In brief

STUDENT SUCCESSES • EXTRACURRICULAR EXCELLENCE • INSPIRING INITIATIVES • NEW HEADTEACHERS

WORDS: LAURA SUTHERLAND

Chukkas away!

22 schools competed across five divisions during the one-day polo event in Cirencester

Nationwide

From all corners of the country, 22 independent schools came to Cirencester Park Polo Club to participate in The Open Division of the Schools & Universities Polo Association (SUPA) Senior Schools National Championships. Sponsored by Glion Institute of Higher Education, one of the world’s finest specialist hospitality and luxury management institutions, the one-day event was devised to celebrate polo’s grass-roots talent. Students from Ampleforth College, Harrow School, Kilgraston School, Radley College and many others came together to compete across five divisions. The winning teams – Cheltenham College (Open Final), Stowe School (Open Subsidiary Final), Rugby School (Open 2), Marlborough College White (Intermediate), Sherborne Girls (Novice) and Millfield Blue (Beginner) – were presented with their prizes by Claire Reid-Warrilow, Director for Undergraduate Recruitment at Sommet Education, a global hospitality education leader, which includes Glion, alongside its London and Switzerland campuses. Speaking after the event, she said: “We were delighted to sponsor this championship. It was a fantastic day and wonderful to see so many independent schools represented and giving their students an opportunity to play polo in such a prestigious setting.”

Warm welcomes

Forfar Education, Nationwide

Founded in 2016, Forfar Education – a group with nine schools dotted across the UK – has opened its many doors to Ukrainian children in urgent need of nurturing, safe spaces to learn. Brackenfield in Harrogate has already welcomed one child who is settling in well, and will welcome another this month; as will sister schools, Park School in Bournemouth and Prenton Prep on the Wirral. CEO John Forsyth says: “It’s important to show solidarity in times of crisis. Everyone has the right to a good, safe education, which is why we’ve opened our arms to those who need it most.”

Witness the fitness

West House School, Birmingham

World’s strongest men, Tom and Luke Stoltman, filmed a BBC Commonwealth Games show at the school. Elite sport stars, such as basketball player, Kofi Josephs – also gave pupils hoop-shooting tips and challenged them at di erent disciplines. However, mascot Perry was the biggest draw for the youngsters.

A new age of learning

Bryanston, Dorset

With speakers such as, children’s author Michael Rosen, the 2022 Education Summit covered three core areas: Teaching and Learning, Creativity and Wellbeing. Presentations focused on the opportunities for providing children with the skills and qualities to achieve fulfilment in an ever-changing society.

Good innings

Denstone College, Sta ordshire

This summer saw the launch of Freddie Flinto ’s Field of Dreams, in which the cricketing legend is determined to teach the game to reluctant children from his hometown, Preston. In episode three, the team visits the college to play a fixture against its pupils. The series is available on BBC iPlayer now.

BEST OF THE REST

• LATYMER LIONESSES

Latymer Upper School, London

The school’s U13 girls’ football team has won the Independent Schools Football Association’s Girls’ Final. Speaking about the team of year seven and eight girls, Director of Sport, Natalie Maclean said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see them lift this trophy. They deserve it!”

• PASTURES NEW

Edge Grove, Hertfordshire

The Watford school is celebrating a host of impressive scholarships won by last term’s leavers. Head Boy Ediz Karakas will take a place at Eton as a King’s Scholar, while other students’ destinations include Westminster, Harrow, Shiplake College and The Leys School.

• IN FINE VOICE

Bilton Grange Prep, Warwickshire

The new chorister programme at the Rugby Group co-ed starts this term. Welcoming 34 successful auditionees (18 boys and 16 girls) aged between six and 11, the scheme will involve high-level music theory and vocal coaching, as well as daily Evensong rehearsals in the school chapel.

• MOTION PASSED

DLD College, London

The college hosted its first graduation ceremony for three years, due to the pandemic, at the Houses of Parliament. Students processed across Westminster Bridge in gowns and caps, before celebrating with a ceremony in Committee Room 14.

• HOLDING COURT

Rydal Penrhos School, Wales

Aspiring tennis superstar, Toby Evans had the privilege of spending a week at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, which is run by the King of Clay. The year four prep pupil worked with exceptional coaches on improving all areas of his game. This follows his North Wales squad debut in the County Cup, and his past success representing Kent.

HEADS ON THE MOVE

It’s all change for these schools

The new London

Park School

has appointed

Suzie Longsta

as its founding Principal.

Nathan Sadler

is the new Headmaster at Belmont Grosvenor in North Yorkshire.

Winchester

College will welcome

Elizabeth Stone

as its Head in September 2023.

Tom Beardmore-

Gray is the new Warden of

Bradfield College

in Berkshire.

Sarah Glencross

is the new Headmistress at

Redcli e Gardens School

in Chelsea.

Claire Fildes

starts as Head of

Eaton House The Manor

Girls’ School in London this term.

Future proofing

Downe House, Berkshire

With a proud history of providing an outstanding education to young people, the school is partnering with social-mobility charity Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation. The aim of the collaboration is to widen access to those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to a ord a Downe House education, but need it most – those who are in or on the edge of care, or are growing up in homes or communities where opportunities to flourish are limited. Deputy Head, Matt Godfrey says: “We attract pupils from a wide range of backgrounds, our link with SpringBoard will enhance this. We all benefit hugely from the diversity of our pupils, each of whom brings so much to our school.”

It’s a match!

King’s Ely, Cambridgeshire

The Mentor Match programme – which enables sixth formers to join forces with a professional in a field they wish to pursue – has been running for several years, but a new campaign has seen a surge in uptake. One example is Monika Olanrewaju, an Architectural Designer at NP Architects, who supported year 13 student, Gabe Boon after he received conditional o ers to study architecture at university.

Come together

New Hall, Essex

A brainwave of sixth former Tianna Yagnik, International Culture Day was conceived as a celebration of the diversity of the prep pupils. Parents embraced this too, resulting in colourful, fun displays introducing youngsters to the traditions, festivals and languages of their classmates’ families. Countries represented included China, Kenya, Iceland, India, New Zealand and Belgium.