The Caldicotian 2025

The Caldicotian 2024 - 2025

CONTENTS 1 2 4 8

FROM THE HEADMASTER SPEECH DAY ADDRESS AFTER CALDICOTT CALDICOTT STORIES Year 8s Showcase Academic Excellence Named as One of The ‘Top 100 Independent Schools in the World’ Caldicott Hosts Inaugural Careers Fair Lower School Commemorate 80-Year Anniversary of VE Day CaldiEd Conference Evolves as Speakers Inspire Fellow Educators Emerging Artist Runs Clay Monster Workshop for Budding Artists

12 TRIPS 14 LOWER SCHOOL REVIEW 18 3rd FORM REVIEW 20 DEPARTMENT REVIEWS 34 THE LIBRARY 36 PERFORMING ARTS 44 SPORT 76 BOARDING 78 IN THE COMMUNITY 80 THE CALDICOTT FOUNDATION

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From the Headmaster

At the Prize Giving ceremony, we celebrated a year that has truly exemplified our ambitions for the school. With achievements in academics, sports, performing arts, and creative arts, alongside fostering an emotionally intelligent community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every member of our school.

We are proud of each boy, so finding a way to tailor their educational journey to meet their needs, including the journey to a top tier senior school at 13+, is our priority. Over the course of this year the three pathways through the 5th and 6th Form have bedded in and from September, all boys in the final two years will have the choice between full boarding, weekly boarding and day plus. Coupled with the expansion of our curriculum this year to include areas of interest such as metacognition, our school is on the front foot and feeling confident.

A theme for this year has been a call for more than support from our families, as we seek a partnership too. With your sons being central to our plans, together we have combined to ensure a robust yet caring approach has created the ideal learning environment. Thanks to our dedicated teaching and support staff, the boys have made this a memorable year. I am delighted that you now have the opportunity to read all about it.

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SPEECH DAY

Thursday 3 July 2025 Address given by Headmaster, Mr Jeremy Banks @ThePrepHead

A Superstar for Hugo for his dedication, It has also been the time when we have focus and pride in his work, which has been celebrated 100% success at Common exceptional.

Entrance as well as 27 scholarships and A Shoutout for Edward (a 5th Former) who awards this year to the country’s best senior schools including, in alphabetical was nominated by a 1st Former whom he order: Berkhamsted, Brighton, Cranleigh, had carried to the School Nurse after a Downside, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, nasty fall.

Michaelhouse (SA), Millfield, Merchant A special award for Rory who was given Taylors', Oundle, Radley, Wellington, the first white cap for cricket since 2012, and St Edward’s. And note the longer having scored 1,442 runs and having taken list of destination senior schools in your 34 wickets across his three years as a 1st programme today.

XI player.

And then there’s Dorm 16. At our wonderful We often have so much to include that fete a few weeks ago Moyo, Thomas, Hugo, boys stand for a moment of recognition and Leo, Seb and Alexander worked like a wellwith 128 boys taking LAMDA lessons on oiled machine making pizza, waffles, and occasions, literally every boy has received popcorn. In that short space of time they a distinction. Music is much the same and raised over £500. our Art Exhibition at Sports Day had the All of this, whether the boy is 7 or 13 or Good Schools’ Guide in awe of the boys' somewhere in between, is the essence of beautiful work.

Caldicott, with boys living by our values In sport, many of the boys will have had of perseverance, integrity, courage, special memories this year. U13 Cricket compassion, and humour.

National Finals; U13 3rd Place at the Good morning ladies and gentlemen and These are the sort of outcomes that have National Golf competition (going round in boys – welcome to Caldicott’s Prize Giving always been synonymous with Caldicott 3 over par - the winner was 6 under!); our and I would like to echo the warm welcome yet we operate with difficult headwinds athletes won competitions at Tonbridge, given to our Guest of Honour, James Dahl, blowing against us and a couple of you have Radley and Stowe; boys across a range who, as I am sure we will hear later, has asked whether I think this means things of ages won 7 Golds, 5 silvers and 8 been a friend of the school for many years. will change in time. I want to answer that bronzes at the IAPS Judo National What a blockbuster of a year it has been.

Championships; 12 finalists across a range question in front of you all.

Not every boy will have the opportunity to of ages successfully swam at the National No. come up on stage but you have all tasted Swimming Competition; the 1st VII won the We are Caldicott – unique and special. success in some form or other at our twice Caldicott Rugby Sevens and were runners13+; all boy; a boarding and day model; weekly school assemblies, when the boys up at the Caldicott National Schools 10s; incredible outcomes; lifelong happy assemble as a happy band of brothers the Under 11s team were undefeated at memories. and we celebrate their achievements. I both the Stowe and Radley Festivals. And These are things we are not: a place that do wish you could be a fly on the wall in with the U8As being unbeaten throughout will ever be allowed to be changed, in its those moments as they tell you all you their rugby across two terms this year, the ethos and culture to a London Day School need to know. From the Superstars and future is bright. in the countryside, nor a place that will Highly Commended to the shoutouts for All this and weekly we see the level of slip to being a sleepy prep school with kind deeds and special recognition, all boys wide participation and inclusivity with every no academic rigour, nor a place that is a have their moment. team being coached in an excellent way grammar school factory, nor a place that Indulge me as I share a few examples. and the CPL (Caldicott Premier League) is shy of the boarding ethos and heritage, A Superstar for Diego for reading all 875 remains legendary. Shout out to the Slough nor a place that is exam-focused to the pages of the Count of Monte Cristo in his Sledgehammers. detriment of the sport, music, art and drama. second language.

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Our purpose is to make sure those boys live by the values we say best represent us. We all must contribute to the positive culture which becomes the essence of why the boys feel willing and able to strive, then make the world a better place.

Our teachers go the hard yards day in, day out and they are exceptional. They are the ones that ease those dreams into becoming reality. Before I thank two who are leaving, may I update you on changes for next year which we feel will add significant strength.

Mr Di Maso will continue as Head of MFL and also be our Assistant Deputy Head (Pastoral); Ma’am Duncan will continue in her current roles yet move with the boys to be our Head of 6th Form; Mr Holyland will continue in his current core roles, and also be our Head of 5th Form; Mr Williams will move from Cooper to be Head of McArthur.

My thanks go to Mr Di Maso for his work as Head of 6th Form for the last six years and to Mr Holyland for his work as Head of McArthur for the last few years.

Our tried and trusted ways do work but we also know when and how to evolve when different challenges present themselves when it comes to teaching today’s boys.

It is our privilege to be the best teachers, coaches, and mentors of your sons we can be. We all love the great opportunity that comes with being part of this great school and we must all rally around to ensure we, too, have positive and impactful interpersonal relationships.

We are also a resilient business with the school operating with almost the identical number of pupils in September 2025 compared to last September. Those who know our sector know that this is not the case for most schools like us. I would like to express my enormous thanks to the Board of Governors who provide such expertise, support and enthusiasm for all the things we do. Whilst we have not yet had the draft ISI inspection report back, it’s not misleading to say the team do exceptionally well and this has been recognised.

Ma’am Murphy leaves Caldicott today having worked here since 2012 when my predecessor reached out to her following her career in school leadership. Since then she has transformed many a boy’s view of Classics, for the better, and to this day old boys tell me when I see them that under their breath they still chant the rhymes she taught them. Ma’am Murphy has been an inspirational teacher and she leaves us to take up a post in teacher training at Buckingham University, where we know she will excel.

brilliant role model to the boys and he’s had a firm offer from me to come back if he thinks teaching is for him.

Two people that have been hugely positive and hugely impactful are our co-Chairs of the Friends of Caldicott. Pippa FieldMarsham and Deemple Brain, with David Brain as Treasurer, have strived brilliantly this year and we are very grateful. It is amazing to think that the efforts of the Friends of Caldicott has enabled the purchasing of swimming pool seats and four table tennis tables on the back of other improvements including new outdoor apparatus, a kiln and choir robes! Over the summer a new canopy above the aforementioned table tennis tables will be built so they can play come wind, rain, or shine.

someone whose generosity came at a pivotal moment for the school, just as the Caldicott Foundation was being established.

It was this individual, who has preferred to remain anonymous until now, who effectively launched our capital fundraising efforts with a transformational gift to fund a new roof for our swimming pool. That single act of generosity has significantly enhanced our facilities and contributed to the remarkable successes of our pupils. Today, as her youngest son leaves Caldicott, I am honoured to publicly acknowledge and thank Elena Gens for her extraordinary gift to Caldicott. Your generosity embodies the spirit of our community. Thank you.

With our charity work, it’s been another remarkable year at Caldicott, marked by generosity and a strong sense of community.

The wider committee play an incredible role Whether supporting local causes or and my thanks goes to Alison Berry, Fedor international efforts, our pupils, staff, and families have come together to make a real Vasilev, Jennifer Forster, Julie Sharma, difference.

Simona Rampanti, Sukhi Khangura, Faye This year, our main charitable focus remained Gauguier, David Brain, Rachel Dhesi, on Sparrow Schools - an organisation we’ve Sabrina Bagga, Annette Pammenter, Aki proudly supported for several years - and Yoda, Bex Mulqueen and Lauren Joory.

Brain Tumour Research UK. Also in the Second-Hand Shop where David Brain, Pippa Field-Marsham, Sabrina Bagga, Faye Gauguier, Rachna Savani, Mia Chen, and Emma Zhu have worked tirelessly.

Also in the Uniform Shop where Annette Pammenter and Faye Gauguier have been so patient and hard working.

Our leavers today have been particularly lucky with the comprehensive arrangements to mark their departure, organised by Faye Gauguier, Bex Mulqueen, and Susan Hutson. I must have been told by at least 10 parents that Faye deserves a mention.

I’ll do better than that – come up and collect these flowers.

Of course, the most important group to think about today is the boys and I would like to congratulate the leavers for all their achievements – we have a short video of their time here at Caldicott.

As we reflect on the achievements of the past year at Caldicott, it's impossible not to be overwhelmed by the incredible support of our community. Together, we have witnessed the remarkable success of our first Giving Day in support of the Bursary Fund and this summer, we will break ground on our new Sports Pavilion which is a major step forward for our school’s future. These achievements are not possible without you. To so many of you in this room who have offered your support - whether that has come through time, energy, expertise, philanthropy, and maybe all of the above - thank you. I am genuinely in awe of your unwavering commitment to Caldicott.

As each year ticks by, more and more boys complete meaningful charitable activity and going into all the stunning stories may have us here all day. As a school, Ma’am Duncan and the Charity Committee have galvanised us into raising £29,241 and combined, independent boys, staff, and the Friends of Caldicott have raised a further £29,887 making a grand total of £59,129! Thank you.

Both the Friends of Caldicott and The Crown stand out in particular amongst the adults and the list of boys includes Dhillon, Arnav, Kabir, Thomas, Hugo, Theo, Nikhil, Kabir, Rehaan, Maxim, Axi, Euan, Ieuan, Sam and Leo. The full report, with all the detail will be in the school magazine [pages 78-79].

So all in all, a pretty phenomenal year it has been, yet the sheer joy of it continues to be in the brilliant relationships that exist in our community. Your sons’ efforts combined with the talented people who work here will keep Caldicott doing what we enjoy doing most which is a simple thing really: supporting and guiding boys to be their best selves and fulfilling their potential.

Have a wonderful summer. Many thanks for all you do and, for today’s event, many thanks to Ma’am MacLeod and Ma’am Naidoo.

We now have a second short video for you about the wide range of enrichment opportunities.

Mr Maynard, an old boy who came back as a gappie, leaves today as well. Gaps would not necessarily get a mention in this speech, I must take a moment to recognise but he has been special. He has been a

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AFTER CALDICOTT

Leavers' Destinations 13+ Benjamin Allison James Amosov Waldorf Astor Archie Benitz Jesse Boney Alexander Bourke Akam Brar George Burnett George Casey Otto Clifton Sebastian Cosulich Bowen Dai Alessandro Faissola Sam Fauhiva Thomas Faulks John Fenton Axi Field-Marsham Giacomo Filippi Rafe Gauguier Vladimir Gens Raqeen Gnanalingam Rory Hughes Alfred Hutchings Hugo Hutson Jack Joory

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St Edward’s, Oxford Bryanston Marlborough Harrow Winchester College Wellington College Eton College Oundle Eton College Winchester College Downside Harrow Dulwich College Radley College Eton College Cranleigh Radley College Marlborough College Winchester College St Edward’s, Oxford Eton College Millfield Radley College Harrow Radley College

Thomas Leggett Jonathan Leung Sampson Li Brian Lin Oscar Lu Dominic McDougall Louis Morris William Mulqueen William Newall Louis Pammenter Johann Peng Pekko Pfundstein Wilbur Ridley Moyo Salami Advik Sharma Harry Sharma Andrei Shen Spencer Shen Leonardo Slade-Jones Joshua Stevens-Graham Andi Tang Oliver Thorpe Barnaby Webb Jason Xu Alvin Zhu

Cranleigh St Edward’s, Oxford Harrow Eton College Harrow Harrow Wellington College Harrow Eton College Eton College Harrow Radley College Oundle Harrow Eton College Wellington College Radley College Harrow Overseas Harrow Harrow Wellington College Michaelhouse, South Africa Harrow Winchester

Under 13 Leavers Good luck to the below boys at their new schools: Hudson Allen Harry Barclay-Ross Jax Comfort Jett Comfort Max Connolly Dexter Dunsterville August Hall Sora Kawamura Arjun Malhi Veer Morjaria

Kris Padwal Param Sandhu Anwar Saumweber Ethan Shallow Fateh Singh Koroush Sodeyfi Theo Staff Giles Trim Theo Tufft Sunny Yang

Awards and Scholarships Benjamin Allison

George Burnett

George Casey

Seb Cosulich

Bowen Dai

Sam Fauhiva

John Fenton

Giacomo Filippi

Rory Hughes

Sport Award Alfred Hutchings

St Edward's, Oxford Thomas Leggett Academic Exhibition Sport Exhibition

Oundle Music Scholarship

Eton College Music Scholarship Arjun Malhi

Radley College

Academic Scholarship

Sport Scholarship Veer Morjaria Downside

Sport Scholarship Pekko Pfundstein Harrow

Sport Exibition Radley College

Sport Exhibition Harry Sharma Cranleigh

Sport Award Andrei Shen Marlborough College

Sammy Wood Specialist Sport Scholarships for Rugby & Cricket Oliver Thorpe Brighton College

Sport Scholarship & Head's Award Barnaby Webb Millfield

Sport Scholarship Radley College

Sport Exhibition Radley College Design Engineering Exhibition Cranleigh DTE Scholarship Harrow Sport Scholarship Berkhamsted Sport Scholarship Merchant Taylors' Academic Scholarship Merchant Taylors' Sport Scholarship Millfield Sport Scholarship Radley College Sport Award St Edward’s, Oxford Drama Exhibition All Rounder Scholarship Radley College Academic Scholarship Wellington College Drama Exhibition Michaelhouse

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We believe that every child has immense potential that, in the right environment, can be uncovered, nurtured and realised.

Old Caldicotians on North Front

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CALDICOTT STORIES There has been lots to get excited about at Caldicott over the last year, here are a few highlights...

Year 8s Showcase Academic Excellence Impressively, our 2025 leavers achieved the second most scholarships of any year in our school's history! As a small school (with older year groups averaging around 45-50 boys), we're incredibly proud that this year, 18 boys earned a combined 27 scholarships to 16 different senior schools across the UK (and one in South Africa!). This cohort also once again collectively earned a ‘full house’ of scholarships (awards across all disciplines: academia, sports and the arts).

With 100% success at entry for the top senior schools, you can see from our 'Leavers' Destinations' (page 4) that they have progressed onto some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Most importantly is that each boys goes to the right senior school for them, so you will also note the variety in destinations.

Keep up to date with all the news from Caldicott by following us:

@CaldicottSchool

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CALDICOTT STORIES

Named as One of The ‘Top 100 Independent Schools in the World’ We’re delighted that Caldicott has been announced as one of the ‘Top 100 Independent Schools in the World’ in the 2025 Spear’s Schools Index. As a small school, and one of only 20 UK preps to make the list, we are very proud to be recognised among such prestigious company.

'The rigorous academic programmes at prep schools in the Index prepare students not only for success in secondary schools but also for future careers and for life, with a focus on character development and leadership skills… A wide range of social, cultural, and pastoral factors have been weighed in finalising the index. In some cases, some schools with strong academics have been omitted where they fall short in relation to these wider considerations.’

Caldicott Hosts Inaugural Careers Fair Connecting boys’ academic learning with real-world applications is something that is incredibly important to us and so this year we encouraged our boys more than ever to think about their futures beyond education. What they enjoy, what they’re good at, and the skills they may need to achieve their goals. They don't need to have all the answers; it was about being curious, open-minded, and willing to explore.

By reaching out to our impressive and supportive community, we had an abundance of stands set up in the PAC which took the boys on a journey from the world of journalism and media, to cardiologist showing how a stent helps after a heart attack. Our families spoke to the boys about what their professions entail, the skills needed to succeed, and the path taken to get there.

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CALDICOTT STORIES

Lower School Commemorate 80-Year Anniversary of VE Day

Artefacts, dance moves, fascinating facts, and games from the 1940s which culminated into a British tea party (all whilst dressed in attire from the time period) made for an unforgettable day for our Lower School boys who were taken back in time in May to commemorate a very special day in our country’s history. The tone was set for the day with a fantastic assembly in which three boys explained the significance of ‘Victory in Europe’ Day (or VE Day) and the mix of emotions that came with such a positive, yet reflective occasion. The morning consisted of lessons in which the boys were given context to WW2 and VE Day itself.

After the framework was set in the 1st and 2nd Formers’ lessons, these facts and figures were brought to life with a jubilant afternoon which truly encapsulated the feelings of those actually there at VE Day. The boys took to the PAC as they listened to Churchill’s Speech, and watched Xander and Mr Maynard speak so eloquently as they gave accounts from the time, which had the boys enthralled. Following a brief talk from Mr Legge about the children of WW2, the boys split off into groups; toy soldiers, marbles, hopscotch, and cricket could be seen (and heard!) across the PAC, courtyard and croquet lawn as the boys got stuck into games from this time period.

Dancing and singing their way 40s-style, everyone gathered together in the courtyard to finish the day with a British street party, with plenty of sausage rolls, jam sandwiches, and cupcakes! After joining together to sing the National Anthem, the day was done. Many teachers worked incredibly hard to provide the boys with such an unforgettable day, especially Ma’am Riddell and Ma’am Lee-Dickson who brought it all together!

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CaldiEd Conference Evolves as Speakers Inspire Fellow Educators

CALDICOTT STORIES

Our thanks to Peps Mccrea, an award-winning teacher, designer, author and Director of Education at Steplab for giving a fascinating hour-long talk on distractions, routines, and the benefits and drawbacks that technology plays in children’s lives (both in and outside of the classroom). Jo Duncan is not only Caldicott’s Head of Drama (and 5th Form and charity) but has also worked as a producer, creative learning manager, community artist and is currently completing a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning in the Arts. Jo spoke to our attendees about movement and the importance of connecting the mind with the body and was followed by Craig Legge, our Head of History, who dived into ‘continuous improvements’ and how this process is used so effectively by successful businesses.

Following formal discussions there was a period of time set aside at the end for the various educators from different walks of life to share their experiences and pose questions to one another. Thanks to everyone who came to Caldicott to take part in the conference, and especially to Mr Chamberlain for running CaldiEd and organising this event so successfully.

We’re looking forward to seeing CaldiEd grow further!

Emerging Artist Runs Clay Monster Workshop for Budding Artists Hannah Simpson is an emerging artist who specialises in whimsical clay monsters and so we were delighted to welcome her to the Art Department towards the start of the academic year. Caldicott's most keen artists were fortunate enough to learn from the expert as they made their own monsters with Hannah, before eventually painting them in later lessons.

Using vibrant patterns and unique expressions to represent thoughts and emotions, Hannah’s imaginative monsters enable her to work full-time as a successful young artist. The ethusiasm in the boys was palpable as they spent the day allowing their creativity to flow.

Selection for the coveted spots was based on an internal monster-designing competition, which involved boys having to submit their designs to Ma’am King and Mr Edwards. Both the morning and the afternoon sessions were filled with the eager winners, ready to mould, sculpt, and bring their unconventional monster ideas to life.

A huge thank you to the talented artist, Hannah Simpson, for visiting and making this workshop such an inspiring day for the boys.

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Trips

By being immersed in exciting experiences outside of the classroom, boys develop a real-world passion for a given subject, whilst also creating lifelong memories with their friends. From a Geography trip to Iceland, to our senior boys' adventures in Cornwall and Wales, there have been lots of opportunities for boys to go on some incredible trips with their friends and teachers this last year.

Cricket Tour, South Africa

2nd Form Verulamium

Cricket Tour, South Africa

6th Form Wales

Ski Trip Austria

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Val Cenis Ski Trip

3rd Form PGL

5th Form Cornwall

4th Form Burnham Beeches

1st Form Legoland, Windsor

Iceland Trip

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LOWER SCHOOL Harriet Barratt, Head of 1st Form Vicki Riddell, Head of 2nd Form @CaldicottLowerSchool

What a year it’s been for the boys in the Lower School. From the very first week, they have approached school life with energy, curiosity, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Whether grappling with a tricky maths problem, losing themselves in a good book, or working together on a muddy playing field, they’ve made the most of every opportunity — and had great fun along the way.

The autumn term kicked off with a burst of competitive spirit during the House Maths Competition. The boys impressed us with their sharp thinking and collaborative problem-solving. In English, a range of lively texts — The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, Matilda, and Kensuke’s Kingdom — inspired some thoughtful discussion and imaginative writing. Over in eTEC, the focus was on invention and design, with the boys creating everything from clever mazes to tugboats robust enough to put through their paces.

Science has offered plenty of awe and wonder this year. Few moments rival the excitement of watching chicks hatch or witnessing the transformation of caterpillars into butterflies. These hands-on experiences sparked curiosity and helped deepen the boys’ understanding of the natural world.

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LOWER SCHOOL

During the Lent Term, every boy took on the challenge of Declamations. It’s no small task to memorise and perform a poem or piece of prose in front of an audience, but they all did so with confidence and poise. Mr Smyth, our new Head of English, was full of praise for the overall standard and faced some tough decisions when choosing the winners.

Creativity has been everywhere. The 2nd Form’s Quentin Blake–inspired art book was a brilliant showcase of flair and imagination. Lunchtime concerts gave budding musicians their moment in the spotlight, while the House Shout filled the school with joyful (and impressively loud) singing.

Drama played a central role too — from the festive sparkle of the 1st Form Christmas Show to the toe-tapping Sounds from the Musicals performed by the 2nd and 3rd Forms.

Sport, as ever, played a huge part in school life. Whether on the pitch, court, or track, the boys approached their games with enthusiasm, commitment, and great team spirit.

Sports Day brought all of this together, and the tug of war finale provided a rousing end to the event — complete with cheering crowds and some fiercely contested pulls.

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LOWER SCHOOL

Beyond the classroom, the boys threw themselves into a range of enriching experiences. The 1st Form developed their teamwork skills on a trip to Woodrow High House, where they tackled challenges like the low ropes course and other outdoor activities designed to stretch both body and mind. The 2nd Form enjoyed a cultural adventure to London’s West End, where Matilda the Musical delighted them with its dazzling sets and irresistible songs.

May brought a very special occasion: the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The boys stepped back in time, singing wartime songs, playing traditional playground games, and exploring a fascinating display of artefacts brought in by parents and staff. The afternoon ended with a well-earned tea and a proud rendition of the National Anthem.

And then — as always — we rounded off the year in style. Enrichment Week gave the boys the chance to take risks, try new things, and push themselves. The 1st Form headed off to Legoland for a day packed with fun and imagination before sampling life in the Boarding House. Their week was rounded off with a trip to Burnham Beeches and a delicious ice cream! The 2nd Form took on a full overnight camp on Spens Field, where they cooked over open fires, built catapults, and let off steam in games of laser tag and aero-ball. The Damper bread may not have won awards for presentation, but the boys’ sense of achievement was unmistakable.

Looking back over the year, it’s clear just how much these boys have grown — in confidence, independence, and character. They’ve taken on challenges, discovered new interests, and looked out for one another along the way. We’re incredibly proud of all they’ve achieved and look forward to seeing what they’ll do next as they move up to their new year groups in September.

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LOWER SCHOOL

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3RD FORM Ed Harper, Head of 3rd Form

It seems like only yesterday that the boys arrived in the 3rd Form corridor - this time, a slighter larger year group than we have had in previous years, full of both familiar and not-so-familiar faces. Their arrival was marked by a mix of excitement and understandable trepidation as they contemplated the new timetable, unfamiliar subjects, and the prospect of Saturday school becoming a reality. Yet, as the year unfolded, they embraced every challenge with the school values firmly intertwining their efforts.

The Michaelmas Term brought with it not only new friendships and subjects, but also the realisation that the demands of the timetable had increased. Saturday school was very much real. From the off, the boys impressed us with their ability to adapt, often rising to the occasion, throwing themselves into their learning. In English, they explored themes of friendship and loyalty in Louis Sachar’s, Holes, while History lessons delved into Victorian Britain. Geography was brought to life through a field trip to Burnham Beeches, where the boys deepened their understanding of biomes. Alongside this, they navigated new routines, teachers, and increased expectations with growing independence. Matches were now being played on Wednesday afternoons and with our sport-for-all philosophy, each pupil took to the sports field to represent the school, which is no mean feat as very few schools were able to match us numbers wise. On several occasions, some teams ‘played up’ against several different schools with our lower teams notching up impressive wins against other school’s top teams.

After a well-earned Christmas break, the Lent Term brought further opportunities for growth and achievement. The annual Declamations competition saw the boys take to the stage with confidence, showcasing their public speaking skills with impressive poise and memory. Football season brought energy and excitement to the winter months, and the Science Museum’s Space exhibition - complete with a thrilling IMAX experience - provided a memorable and inspiring consolidation of their Science curriculum. During the Lent Term, the school were kindly donated some fantastic Table Tennis tables, which the boys very much enjoyed, and this helped them through the cold (and wet) breaktimes.

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3RD FORM

The Summer Term arrived with its usual sense of momentum, and we had a new record; only one cricket fixture was cancelled due to the weather. The boys relished the sunnier climes, and the more relaxed Summer Term uniform was very welcome given the stifling heat! The term proved a wonderful opportunity for the boys to embrace school life with the boys showing their talent and team spirit on the cricket pitch, House Drama and House Music finals - we really have a very talented bunch of boys! Perhaps the highlight of the term was Enrichment Week. This began with a memorable visit to the Chiltern Open Air Museum, which brought their studies of life cycles and habitats to life in a meaningful way. It concluded with an eagerly anticipated two-night PGL residential, where we witnessed camaraderie, teamwork, resilience, and sheer joy in abundance. The boys pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones and returned with memories that will last a lifetime.

Over the course of the year, the boys have once again flown the Caldicott banner with pride. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, through music, LAMDA, or charitable events, they have worked hard, supported one another, and grown both individually and as a group. We are enormously proud of all they have achieved.

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ART AND DESIGN Darryl Edwards, Head of Art @CaldicottArt

The big question at the start of the year was always going to be: how could we possibly follow last year? With the arrival of the kiln, the introduction of clay to the whole school, and two ambitious projects – the whole-school mural and the large installation – we often wondered how we managed to fit it all in!

This summer’s annual Art Exhibition, once again showcased the boys’ incredible creativity. Although we didn’t have a mural dominating the space this year, we still struggled to fit in all the work. Clay was once again a major focus, and it’s clear that the boys have truly fallen in love with the medium. One year on, their skills, confidence, and ambition have all grown enormously.

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A real highlight came right at the beginning of the year with a visit from artist Hannah Simpson in September. 30 boys took part in her workshop, and under Hannah’s expert guidance each created their own magical monster. These monsters went on to become the stars of the summer exhibition – a unique experience the boys will remember for years to come.

The most challenging project of the year was taken on

by Year 7, who designed and created teapots inspired by famous artists. From Magritte to Banksy, the boys’ ideas came to life in some truly exceptional pieces.

This year also saw 2nd Form publish Volume 2 of Artful Reflections. After the huge success of last year’s edition, we knew we had to continue. Inspired by the work of Quentin Blake, this year’s book had a very different artistic feel, but the Caldicott values still shone through on every page.

As always, I am left in awe of the boys’ creativity and their eagerness to tackle whatever challenge we set them. Looking ahead, next year promises fresh opportunities – and yes, it’s time for another large sculptural installation. Watch this space!

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ART AND DESIGN

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ART AND DESIGN

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CLASSICS, LATIN & GREEK Jasmine Hellings, Head of Classics @CaldicottAcademics

Yet again we find ourselves all too soon at the end of another fantastic year for the Classics department. One finds oneself reflecting on the words of Virgil’s Georgics: ‘labor omnia vincit’ (work conquers all) which do encapsulate the feeling of this incredibly busy year. The boys and teachers alike have worked hard, and it shows.

This year, boys have continued to excel in Latin, with all boys in the 6th Form taking the subject for Common Entrance and many electing to study the language as part of their senior school Academic Scholarship attempt. With an increased focus on manipulation of English into Latin last year continuing this year, we have really begun to see the fruits of this labour come into being. Archie Benitz did particularly well in Latin and was a top scorer in the subject out of the whole cohort of boys taking Common Entrance for Harrow school, thanks to his and Ma’am Murphy’s hard work.

Speaking of Ma’am Murphy, this will sadly be the last term that she will be with us as a member of the department, as she has decided to take a break from teaching prep school age children and rather focus her energies on educating young teachers in their pursuit of careers in Classics teaching. Her work will be through Buckingham University, a well-regarded teacher training institution through which many members of the Caldicott staff body have been trained. Ma’am Murphy has been a simply spectacular teacher, well-known for her catchy songs to help remember grammar points as well as the patience and kindness she has shown to the boys in her 11 years here. She has also been a stalwart of the school orchestra and staff choruses for many musical performances over the years, but her most notable contribution to the music department has been her role as part of ‘Giblet and Sillivan’, an unstoppable duo with Mr Paget, which has written words and music for four different cantatas (most of which have been Classically themed!). It has been a great joy for the boys to perform the songs so carefully crafted

by Ma’am Murphy. We wish her all the very best in her next endeavours and, though we will miss her terribly, this is not necessarily goodbye for good, as she will no doubt return to Caldicott in the future to help Mr Paget with other performances!

For boys in the 4th Form, it has been a successful introductory year to Latin, and I know they are looking forward to expanding their studies of Classics with Greek in the 5th Form. This year saw another fantastic round of the Latin Declamations competition, in which all 4th Form boys performed extracts from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Virgil’s Aeneid and Cicero’s pro Milone in the preliminary rounds, with 15 boys making it through to the final. Olly and Tara Murphy, both Classics teachers at Wycombe Abbey, came to judge the event and did a brilliant job feeding back to the boys about their delivery, pronunciation and understanding of the Latin passages. Maxim Beurier was the well-deserved winner, with Jasper Downes a close runner-up and Nico Forster winning the coveted ‘Judge’s Prize’.

Boys in 5th Form have continued to enjoy their study of Ancient Greek this year, through which they have learned some vocabulary, the Greek alphabet and explored cultural topics such as the theatre, food and the Olympics. There are quite a few keen linguists who are considering taking their study further next year, either for Common Entrance or for Academic Scholarship, which will be a real treat.

There is so much for the Classics department to look forward to next academic year. In September we will welcome our new department member, Ma’am Goldsmith, and next Easter will embark upon the next Classics trip to Italy, with plenty of sightseeing (and gelato eating!) on the cards. It promises to be another great year and we are all looking forward to immersing ourselves in the Classical world once more.

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ENGLISH Alan Smyth, Head of English @CaldicottAcademics

This academic year has been a rich and rewarding one for the English Department, offering our boys opportunities to think critically, write creatively and speak with growing confidence. I am immensely proud of the engagement, enthusiasm and learning that has taken place across the school.

Our senior students shone in the inter-house debating competition, speaking with clarity, confidence and conviction. They argued persuasively, and their ability to respond under pressure was commendable. Declamations celebrated the power of the spoken word, with boys from all year groups reciting a rich variety of poems. Each piece was brought vividly to life through expressive delivery and thoughtful interpretation.

A particular highlight was the Woodley Speech and Drama Festival, where our 4th Form pupils delivered some outstanding performances, earning excellent results and representing Caldicott with pride. I was delighted, too, with our recent recognition at the Rugby School Poetry Competition, as well as strong entries to external writing contests. These experiences encouraged boys to write for real audiences and take creative risks with increasing assurance.

Special mention must be made of the 6th Formers, who showed admirable focus and resilience in preparing for their Common Entrance or scholarship exams. Their commitment, along with the reading, writing and analytical skills they have developed, was evident throughout. These young men should feel proud of their efforts, and we wish them continued success as they move on to their senior schools.

Crucially, none of this would have been possible without the dedication, knowledge and care of our English teachers. Their commitment to nurturing a love of language, in all its forms, continues to inspire pupils daily.

A strong link between the English Department and our school librarian helped raise the profile of reading this year. I am grateful for the momentum built through carefully curated reading lists, visiting authors and new library initiatives. Our Summer Reading Challenge will help sustain this impetus over the holidays and lead into a new wholeschool reading initiative in September.

We will continue to build on this year’s strong foundations with an increased emphasis on writing and public speaking. As ever, reading – particularly across a wide range of genres – will remain central to our teaching, underpinning critical thinking, broadening vocabulary and inspiring high-quality writing.

The foundations laid this year will support our ongoing commitment to developing skilled, creative and reflective communicators throughout the school.

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eTEC

Simon Cooper, Head of eTEC @CaldicottAcademics

This year marked an exciting third chapter in the Entrepreneurial, Technology, Engineering and Computing (eTEC) programme.

Across all year groups, boys demonstrated creativity, curiosity, and collaboration as they developed real-world skills in design, coding, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Each phase of the curriculum builds on the last, guiding pupils through increasingly complex and hands-on challenges that bridge the digital and physical worlds.

Design thinking began with colour theory and sketching before progressing to computer-aided design (CAD). 1st Form pupils created cylindrical pen pots, then moved on to more advanced photo frame designs. Each project followed the complete design process: paper prototyping, laser cutting, and precise assembly using our new industrial-grade laser cutter. In computing, algorithmic thinking was introduced through Rapid Router, followed by creative programming in Scratch. Pupils learned how to sequence instructions and developed interactive experiences with animated sprites, sound effects, and dynamic events - building both confidence and creativity along the way.

2nd Form boys further honed their CAD skills, designing personalised keyfobs and seasonal decorations. Their programming became more sophisticated as they directed sprites through mazes and explored pen blocks to draw customised paths - culminating in their own maze-tracing programs. In the workshop, they constructed wooden tugboats, deepening their understanding of engineering drawings and transportation systems while reinforcing the vital link between form and function.

3rd Form tackled even more advanced challenges, applying refined laser-cutting techniques to intricate projects. Their first encounter with physical computing came via the Micro:bit platform, where they developed digital name badges, pedometers, and simple games, blending hardware and software in engaging, practical ways. The Electric Go-Kart Project returned with great success as teams designed aerodynamic body kits to enhance racing performance.

A major highlight for 1st to 3rd Forms was the Shark Tank Project, led by Ma’am Sadique, where boys pitched original business ideas and presented working prototypes inspired by the American version of Dragons’ Den. This entrepreneurial experience developed their confidence and presentation skills while providing a valuable taste of real-world innovation. Their imagination also came to life during junk modelling sessions, which included constructing marble mazes, balloon-powered cars, and geodesic domes.

In 4th Form, geometric thinking was explored through snowflake-inspired slottogether constructions. Pupils built on prior CAD experience and expanded their digital design capabilities using Tinkercad. They also ventured into robotics for the first time, programming LEGO SPIKE Prime robots to solve increasingly complex tasks through teamwork, testing, and iteration.

5th Form rose to the occasion in the First Lego League competition. Working collaboratively, they programmed robots to complete as many missions as possible within a two-and-a-half-minute time limit. In parallel, pupils made an important transition from Scratch to Python, completing an introductory module before creating original applications that demonstrated their grasp of variables, logical operators, and input/output handling.

This year, there was strong and enthusiastic participation in the Bebras Challenge, a national competition designed to stretch pupils’ computational thinking under timed conditions. Boys approached each task with focus, determination, and impressive logical reasoning.

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Now in its third year, the eTEC programme continues to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency across all year groups. Through activities spanning coding, robotics, engineering, and digital design, pupils have shown significant development, not only in their practical skills but also in their ability to approach complex challenges with independence, innovation, and intellectual maturity. Whether programming robots, delivering business pitches, or laser-cutting snowflakes, our pupils are not only learning how to make but also how to think critically, collaborate meaningfully, and adapt with confidence.

GEOGRAPHY Matt Holyland, Head of Geography @CaldicottAcademics

The Geography Department has enjoyed a highly productive and rewarding academic year. While we are proud of the impressive Common Entrance results – 92% of boys achieving A*-B grades and 64% securing A*-A – we believe true success is measured by far more than exam performance. At Caldicott, we aim to inspire a genuine passion for Geography by delivering a broad and dynamic syllabus, alongside enriching experiences both in and beyond the classroom.

Our core mission is to equip boys with the knowledge, evidence, and analytical tools to interpret, evaluate, and respond to an ever-changing world. This year, that mission was fulfilled with enthusiasm across all year groups.

The 1st and 2nd Form boys brought fantastic energy to their Geography lessons. Guided by Ma’am Riddell, Ma’am Barratt, and Mr Harper, they travelled the globe – both figuratively and imaginatively. The 1st Form began their journey with a study of the United Kingdom and the concept of 'sense of place', before exploring the cultural diversity of Africa. In the Summer Term, they turned their focus to weather and climate, examining its profound effects on our daily lives.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Form ventured into the vibrant continent of South America, delved into the dynamics of rivers, and explored the wonders of tropical rainforests. Teaching these year groups has been a privilege – marked by their strong general knowledge and a wonderful curiosity about the wider world.

As the boys progressed through the school, their topics became more sophisticated, though their passion and enthusiasm remained unchanged. The 3rd Form embraced global biomes in the Michaelmas Term and grappled with the challenges of climate change and its mitigation during the Lent Term. They also brought learning to life with a hands-on investigation of the rock cycle – using starburst sweets to brilliant (and sticky) effect.

The 4th Form began their Common Entrance journey by diving into tectonic hazards, studying earthquakes and volcanoes with maturity and interest. They also relished the opportunity to bring Geography into the real world, recreating the Caldicott 'Ring of Fire' and demonstrating keen insight and engagement throughout.

In the senior years, the boys continued to build on their knowledge and skills through fieldwork and case study analysis. A notable experience was the fieldwork trip to the River Wye, complemented by a settlement hierarchy study in Bray and Windsor. These trips not only enhanced their geographical understanding but also showcased the characteristics we value most: curiosity, responsibility, and teamwork.

The standout moment of the year was undoubtedly the biennial trip to Iceland. 32 boys had the opportunity to witness some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring features – from the mighty waterfalls of Skógafoss and Gullfoss to the newly formed lahar fields near Grindavík. The adventure concluded in Reykjavík, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration. It was an unforgettable experience that brought classroom learning vividly to life.

None of this would have been possible without the outstanding commitment of the Geography Department team. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ma’am Riddell, Ma’am Barratt, and Mr Harper for their passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Their efforts have enabled our boys to access a rich and engaging curriculum, igniting a love for Geography that we hope will last a lifetime.

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HISTORY

Craig Legge, Head of History @CaldicottAcademics

“Let’s start with two truths about our era that are so inescapable as to have become clichés: We are surrounded by more readily available information than ever before. And a huge percentage of it is inaccurate. Some of the bad info is well-meaning but ignorant. Some of it is deliberately deceptive. All of it is pernicious.”

Sam Wineburg, Why Learn History (When It’s Already on Your Phone) Mr Wineburg’s words continue to be relevant, and we recognise the importance of our role in coaching boys to learn how to critically analyse what they read and watch. It is a tremendous responsibility, and one which we continue to take seriously. We want the boys to develop expertise in their ability to become critically discerning consumers of information, and responsible communicators.

Understanding our English heritage and history is important, but it is equally important that our boys have opportunities to develop their contextual understanding of the broader world: boys need to be introduced to the big-picture themes that have shaped our past and continue to shape our future: empire, revolution, globalism, nationalism, migration, transatlantic trade, radicalisation and marginalisation, to name but a few. Boys also need opportunities to explore the historic origins of more recent developments, such as geopolitical stresses in the Indo Pacific and Middle East, cyber security, the impact of AI and the role of disinformation… the list is endless, and it makes our subject eminently relevant and exciting to teach.

All the boys are to be commended for their commitment and dedication to developing their historical knowledge and skills. One of the outcomes of the boys’ efforts has been excellent results in the 6th Form CE and scholarship exams. Our scholarship results were particularly impressive, with several boys achieving marks in the top percentile for their schools in their respective election papers.

We continue to work hard to apply evidence-based research in our practice and approach. We are making solid inroads into imbedding best practice History teaching in our lessons and our curriculum. This means that we continue to ensure that the basics are covered well, from starting with chronological context and key terminology, to using scaffolding, modelling, and regular retrieval practice in our teaching, to ensure History skills are developed systematically. Enriching our classroom lessons and ensuring we use fun as a teaching tool is a vital component of our educational approach; we continue to ensure that the boys enjoy their History lessons as they learn new skills and content. From battle re-enactments such as Hastings and the Spanish Armanda, to external trips to places such as Hampton Court and the Verulamium Museum. We also plan to visit Warwick Castle with our 4th Form in the coming year.

My thanks to the History teaching team in all year groups for their immense effort and desire to see the boys grow into knowledgeable, discerning thinkers who can apply History skills effectively to critically evaluate the past and the present.

For those parents wondering how they can help their boys progress further in History, boys should be encouraged to develop their historical literacy by reading fun, interesting and age-appropriate History books. We have a wide selection of these books available in our library. For the reluctant readers, there is a host of quality documentaries and podcasts available, that can supplement and enrich their content knowledge. Exposing the boys to a variety of primary and secondary sources, and then coaching them on how to comment on the usefulness and limitations of these sources, is another way of building their confidence and ability to critically evaluate sources.

Overall, this has been another tremendous year for the History Department, with plenty of fun, excellent results, and a great deal of learning taking place.

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MATHS

Hugh Watts, Head of Maths @CaldicottAcademics

It has been another successful year for the Maths Department. We again have a lot to be thankful about with the boys making tremendous progress and the Common Entrance and Scholarship results continuing a pleasing trend. This year has been a year of change within the department as we have welcomed Ma’am Guest and Ma’am Edwards into the Maths team.

Mr Querstret departed but left behind the House Maths and Olympiad competitions which have continued to flourish. The department is excited and energised to move things forward and deliver the best mathematical education we can for the boys.

In our House Mathematics Competition, Wood came in first place for the second year running, followed by Jenkins, McArthur, and Cooper. Boys continue to enjoy this event which is extremely competitive. We love the fact that the boys get the opportunity to be competitive in their mathematics, the sight of the boys running around the PAC gunning for their next question is really a sight see. With all boys competing in one way or another we continue to see a really important in-house competition.

The department continued to enjoy success in the UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge. Every year we enter the challenge, where papers are designed to test not only mathematical skills but also ingenuity. Of the boys entered, 87% received awards for their performances, which is an excellent result. 17 of these boys achieved a Gold award, the top available, some progressing to the next round.

Particular credit must go to Lucas T, who was top in the school, earning his name on the honours board in the academic corridor. In the final round we were delighted that Lucas T and Brian L achieved merits for their attempt at the Junior Maths Olympiad and that Yuvraj K achieved a Gold award in the Junior Kangaroo. It is the first time in some years we have managed to enter boys into these follow up rounds due to previous calendar clashes, so it was great to have these boys do so well.

Caldicott boys continue to love their Maths lessons and I have been thrilled with all of the boys achievements this year. Long may it continue.

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MFL

Lele Di Maso, Head of MFL @CaldicottAcademics

What a formidable year this has been for our MFL department!

French remains as our curriculum language, however this year we have continued to promote all languages and cultures here at Caldicott.

Highlights of the year came obviously from things that the boys have created. In the French Poem Competition, this year’s overall joint winners were William Fowler and Ieuan Morgan with two brilliantly fun videos. Other projects worth mentioning were the 1st Form winner, Archi Moore, and the 4th Form winner, Sirius Zou. I am glad to say that for the first time we entered a whole class (4A) for the National competition “French Pop Video Competition”. Ma’am Cook was the mastermind behind this amazing creation and the boys made us proud. Special mention to DJ Lucas Zammit who created the music.

During the Lent Term we also held a “Vocabulary Competition” for all boys from the 3rd to the 6th Form, well done to the winners in each year group! Our collection of foreign language books has increased and can be found in the library.

In terms of curriculum, the 1st and 2nd Form have been learning French and having fun with Ma’am Cook, often singing songs and playing games in French. Parents of 1st Form boys have recently been invited to celebrate their son’s French learning while having a “goûter" (afternoon snack).

In the 3rd Form, the boys have acquired a lot of new vocabulary and grammar. They learned to use the present tense of verbs and to talk about their school, hobbies, and how to describe themselves and others.

The 4th Form boys explored topics such as town, free time, media, and friends, mastering the three main tenses (present, past, future) and are now able to create excellent sentences in this beautiful language.

In the 5th Form, the boys studied relevant themes (holidays, home, routine, school etc.), preparing them well for next year’s CE as well as for traveling abroad and speaking French confidently.

Finally, the 6th Form boys worked hard through a challenging and intense year to prepare for their final exams and ultimately achieved great, well-earned results. 'Un grand merci!' to all the boys for making languages an exciting part of our community.

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2024 French Poem Competition Winners

PSHEE

Ed Harper, Head of PSHEE @CaldicottAcademics

PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) continues to play an essential role in helping our boys grow into thoughtful, confident, and kind young people. It’s more than just a subject - it’s about learning the life skills that will help pupils handle whatever life throws their way, whether that’s managing friendships, staying safe online, understanding money, or thinking about the kind of adult they want to become. As one of the foundations of a Caldicott education, PSHEE offers timely, meaningful lessons that prepare boys for life beyond the classroom.

We began the Michaelmas Term by revisiting the ‘Five Fingers of Support’, encouraging boys to reflect on who they can turn to when things get tricky - and how they can be a support to others too. These conversations helped set a positive tone for the year, giving pupils the chance to reflect on their journey so far, challenge themselves to build healthy habits, and explore where to seek help if things ever feel overwhelming. During Black History Month, we explored the stories of inspirational figures such as Jesse Owens and Rosa Parks, prompting powerful discussions about courage, fairness, and standing up for what’s right. As in previous years, a highlight of the term was the return of ‘PSHEE in the News’. This topic gives pupils the opportunity to explore real-world issues and how they link to what we're learning in school. Topics this year included the Autumn 2024 Budget, Odd Socks Day celebrating what makes us unique - and Black Friday, where we took a critical look at over-consumerism, globalisation, and the impact of our choices on the planet.

In the Lent Term, we focused on the Fundamental British Values: democracy, mutual respect, the rule of law, individual liberty, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. These are more than just words - they help shape how we treat each other and the kind of inclusive community we aim to build. The boys also learned about digital resilience, thinking carefully about their online lives: how to stay safe, recognise misinformation, and be respectful and responsible in digital spaces. The ‘Healthy Me’ unit helped pupils understand how everyday choices (what we eat, how we move, and how we rest) impact our physical and mental wellbeing. Boys were encouraged to think about how to look after themselves and when to reach out for help.

As we entered the Summer Term, our focus shifted to Careers Education. The boys began thinking about their futures - what they enjoy, what they’re good at, and the skills they may need to achieve their goals. It wasn’t about having all the answers, but about being curious, open-minded, and willing to explore. Later in the term, we moved on to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). These lessons offered a safe space to ask questions and talk about growing up, managing emotions, and developing healthy, respectful relationships — with a clear message about the importance of consent, communication, and kindness.

Throughout the year, we’ve also embedded the teaching of the protected characteristics, helping boys understand and respect the differences between us.

These ongoing conversations are essential to building a school community where everyone feels seen, safe, and valued.

This year’s PSHEE journey has been full of meaningful discussion, real-world learning, and important reflection. We’re proud of how the boys have embraced the topics - with curiosity, empathy, and maturity - and we look forward to seeing how they carry these lessons with them in the years to come.

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SCIENCE Iain Tinkler, Head of Science @CaldicottAcademics

It has been another exciting year in Science at Caldicott, with the boys embracing every opportunity to think, question, and experiment like true scientists. Our hands-on approach continues to spark curiosity, encouraging critical and independent thinking about the world around them. From dissecting organs to designing rockets, the boys have developed a broad range of scientific skills and a deeper understanding of the relevance of Science to their lives.

This year, we placed particular emphasis on developing investigative skills. Learning how to ask meaningful questions, plan fair tests, and analyse results carefully has been central to our practical work. Whether measuring the rate of photosynthesis, testing soundproofing materials, growing plants under different conditions, or building electromagnets, the boys have learned to work scientifically with increasing independence. These essential skills—observing, recording, and drawing conclusions— are highly valued by senior schools and form the foundation of confident, capable scientists.

Beyond the classroom, enrichment opportunities have added context and excitement. Trips ranged from the stars to the soil: exploring space at the Science Museum, examining food webs in Burnham Beeches, and standing on glaciers in Iceland. Each experience broadened horizons and deepened understanding.

British Science Week was a highlight, with demonstrations including walking on Ooblek, elephant’s toothpaste, and dry ice. The poster competition on “Change and Adapt” inspired thoughtful entries on topics from neurodiversity to animal adaptations. Meanwhile, 3rd Formers designed eco-houses, combining creativity with sustainability and scientific thinking.

A particularly exciting new venture was the introduction of the UKROC Youth Rocketry Challenge. Six boys took on the complex task of designing, building, and launching a rocket carrying two eggs to over 200 metres—an impressive feat of engineering and teamwork.

The STEAM Fair once again showcased the boys’ creativity and scientific understanding, with 12 finalists presenting their inventions on Open Morning. We were also fortunate to welcome guest speakers, including the awe-inspiring STEM Roadshow ‘From the Moon to Mars,’ an interactive optometry session, and Radley’s Head of Biology— complete with snakes, a scorpion, and a pygmy hedgehog!

From hatching chicks to national competitions, this has been a year full of wonder. Huge thanks go to the Science staff and the boys for their energy, effort, and enthusiasm. We hope our leavers take with them not just excellent grades, but a lifelong love of Science.

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TPR

Victoria Parker, Subject Lead TPR @CaldicottAcademics

It has been a year of many firsts for TPR (Theology, Philosophy and Religion)!

The 3rd Form have spent their time becoming budding philosophers through Philosophy for Children. What better way to explore their own views – and those of their peers – than through active discussion and engaging games? This has certainly been a highlight for many.

The 4th Form have enjoyed greater independence in their learning. In the first term, they took a deep dive into Judaism and what it means to practise the faith in the 21st century. Their Bible Overview last year proved invaluable in helping them understand the connection between God’s people in the Old Testament and contemporary Jewish life, particularly the role of the Torah as the laws given to them by God. Later, pupils had the opportunity to research and present on a philosopher of their choice – many selecting someone personally meaningful. This term, they tackled an evaluative essay on Jesus’ parables, a fantastic preparation for Common Entrance. Several boys said it was the most fun they’d had in TPR all year!

The 5th Form rose to the challenge of more demanding work with real enthusiasm. They deepened their understanding of Plato – not just his ideas, but the reasoning behind them and the perspectives of those who disagree. They also revisited key Old Testament stories and explored the Five Pillars of Islam.

The 6th Form continued to build on prior knowledge, exploring New Testament stories, engaging in structured debates, and refining their essay-writing skills.

We were thrilled with another excellent set of Common Entrance results, a testament to the boys’ consistent hard work, particularly over the past two years.

Outside the classroom, TPR has gained even more visibility, thanks to the popular Question of the Week. Thoughtprovoking questions such as “Can too much freedom be a bad thing?” and “Are ‘equal’ and ‘fair’ the same?” have sparked insightful conversations. It’s been especially rewarding to see how the boys recognise the subject’s relevance to everyday life, both at school and at home. I’ve been delighted by the enthusiasm from the younger years, with some boys submitting answers every single week!

This gives me great hope that when they officially begin TPR in the 3rd Form, the classroom will be buzzing with ideas.

Bring on next year!

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THE LIBRARY Seppie Chapelle, Librarian

On a personal level, September heralded not only a new academic year, but a new school and a new position. I transitioned out of the classroom and into a dream world, incorporating two of my passions: educating children and books. Armed with an enthusiastic legion of Pupil Librarians, who assumed their roles with diligence and a sense of humour, my aspiration was to transform the library into a warm and inviting place that the boys would seek out to indulge their love of reading.

Throughout the year, the library has seen a myriad of developments. We adopted a new library pet, Pepe Chihuahua, who recommends good reads, tolerates being dressed up for World Book Day, and enjoys affectionate cuddles. Pepe also helps to create the regular word quiz, which the boys complete to earn a plus. Classic novels have been delegated a bookcase of their own, the Wellbeing section has been expanded, and we have a colourful new freestanding bookcase for graphic novels and manga. The latter has proved particularly popular with boys reading for pleasure and the goal is to increase the collection.

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In November, we were incredibly fortunate to host the esteemed author, Chris Bradford; writer of over 50 children’s books, including the best-selling Young Samurai and Bodyguard series, and an enthusiastic and entertaining speaker. Unquestionably, Chris motivated the boys to read, and a thoroughly engaging and inspirational day was had by everyone.

March signalled our celebration of World Book Day: Pupil Librarians hosted our assembly, promoting the significance of reading for pleasure; pupils and staff took the opportunity to dress up as their favourite book character; pupils participated in a book-themed treasure hunt. The following week, we held a Book Fair in the library. The boys enjoyed perusing and purchasing a vast range of reads, and as a bonus, we earned £1800 of free books to add to our collection.

The introduction of a House Library Competition proved most successful, with over 150 examples of witty and original book puns. The winning entries are proudly displayed on a large colourful print in the library.

Caldicott’s first Book Nook was constructed, thanks to our talented Maintenance Team. A cosy corner where boys can read and relax is a popular and fought-over retreat.

Empathy has played a significant role in all aspects of education this year, so naturally, we celebrated Empathy Day in June. I presented an assembly with the aim to inspire the boys to learn more about empathy, have transformational experiences through stories, and put empathy into action. I highlighted some of the books that we have in the library, which evoke empathy, and at break times we created some fun empathy badges to wear.

Book Bequest 2025 was launched at the end of the year, and we had a generous 125 books purchased by parents for donation to the library. Not only have we augmented our already titanic selection of books, but we are further inspiring those boys, who open a book to reveal their name inside the front cover; this will leave a legacy for years to come.

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PERFORMING ARTS Drama

Jo Duncan, Head of Drama @Caldicott_The_Arts

"Are they truly alone? Or are the monsters they fear lurking within themselves?"

This term’s senior production, Lord of the Flies, saw a talented cast deliver a gripping exploration of fear, power, and the breakdown of civilisation. Stranded on a deserted island, the boys descend into chaos in a haunting tale of survival.

The performances on Thursday and Friday night showcased impressive maturity and intensity from the entire ensemble.

Josh SG and Axi FM alternated as the kind-hearted Simon, while Andrei S delivered a chilling Roger. Rafe G (Piggy), Louis M (Ralph), and Harry S (Jack) showed remarkable consistency in demanding roles. Will M and Benjy A shone as the twins, Sam and Eric, and Wilbur R captured Percival’s innocence. Other standouts included Alex B, Tom F, Jesse B, Barney W, Will N, and Louis P as the Naval Officer. The production was supported by a dedicated backstage crew, handling lighting, makeup, and stage management with great professionalism.

It was also a delight to welcome back former Caldicott teacher and honorary OC, Mr Masterman, who attended an early rehearsal and both final performances.

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Meanwhile, our 1st Form delighted audiences with a heartwarming nativity, Baubles. With a cast that included forgetful kings, a grumpy donkey, and a sleepy sheep, this joyful performance reminded us all of the spirit of Christmas. Their singing, dancing, and acting were full of charm.

Not to be outdone, the 2nd and 3rd Formers lit up the stage with The Sound of Musicals Reloaded – a highenergy celebration of classics like Matilda, Peter Pan, and The Jungle Book. Every boy gave it their all, supported by backstage crews and gap students Mr Maynard and Mr Hartwright in standout comedic roles.

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PERFORMING ARTS DRAMA

This year, over 124 boys entered the solo and duo competitions. Claire Anderson, Wellington’s Assistant Director of Drama, adjudicated the finals and praised the exceptionally high standard of performance.

Winners: •

Overall: Louis M

•

Senior: Andrei S

•

Middle: Dhillon A

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Duo: Hugo C & Kabir G

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Winning House: Wood

The 4th Form production, Somewhere Out THEatRE, was a huge success. This vibrant performance was the culmination of their creative journey in Drama over the past few years, blending Drama and song to tell stories of movement, discovery, and transformation. From exploring migration and chaotic family car journeys to legendary adventurers and flights of imagination, the piece also marked 80 years since VE Day by reflecting on the experiences of wartime evacuees.

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PERFORMING ARTS DRAMA

Our Lower School House Drama was the final event of the year, and we were so impressed by the incredible talent on display. Congratulations to Marcus P, who came 1st with his piece from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Ieuan M, who secured a smashing 2nd place.

It has been a year filled with creativity, courage, and exceptional talent.

End of Term Drama Prizes Ritblat Award for Best Actor – Andrei S Audience Choice Award – Louis M 5th & 6th Form Award – Rafe G 3rd & 4th Form Award – Dhillon A 1st & 2nd Form Award – Lucien J Baker Cup for backstage contribution – Thomas L Drama Awards Andrei S – Drama Exhibition & All-rounder (with Drama) to Radley Barney W – Drama Exhibition to Michaelhouse THE CALDICOTIAN 2024/2025 | 39

Music

James Paget, Director of Music @Caldicott_The_Arts

This past year has been another bumper one in the Music School. Much success has been enjoyed, and much hard work has been put in by both pupils and staff. Music does not “simply happen”, success is only ever evident after much time practising and rehearsing. Sometimes one overhears a conversation that goes along the line of “Wasn’t his performance amazing?”, “Yes, but he’s naturally talented.” That ‘natural talent’ only exists through dedication and perseverance. To achieve grade one on any instrument takes considerable time and effort. Music engages all aspects of the brain and ear and much of the body. All of that, alongside honing the fine motor-skills required is hard and there are no short-cuts. Simply playing your pieces only during your lessons will never be enough!

During the course of the year, we very sadly said goodbye to Roy Rashbrook. “Rashers” had worked here for over 20 years. His dedication and brilliance were always evident. When I took over the department in 2021, he was a particular support, a shoulder, an ear and most importantly, a friend. His humour, tales, wit, intellect and expertise will be sorely missed, and we all thank him from the bottom of our hearts for his years of service. He leaves us but continues in his post as a Lay Clerk at St Paul’s Cathedral. We welcome Sean Bui as a new singing teacher.

Sean is very experienced and most cheerful and is a welcome addition to our team of VMTs. My thanks also go to James Cottrell (our IT Endpoint Administrator) who’s master’s degree is in Music Technology. He has facilitated the teaching of boys in the 4th and 6th Form in excellent Music Technology lessons.

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PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC The choirs continue to be busy. The Scholaris were mostly very dedicated and trained their voices hard. An elegant tone was produced, and they showed that off spectacularly when they sang Choral Evensong on Remembrance Day at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. On that occasion we performed Lewis’ sublime The Souls of the Righteous as the anthem with some canticles by Healey Willian. The joint Head Choristers, Advik S and George C ARSM, led them wonderfully. The Middle School Choir developed tremendously. Even though they were vast in number, their performances became polished and secure. One is most grateful to AMD for continuing to take charge of this group.

The Junior Choir, trained by our wonderful administrator (Ma’am Higham), became a really joyous ensemble and their voices strong and lively.

The orchestra were worked hard too, there were times when we really did have to persevere, but we got there in the end. Never more evident than with Mendelssohn’s gorgeous Nocturn from his incidental music to A Midsummer Nights’ Dream. I am very grateful to Roger X ARSM for his help in his role as ‘Leader of the Orchestra and Concert Master’. This year we opened up the orchestra to parents, not because we didn’t have enough boys, but because we wanted to have a group that encompassed the whole community. It was a true delight to welcome three parents to join the boys and staff, and one hopes more may join in the future. The more advanced violinists from the orchestra were taken to Wellington College for their Orchestral Day and they enjoyed themselves muchly.

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PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC

Music examinations continue as ever and huge success was achieved, but I would like to single out George C who took his grade one organ exam. This is the first organ exam we have had a pupil take in over 25 years (my time here) and the fact he did it on only a couples of lessons, shows quite what hard work can do. George also took his ARSM diploma on the bassoon at Christmas ’24 and passed it with flying colours. A fantastic achievement!

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PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC

We ended the academic year off with the Grand Summer Concert Extravaganza. An event which we periodically stage, during which half of the school perform a cantata. This year the formidable ‘Giblet and Sillivan’ penned a new work called Troy Story which chronicled the tales of Patroclus and Achilles and the bloodthirsty battles. The world premiere was performed by the 1st – 3rd Form boys, a staff chorus, and an orchestra of 21. It was possibly the hottest day ever, but the boys did marvellous, none of them fainted and it was a triumph. My most sincere thanks go to Hilary Murphy, an unofficial member of the music department for all her hard work in producing this, and many other musical delights over the years.

Over the course of the year there have been 72 soloists in various concerts. Over 70% of the school roll has taken part in a public performance of some nature and just under 50% of the boys are at a standard where they are in an ensemble of some nature.

My heartfelt thanks go to the whole department!

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SPORT

Matt Hutchings, Director of Sport @CaldicottSport Caldicott Sport continues to thrive as we strive to strike a balance between participation, enjoyment, fulfilment, and healthy competition throughout the school. This year has been a resounding success across all these areas: we’ve celebrated national titles, unbeaten seasons, and representation in national competitions. Alongside these achievements, our internal competitions have flourished, with every boy regularly representing the school in a wide variety of sports and activities. Maintaining this wellrounded approach is essential, while also instilling in the boys a strong sense of standards, etiquette, values, and character— qualities that are most clearly demonstrated through sport and competition. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to you, our parents and supporters, whose encouragement makes all of this possible. Your backing plays a crucial role in the success of our programme. I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the Caldicott staff for their dedication and hard work in delivering such a comprehensive and enriching sporting experience.

Lastly, this year has been an incredible year for Sports Scholarships, with our boys achieving a fantastic 16 sports scholarships to some of the finest senior schools in England. Well done to the boys below!

Benjamin A George B Sebastian C Bowen D Sam F Jonny F Giacamo F Rory H (3) Alfie H Arjun M (2) Pekko P (2) Harry S

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Rugby U13 A G Williams It has been an excellent year for the U13A rugby team. They are a side that embody the Caldicott Spirit. They have the desire to be one of the best Caldicott sides and their work rate both in training and on the pitch has shown that throughout the season.

The team has made huge strides across the season both in their rugby skill level and game understanding coupled with their desire to work together as a team. There is, of course, still work to be done in both skill development and game understanding for all the boys, but their desire to learn and play the game will undoubtedly continue to drive their individual improvement.

There were some really pleasing performances along the way, most notably against Pinewood and Warwick. There were stern tests along the way, but the boys learnt to rise to these occasions and not implode and that has undoubtedly been their most marked area of improvement across the season. However, the game of the season was undoubtedly the fixture against Northampton School for Boys in the full-length game at home.

The biblical rain that day set the perfect back drop for the war that ensued. The boys' passion and sheer willingness to keep working hard to stay in the game, alongside the belief that they were doing the right things in attack and defence and that would ultimately pay off was excellent. Putting together a full 50-minute performance and not giving up when the going got tough and the heavens really opened to eventually win the game 25-15 will hold them in good stead.

While the side had some big wins, some very close games and a very narrow defeat in a shortened length game with a record of playing 22, winning 21, drawing 0 and losing 1 in the regular season and going undefeated to win the IAPS U13A Festival at Cambridge RFC alongside just two narrow defeats in the two Pre-Season Festivals, the true success of the side is how hard they have worked as a team and as individuals to come together when things are going against them. This coupled with the enjoyment they have clearly taken from the season is testament to their drive. Every single one of them has played their part.

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U13 B I Fyffe The U13B team have enjoyed a rollercoaster season with loads of highs and a few valuable lessons included as well. I am really proud of their efforts to increase their skills in passing, securing and turning over opposition ruck ball, and realigning faster on defence to match the shape of the opposition attack. These lessons were hard-learned over countless practices with the boys putting significant effort into improving themselves as individuals and as a team. A highlight of our season was the game against Belmont Mill Hill who went four tries up in the first half due to defensive lapses on our part. However, some inspirational poetry in the half-time talk must have motivated the boys as they tightened up their bootlaces and threw everything they had into an incredible effort to win the game five tries to four.

Ultimately, the team also learned a hard lesson about the importance of fronting up physically in the tackle in each and every game. There were occasions where we let ourselves down defensively, but I am confident in their determination to improve next season. We had a number of outstanding performers this year, but a special mention must go to Oscar L, Sebastian C and Wilbur R, who led the team with their aggression in defence and their willingness to attack the gain line at every opportunity. Oliver T led the team admirably when Sebastian was injured.

U13 C J Blagden The U13C team have enjoyed their season overall and have had some pleasing results. They have recorded 15 wins from their 20 fixtures, which is a great return. The team comprises players with an array of talents, from the guile and creativity from Jack J and Louis P in the middle of the park, to the pace of the Hugo H, Johann P, Jason X and Spencer S in the backs. The forward pack has been unrelenting at times and have improved their work at the breakdown over the course of the season. The main threats and physical dominance have been lead by Leo SJ, Brian L and Dominic M. A particular highlight of the season was the team’s resilience and last-minute fightback and winning try away at The Beacon. Later in the season the team again showed a remarkable comeback scoring two tries in the final two minutes to draw 20-20 against Reading Blue Coat.

It has been an enjoyable two years working closely with many of this team, transitioning from the U12C to the U13C together.

U12 A M Hutchings It has been a very enjoyable season for the U12A team this year. They have shown a tremendous amount of development and genuine progression throughout the season, and as a result they have a fantastic playing record which they should be very proud of; winning 18 games and losing just four.

Crucially, the four games that they have lost have also only been by one score, which again shows how they have been in every match that they have played this season.

One of the challenges of rugby in the 5th Form is that the playing numbers jump from 9 to 12-a-side and this often means that the boys have to learn more positional requirements and structure of play. I have been really impressed by how the boys have responded to this and also how they have interchanged some positions throughout the season. It has also been pleasing to see the squad depth and how the team has grown over the course of the season.

Highlights must be the 20-10 win over RGS High Wycombe, the 5-0 win over Warwick and the brilliant 25-10 win over Northampton School for Boys which was played in an absolute monsoon! My personal favourite was the 25-0 win over Moulsford where the boys played some super offloading rugby and displayed some resolute defence. Indeed the points conceded throughout the season has been pleasing as the boys have worked very hard on defensive organisation and tackle technique.

I look forward to seeing how the boys develop further next term, with the rugby sevens programme to look forward to. Thank you boys – great effort.

U12 B T Zengerink It has been an immensely successful season for the U12B team this season and I have been impressed with the progress and development they have made throughout this term of rugby. At the beginning of the season there were concerns that we may have been lacking in size and strength, but as the season progressed the boys adapted the way they played, and this led to some outstanding results.

All a coach can ask for is for the boys to give their all and this group certainly did this and more. After losing the first game of the season the team went on to beat many of our traditional rivals such as the likes of Bedford, Dragon, RGS, and Warwick. What has made this such a successful season is the style of play the boys have learned and adopted. That style is predominantly a free-flowing game with plenty of offloads and passing which as a spectator and coach is lovely to watch.

The fact so many players have progressed to the U12A team is testament to the success of the team and hard work of everyone. Thank you to all the parents for their support throughout the season.

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U12 C C Legge

U11 A M Holyland

It has been a genuinely enjoyable season to coach. This squad of boys has been committed, enthusiastic, teachable, and worked together as a team from the beginning of the season.

They have also shown grit when the cards were down, and a big push was needed to get back into the game.

The U11A rugby team has had an outstanding season, playing 28 matches, winning 23, drawing four, and losing just one. The boys displayed incredible heart, determination, and a consistent commitment to improving their skills throughout the season. Their defensive resilience was a standout feature, conceding only 18 tries across their 28 fixtures, which speaks volumes about their collective effort and discipline. The season's highlights include an unbeaten record at the Stowe, Wellington, and IAPS Festivals, where the team demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure while developing their tactical and technical abilities.

Being the C team, we have had to endure the frequent knockon effects of injuries and absences in other teams above us.

What has inspired me, is watching a group of boys regroup – even when some of their star players have been missing – and lift their game to another level, to compensate for the diminished numbers. We scored 84 tries over the season, winning six, drawing three and losing – narrowly – just eight.

All the boys deserve a mention, but I want to highlight the role Xan played as captain – he led from the front and made the correct decisions in the tight games. He also scored 13 tries during the season. This was only surpassed by Lorenzo, who played some fantastic running rugby, scoring 20 tries over the season. Leo, Arnav and Jackson were magnificent in defence and attack, while Nehan, Joshua, Yuvraj and Nikhil played an important role in securing our rucks and scrums. Nasir and Evan showed good progression, even catching, and running with the ball towards the end of the season.

Evidence that this team has progressed in skills, is the number of players we have sent upwards into the B, and even A the team. This migration has been great for the individual players, but I am as proud of the boys who have remained in the C team, for continuing to take ownership and pride in their team.

A parting comment (parents who have journeyed with this team will understand) is that I will miss Nasir’s ever-present water bottle, which really should have taken pride of place in our team photograph.

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As the season progressed, the boys developed into a dynamic team that played an exciting brand of rugby. They began mixing fast, expansive attacking play with creative offloads, utilizing width and pace to break down their opponents. The team's improvement in attack was matched by their solid defensive foundation, which allowed them to dominate in many fixtures. Their ability to execute offloads and maintain width in their attack made them a difficult team to defend against, providing thrilling rugby for both players and spectators alike.

It has been a pleasure to work with such a talented and enthusiastic group of players. Their teamwork, commitment, and passion for rugby have been evident throughout the season, and the potential for the future is tremendous. With continued development and focus on skill-building, the U11As have the opportunity to achieve even greater success in the seasons to come. Their growth both as individuals and as a team is a testament to their hard work, and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the future.

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U11 B J Currie This season has been a mixed bag of results for the U11B rugby team, with four wins, one draw, and six losses from 11 matches.

While the start of the season was slow, the boys gradually came together, showing great improvement as the term progressed. Their determination and hard work paid off with impressive victories over Davenies, Swanbourne, The Oratory Prep, and Aldwickbury. The second half of term marked the turning point, as the boys began to play with greater cohesion and confidence. They adopted a running and passing style of play, looking to attack out wide and showcase their skill and teamwork. This brand of rugby made them stand out, as they were able to maintain possession and move the ball with pace and precision. While the season may not have been perfect in terms of results, the development in both individual and team play was clear to see, and there is much to build on for the future. The boys showed great resilience, and their willingness to learn and improve will undoubtedly serve them well in the seasons to come.

Overall, it was a season full of growth, excitement, and promise, and we look forward to seeing the continued development of this talented group of players.

U11 C A Smyth This has been a challenging but highly rewarding season for the U11C rugby team. Often pitted against strong B teams, the boys have acquitted themselves admirably. They have made Caldicott proud!

In order to support their rugby development, we have focused on attack and defence structures; tackling; winning the contact areas; awareness of space and communication. In all areas, I have seen significant improvement and I am confident that a number of the boys will be challenging for higher teams next year.

Most of our games were settled by a single score, although we showed our development with a thumping victory against St George’s Weybridge. This was rounded off by a complete, all-round performance against Moulsford Preparatory. The 35-25 scoreline did not reflect the superiority of our victory.

Congratulations, boys. You can be proud of your season and of your development as rugby players. Good luck in your senior years.

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U11 D T Chapman The U11D rugby team had a very impressive season on paper, winning eight and drawing one game out of the 11 played.

The strength of the side was its attacking play with several elusive, pacy runners causing problems, often insurmountable ones, for the opposition defences.

Participation at the breakdown improved throughout the season but far too many boys were spectators at this phase and others rucked as though they were pushing a broken-down vehicle.

Tackling is a mental as well as a physical discipline and players must ‘want’ to do it. Most need to show more heart and commitment here (as well as technique) if they are to move up the pecking order next year.

Congratulations to them all on a successful term on the rugby field and thank you to Mr Wilson for refereeing the home fixtures.

U11 E R Di Maso This has been a really exciting season for the U11 E team, with some new boys joining the squad. The skill level was already high, but with the addition of the powerhouse Dennison H, it meant that the team became even stronger. Euan M discovered his passion for rugby this season, playing very hard and Sirius Z will go far if he keeps showing his pace next year. Alexandre M can become a fantastic player if he starts tackling low. Some very convincing wins against some of our strongest opponents, but also some narrow defeats to help us reflect that we can’t always win matches confiding solely on the individuals; we must always play united as a team (especially in defence) and tackle the opposition low and hard to avoid conceding easy tries. Overall, a fantastic season, well done!

U10 A B Clarke

U10 C T Gloster

The U10A rugby team has enjoyed a highly successful season, marked by strong performances and key learning moments.

The season began with two festivals at The Oratory and Stowe Schools, where larger squads were selected, providing many boys the chance to stake a claim for future selection. These early games highlighted the team's potential, particularly at the Stowe Festival, where they defeated Warwick and came very close to beating Bedford, two renowned powerhouses in schoolboy rugby with much larger numbers to choose from.

It has been an absolute joy to coach the U10Cs this term!

Their boundless enthusiasm, unwavering commitment to improve, and fantastic teamwork have made every moment of this season a real pleasure to be a part of.

Watching them grow and develop has been brilliant.

The team’s next major challenge was an away trip to Pinewood, which proved to be a thrilling contest. Caldicott triumphed 35-30 in a hard-fought match, largely thanks to a standout performance

by Sam T, who scored an impressive five tries, and a solid defensive effort across the team. We then were scheduled to play in another festival at Radley which got cancelled, so we managed to arrange a Quad at the Dragon School along with Cheltenham College Prep. We proved to be too strong for Cheltenham, running away with a 50-5 victory. We then played the hosts, which was a very competitive match and was nailbiting throughout. The boys put in a huge defensive performance, holding them up twice on their try line during the match. We managed to win 5-0 it what was a great advert for U10 rugby.

Following this, they competed at the Marlborough College Festival, where they faced some very strong opposition. Despite the challenge, the team recorded five wins, one draw, and two losses, with William F scoring five tries and Nico S contributing four.

The season then built toward the final game against Moulsford, who had narrowly defeated us at the Marlborough Festival.

Training intensified in the lead-up to this match, as we knew it would be a tough encounter. The team delivered their best performance of the season, playing dynamic, attacking rugby and executing a series of offloads, culminating in the try of the season, by completing five offloads in a single phase. Every player stepped up, but special mention goes to Nico S and Walter B, whose offloading skills created multiple try-scoring opportunities. Both players scored two tries in the match, and the final score was a dominant 45-20 victory.

This was a fantastic way to end the season, and the entire squad has been a pleasure to work with. They have immense potential, and with continued hard work and focus, they will undoubtedly have more success during their time at Caldicott.

U10 B E Barnett The U10B team improved considerably over the course of the season. They are a talented bunch with many effective ball carriers. Our team changed fairly frequently with many of the group playing for both the A and B teams which is a testament to the ability within the year group. We had some really good games against strong opposition and many of our fixtures were against A teams which proved to be a really good test for the boys and brought the best rugby out of the team. At times we played some excellent rugby and moved the ball well through the hands exploiting gaps in the defense of the opposition. We scored some well-worked tries. Moving forward, individuals in the team should scan more and play more as a team, working out the best opportunities for the team to score, rather than working out how best they could score for themselves. Well done to all team members, it was a successful and thoroughly enjoyable season.

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When we look at the results, the boys have absolutely smashed it, with just one loss to the Dragon B team. And what a game that was! It went down to the wire with some truly phenomenal rugby from the boys. They were just one try short of victory, and seeing how disappointed they were to lose to a B team was a testament to the incredible progress they’ve made – they wanted that win so badly!

The hard work they’ve put in at training, especially with a focus on passing and ‘team before individual’, has really paid off in some close, hard-fought games. The fact that try-scoring has been shared across the team speaks volumes about the team spirit they’ve built. It’s been amazing to see them put the team first and play for each other.

I can’t wait to see how all of these talented boys continue to grow as they move up the school. Thank you, boys, for a great season.

U10 D E Harper By all accounts, the U10Ds have had a season to be proud of, with each player striving to contribute their best to the team’s development. The boys' communication has improved significantly, enabling them to learn and refine new skills during lessons and apply them effectively in game situations. Their understanding of the 'breakdown' and how to regain possession for their team has advanced tremendously. Strong performances against Bedford, Swanbourne, Dragon, Aldwickbury, and Moulsford have often placed them on the winning side.

While they haven’t always finished on the right side of the scoreline, the boys have consistently taken positives from their defeats. More often than not, they have bounced back the following week, determined to correct their mistakes.

Overall, the season has been a tremendous success, with the boy’s exemplifying teamwork, inclusion, and camaraderie at every opportunity.

U10 E L Querstret The season has been a real journey of development for the U10E team. Both as individuals developing the skills and understanding of the game, the team as a whole has also transformed over the weeks. In September, a collection of individuals were able to demonstrate each of their own strengths, but by December, everyone knew their role in the team and were playing for and supporting one another both in attack and defence. Whether results were a victory or defeat, every match played was incredibly close and the team maintained a ‘never-say-die’ attitude with every man giving their all right to the final whistle with one match being turned around and won in the final few minutes!

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Junior Rugby It has been really pleasing to see both the U8 and U9’s rugby progress across the last term and a half. In both age groups, the Caldicott boys have had the opportunity to develop their rugby skills outside of their Games sessions in a number of stand-alone fixtures and in extremely valuable mini festivals. It is incredibly important that all the values of the game are instilled in all the boys at this age, while the biggest emphasis is on enjoyment. Despite these identical core values, along with the boys being so close in age, the challenges for each year group on the rugby pitch are quite different.

The U8s have a real focus on basic 'catch and pass' core skill development alongside developing their game understanding specifically related to space and how best to attack and defend the space all in a touch rugby environment. Our U8s have grasped this brilliantly well and I have been really impressed with their skill level and increased game understanding.

The U9s continue with this theme of core skill development, but for the first time have to negotiate the concept of tackling or being tackled by an opponent. This changes the game dramatically both from a coaching and playing perspective. A lot of time initially is spent on developing sound safe tackle technique for all the boys and then allowing them to explore how they need to adapt their skill set now this element has been introduced. Across the board the improvement in these skills has been good and while it has taken some a little longer to transfer the skills to the game understanding I have no doubt that the year group will go on to sound rugby success over the coming years.

Rugby Sevens U12s

U13s

The U12 VII had a very successful season, and showed some great development and progression throughout the short and intense season. They played 16 matches, won 13, drew two and lost just one; a great effort.

It was exciting, as always, to have a full calendar of 7s tournaments for this very good U13 side to participate in; five 7s Festivals and the 4th Caldicott National Schools 10s Festival which this year was bigger than ever.

Whilst Port Regis was sadly cancelled due to poor weather, the team had a great performance at The Downs festival in Bristol winning four games and coming out as joint winners when after added time, the score remained 5-5 against Collegiate School, meaning that the trophy and honours were shared.

At Millfield the following Saturday, we were runners-up having had some fantastic results including a dominant 20-15 win over the hosts Millfield in the group stage, but just couldn’t quite defeat Aysgarth in the final game, with the match ending up a 10-10 draw in a very competitive battle, meaning that Millfield were crowned winners even though we had defeated them earlier in the day; a harsh lesson.

Lastly, the boys played bravely and with great gusto in our home tournament brushing aside Broomwood, Shrewsbury House, Wetherby and Millfield again in a fantastic 20-5 win.

This meant that we played our ‘final’ against Warwick who proved too strong and defeated us 10-20 meaning that we ended up as runners- up overall.

This was a very successful season for the U12 VII where they learned a great deal and showed some real progression and development. They should all be very proud of their efforts as they now build towards playing for the U13 VII next year and progressing further. Well done boys.

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There was another shuffle in the schedule for the 7s Festivals this year with Millfield moving from the first Festival to the third in the season. Port Regis returned to their usual spot as the first Wednesday after half term.

Unfortunately, as the time of year at the end of February is accustomed to, the wet weather got the better of the West Country and the Festival was cancelled.

As we entered March the weather turned for the better and the boys headed to The Downs Festival. The Caldicott U13 side performed very well losing just one game in the first group to the eventual overall winners, Collegiate.

Having placed second in the initial group, the Caldicott boys went on to win the second place competition beating Millfield en route. Confirmation that this side when on song could compete with any side nationally. With an untraditional week off 7s in this year's extended Lent Term, the Caldicott side had plenty of time to recover before heading down to Millfield. Unfortunately, another tough initial group saw a repeat of The Downs. The boys losing just one game to the eventual overall winners, Stonyhurst placed the Caldicott boys second in the initial group. Again, they went on to convincingly win the second place competition, beating Cheltenham in the last game 30-0. This final game showed what the boys were capable of and gave a good springboard into the much-anticipated Caldicott 7s which came next.

As is so often the case, the boys stepped up another level on home turf, playing some very good rugby and winning all six games on the day, beating an excellent Shrewsbury House side in the second group to be crowned 2025 Caldicott 7s Champions!

After another week of rest from rugby, on the last Thursday of term, the boys headed off to the famous Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s keen to repeat their performance at their home 7s Festival. Caldicott were placed in a strong group of schools and had five tough matches, competing well in all of them winning four and losing the last game to a very strong Dubai College side, which placed Caldicott second overall in their group.

They have been a pleasure to coach, and I can only congratulate each one of them on a very good 7s and 10s season. A special mention must go to Rory H and Alfie H who were awarded their Caldicott Rugby Caps for consistently exceptional and outstanding performances in rugby across the U13A season, a rare award handed out. I will watch how each and every boy in the side continues to develop their rugby with great interest as they go off to their senior schools.

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Football Josh Blagden

It has been another successful football season, with a full and competitive fixture programme enjoyed by all boys from 1st – 6th Form. The team reviews will feature in the next section. Please see below for an overall round up from this season’s internal competitions and football awards.

The Charity Football tournament in aid of The Sparrow Foundation is a particular highlight in the Lent Term calendar. In a similar vein to the internal charity matches, House Football is played with a fiercely competitive spirit and the boys exhibit their passion and desire to win. It often throws up dramatic matches and tense outcomes and this season was no exception.

Thanks to Mr Clarke who oversaw the U10 football training, the inaugural 3rd Form Super League was created. Each Friday boys participated in the 10 team league, culminating in a final at the end of term. The final was a great occasion and played in front of the whole year group. Arsenal reigned supreme and won the final thanks to two goals from Zachary Z. Arsenal’s winning team consisted of the following boys and received prizes in assembly; Tom C, Henry D, Felix F, Zachary Z, Otto C, Kariuki K and Rocco F. Soccer 6s is a competition accessible for many boys in the U12C, U12D, U13C and U13D teams. The four teams play six-a-side matches in a qualifying group, before battling it out in the semi-finals for a chance to represent their team in front of their peers. This year’s final was a 0-0 stalemate between Taplow Tigers and Farnham Royals, with both defences proving too strong. The match went straight to penalties, with Farnham Royals edging out Taplow Tigers to claim the trophy.

As ever, Caldicott is proud of our footballers who are selected to represent The Prep School Lions. This season, the following boys were successfully selected in the U11 Development Squad following a trial; Hugo C, Freddie D, Frederick H, Çinar K, Aubrey P, Jacobi S, Theo T. From each school fixture, we record the result and scorers and collate these at the end of the season. The following boys received awards for their goalscoring efforts:

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Senior School Golden Boot Winner: George B (13 goals)

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Senior School Golden Boot Runners-Up: Julian D/Joe C (11 goals)

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Middle School Golden Boot Winner: Xander F (10 goals)

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Middle School Goden Boot Runner-Up: Tristan Y (9 goals)

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U13 A J Blagden

U13 B G Champion

It has been a mixed season for the U13A team in terms of results. However, in the early season defeats there were some pleasing performances and the boys showed plenty of potential. The team showed bravery in trying to play out from the back and retain possession in tight spaces. In general, the level of commitment and effort in both training and matches should be commended. It was pleasing to coach such a willing group of boys who are clearly so enthused by football. Each session they demonstrated a willingness to learn, and strived to develop both technically and tactically.

It has been a pleasure to coach the U13B team this football season. We have spent the term consolidating skills whilst learning new techniques and footballing ideas. To that end, we also drew similarities from other sports such as rugby and basketball to form patterns of play and other tactical philosophies to create a team ‘DNA’. This, I believe, gave the team a ‘never give up’ attitude which saw us score a number of goals late on in games when the opposition would tire and our determination and philosophy would shine through and get us the all important three points. Many players, I believe, have been on a great journey this term as some concepts such as pressing and other advanced technical aspects of football may have been new to them or hadn’t been practiced in a training environment.

The 1-1 draw at home to St John’s Leatherhead will live long in the memory for some. In a game where these boys lost heavily the previous year, they entered the match as significant underdogs. This mentality bolstered their confidence and desire, and a tweak in tactics to play more defensively and look to counter attack paid dividends, with Oscar L racing through from a Samson L through ball to go 1-0 up. The game finished as a draw, thanks to a collective effort from the team and some individual heroics. Particular standouts performances came from Harry S, Barney W and Louis P. This performance galvanised the group and kick started the season. The next game saw us beat Holyport College 5-3, followed up with another spirited underdog display against The Dragon.

After half term, the team avenged their 6-0 loss against The Beacon at home, to travel away and win 6-1. An inspired performance from Will M and Louis M up front put the opposition to the sword. Throughout the season Sampson L, Raqeen G, Leo SJ and Josh SG showed versatility and tenacity often as the holding midfielders, whilst Rory H and Wilbur R demonstrated pace and ability on the wing. Well done for your efforts this season and good luck to all players in their future footballing endeavours.

Training focus of the season was made up of three main aspects. The first was establishing a team DNA; this meant being brave to press to win back the ball, clear pattern of play (up, back and through), set pieces. The second invovled team bonding and linking techniques from other sports into football; we used similarities between rugby, basketball and football and played team bonding games (head tennis). Finally, we instilled and consolidated discipline; this means being respectful to each other and coaches whilst also having fun, and encouraging competition and desire to progress through the ranks of the C Team into B and A teams.

What was a highlight of the last game of the season was to see players such as George B push himself into the U13A team after scoring an impressive number of goals for the B Team. Other players such as Benjamin A, George C and Samuel F thrived under their respective leadership roles within the team. What was also great to see was players being so eager to learn about football and discuss new concepts as well as ideas for the team. Dominic M, Alex B, Benjamin A and Hugo H were brilliant in this aspect of our team.

Once major improvement I would’ve liked to have implemented on the group is starting games as well as we finish them. If the energy we end games with was at the start of the match, I believe we would score a number of goals and kill the opponent off early, rather than waiting for them to tire before our brilliance shows.

U13 C I Fyffe The U13C team experienced a near transformative season as we progressed through the term. Our first few games relied less on skills and more on hacking the ball forwards and sending some speedy players to chase and apply pressure. The beauty of a quick passing game developed slowly, with our accuracy of pass and better first touches on the ball improving significantly through the season. There were a few tough losses to weather, and some magnificent victories where goals were abundant. Our most beautiful game of the season, played against Thorpe House, saw superb linking play to players who worked hard to put themselves into the right position, then confidently and speedily passing the ball along to the next, culminating in a five goals to one victory. Complete football was achieved and poetry inspired.

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U13 D G Williams

U12 B J Currie

U12 D M Hutchings

It has been a scintillating season of Football for the U13D team. I have been incredibly impressed with their desire to play ‘good football’ throughout the term. Their ability to mirror what the boys in the higher up teams are looking to do on the pitch has been excellent. They have looked to build play from the back through a short sharp succinct passing game. The middle of the park has been controlled by Alessandro F, Brian L, Spencer S and Andrei S. At times, their shooting power has let them down, but this hasn’t marred their ability to score goals while Vladimir G and Jack J have worked themselves into the right position to score plenty of goals from close range. Waldorf A, Jonathan L, Moyo S, Advik S and James A have been the iron wall at the back operating a slick offside trap making it nigh on impossible for the oppositions attack. Thomas L has been a standout performer, excellent in goal while also offering brilliantly in the midfield at times. All in all, this side have been a pleasure to coach and have shown real development in both their core skills and game understanding as the season has gone on.

The U12B team has enjoyed a fantastic season, played nine matches and secured an impressive eight victories, with only one loss.

From the very first game, the team demonstrated great commitment, skill, and a strong desire to improve with each performance. Their success was built on excellent teamwork, discipline, and a willingness to support each other both on and off the pitch. Throughout the season, the squad played with energy and determination, producing some exciting football and scoring some truly memorable goals. Their attacking play was dynamic and creative, while their defensive resilience ensured that they remained competitive in every match. The players showed great adaptability, adjusting to different opponents and match situations with intelligence and composure. Beyond the results, what stood out most was the team spirit and camaraderie among the players. They encouraged one another, worked tirelessly in training, and always approached matches with a positive attitude. Their hard work and enthusiasm made for an enjoyable and rewarding season.

Congratulations to all the players for their dedication and success.

This has been a hugely promising campaign, and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop in the seasons ahead.

This season has shown significant progress for the U12D team, marking a period of growth, development, and noticeable improvement across various aspects of play.

U12 A E Barnett The U12s have been a pleasure to coach.

They are a talented and passionate group of footballers, and the team has made considerable progress throughout the season. They recorded many impressive results and performances, which is a testament to their competitive nature and strong will to win.

There have been numerous notable team performances, not only in the attractive and attacking style of play but also in how the boys stuck together when faced with challenges. They never let their heads drop and consistently encouraged one another throughout games.

A great example of this was the match against Shiplake, where the boys fell behind early, conceding two goals due to individual mistakes and being caught in possession. However, the team rallied together, showed tremendous resilience, and fought back to win 4-3. Other teams may not have recovered from such a situation, but this group demonstrated great character, which has been a key factor in their enjoyable and successful season. I’m confident that the boys will continue to grow and improve, and I wish them all the very best for the future.

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U12 C C Legge This has been a tremendous season for the U12C team. We won six games and drew one, scoring 44 goals, with only five against. I am proud of the consistently high level of commitment the boys showed throughout the season. Every boy played their part, even when asked to play out of their preferred position for the sake of the team. I also enjoyed watching the progress the boys made in their communication, and the accuracy of their passing. It has been a genuinely enjoyable team to coach; the excellent results are just the cherry on the top.

At the start of the season, we introduced new strategies aimed at tightening the defensive structure while encouraging more fluid attacking play. These changes were met with varying degrees of success early on, but as the season progressed, the team began to show greater confidence in playing with a formation and shape.

One of the major highlights has been the team’s defensive solidity. The team became more difficult to break down than in previous seasons, and the communication between defenders and the goalkeeper improved significantly. In attack, the team also found new gear with fluid transitions from defence to attack and a more creative edge in the final third.

While finishing has occasionally been inconsistent, the attacking players have demonstrated an ability to break down opposition defences and create numerous scoring opportunities. Some of the highlights were the 3-1 victory over Reading Blue Coat and the 6-2 victory over The Beacon – both games showing the progress that the boys have made.

Looking ahead, the foundations laid this season are promising. While there's still work to be done, the team has made substantial strides toward achieving its goals. Well done.

U11 A R Di Maso This has been a really tough season for the U11A team; a season which saw losses and draws along the way and plenty of learning opportunities. The boys need to realise that there is nothing to be afraid of on the pitch as too often they were not fully committed in the 50/50 challenges; they need to fight hard for every single ball from the first to the last minute. In most of the matches the boys did much better in the second half, this shows that they were realising what they were doing wrong, and they reacted in the right way. What they need to do next season, is apply what they have learnt and the right attitude from the first minute of the first match. Some boys deserve a mention for the way they applied themselves on the pitch, both during matches and training: Hugo C, Ukuma T and Wenty B have been absolute stars, their determination on every ball has been commendable throughout the season, well done boys!

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U11 B M Holyland

U11 C A Smyth

The U11B team displayed tremendous heart and determination throughout the football season, overcoming numerous challenges as they developed both individually and collectively. As the weeks progressed, their improvement was evident – not only in results but in the quality and style of their play. The team grew more confident in possession, moving the ball with increasing accuracy and speed, which led to a greater number of attacking opportunities.

This has been a successful season as the boys gave their best at all times and have been a pleasure to coach. In every practice and during each match, they have played the game with full determination and good sportsmanship, making Caldicott proud. Whilst our results have been mixed, our team spirit and attitude have been consistent. I have seen high levels of improvement in each player, and there has undoubtedly been progress with regards to our positional play, individual skills and awareness of the game.

Well done, boys. I am proud of you!

Among their most impressive performances were a commanding 4–1 win over The Beacon and a wellearned 3–1 victory against Gayhurst. Even in defeat, the boys showed remarkable resilience and courage, particularly against strong sides like Abingdon Prep and The Dragon. These matches highlighted just how far the team had come in a relatively short space of time.

U11 D T Chapman A largely successful season for the U11D team saw something of an improvement in the boys’ play and tactics throughout the term.

A defining feature of their approach was their energetic, attack-minded style. Favouring quick transitions and counter-attacks, the team consistently looked to use their pace and enthusiasm to challenge their opponents.

Every player played a role in the team’s progress, but special mentions go to Tristan Y, Kourosh S, Nicolas CP, and Yuvraj D for their dedication and consistent performances throughout the season.

Eschewing the ‘kick and hope’ mantra of the early season, most players started to look for a more productive pass to a teammate. Movement off the ball meant that there were always plenty of options for the man in possession, but use of the weaker foot is going to have to improve if progress is to be made next year.

A further standout was Joseph G, whose exceptional goalkeeping – marked by several spectacular saves – was crucial to the team's overall success.

U11 E J Blagden

Well done to all of you on your efforts throughout.

A largely successful season for the U11E team, winning four out of a possible seven matches. The boys had trained well and have enjoyed participating in Wednesday matches.

The overall technical skill and tactical understanding within the group has progressed. Jasper D and Veyron M have been particular standouts and deserve recognition for their efforts and contribution. The transition to playing nine-a-side football has been a challenge at times. Creating space and improving the general ability to pass and receive is a clear target for this group moving onto next season.

Well done everyone!

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SPORT

U10 A B Clarke

U10 B O James

The U10A football team had an excellent start to their season with a convincing 14-3 victory over Abingdon Prep. The standout performance of the match came from Xander F, who scored six goals, alongside impressive contributions from David X, Seb W, and Tom C, each scoring twice. Given that this was the first time this group had officially played together, it was incredibly pleasing to see them adopt such an attacking style of football, which instilled a great deal of confidence going into the season.

The U10B’s football season has been a journey of growth, teamwork, and resilience. From the start, the boys have shown great enthusiasm, embracing the style of play we’ve worked to develop. They’ve demonstrated not just talent but a strong sense of unity and determination in every match.

Unfortunately, due to bad weather, the next two fixtures were cancelled. The team’s next match was at home against Pinewood, which proved to be a much tighter contest. This game was a fantastic advert for U10 football, with Pinewood scoring the winning goal in the final play, leaving the score at 6-5. The team got off to a strong start, scoring the first two goals, but Pinewood gradually grew into the match and played some excellent football. Once again, Xander F was a standout, scoring three goals, with Tom C and Seb W each adding one. Sam T also made several crucial saves throughout the game, keeping the team in contention.

The team’s next fixture took them to Beachborough, where they had the exciting opportunity to be coached by the Headmaster Mr. Banks at his old school. This match was another close encounter, ending in a 2-2 draw. Tom C and Seb W again found the back of the net for Caldicott.

The next match was at home against The Dragon, which turned out to be another thrilling game. Caldicott controlled much of the possession and managed to score an own goal from a corner, thanks to an excellent delivery from Seb W. David X then scored a fantastic counter-attacking goal, cutting inside from his wing and finishing down the middle. However, Caldicott couldn't hold onto their lead, and The Dragon fought back to draw the match 2-2. This provided a valuable learning experience for the team in dealing with setbacks both individually and collectively.

Throughout the term, the team’s main focus has been on working together and maintaining a positive mindset during challenging moments. Individually, they are clearly a talented group, but moving forward, they need to continue building each other up and improving their teamwork. I look forward to seeing their continued development and improvement as a group during their time here at Caldicott.

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The season kicked off with a dominant 5-1 victory over Abingdon Prep, where Wilbur W and Henry D each scored two goals, setting a positive tone. Their next match was against Claires Court U11Bs, a much tougher test, but the U10Bs rose to the challenge and secured an impressive 8-0 win. Oscar B’s three goals earned him man of the match honours in this standout performance.

The boys then faced Beachborough (A) in a physical battle, but despite their efforts, they were defeated 3-1. Instead of getting discouraged, they quickly refocused on training to improve for their next match. In their most recent game against The Dragon, they lost 1-0, but despite missing several chances, showed great determination and progress.

Weather disruptions made training difficult, but the boys stayed committed, continuing to work on their skills and supporting each other as a team. Their collective determination has been impressive, and there’s no doubt that they have the potential for greater success.

As the season progresses, the U10Bs continue to face challenges, but with their work ethic and positive attitude, they are set for even more growth. The future looks bright for this talented group of players.

U10 C E Harper The U10C team have had a season full of progress with the boys developing their knowledge of ball retention and being able to look for and pass into space. Steadily, the boys have developed as a team, notching up wins against The Dragon, Abingdon, Pinewood and Beachborough. The weather did have a role in the number of matches being played but we were able to spend some Wednesday afternoons at Beaconsfield FC, which was wonderful – the boys loved playing on the well-kept ‘professional’ surface! All boys have played their part in ensuring a season full of success.

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U10 D E Harper

U10 F T Gloster

The U10D team has made great progress this season, with the boys improving their understanding of ball retention and learning to find and pass into space. Over time, they have developed well as a team, securing wins against Berkhamsted, Claires Court, Pinewood and The Dragon doubleheader. While the weather affected the number of matches played, the team made the most of their Wednesday afternoons at Beaconsfield FC, where they enjoyed playing on the excellent pitch. Every player has contributed to a season of steady improvement and enjoyable football. Communication and passing into space are areas that all players could continue to work towards.

It has been great to see the boys manage an unbeaten season. Their perseverance and team spirit allowed them to exert their dominance over the opposition teams!

The season started positively with a 3-0 win over Abingdon which gave the boys confidence to continue to work hard in training and apply what they have learnt in their matches. The highlight of the season has to be the 7-0 victory over The Dragon.

All of the boys have stepped up but a few boys must be highlighted; Rian V has never given up and the tackles he puts in have been phenomenal; Lucas D has made some great saves and then shown his versatility of playing out field as well(!), while the determination from Max K has never dropped.

I hope to hear of more success in the future as they move up through the school.

U10 E T Gloster The boys finished the season on a high; not losing in their last three games!

They have shown real progress as the term has gone on. They have worked on their close control and it has been great to see players controlling the ball, looking up and delivering an accurate pass! We have also focused on teamwork and so the boys have all worked excellently for each other, encouraging and celebrating where necessary. I look forward to seeing how they get on next season in the Under 11s. Great effort!

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Junior Football The Junior School boys have enjoyed a terrific start to their football journey at Caldicott. There was an excellent turnout at the pre-season Junior Football Camp in the days before term got underway. It was a great opportunity for the boys to develop their technical skills and enjoy forging new friendships. There were many new boys that made their Caldicott debuts in the first match of the season versus Summer Fields.

The following block fixture against Wetherby Pre-Prep was well contested at U8, whilst the U9 teams enjoyed home fixtures versus Ludgrove. Later in the week, the U8A team travelled to Summer Fields to compete in their 6 a-side football festival.

Under the guidance of Mr Currie, the boys fought their way through the group stage to qualify for plate play play-offs. The boys had a terrific afternoon and enjoyed competing against an array of schools, and even felt the elation of winning a dramatic penalty shootout to finish fifth overall.

The enthusiasm for football amongst the boys in the Junior School is fantastic and there is lots of potential. This enthusiasm often peaks during House Matches and again this year this proved to be the case. Wood ‘A’ and Cooper ‘A’ team met in the final group game in a winner takes all finale. With less than five minutes remaining, Wood recovered from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with a last minute winner from Jovan Dhesi. This victory guaranteed Wood’s top spot finish with both ‘A’ and ‘B’ competitions combined.

Cooper were second, whilst Jenkins edged past McArthur narrowly to claim third place.

At the end of each season, each team’s coach selects their Player of the Season, based on performance and effort in both training and matches. Please see below for the players of the season in 2024.

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U9A: Atticus H

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U9B: Felix R

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U9C: Gianmarco S

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U9D: Magnus J

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U9E: Lucius C

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U8A: Lucien J

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U8B: Leo T

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U8C: Consti B

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Scholarships and Bursaries are available for 13+ and 16+ Entry.

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THE CALDICOTIAN 2024/2025 | 59

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Cricket

John Currie

It has been a truly successful and memorable season of cricket at Caldicott, helped in no small part by a long spell of good weather and the tireless efforts of our brilliant grounds staff. Their work ensured we had consistently excellent playing conditions, and we are incredibly grateful for their support. Of course, it was the character and commitment of the boys - who gave their all and simply got on with it that made this season so enjoyable.

Notable Batting Performances: Half-Centuries and Centuries •

U10A vs Dragon – Hugo C 53*

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U10A vs Lambrook – Oscar B 53

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U10A vs Lambrook – Felix F 53

The season began in fine style with two senior teams touring South Africa. The boys were treated to spectacular scenery and challenging opposition, providing the perfect preparation for the summer ahead. It was fitting that the final match of the season also featured South African opposition, as the 1st XI faced Cornwall Hill on a blisteringly hot day, bringing the season full circle.

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U10A vs Haberdashers – Wilbur W 55*

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U10A vs Summer Fields – Wilbur W 86

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1st XI vs Bedford – Barney W 80

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1st XI vs Bedford – Harry S 59

On the final Monday evening, two special fixtures were held: the fathers of the 6th Form leavers took on the leavers and the fathers of the 1st XI took on the 1st XI. Played in fantastic spirit, these matches embodied everything that cricket means to so many people around the world. It was a perfect way to say goodbye to our leaving cricketers and to round off what has been a thoroughly action-packed and rewarding season.

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1st XI vs Stellenbosch Primary – Rory H 103

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1st XI vs Dragon – Rory H 111*

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1st XI vs Hall Grove – Rory H 99*

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1st XI vs RGS High Wycombe – Rory H 65

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1st XI vs Lambrook – Rory H 50

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1st XI vs Cornwall Hill – William N 50*

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2nd XI vs RGS High Wycombe – Archie B 81*

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2nd XI vs Bedford – Archie B 51* & 52

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4th XI vs Lambrook – Sampson L 88

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5th XI vs Lambrook – Waldorf A 83

Caldicott Cricket Club has once again enjoyed an excellent campaign, with standout performances both from teams and individuals. What sets Caldicott apart is not just the strength of our A teams, but the incredible depth of talent across all sides. The competition for places is fierce throughout the club, and this has raised standards across the board. As you’ll read in the individual team reviews, our coaches take immense pride in both team and individual development, and significant progress has been made across all year groups.

As cricket is a sport rich in statistics, it would be remiss not to highlight some of the standout performances that earned recognition during our final assembly.

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Outstanding Bowling Performances •

4th XI vs Bedford – Akam B: 6 for 8 (3.4 overs)

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3rd XI vs RGS High Wycombe – George C: 5 for 4 (2 overs)

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8th XI vs Summer Fields – William S: 5 for 5 (3 overs)

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Caldicott Premier League (CPL) 2025 Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated event of the term was the Grand Final of the Caldicott Premier League. The Taplow Tornadoes took on the Slough Sledgehammers in a thrilling finale that went down to the final over. Played in front of a packed and passionate crowd, it was a spectacular conclusion to a hugely successful tournament. A special thank you goes to Mr James for masterminding the CPL, capturing its essence, and bringing it to life week after week.

CPL Awards •

Champions: Slough Sledgehammers

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Most Valuable Player: Lorenzo DB

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Leading Run Scorer: Arnav O

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Leading Wicket Taker: Waldorf A

The House Cricket competition was as fiercely contested as ever, with Cooper narrowly edging out Wood by a single point to claim the House Cricket Trophy. The energy and enthusiasm displayed across all matches was fantastic, highlighting the passion for cricket that runs through the school.

Junior cricket remains a vital part of our cricketing culture.

Significant emphasis has been placed on mastering the basics and nurturing a love for the game in our younger age groups. With such a promising cohort emerging from the U10 and U11 ranks, the future of Caldicott cricket looks very bright indeed.

With over 200 fixtures played against some of the strongest cricketing schools in the country, this has been a season to be proud of. More boys than ever before have represented Caldicott in competitive matches, and we continue to strive for excellence and inclusivity across all levels of the game.

Cricket is well and truly alive at Caldicott. Here's to another outstanding year in 2026.

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1st XI J Currie The 2025 cricket season has been a hugely successful and memorable one for the Caldicott 1st XI, marked by strong individual performances, excellent team spirit, and outstanding leadership from captain Rory H. Rory led by example throughout, setting high standards both on and off the field, and his calm, assured presence inspired confidence in those around him.

The season began with a remarkable tour to South Africa, which offered the boys valuable exposure to high-quality opposition and conditions. Rory’s superb century against Stellenbosch Primary was a tour highlight, as was Will N's pair of fluent 50s against WP Development and Rhenish Primary – a clear sign of things to come.

On return to the UK, the team played 15 matches, winning 11 of them. After a narrow defeat in the opening game against Bedford, the boys went on a remarkable run of nine consecutive victories. Among those was a dominant double over Summer Fields and a standout innings of 111 not out from Rory against The Dragon, showcasing his class and maturity.

Caldicott’s IAPS Finals Day appearance in York was another milestone in the season, and a thoroughly deserved reward for the team’s hard work. Johnny F continued to impress, growing in confidence and application as the season progressed. His standout performance - a gritty 32 not out, carrying his bat against Bedford, which underlined his character and technical development.

Behind the stumps, Harry S was a constant presence. His sharp hands, vocal encouragement, and general energy were all crucial in setting the tone in the field. In the bowling department, the pace pairing of George B and Will M consistently led the attack with intensity, regularly making early breakthroughs. Their efforts were complemented by the “spin twins,” Giacomo F and Seb C, who offered both control and wicket-taking threat in the middle overs.

Edward CS brought raw pace and energy to the side. His ability to rotate strike with the bat and bowl with fire has earned him invaluable experience that will no doubt serve him well in next year’s 1st XI. Otto C capped off the season in style, saving his best performance for the final match against Cornwall, finishing with superb figures of 4 for 18 from six overs – agonisingly close to a well-deserved five-wicket haul.

This has been a season full of memorable moments, growth, and team achievement. There were contributions across the board, and the boys should be proud of their development both as individuals and as a team. As they move on to Senior School, we look forward to following their continued progress and celebrating the strong foundations laid this summer.

2nd XI T Chapman They say that revenge is a dish best served cold. The 2nd XI had their revenge over Summer Fields and Bedford on the two hottest days of the season after narrowly losing against them earlier in the term.

Those were the only defeats in a successful season where the side batting first prevailed in most games, lending credence to the cricketing adage that 'If you win the toss, think about bowling and then bat’.

Archie B was head and shoulders above the rest with the bat, both in terms of technique and weight of runs (278 at 55.6) He was unfortunate not to be selected for the 1st XI and would have played first team cricket in most years.

Louis P was the leading wicket taker with 16, just ahead of Robby WC on 14. Last year Louis was the 2nd XI’s leading run scorer so proved himself to be a true allrounder. He captained the side with calm assurance, was always in control and did the right thing on most occasions.

Thank you to the players who all put in the effort and made progress. The 5th Form boys, Edward CS, Finlay J, Robby WC, Milo B, Basti vH and Juan B will all play first team cricket next year and have plenty to live up to.

Thank you also to the parents who turned up regularly to support the team and to the ground staff for preparing the pitches.

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SPORT

3rd XI M Hutchings

4th XI R Mcluskey

The 3rd XI can look back with pride on a remarkable season, winning six of their eight fixtures. After a challenging start that saw them lose their opening two games, the team bounced back in impressive fashion – going unbeaten for the rest of the campaign. It was a season defined by resilience, teamwork, and a growing sense of confidence and cohesion.

Invicta.

The standout fixture was undoubtedly the nailbiting away win against Summer Fields. In a tense, closely fought encounter, Juan B held his nerve superbly to score a match-winning 37 not out, guiding the team to victory in the final overs. It was a mature and composed innings that will live long in the memory. In the first meeting between the two sides, Rafe G also made a stylish 32, setting the tone for a controlled batting performance in that earlier success.

The season finale against Bedford was another high point, as the team avenged an earlier loss with a commanding all-round display. The batting unit fired on all cylinders, with Alexander B (41), Sampson L (42), and Rafe G (30) all contributing in a dominant run chase.

With the ball, there were several standout individual performances. George C’s devastating 5 for 4 against RGS High Wycombe was a genuine highlight – an unplayable spell that ripped through the opposition. Rafe G also impressed with 3 for 5 in a clinical win away at Lambrook, ably supported

by Oliver T’s economical 2 for 6. Yuvraj K proved a constant threat, taking 3 for 21 in the dramatic Summer Fields clash and backing that up with 3 for 12 against Bedford. Alexander B also chipped in with a useful 2 for 13 in that final fixture.

This season was a testament to the depth and spirit of the squad. With multiple match-winners stepping up across both disciplines, the 3rd XI showed not only skill but a steely determination to improve and succeed. Finishing the season with six straight wins is no small feat and offers a fitting reward for the team's hard work and commitment throughout the term. They have been a pleasure to coach.

It is no small feat to go unbeaten through a cricket season — and yet, the Caldicott 4th XI have done just that, stringing together a series of remarkable performances to finish the term unbeaten and unbowed. The tone was set from the very first fixture, a miraculous comeback victory against Bedford that will be spoken about for years to come. With just 1% chance of winning and five overs remaining, it was Akam B who turned the impossible into the inevitable, delivering a stunning hat-trick en route to scarcely believable figures of 6 for 8 off 3.4 overs. From despair to delirium, that moment lit a fire within this side that never dimmed.

What followed was a nerve-shredding two-run win against The Dragon, a match defined once again by steel in the field and resolve under pressure.

On to Oxford, and Summer Fields were swept aside as Sampson L produced an all-round performance of rare quality — a fluent 43 with the bat and 4 for 12 with the ball.

RGS High Wycombe were next, and Caldicott barely broke a sweat, cruising to an eight-wicket win with Bowen D anchoring the chase superbly, carrying his bat for 32 in a display of patience and poise.

Then came the innings of the season — and perhaps any season — from Sampson L. Against Lambrook, his majestic 88, peppered with silken cover drives that even the opposition staff applauded, will live long in the memory. The Beacon were the next to feel the full weight of Caldicott's momentum, with Kyan M’s well-earned three-wicket haul underlining the squad’s growing confidence.

The return fixture against Summer Fields was more procession than contest — a 10-wicket win that spoke volumes of this squad’s dominance and cohesion. By now, Caldicott were in full flight, and not even traffic on the M1 could stall their rhythm.

Back to Bedford — a fitting end to a season that had begun there in such drama. This time, the stage belonged to Oscar L, whose blistering innings powered the team to a formidable 172 from their 20 overs, launching balls to every corner of Bedford’s idyllic campus. Though Bedford rallied in reply, Caldicott’s fielding intensity, composure, and unwavering belief saw them home by 38 runs — the perfect punctuation mark to an extraordinary season.

Throughout, Tom F led with distinction. Calm, decisive, and always leading from the front, his captaincy was the thread that tied this exceptional group together. His leadership was more than tactical — it was inspirational.

This was a squad not just of talent, but of heart. From miraculous turnarounds to clinical victories, they played with flair, grit, and joy. They embodied the very spirit of Caldicott cricket.

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6th XI J Blagden

5th XI G Williams

The 6th XI have had a strong season, finishing with five wins from six matches, and there’s plenty to be proud of. The team showed real progress across the board – batting, bowling, and fielding – with plenty of enthusiasm and energy on display every week.

The return of the competitive cricket season was an exciting prospect for both boys and staff alike as we entered the start of the Summer Term 2025. The Caldicott 5th XI are infamous on the circuit for their commitment to the game and their highly competitive nature cultured over a decade ago by CPL creator Andy Baker. I am pleased to report that this year saw no deviation from what has become the norm in the 5th XI. The culture within the team sees every boy (except for the wicket keeper) bowl and more often than not, most of the team bat, although the latter is through the goodnatured team spirit of ‘giving everyone a go’ rather than a collection of poorly timed cross bat slogs!

The team was ably captained by Xan vH. Tactically, Xan’s, along with all the boys' game understanding developed immeasurably across the season.

Comparatively, the boys all worked hard at improving their line and length bowling and playing with a straight bat while at the crease. The bowling attack was led by Andi T, Jason X, Hargun S, and Xan vH while Nate R, alongside Leo W, Jack J, and Julian D at times gave us a steady batting base. Leo SJ, Waldorf A, Tristan L, and Ben Z were on hand to push the run rate when needed.

Despite often impressive individual batting and bowling performances, a number of games were won in the field. The boys developed a desire to put pressure on opposition batsmen and an understanding of how to do so to keep run rates low. Jason X’s numerous acrobatic fielding approaches took batsmen by surprise as they were forced out of a run or couldn’t believe their eyes as he attempted a number of catches. This ferocity and nous in the field became a hallmark of the side. The standout game of the term came in the home fixture against old rivals Lambrook where Waldorf A scored an impressive 83 not out while Xan took 3 for 9. All in all, it was a good cricket season and despite losing some closely fought games, the Caldicott 5th XI reputation was left untarnished.

The season started well with comfortable wins at Bedford and against The Dragon, where disciplined bowling and improved batting set the tone. Although the team lost to Summer Fields, they bounced back strongly with solid victories over RGS High Wycombe and Lambrook. Francis S was a standout with the bat, especially in the Lambrook game where his 37 helped the team post a commanding total. Ben Z also impressed in the internal fixture against the 5th XI, contributing a crucial 36.

Fielding was a real strength this season, with the team’s energy and commitment often saving important runs. The bowling attack grew in accuracy and control, highlighted by Joe C’s marked improvement. The batting line-up developed well too, with contributions from a number of different players.

Raqeen G’s leadership deserves special mention – his calm and positive approach helped build a strong team spirit that was evident on the field. Overall, it’s been a season of solid performances, steady improvement, and great team camaraderie.

7th XI I Fyffe It has been a magnificent season of cricket for the 7th XI. I have been blown away by the level of cricketing prowess displayed by all who represented the mighty 7ths. Their athleticism has been so astoundingly good that on occasion, my eyes failed to believe themselves. We were not a team that felt hands were necessary to stop hard cricket balls – we preferred to use our feet and shins. Under the calming leadership of Advik S, whose leadership style was often compared favourably to that of United Nations emissaries, the team grew and developed markedly through the term. In fact, Advik's leadership developed so nicely, that he finally managed to win a toss of the coin in our final outing (the opposing captain wasn't present). Our batting was a resolute wall of brilliance that left opposition bowlers stumped. Led ably by the intimidating presence of Valdimir G, our batters swung at everything they could. Sometimes they looked like windmills and sometimes they managed to hit the ball, but they never stopped trying to whack things. The bowling was a mixture of brilliance and bafflement. More bafflement. But nobody can deny the improvement that was shown by all. In the end, we can say that cricket was the winner (clutching at straws here) but we all had a great time playing the gentleman's game. What a fantastic bunch of lads!

8th XI C Legge The mighty 8th team players may not be the most adept with bat and ball, but their abundant enthusiasm has more than made up for this. Highlights of the season include William S’s five wickets from five balls, and watching Nasir H take his first wicket. Lucas T took some incredible catches and demonstrates growing batting prowess. Joshua B’s wickie-keeping has developed in leaps and bounds, and George A’s constant encouragement and energy in the field has been inspiring. Alan S shows real potential as an all-rounder, and his bowling has been particularly efficient.

Diego GMC’s natural eye for the ball has been a revelation as a batsman, and Jonathan L’s fielding has made significant progress. Joel S led from the front with enthusiasm, despite still learning the game. Overall, it has been a fun season, with some demonstrable evidence of progress in their batting, bowling, and fielding skills.

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U11 A M Holyland The U11A team approached every game this season with consistent energy, enthusiasm, and a strong will to win. This same spirit was evident during training sessions, where every player committed themselves to improving their individual skills. Although the season’s results may not fully reflect the team’s efforts or potential, the experience gained – particularly on a challenging schoolboy circuit – offered valuable lessons that will serve this group well in the future. The boys competed with positivity and determination throughout, consistently playing as a united team with contributions from both bat and ball.

Our bowling attack was a particular strength, with Jacobi S, Ned A, Henry P, and Yuvraj D delivering with impressive accuracy and consistency. They were complemented by the clever variation and flight of Hugo C, creating a well-rounded and threatening bowling unit. Support also came from Arjun M, Frederick H, Alexander W, Adrian F and Aubrey P, each of whom brought their own style and approach to both bowling and batting, always with intent and enthusiasm. Among several highlights, the home and away victories against Bedford stand out – especially the away win, which showcased the team’s resilience, taking four wickets in the final three overs to seal a 31-run victory. These performances typified the season: different players stepping up at crucial moments, but always within a collective team effort.

Special recognition goes to Ned A, who led the team selflessly and always brought positivity to the group, and to Theo T, whose energy and enthusiasm were infectious throughout the season. While we narrowly missed our overall goal for the season, the boys represented the school with integrity, commitment, and – most importantly – had a great deal of fun along the way.

U11 B S Brown This season, the Caldicott U11B cricket team delivered a thrilling display of commitment, camaraderie, and character. With two wins, four narrow defeats, and one dramatic tie, the boys played their cricket with heart and, on more than one occasion, kept their coach on tenterhooks.

From the nerve-jangling tie to the one-run defeat against Summer Fields, matches were often balanced on a knife edge, but the boys rose to each challenge with maturity, showing real grit and resilience in pressure situations.

Freddie D led the batting with flair, including a match-winning 43 not out against Cheam. Kabir G brought steadiness to the top order, while Magnus L and Zeb H regularly contributed valuable runs. Ukuma T’s composed performances added depth to the middle order.

With the ball, Nicolas CP spearheaded the attack, taking six wickets with sharp consistency. He was ably supported by Kabir G, Veer M, and others, all of whom bowled with discipline and purpose.

Fielding remained sharp throughout the season, with quick reflexes and spirited energy contributing to crucial run-outs and catches. More than just results, this team played with joy, respect, and teamwork – true ambassadors for Caldicott sport.

They’ve grown not only as cricketers, but as teammates and young sportsmen.

A memorable season full of learning, laughter, and no shortage of drama.

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U11 C A Smyth The U11C team had an exciting and evenly-balanced cricket season, finishing the term with four wins and four losses. What truly stood out, however, was the spirit, resilience, and camaraderie shown throughout the term.

The boys capped off the season with two particularly memorable wins, both marked by impressive comebacks.

These matches highlighted the team's growing maturity, determination and their ability to remain calm under pressure. Every player contributed in his own way, whether with bat, ball or in the field.

Teamwork was a hallmark of our season. The boys consistently demonstrated great enthusiasm and sportsmanship, both in victory and defeat. They played the game in the right spirit, learned valuable lessons and, most importantly, had fun.

Well done to all the boys on a fantastic term of cricket.

U11 D O James This has been a really exciting season for the U11D team, with some new boys joining the squad. The skill level was already pretty high, but with the addition of players such as Hiro J and Kevin J, it meant that the team became even stronger.

Some very convincing wins against some of our strongest opponents, but also some narrow defeats to help us reflect that we can’t always win matches confiding solely on the individuals (Hudson A and Tristan Y for example); fantastic bowling from Yiheng Z and incredible batting from Kevin J and Tristan Y. Overall, a fantastic season, well done!

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U10 A T Gloster The weather has been with us throughout the season, some would argue that it has been too hot on occasion! However, it has meant that we have had nearly all of our matches bar one against Moulsford. We have had a relatively successful season and it has been great to see so many boys shine with the bat, ball and in the field.

We started with a very encouraging win against Bedford with Wilbur W scoring 46 helping us to a six-wicket victory, restricting Bedford to just 81 off their 20 overs! We then went onto play The Dragon and came away with a great win, Hugo C scoring his maiden 50 for Caldicott having only joined the school two weeks earlier! We played Summer Fields next and batted excellently scoring 144-8. Unfortunately, Summer Fields had some very aggressive batsmen opening up and they set their team up for the win early on and their middle order managed to hold on despite a flurry of wickets in the middle of the innings. We went to the Stowe Festival knowing the format of 10 overs aside could benefit us with a strong bowling attack. We had a great day! We managed to go unbeaten through the group stages and came up against Summer Fields, again… This time we lost again in a very topsy turvy game but an excellent learning opportunity where the boys realised that being calm and thinking clearly will help as we move forward. The highlight of the day was Oscar B getting a hat-trick! We played Lambrook on the following Saturday, having played them at Stowe. The boys really showed their potential and it was great to see different members of the team shine, Oscar B and Felix F both scored 50 in a partnership worth more than 100 runs; a pleasure to watch! The team scoring their highest total of the season of 188 off their 20 overs. We then managed control their innings and they finished well short.

The boys then took on Haberdasher’s in a low scoring game, but Wilbur W scored the majority of our runs with a fantastic 50 out of 92 runs. The next week was very busy, travelling to the St Edward’s and Merchant Taylor’s festivals. We did brilliantly in both, coming third at St Edward’s with Felix F scoring another 50 in just 10 overs in the 3rd/4th playoff and then the boys narrowly lost in the final off the final ball at Merchant Taylor’s. We did not know, however, that the game of the season was around the corner.

We travelled to Summer Fields for the third game of the season, determined to get a victory, and wow did the whole team work for the win. Wilbur W led from the front, scoring a superb 86 while being excellently supported by Tom N, Felix F and Hugo C to reach a total of 185-5 off our 25 overs. The boys were confident when we went into the field and Charlie A gave us a dream start with an incredible off cutter taking out the middle stump of their prime batter. Tom C then produced the run out of the season, running out one of their other key batters and we were then on top and the boys made me so proud in the way they worked together and dominated the rest of the game. I look forward to hearing about the battles between Summer Fields in the future.

Sadly, the season finished with a loss against Bedford but it has been amazing watching the boys progress with their cricketing skills but, actually, their cricketing knowledge.

I can’t wait to hear how they get on next year and in the future! Thank you boys for a brilliant season!

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U10 B B Clarke

This term was an exciting one for the U10B team, as for many of the boys it marked their first full experience of hard ball cricket.

The team got off to a flying start, making the long journey to Bedford and returning with a resounding 111-run victory. The long trip was made all the more worthwhile by some outstanding individual performances: Hector K scored a superb 30 before retiring, Oscar B played a gritty knock of 28 as an opener, and Nico S chipped in with a very useful 18. With the ball, Seb W stood out by bowling two excellent overs, taking two wickets for just two runs, including a maiden. Dylan H also impressed with a similar spell, finishing with figures of one for two, including a maiden. It was an outstanding all-round performance, and several boys made strong early claims for regular spots in the team.

Next up was another away fixture, this time at The Dragon, where we played on what must be one of the smallest boundaries on the prep school circuit – a factor that certainly worked in our favour. We came away with a solid five-wicket win, with Seb W contributing a crucial 22 runs.

Our first home fixture of the season was against Summer Fields. Batting first, we posted an imposing 161 from our 20 overs, thanks to excellent contributions from Ram S (21) and Charlie J (20). Our bowlers then backed up the total brilliantly. Wilfred M had an outstanding spell, taking three wickets for just five runs in two overs, while Freddie F returned equally impressive figures of two for five. We secured a convincing 84-run win.

The following match, away at Gayhurst, was a low-scoring affair. Caldicott managed just 52 runs before being bowled out in 10 overs. Henry D was the anchor of the innings, battling for a determined 16. Despite a strong effort in the field and two wickets from Will H in his only over, we were unable to defend the score and lost by seven wickets. We then played Lambrook in a pairs format and saw strong contributions across the board, coming out on top by 19 runs. The boys showed great adaptability and teamwork throughout the game. Next came an exciting trip to Haberdashers, in what turned out to be a fantastic advert for U10 cricket. Caldicott batted first and posted a competitive 91 before being bowled out in 14 overs in a 15 over game. After an early collapse, Nico S came in to stabilise the innings, scoring a powerful 29 that included five boundaries. Our bowlers responded with a lot of heart. Both Freddie F and Dylan H bowled wicket maidens, setting up a tense finish. Rehaan P was the pick of the bowlers with figures of two for 19, and he stepped up under pressure to bowl the final over, ensuring the game ended in a thrilling tie. It was a brilliant contest, and the boys showed a lot of resilience and determination.

We followed this with a tough match against a strong Aldwickbury side. They posted a formidable 162 from their 20 overs, which was always going to be difficult to chase. However, Nico S once again shone with the bat, scoring a hard-fought 35 and helping us reach a respectable 100. It was a valiant effort against a very well-drilled bowling attack.

The team then took part in the Oratory Festival, a wonderful experience that offered the boys the chance to play several shorterformat games against strong opposition. It was a valuable learning opportunity and a lot of fun for all involved.

Our final match of the term was a rematch against Bedford, where the season had begun. This time it was a much tighter contest. Bedford batted first and posted 116, with excellent bowling from Freddie F and Dylan H, who each picked up a wicket. A standout moment came in the field from Ram S, who took what could only be described as the catch of the season – a stunning one-handed grab just above the ground. In reply, Caldicott chased down the target, with key contributions from Nico S and Seb W, who both scored 17, and a match-winning cameo of 10 from Freddie F sealed a memorable win.

Overall, it has been a fantastic term for the U10B team. The boys should be extremely proud of their progress and performances. Their enthusiasm, whether in training or matches, has made it a real pleasure to work with them. If they continue to work hard and strive to improve, many of them will surely push for higher honours in the years to come. I look forward to seeing their continued development.

U10 C T Fleming

U10 D O James

It’s been a fantastic cricket season for the Under 10Cs, with every player showing great improvement in both their batting and bowling skills. The boys have worked hard, supported each other, and grown tremendously as a team. I’m extremely proud of their commitment, teamwork, and positive attitude throughout the season – they were awesome from start to finish.

What a fantastic season it has been for the U10D cricket team! From start to finish, the boys have demonstrated tremendous growth in their cricketing skills and a true passion for the game. Their improvement has been evident across all aspects of the sport, and it's been wonderful to watch them develop both individually and as a team.

A real highlight of the season was their outstanding performance in the Moulsford Tournament, where the team won all their games and were deservedly crowned champions. It was a brilliant display of skill, determination, and teamwork, and a proud moment for everyone involved.

I truly couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and development. Well done, boys!

This term, the boys have shown incredible sportsmanship, commitment, and teamwork. They’ve played with a positive spirit, supporting each other both on and off the field. Their efforts have paid off with 11 well-earned wins throughout the term – each one a testament to their hard work and determination.

One standout moment of the season came in our game against Gayhurst. The boys played exceptionally well, scoring a remarkable 113 runs and only losing one wicket. It was a dominant batting display, and a real highlight of the season.

I couldn’t be prouder of the boys for their effort and attitude.

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U10 E E Harper Over the course of the season all the players in the U10E team have been able to hone their skills and all are now capable of bowling a consistent line and length and keen to give the ball a good whack. The U10E team have almost had an unblemished record with just the one lost to Aldwickbury early on in the season. Scalps this season have included Gayhurst, Lambrook, The Beacon, Cheam, Summer Fields (x2), and Bedford. It is safe to say that every player has contributed in his own way with either the bat or the ball (or in some cases both!). In addition to playing other schools' E teams, the U10 E team have played several B and C Teams, which shows just how adept the boys have become this season. What has impressed me most has been their ability to score runs, their willingness to develop their teamwork skills and how receptive they have been to develop their understanding of how the game works, which will make the transition to hard ball cricket relatively seamless as they move up through the school.

Junior Cricket U9

It has been a highly successful and rewarding cricket season for the 1st and 2nd Form at Caldicott. The 2nd Form boys embraced the Summer Term with enthusiasm, producing some impressive individual performances and participating in several competitive and exciting fixtures against strong opposition including Ludgrove, The Beacon, Haberdashers, and Summer Fields.

While results may not have always gone our way, the determination, sportsmanship, and commitment shown by the boys were a real highlight.

One of the standout moments of the season came on Open Morning, as the 1st and 2nd Form played against Beaconsfield Cricket Club. On a glorious Saturday morning, the boys had the opportunity to showcase their growing skillset in front of a supportive crowd, setting the perfect scene for one of the most enjoyable fixtures of the year.

At Caldicott, our philosophy for junior cricket is built around fostering a deep and lasting love for the game. We aim to help the boys develop a sound understanding of cricket - tactically as well as technically, so they begin to appreciate the nuances of the sport and adapt to different scenarios with growing independence. While winning is always satisfying, our priority is equipping boys with the skills and mindset to enjoy cricket well into the future.

There is often a natural eagerness at this age to play hardball cricket, and while we do introduce it where appropriate and safe, we believe it is more important to ensure the boys are ready. The focus remains firmly on core skill development including batting, bowling, throwing, and catching so that each boy builds confidence and competence.

The 1st Form enjoyed their first summer of cricket at Caldicott, playing fixtures against Wetherby Prep, The Beacon, and Reddam House. Much of their time has been spent engaged in skill-based carousel activities designed to maximise participation, movement, and enjoyment. Rather than focusing solely on match play, which at this age can often lead to long periods of inactivity, we place greater emphasis on regular repetition of core skills in a fun, active environment. The boys hit, throw, and bowl more balls than they would in any traditional game format, laying strong foundations for future success.

It has been encouraging to see a genuine love for the game growing among the boys, and this bodes extremely well for the future of cricket at Caldicott. With an exciting crop of young talent coming through, we are confident that cricket will continue to thrive in the years ahead.

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Athletics

Gareth Williams It has been an exciting year for the Athletics Programme for all the boys at Caldicott this Summer Term.

The 1st- 4th Form boys learn about all the athletic disciplines relevant to their age group in their PE lessons while the 5th and 6th Form boys have an athletics session once a week after their Games Sessions. Performance in these sessions dictates selection for the school Athletics Team. It has been fantastic to be able to once again attend a full fixture list of athletics meetings this Summer Term, as we have over the last two years. This consisted of meetings at Caldicott, Radley, Stowe, and Tonbridge with boys who ran, threw and jumped qualifying times and distances competing in the London and South East Area Regionals and then Nationals. The season culminated with the full-day, all-inclusive Caldicott Sports Day which sees every boy in the school compete in track and field events, running relays or testing their metal in the highly regarded tug of war. Cooper ended a McArthur four-year winning streak last year, but the day was won this year in the end

by Wood!

All the boys involved in the Athletics team represented the school admirably and the boys had a stellar year coming out victorious as a team at three of the four team competitions we entered, namely Stowe, Radley, and Tonbridge. Notably, based on their season's performances, Sam T (100m & Long Jump), Theo S (200m), Seb W (800m), Archie W (High Jump), Bastian B (High Jump), Freddie D (200m), Wenty B (800m), Ukuma T (Shot Put & Javelin), Edward CS (100m & 200m), Basti vH (1500m), Honza H (Discus), Ben Z (Shot Put), Rory H (100m & 200m), Benjamin A (1500m), and Bowen D (Shot Put) qualified for the London Area Regional Competition, with the Ukuma and Freddie progressing to represent the London and South East Area District at Nationals in the Shot Put and 200m respectively. Through their dedication to the Athletics Programme and performance throughout this term and their time at Caldicott, colours for Athletics were awarded to Benjy A and Rory H.

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Basketball

John Currie & Olly James The U13 boys enjoyed a fantastic season, playing with determination and skill throughout. With three matches played, they secured two impressive victories and suffered just one defeat, demonstrating their growth and resilience as a team.

The season kicked off with a hard-fought win against St John’s Beaumont. Despite a slow start, the team rallied to claim an 18-7 victory, with Alfie H leading the way, contributing four crucial points. Next came a thrilling encounter against Summer Fields, a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

The boys showed incredible composure and teamwork to edge a dramatic 30-28 win, with Bowen D and Sam F making a significant impact through their skill and physicality. The final game saw the team face a strong Papplewick side. Despite their best efforts, they were outplayed on the day and fell to defeat against a well-drilled opposition. Overall, it was a memorable season, filled with exciting performances and moments of brilliance. The boys can take pride in their achievements and the progress they made as a team.

It’s been a short but incredibly positive season for the U11s basketball team too, filled with moments of growth, teamwork, and determination. Although the season only spanned two games, the boys showed fantastic commitment and patience on the court, making the most of every opportunity.

In the first game of the season, the team faced a tough opponent in St John Beaumont. Despite their hard work and grit, the match ended in a well-fought draw. The boys showed incredible resilience, maintaining their composure throughout, which is great for future challenges.

The second game, however, was a completely different story.

The boys came out with an explosive performance against Papplewick, securing a dominant victory. The teamwork was fluid, and everyone stepped up to contribute to the win. A standout moment was Adrian F's exceptional performance, scoring an impressive 19 points and earning the well-deserved title of Man of the Match. His composure and skill were a driving force in the team’s victory, showcasing his leadership and potential on the court.

While the season was short, it was a fantastic showcase of what the U11s team is capable of. The players have shown they can be patient, work together, and give their all no matter the outcome. Overall, it was a season of progress, teamwork, and heart. Great things are definitely in store for this team.

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Cross Country Olly James

It's great to reflect on the efforts and achievements of our boys’ cross-country team, despite the challenges posed by a relatively short fixture list. This year, we had the opportunity to compete in a single fixture against Ludgrove, which provided valuable experience for all involved. The U9s ran a strong race but ultimately finished in 9th place. While it wasn't the result they had hoped for, the boys showed impressive resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Seth S stood out as a key athlete in this race, leading by example and demonstrating outstanding determination throughout. His performance was inspiring, and his attitude towards improvement will be a great asset for the team in the future.

The U11 As and Bs also had a notable performance, with the boys showing great potential. Wenty B, a standout performer in this age group, was instrumental in the success of the A team. His leadership, speed, and tactical awareness helped push the team to a strong 2nd-place finish, showcasing excellent individual and team efforts. The A's hard work, discipline, and strategy teamwork paid off, earning them a well-deserved podium finish. The B team, although facing stiff competition, placed 8th, demonstrating great spirit and determination throughout the race.

The U12 team also competed admirably, finishing in 5th place. This result was a testament to their perseverance. While they didn’t make the podium, they gave a strong performance and demonstrated great potential for the future. James B was the standout runner in the U12 team, showing excellent pace and endurance, leading the team with a strong individual finish. His performance was a key factor in the team’s solid result and has set a great foundation for next season.

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Golf

John Currie It has been a fantastic and rewarding season for the golf team, marked by competitive success, individual excellence, and a growing enthusiasm for the sport across the school.

The season got off to a strong start with the prestigious Caldicott Invitational at Wexham Park, where our top eight golfers fought it out to be crowned as the Caldicott Champion. In a high-quality field, Harry S produced a composed and consistent round to take the Gross Winner award. Equally impressive was Wilbur W, still only in the 3rd Form, who won the Nett Competition – a remarkable achievement that highlights his potential for the years ahead.

Our next major challenge came at the IAPS National Competition, held at the beautiful yet demanding Minchinhampton Golf Club. The standard of golf on display was exceptional, but our players rose to the occasion. Rory H delivered one of the standout performances of the season, finishing third overall with a superb round of three over par – an outstanding effort in such a prestigious tournament.

The team also enjoyed a thoroughly competitive and enjoyable fixture against Summer Fields, featuring players from the 4th, 5th, and 6th Forms. The match was tightly contested, with both schools displaying impressive teamwork and individual skill. Ultimately, we emerged victorious with a narrow 12–10 win, a testament to the depth and resilience of our squad.

Beyond competitions, one of the most pleasing developments this season has been the increased engagement with golf across the school. In particular, the Middle School activity slot has seen a noticeable rise in participation, with many younger pupils taking up the sport with enthusiasm and promise. It’s heartening to see such strong foundations being laid for the future, with several talented young golfers already showing great potential.

Overall, this has been a highly successful and encouraging season. With experienced players leading the way and a new wave of golfers coming through, the future of golf at the school looks exceptionally bright.

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IAPS Judo Tournament Basil Dawkins

The largest judo squad Caldicott has assembled (20 boys strong) travelled to Bishopsgate School to take part in the IAPS 2025 Competition. They were raring to go after months of preparation, and were supported by many generous parents and guardians who joined us.

George B made an impressive turnaround after losing his first contest and won a gold medal to start Caldicott’s scoring. Hudson A won a great silver and Joe C battled to a bronze. The total points for the team event of nine points saw Caldicott end in 7th position.

The rest of the boys were all rated ‘three’ and put into groups of four, meaning each boy had three contests. These boys won an incredible amount of gold medals; Wenty B, Walter B, Nicholas CP, Xander F, Nidhaan G, and Honza H all showed great skill and determination to win their groups and take gold. Alexander K, Rehaan P, Frederick D, Milo T all put in great effort to claim excellent silvers. Bronzes were won by Max K, Ferdi Q, Milan G, Alexandre M, Wilfred M, Kabir P, Jackson S, and Lucas T – all put in great performances.

With a final tally of seven golds, five silvers and eight bronzes, 2025 has been the best year so far for Caldicott at IAPS! With a growing class and determined boys, we will return next year with more boys taking part in the team event to hopefully come home with the IAPS cup.

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SPORT

Squash S Maynard

It’s a pleasure to reflect on an eventful and exciting squash season in which our boys faced a challenging set of fixtures, showing resilience, determination, and true sportsmanship throughout.

The team displayed particularly strong performances against tough opponents. While we may not have won every match, the dedication and progress demonstrated by all the players were evident in every game. Caldicott amassed a total of 696 points this term, competing against strong opposition. While we conceded 958 points, this reflects the level of competition faced and the team should be proud of the challenges they overcame. A special mention must go to Anwar S, who had an outstanding season, achieving 3 wins this term, remaining undefeated, and displaying exceptional composure on the court. Additionally, Nate R, deserves recognition for scoring an impressive 80 points across his matches, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts.

A particular highlight was the final fixture against Eton on the Thursday 20 March. Facing a strong (and older) opposition, our boys played with exceptional grit and resilience. The matches were closely contested. We also take this opportunity to congratulate our 6th Form players who will be moving on at the end of the year. Their leadership, teamwork, and positive spirit have set an excellent example for the younger boys. We wish them every success in their future squash endeavours. Whether you continue playing squash at your next schools, or take the skills you’ve developed into other areas, I hope you can all apply the lessons learned this season. For those staying on, I have no doubt you’ll build on what you’ve learnt this season to make further improvements next year.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our captain, Jack J, for his unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership. Whilst also representing the school as our first seed, his excellent attitude has set a perfect example to the younger players. His support has been invaluable this season. Radley should be excited to have another Caldicott squash captain in their team, and they are very fortunate to have him. Well done, everyone – it's been a fantastic season. Keep playing, keep improving, and I look forward to seeing many of you on court again soon!

Swimming Matt Hutchings

The swimming squad enjoyed a great season, finishing the academic year unbeaten across all competitions. Competing in seven galas and winning every single one, the team demonstrated great depth, discipline, and determination in the pool.

My huge thanks to our excellent and dedicated swimming coaches Helen Dickinson and Sharon Hill. Well done on a successful season! These results highlight not only the squad's consistency but also their ability to perform against traditionally strong opposition. Each gala was a team effort, with swimmers across all age groups contributing crucial points and showcasing great technique and competitive spirit.

A major highlight of the year was the qualification of 12 swimmers for the prestigious IAPS National Finals: Charlie A, George B, Edward CS, Henry D, Jonny F, William F, Tristan L, Will M, Harry S, Nico S, Francis S, Sebastian Z.

In Division 10 League, the team performed admirably, with Phillip FM and Charlie A both securing individual victories in freestyle events in the final. Team placings were strong across the board: U9s (2nd place), U10s (3rd place), U11s (4th place).

A number of swimmers were awarded Individual Colours for their outstanding contributions, commitment, and performances over the course of the year: George B, Jonny F, Will M, Harry S, Jason X, Hugo H. This has been a year to remember for the swimming squad – undefeated in all galas and some great national representation.

The team’s work ethic, camaraderie, and love for the sport have been evident at every turn. They should all be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.

74 | THE CALDICOTIAN 2024/2025 The future looks very bright indeed for swimming at the school.

SPORT

Tennis

Josh Blagden It has been another great season of tennis during the Summer Term. Participation in the middle school tennis activity has been strong, in addition to great numbers of boys signing up to compete in the Internal School Tennis Championships.

The U11 team played three school fixtures, with one victory apiece in the double header against The Beacon, while it was a nailbiter in a narrow defeat to Gayhurst. Henry P and Kourosh S displayed dominance as the team’s first pair, going unbeaten in the regular season’s fixtures. They both enjoyed their trip to Clifton College to compete in the U11 IAPS National Tennis Championships, winning two of their four matches. They were supported by Louis P, Benjy A, Rory H and Giacomo F from the U13 representatives. Louis and Benjy performed excellently, winning all four of their matches to finish top of their group and take home a group winners medal. The U13 team had a mixed set of results in their regular season fixtures. Over 10 different players were selected for the team, and it was great to give the opportunity for so many players to experience playing an external fixture.

Henry and Kourosh met in the U11 Internal Tennis Championships final. A dominant display from Henry in the first set saw him clinch it without dropping a game. Kourosh settled his nerves and came roaring back in the second set to come back from 3-1 down to clinch the second set in a tie-break. At one-set-all, a championship tie-break was to decide who would be crowned 2025 champion. As Carlos Alcaraz had done to Jannik Sinner in the Roland Garros final days before, Henry took a 7-0 lead in the tie-break, and despite a fightback from Kourosh, the enormous lead was too much to claw back. Henry has secured backto-back titles and will no doubt be looking to add the Senior title to his collection next year. Henry’s brother, Louis won the U13 Championship on a walkover against Honza H, due to injury derailing Honza’s bid for his first title.

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BOARDING

Tom Gloster, Head of Boarding @CaldicottBoarding

Another year has passed, and it has gone by so quickly. Sitting in a corridor on a cold November evening you wonder when the sun is going to come out, but in a flash the year has come to an end, and we bid farewell to another group of 6th Formers.

They have kept us on our toes, and I am sure the boarding house will be quieter in September! This year has been special as we have introduced Day Plus, which has been a great success. Giving the boys and their parents flexibility when it comes to choosing the appropriate pathway as they move through the 5th and 6th Form.

We have continued to have a core group of boys staying during the weekends this year and they have visited a variety of places; Jump In, Thorpe Park and crazy golf to name just a few. Their main highlight being their trips to the Bang Bang Food Hall; the boys always enjoy heading out for their weekly Sunday meal! One of their favorite weekends was when they stayed on site, ate crispy duck with Ma’am Quinn and other boarding staff then on Sunday having a 'slip n' slide' and water balloon fight – I’m still not sure why I was such a popular target! I must say a big thank you to all the Houseparents for organising these great trips and making weekends special for the boys that do stay in. With that, it has been great to see several boys wanting to stay in at weekends to be with their friends and to enjoy the amazing grounds at school whether in the pool, sports hall, PAC, or the nets in the summer.

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It has been great to see the link between the ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’ as the year has gone on and the tireless effort that is put in by all the teachers, as we are all involved with boarding and the wellbeing of the boys. With that said, there has to be special recognition for Ma’am Quinn and Ma’am Mahmood for all their efforts behind the scenes, making sure the boys are dressed appropriately and are as clean as possible!

At the end of each term, the boarding meetings become difficult as we must discuss who should be our boarders of the term. This only becomes harder as we approach the end of the Summer Term and we must choose a boarder of the year. Despite having to pick three boys for each term, there are always a number of boys competing for the coveted prize.

Michaelmas Term:

Dominic M (6th Form), Joe C (5th Form), Zachary Z (Junior)

Lent Term:

Spencer S (6th Form), Honza H (5th Form), Dennison H (Junior)

Boarders of the Year:

Alvin Z (6th Form), Lorenzo DB (5th Form), Ukuma T (Junior)

BOARDING

The boarder of the year award recognises individuals who not only exhibit an exemplary attitude towards boarding and their peers, but they also embrace all that boarding has to offer with enthusiasm and highlight the school values by showing integrity, perseverance, courage, compassion and humour.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to all the boys for making this year fantastic and I hope that the 6th Formers will all reflect on their final year in boarding at Caldicott and think about how they move forward to their Senior School and what they have learnt. They should be proud of what they have achieved; overcoming missing home, building resilience, learning to interact positively with their peers, passing CE, and gaining MANY scholarships. The list goes on and I hope to see them all in the future, I know my Sebby and Bea will want to see them all!

Have a brilliant Summer and we are already looking forward to having the 4th Form joining the Boarding House in September.

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IN THE COMMUNITY Jo Duncan, Head of Charity Committee It’s been another remarkable year at Caldicott, marked by generosity and a strong sense of community. Whether supporting local causes or international efforts, our pupils, staff, and families have come together to make a real difference.

This year, our main charitable focus remained on Sparrow Schools, a charitable educational trust we’ve proudly supported for several years, and Brain Tumour Research UK. I had the honour of visiting Sparrow in South Africa this August, where I saw first-hand the impact of our continued support. In May, we were thrilled to welcome Renata from Sparrow to Caldicott. She hosted an engaging Q&A with our 6th Form and met Leo SJ, who, along with friends, launched a shoe-cleaning business and donated the proceeds to Sparrow.

Our whole school charitable efforts kicked off in October with a themed Mufti Day, 'This is Me', led by the Charity Committee. This vibrant celebration of individuality raised £995 for Sparrow Schools. At Harvest Festival, we supported Slough Foodbank, while the Christmas Present Appeal collected over 200 gifts for Home Start. Families also donated warm clothing to the Salvation Army and essential items to the foodbank.

Other fundraising highlights included £478.75 through the Poppy Appeal, £2,286.32 collected at our Carol Service at Marylebone Church for Action Homeless Concern, and £747 raised on Christmas Jumper Day, all in support of Home Start and the foodbank.

A collection during Lord of the Flies brought in an additional £196.43 for Sparrow. I also had the pleasure of reconnecting with Sparrow staff during their carol service at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

In February, the return of our Charity Football Tournament raised £1,245 for Sparrow. The 4th Form’s much-loved Bake-Off Competition raised £1,118.04 with some outstanding baking efforts. Our annual Charity Fun Run, this year themed 'Wacky Races', saw the whole community get involved, raising £1,187.50.

Caldicott boys were out in force at the Marlborough Schools Triathlon, raising £5,065.83, of which £3,559 went to Restless Development and £1,506.82 to Sparrow. Our participation in the Oratory Triathlon added another £950 for Restless Development.

Under glorious skies, our Summer Fête, themed 'At the Seaside', raised £3,376 for Sparrow. A standout event, the Parents vs

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It has been an incredible THE COMMUNITY fundraisingINyear!

We have raised an amazing

£59,129.73

Staff Charity Football Match, ended in a lively 2–2 draw and brought in £622.50.

Pupil-led initiatives were particularly inspiring this year.

Arnav O raised £700 for Macmillan Cancer Support with his night run. Kabir G hosted a bake sale that brought in £165 for Sparrow, while Thomas L and Hugo H raised £168.12 for Barnardo’s with theirs. Theo S raised £181.25 for Sparrow by running in London and also created and sold fidget toys with Dhillon A at the Summer Fête. Nikhil S contributed £356 to Crohn’s & Colitis UK through the Big Winter Workout. Kabir and Rehaan P visited and donated to a school for the blind in India. And Leo W once again raised an incredible £13,000 for South African charity Sambodila!

Among staff, Mr Chamberlain raised £1,673.50 for Place2Be with a half marathon, while Mr Banks completed another half marathon and raised an outstanding £14,000 for Brain Tumour Research in memory of Caldicott parent Neil Danzinger. The Second-Hand Uniform Shop also made a significant contribution to Sparrow (£9,000) thanks to the continued efforts of our dedicated parent volunteers.

We’re also grateful for the proceeds from events like the Friends of Caldicott Charity Quiz Night and the generous donations from Mr and Mrs Allen at the Summer Party which combined takes us to a further £1,900.

To every member of the Caldicott community: thank you.

Your dedication has made this another unforgettable year of generosity and impact.

Thank you to our Charity Committee Maxim B, Sam F, Axi FM, Kabir G, Euan M, and Ieuan M. A special farewell to Thomas L and Hugo H, our longest-serving members, whose final contribution, a pizza stall at the Summer Fête run with Moyo S, Leo SJ, and Seb C, raised £540 and rounded off years of incredible service.

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THE CALDICOTT FOUNDATION Terra Goulden, Development Director

As I reflect on the 2024-25 academic year, I am filled with so much gratitude for the unwavering support of the Caldicott community. We’ve come such a long way thanks to all of you! The past year has seen some exciting milestones and the beginnings of projects that will leave a lasting legacy. But none of it – not a single achievement – would be possible without you: our parents, our alumni, our friends.

This year, our fundraising efforts have continued to evolve in both ambition and impact. October 2024 marked our first Giving Day in support of our Bursary Fund, raising over £150,000 in just 36 hours. The generosity shown by our community was both humbling and energising, laying such a strong foundation for the future of so many bright and deserving boys whose families would otherwise never be able to consider a Caldicott education.

Many of you who have been to the school recently or who follow us on social media may have spotted that something was missing – our old (if slightly tattered) beloved cricket pavilion. We're thrilled to confirm that the next phase of our long-term vision is now underway, with our new Sports Pavilion having broken ground in August 2025. Thanks to the amazing generosity of key families who made leadership investments in this pivotal project, we are now moving ahead with a planned completion date of late 2026. This new facility will not only enhance our physical education and co-curricular offer but will also provide a gathering space for families, alumni, and future events. Importantly, it is an enabling project that will allow us to implement our multi-phase masterplan which will continue to shape and enhance all that we do. This project represents our ongoing commitment to excellence – both in sport and in community life.

While fundraising plays a crucial role, the true heartbeat of the Foundation lies in the people, and this year has reminded us of just how vibrant and engaged our community really is.

Our calendar of Old Caldicotian (OC) events grew in both number and spirit this year. The first annual Hog Roast and Toast, held alongside the Caldicott 10s, was a highlight. With 77 guests including OCs, past parents, and friends – it was such a treat to see so many of you for what was just a marvellous day of sport (both playing and spectating) and reconnecting with the right balance of nostalgia and new energy, and we’re excited to build on it in years to come.

In May, we trialled a new idea with a Radley OC Pizza Night, which brought together current Radleians and Caldicott boys due to join in 2025. The event was relaxed and informal, but the impact was real. It was a simple reminder of how connection across age groups can foster confidence, belonging, and excitement for what’s ahead.

Our annual OC Football Match is always a favourite, and it continues to be an important touchpoint for younger alumni geared towards our OCs who are still in senior school. With 40 boys typically taking part, it’s a brilliant mix of sport, camaraderie, and giving back. The money raised supports our Bursary Fund, and the event reminds us that philanthropy can be as fun as it is meaningful.

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THE CALDICOTT FOUNDATION

Keep up to date with all the news from the Old Caldicotians by following us on:

@OldCaldicotians

One of the most exciting additions to our alumni engagement work this year has been the soft launch of the Caldicott Connect Mentorship Programme. With 11 mentors already on board, this initiative allows current pupils to speak directly with former students working across a diverse range of professions from law and medicine to engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship.

We know that in a prep school setting, boys are just beginning to dream about their futures, but we want them to know that we have their backs when the time comes for them to make important career choices. Our aim is that these conversations spark ambition, demystify the working world, and offer a glimpse of the many paths ahead. We’re incredibly proud of this initiative and even more excited about what it will become.

What a year it’s been. From our Giving Day to the friendships rekindled at alumni events, the thread running through it all is community. Thank you for showing up, giving back, and believing in the future we’re building together. While I know we must never be complacent, I look ahead to 2025-26 and beyond with a feeling of quiet confidence. There is so much more to do – more deserving boys to support, more buildings to build, and so many more fun parties to throw! But with this community behind us, there is no doubt we’ll get there together.

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82 | THE CALDICOTIAN 2024/2025

Founded in 1611.

Thinking in 2040.

Learn with purpose.

Try everything.

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Charterhouse is different. Academic ambition and a balanced all-round education combine with our unique FutureU programme to prepare your child for a future full of opportunity.

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