hard work in their Sixth Form years.

2025 LEAVERS BALL

“The Knights pupils had a fantastic time at the ball as they were entertained by the live band, magician and each other The overall feeling of the evening was of gratitude to their tutors over the years and in particular to Ms Rowsell and Mr Choithramani and they shared their memories of their years at Bede’s. They reminded us off their time at the prep school as well as their GCSE and 6th Form years, sharing in the stories that have occurred to them during their time in Knights. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.” Andrew Waterhouse

“Whether you joined in FY or in L6, if we looked at your blood it would be Bloomsbury-blue! You have embraced what family means in Bloomsbury and truly stuck together. You have supported the younger years and been absolutely brilliant in house working with all the pupils and staff to ensure their needs are met. Your diligence in the pursuit of excellence coupled with your kindness and love for each other has made you all sail through the sixth form. From the exited FY Liv who embraced every house competition with passion and spirit I’d never quite seen before to Carmen’s exceptional musical talent displayed in L6, Charlotte’s tenacity on a pitch or lesson for that matter, to Malena’s poise and strength in performance - you are all amazing. The academic drive and vigour from every single one of you is an inspiration. As a common room you really are something special. You have become truly one of the family and gained trust and respect along the way. I will miss each of you very much.

There are so many happy memories I have of every single one of you and I really hope you look back on your school days here with pride and a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart. You all are going to go ahead and have incredible journeys, I can’t wait to hear stories of when Kayley the teacher taught her first class or Rosie the midwife delivered her baby or Charlotte the vet saved the life of a beloved pet. Have the best lives, you all so deserve it!”

Mary-Jane Newbery

2025 LEAVERS BALL

“What a year! There have been many ups and downs throughout the year, but I am very pleased to report that the entire group have pulled together and supported each other as they have faced their own challenges. It was lovely to celebrate what has been a highly successful year at the leavers ball. I hope they enjoyed the event as much as me.”

Barry Jackson

2025 LEAVERS BALL

“The leavers’ ball was an unforgettable evening. Everyone looked their best, smartly dressed for the occasion, adding to the sense of occasion. The food was delicious and for entertainment, a captivating magician amazed everyone, whilst a talented artist sketched humorous caricatures, providing lasting mementos. The evening was punctuated by some truly inspiring speeches, and concluded with a splendid fireworks display that lit up the night sky, providing a fittingly spectacular end to a memorable chapter.” Lionel

Pianet

“Well done Bedians on your exciting futures onward university destinations, we are so proud of you and how far you have already come. So lovely to be able to celebrate your Bede’s journey with you at the Leavers Ball of 2025”

Deborah Franks

2025 LEAVERS BALL

“For me, occasions like this are always wonderfully joyous yet tinged with sadness. It has been my distinct privilege to work alongside my U6 tutees, to support them, and to watch them flourish. Seeing them at Leavers’, ready for the next chapter, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in their accomplishments and their character. It’s never easy to say goodbye to pupils you’ve nurtured, but I do so with great excitement for the bright futures that await them.them.”

Sachin Choithramani

“This was one of the best Leavers’ Balls I can remember: a really lovely evening befitting such a high quality year group. I hope you all had a wonderful time. Liv and Hamish’s speeches were full of charm, warmth and humility - just as you would expect - and huge thanks to the wonderful marketing, maintenance and catering teams for making it all happen.”

David Cheshire

“It was a wonderful way to conclude an eventful journey for this splendid year group. What started as expressionless masked faces a few years ago ended with laughter and merriment in the company of friends. True to say they signed off in style!”

Taf Mpandawana

2025 LEAVERS BALL

“A wonderful event, full of lovely people, dressed beautifully. The speeches were heartfelt and moving from both staff and students and I always enjoy hearing Mr Cheshire’s ‘What we will not miss about you’ speech. I hope the evening was enjoyed by all of the staff and students as much as I enjoyed it. Leavers’ Ball 2025 will be a difficult one to top!” Peter Jones

ALUMNI NEWS: MEREDITH COTTAM

Can you tell us about Project Trust?

Project Trust is a small Scottish charity that provides young people with the opportunity to volunteer abroad. My mum participated in the programme during her gap year in Kenya, so I grew up hearing about it. I was drawn to it because it offers a year-long commitment, allowing volunteers to become truly invested in the communities they work with, rather than just travelling from place to place.

How many volunteers are involved in the programme?

There are 26 of us in the country, and we are spread across different locations. Each volunteer is paired up with another, but we are all working in different areas. We do have the opportunity to meet up on weekends, although travel can be long.

You’ll soon be heading to the University of Leeds to study International Development. Does your current experience tie into your future studies?

Definitely. My degree will focus on elements of working with developing countries and NGOs, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. Being here has solidified my interest in supporting women and girls, particularly in providing more opportunities for them. One of the biggest cultural shocks has been the inequality women face here—it’s on another level compared to the UK. Seeing this firsthand has made me even more determined to work in this field.

Did you always know you wanted to do this kind of charity work for your gap year?

I knew I wanted to do something meaningful, and my Spanish A-Level played a big role in choosing this location. I liked the idea of a year-long programme because it allows for a deeper connection with the community. It’s not about coming in for a short period to ‘help’—it’s about mutual learning and creating an equal partnership.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m working on a project to sponsor two girls at the school, Amy and Ruth for a national athletics competition. Education for women in Honduras is not prioritised, and the average time a girl spends in school is only about four years. Many are discouraged from continuing their education. By sponsoring girls to compete in sports, we hope to provide them with more opportunities and inspire others to break these barriers. We are also raising funds for resources to support girls’ sports in schools, as they often lack the same facilities and encouragement as boys.

Can you share a particular experience that has had a profound impact on you?

One experience that really stood out was teaching in a rural part of Honduras. The children there were incredibly hardworking. They have very few resources, yet they put so much effort into their education. I taught Grades 1, 2, and 3 all in one classroom, and the pupils would eagerly complete their work and ask for more. They even made posters of everything they had learned the previous week. Seeing their determination despite having so little was deeply moving.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

One of the biggest challenges is the treatment of women. Harassment in public spaces is overwhelming and common place. Unfortunately, reporting these incidents isn’t done as the infrastructure to support this is seen as tainted.

Another challenge is the stark contrast between public and private schools. Public schools lack resources and even a curriculum. Some children only attend school sporadically because there aren’t enough teachers to maintain the number of pupils. In contrast, private schools have proper structures and opportunities, making the education gap between different socio-economic classes even wider.

ALUMNI NEWS: MEREDITH COTTAM

Has your perception of the world changed since being in Honduras?

Absolutely. It has made me realise just how many opportunities I’ve had. The people are warm and welcoming but there are dangerous areas. The media often portrays countries like Honduras in a negative light, but the reality on the ground is much more complex and human.

What are your thoughts on the struggles of young people here?

Many children are forced to leave school early to support their families. I have a pupil in my class who will be taken out of school after Grade 7 because his family can’t afford for him to continue. Seeing children as young as seven working on the streets is heartbreaking. When I eat out, I often see children coming into restaurants to ask for leftover food. Witnessing this firsthand is deeply saddening but also motivates me to do more.

How did you fund your year with Project Trust?

I had to fundraise £7,000 to come here, which was a challenge. Fortunately, I had people around me who supported me in raising the money. Some of that funding also goes towards supporting the communities we work in.

How can people support your work?

We have a JustGiving page for our fundraising efforts. We’ve almost reached our goal of £800 for the two girls’ sponsorship, and we’re now looking to raise funds specifically for girls’ sports resources in schools. Any support—whether through donations or spreading awareness—would make a huge difference.

What role did Bede’s, play in shaping your passion for this work?

Bede’s played a huge role. Before joining Bede’s, I was at a school that heavily prioritised academics, and I struggled because I wasn’t naturally an academic person. Bede’s helped me find my strengths, especially in drama. Mr Rennison, in particular, showed me how theatre can be used to raise awareness about social issues. That realisation was a turning point for me. It made me see that my passion for drama could be combined with my drive for social change.

Do you think you will try to do charity work when you return to the UK?

Definitely, yes. Before I came here, I had a family friend who works with immigration in Brighton. I didn’t end up working with him, but it was something I really wanted to do. Now, after this experience, it feels even closer to my heart, so I’d definitely like to get involved.

Any final thoughts?

I want to encourage more opportunities for girls here, so they feel proud of their country and don’t see leaving as their only option. If we can empower young girls with education and opportunities, we can help shape a better future for them right where they are. It’s about planting the seed so future volunteers and community members can continue to grow the impact.

Class of 2024

House: Bloomsbury

ALUMNI NEWS: SAM ROBERTS

From Bede’s to Woodlands: An Unplanned Path to Shaping the UK’s Forests

Sam Roberts, a Bede’s alumnus, currently thrives as a Woodland Creation Manager; a role he describes as the “forestry version of town and country planning.” His work involves managing the entire process of establishing new woodlands, from initial client consultation and navigating regulatory approvals with bodies like the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry, and Natural Resources Wales, to handing over the approved plans for the physical planting.

Sam’s journey into this field was far from a direct A-to-B. Following his time at Bede’s and a gap year filled with adventure in Madagascar, Sam found his academic interests shifting. Inspired by his rainforest research experience, he pursued a degree in Conservation Biology, discovering a passion for GIS and sustainable forest management. This led to a Master’s in Environmental and Forest Management, culminating in a published thesis on the environmental impact of wind turbine placement.

Sam found that breaking into the forestry industry proved to be a challenge, requiring persistence and a willingness to gain experience through volunteering. This ultimately led to a full-time position at a forestry firm. Reflecting on recent projects, Sam highlights the Greencroft project; a significant mixed woodland near a large population, showcasing the balance between timber production (primarily Sitka spruce) and ecological considerations.

Sustainability is central to Sam’s work. He emphasizes the legal obligation for restocking felled areas and the long-term planning cycles involved in forestry. Careful planning is also

key to balancing ecological concerns with timber production, involving avoiding sensitive habitats and conducting thorough wildlife surveys.

Looking to the future, Sam sees his work as having a longterm legacy, benefiting generations to come. He credits his time at Bede’s, particularly the influence of teachers like Miss French and Mr Juniper, for sparking his initial interest in ecology and the outdoors, and for fostering the confidence gained through leadership roles and extracurricular activities. While not a traditional academic path, his experiences at Bede’s laid the foundation for his current impactful career in shaping the UK’s woodlands.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

I’m a Woodland Creation Manager at a forestry company. My job starts when a client brings us a site, often with no trees. I then manage the planning and approval process to get the land ready for tree planting. It’s essentially the forestry version of town and country planning, regulated by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry, or Natural Resources Wales. Once approved, I hand the project over to the operations team who plant the trees.

How did you get into this line of work?

It was quite unplanned. After leaving Bede’s with three B grades at A-level, I aimed to improve my grades during a gap year but ended up having too much fun. I travelled to Madagascar with Frontier for a rainforest research project, then visited Plymouth University and loved it. I switched my university plans and completed a degree in Conservation Biology, where I discovered GIS and sustainable forest management, which really clicked with me. I went on to do a Master’s in Environmental and Forest Management at the University of Aberdeen. My thesis, which focused on siting wind turbines to minimise peat and carbon impact, was later published.

ALUMNI NEWS: SAM ROBERTS

How did you break into the forestry industry?

After my Master’s, I applied to over 200 jobs during a tough job market. I was a finalist for the Forestry Commission’s graduate scheme but didn’t get the role. Eventually, I moved to Brecon with my then partner and offered to work for free to gain experience. That led to a part-time role at a forestry firm which became full-time after three months.

What projects have you worked on recently?

One highlight is the Greencroft project in England—a large, mixed productive woodland near a population of 50,000 people, which is quite rare. It was approved in just 18 months. It includes Sitka spruce, our main commercial conifer, used for construction, fencing, pallets, and biomass.

Is forestry work sustainable and environmentally friendly?

Absolutely. There’s a legal obligation to restock any felled area, and we plan in long-term cycles. Some forests follow 35-year harvesting rotations, others take up to 100 years. We also ensure we protect or enhance habitats and biodiversity—everything is guided by UK Forestry Standards and often the even stricter UK Woodland Assurance Scheme.

How does forestry fit into the UK’s environmental goals?

Forestry is vital. The UK imports 80% of its timber, making us the second-largest timber importer after China. We’re planting more trees not just for carbon capture but also for timber independence. Fast-growing conifers sequester more carbon compared to broadleaves and can be harvested more frequently.

How do you balance ecological concerns with timber production?

It’s all about careful planning. We avoid planting on peat or priority habitats, and we use various surveys to protect wildlife. At Greencroft, for example, the original 500-hectare plan was reduced to 290 hectares after environmental

assessments. We work to maintain or improve habitats, even while creating productive woodlands.

Do you see changes in public or governmental support for forestry?

There’s a positive shift. The Forestry Commission now actively supports commercial planting. However, in Scotland, there’s been some resistance due to public perception. Still, we need trees across all parts of the UK—England, Scotland, and Wales alike.

What kind of legacy do you see in your work?

Forestry is very much about long-term impact. The trees I help plant today may not be harvested in my lifetime. It’s work that will benefit future generations, and that’s a powerful motivator.

How did your time at Bede’s shape your career path?

Teachers like Miss French and Mr Juniper inspired my love for ecology and the outdoors. Though academic, I didn’t revise as much as I needed to. I enjoyed science and the extra curricular activities on offer at Bede’s. I developed confidence through leadership rolls of both House and School Prefect, and though I wasn’t part of any of the school sports Teams, I found my niche through outdoor activities and exploring nature.

Class of 2012

House: Dicker

FUTURE’S WEEK

We were excited to host six enthusiastic alumni who returned to Bede’s this week to share their diverse experiences with current students as part of our annual Future’s Week. The day was a resounding success, offering invaluable insights into university life, the professional world, and gap year adventures.

Our former students truly shone, captivating their audiences with candid accounts of their post-Bede’s journeys. Whether discussing the rigours of university degrees, the realities of their chosen careers, or the transformative experiences of their gap years, each alumnus offered a unique and inspiring perspective. It was clear that they genuinely enjoyed connecting with the next generation of Bede’s leavers.

Beyond the formal sessions, the alumni generously gave their time during a drop-in session at break. This provided a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in one-to-one conversations, ask specific questions, and gain personalised advice – a truly invaluable resource for those navigating their own future paths.

It was also a pleasure for staff to reconnect with our former students. Laughter and fond memories filled the air as alumni reminisced about their time at Bede’s, recalling

teachers, memorable events, and the unique environment that shaped their formative years. Their affection for Bede’s, its staff, and the vibrant community was evident, and it was heartening to see and hear these recollections.

The day concluded with a walk down memory lane. The alumni embarked on a tour of the school, revisiting their old houses and sharing anecdotes from their days at Bede’s. This personal touch further solidified the strong bonds they still hold with Bede’s. The visit culminated in a delightful lunch with staff, offering a final opportunity for shared memories and future aspirations.

A huge thank you extends to each of our alumni; Alex Dunne, Jack White, Charlie Bennett, Joseph Connolly, William Corrigan and Will Gillett for dedicating their time and sharing their wisdom. Their contributions made Future’s Week incredibly productive and insightful for our current students. We are immensely proud of their achievements and deeply appreciative of their continued connection to Bede’s. We look forward to welcoming them back to Bede’s again in the future!

FUTURE’S WEEK

“It is so inspiring for our L6th pupils to see how the choices they can make now will impact their future. Hearing our Alumni speak about the myriad opportunities they have had as a result of the early preparation that Bede’s encourages, and seeing that there is no one fixed path for you after Sixth Form, is liberating and motivating. As teachers, we also love catching up and finding out how our Alumni are doing - it is always amazing to see the transformation that goes on in our pupils!”

Justin Sealey, Director of Sixth Form

JOIN US FOR FUTURE’S WEEK 2026! WE’RE INVITING ALL ALUMNI FROM THE CLASS OF 2025 TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE LEAVING BEDE’S. DON’T MISS THIS FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO RECONNECT, INSPIRE, AND BE APART OF A BRILLIANT DAY.

INTERESTED? CONTACT US AT ALUMNI@BEDES.ORG TO GET INVOLVED!

ALUMNI VISIT: JAZZ TURNER

Project Fear: An Alumna’s Inspiring Journey

In November, alumna Jazz Turner returned to Bede’s to share her experiences with the Lower Sixth students. Despite regularly giving talks at various venues, Jazz admitted that the prospect of returning to her old school, and seeing her former teachers, truly made her feel nervous. However, her apprehension quickly dissipated as she was met with a resoundingly positive response from both students and staff, reinforcing why we asked her back.

Jazz, a para-athlete and pioneering sailor, she has made history by becoming the first disabled person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the British Isles. Her inspiring challenge, Project Fear, was more than a personal feat; it was a powerful statement designed to reshape perceptions around disability, endurance, and equality in sport. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a degenerative connective tissue disorder, Jazz managed every aspect of the journey entirely unsupported, including all navigation, sail handling, and on-board living.

The inspiration for Project Fear stemmed from a profound personal journey. In December 2023, after a prolonged hospitalisation, she made the difficult decision to withdraw treatment and was given a prognosis of only six months to live. When she found herself still “very much alive and kicking” in March 2024, she was faced with a complex question: “How do you keep living when you don’t know how long you have left to live?” Realising that traditional life goals no longer applied, Jazz decided to pursue her one

remaining dream: to sail around the world. She began with a more manageable challenge: sailing around the UK. When she discovered that no disabled female had ever completed this feat, Project Fear was born. The name comes from her boat, ‘Fear,’ which she rebuilt herself and which was inspired by her favourite quote: “Life gives you two choices; you can forget everything, run or face everything.”

Jazz’s deep connection to the sea began by chance at age 13, where she quickly discovered a level playing field where strength, strategy, and seamanship outweighed physical appearance or perceived ability. On land, she is a young woman in a wheelchair, but on the water, she is just a sailor. Her philosophy now is to “plan as if I had forever but live as if I only have today.”

Beyond breaking sailing records, Jazz is passionately committed to sparking broader conversations about accessibility, opportunity, and representation within the sport. Her fundraising efforts were remarkably successful, raising over £58,000 for Newhaven and Seaford Sailability, far exceeding her initial target of £30,000. Jazz co-founded the organisation in 2019 with her parents after finding it difficult to find a sailing club that could accommodate her complex needs despite her championship sailing background. The funds raised from Project Fear have allowed them to purchase three new boats, new adaptive equipment, and will allow them to build a purpose built disabled toilet, shower, and changing room, supporting over 100 people a year.

On the 2nd June 2025, Jazz launched from Brighton Marina, completing her journey on the 30th June in just 28 days and 1 hour. Her route took her west past the Isles of Scilly, around the top of the Shetlands, and back down the east coast. The journey was not without its difficulties. A well known sailor, Ian Walker, told her she did it in some of the worst conditions he’d ever seen. The most devastating

ALUMNI NEWS: JAZZ TURNER

moment came when she ran aground, just 50 nautical miles from the finish line. Jazz also faced severe sleep deprivation, with her sleep monitor once recording only 37 minutes of sleep in 24 hours, in two-minute chunks. Despite the exhaustion, Jazz found moments of beauty. She recalled the sea having a funny way of “just when you’re ready to give up, it brings out something to bring you back.”

A standout moment came at the halfway point when she passed a rock called Flugger, just north of the Shetlands.

“All I could do was scream out loud and shout at the top of my lungs.” This was a significant achievement, as she hadn’t even planned the second half of her route, never truly believing she would make it that far. Jazz prepared with extensive gym work and countless hours at sea. Mentally, she developed a mantra of “day by day, wave by wave and breath by breath” and relied on her coach via satellite communication to break down the journey into manageable chunks.

Undeterred, Jazz plans to do it all again, but on a global scale. She has declared her intention to enter the World Star race, a solo, round-the-world competition starting in Plymouth in September 2026. If she completes it, she will be the first disabled female to do so. The main challenge? She doesn’t have a boat yet. But, as she says, the first leg of Project Fear was also a “crazy idea” that was achieved.

Jazz’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes you have to step off the traditional path to find your true self. Her final advice to Bede’s students is simple: “Say Yes, no matter what comes your way, because you never know where it might lead or who you might meet.”

Her story is an important lesson for us all, that even in the face of what seems impossible, courage, determination, and a willingness to say yes can unlock new horizons and connect you with people in ways you never thought possible. We wish Jazz all the best in her next great adventure and look forward to cheering her on from the shore.

CAREERS FAIR

Futures Focus: A Year of Discovery with Bede’s Careers and University Applications Service

What a year it’s been! Our year has been buzzing with activity as our pupils explore their future pathways, from higher education to exciting career opportunities, apprenticeships and enriching and educational gap years.

Universities and Careers Fair: A Resounding Success

Our annual Universities and Careers Fair in March was a definite highlight this spring. Attended by all Bede’s pupils and joined by a number of our local partnership schools, the event was a hive of activity. With over 55 organisations participating, including universities, national and local employers, gap year providers, and apprenticeship schemes, there was a wealth of information, interaction and guidance on offer. We had the pleasure to host universities such as Exeter, Bath, Sheffield, Southampton and Cardiff alongside employers including Rolls Royce, Ibstock, NatWest Bank and Sussex Police.

Our fair aims to spark our pupils’ curiosity about careers and inspire them to explore their futures in an informed and supportive environment. The palpable hubbub at the fair demonstrated just how engaged and curious our pupils are to explore a wide range of opportunities and discover potential future pathways.

Beyond the Fair: Continued Careers Enrichment

We’ve also hosted numerous careers seminars on topics ranging from music production careers to joining the Army Royal Engineers and preparing a portfolio for creative industry degrees with UAL. Our pupils have also benefited from a number of trips, including visits to Brighton Magistrates Court and an immersive flight simulator experience with Gate 20. Additionally, we’ve hosted an International Universities Fair, and celebrated the world of careers throughout the school via National Careers Week and National Apprenticeships Week.

Upper Sixth: Awaiting Results and Next Steps

Our departing Upper Sixth pupils are now patiently awaiting their summer results, which will pave the way for their planned destinations at UK and international universities, as well as a number of excellent apprenticeships and enriching gap years. It is always an honor to be a part of our pupils’ bespoke onward professional and academic pathways and this year is no exception.

This year’s planned higher education subjects include traditional subjects such as Physics, Spanish and English Literature, Law, Economics, Psychology, Marine Biology and Business Management, but also direct professional fields including medicine, midwifery, cyber security, accounting, fashion photography, 3D animation, musical theatre and aerospace engineering. Our pupils’ international university applications have been equally as varied, including future destinations in Japan, the West Indies, Spain, the US, and Germany. Lastly, we are thrilled that four of our pupils have been successful in securing an competitive apprenticeship too. We wish them every success in their future endeavours.

Lower 6th: Full Steam Ahead with Futures Planning

Our Lower Sixth pupils have been well underway with their UCAS journey and research since the spring. Many are also actively exploring apprenticeships, employment, and international university opportunities. In addition to attending our own Careers Fair, the year group also visited the UK University Search Careers Fair at the Amex Stadium in the spring. They have also been guided through their research, planning for personal statements, and developing academic enrichment activities to support competitive applications. It has been a delight to witness such positive engagement and high ambitions for the future.

CAREERS FAIR

Lower 6th Futures Days: Inspiration and Preparation

At Bede’s, we certainly don’t hold back on opportunities for academic enrichment and fostering curiosity for our Lower Sixth, and this year’s Futures Days in June were no exception. Packed with over 50 seminars and workshops, the days offered a diverse range of experiences. Pupils enjoyed external taster subject lectures from universities including Warwick, Sussex, UEA, Newcastle, Lancaster and Royal Holloway, which were complemented by a menu of speakers providing subject and course overviews, industry insights and professional pathways. Pupils also had the opportunity to meet a number of our 2024 leavers to hear about their university and gap year experiences. There were also a number of seminars on studying abroad, sport scholarships,

apprenticeships and gap years on offer. There were even cooking and car maintenance workshops to add a practical dimension, to help equip our pupils for life after Bede’s. As ever, we are incredibly proud of our pupils’ proactive approach to planning their futures and the dedication they show in exploring the diverse and inspiring opportunities available to them. We can not wait to see what 2025-26 brings for our pupils, but we know for sure it will be an exciting time!

Deborah Franks Head of Careers, Employability and University Applications

CAREERS FAIR 11th March 2026!

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST TO EXHIBIT:

As a Bede’s alum, your unique insights into the world of work and/or further education can make a profound difference in the lives of our current pupils. Join us for a fantastic event where you can share your experiences, offer guidance, and inspire our young Bedians to discover their paths to success.

Connect with the future. Share your career journey, offer advice, and help ease the anxieties of our pupils as they transition to the next chapter of their lives.

We can’t wait to see what you’ve accomplished since leaving Bede’s and how you’ll inspire our pupils to reach for the stars.

ALUMNI NEWS: CEPHAS WILLIAMS

Cephas William talks about a global perspective: A Journey of Resilience, Creativity, Change and Purpose.

Looking back on a journey that has spanned industries and continents, alumnus Cephas Williams reflects on the various ways his time at Bede’s contributed to a life of connection, resilience, and social change. From the school’s international student body to a single, defining moment in an art class, Williams’s story is one of transforming adversity into stepping stones toward something greater.

For Williams, his time at Bede’s was an early introduction to a truly global ecosystem. “Bede’s definitely exposed me to a global ecosystem of human beings during my early teenage years,” he says. Unlike many who experience a more homogeneous environment in their formative years, Williams found himself among students from all corners of the world, a unique experience that broadened his perspective long before he could fully articulate its impact.

Looking back, he sees this exposure as something that supported his ability to engage effectively with people from different cultural and global backgrounds, from global CEOs to individuals he has since worked with across his journey around the world. The school environment has the ability to provide a sense of shared purpose, a “peerage” that transcends social distinctions, particularly during sports and other group activities. This early lesson on creating a shared sense of humanity when common ground is established is something that has followed Cephas throughout his work and journey. Everyone can connect, regardless of social status, background or culture.

Reflecting on his younger self, Williams now sees the invaluable opportunity he had to build life long connections with people from different backgrounds. He would advise his teenage self to “take advantage of the unique environment a school provides, where people are more open to connecting and less guarded.”

In one of his stories from his school days, Williams reflects on a moment that could have been a setback but instead became a turning point. At the time, art was a sanctuary for him, a subject where he felt free to express himself without the constraints he felt in other academic subjects. When confronted with an experience that left his work torn apart, what could have ended there instead became, in Cephas’s words, one of his first moments of ‘creating purpose out of pain.’”

Instead of giving up, he took the pieces, photocopied them, and stitched them together into a new, layered artwork. “That experience became a defining moment for me,” he says. “It shaped the way I handle adversity. Rather than letting negative situations defeat me, I use them as fuel for creativity and growth.” This moment taught him that our response to a challenge can define who we become, a philosophy he carries with him today.

This philosophy has since become a foundation in his professional life. He sees his most impactful projects like the 56 Black Men campaign, which challenges negative stereotypes, and Letters to Zion, a series of reflections on the future; as direct responses to challenges he faced along his journey. “I see my work as a call and response, life presents me with challenges, and I respond by creating.”

Williams’s work as an entrepreneur, photographer and campaigner is driven by a deep commitment to social change, and he uses his creative platforms to inspire broader conversations. 56 Black Men was born out of a desire to create a powerful counter narrative to negative portrayals of Black men in the media. He describes how the campaign’s power lies in its collective impact, highlighting “unity” and “shared purpose.”

His subsequent project, Portrait of Black Britain, builds on this idea of using photography as a documentary tool. “It serves as a time capsule,” he explains, capturing the

ALUMNI NEWS: CEPHAS WILLIAMS

multifaceted nature of Black identity in the UK for future generations.

This same spirit of collaboration and community building is at the heart of The Black Network, a platform he initially created to bridge the gap between corporate leaders and the Black community, moving beyond commitments to action and systemic change. He talks about ‘the power of tribe alongside the power of community,’ and how, when we work together with greater focus, we can drive meaningful change.

His company’s partnership with organisations like Tesco, Soho House, Yahoo, Landsec and Clear Channel over the years is a testament to this vision and ability to bring leadership and ecosystems together to create change and impact. Williams’s initiative to bring Black talent to Cannes, committing his own money to make it happen, was a challenge to the industry to move from conversation to action. The result has been a powerful movement that has brought over 100 people from the Black community, across various industries, to the global stage, ensuring they are “not just seen, but valued, contributing and gaining from the global business of creativity.”

When asked what advice he would give to young people who want to create a positive social impact, Williams is clear and direct. He encourages them to first be honest with themselves about their motivations. “Do I actually want to

create social change? Or do I want to create wealth? Do I want visibility? A sense of belonging?” He makes it clear that while creating wealth, gaining visibility, or finding a sense of belonging is not inherently wrong, he stresses the importance of knowing the difference between ambitions connected to personal gain and ambition connection to the cause. For him, creating social impact requires absolute clarity about the cause you are committing to and the motivations driving you. “It’s not a badge, it’s a commitment.”

He also provides a simple yet profound framework for anyone serious about making a difference: “Who am I fighting for? What am I fighting against?” He believes this clarity is essential for shaping one’s actions and legacy, ensuring that the work is focused on dismantling harmful ideas and systems rather than just fighting against people.

Williams’ journey from a young student at Bede’s to a celebrated thought leader, speaker and campaigner is a powerful reminder of how our experiences; both the good and the difficult can shape our purpose. His story is one of turning setbacks into triumphs and using creativity as a tool to build a more connected and compassionate world.

Class of 2008 House: Stud

24 YEARS OF ALAN WELLS

What originally attracted you to work at Bede’s, and what has kept you here for 20 years?

My son Luke was attending the Prep School while I was captain with Sussex, and during that time, I had a conversation with Neil Lenham about independent schools. I eventually met with Peter Pyemont, which led to Luke joining the Prep School. Later, my younger son Daniel also became a Pupil there. Bede’s has since become a major part of our lives. I’ve always worked at the Senior School and was involved part-time for several years before joining full-time. Initially, I helped with activities, summer programmes, and winter nets. In total, I’ve been associated with Bede’s for around 24 years, with my full-time role starting in 2001.

What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones you’ve experienced during your time here?

There have been so many memorable moments. One of the highlights was winning the Langdale Cup, the U18 Independent Schools County Cup. When I joined Bede’s, I initiated the school’s participation in this competition, which became a significant achievement. I’ve always been determined to see the team improve and reach new heights. Another highlight was winning the National U15 Cup and the County U14 Cup, which gave us entry to the national U15 competition, involving over 1,200 schools. That victory was in 2017 – the achievement still resonates today.

How has cricket developed over your time here? Have you noticed better-quality players as time has gone on?

The development of cricket at Bede’s has been remarkable, particularly with the rise of girls’ cricket. Petch, who is in charge of girls’ cricket, has been a driving force. Her enthusiasm and commitment have been transformational, encouraging more girls to take up the sport and realise how much they enjoy it. The catalyst for this shift happened around 12 years ago with two trailblazing players, Carla Rudd and Chiara Green, who even played in boys’ matches against teams like Eton.

In total, we have had 19 first-class cricketers at Bede’s in the past 16 years – an achievement that no other school in the country can match. The number of professional cricketers we have helped develop is something I’m very proud of, but I’m equally proud of the number of students who continue playing club cricket after leaving Bede’s. We attract a lot of students from all over because of our cricket programme, not just locally. We’ve had students from South Africa, America, and Barbados come to Bede’s for cricket. Girls’ Cricket Girls’ cricket has truly exploded in recent years. We now

have three players in the England squad, which is an incredible testament to the growth and development of the programme. The progress has been extraordinary, far exceeding expectations. The sport is opening up in ways we couldn’t have imagined before, offering more opportunities for women and girls.

What are some of the most rewarding moments as a coach?

On a personal note, it’s rewarding how our relationships with Pupils flourish. For example, Shai Hope is doing exceptionally well and is now playing against my son Luke in T20 franchises – it’s a full-circle moment that reflects how the cricketing world connects us all.

What advice would you give our aspiring cricketers at Bede’s?

Enjoy the game, but also work harder than anyone else. Be willing to make sacrifices and focus on your fitness. Always aim to improve your skills every day and take advantage of every opportunity that Bede’s provides. Most importantly, be a decent person on and off the pitch.

AUCTION OF OPPORTUNITIES

Pupil Heads of Bede’s Development Foundation Jess & Ernie invite you to the School Prefects Auction

o f O p p o r t u n i t i e s

21ST 7PM - 10PM Friday November in aid of the Bede’s Development Foundation

OLD BEDIANS: COMMUNITY PAGE

You’ve Got Mail! Bede’s Launches New Online Platform for Alumni; Bede’s Outreach

Get ready to reconnect, reminisce, and reignite your Bede’s spirit! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new online platform; “”Bede’s Outreach”, designed exclusively for our Old Bedian community. A space where you can effortlessly stay in touch with the people and the place that helped shape your journey.

Stay informed about all the exciting happenings at Bede’s, from ever changing developments and student successes to alumni spotlights and upcoming events. Be the first to know about reunions, gatherings, and opportunities to get involved with the school community.

You’ll have a direct window into the vital work of our development charity. Learn about the initiatives that are shaping the future of Bede’s and the impact your support can have on current and future generations of students through our Foundation Scholarships.

Bede’s Outreach is designed specifically for our Old Bedians. It’s a place to network, to learn, to contribute, and most importantly, to remain an integral part of the Bede’s community, no matter where life takes you.

So, dust off those Bede’s memories and get ready to connect. If you haven’t already, sign up today outreach.bedes.org. We can’t wait to welcome you to our Bede’s Outreach platform and see our incredible alumni community thrive!

ALUMNI NEWS: ALEX DUNNE

What are some of your favourite memories from your time at Bede’s, both Prep and Senior School?

At senior school, one of my fondest memories was the late nights in the study centre (Stud). It felt like a second home, where I could relax with my closest mates and not worry about the future. In prep school, my favourite moments were during PE—it was always something I looked forward to.

Were there any teachers or coaches who had a particularly significant impact on you?

Several teachers played a key role in my development. Ms Finat-Duclos was one of my favourites—she understood my struggles and gave me the right level of support to help me succeed academically. I’m grateful for the way she pushed me to turn up and give my best. Mr Driver also had a big impact, guiding me through some difficult moments while always believing in my potential.

How did Bede’s help prepare you for university and life beyond school?

Bede’s taught me a great deal about resilience and the importance of showing up, even during tough times. The environment encouraged me to push through challenges and make the most of every opportunity. Mrs Franks was also instrumental in my journey to university—she helped me with everything from selecting universities to writing my personal statement, making sure I had the best chance of securing a place.

What was it like balancing training with schoolwork, especially during your championship years?

Balancing school and training was challenging, especially in the lead-up to competitions when training became more intense. During these periods, my mindset shifted, and my academic work inevitably took a bit of a backseat. At the time, my primary focus was powerlifting. However, once competitions were over, I made sure to catch up on my studies during my downtime, allowing myself to recover both physically and mentally.

What sparked your interest in powerlifting?

My interest in powerlifting stemmed from my years of playing rugby. Initially, I was lifting weights casually to improve my performance on the field. However, after I stopped playing rugby, I realised that I still had a passion for lifting. I came across an advert for a powerlifting competition in Eastbourne at Performance Fitness Gym, decided to enter, and instantly thrived in the competitive environment. That experience ignited my love for the sport and led to some incredible opportunities.

What are some of the biggest lessons you learned from powerlifting, both inside and outside the gym?

Powerlifting taught me valuable life lessons that have shaped me both personally and professionally. The most important ones include determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic. I also learned that setbacks are part of the process—things don’t always go to plan the first time, but if you go back, work harder, and keep pushing forward, you will eventually see the results you’re aiming for.

What are your proudest achievements in powerlifting so far?

At 17, I became both British and European Champion in the under-90kg weight category. During this time, I also set a British deadlift record of 252.5kg. Following this, I continued competing, including at the ABS Teen 5 competition in Dublin, where I achieved a world ranking of 9th for 18-yearolds. My proudest moment, however, was breaking the British deadlift record at my home gym. That moment proved to me that with relentless determination and effort, I could achieve what once seemed impossible.

ALUMNI NEWS: ALEX DUNNE

What sparked your interest in events management?

I grew up in a sporty family and attended many rugby games, tennis matches, and other live sporting events, which gave me an appreciation for the energy and organisation behind them. My powerlifting competitions also played a big role in this interest—seeing how a regular gym could be transformed into a high-energy, professional sporting arena fascinated me.

What have you learned from your experiences at events like the Sky Bet Ball and Live at Leeds Festival?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to never be afraid to reach out to larger companies or influential people—the worst they can say is no. I’ve also developed the ability to stay calm under pressure. For example, at the Sky Bet Ball, we unexpectedly ran out of champagne at a charity event attended by 800 of the UK’s wealthiest guests. Similarly, at Live at Leeds Festival, the ticketing system crashed while we still had 100,000 attendees to check in. These experiences taught me the importance of stepping back, assessing the situation, and finding solutions in high-pressure environments.

What are you most looking forward to about working at Snowboxx and the British Rally Championships?

More recently, I have taken a step back from powerlifting to focus on my career, currently studying Events Management at Leeds Beckett University. This has provided me with some incredible opportunities, including working at the Sky Bet Ball and Live at Leeds Festival. Looking ahead, I have several exciting events lined up, such as working at Snowboxx Festival in Avoriaz and the British Rally Championship in Yorkshire.

At the British Rally Championships, I’ll be working as a marshal, ensuring the event runs smoothly and keeping spectators safe while cars fly down country roads at speeds of up to 120mph. It’s going to be an intense but exciting experience. As for Snowboxx in Avoriaz, France, I’ll be taking on a variety of roles, including bartending, stewarding, and helping with behind-the-scenes operations. I’m really looking forward to both events as they will allow me to gain more hands-on experience in different areas of event management.

What are your long-term career goals in events management?

I have two main career paths I’m considering within the events industry. One is working in the mega-events sector, organising large-scale festivals, shows, and sporting events. Hearing guest speakers discuss their experiences with events like the Olympic Opening Ceremony has really inspired me—I love the idea of taking a blank space and transforming it into one of the year’s biggest spectacles. My other interest is in corporate events, such as boat and aviation shows. These types of events attract some of the most influential and well-connected individuals in the world, offering incredible opportunities for networking and professional growth (plus, there’s a lot of money in corporate events!).

CLASS OF 2024

HOUSE: STUD

LEAVING STAFF: ANDREW WALKER

It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Andrew, a beloved figure who has dedicated an incredible amount of his time to Bede’s since 1995. Andrew’s journey at Bede’s began with a warm welcome at Speech Day, an experience he fondly recalls, which set the tone for a career deeply intertwined with the school’s unique spirit. His reflections highlight not only the stunning natural beauty of our surroundings, from the rolling Downs to the serene lake, but also the profound impact of embracing the entire Bede’s community, particularly the boarding life. Andrew’s parting advice, to truly make the most of every moment and enjoy your time here, resonates deeply. It’s a poignant reminder that both staff and students alike are incredibly fortunate to be part of such a special place, a sentiment Andrew himself has lived and embodied throughout his remarkable tenure. We will undoubtedly miss his presence and profound contributions.

Looking back, what’s one of your favourite memories from your time here at Bede’s?

Oh gosh. I guess coming back following the interview for speech day, having been invited by Nigel Hatton, then Head of MFL – it made me feel so welcome before even officially starting at Bede’s - it was a really good introduction to the school. It gave you an insight into everything and a chance to get to know everybody before starting in September. Driving along the A27 to Bede’s was so inspiring, seeing the Downs either side and you just think, “Wow” and it continues into the beauty of the school’s grounds; the lake and everything surrounding it. The swimming pool wasn’t even covered back then, I can remember standing there, it was a beautiful day, looking at the grass of the now car park stretching into the distance from this big pool glistening in the sunlight. The beauty of the place is so striking.

If you had the opportunity, is there any advice you could give your ‘day one’ self?

Actually, I wouldn’t change anything; I think immersing oneself in all that Bede’s has to offer, getting to know the

pupils and embracing being part of the whole boarding community, is probably the most important thing. It was easy for me because I joined as a member of the boarding staff.

And have you stayed in boarding since day one?

That’s a good question. I lived three years in the village as a tutor attached to Camberlot House working with Mark Rimmington and John Tuson, then I started in Stud House working with Derek Newton and Ray Mutimba. I then got married to Anna and came out of boarding for four years, between 2003 and 2007, at which point I came back as Housemaster of Stud House and we had our first child, Leopold, and stayed in that rewarding role until 2016. So, the first 21 of my 30 years working at Bede’s were mostly in boarding and it really was a wonderful way to grow with the school which expanded so much over those years with such wonderful facilities, including of course the new boarding houses.

How have you found that experience living here at Bede’s?

Being part of both the boarding (and day school) community is incredible. The whole ethos and way of life at Bede’s really integrates and everyone, both pupils and teachers, build lasting friendships. The contrast between weekdays and weekends is so marked; everything just slows down and you get to know the pupils better even if you’re not a resident member of staff, for example by leading weekend outings. They see you in a different light. You get the most out of the school and the pupils get more out of you. You’ve got more time to get things done, more time to get to know each other. And it just really makes it more enjoyable. I think because it is different from other schools. The whole atmosphere being slightly more relaxed in some ways, allowing for those relationships to work and to be mutually beneficial, is really important.

LEAVING STAFF: ANDREW WALKER

Now that you are leaving, what’s one thing you’ll miss about school life?

I really hate to think about it because I know it’s going to hit me afterwards. It’s going to probably be the teaching that I miss most. Engaging with the pupils and making it work for them. It’s really a brilliant thing.

What’s been the biggest change you’ve seen at the school during your time here?

I suppose it’s doubling in size up until about 2009, when it levelled off. There was some amazing expansion in that time. The new boarding house in 2007 for Dorter and Camberlot was a major milestone. Then, four and a half years later, in March 2012, Stud moved out of the chalets in a single weekend in March and the whole house, which at the time numbered about 78 pupils, all moved right over to the new Stud alongside Crossways, which was incredible. That was a massive and quite a daunting task to accomplish in one weekend, but with the help of the whole team including some wonderful staff from Estates, and even my parents who came down to look after Leo and Seb, it was done.

So there’s been quite a lot of new additions in the time that you’ve been here.

Yes, when I joined it was 450 pupils. You could name most of the pupils. With greater numbers it is slightly harder, but the atmosphere is still the same. I think over the years that’s one thing that has kept going. There’s still that core special Bede’s factor where pupils and staff work together in the best possible way with lots and lots of teamwork from the staff alongside the pupils. That’s why the staff room is

so good because (and I still see that now as I look around the common room at the staff meeting on Mondays) the atmosphere is really friendly and positive. Looking at the personal qualities of staff, I think that’s probably the core of it, recruiting the right people. Roger Perrin, the founding headmaster, was especially good at that and successive headmasters have kept that going. I think that’s the key.

What are you most excited to do now that you’ll have more free time on your hands?

As a family, my oldest son, Leo, will be in Year 13 this year, which is a critical year. My youngest son, Seb, will be in Year 11, another critical year. And my wife, Anna, will be starting to teach maths. So, I’ll be very happy to be supporting them, ferrying the boys around, tutoring and just taking a step back for the year.

Do you have any hobbies that you could potentially pick up and get more involved in?

Absolutely, I’ll be walking on the downs, cycling in Friston Forest, and longboarding on Eastbourne seafront!

What’s your best piece of advice for those staff still at Bede’s?

Enjoy it, that’s it, isn’t it? I think that enjoyment comes from building those relationships. And you’ve got to enjoy it. Teaching, and in particular being a member of the residential staff, is such a vocation that you live and breathe it.

As Andrew embarks on this new chapter, we extend our warmest wishes for his future endeavours. His intention to support his family, re-engage with hobbies like mountain biking and longboarding, and perhaps embark on new adventures to places like Spain paints a picture of a welldeserved and exciting future. Andrew’s reflections on the growth of Bede’s, from the doubling in size to the significant improvements in boarding accommodation, underscore his deep institutional knowledge and commitment. Yet, what remains constant, he notes, is the enduring special Bede’s atmosphere, a testament to the quality of both pupils and staff working together. Andrew’s legacy at Bede’s is not just one of longevity but of a genuine connection to the school’s heart and soul and a profound appreciation for the relationships forged within its walls. We wish him all the best in his next adventures and thank him for everything.

LEAVING STAFF: RAY MUTIMBA

An End of an Era: Celebrating a Bede’s Legend

After years of dedicated service, Ray Mutimba, a well respected figure in the Bede’s community is hanging up his proverbial hat and retiring. Loved by colleagues, parents, and pupils alike, he has been a pillar of the school’s identity for decades, and his presence will be deeply missed. As he embarks on this new chapter, we had the privilege of sitting down with him to reflect on his incredible journey, from his earliest days on campus to the many changes he has witnessed and the lessons he has learned along the way. His insights offer a beautiful retrospective on a school he has helped shape and a career that has touched countless lives.

Can you share some of your earliest memories of Bede’s from when you first started?

It was quite a dark campus at night. I remember being struck by the gothic dining room and salon, which were not quite what I expected to find in Upper Dicker. There was a lot of gravel on roads, paths, and car parks within the campus, but also quite a lot of greenery.

How has Bede’s changed over the years, both in terms of the student body and the school environment?

In the early days, Bede’s had a family feel to it. The Perrins led the school, and the houses were normally run by house parents; the Hattons, the Newtons, the Grahams, the HadleyCoates’. There were so many student siblings at the school, for example, the Kombas, the Agabas, the Bulls (x 2), the Dozgics, the McIntyres. We had activities every weekday and school on Saturday mornings. The school had around 500 students and 40 members of staff when I arrived, so it was quite easy to get to know everybody. Now, the school has a more corporate feel to it, and increasingly, we, the teachers are more aware of our brand. Life at work is now more organised and scripted, as has happened to the rest of the country. Nonetheless, Bede’s has remained a young school at heart and a challenger to many trends in schools out there. What are some of the most memorable moments or events you’ve experienced during your time here?

I remember going to get one of my tutees who had refused to come back to school. I got on the train and rang the doorbell. He was so shocked to see me at the door. I told him it was time to go to school, and so we came back together.

What do you think makes Bede’s unique?

Bede’s has retained its disruptor status, which allows the school to keep on trying new things.

What are some of your favourite places at Bede’s, and why?

Without a doubt, Camberlot house. I just love the North African feel of the place.

What are you most proud of achieving during your career at Bede’s?

I think I have learned to let the young adults in my care be themselves, and it leads to less stressful lessons.

If you could send a message back to your ‘day 1’ self at Bede’s, knowing where you are now, what would it be?

You can do a lot if you dare.

What are your plans for the future, both professionally and personally?

To do nothing for at least six months.

Can you recall any specific instances where you’ve seen alumni return to Bede’s and contribute to the school community?

Dino Dozgic, Matt Peattie, and Ema Excell as well-respected teachers; Oli Davis and Dan Harding as sports coaches; and Matt Target and Xavier Van Hove as Governors.

As we conclude our conversation, it’s clear that this retiring teacher’s legacy is not just in the lessons he taught, but in the lives he touched. His dedication, sense of adventure, and unwavering belief in his students have left an indelible mark on the Bede’s community. As he steps into his well deserved retirement, we wish him a future filled with rest, new experiences, and the satisfaction of knowing he made a world of difference. Thank you for everything. You will be missed.

LEAVING STAFF: PAM NIKITEAS

A Farewell to Bede’s: Looking Back and a Look Forward

We say farewell to our colleague Pam Nikiteas who is preparing for an exciting new chapter. As she says goodbye to Bede’s and prepares for her new adventure as Deputy Head at an International School in Kuala Lumpur, we will deeply miss her supportive and kind presence. We’re excited to hear about her new ventures and wish her all the best. Before she left, we had the chance to sit down and ask her about her time at Bede’s. Here’s what she had to say:

Looking back at your time here, what’s one of your most cherished memories from Bede’s?

Some of my most cherished memories over the last seven years have been working with my tutees and the staff team in Crossways. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a phenomenal group of staff who really make Crossways feel like a family. I’ve been fortunate to tutor a number of inspirational young women over the years, and seeing their personal growth and achievements and knowing how far they’ve come, is incredibly fulfilling.

If you could give your “day one” self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I’d tell myself not to strive for perfection, but instead to focus on progress and connection. You don’t have to know everything on day one, and it’s okay to learn alongside our pupils. Building trust and creating a supportive environment is what matters most.

As you prepare to leave, what’s one aspect of school life at Bede’s that you’ll miss the most?

In my various roles, I’ve been extremely lucky to work with

outstanding colleagues: supportive, compassionate, and genuinely awesome humans. I’ve learned so much from them and will miss the sense of belonging to this brilliant team!

What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed at the school during your time here?

The most significant change I’ve seen over the last few years has been the shift in the way technology is integrated into teaching and learning. From interactive platforms to remote learning tools, it’s transformed how we engage pupils and personalise their learning experiences. It’s been exciting to adapt and grow alongside those changes.

As you embark on your new teaching adventure as Deputy Head in Malaysia, what are you most excited about?

I’m excited to return to living and working in Malaysia and to take on the role as Deputy Head at an International School in Kuala Lumpur. A new environment brings new challenges, new pupils, and new ideas and I’m really looking forward to that change and the opportunities ahead of me.

What are you hoping to learn or achieve in this next chapter of your career?

I hope to develop my leadership skills and deepen my understanding of pastoral care and how to better support pupils’ emotional and social well-being. Building strong relationships and creating a safe, nurturing environment is something I’m passionate about, and I hope I can contribute meaningfully to shaping school culture and supporting pupils and colleagues.

What’s the best piece of advice you could offer to your colleagues who will continue their journey at Bede’s?

Never underestimate the power of collaboration. Sharing ideas, supporting one another, and being open to different perspectives not only strengthens your practice but also creates a positive environment for both staff and pupils. Together, you can achieve so much more than alone.

Remember, teaching is a superpower, and you have the power to make a difference every single day. Keep your head up and your heart strong.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pam for her unwavering dedication and kindness. Her legacy of support and collaboration will undoubtedly continue to inspire us. We wish her a fantastic new chapter in Malaysia and look forward to hearing about her future successes.

LEAVING STAFF: JASON HENHAM

We caught up with retiring staff member, Mr. Henham, to reflect on his many years of dedication to Bede’s. He shares his fondest memories, the bonds he’s forged, and what makes the school so special.

Mr. Henham started as an energetic teacher, quickly recalling the challenge of coaching the football team. To make up the numbers for Saturday matches, he’d have to round up students in the minibus during break time, boots or no boots! He fondly remembers a student named Shimo who would always play and help rally the others, showcasing the resourceful, close-knit spirit of the early Bede’s community. He spent the bulk of his career as a House Master, first at Dicker House and then for many years at Dorter. He admits he misses the in-depth connections he forged in that role: “You’re starting to lose touch with who’s who, and it’s quite nice to actually sit down with them.” He especially cherished the time spent with students after evening prep, simply chatting and checking in, particularly with international students far from home.

The strength of these relationships is clear in a recent story: “Leo, a German lad, contacted me last year. He’s getting married,” Mr. Henham beams. Leo’s plan was to visit Bede’s on his honeymoon to show his fiancée where he spent five years of his life. “That’s the effect the school has,” he notes. For Mr. Henham, the genuine, welcoming atmosphere is what makes Bede’s unique. He loves seeing staff members; from cleaners to teachers naturally interact with students: “I hope the school never loses that, because I think that’s really special.” He passionately advocates for a community wide approach to student engagement, stressing that relationship building between all staff and students is a vital part of the Bede’s experience.

When asked for his most memorable moment, Mr. Henham says he doesn’t have a single one: “I’ve just lived every moment.” For him, not having a “stand-out moment” means that he enjoyed coming to work every day, which “speaks

volumes for the environment.”

The greatest rewards of his career were the times he made a “significant impact on kids’ futures,” such as with a bright group of further mathematicians who went on to successful careers. Though he recalls a hilarious “nightmare” moment when a colleague tripped and scattered two weeks’ worth of handwritten student reports everywhere, the daily joy of the job prevailed.

As he embarks on his next chapter, Mr. Henham plans to continue helping others through volunteer work at local primary schools and Citizens Advice. “It’s quite nice to keep yourself busy and feel like you’re doing something for someone else,” he concludes.

Mr. Henham’s story is a beautiful testament to the Bede’s community. His legacy of forming lasting, meaningful relationships will continue to inspire the community for years to come.

JASON HENHAM HEAD OF UPPER SIXTH

RAY MUTIMBA MATHS & IT TEACHER

LEAVING STAFF

As valued members of the Bede’s community, your dedication and commitment have been truly exceptional and you all will be deeply missed. While we are sad to see you leave as you pursue other commitments, your impact here will certainly not be forgotten. You have served as wonderful teachers, inspiring mentors, and trusted friends to both staff and pupils alike, enriching the lives of everyone you worked with. We wish you all the very best in your future endeavors, and we look forward to the day we can welcome you back to Bede’s for future reunions and events.

PAM NIKITEAS HEAD OF PSHE

SABRINA LOGAN MEDIA TEACHER

DORMS RESIDENT TUTOR

ALAN WELLS HEAD OF CRICKET

CHARLOTTE REDSTONE PHYSICS TEACHER

YVETTE STAINSBY HEAD OF PSYCHOLOGY

JONATHAN SLINGER GEOGRAPHY TEACHER

ALUMNI SPORTS DAY 2025

The sun peaked through the clouds and shone brightly on Monday the 1st September as we welcomed back a fantastic number of alumni for our annual Alumni Sports Day. The event was a huge success, filled with competitive spirit, friendly banter, and a wonderful sense of community.

The day kicked off with exciting matches in both tennis and football. Our alumni teams showed they still have what it takes, facing off against our talented staff and the current 1st tennis team. The matches were a testament to the enduring skills and passion of our former pupils, with staff members doing their best to keep up, often to hilarious effect. While their knees may have creaked a little louder than they used to, our staff showed great spirit and a healthy dose of determination to avoid being completely outplayed by their former pupils.

Following the lively sports action, everyone gathered for canapés and drinks, providing the perfect opportunity for our alumni to reconnect. The atmosphere was buzzing as old friends caught up and reminisced about their time at Bede’s. It was also a great chance for alumni to chat with their former teachers and coaches, sharing stories and life updates.

It was a truly special day, highlighting the strong bonds that connect our alumni community. We are incredibly grateful for the fantastic turnout and the enthusiasm shown by all who participated.

We are already looking forward to hosting more of these events in the future and continuing to build on the success of our Alumni Sports Day. Keep an eye on our social media channels and alumni newsletter for details on upcoming events. We can’t wait to see you again soon!

ALUMNI SPORTS DAY 2025

ALUMNI NEWS: JULIAN CASH

From Bede’s Courts to Wimbledon Glory: Alumnus Julian Cash Reflects on His Journey

Professional tennis player and Wimbledon Doubles Champion Julian Cash reflects on his life journey, highlighting the vital role of his formative years at Bede’s and the principles that carried him to the top of the world stage.

Cash’s fondest memories of Bede’s are the people and the supportive environment that allowed him to pursue tennis while focusing on his studies.

“I’ve got a lot of amazing memories when I think back to my time at Bede’s,” he recalls. “There was a lot of athletes, a lot of sport going on, and I didn’t feel alone when I was pursuing my dreams.”

This culture was a major driving force that enabled him to stay in education, a choice he felt was crucial for keeping him “wellrounded as a person.” He also cherishes the simple moments of “going out on the field at break time and just spending time with a lot of friends.”

He credits his tennis coach, Julie Salmon, for being instrumental in his development. As a former professional herself, she was a mentor who offered the necessary flexibility, including time for indoor court practice, and helped him communicate with the school to balance his academic and training commitments. Cash even took fewer GCSEs and had a flexible class schedule, enabling him to train in the mornings. He values having gone through a normal school environment rather than being homeschooled, which provided a more balanced childhood and allowed him to maintain

friendships.

After Bede’s, Cash chose to attend an American university. He and his parents viewed it as a way to continue his education while developing his tennis. University provided him with four more years to grow up and improve, earning a degree that mentally relieved pressure. He highly recommends the American college system, which he found to be a great “stepping stone into adulthood,” emphasising the need for foreign players to use an agent to navigate the recruitment and scholarship process.

Cash’s transition to professional tennis was marked by a “very slow start” due to injuries. He missed his last university season for a shoulder operation, a difficult recovery that took 14 months and made him fear his career was over. This setback ultimately led him to reconsider his path.

In 2022, he decided to specialise in playing doubles tennis. He was 25 and, after a good run during the grass season, his ranking

ALUMNI NEWS: JULIAN CASH

jumped, enabling him to play higher-level events. He and his partner at the time, Henry Patten, dedicated five months to playing the circuit below the main tour, quickly rising from a ranking around 400 to 70 in a single year. Cash notes that his game style, even from a young age, was more suited to doubles, despite everyone starting with singles.

Now partnering with Lloyd Glasspool, Cash credits their ongoing success to similar game styles and philosophies, strong communication, and a shared commitment to hard work. Their focus on the partnership outside of just tennis has paid off. They have had a fantastic season, winning titles at Queen’s Club and Eastbourne, which were “very special” for Cash, as he watched the latter as a child.

Cash notes that the moment that “obviously changed my life the most was Wimbledon.” Heading into the tournament, he felt confident, knowing they had the level to compete with the top pairs, but he emphasised the need to reset and take the tournament match by match due to the emotional and physical demands.

He also shared a candid reflection on the immense pressure, revealing he was injured through the event and didn’t know if he would be able to finish certain matches. In a twist, he believes this distraction helped him: “I was quite distracted with that stuff, I was doing a lot of off-court stuff medically-wise... that whole grass period this year was pretty surreal.”

His initial goal was absolutely to win the trophy, but he understood the process required a day-by-day approach to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the long draw. Thankfully, that confidence, trust in his and Glasspool’s ability, and teamwork resulted in that much deserved Wimbledon victory.

Looking ahead, Cash and his partner are focused on the year-end finals in November and their major objective to finish the year as team number one.

Julian’s ultimate advice for young people wishing to pursue a career in professional sports is twofold:

Leave it all out there: “Making sure that you’re going above and beyond, doing everything you can every day.”

Enjoy the moment you’re in: He stresses the importance of finding joy in the sport and the journey. “It’s hard work and dedication, but it’s enjoying the moment that gets you through the inevitable ups and downs of a long journey.”

Julian’s journey underscores the profound impact of supportive environments, dedicated mentors, and unwavering personal drive. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that even amidst setbacks, passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements on the world stage.

CLASS OF 2012 HOUSE: Knights

MEET OUR NEWEST GOVERNOR:

ALUM ALEX TARGETT

What is your background at Bede’s?

I attended Bede’s from 2014 to 2019 and was in Knights House. I participated in various sports, including tennis, football, and hockey. I received a sports scholarship for tennis, which was a key reason I joined the school.

What are your fondest memories of Bede’s?

My fondest memories revolve around sports, particularly tennis, where I won several trophies. I also greatly appreciated the impact of teachers like John Tuson (English), Nicholas Abrams (Maths), and Taf Mpandawana (Chemistry), who made my academic experience enjoyable and engaging.

How do you feel about the impact of your time at Bede’s?

My time at Bede’s had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. The school shaped my character and provided opportunities that influenced my career path. Bede’s kept me constantly engaged, whether it was in the classroom or on the sports field. The busy schedule taught me how to manage my time effectively and pushed me to develop leadership skills. My time at Bede’s was so transformative that I felt compelled to give back. As a governor, I hope to contribute to the school’s future and help provide the same opportunities I had to current and future students.

What did you do after leaving Bede’s?

After leaving Bede’s, I studied Economics at the University of Bath. I also completed a placement year at a startup tech company during COVID, which eventually led to my current role as a governor at Bede’s. The startup focused on providing technology to manage school buses for independent schools.

How did you become a governor at Bede’s?

I saw an opportunity to give back to Bede’s and applied for the governor role. My professional experience in the education sector, particularly in strategy and technology, I believe made me a strong candidate. I also wanted to contribute to the school’s development and help improve the experience for future pupils.

What are your responsibilities as a governor?

As a governor, I am involved in strategic discussions about the school’s future. I also help with the Bede’s Foundation, aiming to provide opportunities for pupils who might not otherwise have access to the Bede’s experience. Additionally, I contribute insights from my professional experience in the independent school sector, particularly in areas such as school operations, strategy, and adapting to sector-wide challenges like policy changes.

How do you view the role of technology in education?

I believe technology plays a crucial role in modern education, especially in areas like mental health and pupil engagement. It is important to understand how social media and technology affect pupils’ lives both inside and outside the classroom. Having worked in the independent school sector, I have seen first-hand how technology can enhance school operations, from streamlining transport systems to improving communication and admissions processes. Additionally, as someone who has experienced school life in the digital age, I recognise the challenges and opportunities technology presents. It is vital to strike a balance— leveraging technology to improve efficiency and learning experiences while being mindful of its impact on pupils’ well-being.

MEET OUR NEWEST GOVERNOR

How does your tech company contribute to Bede’s?

Vectare provides technology solutions for managing school buses, which has positively impacted Bede’s transport department by streamlining operations and improving efficiency. By implementing our system, we have helped optimise routes, enhance communication with parents and staff, and improve overall transport management. As both a governor and a supplier, I have a unique perspective on how technology can support the school’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. It is rewarding to see how our solutions contribute to a smoother and more effective transport experience for pupils and staff alike.

What do you think about the future of Bede’s?

I am optimistic about Bede’s future. I appreciate the school’s progressive approach and believe that having a younger perspective on the governing board reflects a forward-thinking mindset. I am committed to helping the school navigate challenges and continue to thrive.

How does it feel to return to Bede’s as a governor? It is rewarding to return to Bede’s in a new capacity. I enjoy being part of the discussions that shape the school’s future and feel a strong sense of pride in contributing to the institution that had such a positive impact on my life.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming alumni event?

I am really looking forward to the upcoming alumni event in April. It’s a fantastic opportunity for former pupils to reconnect, reminisce about their time at Bede’s, and strengthen their ties with the school community. As someone who is still involved with Bede’s in a professional capacity, I see great value in alumni engagement! With over 100 attendees expected, I hope it encourages more alumni to stay actively involved with the school.

How do you balance your professional and governance roles?

Balancing both roles has been manageable. I completed my final year of university while working full-time at the startup and have continued to manage my responsibilities as a governor alongside my career.

What do you hope to achieve through the Bede’s Foundation?

I hope to make a difference by providing opportunities for pupils who might not otherwise have access to the Bede’s experience. Knowing that the foundation can positively impact lives brings me great joy.

How do you view the role of young governors in the school?

I believe that having young governors brings a fresh perspective to the board. My recent experience as a pupil and my understanding of modern challenges, such as technology and mental health, make me a valuable contributor to the school’s governance. What do you think about the importance of alumni engagement?

Alumni engagement is crucial for building a strong community and ensuring the school’s continued success. I will always encourage alumni to participate in events and support the school in any way I can.

What advice do you have for current Bede’s pupils?

Pupils should take advantage of all the opportunities Bede’s offers, whether in sports, arts, academia, or music. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things might help you discover passions you never knew you had.

What message do you have for the Bede’s community?

I encourage the Bede’s community to stay connected, take advantage of opportunities, and give back to the school. By working together, we can ensure that Bede’s continues to thrive and provide an exceptional experience for future pupils.

A MESSAGE FROM A FORMER GOVERNOR

MARK MCFADDEN

Can you tell us about your connection to Bede’s and how long you’ve been associated with the school?

My connection to Bede’s spans generations. I attended the prep school myself, and my father was also a Pupil there many years ago. Both of my sons went through the school from nursery right up to the senior school, and my wife worked in the nursery for several years. It’s been a significant part of our family’s life, and we all have very happy memories of our time there.

How has the school changed since you were a Pupil? It’s changed dramatically. When I was at the prep school, there were only about 60 Pupils. The class sizes were much smaller, and the school itself was much more compact. I started when I was seven, and back then, the pre-prep section had only just been introduced. The senior school didn’t exist when I was there—it started a few years after I left. Now, the school is much larger, with more facilities and a broader range of opportunities for

What advice would you give to current Pupils?

MARK AND EDDIE IZZARD (FAR LEFT), C.1972

What was that experience like as a governor at Bede’s?

I became a governor in 2012, the same year my youngest son left the school. It was fascinating to see the school from a different perspective—not just as a Pupil or a parent, but as someone involved in the decision-making process. Being a governor is like going behind the scenes of a theatre; you see all the hard work that goes into making the school run smoothly. It’s a rewarding role, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility, especially when it comes to managing finances and property development.

What were some of the key projects you worked on as a governor?

One of the things I focused on was bringing more structure to how projects were managed. Before, there was a tendency for projects to go over budget or for the estates team to be pulled in too many directions. We implemented processes to ensure that projects were tightly defined, properly budgeted, and completed on time. I was also involved in the planning and development of new boarding houses, which required a lot of foresight and collaboration with the estates team.

My advice would be to make the most of your time at Bede’s. There are so many opportunities to explore different interests and discover what you’re passionate about. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. The experiences you have at school will shape you for the rest of your life, so take advantage of everything the school has to offer.

Do you still keep in touch with anyone from your time at Bede’s?

Yes, I still keep in touch with a few people from my school days, although it was a long time ago. Social media has made it much easier to stay connected, which is something I didn’t have when I left school. Back then, once you left, you often lost touch with people. It’s great to see that my sons and their friends are able to stay in touch so easily now.

What are some of your fondest memories of Bede’s?

There are so many happy memories. I remember playing rugby in the snow and hockey during a whiteout when we couldn’t even see the ball! It was a different time, and some of the things we did back then wouldn’t be allowed today, but it was all part of the

A MESSAGE FROM A FORMER GOVERNOR

experience. I also have a lot of fond memories of the teachers, who were such a big part of making the school feel like a family.

You mentioned your father also attended Bede’s. Do you have any mementos from his time there?

Yes, I have a photo of the whole school from 1919, with my father in it. He wrote the names of everyone he could remember on the back of the photo, which is a wonderful piece of history. I also have a little silver lapel badge of the old school logo, which I think was given out during the centenary celebrations. It’s a nice reminder of the school’s long history.

What’s next for you now that you’ve retired from being a governor?

I retired last year after 11 years as a governor, and I’m looking forward to having more time at home with my wife. I’m also retiring from work in May, so I’ll have even more time to enjoy life. I’ve been told by friends who’ve already retired that you end up busier than ever, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the next chapter holds.

Any final thoughts on your time at Bede’s?

Bede’s has been such an important part of my life and my family’s life. It’s a school that creates lasting memories and lifelong friendships. I’m

incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had there, and I’m proud to have been able to contribute to its continued success as a governor. It’s a special place, and I’ll always look back on my time there with great fondness.

JACK MCFADDEN (MARK’S DAD), IN SCHOOL UNIFORM WITH PET DOG GYP, ON THE BEACH AT EASTBOURNE, ABOUT 1920.

SCHOOL PHOTO 1967; MARK SITTING FRONT ROW, ALSO THIRD FROM RIGHT!

SCHOOL PHOTO 1919 - MY DAD IN FRONT ROW, THIRD FROM RIGHT.

AN ARTICLE MY DAD WROTE FOR THE EASTBOURNE HERALD, IN 1991

BACK IN TIME! PREP SCHOOL 1995

PREP SCHOOL NEWS

As the Summer term concludes, I find myself filled with deep admiration and gratitude for the extraordinary commitment, fortitude, and accomplishments displayed by every member of our school community. This period has undeniably served as a powerful affirmation of our shared pursuit of excellence and progress.

Our pupils have wholeheartedly embraced the plethora of learning experiences presented, securing numerous triumphs and consistently demonstrating courage, compassion, curiosity, and conscientiousness. Throughout this term, we have commemorated a multitude of successes spanning academics, athletics, cocurricular and the creative arts. Our pupils have continually showcased their inherent talents and shown determination in all that they do.

My sincerest appreciation goes out to our exceptional staff. I am immensely thankful to our team of staff who have worked tirelessly to create a nurturing and stimulating educational atmosphere. I extend my thanks to our parents for their invaluable involvement and unwavering support.

BREAKTIME ENGINEERS

A group of enthusiastic pupils gave up their breaktimes to take part in an exciting and ambitious project: building a working hovercraft!

What began as a group activity quickly turned into a dedicated mission for two determined Year 8 pupils, James and Rushil, who saw the project through from start to finish. With only around 15 minutes a day available—just after a quick snack—the pair worked diligently over a little more than two weeks, demonstrating real commitment and resilience.

This STEM project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of a parent of one of our Year 7 pupils, Mr Ingram. He provided the initial inspiration, a detailed list of materials, and clear instructions, along with links to purchase the necessary components. Not only did he guide us through the technical aspects of building a hovercraft, but he also made himself available to answer our questions throughout the process. His involvement was invaluable and a wonderful example of how parental support can enrich the educational experience.

The result? A fully functional hovercraft and two very proud pupils! James and Rushil’s persistence, curiosity, and teamwork truly paid off, and they’ve inspired others to think creatively about what can be achieved during even the smallest pockets of time.

Well done to all who took part, and a special thank you to our parent volunteer for helping bring this fantastic project to life!

As we prepare for a well-earned summer break, I encourage you to take every opportunity to fully embrace the therapeutic effects of the great outdoors. I hope your summer is filled with cherished memories, relaxation and sunshine!

Wishing you all a safe, happy and enjoyable summer break.

Mrs Morris, Head of the Prep School

Ms Brown, Head of Faculty for STEM

PRIZE GIVING

On Saturday 28 June we congratulated this year’s prize winners and marked the last day at Bede’s Prep School for our Year 8 pupils. The morning began with a welcome from our Chair of Governors, Nicholas Mercer, followed by a review of the year from Leigh-Anne Morris, Head of Bede’s Prep.

In Bede’s tradition, we were once again delighted to welcome a special guest speaker to the ceremony. This year, we were joined by Bonita Norris, who inspired pupils, parents and staff alike with her incredible story before presenting some awards to this year’s prize winners. Bonita is a world-renowned adventurer and was the youngest person ever to reach both the summit of Everest and the North Pole in 2010. She has been on five Himalayan expeditions and has reached the summit of some of the world’s highest mountains.

As always, there were wonderful performances from some of our accomplished musicians, as well as a delightful vocal reprise from this year’s show, “Dare to Dream”. Our Head of School, George, and Deputy Heads of School Darcey and Lily, gave impassioned speeches about their time at Bede’s.

Prize Giving concluded with families enjoying a light lunch and refreshments on the Lawn overlooking the lake, for one last time together ahead of the summer break.

Mrs Morris, Head of the Prep School

PREP SCHOOL NEWS

PERFORMING AND CREATIVE ARTS “TASTER” EVENT

It was a genuine pleasure to welcome our new pupils and their families to an immersive morning of artistic exploration at the Prep School. This special event offered a unique “peek behind the curtain,” particularly for parents, who rarely get to participate in the engaging weekly artistic activities their children experience.

The morning began in the theatre, where Mrs Burdekin led dynamic drama games and improvisation exercises. She expertly demonstrated the numerous benefits of these enjoyable activities, highlighting their role in building confidence and fostering creativity. Following this, families moved to the art room, where Ms Armitage guided them through an exciting printing workshop. This hands-on experience allowed everyone to create their own artwork, providing a tangible memory of their day to take home.

The morning culminated back in the theatre with me orchestrating a vibrant session of singing and instrumental music. The collaborative atmosphere had everyone enthusiastically participating, creating a truly memorable finale. It was a fantastic, fun-filled morning for all, and we are thrilled to announce our plans to make this enriching experience a more regular event in the future.

Mr Farley, Head of Faculty for Performing and Creative Arts

ENGINEERING WORKSHOP FOR YEAR 7

Year 7 pupils completed a day of Science and Mathematics at the Senior School, aided by some of their most capable Year 10 pupils.

The day began with a “prisoner’s dilemma” style game to test the bounds of trust and collaboration. The pupils were then briefed to plan, design and build a bridge to withstand as much weight as possible across a 30cm gap. They also experienced some workshops designed by the Senior School staff, ranging from a tricky centre-of-mass experiment to puzzles (2D and 3D) and probability.

Finally, pupils tested their bridge designs to the point of destruction! Each team had assembled a functional bridge of sufficient length to cover the gap, but only one would be the strongest. All entries were impressive, given that the spaghetti and glue—the only resources available to them—were themselves not strong enough to hold more than a hundred grams.

The sturdiest bridges, however, successfully held far more than that. “The Bridge of Despair” buckled at 0.9kg, “The Trust Bridge” at 1.3kg, and the “I Don’t Mind” bridge withstood an impressive mass of 1.8kg. The absolute strongest was team “Le Bron”’s bridge, which was capable of supporting a whopping 2.7kg before reaching breaking point.

Congratulations to all who took part, but in particular to Dylan, Lily, Amelia, Oliver and Charles of the winning team.

Ms Brown, Head of Faculty for STEM

PREP SCHOOL NEWS

What a fantastic term it’s been for environmental achievements at the Prep School! Eco Week was an absolute triumph, bursting with opportunities for everyone. The creativity on display for our recycled model competition was fantastic – everything from ingenious robots to the cutest family of recycled mice! Well done to all who took part.

Our Year 3 and 4 adventurers had a glorious day connecting with nature during their visit to Lewes Wildlife Reserve. The sun shone as they enthusiastically took part in pond dipping, discovering a fascinating array of wildlife, including newts, fish, and all sorts of incredible pond creatures. What a memorable experience! They also tried some plant identification challenges and learnt more about the sustainability of early man’s hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

The winners of our annual Eco-writing Competition were treated to an unforgettable visit to the inspiring Knepp Rewilding Project. Imagine their delight at not only spotting nesting storks but also being serenaded by the beautiful song of a nightingale! A truly special reward for their thoughtful writing.

This year’s Eco Week also saw the introduction of some exciting new activities, including the nail-biting Whole School Section Eco Quiz, which had everyone on the edge of their seats; bravo to Raven! Of course, we also enjoyed some much-loved traditions, like the ever-popular Blackout Day! It was wonderful to see so many classes embracing outdoor learning—fortunately, it was a glorious day of sunshine! Our Pre-Prep pupils had a special treat with environmental-themed story time in the Library, thanks to Ms Guevera, our School Librarian.

To top off the week, our “Bring and Buy” second-hand book sale was a resounding success, promoting sustainability and raising funds for the vital work of the Marine Conservation Society!

Our green-fingered Gardening Club is also thriving this Summer term. Our eager young gardeners have been busy planting a wonderful selection of wildlife-friendly plants, including winter jasmine, lavender, a holly tree, and buddleia, all carefully chosen to encourage even more beautiful creatures to our school environment.

Looking ahead, we’re taking some significant steps to reduce our environmental impact. We’re currently installing timer switches on some of our charging points, which will make a real difference to our energy consumption. Plus, keep an eye out for the roll-out of our brand new recycling system this term – making it even easier for us all to contribute to a greener future!

A huge well done to everyone for their enthusiasm and commitment to our eco initiatives this term. Let’s keep this positive momentum going through the summer and into the new year!

Miss McDonell, Eco Lead

ECO WEEK

PREP SCHOOL NEWS

YEAR 7 ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT MASTERCLASSES

Pupils in Year 7 were invited to take part in three masterclass sessions at the Senior School in June.

In the first session, pupils developed their confidence in public speaking as well as their grasp of persuasive techniques through debating. In the second session, pupils were encouraged to use graphs in an entirely fresh and dynamic way. They were then given the challenge of creating an animal represented by mathematical formulae on an online graph. In the

STEM WEEK

Our school was buzzing with excitement as pupils from across the year groups took part in a vibrant and enriching STEM Week, packed with hands-on experiences, inspiring talks, and future-focused learning.

Workshops delivered by Hyett Education introduced pupils to the world of robotics and drone technology, allowing them to explore programming, engineering, and teamwork in action. Meanwhile, the Medical Mavericks workshops gave children a fascinating insight into the human body and the science behind sports and medicine. Pupils tested their reflexes, used real medical equipment, and learned how technology is transforming modern healthcare.

We were also proud to welcome two of our very own parents, Mr Lee and Dr Gutierrez, who spoke to pupils in Years 6 to 8 about their careers in STEM. Their engaging talks inspired many thought-provoking questions and showed pupils the exciting possibilities open to them in the future.

Throughout the week, pupils built hovercrafts and took part in a thrilling murder mystery cryptography challenge, where pupils used code-breaking skills to uncover which teacher had committed a fictional “murder” in school! Pupils also explored a wide range of STEM careers during tutor time discussions. In Science lessons, pupils were challenged to think critically and solve problems in a themed STEM escape room, which tested both their scientific knowledge and collaboration skills.

STEM Week was a powerful reminder that curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking lie at the heart of learning – and it’s these very qualities that will prepare our pupils for the future.

final session, pupils explored the world of Forensic Science and Medicine through learning about blood types and completed lab work to identify different blood types.

Mrs Jones, Curriculum Project Lead

Ms Brown, Head of Faculty for STEM

PREP SCHOOL NEWS

BEDE’S EXPERIENCE DAYS

The 7NS and 7SW forms both had a wonderful time on their respective Bede’s Experience days at the Senior School, following the success of 7DG’s experience day in the Spring term. They were welcomed in by the Senior School staff and, after a talk explaining the day, they embarked on a series of team building games and challenges.

The children were then interviewed about their hopes and dreams for life in the Senior School. It was a great opportunity for the children to ask questions of the staff too. They then went off to

experience a range of activities from cookery to sports, giving them a taste of what a Bede’s Senior School day may be like.

They shared lunch with the school prefects and they have left a very positive impression!

Mr Atkinson, Head of Year 7

TREASURE ISLAND PERFORMANCE FOR YEARS 3 TO 6

Pupils in Years 3 to 6 were incredibly fortunate to attend the Senior School’s sensational production of Treasure Island. This thrilling adventure on the high seas was skilfully brought to life by the immensely talented cast and crew, leaving our younger pupils captivated.

It was particularly inspiring to see so many alumni Prep School Bedians in leading roles, showcasing their exceptional dedication and talent. Furthermore, the vital contributions of those working tirelessly behind the scenes truly highlighted the collaborative spirit of Senior School productions.

The visit to the impressive Miles Studio was thoroughly enjoyed by all, igniting ambitions within our Prep School pupils to get involved in future productions once they reach the Senior School. This experience undoubtedly provided a wonderful glimpse into the exciting theatrical opportunities that await them.

Mr Farley, Head of Faculty for Performing and Creative Arts

PREP SCHOOL NEWS

YEAR 2, 3 AND 4 PERFORMANCE OF WIND IN THE WILLOWS

What a spectacular treat our Year 2, 3 and 4 pupils delivered with their production of Wind in the Willows! It was clear to everyone just how much effort and hard work went into bringing this magnificent and vibrant show to life. The dedication of every single pupil paid off brilliantly, resulting in one of the most popular and charming performances we’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting.

The cast was in great voice for some truly lively and memorable songs, including the much-loved “Watch out, it’s Mr Toad!” We enjoyed stellar performances from the whole cast, who transported us right into the heart of the Wild Wood and along the riverbank. After all, as Ratty so charmingly puts it, who doesn’t love “spending an afternoon pootling along the river in a rowing boat”? Bravo to all involved!

Miss McDonell, Year 4 Form Teacher

VOCAL CONCERT

Our Vocal Concert provided an excellent platform for our pupils to showcase their abilities in front of an enthusiastic audience. Although performing in public can be daunting, the support and encouragement the performers offered one another was genuinely heartwarming.

This year’s concert was particularly special. It featured a diverse range of performances from pupils across various age groups. Each act was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for singing.

The concert was an excellent showcase of talent and a celebration of the community spirit within the School. We look forward to witnessing our young singers’ continued growth and achievements in the future!

Mr Farley, Head of Faculty for Performing and Creative Arts

PREP SCHOOL NEWS

LEGAT SHOW, ‘A MOMENT IN TIME’

We are incredibly proud of the significant number of Prep School pupils who dedicate their Saturday mornings to developing their passion for dance at Bede’s Dance Academy. A perennial highlight of the Academy’s vibrant programme is undoubtedly the spectacular annual performance at the prestigious Congress Theatre, and this year’s production was truly exceptional!

With the captivating theme of ‘A Moment In Time,’ this year’s showcase was a stunning celebration of fleeting moments brought to life through exquisite movement and powerful expression. Over 90 talented young dancers graced the stage, including our very own Prep School pupils from Year 2 to Year 8.

The diverse repertoire beautifully showcased a wide range of dance styles, from the grace of Classical Ballet and the fluidity of Contemporary, to the energy of Jazz, the rhythm of Tap, and the theatricality of Musical Theatre. We extend our warmest congratulations to all our pupils for their outstanding involvement in such an extraordinary and memorable event. Their dedication and artistry were truly inspiring!

Mr Farley, Head of Faculty for Performing and Creative Arts

DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY

The theatre was filled with joy and excitement in June as 19 talented pupils from Years 3-7 took to the stage for our annual Dance Choreography Competition.

This year’s event was a truly special occasion, highlighting the incredible creativity and dedication of our young dancers. The competition provided a fantastic platform for pupils to showcase their artistic vision. Each participant was responsible for creating their own unique choreography, selecting their music, designing costumes, and even choosing lighting colours to enhance their performances.

We saw a wonderful variety of pieces, from captivating solos and dynamic duets to harmonious trios and energetic group routines. The atmosphere in the theatre was warm and supportive, with parents in attendance to cheer on our performers. We were immensely proud of the exceptionally high standard of choreography on display. It was truly inspiring to witness our pupils express themselves so freely and, in many cases, collaborate with classmates they might not typically work with.

We were honoured to welcome back Miss Huggett, a familiar and much-loved figure, to judge the competition. Miss Huggett expressed her delight at seeing the dancers again and was

particularly proud of the significant progress they have made since she last saw them in December. She thoroughly enjoyed all the performances, but a special mention goes to our welldeserved winners:

Year 3, 4 and 5 Category:

1st Place: Maria, Delphi, and Sadie

2nd Place: Cadija and Sadie

3rd Place: Delphi

Year 6 and 7 Category:

1st Place: Xanthe

2nd Place: Maggie-Jo, Penelope, Peyton, Amelia, and Tilly

3rd Place: Lexi and Katya

Congratulations to all the participants for their outstanding efforts and memorable performances! The Dance Choreography Competition 2025 was a resounding success, demonstrating the vibrant talent and collaborative spirit within our school community. We eagerly anticipate next year’s event!

Mrs Ullah, Head of Dance

130TH ANNIVERSARY OF BEDE’S PREP

This year marks a significant milestone for Bede’s Prep as we proudly celebrate our 130th Anniversary – a testament to 130 years of unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering enduring memories for both students and staff. The celebrations kicked off with a heartwarming journey down memory lane as alumni returned to tour the Prep school, their footsteps echoing with fond recollections of years gone by.

Former students and staff members strolled through familiar corridors, each corner sparking anecdotes and laughter. Alumni pointed out classrooms where lifelong friendships were forged, sports fields where victories were celebrated, and quiet nooks where formative moments unfolded. The tour served as a powerful reminder of the impact Bede’s Prep School has had on countless lives, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that bind generations together.

Following the walk down memory lane, the celebrations continued in the dining hall, where a mouth-watering afternoon tea awaited. This provided the perfect setting for attendees to delve into a fascinating collection of memorabilia, carefully curated to showcase the rich history of the school. How fortunate were we too, to have one of our Alumni bring along a box filled with photographs from his days at Bede’s. These old photographs sparked animated

conversations, yearbooks brought smiles and knowing nods, and treasured artifacts offered tangible links to the past. It was a joy to witness the room abuzz with shared memories, connections being rekindled, and the vibrant spirit of the Bede’s Prep community shining brightly.

For the Alumni team, being part of this special day was an absolute privilege. Hearing the heartfelt stories, witnessing the sheer joy on faces as cherished times were recalled, and learning even more about the deep-rooted history of the school left a lasting impression on us all. It reinforced the enduring power of community and the profound significance of the formative years spent within the walls of Bede’s Prep School.

The celebratory spirit continued into the weekend, culminating in a delightful evening Spring ball held locally at the prestigious Grand Hotel on Saturday. The evening proved to be an absolute triumph, filled with warmth, laughter, and a palpable sense of pride in the school’s legacy. A particular highlight of the evening were the inspiring speeches delivered by a current Prep School student and Heads of School. Their words eloquently embodied the very spirit of Bede’s Prep – its values, its aspirations, and the bright future it continues to cultivate.

130TH ANNIVERSARY OF BEDE’S PREP

It was truly heartwarming to witness an alumnus engaging in conversation with the current students after their speeches. He took the time to thank them for their insightful words and shared his own fond memories of his time at Bede’s, creating a beautiful bridge between past and present. This interaction perfectly encapsulated the enduring bonds that the school fosters and the way in which the Bede’s Prep School spirit transcends generations.

The 130th Anniversary celebrations were a resounding success, a testament to the strong sense of community and the lasting impact of Bede’s Prep School. It was a time to reflect on a remarkable history, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with continued dedication to creating memories for generations of students and staff to come. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and cherished moments at Bede’s Prep School.

130 YEARS OF BEDE’S: A PERSONAL REFLECTION

From Student to Teacher; Rob Scamardella recounts his time as a student at Bede’s Prep School.

“It was a true privilege to speak recently, surrounded by familiar faces — old friends, dedicated teachers past and present, and the wider Bede’s family — as we celebrated the remarkable 130th anniversary of the Prep school. For me, Bede’s Prep was nothing short of a life-changing experience, deeply woven with memories of music-making and treading the boards. From the moment I first stepped through its doors, I genuinely felt that I belonged.

During my time at the Prep School, music, drama, art, and the entire co-curricular sphere were the very heartbeat of the school. In the 21st century, we often speak of the importance of a joyful education, one where every child finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance. I can honestly say that Bede’s Prep, even then, allowed me to flourish and recognized me for who I was, and indeed, who I am today.

I recall with immense fondness the sheer array of opportunities: the gala concerts, often led by the then Director of Music, Andrew Barclay; singing in the choir; playing in the orchestra; and experiencing truly wonderful teaching from staff who genuinely cared about our development. Bede’s Prep truly felt, and still feels, like an extended family. An inspiring teacher is one who lights up the classroom, shining a light not just on a particular subject, but arguably, on life itself.

Beyond music, there was a man whose quiet, incisive wisdom and pioneering spirit shaped not just the rhythm of Bede’s, but its very soul: Mr. Peter Pyemont. Many of you will remember him as the pioneering Headmaster from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. He, and his brother Christopher, were educators in the truest, old-fashioned sense. You never quite knew if Peter was about to challenge you to a debate, assign you a new book to read, or gently call you out on a slightly subpar English essay.

Peter was truly one of a kind – a visionary who passionately believed in educating the whole child, a belief Bede’s Prep still firmly upholds. I’m sure I speak for many when I say that Peter saw everyone’s potential, not just in the classroom, but equally on stage, in the music room, or even on the freezing touchline of the Hollow. He was an inspiration, and he genuinely cared. I can still picture him writing up match reports with his Parker pen and Quink blue ink – even in the mid-1990s, this was a charming eccentricity! Peter (and

later Christopher) didn’t just allow people to flourish; the Pyemont brothers insisted upon it.

One of my fondest memories is of the Spring Gala Concert in 1995; marking the school’s centenary. We performed Fauré’s Requiem and sang as a choir alongside the great soprano Dame Felicity Lott – what an incredible opportunity that was! It felt truly special to be part of something greater than the sum of its parts. The Pyemonts encouraged us with a quiet determination. We were always being taught to find ourselves and to let that true voice within us – be it sporting, academic, musical, or dramatic – sing openly and proudly.

So, as we reflect on 130 years of this remarkable institution, I invite you to think back to your own memories of Bede’s: this inspiring location at the foot of the South Downs, the friendships forged, the lessons learned, the inspiring teachers, or simply the feeling that you left Bede’s Prep School having become something greater; because of your time there.

That was, and is, Bede’s Prep School at its best. Here’s to Bede’s, and to 130 years of being one of the foremost independent schools of its kind.

130 YEARS OF BEDE’S: SPRING BALL

130 YEARS OF BEDE’S: SPRING BALL

130 YEARS OF BEDE’S: SPRING BALL

YEAR 13 PREP SCHOOL VISIT

Once again, the familiar grounds of our Bede’s Prep School welcomed back its Year 13 pupils – now on the cusp of adulthood, but still very much the same curious, spirited children who once filled its corridors. This year’s visit was marked by an even larger group than before, their arrival bringing with it a renewed sense of joy, laughter, and nostalgia.

The day began with a lunch, which was nothing short of exceptional, showcasing the talents of Bede’s caterers, Holroyd Howe. The menu featured Slow Braised Beef Featherblade, served with Pavé Potatoes, Vegetable Panache, Beetroot Purée, and a rich Red Wine Jus. For those opting for a vegetarian delight, the Spring Vegetable, Mushroom, and Tomato Risotto crowned with a crisp Parmesan Tuile was met with quiet appreciation. The grand finale—a Red Berry Pavlova—was a sweet reminder of how special it is to come home.

As they sat down together in the familiar dining hall—now beautifully set with linens and delicate centrepieces— the pupils were no longer just guests, but young adults reflecting on the journey that began here. Conversations flowed easily, laughter echoed, and stories of their younger selves were shared with warmth and pride.

The pupils were then sent off on a tour of the school, hosted by the head of the Prep School, Leigh-Anne Morris. The pupils eagerly retraced their steps from years past. Familiar classrooms, playgrounds, and hallways sparked exclamations of recognition: “This was the best classroom,” and “It smells exactly the same!” Moments like these transported everyone—pupils and staff alike—back to the formative years of school life.

True to tradition, a handful of boys decided to rekindle memories with an impromptu running race across the school

playground —just like they had done all those years ago. It was a moment of unfiltered joy and reflection, bridging the years in the most charming way. I believe there was also some jealousy from the year 13’s of the brand new playground area!

The visit was also a time to celebrate all they have become. From university offers to personal milestones, the achievements of our pupils were rightly recognised. These successes reflect not only their individual efforts, but also the enduring impact of the values learned here: resilience, kindness, curiosity, and community.

As the afternoon drew to a close, hugs were exchanged, photos taken, and promises made to return again. For all its changes, Prep remains a place of continuity and connection—a place where friendships were born, and where the future feels just a little more grounded in the past.

We look forward to welcoming our Year 13’s back again—next time, as proud alumni.

YEAR 13 PREP SCHOOL VISIT

MEET OUR NEW HEADS OF SCHOOL

Our new Heads of School have been appointed for the academic year 2025/2026! Brooke and Jack will take on the roles of Heads of School, while Jessica and Ernie are our new Deputy Heads of School. We asked them a few questions to get to know them as they start their new roles...

Brooke - Head of School

Tell us about your time at Bede’s...

I joined Bede’s in the last term of First Year and have loved it ever since. As soon as I started I threw myself into every opportunity that came my way, whether that was being on stage, in the pool and even in the classroom. Throughout my time at Bede’s I feel like I really have grown as an individual, going through the ‘school doesn’t matter’ phase to really pushing myself to achieve the best academic results I can. I’ve been given some incredible opportunities which I believe have really helped me come out of my comfort zone and allowed me to become more confident and comfortable in myself. However I wouldn’t be able to do it all without the support of my teachers and friends who I am forever grateful for and wouldn’t be here without.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role? I am most looking forward to working alongside all of the school prefects to help make all of the pupils at Bede’s feel a sense of belonging. I’d like to be able to be more involved with the pupils, listening to pupil voice and making changes where we can. I’m excited to see what new initiatives we all come up with and which ones we will be able to pursue throughout our time as prefects. I hope we are able to give something back to the school as it has given us all so much.

You have one book, one film and one album to take with you to a desert island - which do you pick?

This is such a hard question to answer because I love so many films and books. I would have to say that the book I would choose to bring with me would be ‘Good Vibes, Good Life’ by Vex King. It’s not an exciting fiction book but it’s one of my favourite nonfictions I’ve ever read. It’s a very inspirational book and really opens your eyes to the importance of healthy relationships and the little things in life. My film would be ‘Notting Hill’ because I really love a romcom and I could watch that film over and over and never get bored (I also absolutely love Hugh Grant as an actor). My album pick would be ‘Loveseat’ by Still Woozy because I think it’s a perfect mix between chill and upbeat and I’m always listening to his songs on repeat!

MEET OUR NEW HEADS OF SCHOOL

Jack - Head of School

Tell us about your time at Bede’s...

I joined Bede’s in Year 6. Since then, I’ve tried to take any opportunities I can to help myself grow as a person. I’ve learnt a lot about myself by having the opportunity to play tennis for the school but also in all the other offcourt opportunities I get. I have tried to surround myself with a great group of people. Bede’s has given me a huge number of opportunities which has helped me get to where I am now!

whole school or trying out for a sport I’ve never played before.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

I am most looking forward to having a greater impact on the school community and becoming a role model that the younger years can look up to. I am also looking forward to working with the other prefects and I am excited to see what we can all achieve together. In addition, as the new Deputy Head of School I can’t wait to work alongside the Bede’s Foundation team and raise money to offer future pupils the ability to study at Bede’s that otherwise would not have the opportunity to.

You have one book, one film and one album to take with you to a desert island - which do you pick?

What are you most looking forward to in your new role? I am most looking forward to making the most of the position by trying to encourage other pupils to also take all the great opportunities given to them by Bede’s. I’d like to be a great role model to them. I also look forward to coming up with new ideas with the great prefect team that we have this year to help create an even stronger sense of belonging!

You have one book, one film and one album to take with you to a desert island - which do you pick?

My book would be ‘Open’ by Andre Agassi because I have read it at least four times before and it always interests me how his life as a professional tennis player developed and all the challenges he had to overcome on his journey. If I was to take a film with me it would have to be ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ since it’s my favorite from the Harry Potter series. I’m not a big album person but if I had to take one I would take ‘Being Funny in a Foreign Language’ by The 1975 since there are a few songs on there that I like.

Jessica - Deputy Head of School

Tell us about your time at Bede’s... I joined Bede’s in First Year. Before that I lived in Bermuda for the whole of my life. I’m telling you this because when I joined Bede’s I was also fairly new to living and schooling in the UK. Right from the start, Bede’s made me feel welcomed. With the opportunities Bede’s has presented to me, I have gained confidence and a willingness to embrace new challenges that push me out of my comfort zone, like speaking in front of the

The film I would take is ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ because it would keep me entertained whilst being on a desert island. A book I would take is ‘Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ because it would keep me busy. Lastly, the album I would take would be ‘Melodrama’ by Lorde.

Ernie - Deputy Head of School

Tell us about your time at Bede’s...

Moving to Bede’s was the best decision I ever made. From the sporting opportunities to the academic support and the general atmosphere around the school. Joining in Year 10 I found it easy making friends and the pupils and staff made me feel welcome. I am a keen cricketer and that was something that I was able to pursue 3 to 4 times a week. I have come a long way in terms of academics, specifically with my English ability. I’d have never gotten such a strong grade without the wonderful Dr Savage and Mr Cheshire. Now taking Maths, Further Maths and Physics for my A levels, I am enjoying every moment that I have here and am excited for the future.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role? I like the idea of being able to influence things for the better within the school, for example I think that Year 9s should get more public speaking opportunities.

You have one book, one film and one album to take with you to a desert island - which do you pick?

The book that I would take to a desert Island would be ‘How to Think like a Mathematician’. The film would be ‘Snatch’ produced by Guy Ritchie. As far as albums are concerned I am torn between ‘Ten’ by Pearl Jam and ‘Dirt’ by Alice in Chains. Musically I’d have to go for ‘Ten’ as I think it is the more complete album.

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS: ACADEMIC

This article is based on a short presentation I gave at the new parents’ welcome evenings this week — where I was delighted to meet so many of the families who will be joining us in September. We covered a lot in a short space of time (as is often the way at Bede’s), but I hope this version offers a more relaxed summary of what academic life here is all about. For those already part of the school community, I’m sure you’ll join me in giving a warm welcome to the new pupils and parents — and perhaps quietly enjoy the knowledge that it’s no longer you sitting nervously in the Recital Room trying to remember the names of all your new friends and teachers.

At Bede’s, we work hard to strike the balance between high academic standards and a genuinely individual approach to learning. We know that the most meaningful academic success comes not from a one-size-fits-all model, but from pupils feeling known, supported, and challenged in the right ways.

Looking ahead to 2024–25, we’re excited about some of the developments that will help us do this even better. One area of focus is the way we use Artificial Intelligence — both as a tool for teacher productivity and in the way we guide pupils to use it responsibly and effectively. We’ve also been thinking more carefully about how we support pupils in identifying their “normal way of working” — which, for many, is a big step towards academic confidence and independence.

Our outcomes remain a point of pride. In 2024, Bede’s was ranked 54th out of 2,481 schools in the UK for value-added progress — placing us well ahead of many high-profile schools. This reflects not just raw results, but the journey pupils take from where they start to where they finish — something that we think is a much truer measure of a school’s impact.

But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Behind those outcomes are the structures we have built to support each pupil’s journey. Our subject offering is exceptionally broad — from Maths, Chemistry and History to BTECs in Sport and Production Arts, from Japanese and Music Technology to Sustainability and AI. We support this range with personalised pathways, careful curriculum planning, and regular guidance.

Beyond the classroom, our Academic Mentoring Programme ensures that those who need extra structure or encouragement receive it — with clear goals, weekly check-ins, and communication with home. Our After School Academy now offers over 100 sessions each week, running at lunchtimes, after school, and even on Saturdays. And our Sixth Form Futures Programme — from EPQs to university preparation, lectures to competitions — means no pupil runs out of ways to stretch themselves.

We could name many success stories — pupils like Immy, who is taking GCSE Maths early and won a national poetry competition, or John, who works closely with a mentor and has made outstanding progress this year. But these are just two examples of the kind of individual growth we see every day.

Yes, academic results are important. But so too is the experience of getting there. At Bede’s, we want every pupil’s academic story to feel like their own — and to be one they’ll be proud to tell.

Nicholas Abrams Assistant Head: Academic

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS: STEM

BIOLOGY CHALLENGE

Every year the Biology department is amazed by the exceptional Biologists we have at Bede’s especially when we annually enter the Worldwide Biology Challenge for 14-15 year olds. It is an opportunity to compete against other budding Biologists from 750 schools dotted across the globe.

Biology is a challenging and fascinating subject that impacts every moment of our day so it is important to absorb as much knowledge of life processes as possible in this ever changing landscape. We are so proud of those pupils who have thrived in this competitive Biology Arena.

42,000 Pupils took part in this year’s 2025 Biology Challenge completing two rigorous papers. To give an idea of the competitiveness the scoring boundaries are:

Gold - 90% (Top 5% in the World)

Silver - 86% (Next Top 10% in the World)

Bronze - 81% (15%)

Highly Commended - 76% (15%), Commended - 70.5% (15%)

Bede’s Pupils achieved 4 Gold’s, 5 Silver’s, 7 Bronze’s, and 15 Highly Commended and Commended. These were our best ever results!

Special mention should go to our 4 Gold Winners: Toby Cutler (96%), Himson Wong (95%), Immy Oscroft (94%) & Joseph Berry (91%). Congratulations also to our Silver winners - Jack Parkinson, Molly Burden, Missy Martin-Jenkins, Leila Pace, Darren To - all scoring above 86%. Well done also to our Bronze winners - Bay Ellis, Jessie Hiscox, Charlie Crane, Nithil Kongala Liyanage, Sophie Bahadur & Jesse Mclean Young, who all scored above 81% too.

All these remarkable Bede’s pupils are currently studying towards their GCSE and so it is no wonder with these Biology Challenge successes that our exam results are excellent and Bede’s pupils achieve high levels. (2024 results 48% Level 9 ; 74% Level 9 - 8, 91% Level 9 - 7)

Nancy Morton-Freeman Head of Biology

FORENSICS MASTERCLASS: CSI BEDE’S

Last week, our budding scientists participated in an engaging forensics masterclass that transformed Lab 6 into a bona fide crime scene investigation unit. Our young detectives from the Prep School were tasked with solving the case using forensic techniques.

The highlight of the masterclass was the blood sample testing activity. Pupils learned about blood types and used simulated blood samples to narrow down the list of suspects. They discovered how different blood types react to various substances and how this knowledge is crucial in forensic investigations.

Key skills developed during this activity included observation and documentation skills, scientific testing and analysis as well as learning about how to form a hypothesis and draw conclusions based on careful assessment of the evidence.

This hands-on experience not only reinforced scientific concepts but also promoted critical thinking, teamwork, and problemsolving skills. We talked a little about the terminology they would come across in science exam papers and why it is important to be precise in your thinking. It was wonderful to see our Year 7s so engaged and enthusiastic about applying their knowledge in a practical scenario and I had so many questions!

I can see some seriously keen and capable scientists coming up to us in the next couple of years and they took a real interest in our Bede’s STEM pupil alumni posters. No doubt they were imagining their own journeys into Forensics, NASA or Medicine.

Julia French Head of STEM Faculty

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS: STEM

LOWER SIXTH BIOLOGY TRIP TO KEW GARDENS

In June the Sixth Form biologists spent a gloriously sunny, but very hot day at Kew Gardens, exploring the plant collections in Kew’s magnificent Victorian glasshouses.

The pupils were tasked with producing a photo journal to document the plants they found including plants that had specialist adaptations, interesting relationships with other organisms and specific medicinal uses.

Their journey of discovery started in the Princess of Wales Conservatory where they were able to learn about carnivorous plants, stone plants and spot the giant carp which shared its watery home with the world’s smallest water lily.

In the waterlily house they saw a dazzling array of waterlilies and other aquatic plants, some which had only recently been classified using DNA profiling studies.

In the Palm House they experienced the amazing rooftop walkway which is accessed via a spiral staircase, allowing them to get an aerial view of the canopy and see how Kew’s scientists take ‘air cuttings’ to propagate some of the worlds rarest and most difficult to propagate plants.

In the Temperate glasshouse they were introduced to some of the world’s rarest and most critically endangered plants that Kew are instrumental in helping to save, including rare cycads, an ancient lineage of seed producing plants that evolved over 270 million years ago.

‘The Power of the Oak’ was an interactive and thought provoking installation that displayed and overlaid the data from LIDAR, CT and Photogrammetry scans of the 250 year-old Lucombe Oak onto an image of the oak tree, allowing pupils to see the movement of water and sugars through the vascular system of the plant, as well as the underground network of fungi that enable trees to communicate with each other. The Treetop Walkway gave them a bird’s eye view of the canopy and amazing views across London.

Freya Price Mathematics Teache r

LEGO LEAGUE CHALLENGE ADVENTURE

This past term, a team of enthusiastic pupils from our school embarked on an incredible journey, diving headfirst into the exhilarating world of the First LEGO League (FLL) Challenge competition! Far more than just building with colourful bricks, FLL is a global programme that ignites a passion for science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) through hands-on learning, teamwork, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.

From the moment we received this year’s challenge, the buzz in the air was palpable. The FLL Challenge isn’t just about creating a robot; it’s a multi-faceted experience that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. Our team was tasked with designing, building, and programming an autonomous LEGO robot to complete a series of missions on a themed mat, all whilst tackling a real-world “Innovation Project” that required research, creative solutions, and a presentation to a panel of judges.

The journey was filled with countless moments of collaborative fun. We spent hours in lively discussions, brainstorming innovative robot designs and refining our programming strategies. There were moments of triumphant cheers as our robot successfully navigated a tricky mission, and equally, moments of collective head-scratching when a programme didn’t quite go to plan – all part of the learning process! Through it all, our team learned the invaluable lessons of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of drawing on each other’s strengths.

Participating in the First LEGO League Challenge has been an unforgettable experience. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the journey of discovery, the thrill of collaboration, and the development of essential skills that will serve us well in the future. We’ve learned that STEM can be incredibly engaging, that challenges can be overcome with teamwork, and that even the most complex problems can be tackled with a bit of creativity and a lot of LEGO bricks!

We wholeheartedly encourage any pupils looking for an exciting and enriching challenge to consider joining our First LEGO League team next year. You might just discover a passion for robotics, a knack for innovation, and an incredible amount of fun along the way!

Robyn Ferreira Science Teacher

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS: STEM

WOMEN IN STEM

A group of Year 10 girls who especially enjoy STEM subjects (maths, sciences and computer science) were invited to Lab 7 by Dr Carville to hear from Valeria Chorna over Google Meet. Valeria attended Bede’s a few years ago and currently studies Physics at Berlin Technical university so knew a lot about both studying at Bede’s and studying STEM subjects in general. Over the hour, we learnt a lot about how she got to the incredible position she is in today and how important STEM subjects can be. Furthermore, both Dr Carville and Valeria spoke to us about their experiences studying STEM subjects as women - something which is improving however still comes with some challenges. One that stood out to me and the other girls was the experience of doubting your ability when compared to boys who can often be more vocal and confident about their skills in STEM subjects, and it was really reassuring to hear that this was also felt by some very intelligent and aspirational women. Though the takeaway between us was mainly how cool and interesting Valeria is, we also learnt about how important it is for everyone - but especially women - to support each other in STEM fields and how vital STEM subjects are to society.

Immy Oscroft Lower Fifth pupil

YEAR 6 ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Have you ever wondered how well a Year 6 pupil would plan a colony on another planet?

We welcomed a group of primary schoolers from Polegate School to test out our new Space Design challenge and give them the opportunity to see how well they would design a large-scale colony on Mars. It was a huge challenge for the young pupils but they collaborated brilliantly and soon started to assign leaders and roles.

Divided into two groups, they had to compete against each other and the clock to complete a design with everything from human factors, communications and structure design to building materials, robotics and long-term planning for the mission’s energy supply.

They were given a short introductory briefing by Mr Richards and had some staff and Sixth Form pupils on hand to help out, but in the main, they had to research, plan and design everything themselves.

The end result were some imaginative designs, a great deal of ideas for how the colony was to operate and a highly successful day that the pupils found rewarding and interesting. They learned to work well together in large teams with assigned roles and all contributed to their team’s success. There were some innovative design ideas for robotics and one team managed to plan the construction stages in detail. Both teams showed a keen awareness of the need for a renewable energy solution.

It was a close run thing between both teams (Hellas and Olympus Mons) but the overall winners (the Hellas Foundation) received their medals for an outstanding design.

A huge thanks to our dedicated Sixth Formers, supporting staff and the visitors themselves.

Matthew Peattie Mathematics Teacher

ALUMNI NEWS: LERA CHORNA

An Inspiring Journey into STEM: Dr Suzanne Carville has a conversation with Alumna Lera Chorna

It’s always wonderful to connect with our alumni and hear about the incredible paths they’ve forged since leaving Bede’s. Today, we have the pleasure of sharing a truly inspiring conversation with Lera Chorna, who kindly gave up her time to talk with Dr Carville and L5th students, Lera is a Bede’s alumna who is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the Technical University of Berlin. Her journey into the world of STEM is a testament to curiosity, perseverance, and the boundless opportunities these fields offer. We hope her insights will ignite a passion for STEM in all our students, especially the bright young women considering a future in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Lera, with your diverse talents, you could have pursued so many different paths. What ultimately drew you to choose STEM A-levels?

My initial experiences at my previous school definitely steered me towards STEM. I had the opportunity to work on a small project with my physics teacher where we modeled and restructured a disused water power plant in my hometown. That was my first real glimpse into the incredible scope of possibilities that STEM subjects offer. It was incredibly eye-opening!

That sounds fascinating! Can you tell us more about your experience, particularly with Physics A-level, at Bede’s? Physics at Bede’s was incredibly diverse and engaging. We weren’t just learning concepts; we were actively experimenting and exploring! We also went on a number of exciting trips. The absolute highlight was our trip to CERN in Switzerland, where we even got to go into the underground buildings of the Large Hadron Collider. That experience truly broadened my understanding of everything that’s possible to achieve with STEM subjects.

The Large Hadron Collider is indeed an amazing place! For those who might not know, it’s a 27-kilometer particle collider that stretches beneath Switzerland and into France, where the Higgs boson was discovered. Scientists smash particles together at incredibly high energies to uncover new secrets about the universe. It’s truly a marvel of modern science. What’s your most memorable memory from your STEM A-levels?

It’s hard not to name the Switzerland trip as the most memorable! But beyond that, the other experiments we conducted and simply learning together were experiences I still cherish. Physics is very much about hands-on experience, experimenting, and investigating. It’s not just about the practical side; it’s also about trying to gain a deeper understanding of why the universe is the way it is. It’s an exciting journey you embark on with your teachers as you explore these complex ideas.

Would you recommend STEM A-levels at Bede’s to prospective students?

Absolutely! I had such a positive experience with all the subjects I studied at Bede’s. It was also really refreshing to have two teachers for most of our subjects; it provided different perspectives and teaching styles.

Could you give us a brief summary of what you’ve been doing since your A-levels and what you’re currently working on?

After my A-levels, I decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, and I’m currently in my third year at the Technical University of Berlin in Germany. One of the main reasons I chose this degree is how broad it keeps your options. You learn about all the different areas of physics and can specialize later in your studies or career. More importantly, I’ve found that you learn how to get to the bottom of things and how to approach problems from first principles. You develop the skills to model and understand incredibly complex processes, which is incredibly valuable and applicable to almost anything you decide to do.

Physics can take you to incredibly diverse places. You can study space, or you can focus on resource management here on Earth. In my studies, I’ve explored various fields; for example, I did an exchange semester in Paris where I delved into the physics of the atmosphere and ocean dynamics. That turned out to be a fascinating field, helping me understand how seemingly unrelated processes are governed by fundamental principles.

Right now, I’m embarking on my bachelor’s thesis, which will examine the interplay between the atmosphere and glacial and sea ice in the Arctic.

I’m also incredibly interested in that! Additionally, I’ve taken a turn towards geosciences and am taking some geology modules this semester. In fact, today I’m coming from a 40 km bike ride around Berlin where we were looking at how the local landscape was shaped and reshaped by glaciers and different periods of glaciation. Beyond my studies, I also have a student assistant job at a company research institute that works in communications technology, specifically with optic fibers, lasers, and diodes. We’re working on creating new technology to enable even faster communication. STEM really equips you with the skills to do a vast array of things, and it’s truly up to you to decide where you want to go.

ALUMNI NEWS: LERA CHORNA

You’ve already shared some brilliant advice, but if you had one main piece of advice for any student, especially any girl wanting to go into a career in STEM, what would it be? I think it would be to believe in improvement and to trust the process. Often, pursuing STEM feels like an investment. You might find yourself wondering, for example, in your math lessons, why you should care about calculating the slope of a line or graphing a parabola. But with each new step, the previous one begins to make sense. It might feel frustrating at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding to realize you’ve reached the next level and everything clicks into place. Also, talking to people and working together is something I absolutely love about my studies. We’re really encouraged to work in groups, and those collaborative moments have probably been some of my most cherished memories. It’s the supportive community that truly makes it all worthwhile.

Did you have to overcome any obstacles, particularly genderbased ones, or did anyone ever question why you were pursuing physics?

In my year, about 40% of the students studying physics were girls, which is great to see! Overcoming obstacles, like solving challenging problems, really builds a sense of confidence that you carry throughout your life – a sense of expertise and knowing your own worth.

It’s wonderful to hear that the numbers are improving, and it seems to be evening out more at the university level. We definitely need more women in STEM to keep that positive trend going, don’t we?

Absolutely. One thing I’d like to add is that what I love about physics and its community is how full of open-minded people it is. It takes courage to admit when you’re wrong and to question your own assumptions, as well as the assumptions of others, especially those in positions of authority. I’ve met so many amazing people who are genuinely passionate about what they do, not just pursuing it for future prospects. They truly care about their work.

And like I said earlier, a career in STEM doesn’t necessarily mean research or academia; in fact, that’s not even the most popular choice. Many people who study physics go into incredibly diverse fields. For instance, many recent advances in artificial intelligence models are actually coming from statistical physics, as they’ve discovered many connections between these two branches and are applying similar statistical methods to develop these new models.

Immy, a Year 10 student who participated in the interview, shared her reflections:

“A group of Year 10 girls who especially enjoy STEM subjects (maths, sciences, and computer science) were invited to lab 7 by Dr Carville to hear from Lera Chorna over Google Meet. Lera attended Bede’s a few years ago and currently studies Physics at Berlin Technical University, so she knew a lot about both studying at Bede’s and studying STEM subjects in general. Over the hour, we learned a lot about how she got to the incredible position she is in today and how important STEM subjects can be. Furthermore, both Dr Carville and Lera spoke to us about their experiences studying STEM subjects as women—something which is improving; however, still comes with some challenges. One that stood out to me and the other girls was the experience of doubting your ability when compared to boys who can often be more vocal and confident about their skills in STEM subjects, and it was really reassuring to hear that this was also felt by some very intelligent and aspirational women. Though the takeaway between us was mainly how cool and interesting Lera is, we also learned about how important it is for everyone—but especially women—to support each other in STEM fields and how vital STEM subjects are to society.”

Lera’s journey exemplifies the power of STEM to open doors to incredible opportunities and contribute to a deeper understanding of our world. Her advice to trust the process, embrace collaboration, and believe in continuous improvement resonates deeply, especially for young women embarking on their own STEM adventures. We are incredibly proud of Lera and grateful for her inspiring insights. We hope her story encourages more students to explore the exciting and impactful world of STEM!

CLASS OF 2021

HOUSE: DORTER

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS

COMPETITION WINNERS

DAY

OUT AT THE KNEPP ESTATE

To reward the top seventeen winners and runners up from the eco-writing competition, and to provide them with a unique enrichment opportunity, the English Department laid on a day trip on Tuesday 29th April to the wonderful Knepp Estate in West Sussex. Author of the award-winning non-fiction publication Wilding, Isabella Tree and her team have, over a number of years, managed a unique and innovative rewilding project at their rural estate in West Sussex. The site is an education for all, and brimming with inspiration for enthusiastic nature writers. Bede’s writing competition winners from both the Prep and Senior Schools converged at Knepp to share a day of walking, pausing and observing, creative and descriptive writing, and exploring and considering the great nature writing of classic and contemporary authors. It was a genuinely wondrous day as stalks flew overhead, the calls of cuckoos and nightingales filled the air, and the sun shone perfectly on a riot of natural abundance. A uniquely Bede’s day.

LIT ACADEMY

We couldn’t have had a better crescendo for the Lit Academy than Year 13 English Literature pupil Zoe Whittington presenting ‘Steinbeck and feminism; Anaxagorou and post-colonialism’. All present - both teachers and pupils from across the year groups - were stunned by Zoe’s accomplished, knowledgeable and grown-up presentation of complex material, balanced with such a friendly and accessible manner. Humbling for teachers; and an invaluable demonstration of a standard to pupils in the younger years. What a great example of pupils inspiring and influencing each other. So much so that fellow Year 13 pupil Holly HamiltonAndrews felt inspired to volunteer to present, and on 13th May, the day before she sat an A Level English paper, a thoroughly prepared and sophisticated delivery on Post-colonialism: Derek Walcott; Eco-criticism: Frankenstein The audience of 17 pupils and 4 staff were responsive and appreciative, and Holly particularly inspired a group of First Year and Lower Fifth female pupils who seemed to identify with her: what a fantastic encouragement, and something the teachers simply cannot provide. To arrive back after the May half term to Joe Curtis’ professional and energetic exploration of Dickens revisited, ‘Copperfield vs Copperhead - why do we remix Dickens?’, was, however, pure joy. Mr Curtis’ Southern States accent was a highlight!

Our final session saw our brilliant young pupils presenting their own chosen texts, and we had such an inspiring range: Max Lowton presented on Oliver Sacks’ seminal work The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Toby Cutler read Shelley and Poe, Joseph Berry looked at street murals inspired by classical music, Nithil Liyanage expired Sri Lankan proverbs, Immy Oscroft read a series of nature poems, and Miranda Johnson gave a stunning presentation on Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a Queer text. It was a wonderful end to the term, and we can’t wait for more sessions in the next academic year!

Jane Savage Assistant to the Head of Faculty

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS

A Term of Triumph in Performing Arts!

As the academic year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on an exceptionally productive term within the Performing Arts faculty. It scarcely seems a moment since we were immersed in the joyous celebration of our pupils’ prodigious talents at the Performing Arts Celebration Event – a truly memorable evening where 50 pupils were justly honoured for their dedication and artistry. Final Assembly and Speech Day will further underscore these achievements, with the Head Master presenting Colours to those who consistently demonstrate commitment to the Performing Arts. Coveted School Colours are for pupils who have represented us beyond the school gates, be it with the National Youth Theatre, National Youth Orchestra, or various other esteemed performances.

The artistic pulse of the term has vibrated with two particularly thrilling productions: Legat’s captivating ‘A Moment in Time’, which took centre stage and the adventurous Junior Show, ‘Treasure Island’. These ambitious undertakings not only afforded our pupils the invaluable opportunity to experience the exhilarating immediacy of live performance but also rigorously honed the stamina and collaborative spirit essential within the rehearsal room.

Beyond the footlights of our main stages, we have also proudly witnessed many of our diligent LAMDA actors and RAD dancers bravely undertake their demanding performance examinations this term; we now await their results with eager anticipation, confident

PERFORMING ARTS

that their hard work will be richly rewarded.

Next year will begin with auditions for the School Musical, Les Miserables on Thursday 4 September, closely followed by our first event Bede’s Fest on Saturday 6 September.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Performing Arts Staff for giving our pupils a truly wonderful experience to grow and develop through fantastic lessons, productions and events this term and throughout the year. Mr Scamardella, Mrs Pennington and Mr Rennison describe more of the wonderful events that have taken place.

Karen Lewis Director of Performing Arts

PERFORMING ARTS DRAMA

It gives me immense pleasure to update you on the vibrant and ambitious activities undertaken by our drama pupils this term. It has been a period filled with creativity, collaboration, and remarkable performances, showcasing the dedication and talent within our department.

One of the most exciting ventures has lain our preparation for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Dawn King’s The Trials. This dystopian drama delves into weighty themes of justice, morality, and survival in a world grappling with a climate emergency. Our pupils have been deeply engaged with the challenging material, exploring a near-future setting where children act as jurors, asking whether they are delivering justice or merely seeking revenge. This production promises to be a thought-provoking theatrical experience, and we are incredibly proud of the pupils’ commitment to bringing this story to life.

We also recently completed an extraordinary Expedition Day Immersive Theatre performance. This unique experience, based on the travails of Danish explorer Peter Freuchen, plunged our First Year pupils into the harsh realities of the Arctic. Pupils, acting as “travellers,” were guided by facilitators and challenged to build basic shelters from, experienced a simulated storm and the challenges of a shifting landscape, including being “roped together” to navigate unstable ice. This innovative performance fostered a deep appreciation for survival and human connection. The pupils embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, demonstrating adaptability and ingenuity.

Beyond these major productions, our pupils have been busy with a variety of other theatrical endeavors. We saw fantastic performances of Treasure Island and our LAMDA exams continue to be a significant focus. We also hosted First Year sharing of “An Incident at the Border” for an invited audience and our Lower Fifth GCSE pupils submitted their portfolios and completed their assessment sealing of 40% of their course.

The term began with our Lower Sixth heading off to the Lyric Hammersmith to witness a fresh revival of the rarely produced “Ghosts” by Henrik Ibsen and we ended the term with the highly anticipated trip to see “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” at the Phoenix Theatre. This prequel to the popular Netflix series was a highly sought-after show, and we were delighted to offer this opportunity to our pupils, many of whom were celebrating the end of their summer examinations.

It has been an incredibly productive and inspiring term for Academic Drama. I am consistently impressed by the dedication, talent, and adventurous spirit of our pupils. Thank you for your continued support, which allows us to provide these enriching and transformative experiences.

Will Rennison Head of Academic Drama

PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC

As the warmth of summer envelops us, so too does the echo of a truly remarkable term of music at Bede’s. This summer term has been a vibrant tapestry woven with passion, and extraordinary talent, showcasing the very best of our pupils, from budding young musicians to our seasoned performers. It is with immense pride and joy that we reflect on the myriad of performances, workshops, and enriching experiences that have filled our diaries over the past nine weeks.

The term began with an immediate and captivating dive into the world of performance. The Musical Theatre Showcase on May 7th was an absolute triumph, filling the Recital Room with an infectious energy. Curated by our esteemed singing teachers, Mr. Simonetti and Ms. Ramm, this event saw pupils of all ages take to the stage, delivering a diverse range of vocal duos, solos, and ensemble repertoire. It was a testament to the hard work and guidance provided, and a wonderful demonstration of the depth of talent within our school community. The sheer joy and confidence radiating from each performer were truly inspiring, reminding us all of the power of music to uplift and connect.

Hot on its heels, the tranquil setting of the Chapel provided a serene backdrop for the first Chapel Concert on May 8th. This event offered a unique opportunity for our music scholars to perform in the beautiful surroundings of Holy Trinity, Upper Dicker. Open to all members of the Bede’s community and local residents, it was a cherished half-hour of reflection and musical immersion, allowing everyone to escape the everyday rush and appreciate the artistry of our pupils.

One of the most anticipated events of the musical year, the final of the Bede’s Young Musician of the Year, which took place on May 12th in the Recital Room. This highly prized competition saw our most promising young musicians compete for a coveted £100 gift voucher for concert tickets of their choice. Adjudicated by Mr Roy Hilton and Dr Shuo Pan, our wonderful piano teachers, the standard of performance was exceptionally high, making the decision undoubtedly challenging for the judges. Congratulations to all who participated, and a special commendation to our brilliant winner, Ella Von Mullen, for her outstanding achievement. This event truly underscores our commitment to nurturing and celebrating individual musical excellence.

A truly poignant and always special occasion was the Leavers’ & Summer Recital on May 21st. This evening provided a unique opportunity to bid a heartfelt farewell to our senior musicians who are leaving us at the end of the Summer Term. For many, their musical journey at Bede’s has spanned five years, possibly more, and this recital was a chance to hear their extraordinary talents for one last, memorable time. The depth of emotion and artistry on display from Maya Goswami, Pame Mariscal, Josh Ting, Patrick Rodohan and Basie Sturdee was a testament to their dedication and the profound impact music has had on their lives during

their time with us. We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours and look forward to hearing about their continued musical successes.

Speech Day on June 27th, a highlight of the academic year, also featured significant musical contributions. As part of the celebrations, we were treated to captivating performances from soloists, ensembles, string ensembles and jazz musicians gracing the lawn. Music truly elevates the celebratory atmosphere of Speech Day, and our musicians played an integral role in making it a memorable occasion for everyone.

The crowning jewel of our summer term musical endeavours is undoubtedly the Music Tour to Bruges, Belgium, taking place from June 28th to July 1st. A dedicated group of our brilliantly talented musicians will embark on this exciting adventure, performing in two prestigious concerts: one at The Church of Our Lady (OLV Kerk) and the other at Sint-Michielskerk, both in Bruges. This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity for our pupils to showcase their talents on an international stage, experience different cultural settings, and create lifelong memories. Beyond the performances, the tour also includes enriching cultural experiences, such as a visit to a famous chocolaterie and a relaxing canal boat cruise. We wish our musicians and accompanying staff, Mr. Scamardella, Mr. Aburn, and Mrs. Lewis, a truly unforgettable and successful tour!

The success of this incredible summer term of music would not be possible without the unwavering dedication of our pupils, the tireless efforts of our exceptional music staff – and the invaluable support of our parents and past pupils. Your encouragement, commitment, and belief in the power of music are what truly make our programme flourish.

As we reflect on a term brimming with outstanding performances and enriching experiences, we are reminded of the profound impact music has on our lives. It fosters creativity, builds confidence, encourages collaboration, and provides a universal language that transcends all boundaries. We are immensely proud of every single pupil who has contributed to this vibrant musical tapestry.

Thank you for being a part of our musical journey this summer. We eagerly anticipate another year filled with the joyous sounds of Bede’s music!

Robert Scamardella Director of Music

BACK IN TIME!

PERFORMING ARTS

LEGAT DANCE ACADEMY

I am thrilled to announce that Bede’s Legat Dance Academy has been awarded a Recognised School status with the Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. Being a CDMT Recognised School means we have met the high national standard for quality and safety, set by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre in the UK. This recognition assures parents and pupils that the school operates with professional policies, employs qualified and vetted staff with proper safeguarding in place, and maintains a commitment to excellent training and pupil wellbeing. Essentially, it’s a mark of industry-approved good practice and a guarantee of a safe, high-quality learning environment.

This is a huge testament to our brilliant faculty who consistently go above and beyond to support and nurture our pupils.

The Performing Arts departments came together on Thursday, April 24th, for an evening of reflection and celebration. We gathered to acknowledge the past year’s remarkable achievements and to express our sincere gratitude to all our pupils as they embark on their exams and to say goodbye to our leavers.

While every single pupil in our faculty has contributed to our vibrant and thriving community and is deserving of recognition, we dedicated a portion of the evening to honour those exceptional individuals who consistently surpass expectations in the studio. We are immensely proud of each and every one of our pupils so selecting a few for special awards required careful consideration, focusing on those who not only meet but consistently exceed the demands of their studies, demonstrating an unwavering commitment and inspiring those around them. It was truly heartening to witness everyone come together, sharing

in the collective joy of their accomplishments.

Our annual BTEC Showcase took centre stage in the Miles Studio on Wednesday, April 30th. This event served as a crucial culmination of months of hard work and dedication for our Level 2 and Level 3 Performing Arts BTEC pupils. The day provided them with invaluable time for technical rehearsals, meticulously refining lighting cues, sound design, and stage management for their final devised pieces before the eagerly awaited evening performance for family and friends.

The energy and commitment displayed by all year groups involved were truly inspiring, and we were incredibly proud to witness their collaborative spirit flourish. Their innovative and imaginative approaches to their final projects were nothing short of impressive, showcasing a remarkable blend of individual creativity and exceptional teamwork. From intricate choreography to compelling narratives and dynamic staging, each piece reflected their unique artistic voices and their ability to work seamlessly together.

It was an absolute joy to witness their hard work, passion, and creativity come to life on stage, and we extend our very best wishes to them as they await their final marks, confident that their dedication will be reflected in their results.

We’ve received truly extraordinary results for the RAD Ballet exams, with pupils achieving a host of High Merits, Distinctions, and even a coveted High Distinction for Lucy Lester. Not to be outdone, our pupils also excelled in the Rambert Grades exams, with every single pupil receiving a Distinction and an outstanding Distinction* for Lara Prenzlin! These outstanding achievements are a huge testament to the dedication and hard work of our talented dancers, as well as the unwavering commitment and exceptional teaching of our faculty.

We recently held our annual Farewell Barbecue, a heartwarming event where we thanked our graduates and leavers and celebrated the year’s many successes. It was a wonderful opportunity to play some games, enjoy each other’s company, and hear speeches from our departing pupils. We know they’ll go on to do wonderful things and hope they’ll stay in touch and visit us at our alumni events. A huge congratulations to Lara Prenzlin, who’s off to Wilkes Performing Arts Academy; Malena Bywell, who’s heading to Italia Conti; and our Dance Captain, Hannah Millen, who will continue her training at Bird College!

Sherrie Pennington Head of Bede’s Legat Dance Academy

PERFORMING ARTS

What an extraordinary display of talent our pupils delivered in “A Moment in Time” at The Congress Theatre on Thursday, June 19th! Everyone who saw it undoubtedly witnessed something special. From our youngest performers, just 7 years old, to our 18-year-old graduates, each one graced the stage with remarkable confidence and professionalism. Their achievements have filled us with immense pride, truly showcasing their dedication and skill.

This show was an absolute triumph, with every single pupil excelling on stage and creating cherished memories for themselves and the audience. Beyond the dazzling routines, the experience of live performance was invaluable for building character, fostering confidence, and developing stage presence. We were particularly moved by the incredible kindness backstage; pupils consistently supported and cheered each other on, embodying a true company spirit. “A Moment in Time” wasn’t just a show; it was a truly special shared journey for everyone involved.

For anyone who would like to watch this production again, grab your popcorn and head to our youtube channel!

Here are just some of the wonderful messages received from parents and audience members.

“I just wanted to say WOW! The show was incredible. Exciting, emotional, slick….you really know how to put on a show! The dancers were remarkable and the singers were wonderful. I cried, yes I did. Twice! Thank you.”

- Bede’s Teacher

“We were at the show last night and were blown away! Such joy, energy, creativity, talent, enthusiasm and professionalism. Well done everyone! You were amazing.”

- Audience Member

“I wanted to congratulate you on what a beautiful show you put on tonight, the range and quality of material truly blew me away. From the teenies to your lovely graduates everyone was given their time to shine and their commitment to their dancing was so clear. I feel so proud to be a Legat alumni.”

- Legat Alumni

“Wow! What a fantastic evening. The talent, the choreography, the stunning costumes, the lighting, the incredible variety and the way each piece flowed seamlessly into the next was absolutely outstanding and breathtaking. The buzz during the interval was electric - everyone enthralled at the incredible talent. Every year I think you will never be able to top the previous year but this year’s show was on a whole new level. Absolutely stunning and a real treat to watch. I think I went through all the emotions whilst watching from sheer admiration, laughter and tears.”

- Audience member

Mark your calendars now for Friday 19th June 2026!

Sherrie Pennington Head of Bede’s Legat Dance Academy

PERFORMING ARTS

SPORTS BOYS’ CRICKET

The 1st XI have had a very up and down season. We started the season really well winning 5 on the bounce but unfortunately couldn’t keep that momentum going. We felt confident that we would progress to the semi finals of the Langdale Cup but losing poorly to Eastbourne and then Seaford meant we didn’t qualify. We had a very competitive game against Eton but having bowled them out for 186 couldn’t put enough partnerships together and frustratingly came up just short

It was great that we finished the season strongly with convincing victories against Ardingly and Eastbourne. Some notable performances from Rupert Anderson, Jack Coughlan and consistent runs from captain Zach Webb were the highlights of the season. But undoubtedly the most popular performance was the century by Toby Leonard

All players have at times put in some great performances and all have been committed to Bede’s cricket for which I am very grateful.

The U14A team developed and improved throughout the season. They played 13 matches, winning eight, convincing wins against Hurst, Cranleigh, Eastbourne and Whitgift showed how strong they became. Also reaching the Semifinals of the Lords Taverners National County Cup and Holdsworth Cup was a terrific effort.

Outstanding individual performances from Zach Hockley scoring 100 V Christs hospital, Nithil Kongala Liyanage taking 5-3 meant two young cricketers on the Honours Board. Also

consistent outstanding all-round performances from Angus Connolly and Fin Bremer made a very strong unit. All the players developed and improved throughout the season, especially the fielding and running between the wickets, two areas we also focus on as young cricketers.

A very successful season and a U14 squad that really worked hard, played for each other and enjoyed their cricket which made them a pleasure to coach.

Alan Wells and Neil Lenham Director of Cricket and Cricket Coach

EQUESTRIAN

We have had a great term with the Bede’s Equestrian team. We have been taking part in the National Schools Equestrian competitions to get the team qualified for the National Championships in October held at Addington Equestrian Centre. We have qualified in both the novice and intermediate classes so we will be preparing for these in October.

We also had a fantastic few days at the national finals at Hickstead in May. Chloe Bremer jumped a lovely quick round representing East Sussex. Bea Crawford also had a good day jumping a super round in the Arena Eventing class and finishing in the top 10!

We are now looking forward to the Championships in October.

Katy McKeogh Equestrian Team Manager

SPORTS

GIRLS’

FOOTBALL

What an excellent summer term it’s been for the Bede’s U15 girls’ football team! Their season culminated in a truly unforgettable experience: a thrilling appearance at the PlayStation Schools’ Cup National Finals. This prestigious event took place at The Hawthorns stadium, the home of West Bromwich Albion, providing our U15 girls with the incredible opportunity to compete on a national stage. Playing in a professional football ground was undoubtedly a highlight and a moment they’ll cherish.

While they were incredibly unlucky to lose a very close game in the national finals, their performance throughout the entire season has been nothing short of outstanding.

A huge thank you goes out to all the girls for their hard work and dedication across all three terms. We’re especially grateful for the fantastic leadership shown by Sadie Gregory, Issy Ranger, Auden Ruelle, Niyah Hawtrey, and Ife Owoigbe. We also extend our best wishes and to Iris Rouwen, Maddy Franks, and Daniela Cadaval Garci-Crespo as they leave us at the end of the season. They’ve all been an integral part of the Bede’s football programme.

TENNIS

This summer has been one of our most successful to date. Both our boys’ and girls’ U18 teams qualified for Nationals (1 of only 4 schools in the country to have both a boys’ and a girls’ team), beating Lancing and Eastbourne College on the way. Our U15 boys also qualified for the knock out stages of Nationals winning the Sussex division.

The girls have been on fire winning U14 Sussex Schools County Championships, U16 Sussex Schools Independent League. The boys teams were victorious (winners) in the U15, U16 and U18 Sussex Schools County Championships. Our U18 boys also won the Sussex Schools Independent League beating Eastbourne College.

Meanwhile our development players have had a busy term of competing against Lewes Old Grammar, Sevenoaks, Lancing, Ardingly and Eastbourne College. It is fair to say tennis is buzzing at Bede’s and is the number 1 school to be at for tennis within Sussex.

GIRLS’ CRICKET

The girls have enjoyed the summer term’s cricket provision and fixtures. The girls had a great pre-season Tour in Antigua in Feb halfterm, and after 10 days of match play in Antigua, the girls were keen and eager for fixtures. The U17 squad enjoyed their successful run in the National Cup, losing to Bradfield in the quarter-finals, just missing out on Finals Day at Arundel. The U18 squad played well. The team and squad were frustratingly impacted by availability and exam timetables. The U15s have played numerous fixtures and progressed throughout the term. They are a super group and they will continue to improve. We have also enjoyed hosting some Sussex age group girls fixtures, and supported two local clubs.

David Byrne Director of Sport

Francesca Byrne Head of Tennis

Petch Lenham Cricket Coach

CREATIVE ARTS

As the school year draws to a close, we can’t help but echo the sentiments of Sandy Denny’s classic song, “Who Knows Where the Time Goes?” It feels like just yesterday our talented pupils started their journey at Bede’s, and now, many of our fantastic leavers are off to explore exciting new paths! We’re incredibly proud to see them find their passions, hone their skills, and confidently step into their chosen fields. Our Creative Arts pupils are heading off to study a diverse range of creative subjects, including Fine Art, Architecture, Animation, Art Foundation, Photography, Dance, Fashion Marketing, and Film.

This year has truly been a showcase of Bede’s artistic talent! From Cubist Cocktail Barmen to Zombie Posters, and beautifully crafted cabinets, the end-of-year Creative Arts Faculty Private View was a vibrant display of the hard work and success of our pupils. Each piece was a testament to their dedication and creativity, inspiring the next generation of artists.

We’re also still buzzing from the fantastic four-day Creative Arts Faculty trip to New York City! Thirty-eight pupils and staff enjoyed exploring iconic landmarks like the Rockefeller Centre and the Guggenheim Museum. Our pupils were truly exemplary ambassadors for Bede’s, and we’re already seeing the positive impact of this inspiring journey on their GCSE and Upper Sixth exam work. For more highlights, be sure to check out the Creative Arts Faculty Instagram and web sitehttps://bedescreativeartsfaculty.org/2025-end-of-year-show

Beyond the Big Apple, our Media department had an exciting visit to Pinewood Studios for a first-hand filmmaking experience, and our third annual Oscars night was and brilliant celebration of the Bede’s film makers. Ceramics pupils were inspired during their annual trip to Pot Fest and we also had a wonderfully creative clay modelling event for parents and Upper Sixth pupils from Bloomsbury House, which was filled with laughter and amazing artistic creations – even raising generous donations for the Demelza charity!

As our Upper Sixth embark on their new adventures, we encourage them to embrace every opportunity, fill their time with adventure, and never underestimate the power of their unique talents. They are bright, talented young people with incredibly promising futures, and we know they’re well-equipped to achieve great things!

Jonathan Turner Head of Creative Arts Faculty

CREATIVE ARTS

ROUND THE HOUSES

This term has been short but action packed in Stud House. Where do I start? Two years ago we won the inaugural House Dance Competition, this year, with a daring interpretive dance routine, we await the results with bated breath. We also go into House Athletics as the reigning champions so we shall see if we improve on our haul from last year and if we retain the prestigious ‘Tug of War’ competition.

We’ve had lots of trips out this year to give the boys a treat. The Lower Sixth have been to the Plough for a ‘pie and a pint’ (alcohol permissions permitting!).

The Upper Sixth will be doing the same in the coming week. All of the boys will be involved in either Futures Week (Lower Sixth), enrichment days (First Year), or Sixth Form taster week (Lower Fifth), and obviously the Upper Sixth, Pre-Sixth and Upper Fifth slogged their way through the GCSE, BTEC, and A Level exams.

We said our usual sad goodbyes to the Upper Fifth, Pre-Sixth and Upper Sixth leavers (the Leaver’s Ball was spectacular) but we also waved farewell to a few boys who were only here for a year. Our loss will be the gain of schools throughout Germany, Mexico and Spain. We will be waving goodbye to Ms Finat Duclos who has been a resident tutor in Stud for a number of years. Although we will miss her greatly, Laure will be ably replaced by Louise Lister, the Bede’s Trust Clinical Lead.

We at Stud wish all who are associated with the House a Happy Summer break and we look forward to the new academic year with new and returning pupils.

However, the icing on the cake of a very successful Summer Term was Dorter House winning the House Dance competition for the second year running!

This term we have enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea; ice-cream evenings; fire pit and s’mores; Love Island viewing plus water fights and boardingwide activities. This was all on top of the girls taking either their final exams for our Upper Fifth, Pre-Sixth and Upper Sixth or their end of year assessments. In addition to this we had pupils participating in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions; LAMDA awards; ballet exams and preparing for the end of year Legat show. What was lovely throughout this was watching everyone in house supporting one another and being the biggest cheerleaders.

One of Dorter’s main social events this term was our Leavers’ Afternoon Tea. This gave us the opportunity to say goodbye to our exceptional Upper Sixth girls and wish them well in the next stage of their lives. This year there was even a rap performed by two of our leavers which led to much laughter!

At this time of year, we have to say goodbye to some of our Dorter family. We have been incredibly honored to have all of these pupils in Dorter and we will miss all our leavers very much. We encourage all the Dorter family to stay in touch. The Dorter Team is so grateful to have been part of everyone’s journey in Dorter and we wish all our pupils a fabulous summer!

This has been another action pack and incredibly fun term in Dorter House and even though the girls have been studying hard there has been lots of time for fun and friendships. The end of term concluded with House Athletics and House Comps where Dorter girls were utterly incredible!

It has been a fantastic Summer Term in Camberlot House! We have felt an incredible sense of community and positive spirit, combined with a sense of relief for all our pupils who sat internal and external examswell done to all involved.

Our senior pupils enjoyed a range of special events, from the formal Leavers’ Ball to the relaxed Upper Sixth Leavers’ Barbecue and the dedicated Upper Fifth Leavers’ Lunch - all with the aim to celebrate their contributions to the House and for those leaving to wish them well for future endeavours.

ROUND THE HOUSES

Weekends were filled with informal fun activities, including games on the lawn and cosy evenings toasting marshmallows on the fire pit, creating memorable moments of togetherness.

House trips also provided fantastic opportunities for bonding across year groups, with the Lower Fifth heading to the bowling alley and both our First Year and Lower Sixth heading to Crazy Golf. This programme of social events, activities, and trips has strengthened bonds between Camberlot brothers and cultivated a vibrant and cohesive atmosphere, ensuring the “Camberlot spirit” shone bright at the end of a busy term.

What an exceptional term it has been for Charleston House.The warmer weather brought with it adventurous kayaking and paddleboarding sessions. It was inspiring to witness everyone developing new aquatic abilities, and a remarkable demonstration of courage was evident from all, with Ella, Sophie, and Jennifer particularly excelling in their daring on the water.

A fantastic new initiative, Friday afternoon gatherings with pizza and ice cream, was expertly orchestrated by our House prefects. This proved to be a resounding triumph, fostering a wonderful atmosphere for relaxation and camaraderie across the House.

Our involvement in the various inter-House challenges truly highlighted the collective determination within Charleston, with every pupil wholeheartedly dedicating themselves to achieving success for our community. The enthusiasm displayed by all was extraordinary.

The Legat performance, ‘A Moment in Time,’ presented at The Congress Theatre, featured an exhilarating display by our incredibly gifted dancers: Mia, Nina, Daisy, and Mimi. Their artistry and commitment added significant sparkle to the end-ofyear showcase.

Our Sixth Form media pupils achieved great recognition at the Media Oscars, garnering many nominations and accolades! Georgie and Megan particularly captivated the audience with their remarkable creative projects, reflecting their dedication and flair

Alongside these vibrant activities, our pupils diligently navigated their recent examinations, a substantial undertaking that they approached with focus and perseverance.

Finally, the Art Exhibition proudly displayed some magnificent creations by Flo and Daisy, underscoring their considerable talent. The term also culminated in a superb House collaboration: an entertaining and humorous musical video rendition of “We Will Rock You,” brilliantly brought to life by Massi and Jasmine.

It has been a genuine pleasure to witness such diverse talents flourish and such a strong sense of unity thrive within Charleston House this term. My sincere congratulations to everyone for their invaluable contributions!

It was another busy term for Dicker House. First, many congratulations to the Upper Sixth and Upper Fifth who rose brilliantly to the challenge of completing their public exams. Their positivity and determination was admirable. Thank you also for the considerate atmosphere created by the rest of the house.

The annual sports event showcased numerous impressive individual efforts across a variety of challenges. Bella deserves special acknowledgement for her outstanding House commitment, stepping forward to represent us in events that needed participants – her dedication was truly admirable. The day’s absolute peak moment was undoubtedly securing a decisive victory over Crossways in the final of the Tug of War!

This term we saw the official placement of George Davenport as our new Head of House, ably supported by his deputy Jack Coughlan. We thank Harry Burgum and James Berry for their amazing work in their roles as Head of House and Deputy. We wish George and Jack all the best in their new roles.

This time we also continued with our journey into what it means to show positive masculinity. The boys continued to make nominations for role models within our community. As well as these, the boys made over three hundred gratitude nominations to those people who

ROUND THE HOUSES

deserved their thanks.deserved their thanks. This was great to see.

Academically, we were once again the most successful boys’ house in the school for effort grades; a remarkable twenty eight Dickerites achieved straight 4’s for either classroom engagement, independent study, or both! This is over a third of the house! We are very proud of all of their efforts. Keep going everyone!

In cricket, we had no less than six members of the first eleven! Congratulations to Zach Webb, Toby Leonard, Jack Coughlan, Ben Dye, Rupert Anderson Holmes and Archie Hall. Congratulations to Toby Leonard in particular, who recently scored a century to get his name on our Bede’s honours board.

In the Arts we were brilliantly represented in drama, music and performance by Will Dodsworth, Patrick Rodohan, Jack Tyrrell, Finn Leatherdale, Tom Lilley, Ben Mullis and Oscar Leatherdale.

On a sad note, we now say goodbye to our wonderful Upper Sixth who have been an outstanding year group. We wish you every success in the future and hope you will stay in touch guys. Thank you for all you have done for Dicker.

And so, the summer holiday beckons. Have a great break Dickerites. Thank you for the wonderful community that you are all such an important part of.

The pupils have shown true Bloomsbury House spirit this year with the utmost competitive edge in all the house competitions and events fighting for the top spot with just the summer house competitions to go.

We celebrated in style as a house for our formal dinner and evensong in March, supporting our house charity Demelza and welcoming our new head of house Romilly Smith and our deputy Erin White. Joining them in school and house prefectship too Corinna Noon, and house prefects Lily Flammen and Cordelia Farhey. The five of them have already led superbly, championing house competitions and being an advocate of people voice.

We’ve enjoyed many socials this year along with parent and pupil

clay night, pizza evenings and our paddle boarding trip in June (where we managed to choose the day it rained) but still the pupils had good fun as we kayaked up and down the cuckmere river.

The house has excelled academically this year celebrating many achievements with hundreds of merits being earned along with many distinctions and fortnightly ovations for those people who have really deserve recognition for their continued effort and house spirit. It’s been lovely to see all their achievements.

The house has had representatives in all manner of extracurricular from MUN debating to the junior play to music recitals, the Legat showcase, cabaret and many many sports teams including first team hockey cricket, netball, football and tennis.

The house has continued to work together with tutors on hand for support daily. I would like to take the opportunity here to thank the tutors for their ongoing hard work. The house would not be the same without them and they truly care for their pupils in their tutor groups and the house.

As the year drawers to a close it’s with much pride, and a little sadness, that we say goodbye to the current Upper Sixth. I feel a little bit like a parent as they fly the nest but I know they were going to do amazing things and I look forward to hearing stories of veterinary practice, teaching, midwifery and many other exciting opportunities that are going to come their way. They have been a truly special bunch who are Blooms to the core and really care. Their kindness is far reaching and they have led the house brilliantly. I know the Lower Sixth will step up into their shoes with pride. Wishing you all a wonderful summer.

The summer term saw the Deis House charity week, alongside having had a visit to our selected charity: the Chailey Heritage foundation at the end of the previous term.

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We had a tuck shop every breaktime for the week which was very popular, and baked goods brought in by some of our boys. Our pupils also engaged brilliantly with the car wash.

There was also a major resurgence of our Deis Active fundraising, which encouraged pupils to develop their independence in deciding how they would raise money.

On top of this, through the term our prefects took it upon themselves to run a pool competition in addition to the Fifa run last term. The innovation and effort of our team and the contributions and generosity of all the boys in the house raised a grand total of just over a thousand pounds for Chailey, so a brilliant total and a solid improvement on last year.

In terms of house competitions, it is very tight at the top, with our latest effort being a submission of our House Dance competition entry on the song “I Want to Break Free”. Therefore, there is everything to play for in the last round of Athletics and Summer House Competitions in general – fingers crossed!

As the school year draws to a close, we look back with immense pride on a truly buzzing term in Dorms House. The energy within the house has kept going through the exam season. We even managed to quell a mini-heatwave with exhilarating Slip-nSlide sessions and spirited water polo matches, turning warm afternoons into refreshing fun. Weekends have been filled with the aroma of BBQs and the delight of Nacho and Sushi making sessions, made all the more special by the new impromptu Dorms Cricket Pitch set up right outside our front door!

Our new motto, “Many Cultures, One Community,” has been truly embedded and embodied by the incredible camaraderie I’ve witnessed among the boys. Our house competitions and athletics have been a testament to this with the superb support and team spirit being shown. I saw pupils that I never thought I would see in athletics giving their all and being cheered on by the Dorms cowbells. Angus showed immense range, playing in the cricket match and performing drama battle. I was personally grateful for the sympathetic support shown to me after my

performance in the staff/pupils 100m relay.

Of course, it hasn’t been all play. Our GCSE and A-level pupils navigated their exams with impressive resilience and focus, with makeshift revision encampments being set up in various breakout rooms, showing their dedication. Their commitment has been inspiring, and we eagerly await the excellent results they so richly deserve in August.

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year in Dorms, we hold onto the memories created. To those of you leaving for adventures further afield I wish you all the best and look forward to your return with tales to tell. I extend my warmest wishes for a joyful and relaxing summer to all Dorms pupils and their families.

The Knights boys have packed an awful lot into this Summer Term. The final week brought Sports Day and House competitions and Oscar Bover and Sam Philipson impressed with their organisation skills. Particular mention should go to Patrick McGiveny Greenslade who volunteered to run in many of the races, contributing a huge amount of points.

The cricket team performed well thanks to the bowling of Beau Mills Bennison, the darts was dominated by Phoenix Holland and Freddie Hancox played in both senior and junior tennis. The quiz team of Bertie Williams, Ben Gregory, Tom Reynolds and Spencer Garman brushed aside the opposition with their knowledge of the 10 most southerly UK cities.

We also enjoyed a fabulous formal dinner this term. Dylan Sudan’s speech was a real standout moment and there were some impressive musical contributions from Charlie Osmond and Max Lowton. The night concluded with the

ROUND THE HOUSES

contest between Ryan Daunt and Harvey Boddy. Congratulations to Harvey for emerging the champion. The evening was a genuine celebration of individual and collective courage, spirit and personal development.

Knights pupils with some help from other houses also volunteered to help a charity with the kitchen service at our local Bluebell walk. The funds raised from the event are hugely important to a wide range of charities. Sam Philipson, Ned Marsh and George Lythgoe become Kitchen porters for the day. Well done to Archie White who completed a sponsored 60 mile walk for Cancer Research and to Dylan Sudan who ran the Brighton Marathon, raising a significant amount of money for charity.

At the start of every year we welcome new faces to Crossways and the end of year seems untouchable, but all of a sudden we are here again, reflecting on another super year in Crossways and the time spent here making friends and memories.

We say farewell to three in particular: Ella Gostling, Pame Mariscal and Mrs Nikiteas. Ella has been here since the first year and is very much part of the Crossways furniture. She will be sorely missed and we thank her for her wonderful humour, sharp wit and always being at the heart of Crossways. Pame has been a star on the stage! Her presence over the past two years has lit up - and won us - House Music, Legat Shows, Drama productions and our own formal dinners, you are a star Pame and we look forward to seeing your name up in lights on Broadway! Lastly, but by no means least, Pam Nikiteas, treasured tutor to the Upper Fifth this year who are eternally indebted to her for her meticulous and inspiring care. You leave a huge gap Mrs Nikiteas, Crossways will miss you dearly. And to all our other leavers this year, Good Luck! Notably, Margot, last year’s Head of House has been here through both the prep school and Senior School, so has Bede’s in her blood! You have all brought so much joy and smiles to Crossways. Remember that in Crossways our values are: We all belong, we all make brave decisions (and some slightly less wise ones but we learn from them all) live through our friendships… and in your journeys and new chapters going forward please make a positive impact on the world.

Flo, our Head of House, has been a brilliant leader, representing Crossways at school committees and on the team of School Prefects, you are fabulous Flo! And this term the prefects have launched their Wednesday evening activity program with great success. Morgan has led the way and activities have included dodgeball, rounders and bingo…everyone takes part bringing year groups together which has really brought the house together. These will continue every Wednesday next term and all are invited, day boarders are encouraged to join in too! We also had great fun on the Slip n Slide with Dorms, when we also played football and frisbee.

The whole house had great fun planning and filming the house dance this term. A key team of prefects including Izzy, Amelia Stones and Emilia McLelland all helped bring the fantastic dance

together - we were particularly proud of the dancing glow sticks and think we should have one just for that! We await the results of house competitions but were thankful to everyone who took part and competed for Crossways - well done to Nora who won the 100m (who knew she was so fast?!) and Nat and Noa who won the cookery competition!

Those taking exams this year have worked so hard. They were diligent and committed to achieving the best they possibly could and we really hope their amazing efforts will be rewarded in August. Our Upper Sixth are going on to different universities around the country and we wish them all the very best. We thank Auden in particular for her help with GCSE maths, sessions sometimes starting as early as 5.30am! As a result of their efforts which benefited the whole house this term, Auden and Morgan were awarded the Spirit of Crossways shield, awarded at the end of each term.

We wish everyone a really super summer. Keep in touch, take Crossways spirit with you and be the best you can as citizens who make lasting contributions to your communities.

The School Prefects’ Vision 2025-2026

As the Pupil Heads of the Foundation, we are motivated by one belief: that every talented pupil deserves the unparalleled opportunities Bede’s provides. We recognise the immense privilege of attending this school, from outstanding academics to a thriving co-curricular community; and our mission is to extend that experience to others.

The Bede’s Development Foundation is dedicated to building a robust bursary fund through our Foundation Scholarship Fund. This allows us to offer Foundation Scholarships that cover 110% of school life for pupils who would otherwise not be able to join us. These scholarships give pupils the chance to experience the same compassion, conscientiousness, and curiosity that have shaped our own journeys here.

This year, we are setting an ambitious goal to raise in excess of £20,000 for the fund. We will drive towards this target through high-profile events, including a major charity run, and our ‘Auction of Opportunities’ event.

Beyond fundraising, we are dedicated to strengthening our community by promoting essential life skills. A key project this year is broadening public speaking opportunities for Year 9 pupils to build their confidence and quick decision-making ability early on.

We are inspired by the hard work of past foundation Heads and look forward to an enthusiastic year of raising both funds and awareness to support our incredible cause.

Jessica Allitt & Ernie Tuppen

Bede’s Development Foundation Prefects

“Bede’s didn’t just give me opportunities, it gave me confidence, belonging and a sense of belief. I’ve managed to secure a place at a Russell Group university, make life long friends, received one to one coaching on the football field, specialist teaching in the classroom and leadership opportunities in House.

So thank you, one day my aim is to give back to the Foundation that gave so much to me.”

Foundation Scholar, 2023 - 2025

Our Journey So Far

Development Office established: September 2022

Deputy Heads of School become Pupil Heads of the Bede’s Foundation: September 2022

Foundation Strategy Meeting with Bede’s Trust Foverning Board: November 2022

Senior Leaders’ Training on Development: November 2022

First meeting of the Development Borad: December 2022

School Prefect’s Foundation Raffle: March 2023

Staff training on the Foundation and it’s vision: January 2023

Foundation legally becomes a charity: May 2023

Presentation and Consultation with State School Senior Leadership: March 2023

Bede’s first Giving Day: June 2023

Development Board Strategy Evening and Training: March 2023

Foundation Launch: June 2023

Update to Bede’s Trust Governing Board on the Foundation: June 223

Our first two Transformational Scholars start: September 2023

24 staff members run the Beachy Head marathon events for the Foundation: September 2023

We win the IDPE Award for Ambition & Progress: 17th November 2023

Legat Dance Academy donate the proceeds of their Junior Show to our Foundation: November 2023

The Prefects’ Auction of Opportunities raised over £15,000: 1st December 2023

Our 100 Acts of Kindness Regular Giving Campaign begins: 1st March 2024

The Foundation visits Bermuda: 20th April 2024

Bede’s Summer School raises over £63,600 for the Foundation: June - August 2024

Our next wave of Foundation Scholars begin their journey September 2024

The Foundation visits Hong Kong: 19th October 2024

The Prefects’ Raffle at Cabaret raised over £4,000: 6th December 2024

Our first two Foundation Scholars graduate: 28th June 2025

Vision 2029

Our Aim: Five 110% Foundation Scholarship holders starting each academic year in the Sixth Form by 2029.

• This could include a mixture of both day and boarding pupils, depending on the need and circumstances of applicants.

• Recipients of Foundation Scholarships will be based largely from local communities to Bede’s.

• A 110% Foundation Scholarship ensures a pupil faces no barrier to every opportunity available at Bede’s and includes the pupil’s fees, transport, uniform and co-curricular programme.

Achieving Our Goal: The Trust needs to raise £1.6 million by 2029. This will enable us to increase our number of Foundation Scholarships year on year as follows:

As a result of the kind generosity of the Bede’s community and its friends, to date we have raised over £800,000 towards our £1.6 million target, meaning we are over 50% of the way towards our goal.

PowerThroughSport

“As

Kate Nash Deputy Chair of

TOTAL FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2024 - 2025

£219,146.69 PLEDGES

£4689.44 £20,677.24 We are now over 50% of the way towards our target! EASY FUNDRAISING £47.12

Pledges totalling £65,922.50 (inc. gift aid) have been made towards the Bede’s Foundation Scholarship Fund, with £30,000 eligible for match funding.

£65,922.50

TO DATE WE HAVE RAISED £852,470.09 TOWARDS OUR £1.6 MILLION TARGET

“It was a real privilege to hear directly from new and old pupils and parents about how their Bede’s experience has shaped their lives. A recurring theme was how Bede’s goes beyond a classic education to enable pupils to find and follow their passions in whatever field is right for them. Providing this unique opportunity to more families through the Bede’s Foundation will make a real impact on communities across Sussex”.

Nicholas Mercer Chair of Governors

Any gift, no matter its nature or size, will have a life-changing impact on pupils who without financial support could not attend and experience the vast opportunities on offer at Bede’s. A one-time donation will have an immediate impact on our fundraising, whereas a regular gift can allow us to plan for the future. Every gift matters, every gift makes a difference.

DONATE ONLINE:

One off or regular gifts can be made by Direct Debit on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. Please scan the QR code to set up your regular or one-off gift. You can make a one-off donation using a credit or debit card.

LEGACIES:

The Bede’s Development Foundation is a registered charity (charity number: 1203152), meaning that all legacies made to the Foundation are exempt from UK Inheritance and Capital Gains Taxes. Under current rules, if you leave 10% or more of your chargeable net estate to charity, the Inheritance Tax (IHT) rate on the whole of your taxable estate is reduced from 40% to 36%. If you have already included, or intend to include the Bede’s Development Foundation in your Will, we would be grateful if you would let us know.

MATCHED GIVING:

Many companies support charities through matched giving initiatives. Some will match pound for pound while others will double match donations which employees make to registered charities. Please check with your Payroll as to whether your company operates such a scheme as this could increase the size and impact of your donation.

ASSETS:

Bede’s Development Foundation is able to accept gifts of assets such as property or land which is not subject to Capital Gains Tax or Capital Transfer Tax. Donors may consider making a bequest of cash or other assets, all of which would be free of Capital Transfer Tax on death.

EASYFUNDRAISING:

Easyfundraising is an organisation which allows you to raise donations for the Bede’s Development Foundation every time you shop online. Over 7,000 brands including all the big names such as eBay, John Lewis & Partners, Argos, ASOS, Expedia, M&S, Just Eat, Uswitch and many more, will donate, at no extra cost to yourself. All you need to do is sign up and remember to use Easyfundraising whenever you shop online.

Once signed up, simply start your shopping journey at the Easyfundraising website, use the donation reminder or app (information will be provided when you register) and the retailer you shop with will send us a donation based on how much you spend.

BENCHES

It is also possible to purchase a bench that will be placed on site, with personalisation choices regarding what you would like it to say. These can be purchased for yourself, or as a gift, for the price of £500. With £40 from every bench being donated to the Bede’s Development Foundation. Please email: development@bedes.org

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Bede’s Development Foundation. Every donation is greatly appreciated and each gift leaves a legacy, helping Bede’s continue to offer a unique learning experience for all our pupils; helping to nurture individual lives both now and in the future. Please scan the QR code to find out more on how to donate.

Barclays Bank Ple, Barclays Corporate, Level 27, 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP

Account Name: St Bede’s Foundation

Sort Code: 20-88-13

Account Number: 83359972

Reference: Foundation Scholars Fund

IBAN: GB16 BUKB 2088 1383 3599 72

SWIFTBIC: BUKBGB22

We are incredibly grateful to the over 500 donors who have supported us this year as we continue on this journey. In just three years we have grown the Bede’s Development Foundation from an idea to a fully fledged charity in its own right which has raised enough money to support 13 Sixth Form 110% Foundation Scholarships. We have now reached over half way towards our target and our first two Foundation Scholars graduated in the summer of 2025 with a further four scholars starting their Bede’s journey in September 2025.

This would undoubtedly not have been possible without the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the support of the Bede’s Trust’s Governing Board. What has become clear over the last three years is that the Foundation has been able to establish itself so quickly and achieve such milestones because of the support of the Bede’s community whether that be the Executive, Governors, teachers, alumni, parents or pupils themselves.

The last three years have proven that the Bede’s vision “Where every child finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance” is a living and breathing reality. The values of compassion, courage, curiosity and conscientiousness which the Trust works to install in every pupil has been evident through the community’s coming together in support of the Foundation not only financially, but in time and effort.

We hope that after reading this that you feel proud of what we have created and join us on this journey.

The Bede’s Development Foundation Trustees

Photography by: Tom Bridges, Alumnus.