The Cheltonian 2023-24

The Cheltonian

Floreat Cheltonia

The trees rise up strong, straight and tall, and at their roots are Cheltonians who have contributed in so many ways to our success.

Welcome from The Head

Most mornings, I have the great pleasure of walking around the outside of College Field, in the early morning, with my cocker spaniel. I often meet pupils going for a morning run before breakfast. One of our more committed pupils uses that time to practise kicking his rugby ball. He is there every single day. That extra 30 minutes of self-discipline will surely make him a star performer when the season comes around again. I meet a few of the teaching staff too, and of course, I also meet the amazing army of support staff, setting up for another day of purposeful learning and a lot of fun. As I walk, I am always reminded of OCs too. Some of you will remember that at the base of each of the majestic trees that border the sports pitches, there are named plaques to successful sporting performances of the past. The trees rise up strong, straight and tall, and at their roots are Cheltonians who have contributed in so many ways to our success through their own strength of will and by putting their talents to good use.

The metaphor of the tree was used by George and Flora, this year’s excellent Heads of School, as a way to describe and reflect on their journey through College. They spoke movingly about the need for strong and secure roots, which

they felt they had from their families, and their Houses. The need for a sturdy trunk, like the teaching and support staff who keep all Cheltonians grounded and secure. The branches and the leaves, now fully out and keeping us shaded and cool, were how they saw themselves. Branches that showed the need to be flexible and to be able to bend to weather any storm. At the end of their school career, perhaps that is the most important characteristic that they, as departing students, will take with them into the next exciting step of their journey.

This coming year will be challenging for all of us. However, we reflect on the many ways in which we have been able to be adaptable, flexible and courageous in the past and we will seek to go beyond and above even that. I am more confident than I have ever been that our pupils, past, present and future, will gain that all-important resilience from their time at College. I know we, the organisation that remains rooted to this wonderful place, will be able to adapt and to make the very most of opportunities as they arise, both here and overseas.

Here in these pages, for which I thank our excellent editorial team, I am sure you will join me in embracing the diversity and energy of all that our Cheltonians have achieved. You will enjoy reading of their triumphs and accolades across the curriculum, in sports, music, drama, activities and in the Houses and beyond. Their stories and those of our OCs featured here too, will inspire. However, they will also not have shied away from the challenges they faced in getting there. In the coming year, that character and determination will be something we all draw on, just as the magnificent and ancient trees around College continue to draw on their roots, forming a barrier of protection against the winds that may blow.

Mrs Nicola Huggett

News from The Prep

We don’t teach too much Confucius at The Prep nowadays, but the old adage, often attributed to him, that a picture tells a thousand words is one we would strongly agree with. Hopefully the pictures found within these pages give you a sense of The Prep; of excitement, of adventure, of challenge, of dedication, of achievement and, most importantly, of fun!

Prep children bounce into school every day. They throw themselves into the broad spectrum of opportunities and challenges that each day provides. They love their school and they really are the very best ambassadors for it.

Anybody from prospective parents to former pupils to visits from The Good Schools Guide, will be toured around, not by me, but by some of our Upper School children. They are the ones who really bring the school to life.

I would love for you to come and find out for yourselves how brilliant they really are, so do get in touch. In the meantime, please enjoy the pictures, get a feel for the extraordinary sense of adventure and joie de vivre that is so evident in and around The Prep every single day.

Mr Tom O’Sullivan, Head, Cheltenham Prep

Pre-Prep

The Nursery School and Pre-Prep continue to go from strength to strength. This year we have enjoyed a record number of children joining the school to start their journey at Cheltenham College. This is a testament to the love, care and great fun the children encounter daily with their teachers and friends.

This year we have enjoyed a plethora of guests and special visitors, many of whom have been furry, feathery or scaly! The children have benefitted from all the bells and whistles which make their learning memorable and as

a result their attainment and academic progress is second to none. We have enjoyed trips to farms, zoos, museums, castles, big ships, parks, and wetlands. We have taken part in theme days, burned paper models of the Great Fire of London, toasted marshmallows, foraged in Outdoor Learning, and have enjoyed competitive matches for the first time.

Our Phonics Programme continues to inspire a love of early reading and early literacy, whilst our adoption of Talk4Writing in Year 2, allows for the children’s smooth transition into the wider Prep school.

We have welcomed many new families and teaching staff into Pre-Prep and are celebrating achievements of children throughout Nursery School to Year 2. Notably our children are achieving recognition for dance, instrumental excellence in violin and piano, martial arts, football, and song.

We are extremely proud of our children and the part they play in the Cheltenham College community. It is a joy and privilege to celebrate all their achievements, big and small.

Mrs Rebecca Hughes-Noon, Head of Pre-Prep

Lower School

Lower School continues to thrive with an incredible team delivering excellent day to day lessons as well as themed days, family days, exciting trips, visiting authors and a whole host of activities to ensure no two days are the same.

This year has seen the introduction of a new Maths scheme, which has made

Middle School

Middle School has enjoyed a truly remarkable year, marked by the exceptional efforts and achievements of its pupils. The pupils have demonstrated not only diligence in their studies but also a vibrant enthusiasm for the array of opportunities provided by the school. Their hard work and commitment have been truly commendable, making this year a resounding success.

Sporting events have been a cornerstone of the school year, with

an immediate, positive impact. This will be built upon in the coming year to embed and develop ideas further.

Computing lessons have seen the introduction of CrumbleBot Buggies, CrumbleBot Pixelators and Marty the Robot, a fun, intelligent tool to bring online coding to life.

Every child has their chance to shine and find an opportunity that is suited

numerous fixtures showcasing the pupils’ athletic prowess and team spirit. The evacuee trip on the train allowed children to immerse themselves in a significant period of history. Another cultural highlight was the visit from Gakushuin, a Japanese school, which fostered international friendship and cultural exchange, enriching the children’s global awareness.

House competitions have been a source of great excitement and camaraderie. The Mud Run, in particular, was a thrilling event that tested endurance and

to them. Day after day we welcome happy children who enjoy school life, whether it be during Outdoor Learning, Presentation Week, on the sports field, baking treats to take home, creating art to be proud of, or performing in the Christmas production.

Mr Andy Theedom, Head of Lower School

teamwork, leaving everyone muddy but with broad smiles.

The musical performances have been nothing short of spectacular, with pupils displaying their talents and passion for the arts in a series of memorable concerts. Moreover, the Middle School children excelled in academic pursuits, particularly in maths and science competitions held at College. These events highlighted their intellectual capabilities and competitive spirit.

In all, this year at Middle School has been a testament to the brilliance and potential of its pupils, who have embraced every challenge and opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication.

Mrs Joy Smith, Head of Middle School

Upper School

We have enjoyed another challenging and varied year. Above and beyond their hard work in the classroom, pupils have experienced a range of new activities both in and out of school. Year 7 enjoyed a terrific week in the Lake District in October, developing a range of new skills from axe throwing to raft building! The Chadwick Programme goes from strength to strength for our Year 8 pupils, with the addition of outdoor education, yoga and visits to a local retirement home proving particularly popular.

The Spring Term saw large numbers of Upper School commit themselves to the School of Rock production. This was a riot of colour, energy and fun that reflected the positive and creative nature of both year groups. In similar vein, Years 7 and 8 immersed themselves (quite literally) into the inaugural Mud Run at the end of the Spring Term. They not only supported one another, and their younger peers wholeheartedly, but also raised in the region of £12,000 for our two nominated charities, Help for Heroes and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

The Summer Term brought the usual plethora of exams but also the chance to prepare for life beyond The Prep for Year 8. The diverse range of talks and events within the Post Common Entrance Programme afforded these pupils every opportunity to understand and embrace the new and exciting challenges that await them in the next phase of their education.

Mr Noll Jenkins, Head of Upper School

Cade House

It has been an action packed academic year in Cade House. Our 48 full boarders have made Cade House their home, and they have enjoyed utilising every opportunity that makes ‘full boarding’ such an adventure.

Weekends continue to be busy with most of our boarders choosing to stay in and they are by far the most special time in House! Boarders have enjoyed making the most of what Cheltenham has to offer. Parks, The Lido, crazy golf, cinema, bowling, laser tag and retail therapy are all on our doorstep and it has been great to utilise these at the weekends. We have also ventured further for days out including to the

beach, the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Thorpe Park, Cotswold Water Park, Ninja Warrior and go-karting to name but a few.

During the week, the boarders enjoy turning the school into their playground, making the most of the trampoline park, swimming pool, games room, Art and DT suites, and Astros. Boarders really are at the heart of the school, and it has been a pleasure to see so many Cade House boarders performing in School of Rock, in the music concerts over the course of the year and in Sport fixtures every Wednesday and Saturday.

Thank you to the incredible Cade House team that ensures every day is a boarding adventure.

Mr Jack Avery, Head of Boarding

Valete - Our Fond Farewells

Matt Slade

Matt joined Lower School in September 2022, arriving from Singapore to take up a role in Year 4. From the very start he was committed to helping children progress, but most importantly, making sure they were happy and looked after. After all, happiness is the key to success and not vice versa. His love for Maths instilled confidence in many that found this subject a daunting prospect. Each day with his help, they have flourished, and the world of Maths has opened. Matt loves cricket and rugby, and helped the pupils to progress and succeed when representing the school. Change is never easy, but Matt embraced that and leaves The Prep to continue his progression as a teacher in different school environments. We wish him well for the next steps in his career.

Andy Theedom

Barry Lambert

Barry has been an integral part of the Cheltenham community having spent more than 20 years working at College and, after a short attempt to retire, joined The Prep in November 2020. Coming to help cover an absence initially, Barry has been instrumental in overhauling the Design and Technology provision for our pupils and hasn’t left since! Working tirelessly to draw on his wealth of subject knowledge and experience, he has built wide and varied opportunities for the children to develop their design, practical and evaluative skills, with them often producing work of such a standard that it could easily be mistaken as having come from the senior school. With warmth and incredible patience, as well as a jolly, positive demeanour, Barry has been a well-loved popular member of staff having a kind word, reassuring arm round or laugh and joke for all. Ever giving of his time, he has offered support with productions, helped pupils pastorally with Chill and Chat sessions, as well as throwing himself into the ski trip. Providing invaluable opportunities for local primary school pupils as part of our outreach programme, Barry has enriched the educational lives of those children that wouldn’t otherwise get to experience DT as a subject. He has worked with at least 300 children over these last three years. Exciting times are ahead for Barry as he really does retire (or so he says!). He shall be greatly missed but we wish him every happiness in this new phase of his life.

Rachel Hamlyn

Rachel Hamlyn

In her seven years at The Prep Rachel has made a profound difference to many children individually and to the school as a whole - particularly the academics. She has gone way beyond her academic remit, involving herself in so many different aspects of school life. Individually I suspect children will remember the extraordinary pastoral care she has offered, particularly to those children who have perhaps needed it most. Many a child has had a happier and more fulfilled time at The Prep as a result of Rachel’s guidance and care. On a school-wide level it is undoubtedly the improvement in our overall academic provision for which she will be best remembered. She has created a culture in all our classrooms that has cultivated habits and attitudes that enable our pupils to become better learners, as well as facing difficulty and uncertainty calmly, confidently and creatively. She has fully understood that academic progress only really accelerates when pupils feel happy, safe and confident and that children really do perform better when school is fun. Rachel has been a hugely popular member of staff, providing support and guidance to many of us. She has stepped in whenever and wherever needed (Head of Pre-Prep, Head of English etc etc) and has been a key confidante as part of the senior team that has taken the school forward over recent years. That she is well placed to be an outstanding Head is in no doubt. The Manor Prep in Abingdon has made a very wise choice. She will be brilliant. We will all miss the energy, the dedication and the talent she has brought to her varied roles, and I will miss her wise advice and her friendship, but we all wish her well and know that she will make a huge success of her new role. Most importantly of all Rachel leaves us, hopefully, knowing that she has made an enormous difference to the lives of so many children over the past seven years. Thank you Godspeed.

Tom O’Sullivan

Cheltenham International Schools

Cheltenham Muscat, Oman continues to thrive. With over 750 pupils now, and growing, the school has become a leader in the region. Under the leadership of Executive Principal Oona Carlin the school has set new academic highs, gained a Guinness World Record (for ‘Largest Plastic Bottle Sentence’ which read ‘Project Earthlings has launched from Oman’ using 32,316 bottles), and is on the verge of opening an incredible new senior specialist teaching facility. This new building will offer an array of state-of-the-art facilities, offering a bespoke learning environment, allowing our senior pupils to reach their ‘Cheltenham Potential’. Pupils from Muscat have visited twice this year, on the International Summer Course (July 2023) and Choir Tour (June 2024), and we look forward to building ever closer links.

Cheltenham Malaysia opened in central Kuala Lumpur, catering for boys and girls aged 3-18, in October 2024. The school is owned by the Malaysian company Edumaax which was founded by OC and highly respected businessman Tunku Dato’ Yaacob Khyra, Executive Chairman, MAA Group Bhd (H, 1979 and past parent). This organisation has a legacy of

operating highly successful schools and colleges in Malaysia. Cheltenham College has links with Malaysia going back over 50 years and Kuala Lumpur is a city that combines diverse and ancient cultures, modern technology and excellent education. Cheltenham Malaysia will be a proud part of the excellent International Schools hub in South East Asia.

Cheltenham Centre, China, at Junhua International School will sadly close this year, after two years of excellent work and collaboration in the face of very challenging changes to the international education laws in China. We will continue to work closely with our long-term partners in China and share opportunities for collaboration in the future.

We are continuing to explore projects in other parts of the world, so long as there is a happy combination of a suitably high-quality partner to work with, and an opportunity to bring our educational values, standards and culture to more pupils in other parts of the world. We anticipate being able to announce two such new schools in the coming year.

Mr Alan Etherton, Head of Overseas Education

Lower Sixth Travel Awards

Each year, the Cheltonian Endowment Trust (CET) offers Travel Awards designed to foster independence and career preparation.

Applications are open to all Lower Sixth pupils and awards are made following an interview process with a panel of three CET trustees. Typically, about 30 pupils apply for a grant and about half are successful. Destinations may be as far as India or Tanzania, or applications can also be for UK-based courses and experiences.

2024 Award Recipients

Munisa Akobirova – Climate two-day course, Leeds

Tor Allan – Private Pilot License, Kenya

Isabella Beaufort-Bhardwaj – Young Actor’s Summer School, London

Ishbel Bird – Hospital programme, Ghana

Barney Cooper – College exchange to South Africa

Alice Dawson – College exchange to South Africa

Will Donaldson – Universities visit, Boston, USA

Bryn Evans – European Organisation for Nucleur Research (CERN), Geneva

Ben Golley – Engineering, Laos

Gewnnie Gulland – Vogue summer school, New York City

“I relished talking to the lecturers about their experiences in the world of scientific research and to the incredible group of people on my course who are at various stages in their education.”

Melissa, BioGrad Biomedical Science Course, Liverpool Science Park

Wenlin Huang – Cookery and Spanish, Spain

Tula Leach-Herrero – College exchange to South Africa

Zara Leach-Herrero – Vogue summer school, New York City

Gigi Negus-Cole – Engineering programme, London

Claudia Norbury – International Relations pre-university course, King’s College London

Anna Stanley-Jones – Hospital programme, Ghana

Max Stanley-Jones – Engineering, Laos

Finn Tweedie – College exchange to South Africa

Melissa Watson – BioGrad Biomedical Science Course, Liverpool Science Park

Eleanor Weston – Young Actor’s Summer School, London

“I wanted to visit two universities, MIT and Harvard, as they are institutions I had planned on applying to for Engineering … I loved Boston. However, visiting the universities shifted my perspective. I would like to give my deepest thanks to CET for making the trip possible and their support throughout the process.”

Will, Universities visit, Boston, USA

The Travel Awards are funded by the Cheltonian Endowment Trust (CET). This is just one of the ways CET uses its annual income to support Cheltenham College.

Alongside this, the principal activity of the CET is to provide hardship bursaries to students who are in danger of having to leave College suddenly, through no fault of their own. Circumstances such as parents separating, being made redundant or a death in the family are the most common factors. CET works closely with Cheltenham College to bridge the funding gap so that pupils are able to complete their College education to an appropriate point, usually the completion of GCSEs or A Levels.

For more information on CET and its activities, please contact society@cheltenhamcollege.org to be put in touch.

ACADEMIC

Celebrating Excellent Futures

Students at College have shown tremendous talent and determination to gain places at the most prestigious institutions for their chosen discipline.

Bertie Parkes is to read Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Oxford and successful applications to read Medicine have been fulfilled by Flora Scurr (Queen’s University, Belfast), Candice Ng (IMU, Malaysia) and Pitiprapa Tanawattanakul (Mahidol University, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital).

We are also thrilled that the following students have gained places at the most prestigious institutions for their chosen

discipline: Alvina Chan will read Global Health and Social Science at King’s College, London; Jean Choi will read Crime and Security Science at UCL; Devanshi Kaura will read Design Engineering at Imperial College, London; Lucy Makin will read Chemistry at the University of Durham; Molly Ropner will read Politics at the University of Edinburgh; Molly Standen-McDougal will read Liberal Arts at the University of Exeter; Charlotte Tomlins will read French and Philosophy at University College, London; Doris Wang will read Law at King’s College, London and Justin Wong will read Chemistry at University College, London.

Extended Project Qualification

Cheltonians never disappoint in ambition or scope for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) ideas. In chronology, dissertations burst out of the gate with pyramid building in Ancient Egypt, over the Great Schism of 1054, onto an appraisal of Albrecht Durer’s role as a modern celebrity, charging down the home straight past Vietnam, the Stanford prison experiment and Roe v Wade, careering through Taylor Swift’s spat with Kanye West, before boldly going where no EPQ has gone before, into a philosophical and physical study of the possibility of teleportation. Not even space proved to be a final frontier as one study compared the experience of female astronauts to cosmonauts. The EPQ artefacts, by contrast, had a distinct educational theme. A software programme for teaching von Neumann architecture to GCSE pupils might save our Head advertising for a new Computer Science teacher in the future! Meanwhile our Bursar may have his eye on two students’ designs for a university campus

Foundation Project Qualification

The Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ) at Third Form may weigh in lighter than the EPQ but is no less a test of endurance and skill for its novice riders. This year, projects have been exploring the British Empire’s role in developing international sports, jellyfish overpopulation and over-prescribing by doctors. Earnest Shackleton and Emily Dickinson are but two of the projects that show the Third Form are able to look far beyond the here and now. I am

building and a learning environment for the new Sixth Form Centre. Commissions for a traditional Flamenco dress, the realisation of John Singer Sargent’s controversial garment for his portrait of Madame X and an Arianna Grande tribute act costume also blossomed into highly accomplished final pieces. There is always some sound and fury to the Artefacts, captured this year by a Drum & Bass composition, a film representing ‘Generalised Anxiety Disorder’ and a somewhat esoteric magazine article exploring Hong Kong cinema.

Alexander Chang and Nastasia Zaikina have been singled out for their extraordinary projects: a water filter (tested to the nth degree) and a dissertation that questioned whether a ‘Unified Field Theory of Everything’ has merit, respectively. That their names proceed from A to Z is purely a coincidence or proof of God’s sense of humour.

Mr Dominic Nelder

particularly looking forward to seeing how the artefacts of hedge laying and a card game inspired by Sherlock Holmes

turn out. The awards for FPQ went to Anirudh Limbu and Sophie English.

Mr Dominic Nelder

Lower College Society

‘Form Square!’ is not a cry that has resounded much from within College precincts since the 1880s. It was also incongruous in the setting of Valens, where cries are usually reserved for more potatoes! So when Lower College Society (LCS) members recreated the Roman army’s shield-bound testudo there was always the chance that it could be as awkward as it was anachronistic. Even so, the tortoise rallied, steadied and then marched under the able instruction of centurion Paddy Grand if only for a few feet. More leadership from Angus Grounds saw the dispatch of legionaries to

quell rebellions in distant Eboracum (by the salad bar) and Cataractonium (next to the water cooler) as LCS delivered on its promise of more active learning experiences. Still more have been called for the coming year and I shall try to oblige! Talks by the renowned astrobiologist, Professor Lewis Dartnell and from the Sixth Form around sustainability provided some diversity to the offerings and raised the highbrow even higher. The everpopular Christmas Quiz saw a startling array of film, music and ‘guess-theteachers’ rounds; the Open Mic night took up a theme of decoding artist

Upper College Society

The Society’s first event was a fascinating evening with Professor of Philosophy Adrian Moore from the University of Oxford exploring what we mean by infinity. This was followed by University Challenge, an interHouse event that was both incredibly fun and competitive, chaired by two of the Society Presidents, Flora Scurr

and Jessica Heynes. The Society then hosted a number of evenings in which students presented academic papers. Serving as a wonderful resource for strengthening university applications, these were both also fascinating and enjoyable. Papers ranged from conspiracy theories to neuroscientific accounts of intelligence. The

messages in Hogarth’s ‘Marriage à la Mode’ to explore hidden messages in other contexts. The Feast in May heralded the end of the current Fifth Form’s dominance and the rise of Fourth Form members to the giddy heights of command. Special mention at this stage should go to Emily Grant, Ellie Hanbury, Maisy White and Lily Ropner for their consistent support of LCS since Third Form. New ideas abound and so we set sail again in the coming year! Ave!

Mr Dominic Nelder

programme ended with a Model United Nations evening ‘to reach a resolution to the conflict in the Red Sea, which is harming world trade’. Ademide Obagun hosted this with fellow President Bertie Parkes, and we were impressed by the maturity of the intellectual discussion and the investment of the Houses in arriving at a solution. Finn Keatinge, dressed as a representative of the USA presidential cabinet, was particularly articulate in arguing for America’s solution to the dilemma. Our thanks go to all who made this year’s Society such a success.

Ademide Obagun

STEM Faculty STEM Faculty: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Dr Jamie Copeland-Jordan

At the start of the academic year College launched a new model for grouping academic Departments into faculties. The first new faculty to be established was the STEM Faculty. Combining seven of the largest academic Departments has presented significant opportunities across College, and we are pleased that a STEM strategy will be launched in this coming year. This strategy will pave the way for the Faculty to be not only schoolleading but also sector-leading. It will focus on placing an interdisciplinary

Biology

Mr Alexander Ballentyne

This year we’ve expanded opportunities for our pupils with teams participating in prestigious competitions such as the Cambridge Biology Challenge and the Science in Medicine School Teams Prize by Homerton College, Cambridge and Imperial College London. Results are eagerly anticipated. Our commitment to the Royal Society of Biology competitions remains strong, with Paddy Grand achieving the highest score in Fourth Form in the UKBC Biology Challenge.

Our Dissection Club has flourished, attracting more members, and exploring a diverse range of specimens, including cuttlefish, insects, and pigs’ brains. Seeing how a snake’s anatomy can accommodate lungs was certainly a favourite.

approach at the heart of what we do. It will stimulate the minds of our pupils to see how the subjects they study at school intertwine and relate to the careers they will pursue in the future.

As all pupils encounter many elements of STEM throughout their lives, and as it is careers in the STEM sector that will see the greatest growth, providing all pupils the opportunity to explore their curiosities is paramount to our Faculty plan. We have welcomed three new Heads of Department into the sciences (Mr Alexander Ballantyne into Biology, Mr Matthew Cole into Physics, and Dr

Congratulations to our departing Upper Sixth biologists of whom more than two-thirds are continuing their bioscience studies in higher education. Happily, these pupils are going on to study medicine: Flora Scurr, Candice Ng and Pitiprapa Tanawattanakul. This year neuroscience has emerged as a popular destination with the addition of specialists Mr Lloyd Tanangonan and Miss Madeleine Seager to the Department.

Christine Oldham into Chemistry). Their endless enthusiasm for encouraging and nurturing pupils’ interest has been inspiring. Moving forward, they will take a central role in achieving our goals. It is also with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Mr David Lait, who will be taking up a role as Head of DT at The Prep. We have welcomed Mr Henry Franks from University College School, London, who brings with him a phenomenal design background and heritage. It is an exciting time to be part of College and, indeed, the STEM Faculty.

Chemistry

Dr Christine Oldham

Chemistry is a word that iconically conjures up images of lab coats and conical flasks filled with colourful solutions. Indeed, the Chemistry teachers and technicians have been busy with countless experiments and demos to illustrate the underlying theory being taught in the classrooms. The most extreme of these being showcased in the annual Chemistry Spectacular. Pupils from schools in the Cheltenham Education Partnerships, The Prep and College, watched as Dr Jamie Copeland-Jordan led a fascinating display of fires, explosions, and experiments that are not normally performed in the lab. Hydrogen balloons, methane rockets and the flaming snake remained favourites of the evening.

Computer Science

Mr Jon Morton

The Department has had another great year, with pupils on track to achieve outstanding results in GCSE, A Level and Cambridge Technical examinations. The GCSE cohort were the last to go through the IGCSE from Cambridge as we have now moved over to Edexcel where the pupils take their exams on

The pupils have continued to challenge their understanding through national competitions. In the Chemistry Olympiad designed for Upper Sixth students, Justin Wong received a Gold Award while five Silver Awards and 11 Bronze Awards went to the Lower Sixth. Eighty-three Fourth Form entered National Scientific Thinking Challenge, a first for College and we did extraordinarily well. The pupils achieved 12 Gold certificates (awarded to those pupils in the top 10% Nationally), 12 Silver and 14 Bronze.

Congratulations go to our Upper Sixth chemists who have gained places on competitive courses such at Medicine, Engineering and Applied Sciences. Special mention goes to Lucy Makin and Justin Wong who will read pure Chemistry at the University of Durham and University College London respectively.

computers. In my opinion a much better solution for Computer Scientists. The Fourth Form is showing great promise with this and is developing greater coding skills ahead of where they need to be.

At A Level we have continued to add value and the Department takes immense pride in the remarkable coursework projects produced by its A Level students. These have been particularly good this year with Computer Vision systems and games

We say fond farewell to Miss Lucy Manning, who is moving to Woodbridge School in Suffolk and we are excited to welcome Miss Stephanie Ricketts from Rugby School, Thailand, and Mr Alex Henocq, from Christ’s Hospital in West Sussex.

being developed for different genres. IT Cambridge has also continued to develop some extremely colourful and professional looking websites as part of their vocational element to the course.

The Department’s newly set up machines are now a popular venue for pupils who want to practise their coding in the morning and at Coding Club which is a very popular choice for Fourth and Fifth Form pupils wanting to improve their skills.

Design and Technology: Resistant Materials

Mr David Lait

The Department has had another great crop of A Level and GCSE pupils, completing a range of interesting and fun projects.

At A Level, the products have included impressive drinks cabinets, with laminated doors, transformable furniture, and high-quality jewellery storage. We have also had a number of products that enable students or parents to transport a variety of different forms of sporting equipment in their cars. The work is again of an

excellent standard and has been further improved by our new CNC router and the students developed understanding of Computer Aided Design and Manufacture.

To help further embed the theory of industrial manufacture we visited the Mini and Morgan plants with the Upper Sixth, seeing the differences between Mini mass producing 1,000 cars per day and Morgan who bespoke build only a few hundred cars per year.

GCSE pupils have worked on their NEA coursework under a range of titles such

as ‘promoting religious festivals’ and ‘celebrating STEM activities’. As always there have been some fantastic and innovative products produced. To help the Fifth Form get their creative minds working we took a very successful trip to Think Tank in Birmingham, where the pupils got to use the museum as an inspiration source for their initial ideas.

The coming year will see a changing of the guard as Mr David Lait moves to head up The Prep DT and we welcome Mr Henry Franks to lead College DT –Resistant Materials.

Alisa Spasskaya

Arav Agrawal

Max Davidson

Henry Brown

Tolly Kimber

Ann Wang

Henry Huang

Joie Ho

Safiya Salikbayeva

Oliver Smith

Sam Chiverton Ben Conner

Herbie Evans

Fourth Wutthiserithamrong

Thee Teeraattakorn

Ottilie Roberts

Tezita Roy-Assen

Olivia Vynogradova

Lawson Purchase

Jay Sui

Monty White

William Noest

Design and Technology: Textiles

Mrs Sarah Tradgett

The Department has gone from strength to strength with creativity flourishing under the guidance of Mrs Sarah Tradgett, Miss Noleen Farmer and Mrs Rebecca Evely, supported by their skilled technicians Miss Eunice Wilson and Mrs Grace Gatley.

Sustainability has been a key theme. Third Form have worked hard and been excited to design and make their plant pot holders and iPad cases. Fourth Form explored dye and print, construction skills and the use of a variety of components.

Fifth Form GCSE pupils developed exciting and innovative prototypes ranging from a beehive that encourages pupils to learn more about STEM to an interactive dog blanket to raise funds for a charity.

Lower Sixth launched into the upcycling project to acquire skills in construction and surface decoration. They further developed their skills in making by adapting existing blocks into their own pattern adaptions. They were inspired by the annual trip to the Mulberry workshop in Somerset.

Upper Sixth A Level students have been particularly ambitious, incorporating high-level skills such as needle felting, dye and print methods, fine embroidery and beadwork as well as 3D printing and laser cutting/etching.

Zara Leach-Herrero and Gwennie Gulland gained places on the Vogue Summer School in New York to learn from the Vogue experts about the fashion business, styling and media. Futures Week included a joint trip with the Art Department to the New Designers event, the leading London graduate degree show.

Kitty Furneaux

Ella Brooks

Maddi Gill

Eme Hesketh

Frankie Geary

Allegra Stanger

Amelia Franks

Tilly Coley

Emilia Miles

Hannah Edmonston

Florence Barnsley

Edie Grand

Zara Lawson

Amber Gu

Matilda Brereton

Ellen Yip

Kitty Pritchard

Holly Bullock

Livvie Rathbone

Sky Jamieson

Gursehaj Khaira

Mathematics

Dr Brendan Enright

The Department continues to enjoy success in national Mathematical competitions. Every year we enter the UKMT challenges, these papers are designed to test not only mathematical skills and knowledge but also ingenuity. At the senior level, 54 pupils received certificates for creditable performance, which is our best total, 10 pupils gained Gold for being placed in the top 6% nationally, equalling the College record.

Physics

Mr Matthew Cole

Our motto ‘Challenge and Wonder’ perfectly summarises the successes that have been achieved this year in the Physics Department.

The British Physics Olympiad annual competitions were sat by over 120 pupils and we are delighted that the challenge of these competitions was enjoyed by so many. Several pupils earned very impressive results

Top place in Lower Sixth was achieved by Eric Liu and top in Upper Sixth was Bhavya Jain. At the intermediate level a total of 81 pupils achieved recognition with the award of certificates. The number of Golds this year was excellent, at 24, and is our best ever. Particular credit and congratulations must go to Hendrie Ng, Danila Kurganskiy, and Ella Feng, who were placed first in their year groups with scores which put them in the top one quarter of a % nationally. Furthermore 18 of these pupils were also invited to compete in the follow up rounds in which they did very well indeed.

including Gold Awards for Andrew Li and Henry Brown, and Silver Awards for Isabel Churchfield, Charles Maynell, Aleks Zhuravlev, Stepan Ruzencevs, Ann Wang, Eric Liu, Ellie Miskin and Emelie Seelmann.

Pupils have also had the opportunity to enjoy three different engineering competitions, each one developing their problem solving and teamwork skills. Pupils in the Safe Cracking elective have designed and built physics themed escape room challenges. A team of pupils designed,

The College Mathematics Society, now in its 17th year, is going extremely well. The highlights of the pupil presentations were the many talks given by Bertie Parkes, in particular, his talk on Galois Theory was superb. I would like to thank Bertie for his leadership of the Society over the last year; congratulations to him on securing his place to read Mathematics at the University of Oxford. Finally, a thank you to all pupils who attended or gave presentations.

built and tested a Mars Rover as part of a Cheltenham Education Partnership competition. Two teams of Lower Sixth students earned the Industrial Cadets Gold Award by designing and building marine machines in response to a brief set by professional engineers at Thales UK.

We are sorry to say goodbye to Miss Fran Buist and Mr Alexander Kealy, two fantastic teachers who have contributed so much to the Department and inspired so many.

Art

Ms Jo Millar

This year’s Summer Art Exhibition was a brilliant representation of free-thinking visual communication. It showcased our pupils’ growth as individuals through studying Art. Personal themes investigated were striking and thought-provoking: ‘The Male Gaze’; ‘Loss of Childhood’; reverie in landscape; autobiography and mental health to name a few. Art helps us in our understanding of the world and our place within it, and it is powerfully showcased in the work.

I am impressed beyond measure by the standards of this year’s pupils and their endeavour and determination to exceed their own goals. Parents and staff visiting the exhibition were staggered by the depth and bravery of our pupils’ art.

In January we hosted Fine Artist Ian Murphy for a day to work with select pupils from College and All Saints’ Academy, Cheltenham, to explore his process and technique and create a portfolio of work in one day!

We took Fifth Form to Bristol City Museum for the first time, and we took Lower Sixth to Tate Britain where we experienced the acclaimed ‘Women in Revolt’ exhibition and immersed ourselves in the aristocratic world of the John Singer Sargent exhibition. Fourth Form visited the Pitt Rivers Museum and the Ashmolean in Oxford. Upper Sixth visited Tate Modern for the extended ‘Capturing the Moment’ exhibition and free collection.

As always, these experiences are infinitely informative to our pupils’ outlook and progress. It is always our aim to offer a wide range of visual experience to stimulate and develop individual progress.

Bella Christie

Charlotte Fozzard-Marsh

Amber Gu

Alice Tomblin

Eva Colbourne

Bella Christie

Bella Christie

Alisa Spasskaya

Amber Gu

Oliver Shannon

Alice Tomblin

Charlotte Fozzard-Marsh

Amir Brannigan

Raif Nelson

Courtney Rabongo

Christina Yao

Scarlet Smith

Kimi Huang

Zlata Pustoshinskaya

Henry Huang

Henry Huang

Kimi Huang

Kitty Dunkerton

Rosie Pearson

Willow Johnson

Tilly Birch

Business

Mrs Holly Brooke

The Business and Economics Departments returned to Cuba following two previous trips in 2016 and 2018. Our trip to Havana, Viñales, and Playa Larga was an enriching journey that provided 18 Sixth Form students with a diverse array of experiences. Havana, the heart of Cuba, offered a lively introduction to the country’s culture. We embraced salsa dancing in the bustling streets, connecting with the locals and their passion for music and movement.

The visit to a cigar manufacturing factory in Havana was an eye-opener, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship that goes into creating the worldfamous Cuban cigars. It was a moment of appreciation for the country’s traditions and artistry.

Our trip shed light on the Cuban economy. We learned about the challenges and successes of Cuba’s unique economic system, gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s complex dynamics. We were able to experience how small, privately owned enterprises navigate a centrally planned socialist economic system.

Throughout the year we worked to build up real-life case studies and we

Classics

Mr Tom Lambert

It has been another strong year for Classics. We welcomed Mrs Katherine Coates and her infectious love of Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation to the team.

Our pupils performed well in public exams. The 6th Form Classicists pulled off an impressive 90% A*-B at A Level, with five A grades across Latin and Classical Civilisation. The GCSE Latin set maintained the Department’s 10-year streak of gaining at least three quarters 8 and 9, the grades now viewed as A* equivalents. Those studying Greek were also a success, with Sarah Anstey gaining the third highest score gained by a Cheltonian on the new GCSE. In Classical Civilisation GCSE, where pupils faced by far the hardest challenge since the

took Upper Sixth for a tour of Morgan Motors in Malvern. Lizzie and Sarah Donnan-Smith, the Franchisees of COOK on the Bath Road, Cheltenham, also talked to students about running a franchise. This links with diversity in the workplace along with responsible business practices, a key topic area for both A Level and CTEC.

The Mini MBA has continued to go from strength to strength. The students have conceptualised a variety of products including a social skiing app, a portable drinks table and a smart tracker for horse trainers.

The finalists pitched their business ideas at Spirax Sarco and Luca Bartholomew and Ed Reed-Daunter won £500 seed funding for their sustainable outdoor portable furniture business called Stick N Dine.

A big thank you to our supporter OC Andrew Hill (L, 1985 and parent) and all our speakers who have visited College this year and shared their insight about their industries. A special mention must go to parent Catherine Coleman-Jinks, parent Oli Christie, OC Sam Clarke (Xt, 1999 and parent) and OC Rich Hine (H, 2011) for their longstanding support as well as new speakers parent Hugo Harris and businesses Gravity Drinks and The Stronghold Gym.

We look forward to welcoming our

pandemic, it was fantastic to see some great results, with Anru Wang gaining the highest Cheltonian score yet. There was a higher proportion of top grades recorded than in 2019.

The Classics Society had a strong start to the year, with over 30 pupils attending our Michaelmas Term meeting, and the Lower College pupils continuing to be strongly involved. The programme of lectures (and pizza) with the Gloucestershire Classical Association continues to be popular, with a trip to the ‘But First - Let Me Take a Selfie’ talk

partner schools this coming year to partake and collaborate in this enriching experience. I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell and all the best to Mr Harry Johnson who leaves the Business Department for pastures new. For a fulsome goodbye, see the Valete section.

of Professor Jane Masseglia proving a pupil favourite.

In September we welcomed Miss Felicity Edwards (Latin and Classical Civilisation) and Mrs Sarah Price (Classical Civilisation) to the Department and wish every success to Sebastian Thompson as he embarks on his Ancient History degree. We also bid sad farewells to Mr Harry Johnson, Mrs Rachel Smith and Mr Andrew Hollingbury, who move on to new ventures after a combined 14 years of involvement at the school. Please see the Valete section for a fulsome farewell.

Economics

Miss Stephanie Burns

The Department ran the CISI Fundamentals of Financial Services

Qualification as an elective for Lower Sixth students. This elective gave them an opportunity to gain an entry level qualification into the world of financial services. The CISI – Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments – is a global professional body who provide training and qualifications for the financial services industry. The qualification is an

English

Mr Simon Gould

important first step in developing the essential basic knowledge required for working in financial services.

They learned about commonly used financial products, such as shares, bonds, derivatives, and insurance whilst learning maths skills enabling them to compare the equivalent annual rate of interest with any quoted rate when borrowing money, the impact of leverage on equity owners, and the ability to calculate both bond and dividend yields. This qualification should enhance their UCAS personal

For this year’s AC Bradley Shakespeare Memorial Lecture, we welcomed scholar Professor Emma Smith, Fellow at Hertford College, Oxford, who gave us a fascinating lecture ‘Tragic Men? Toxic Men? Shakespeare’s tragedies and masculinity’.

The evening in Big C was a welcome return to the series which celebrates OC AC Bradley (Day Boy, 1869) author of some of the most influential Shakespeare scholarship of the 20th Century.

Lit Soc events, helmed by Dr Luke Davidson, continued to invite a range of speakers for the benefit of College and Cheltenham Education Partnership literature students. Speakers included OC Olivia Fisher (Ch, 2021) and current student of literature at the University of York, who provided current pupils with useful insights into university life and her current studies. Other events included a fascinating analysis of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road which welcomed pupils from Balcarras School along with College Upper Sixth.

The Cheltenham Literature Festival is always a highlight and this year was very useful for Upper Sixth students writing about Ian McEwan’s Atonement for their A Level coursework. They attended an invaluable talk and Q&A session with the author himself.

The year ended with the Hannam Clark Poetry Recital with Third Form. The entire year group had chosen, learned

statements and assist with work experience applications.

The student-led Cheltenham College Investment Society (CCIS) is now into its fourth year. Taking over the organisation of the society were Bhavya Jain and Arav Mediratta. The CCIS is open to pupils in all year groups with the aim of helping to educate and inform all interested pupils in the world of investments and finance, whilst also giving them fun learning experiences to put their skills and instincts to the test.

and recited their poems in their classes and put forward nominations for the final which was held in Chapel. Places went to Tommy Weston (3rd), Helena Brewis (2nd) and Perlie Man (1st).

Geography

Mr Fraser Dobney

Geography continues to engage College pupils with the contemporary issues of the day. The subject continues to be a hugely popular option within College and the Department has enjoyed another very successful year.

We welcomed Professor Lewis Dartnell earlier this year who gave a fascinating talk on his book Origins: How the Earth Shaped Human History

History

Miss Jo Doidge-Harrison

Doris Wang richly deserved this year’s Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize. Having started her College career a disembodied voice on the other side of the world, attending via Mr Richard Preece’s laptop during a Covidcompromised Fourth Form, Doris, through talent and sheer determined graft delivered the winning NEA, and attended more final Summer Term

Our popular half termly Bingen Society student presentation evenings continue to impress staff. One presentation that has stuck with me was the one given by Katie Rathbone and Ella Brooks who spoke about the work they undertook during the summer to help mitigate period poverty in Tanzania. Finally, one of the great benefits of being a Geography teacher is being able to take our pupils out on field trips and this year was no different with trips to the North Somerset Coast, river studies

APT on a thrice-weekly basis than even Richard Nixon, legendary briefing file absorber, would have managed himself. Toby Krauer similarly wasn’t satisfied with merely evaluating his sources, he sent grinning dispatches from the field (Brighton Pavilion).

Lower Sixth delivered a lot of fun too. Jackie and Jack (without prior consultation) took Morley Dinner costume to the next Halloween-esque level, narrowly not breaching the grounds of taste, and Castro and Che

in the Forest of Dean, investigating the regeneration projects taking place in Birmingham, urban studies in Cheltenham and finally an investigation into Bristol’s past and present role in a globalising world. As always, my thanks go to Mr Will Bates, Miss Emily Hartley, Mrs Sarah Hayden, Mrs Michelle Lucas-Halliwell and Mr Owen Williams for everything that they have done to ensure that the Department continues to thrive.

buddied up alongside Carter, Churchill (on AND off duty) and some cardinals. Student presentations covered pyramids, Disney princesses, Napoleon, Barbenheimer, and, possibly most memorably, an earnest consideration of ‘what if’ D-Day had seen the Allies land AT-ATs via mulberry harbours. The Third Form visited Dunkirk (a first for College) at the end of their time in Flanders fields: if only we could have got them there in X-wing starfighters… though Blackadder on the coach went down just as well as ever.

History of Art

Mr Nick Nelson

The unveiling of the restored portrait of OC Edward Wilson (Day Boy, 1891) by Hugh Goldwin Riviere with his father OC Briton Riviere (Day Boy, 1858) in the Library set the tempo for a prosperous year in this subject. In conjunction with the restorers, Mr Nick Nelson outlined the fascinating history behind the Riviere’s magnum opus College is fortunate enough to own.

Numbers in the subject remain ever healthy, with 31 students across the Sixth Form coupled with a promising uptake

Music

Mr Shaun Pirttijarvi

Third Form pupils were thrown into the pBone Project at the start of the year and made quick progress in their playing of plastic trombones whilst developing their listening and ensemble skills. In the Summer Term the Video Game Music Project was a firm favourite amongst the year group.

for the coming year. History of Art Society continues to bourgeon, with an excellent talk on ‘The Art of War, Capturing Conflict’ from an AHA lecturer in November. In March, a hale blend of Kahoot, a presentation on ‘Durer: The First Celebrity Artist’ by Xanthe Harris, and ‘Bronzino and Allegory’ by Ademide Obagun saw our Lower Sixth lead from the fore in March’s society meet. In June a talk on ‘Christianity in the Renaissance and Baroque Periods’ capped off our season of lectures.

Beneficial trips to the Imperial War Museum and the National Gallery, London, for Upper Sixth and Tate Britain and Imperial War Museum for Lower Sixth provided fieldwork opportunities and necessary stimulus for our students accordingly. With Upper Sixth offers from the Universities of Leeds, Manchester, Exeter, Bristol and Goldsmiths, University of London our attention now turns to our two Oxbridge hopefuls in the coming year.

The arrival of Mr Alex Fox as Assistant Director of Music has brought new ideas and initiatives for the GCSE groups. The Fourth Form has been immersed in structured listening preps ranging from the coronation anthems of GF Handel to Taylor Swift. Fifth Form produced an incredible range of compositions for the non-exam assessment (NEA), including some extremely ambitious extended pieces using both Sibelius and Logic Pro software.

Lower Sixth has been a delight to work with, bringing great humour and energy to lessons. A special mention must go to Hayden Tong who was appointed as the first Co-Curricular Music Society President.

Upper Sixth has been a fantastically fun year group, and this continued right up until study leave; the completion of their performance and composition NEA has been the least stressful process in my seven years at College!

Modern Foreign Languages

Mrs Annabelle Million and Mr Keri Price

It has been a busy year in the Department, with a number of notable highlights.

In October, Miss Lauren Griffin led a trip to Salamanca for 20 pupils in our Fifth Form. Pupils benefitted from five hours per day of intensive Spanish lessons and enjoyed spending time in this beautiful city.

Our annual MFL debating competition at College, organised by Mr James Coull, was a tremendous success, hosting teams from other schools competing against each other and our Upper College debaters.

Mme Wandrille Bates accompanied our French debating team (Claudia Norbury and Max Craven) to the Joutes Oratoires competition at Marlborough College. The Lower Sixth French students also visited the local Boulangerie Artisan to hear about the art and heritage of French baking.

MFL Society events have included a Crêpe and Kahoot! Night for Third Form, a Tapas and Wine Evening for Upper College, which included excellent presentations from Zoe Cripwell on her prize-winning essay on whether AI & internet translators will make language learning redundant, and from Ademide Obagun on the history of the Spanish guitar, as well as a screening of Les Choristes for Third Form French pupils. In Summer Term, the theatre group Onatti performed their French play Les Cours d’Art to our Fourth Form French pupils and we held the inaugural Pétanque in the Park Evening for Lower Sixth language students who enjoyed the cultural experience of a game of boules.

Pupils from our Upper College and Fifth Form German classes attended a superb Oktoberfest event at Radley College, where they were treated to a German menu and enjoyed the opportunity to socialise in German through a number of activities, songs and quizzes.

Ademide Obagun, Nastasia Zaikina, Wenlin Huang, Ollie Gardner, Zoë Cripwell, Max Craven, Liora Bezuhanova (Lower Sixth), Esmé Cartwright (Fifth Form) and Henry Jebb (Fifth Form) all gained certificates for their participation in the UK Linguistics Olympiad. Annabel Cates and Kitty Callender from Third Form went beyond and above by submitting entries to the University of Oxford French Flash Fiction competition.

During Activities Week Mme Helen Powell, Mr Coull and Miss Griffin took 24 of our Third Form French pupils on a wonderful trip to Montpellier where pupils enjoyed a morning of language lessons followed by trips in the afternoon to explore the town and its stunning beach, visit the Roman amphitheatre in Nîmes and canoe along the river in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

Max Craven planned a trip to a language school in Biarritz, and Wenlin Huang used her Travel Award towards a Spanish language and cookery course in San Sebastián.

Congratulations to all our departing Upper Sixth linguists, with a special mention to those with offers to study a language as part of their degree course: Charlotte Tomlins; Jude Richardson; Katie Baker; Ivan Luhovyi and Milly Jenkins.

Politics

Mr Paul Floyd

The year started with a meditation on the British Constitution from the foremost authority on the matter, Sir Vernon Bogdanor, research professor at the Institute for Contemporary British History at King’s College London and emeritus professor of politics and government at the University of Oxford. Speaking at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Professor Bogdanor delivered a forensic examination of the nuances and complexities of the UK’s uncodified constitution. In the Q&A afterwards, he demonstrated a mastery of the subject before being utterly skittled by

Psychology

Ms Lissa Rogers

What a year it’s been for Psychology!

In September, Miss Lara Beere, and our incredible students warmly welcomed Miss Shelley Carr and me (Ms Lissa Rogers), as two new members of our team of just three. A huge ‘thank you’ to all students for your warmth, kindness, enthusiasm, and hard work. Teamwork is dreamwork!

The year has flown by. Whilst Upper Sixth A Level students studied new topics including forensic psychology,

Freddie Hack.

Molly Ropner and Anton Gambarini represented the Department with honour in the Talks for Our Times series, focusing on the protection of rights in the UK. College hosted a Youth Parliament husting where two candidates from Pate’s Grammar School came to press for College support giving students the opportunity to engage with the democratic process.

Lower Sixth enjoyed the Houses of Parliament where they toured the Palace of Westminster, met with local MP and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk before seeing the Treasury field questions in the House of Commons. They then soaked up the lively

biopsychology, schizophrenia and gender, the Applied Psychology students wrote detailed coursework assignments on topics, ranging from creating an offender profile, to critiquing theories of offending behaviour (focusing on biological and psychological explanations).

Lower Sixth A Level students began their Psychology career learning about how the different key approaches cannot agree on where our behaviour comes from! Is behaviour inherited? (Biological approach). Does this mean we have no freewill? Is all behaviour

atmosphere outside Downing Street followed by the slightly more reserved environment of the Supreme Court. Thanks to Mrs Sarah Dawson for her expert organisation.

Lord Brennan of Bibury, KC, a former High Court Judge and grandparent of Bella Brennan visited us and considered the challenges facing modern democracies and what young people can do to make sense of contemporary politics.

The Department held up its end of the Morley Society, with many tremendous addresses and, of course, a fabulous dinner to provide a fitting cap on a year’s hard work.

learned? (Behaviourism) Can we learn phobias? And that’s before we get into Freud’s idea of the Oedipus Complex!

The Applied Psychology students had a busy time of designing and implementing their own pilot studies and discovering how challenging it can be to work with participants!

We bid a fond farewell to our Upper Sixth psychologists, many of whom will study Psychology related degrees. We wish all students every success for the future and look forward to welcoming you back to give a Psychology Society talk in the future.

Theatre Studies

Mrs Sian McBride

It has been a tremendously busy year again in Drama with the usual trips, workshops, performances and the everyday task of preparing our GCSE and A Level pupils for public exams. A particular highlight was watching our Upper Sixth perform extracts from Alice Birch plays influenced by the work of the practitioner and director Katie Mitchell. They fully embraced the

hypernaturalistic style and gave truly moving and believable performances.

As always, we had a full programme of trips and highlights this year included the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of The Empress and an innovative new production of The Glass Menagerie in the Rose Theatre, Kingston. Another exciting moment was a trip to see a contemporary thriller, Murder in the Dark, which was followed by a private Q&A with the cast including the leading man, Tom Chambers.

Two of our very talented Upper Sixth, Mirabel Evans and Finn Cutts spent the year preparing for and attending numerous drama school auditions. It was wonderful to see them progressing through the rounds striving for highly competitive places at prestigious schools.

We are so proud that Mirabel achieved her place for the Bristol School of Acting and that Finn is taking up a place at Mountview drama school in London.

Sports Science

Mr Jordan Kontarines

Sports Science continues to thrive at College. Numbers are strong for the coming year’s Lower Sixth plus a new cohort of Third Form pupils will start the GCSE course.

Our first ever CTEC class graduated at the end of the year, and we wish all students the very best for their futures.

Some of our Lower Sixth students continue to impress with their work on the Level 2 qualification in Community Sports Leadership and have done some

excellent work at Naunton Park Primary School under the expert tutelage of Mrs Kate Hornsby and Mrs Annette Poulain. We are continuing to run this course as an elective for Lower Sixth for this coming year.

During Futures Week Lower Sixth visited Cardiff Metropolitan University where they gained insight into studying Sports Science at university and had the opportunity to undertake some physiological testing too. We also welcomed Professor Matt Greig who spoke about his journey from studying Sports Science to helping some of the best professional athletes in the world

Theology, Philosophy and Ethics

Dr Matthew Harris

In the Autumn Term, Professor Adrian Moore visited College to lecture on ‘Immortality and Infinity.’ In the same term our Sixth Form visited the local Theology Society Severn Forum lectures to hear Professor Andrew Steane from the University of Oxford Department of Physics lecture on science and religion.

TPE has continued to participate in Dr Mary Plint’s ‘Talks for our Time,’

with pupils getting involved in discussions on free speech and on the environment. TPE Society has continued to be largely pupil-led, with talks on everything from Plato (Immy Mortimer and Gwennie Gulland), Time (Emelie Seelmann and Sonia Ku) and Epistemology (Sonia Ku), to the Philosophy of Photography (Ademide Obagun), Marxist Philosophy (Tom Churchfield and Fingal Evans), Augustine and Sin (Max Callon Hine and Immy Mortimer), Utilitarianism (River

achieve their personal bests. Students were captivated listening to how the biomechanical theories that they study can be applied to real-life sporting scenarios. We hope to welcome Professor Greig back this coming year! Lessons have been packed with theory content and practical sessions too for the Fourth Form who have been developing their badminton skills and an individual sport.

The Department continues to seek ways of maximising success for the pupils and is going from strength to strength.

Ho and Max Callon Hine), and Business Ethics (Alvina Chan and Georgie Cook), and more besides. Something which is has been nice to see is that this year we have had some Third Form putting themselves forward to lead TPE Society, which is admirable given that they presented to an audience which included Sixth Form students. In terms of pupil successes Ivan Luhovyi is off to King’s College, London, to study Philosophy and Modern Languages.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower Sixth

Sport

CCF prizes

Upper Sixth

All-Round Contribution

Co-Curricular

Academic Excellence

Adams Prize George Trafford

Duleepsinhji Cup (boys): TJ Fanolua

Stidworthy Cup Tom Unsworth

The Cadbury Cup Erin Darbin

Adams Prize Rex Yeung

Gasson Cup Kimmy Kwok

Duleepsinhji Cup (girls): Min Fletcher

Sloan Cup Rosa Hanbury & Autumn Conner

The John Bowes Cup Dominykas Drungilas

The Galahad Cup Bertie Parkes

The Army Leadership Prize Oliver Clifford

The Millennium Trophy Nathalie Fowler

Careers and Higher Education

Mrs Rebecca Evans

This year’s Careers Department Employer Talks have ranged from crewing on superyachts with OC Minna Peake (A, 2010) to working for the United Nations with OC Matt Ripley (S, 2001) via careers in Psychology with current parent, Dr Justin Havens. Our online university subject masterclasses hosted by OCs studying at institutions around the UK have covered Social Sciences and Engineering and we welcomed more than 30 employers to both the Arts and Creative Industries and Business and Finance Careers Evenings that were attended by nearly 200 pupils from Third Form to Upper Sixth.

Mr John Jones hosted the inaugural Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science Conference which featured key speakers from all aspects of these professions with focus on both careers and university applications. The afternoon session featured hands-on suturing workshops and a presentation on the orthopaedics specialty. We were delighted to host more than 70 pupils from College and our neighbouring schools.

Applications from 168 students were submitted by the Higher Education (HE) team to UK universities and conservatoires. Everyone received offers. We welcomed the Universities of Birmingham and Cardiff to talk to the Sixth Form about choices and what to expect at university and Jane Marshall from Optimising Futures joined us once more to talk about how to write a winning UCAS personal statement.

Mr Andrew Hollingbury’s Oxbridge programme supported 11 students’ applications while Mr Nick Nelson’s overseas university programme generated 45 offers including 18

scholarships to universities in USA, Canada, Hong Kong and Europe, and Mr Jones’ Medicine, Dentistry and Vet programme resulted in nine offers from UK and international universities.

The Young Entrepreneurs’ Club hosted by mentor and current parent, Mr Oli Christie, continued to grow and guide our young business minded Upper College students, and Mr Alastair Eykyn, current parent and sport commentator and presenter, hosted interview workshops for Upper College students looking to improve their self-presentation skills. Alice Tomblin launched the Prothero Architecture Society to support younger pupils hoping to forge a career in Architecture, and organised talks from the University of Bath, an award-winning RIBA practice and OCs studying Architecture at university.

Lower Sixth Futures Week, saw students engaging in four days of careers, higher education, apprenticeship and employability talks and workshops, alongside a year group visit to the UCAS conference in Birmingham and a mock interview for each student with an external volunteer from the Cheltonian Society.

Spotlight on Futures

For a celebration of some very interesting and exciting futures’ choices, read on!

Min Fletcher, Film and TV Studies

I have applied to study Film and Television Studies at the University of Exeter. Taking Drama A Level has allowed me to gain invaluable skills in both acting and directing and has built my passion for drama. My love of films and acting has grown from a very early age, and I hope to explore this at university where I will learn first-hand from professionals in the industry. In order to prepare myself for my application, I attended a summer filmmaking course where I got the opportunity to create my own film, with full access to professional staff and equipment, allowing me to explore various aspects of a filmmaking crew. I received a lot of support from College when applying for university, particularly from my tutor, and this helped me to feel confident with my decision as well as being made aware of the many opportunities that were available to me.

Elli Collins, Photojournalism

I have an offer to study Photojournalism at Falmouth University. I have always been drawn to both writing and photography, so this course was the perfect combination. I prepared for my application by working alongside the school’s marketing team and helping with the image selection for last year’s Cheltonian. Attending their weekly meetings gave me an insight into the world of journalism and inspired me massively, reaffirming my love for the field. It was taking History of Art A Level that taught me the wider meanings of imagery and how significant context is in conveying a narrative. Mr Nelson and Mr Evans have prepared me to expand on this knowledge during my course. I also prepared for my application by using photography as my main medium throughout Art A Level, challenging me to find innovative ways to use my camera. I aspire to have a career in which I can further my creative ability, whilst documenting important narratives across the world.

Kitty Pritchard, Costume Design

I have an offer to study Costume Design at Falmouth University, which is something I am very excited to learn more about, and hopefully take forward as my career in the future. Studying Fashion & Textiles at A Level, alongside Theatre Studies was what first inspired me to look into costume design and all the creative opportunities it has to offer. My love for the practical side of Textiles as well as the theory behind costume design in Theatre Studies is what made me realise how perfect this course was for me. I have both Departments at College to thank for the development of this passion, and the application process was greatly aided by my tutor, especially the personal statement aspect. The Careers Department, specifically Mrs Evans, was incredibly helpful in helping me narrow down my choices when it came to deciding on a course and university. In preparation for this course, I have carried out work experience with a textile designer, and I plan on additionally working with a costume designer over the summer.

Dominykas Drungilas, Music Technology

I have an offer to study Sound Engineering and Production at Birmingham City University. Since I was 11, I have taken an interest in the recording and production side of music, on top of playing instruments and learning music theory. As the years passed, the interest only grew and today I am responsible for most of the recording, production and live sound events at College. The ability to study production at university will broaden my set of skills in the field allowing me to further embrace my passion for music and its making. The university course offers a great variety of areas to be explored such as recording, sound reinforcement, production and an in-depth insight in audio systems with an optional professional placement year which would give me a significant amount of experience before entering the industry.

Kimmy Kwok, Molecular Biology

I have an offer to study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia. I am planning on applying for pre-med after my four-year course. It has always been a dream of mine to pursue medicine, but it only became a reality when I selected Biology, Chemistry and Maths as my A Levels. As part of my journey, I gained numerous work experiences and was exposed to the tough but rewarding reality of a medical environment. It was incredibly helpful to have a tutor that aided me through my medical application process. The Science Department has inspired me to strive for excellence and helped develop my curiosity for all things to do with medicine.

Arav Mediratta, Business Management and Organisational Studies /Finance and Administration

I have applied to Study Business Management and Organisational Studies /Finance and Administration at the University of Western Ontario. At A Levels I studied Biology, Chemistry and Business. I developed a fascination with the world of financial markets in Fifth Form through trading NFTs (non-fungible tokens) which eventually sparked my interest in trading currencies and coins. I then started to learn how to trade successfully and have been trading Forex and Cryptocurrencies since then, which has ultimately led to my choice of course. I hope to have a career in investment banking or preferably scaling up what I am currently doing and becoming a full-time trader. College has been exceptional in helping with university applications and career advice as I applied both in the UK and Canada. The extent of information and support provided was amazing and helped in both the application process and careers choice. The talks and presentations Mr Nelson organised helped me through the confusing Canadian application process and I am beyond grateful for all the support College has offered.

Vivien Li, Pharmacy

I have an offer to study Pharmacy at the University of Manchester, a place with a range of excellent facilities for me to develop the skills needed as a pharmacist. Due to my passion for working in the healthcare sector which arose during my volunteering experience in a hospital, and my interest in Chemistry, I decided to apply the science knowledge I have learned to help people in need. The different forms and effects of drugs are fascinating, which makes me want to delve deeper and to know more. From the pandemic, I saw the increasingly important role of pharmacists, as they can help ease the pressure in hospitals by directly prescribing medication to patients. I find that meaningful. I believe that by collaborating with other healthcare professionals, people can get more access to healthcare in the first place. In terms of the UCAS application process, College definitely provided a lot of guidance and support throughout, which put me in a good position.

George Scurr, Commercial Pilot Training

I have been given the opportunity to undergo training to attain full commercial pilot qualifications through Skyborne Academy, and alongside that I will pursue studies in Aviation Management at the University of West London. My fascination with aviation stems from my family, and I was fortunate enough to get my private pilot license during Lower Sixth. This experience solidified my passion for flying and affirmed my career aspirations within the aviation industry. My ultimate goal is to venture into the private aviation sector and establish my own business. I am grateful for the invaluable guidance provided by my tutor and Mrs Evans in helping me choose the right flying school. The support I have received has been instrumental in shaping my path towards a career in aviation and entrepreneurship. I am truly grateful to College for allowing me to pursue my passion of flying around my busy school life.

Poppy Watkins, Crime and Security Science

I have received an offer from University College London to study Crime and Security Science at the Jill Dando Institute which is the only course of its kind in the UK. I studied Maths, Chemistry and Psychology at A Level which led to my interest in Criminology. However, I am more interested in the science of crime rather than the psychology aspect so this course, which focuses on the crime rather than the criminal, is perfect for me. It is a very multidisciplinary course, including topics from Geography, Computer Science, Maths, Politics and Science and largely looks at crime prevention. It has strong links to the Metropolitan Police and forensic science which I find fascinating. For my application, I read a lot around the subject and observed multiple cases at Gloucester Crown Court as well as attending the open day to get a proper understanding of what a typical lecture would be like.

CO-CURRICULAR

Introduction

Our pupils have again, this academic year, engaged wholeheartedly in the richness and variety of our co-curricular offering at College. It remains a real joy of teaching to see sports pitches full of energy, determination and teamwork on Saturday afternoons, to be present at a concert and hear ensembles and choirs perform after many months of practising, to see senior cadets taking the lead and supporting younger

cadets in CCF, witness the expectation and challenge ahead for pupils as they depart on their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, to watch our pupils perform on stage and, much more besides. We continue to encourage our Cheltonians to try new activities and push themselves out of their comfort zone. The aim of the co-curricular programme is always to challenge, and to encourage our pupils to persevere when they inevitably find the going difficult. We want our pupils to leave

The Wilson Diploma

At College we aim to support our pupils to fulfil their ‘Cheltenham Potential’ by developing and encouraging them toward the virtues of Character, Creativity, Curiosity, Community and Continuous Excellence. Through the Wilson Diploma, we seek to recognise the most ‘Cheltonian’ of pupils.

The current cohort of Fourth Form have made some unbelievable contributions throughout the Diploma. It is important to recognise both those that have excelled throughout and those that have shown the most growth over the two years. This year’s Platinum and Gold Award Winners, listed below, have all

demonstrated the Cheltonian Spirit, some from day one but importantly some have found their way later in the cycle.

with a sense of purpose, resilience and grit from all they have engaged with outside the classroom. None of this is possible without the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of our staff and I am hugely grateful for their support. This Cheltonian publication will, I hope, give a flavour of the hugely varied opportunities on offer for our pupils and what achievements they have made throughout the year.

Mr Stephen McQuitty, Deputy Head (Co-Curricular)

2024 Platinum Award Winners

Charlotte Culver, Liam Tse, Paddy Grand, Ella Marshman, Ronan Darbin and Anirudh Limbu

2024 Gold Award Winners

William Geary, Elyssa Michelin, Saskia Burnett, Isabella Sanford, Trinnie Nicholson, Michael Warr, Sunny Kong, Isabella Whitelocks, Samay Mediratta, Eloise Thomas, Tom Cooper, Sam Harding, Karsen Ho, Jack Sun, Zoe Halpern-Lande and Hermione Jenkins.

Mr Matthew Preston

Monday Activities

Every Monday after lessons, Third Form to Fifth Form pupils enjoy a range of activities including: debating, Mock United Nations (MUN) and mock trials; sports and dance; board games, chess and Majong; horse riding, cooking and coding.

Third Form Challenge

The Third Form Challenge (3FC) brought together the entire year group in spirited competition for the esteemed Melvill Cup, named after the brave Victoria Cross recipient and OC, Teignmouth Melvill (1858). Engaging in a diverse range of activities from orienteering to drama and command tasks to the egg drop challenge, each of the 10 teams was guided by capable Lower Sixth team leaders who adeptly motivated and guided their members through the contest. Amidst intense competition and numerous shifts in the lead, I am delighted to announce that Team Boyle, named after another Victoria Cross recipient, Edward Boyle (Dayboy, 1897) clinched the Melvill Cup 2024.

Throughout the year, the pupils also participated in various whole-year events, braving the torrential rain of October for a dodgeball tournament, testing their mental prowess with a Christmas spelling bee, and strategising their escape plans in the Easter jailbreak. Of particular note was the ‘Third Form

Talent’ show in January, where teams showcased their creativity and teamwork through dance routines, ‘trashion shows’, music videos, and shadow performances, earning praise for their originality and supportive atmosphere.

The Summer Term ushered in a phase of outdoor education, with the year group divided into activities such as shelterbuilding, cooking, first aid, and navigation. Under the guidance of the Lower Sixth leaders, these rotations not only honed practical skills but also prepared pupils for their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and equipped them for outdoor life.

This year has been a rich tapestry of challenge, creativity, and camaraderie, forging strong bonds among the year group beyond the confines of the classroom. My heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated staff, the exceptional Lower Sixth leaders for their unwavering support, and the enthusiastic Third Form whose energy has made this year memorable.

Mr Matthew Preston

Has

Electives

All students in the Lower Sixth either take part in College’s extensive Community Action Programme or choose one of our Elective courses. Run by College staff, these give students the opportunity to extend their learning outside of the confines of their A Level courses.

Available topics include Global Perspectives (Mr Fraser Dobney), Introduction to Securities (Miss Stephanie Burns), Leadership (Mr Dominic Faulkner), Life Drawing (Mr Peter Lelliott), Mini MBA (Mr Harry Johnson), Music (Mr Alex Fox), Philosophy (Dr Adrian Samuel), Safe Cracking (Miss Fran Buist), Sports Leadership (Mrs Kate Hornsby and Mrs Annette Poulain) and volunteering at Riding for the Disabled, the Milestone School and the Battledown Centre for Children and Families.

Mr Andrew Hollingbury

CCF

The College Cadet Force has had another hugely enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling academic year. Cadet numbers continue to be extremely high, with pupils attracted by the ability to develop their leadership skills, learn new things, have fun outside the classroom and build confidence which will serve them well, long after they have left the school.

Over the last year, we restructured the Contingent so that all cadets were placed in vertical platoons, allowing new Fourth Form cadets to learn from more experienced students in Upper College. In addition, we ran several inter-platoon competitions through the year which were hotly contested. Cadets starting with us in the Fourth Form, took part in six three-week rotations, covering first aid, navigation, leadership, drill, fieldcraft and military knowledge.

Our Spring Term field training day saw pupils supported by regular soldiers from The Queen’s Own Gurhka Logistics Regiment, based at Imjin Barracks, and involved a variety of learning activities.

On Summer Camp, our cadets took part in three days of tactical training at Caerwent before a day of adventure training, canoeing down the River Wye or a multi activity day at Northleach, and then a final day of reflections, prizes and stores management. Our senior cadets continue to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, using their service and leadership within the organisation for their Volunteering Section.

Our cadets are hugely fortunate to have keen, willing and enthusiastic instructors, whether they be our adult volunteers or senior cadets, and I am most grateful for their continued support. Senior cadets have grasped the opportunities presented to

them, volunteering to promote and support the Contingent, whether at Remembrance Sunday or at this year’s act of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in October.

A highlight of the year was the Sword of Honour Parade and Dinner Night which saw Colonel Gordon Clifford come and inspect the Contingent, followed by a formal dinner where he gave a speech alongside the Head of Corps. We were delighted to be joined by parents of our Upper Sixth cadets, and we were able to thank the students for their four years of service within the Corps. The Contingent is in good health: numbers are strong, cadets enjoy the rich and varied training programmes, and the offer of tangible leadership opportunities is something Cheltonians seek with great interest.

Major Steve McQuitty, Contingent Commander

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Once again the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) contributed a great many hours to the College’s community action efforts helping to instil in our pupils a sense of service and selflessness. Young peoples’ activities ranged from helping with the Scouts and Brownies and sustainable projects in Cheltenham, to teaching in Romanian schools and conservation in Africa further afield.

We continue to be proud of our expedition offering in the face of ever-increasing concerns around risk

and safety, and the level of challenge it brings to our pupils.

There was an uptake of more than 70 Third Formers for the Bronze Award and they went to the Forest of Dean for their two day expedition, battling with the difficulty of navigating forests. I’m pleased to say that they acquitted themselves very well indeed and despite wrong turns, all arrived at the destinations in one piece having learned a great deal along the way.

Silver Award participants went to the Lake District again on what is now a customary trip and undertook the unusual hybrid of a canoeing and walking expedition, ending at the stunning and remote High Row in the hills above Ullswater. That was followed by fun in the ghylls and climbing ‘inside

the mine’ at Honister.

Gold undertook their expeditions in Snowdonia tackling new routes and coping very well with the wet and windy elements only to be expected in the UK. Some worn out pupils were brought back to Cheltenham on 4th July – with staff just making it to general election voting duties(!) – but smiling faces told of a great experience and a great many life lessons of selfsufficiency and resilience learned.

At all expedition levels a lack of mobile phones or access to social media is part of the deal and such a tech detox is hugely appreciated by pupils and parents alike in the modern world – a sound reason in itself for doing DofE.

Mr John Jones

Co-Curricular Drama

Mrs Sian McBride

Grimm’s Fairy Tales

The dramatic year opened with the Boyne House, College Lawn and Queen’s House Play, an innovative retelling of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The highly enjoyable evening featured six short plays, some well well-known such as ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and other more obscure titles such as ‘Donkey Cabbage’. The cast featured nearly 70 cast and crew members and played to two packedout audiences.

The Variety Show

The ever-popular Variety Show saw its usual mix of comedy sketches, music, singing and dancing. This wonderful event acts as a reminder of how supportive our community is of nurturing young talent and raising money for charity. All of the ticket sales went to supporting The Shamrock School, Nepal and Gogar Primary School, Kenya.

Great Expectations

This year’s Scholars’ Play, Great Expectations, saw two sold-out performances at the cobweb-adorned Playhouse Theatre. It is always a thrilling experience for our performers getting on this stage. Finn Cutts led the company with a tour de force performance as Pip, demonstrating remarkable skill by remaining on stage for the entire two-hour production, pushing himself to exhausting heights. The talented ensemble worked together and brought the ghostly tale to life.

1984

This year our Upper College play was a radical reworking of the dystopian classic 1984. It was wonderful to see a cast and crew of more than 35 drawn from Fifth Form, Lower and Upper Sixth bring this frightening vision of the future to life. The use of thrust staging helped create an immersive experience and the playing of multi-roles by the cast helped establish the idea of the play within the play. It was a challenging piece of theatre that pushed our most able actors.

Theatre Under the Tree

An entertaining evening of monologues and duologues, Theatre Under the Tree showcased LAMDA and Drama Club’s work over the year. The evening was packed with drama, comedy and tragedy with pupils bringing both classical and modern characters to life with remarkable passion and skill. A truly entertaining and memorable evening.

Co-Curricular Music

Mr Shaun Pirttijarvi

As another academic year draws to a close, it gives me great pleasure to reflect on the huge amount of music making that goes on at College. Our mission statement is a simple one: the Music Department aims to accommodate all musical interests and abilities and widen the experience of music for all. Musical life is rich and varied, and all genres and styles are celebrated.

The reality is an extremely busy faculty: this year over 70 performances took place in venues both at home and within Cheltenham. Twenty different ensembles rehearsed regularly and around 200 pupils were actively involved in the Music co-curriculum every week. Up to 300 individual music lessons were delivered each week by our team of 30 visiting Music teachers. Suffice to say, Music at College is in an incredibly strong place!

The first high-profile event took place at the start of October: the annual Fraser Graham Piano Competition saw pianists from every year group compete in junior, intermediate, and advanced classes. Congratulations to Hattie Robinson, Felix Warr, and Stepan Ruzencevs for winning their respective classes. This was swiftly followed by the first Choral Evensong of the year, sung

by the College Choir and attended by numerous members of the public.

Next up was House Singing, as spirited as ever, with Houses performing songs which (mostly) fit the theme of ‘songs with place names in their titles’. Adjudicated by OC Oliver Vincent (BH, 2003 and past staff), the clear winner was Westal with ‘California Gurls’ by Katy Perry.

The poignant Remembrance Sunday service was held the day after, with the College Choir singing the traditional setting of Binyon’s ‘For The Fallen’ by Douglas Guest and the Chamber Choir singing Rebecca Dale’s moving ‘In Paradisum: If I Should Go’.

The flagship event of the term came in the form of the College Concert, which involved all of the larger ensembles performing a variety of repertoire, with a symphonic theme shared between the Wind Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra. The College Choir joined the Symphony Orchestra for a powerful performance of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, and the sell-out audience were invited to join in with Elgar’s ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ at the end.

A week later, the choirs were in force leading the College Carol Service, accompanied by the College Brass, and the Chamber Choir sang for the Cheltonian Society Carol Service. The ever-popular Christmas Eve Carol Service saw plenty of OC singers return

to the choir stalls for traditional carols and choral favourites.

The Spring Term began with a masterclass and performance by Leora Cohen and Paul Wingfield, who was recently a member of the College Council. Pupils busied themselves in preparation for the Upper College Cabaret, which was held in Big C. A firm fixture in the College calendar, this black tie event saw performances from JIG, Collegi8, String T’ing, and the U6 rock band, punctuated by solos and duets.

We then held the inaugural Battle of the Bands, which saw established College ensembles including JIG, Jazz Band, and 3CATT perform alongside new pupil bands. Just before the second exeat, we held the GCSE & A Level Performance Evening in Big C; another black-tie event to celebrate the performance work of exam candidates this year, which concluded with Dominykas Drungilas’s jazz trio P-LUK giving a fantastic rendition of Red Garland’s version of ‘My Romance’.

The College Concert in the last week of term saw the larger ensembles subscribing to the shared theme of ‘musicals’, with numerous styles explored within this: jazz, opera, and pop to name a few. The College Choir collaborated with the Wind Band for two items, and the Chamber Choir gave an uplifting performance of ‘You Will Be Found’ from Dear Evan Hansen, accompanied by strings and band

(see it on our Insta!). The Symphony Orchestra finished the concert with music from West Side Story, Phantom Of The Opera, and Frozen

We hit the ground running in the Summer Term with the biennial ‘Big Sing’ event in Cheltenham Town Hall, organised by the Music Department at The Prep. Thirty College pupils and staff joined hundreds of others for a sell-out (and multicoloured) performance of Freedom: The Power of Song by Alexander L’Estrange. Later that week we held the Fifth and Sixth Form Singing Competition in Big C, adjudicated by West End singer Jodie Nolan. Congratulations to winners Dominykas Drungilas (Classical), Finn Cutts (Musical Theatre), and Daisy McCormick (Pop) for their superb performances amongst a very high standard of singing.

JIG returned to Cheltenham Jazz Festival drawing a huge crowd of afficionados as part of the ‘Jazz It Up’ series. Special mention goes to Henry Green for his incredible trumpet solo in ‘Spain’. As exeat came to a close, the Upper Sixth came together for their final performances in the Upper Sixth Showcase concert, attended by

parents, grandparents, and friends. The College Choir shone in the Speech Day service, singing ‘I was Glad’ by Parry accompanied by the College Brass, and JIG entertained the crowds as they arrived for the speeches and prizegiving.

There was no sense of things winding down after half term. We held the inaugural Third and Fourth Form Singing Competition, adjudicated by Mr Richard Coxon (Head of Vocal Studies). Congratulations to winners Wangari Njaga (Classical), Hugh Norbury (Musical Theatre), and Tensie Littlewood (Pop).

The College community braved the weather for the brilliant CCFM (Cheltenham College Festival of Music),

which was held on College Field on the penultimate weekend of term. This featured all of our popular music ensembles alongside soloists. Shortly after this, Lower Sixth musicians performed fantastically in the Pittville Pump Room to an entirely external audience, topped off with sparkling playing from String T’ing. If this wasn’t enough, Fourth Form Music Award Holders serenaded Cheltenham town centre as buskers in the final week of term!

The constraints of space only allow for a quick recap of what has been a phenomenal year of music making at College. The music speaks for itself though, and most of it has been captured on our social media accounts.

CHARITY

Bellamy Cup Winners

The Bellamy Cup was established to recognise the House which has engaged most successfully with charitable endeavours.

Three Houses put forward very strong submissions for this year’s Bellamy Cup.

Ashmead supported their adopted charity Keeping Abreast by making product which the charity could then sell on. Templates were made, fabrics purchased and then a whole day was spent with every member of the House involved in producing 70 hearts and 40 bags to help those recovering from surgery.

Chandos’ standout event was their ‘Royal Regatta’ - a sponsored swim for local charity Linc. All the girls in the House contributed to swimming the total length across the English Channel whilst simultaneously attempting the task of dragging a designated princess across in a rubber dingy. Other charities supported by Chandos girls included Firefly International, Sue Ryder, Music into Care, Marie Curie, the Wales Marcos charity.

Matrons’ Big Dip

Mrs Becky Clarke

This year’s winner of the Bellamy Cup, The Queen’s House, organised a charity tennis tournament, a Sixth Form beer tasting evening and a Wellbeing event. Their showcase fundraising event was a performance evening which showcased at least one act per year group. Individual fundraising involved running 100km for GOSH, climbing Snowdon

In December seven of our marvellous Matrons joined the Big Dip held at The Lido to raise funds for the local Leckhampton Court, Sue Ryder Hospice. Becky Clarke (College Lawn), Jordi Matthews (Westal), Alice Knibbs (Chandos), Vicki Boon, (Newick House), Angela West (Newick House), Kate Herbert (The Prep), Shelley Hyde (Boyne House), braved freezing temperatures outside the pool and nine degrees in the pool for 10 minutes and raised £1,548 for their amazing efforts.

for the Vanessa Grant Trust, setting up for sanitary pad production in Tanzania and volunteering to work in a school in Romania. Most impressively regular visits are also made each month by different groups of five girls to the Queen’s adopted charity Secret Garden Hub.

Dr Adam Dunning

Whole School Charity

National Star was selected by the Pupil Leadership Team (PLT) as this year’s College charity. National Star is a local provider of specialist further education, training, personal development and residential services for people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries. National Star College itself is situated very close to Cheltenham and our pupils were able to make numerous visits to the site and to spend time with the students who live and study there. In June a number of National Star pupils also visited College and sat in Chapel as Mr Alexander Ffinch entertained them on the organ.

The PLT had a very clear aim – to raise enough money to buy 15 Mollii suits, enough to equip every individual who would benefit from one. A Mollii suit is a comfortable jacket and trousers with built in electro-stimulation for adults and young people living with motor function and other disabilities. Each suit delivers individually programmed electro stimulation to muscle groups over the whole body. This brings help and relief by prompting natural responses of muscle inhibition, muscle activation and pain relief. The suits enhance therapy and exercise to improve movement, muscle function and well-being both with immediate impact and in the long term.

The following events took place throughout the year.

The Fun Run (October): Pupils were sponsored to complete laps of College Field and then an obstacle course fun-run which finished with a messy/crazy/competitive ‘slip and slide’! Houses organised fun/silly/fairground style games and snack stalls afterwards. This event raised nearly £14,000.

takes place each November at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester. Almost 2,500 tickets sold for the match against Sir Thomas Rich’s grammar school. An excited crowd, complete with drums and singing, created a fantastic atmosphere, and though College lost the match, £12,000 was raised through this event.

The College Sports Hall was turned into a seated arena to welcome Malvern College’s 1st VII netball team. Eight hundred spectators, many with coloured pompoms, helped cheer our College team to a win in an exciting, nail-biting match. This event raised £3,500.

These events, together with mufti-days and Chapel collections, helped to raise more than £30,000 for National Star. This was not only enough to buy the suits but also a state-of-the-art drum kit to enhance music lessons, and some left over to support other vital work that National Star wants to do. This will make an enormous difference to so many lives. Thank you to all of you who donated so generously.

Dr Adam Dunning

Charity Rugby (November): The annual charity rugby match

Charity Netball (March):

COMMUNITY Sustainability

Sowing the seeds of change. Adapting and educating for a sustainable future.

It takes courage to make a change, in the hope that it will lead to a brighter tomorrow. And that is exactly what we have seen from our pupils and staff over the past year as we continue to implement sustainable education initiatives and operational improvements here at College.

Building on our existing work and the introduction of our new Sustainability Strategy in 2022, our focus this year has been on maintaining momentum and empowering our community to lead on the projects that matter the most to them.

It has been fantastic to start seeing some of the tangible positive effects of our direct action, from the completion of our new Rainwater Garden at the Sports Centre to the introduction of dedicated battery recycling bins and swift nesting homes at our Houses. Our College Sustainability Prefects have spearheaded engagement initiatives amongst their peers, including a landmark speaker event with awardwinning director and producer of wildlife films, Hugh Pearson, and initiating measures to help further reduce our food waste. We were excited to see the wildflowers from our sustainable Remembrance poppy project, led by the Pupil Leadership Team, peeking through along the boundaries on Sandford Road. Behind the scenes, we have also

been working to lay the foundations for projects which we will see the benefits of in years to come, such as the introduction of a new Building Management System, sub-metering and insulation improvements to effectively control our heating and minimise energy consumption. Sustainability considerations are now firmly embedded in College’s decisionmaking processes.

Whilst there are still many projects on our strategic agenda, we are delighted to have continued progressing on our sustainable journey and very much look forward to what lies ahead.

Mrs Penny Entecott, Sustainability Lead and Administrator

Chapel

A new pattern of services was introduced to Chapel this academic year. Recognising a need for pupils to spend a little more time with their families, we said goodbye to the expectation that every Sunday in term-time would see a Chapel service. A core of Sunday services throughout the year were now augmented by a series of extended mid-week morning services which marked, for example, Michaelmas, Christ the King and Epiphany. The great benefit of this innovation was the day-pupils were now able to experience full College Chapel services and to listen to the excellent singing of the Chapel Choir.

A new focus this year was the attention the College community gave to the religious lives of pupils beyond the Christian family. In November Samay Mediratta from Fourth Form was interviewed about how he and his family celebrated Diwali. In March, mark Ramadan, Kisu, Ruqayyah and Eniiyi shared with the College community how, as Muslims, they approached the month of fasting prayer.

This year’s winners of the JacksonMatthews Prize for the best Chapel

address were Jessica Heynes, who reflected on the virtue of ‘Courage’, and Finn Keatinge who discussed the ethical significance of the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. Their respective talks are printed here.

One notable Chapel innovation this year was the introduction of ‘Pop and God’. Dr Matthew Harris and myself reflected on how The Byrds popularised the book of Ecclesiastes in ‘Turn Turn Turn’. More of this will follow this coming year.

In May we welcomed the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, who confirmed 19 pupils into the Church of England. The service had an ecumenical dimension; five Roman Catholic pupils, who had been confirmed a week earlier in St Gregory’s parish church, sat together with their Anglican brothers and sisters.

The Reverend Ron Hesketh, former Chaplain-in-Chief for the Armed Forces, preached on Remembrance Sunday. Ron preached on the importance of ‘Memory and Remembering’. During his sermon he showed the congregation a small, camouflaged forces Bible. He also shared his experience of leading

a service at the Commonwealth War grave cemetery in Gaza.

Two reunion services were held in Chapel this year. In October we welcomed those OCs who had left College in 2013. In June we welcomed those OCs who had been members of Classes between 1984 and 1994.

Out of the many fine sermons from visiting preachers, we should note that given by the Reverend Heather Randall, Senior Chaplain of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Heather preached on divine providence, coincidence and her ministry with chaplains in the Ukrainian armed forces.

As the year closed a major change to Chapel was that the maximum congregation size was reduced to 500. This was due to the imposition of new fire regulations. During the Summer Term we could no longer meet each morning as a whole school community. However, plans are in place to create a new exit in Chapel. Hopefully, when the next edition of The Cheltonian is printed, we will be able to celebrate the return of Chapel. Watch this space.

Dr Adam Dunning

Jessica Heynes on ‘Courage’

Having volunteered to give a Chapel talk on Courage, I thought I should start by making sure I understood what courage actually is. Initially I thought courage and bravery were the same thing but through a little research I was quickly corrected. Courage and bravery are different. A simple way to show the difference between the two is to consider the element of fear. Bravery is acting without any fear, whereas courage requires taking the right actions despite the fear.

Courage is certainly a personal attribute that is instilled by College life. As we walk around the school, the entrance to Chapel, the plaques next to where you are sitting right now, we are surrounded by the names of our predecessors who overcame their fear on the battlefields to fight for what they believed was right. As direct result of their courage, the world is now, for us, a very different place, a place that still demands courage, though often in less obvious ways. We can show courage in our sport matches by not allowing our opposition to rattle us, whatever the score. We keep pushing to gain possession even when we worry about potential injury as a result. We can show courage through public speaking, taking part in a school play or presenting in a society.

It is these more subtle acts of everyday courage I want you to think about today. The ones that take place all around us which are not necessarily newsworthy and you may not even notice. But what may take a huge amount of courage for one person may be something you do every day. For example, public speaking, for some it comes naturally, indeed, for Dr Dunning and Dr Samuel it is practically part of their daily routine but for others, such as myself, it takes a lot more courage.

So, can we improve upon our natural levels of courage? Is it a trainable skill, or are we born with a certain level of courage? Firstly, it is possible to build and improve courage by facing your fears, by stepping out of your comfort zone and by trying new things. What if we didn’t have to wait for that huge newsworthy crisis to act courageously? What if we made courage a conscious choice?

To do this all you need to do is recognise the opportunity; identify a moment of fear. I’m sure you can all imagine a time you will feel nerves or fear. Use that as an opportunity to be courageous, to not back down, to persevere. Sometimes these moments may come naturally and other times, you may choose to put yourself in a position where you will have to act with courage. For example, signing up for a Chapel talk, or singing a solo in the school play.

Secondly, to build courage you need to be able to recognise the opportunity and then you need to be comfortable being uncomfortable. It’s not going to feel nice in the moment, but this all helps you build up courage. My last tip on how to improve your natural levels of courage is simply to change your perspective. For example, rather than focusing on the worst possible outcome, as I tend to do, ask yourself ‘what’s the best that can happen?’ instead!

Sometimes, you build courage by failing and then getting back up again. Remember, as I mentioned at the beginning, courage is not about never failing, it’s about always getting back up and not stopping. It’s about resilience, determination, and perseverance.

Finally, I wish to quote Winston Churchill, who took part in the British Army’s last major cavalry charge, served on the North West frontier in India and escaped from a prisoner of war camp in South Africa. I am sure we can all agree he is qualified to talk on the topic of courage. He said: ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’

Finn Keatinge on ‘The Ethical Significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis 1962’

It is the 27th of October 1962. We are at the height of the Cold War. For well over a decade the world has been in a nuclear standoff between the communist east and capitalist west. This ideological battle has evoked paranoia across both sides of the Iron Curtain with each anticipating an attack from the other to come at any moment.

Now these deep-seated tensions have come to a head with the Soviet Union providing Cuba with intermediate range ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads. These weapons, able to hit the United States with as little as five minutes warning, have sent Washington into a panic. America is on a war footing. The US Navy has launched a blockade of Cuba to prevent further deliveries of missiles. US Strategic Air Command has been moved to Defcon 2; one step from nuclear war.

Attempting to break this blockade is the Soviet submarine B59. Having departed from the Kola Peninsula four weeks earlier, it formed a part of a deployment accompanying the missiles. They have encountered the American fleet surrounding Cuba. In an attempt to avoid American warships, the Soviet submarine has been running deep, well beyond the depth of any radio communications. Their last information on the developing crisis is two-days old coming from reports intercepted from American radio stations and vague messages from Moscow. Worse still, their submarine designed for the icy waters of the North Atlantic is not coping well with the warm tropical seas of the Caribbean. The coldest section of the submarine is a sweltering 45 degrees. Carbon dioxide filters have been malfunctioning with many of the crew fainting from the heat and oxygen deprivation.

Above them, and unaware of the dire conditions faced by the soviet crew, American sailors and airmen are determined to drive the submarine to the surface. They begin dropping practice depth charges. These are weapons used for training and have little explosive power; scarcely more than a hand grenade posing no threat to the Soviet sub. But the Russians are not aware of this. To the panicked sonarmen onboard the submarine, they are indistinguishable from the real thing. The Soviet captain, Valentin Grigorievich Savitsky is unaware of the Americans’ intentions. Panicked, stressed, and suffering under the brutal conditions of his submarine, to him there can only be one conclusion: they are under attack from the Americans. He calls up the officer responsible for the submarine’s ‘special weapon’ a nuclear torpedo. ‘We’re gonna

blast them now! We will die, but we will sink them all’ the captain reportedly remarks.

US bombers are orbiting above Greenland ready to strike into the heart of the Soviet Union. Soviet troops are waiting on the borders of Germany ready to drive into Europe. This is the closest the world has ever been to nuclear war. If the torpedo is launched it will almost certainly lead to the most destructive conflict to ever take place.

Soviet doctrine dictates that to use the ‘special weapon’ both captain and political officer must agree to its use. Both did. However, onboard B59 was a third officer, the chief of staff for the submarine flotilla and Second Captain Vasili Alexandrovich Arkhipov did not agree to the launch. Vasili stood firm to not fire the weapon and the submarine, at this point low on batteries, would surface to receive further orders from Moscow.

This was the nearest that we have ever come to a nuclear war, with only the decision of a single man under enormous pressure with imperfect information averting what would have been the most disastrous chain of events in human history.

In the following days after frantic backchannel communications, the crisis was resolved. The Soviet Union agreed to the withdrawal of its nuclear missiles from Cuba with similar American concessions in Turkey

This was the apex of the Cold War. A Cold War that ended over 30 years ago. Long before any of us attending this school were born. But similar threats have not gone away. Nationalism is on the rise. Tensions between nations have been climbing steadily for well over a decade. Arming with nuclear weapons are becoming increasingly common.

Our future will continue to be decided by people who are able to see the bigger picture; by people who are able to recognise what is truly good, rather than what only seems to be good.

I doubt that anyone sitting in Chapel today will ever have such a responsibility on their shoulders; to be the final line of defense between us and thermonuclear war. However, this does not make our duty any less important. Each of us needs to play our part to ensure that no one else is ever in the position of Second Captain Vasili Arkhipov.

So, as we continue to learn, we need to take ourselves and our learning seriously. Take time to try to understand what is going on and to make informed judgments. This is because the choices we make — to understand what is going on, to make informed judgments and to do what is right — together have the power to change history and indeed save our world. As the reading from Proverbs puts it:

‘For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.’

Meet the Team: Paulo Oliveira, Front of House Manager

Roving reporter, Carys Bradford, interviews our very own Paulo. Paulo Oliveira, known fondly to us all simply as Paulo, is our Front of House Manager. He has been at College for eight years and we hope he will be here for many more years to come. Paulo is originally from Portugal and enjoys walking or listening to music in his free time.

Quick Fire Q&A

What is your favorite food?

Octopus. In Portugal, we have octopus in several of our main dishes, and my favorite is baked octopus with potatoes, olive oil and other condiments.

What do you do to relax?

I like to go on walks and put my headphones on to just relax. I like that you can go for so many walks without even leaving Cheltenham.

What are the differences between the Algarve and Cheltenham?

There is a lot of green here, lots of trees and parks but the Algarve, where I come from, is very dry and has a lot less greenery.

Less than five minutes into our conversation, it was clear to see Paulo’s passion for his job. I was curious as to what this entailed, and he explained that it encompassed coordinating the kitchen, dealing with queues and people, helping at match teas, and ensuring both staff and pupils are fed with enjoyable meals in a timely fashion.

I couldn’t help but wonder at the logistics of such an operation, and Paulo confirmed my guess that it must be difficult to manage the task. ‘I do find it challenging’, he answered, ‘especially at night when we often have four different types of food.’

College will often hold ‘Theme’ nights at dinner, and these involve decorations and appropriately themed food. They are very enjoyable for pupils, but I’d never considered how much effort it took to organise these events, particularly when it seems very calm and coordinated from the counter. Paulo added, ‘I do like to see when a pupil walks past with a tray saying, ‘Oh thank you, I really enjoyed that, thank you’ because I want the good and the bad feedback’.

I wanted to know more about the relationships he develops with pupils. He often knows them by name and will ask them things like ‘How was your day?’ or ‘Did the exam go well?’. Paulo agreed that the pupils form a massive part of his work and that it is just as important to him to see each pupil as an individual as well as the collective body, adding ‘it is amazing’ to be able to offer a listening ear to pupils. Paulo revealed to me that he had taken part in mental health first aid training over the past year, and this gives him additional tools with which to assist pupils and staff.

His empathetic and friendly approach is obvious to anyone who sees him, and he confirmed that he aims to be kind and compassionate to all people. Paulo is Catholic, and he agreed that messages given by his faith, such as caring for others, form a large part of his outlook on life. Both he and his eight-year-old daughter pray every night, and his faith is important to him though he ‘welcome(s) and respect(s) people of all faiths’. Speaking of his daughter led us to discussing his aim to instill in her the values of understanding, empathy and, above all, ‘to try to be kind every day. Be kind’. Whilst he acknowledged that some skills like reading body language can be taught, understanding people also ‘stems from a natural urge to help people’. Some of Paulo’s main values are kindness, community, and compassion, which goes a long way to explain both his propensity for and his proficiency in the hospitality industry.

Over the course of our interview, I learned many things about Paulo that I didn’t know; his fondness for octopus, his daughter’s age, his religion. But I was also able to confirm something about Paulo through the interview, and that is his determination to provide exemplary, quality service whilst also showing an incredible commitment to both pupils and staff. Every single one of our pupils has met or seen Paulo, and every single one would agree that Paulo is a credit and an asset to our school.

Chatfeild-Roberts Library

Open seven days a week, the Library provides support to staff and pupils across all years, supporting reading, research, revision and relaxation and is always buzzing with pupils.

The Autumn Term welcomed the restored portrait of OC Edward Adrian Wilson (Day Boy, 1891) and throughout the term we hosted weekly visits from our Prep pupils who came to view the impressive portrait and learn about explorer Wilson who died with Captain Scott in the Antarctic in 1912.

Reading

Core to the Library’s mission is supporting pupils in their reading journeys and we had excellent participation in our Reading Diploma programme. This year we introduced audio and ebooks, offering fiction, nonfiction and an extensive wellness collection. These resources were popular with our Third Form Paired Reading pupils who attended lessons in the Library throughout the year, led by teachers who provided individual support to pupils to improve their reading literacy. Collaborating with the EAL Department, we made great progress in expanding our collection of foreign language literature and books translated into English, bringing focus to global authors. To strengthen our connection with The Prep, we hosted numerous visits throughout the year from Year 7 and 8 pupils who were able to borrow from the College collection.

Research

In support of pupils completing the Foundation and Extended Project Qualifications, the Library hosted more than 50 sessions teaching the invaluable skills of information literacy. These skills, including sourcing relevant and reliable information and building critical thinking skills, are vital for success at College and university. To further support pupils’ research, we expanded our digital resources this year to include access to thousands

of globally published magazines and newspapers and a new multimedia research database.

Revision

During term, a weeknight Sixth Form Evening Prep session is provided, and students are eager to take advantage of the Library space. Easter and May holidays again found the Library filled with pupils revising for A Level and GCSE exams and it was inspiring to see their commitment and dedication.

Relaxation

In addition to the rigorous work of research and revision, the Library is a lovely space to relax between lessons or gather with friends at the weekend. Weekly Chess and Reading Clubs are held in the Library along with afternoons dedicated to welcoming our new Third Form pupils with biscuits and a space to chill and chat.

All of these activities are supported by our dedicated team of Library Assistants and joined by Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteers, who dedicate their time each week to furthering the work of the Library.

Mrs Andrea Kimball

Thank You Mrs K!

Mrs Kimball makes the library a warm and welcoming place for us, especially during the Easter Holidays when Upper Sixth and Fifth Form are revising for exams. She is supportive and friendly, ensuring we take consistent breaks and filling us up with yummy snacks. I will miss her (but not the revision) now that I have left College.

Bella Parry

Archives

Sometimes we don’t notice the things we see every day. This is certainly true of the College coat of arms.

The initial suggested design was produced by OC Douglas Sladen (Beaufort House and Gantillon, 1875) while still a pupil and editor of The Cheltonian in 1873. By 1874, OC George Cowburn (Newick House, 1872) produced a design that was modified and approved by College Council. It showed a shield divided into four with each quarter showing a symbol: crossed keys; the arms of the Diocese of Gloucester, which signifies College is in that diocese; the book representing learning; the fasces are typical of the Classical Department; and the crossed swords stand for the military and civil department. Above the crossed swords was a star, from the crest of Rev TH Southwood.

Like most schools, College initially adopted this without reference to any other institution or authority. This changed in 1896 when the Cheltonian Society, with the consent of Council, set the wheels in motion to request a formal grant of arms. Accordingly, on 7 August 1896, the College of Arms granted the right to a shield which included two swords representing the military, fasces for the classical and fleur-de-lis from the arms of Rev W Dobson, Principal of College, 1845-1859, plus the star from Rev Southwood.

In 1965 College was granted supporters and a crest. The wolf supporters are taken from the arms of Lord Sherborne.

The 3rd Baron Sherborne, James Henry

Legge Dutton, was the first President of the College, 1841-62 so adopting his supporters seemed apt. The banners on the staves held by the supporters are from the arms of the Diocese of Gloucester.

The choice of crest was very much driven by a sense of place. A fleury cross argent formed part of the shield of Edward the Confessor, to whom belonged the manor of Cheltenham, and thus the Borough Council also have a fleury cross on their shield.

The boar’s head was one of the badges of Richard III who, before becoming King, was Duke of Gloucester. The city of Gloucester arms, granted in 1538, also included a boar’s head. A boar’s head also featured on the crests of Lord Redesdale (2nd President of College 1862-86) and OC Henry James, Lord James of Hereford (Houses Gilbard, Duprez, and Garrett, 1845. One of the first boys at College and later 3rd President, 1886-1911).

It is possible to see earlier versions of the arms as well as arms with slight variations in the Archive and around College.

Miss Hannah Dale

Cheltenham Education Partnerships

College remains a driving force behind the work of the Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP). CEP continues to grow and this year we welcomed Pate’s Grammar School and High School Leckhampton into the partnership. Mrs Nicola Huggett attends every meeting of the Steering Group and Dr Adam Dunning is a member of the CEP Leadership group. College teachers run several partnership events for pupils from all the CEP schools.

These include Science lectures, a Literary Society, a GCSE Latin course, the Chemistry Spectacular and the AC Bradley Memorial Lecture. College pupils benefit enormously from CEP. In September they were able to listen to the political scientist, Sir Vernon Bogdanor give a lecture at Cheltenham Ladies’ College.

This year College organised its first Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science (MDV) Conference. Over 70

Year 11 and 12 pupils – many from CEP schools - heard from a range of inspirational speakers. They took part in an orthopaedic workshop provided by a consultant from Bristol. They also took part in a more hands-on workshop and learned how to suture. A highlight of the event was a networking lunch where pupils talked informally with healthcare professionals from the local area.

Dr Adam Dunning

Community Action

This year is the first for a while where ALL pupils have been able to attend placements face-to-face! Although a slightly smaller cohort this year, placements have run smoothly, and everyone has really engaged with their new roles.

Primary schools were keen for our pupils to support their work in helping build young children’s social skills, which aren’t as well-developed following Covid restrictions. This was achieved through role playing and games. Other College pupils have been supporting young readers and PE lessons.

Cotswold Riding for the Disabled Association had a group of very experienced equestrians from College who were able to lead pupils on horseback during their lessons, as well as helping to keep all areas of the riding school clean and tidy!

Health Centre

Some wonderful relationships have been forged between Cheltonians and those at our two partner schools for children with special needs. These photographs, published with kind permission, demonstrate how rewarding these placements can be! Students also visit our local care home and this year after planning all sorts of fun activities for the residents, including bingo, Easter crafts and music recitals, pupils planned and hosted an Afternoon Tea Party to celebrate the end of their successful placement. A talented group of musicians has also been visiting the care home to perform a variety of songs and musical pieces to a delighted audience.

Charity Shops have again benefitted from our pupils’ sorting, organisation and display skills which have helped to maximise profits from the huge amount of donations received.

Mrs

Emma Hindle

Along with the day-to-day care and support of all our pupils aged from 2 years 9 months to 18+, the Health Centre Team continues to champion the Restart A Heart Campaign which teaches pupils and staff lifesaving skills and the confidence how to use them. We take a great sense of pride in sharing these skills and equipping a generation of lifesavers. This year

we introduced the campaign to our new pupils as part of The Wilson Challenge. It was a fabulous way to encourage early bonding, working together to save a life. We then spent time in the Houses practising chest compressions with all year groups. We also raised an incredible £925 for The British Heart Foundation.

Lead Nurse Fiona Parry

Internationalism

At the start of the academic year the international induction felt busier than ever, with a super group of 35 new pupils joining us from overseas in Years 9, 10 and 11 and managed deftly by a team of 12 Upper College student supporters. Alongside inauguration and orientation, pupils learned about the value of our peer support programme at College. External speaker Isabelle Pan provided a useful workshop on social and cultural adjustments before pupils made a prompt departure to Gloucester Cathedral for an architectural tour and a smattering of Harry Potter history.

With Sky Jamieson and Ivan Luhovyi as Upper Sixth Prefects for Internationalism our committee met

twice termly to discuss key events and provisions in making our international pupils’ time at College an integrated and enjoyable one. Following a convivial induction reunion Mr Nick Nelson took the induction helpers for a celebratory meal at Fioro Lounge on the Bath Road. We enjoyed celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhongqiu Jie, or the Mooncake Festival, on College Field, in addition to International Students’ Day.

We brought in the Lunar New Year in style in February, with two celebratory feasts for Lower College and Upper College respectively, in our College Pavilion and at The Golden Mountain Restaurant in Cheltenham. However,

the annual International Dinner in March was inevitably the highlight of our international calendar, with a spectacular menu selected by the pupils themselves, replete with iced mango moons for dessert! This is always a special occasion at which we thank our excellent EAL staff, student supporters, and more generally recognise the collective endeavours of the myriad talented international pupils at College. This year we have been blessed with some erudite and informative student-led presentations in Chapel, most recently on the significance of Diwali and Ramadan.

Mr Nick Nelson

Pride and Allies

An inspiring and committed group of pupils and staff has met routinely this year to celebrate, reflect on, and discuss a range of LGBTQ+ matters. Particular highlights have included the passionate championing of inspirational queer figures during the themed meeting ‘Who inspires you?’, and the considered and compassionate contributions offered during our discussion on how to support someone who ‘comes out’ to you. Pupils were also able to attend the Cheltenham Literature Festival talks ‘Section 28: Pride and Protest’ and ‘Queer Love, Actually’, which explored and celebrated the growth of queer romantic fiction. Those pupils whose games commitments enabled them to do so, also came together with the wider community to celebrate the annual Pride in Cheltenham event, whether it was through avidly watching the dog show, listening to inspirational speeches, or munching on candy floss, it was fantastic to see College pupils partaking in this enlivening event.

Miss Elizabeth Rawkins

Anti-Racism Team

The A-R Team is now 60 strong! In the Autumn Term members gave year group assemblies training the whole school on how to be an Active Bystander; how to help someone who suffers abuse or micro-aggression from their peers. These were well received, and positively we have seen an increase in reports of incidents being dealt with by pupils directly, but also an increase in pupils reporting micro-aggressions. If we know about it, we can act!

The Spring Term saw a legacy and recruitment initiative, where the departing Upper Sixth had a chance to explain to incoming new members in the Fifth Form about the aims and objectives of the A-R Team. They also handed out the all-important A-R Team badges! There were also meetings led by pupils in Houses, inviting all comers to discuss issues and ideas that they felt could be addressed by the A-R Team.

In the Summer Term we developed the following ideas: establishing some ideas to present to the catering team about diversifying the international cuisine, especially on international themed days; putting together an anti-racism info-film, presented by the outgoing Upper Sixth pupils to use as a resource for future Floreat sessions; a poster campaign and a chapel address to expose, explore and explain some of the most common micro-aggressions experienced by minority groups.

The A-R Team has become interested in supporting the fabulous work of Young Roots and has put together a yearly plan of events that we can hold to raise funds for and work with them. These include pen pal projects between our pupils and the young refugees they champion.

We also organised a ‘Nations Festival’ social for all pupils for the first closed Saturday of the new Autumn Term (2024), featuring performances and music from the range of different cultures and ethnicities at College.

Mr Dan Evans

Supported Schools

Gogar Primary, Kenya

During October 16 Lower Sixth students visited Kenya for an educational and sports development trip. The students volunteered at Gogar Primary School near Rongai in Kenya. It was an action-packed week which saw the redecoration of four classrooms, the school hall, and the main school gates. Further to this students enjoyed the experience of teaching lessons and delivering sport sessions to the children.

Outside of volunteering the group had a brilliant time at giraffe sanctuary, going on safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, as well as visiting Alive and Kicking, a football manufacturer in Nairobi, where students were presented with a College football. Other highlights included a trip to the equator where Miss Frances Buist taught an impromptu physics lessons about gravitational pulls.

Shamrock School, Nepal

It was wonderful to have the opportunity of visiting Shamrock School again this Easter. However, the sad decision has been made to close the school at the end of this academic year. College and other sponsors have done an amazing job over the years of supporting Shamrock and the hundreds of pupils that have passed through its doors. Recent changes in legislation in Nepal have made it much more difficult to run charitable

The children must also be congratulated for their terrific fundraising efforts which, combined with match funding from Cheltenham College Charitable Trust, allowed for the building of a new school room, The Edward Wilson Innovation Classroom for Early Learners. Further to this the students enjoyed socialising with the wider Cheltonian network in Nairobi at an event organised in collaboration with the Cheltonian Society. It was great to hear Mr Nick Nelson and Mr Harry Johnson speak about the links between College and Kenya and to connect with so many Kenyan based Cheltonians. Miss Rebecca Norval is hopeful of running another Kenya expedition in the future.

Mr Harry Johnson

enterprises and this combined with high inflation means that sustaining Shamrock economically is just not viable. I am pleased to report that the pupils most affected, those currently in the Year 10 class, have been found new places at nearby Hill Point School. This is a fee-paying school but with support from our College community they have been able to continue their studies. Everyone involved with Shamrock would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to College for their support and visits over the years.

Mr Dominic Faulkner

Meet the Team

Carys Bradford talks to two of our brilliant College drivers Mike Steed and Steve Dempsey about their fascinating careers.

Mike Steed joined College in 2019 having served in both the RAF for six years and the police for 26 years. He has also worked with National Star, a charity that supports young people with learning difficulties. He is well suited to his role as he has a coach license and also completed advanced driving courses in his time with the police.

What do you do in your free time?

I have a 10-month-old granddaughter who takes up a lot of my time. I’m also a bit of a car enthusiast and spend a lot of my time washing and polishing cars.

What are some of the challenges you have faced in the RAF and the police?

You have to be equipped to deal with the horrible sights and experiences that come with the job. I was quite lucky in that, once I shut my locker, I could say ‘that was that’. You can’t take your work home with you. You have to be able to encounter something and then move on without letting

Steve Dempsey joined us five years ago, after leaving his job working for the Border Force. Prior to that, he served in the army for six years and was a police officer for 30 years during which time he took an advanced driving course and firearms training.

What do you do in your free time?

In my downtime I like to cycle, run, and walk on moors and highlands. I’m also a grandfather to three and have recently been told that there’s another one on the way.

How important is duty to police work?

It’s extremely important. You must just get on with it and carry on, no matter what is thrown at you and whatever challenges come your way.

This sense of ‘getting on with it’, where did it come from?

I think it came from the military. You are given a task, and you try to finish it properly and quickly before moving on.

it drag you down. You also have to be able to deal with the pressure of multiple tasks and juggling different responsibilities without letting your work suffer.

What are some of your career highlights?

In the RAF I was part of the musical division and had the privilege of playing the french horn in the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Durning my tenure in the police, I completed my advanced car course which was important to me. It’s quite a difficult thing to complete and few people manage it.

Why did you join the police?

It was the natural progression for me after I got married, and started thinking about having a family, and things like that. We didn’t want to continue with the military lifestyle, so I transferred out.

What have you learned from the military?

You don’t need to go in with all guns blazing and it’s best to keep your cool, finding the best way forward. These are skills that help in both the police and the military.

What are some of the highlights from your different careers?

For the army, I thoroughly enjoyed it, the only thing I didn’t like was that the higher up you progressed, the further away you got from the field. One specific thing was passing my PTI (physical training instructor) course. It was quite a full-on course but after that I could officiate and help the others in my squadron. I also got my HGV license and motorbike license, both of which I’m proud to have.

On the police side, I was able to intervene where someone was severely injured; one casualty’s windpipe had collapsed before the ambulance arrived, so I had to support him until assistance arrived. During my service I was proud to receive three Commendations.

Why did you join the military/police force?

I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and then it just seemed the right career for me. My mother was a telephonist for the police, so I frequently met officers and sergeants growing up. It seemed like the natural move after I left the military.

What have you learned from the military?

Be patient. You won’t always get results the first time around, so keep trying, go again, and keep focused on your goals.

SPORT Introduction

Mr Tim Watts, Director of Sport

When you first immerse yourself in sport, whether it be as part of a team or an individual sport, the main reason is because it feels fun and exciting when you play. An enormous bonus is making friendships that often last long after school has finished and learning some valuable life lessons along the way.

At College, we want sport to be fun, we want pupils to challenge themselves and others around them and ultimately, we want our pupils to forge a lifelong

passion for sport, resilience and becoming independent learners. Over the course of the past year, the passion, effort and focus our pupils have when it comes to sport has been something of which we can all be proud. Pupils who take themselves out of their comfort zone and have a desire to perform at their best for College, is something that makes this job so worthwhile.

Being able to provide an opportunity for all pupils to play sport at whatever level they desire is important here at College. This is reflected by the 655 pupils who have represented College competitively over the past academic

year. The desire to wear College Colours on the pitches and courts and compete against some of the top schools in the country, and compete well, shows our pupils have achieved that precious love of sport and physical activity.

The following reports are testament to these pupils’ efforts and desire to perform. I am, as always, grateful for the commitment from the Sports Department and the wider Common Room, without whose support we could not deliver such a successful games programme.

Talented Athlete Programme

Mr Matt Depledge

It was a successful year for the Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) with individuals developing the skills needed to juggle a busy academic schedule alongside the physical and technical skills needed to progress within their chosen sport. All deserve praise for their application and effort this year.

Special mentions go to Zoe Cripwell who represented Wales lacrosse

throughout the year with distinction. This culminated in her selection for the U20 World Cup in Hong Kong. Massive congratulations and good luck Zoe!

Charlie Worrall was selected for the 2024 British Shooting Talent Academy for Olympic Skeet. This is for athletes that have shown clear potential to represent Great Britain and progress to the World Class Programme.

Athletics and Sports Day

Mr Olly Morgan

With numbers increasing from last year, excitement was certainly building towards the Athletics season.

The Nitro event at Marlborough College was the perfect way to introduce the athletes to some unorthodox events that relied more on team tactics than athleticism. The elimination mile and the 4-minute maximum distance relay were the particular highlights!

The pupils continued to train hard throughout the term allowing for corebased running on Tuesday afternoons and specific event focus on Thursdays at the Prince of Wales Stadium. The

Sports Day Winners

Junior Girls Winner : Ashmead

Senior Girls Winner : Ashmead

Junior Boys Winner : Newick House

Senior Boys Winner : Leconfield

Junior Girls Athlete: Izzy Birks

Junior Boys Athlete: Harry Haigh

Senior Girls Athlete: Ella Brooks

Senior Boys Athlete: Zach Hitchcock-Smith

training certainly paid dividends as we had some excellent performances from Charlie Hattam, Anna Stanley-Jones, Emily Grant, Wilf Thomas, Troy Fanolua and Rufus Hankin at the meet with St Edward’s School, Oxford.

Sports Day 2024 was again a huge success seeing all pupils compete for their Houses across various field and track events. Congratulations to Newick House and Leconfield for winning the senior and junior boys’ competitions and Ashmead for winning both the senior and junior girls’ competitions.

Melissa Watson captained the Worcestershire Girls U18 T20 side all the way to the National Finals Day and played several 50 over games for the Worcestershire Women’s 1st XI.

Maddie Archer was selected for the England U16 hockey squad for a series of fixtures and training camps.

Finally, well done to all the pupils who performed brilliantly at the District and County Athletics rounds. Charlie Hattam, Anna Stanley-Jones and Hawi Rabongo all made it through to their finals which was a great achievement.

We look forward to next season!

Cricket

Despite one of the wettest and coldest Summer Terms that I can remember, the College Cricket Club had a very productive term. We played 95 competitive fixtures across our boys’ and girls’ teams, winning 53% of the matches completed.

The boys’ 1st XI was competitive, playing a variety of formats, enjoying success in the T20s and winning all three matches. In the longer formats, wins against Gloucestershire Gipsies and Bloxham School and hard-fought draws against Abingdon School, Marlborough College and The Free Foresters were the highlights. Gus Carini-Roberts led the side superbly and completed 50 appearances for the 1st XI over the last three seasons. In his 50th game against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) he took 5 for 45 and scored 47 runs. Oliver Pearson fought back from long term injuries to finish the season in style with both bat and ball. We wish him all the very best as he now moves on to play for Gloucestershire CCC on an Academy

contract. Despite still being an U16, Oscar Moore completed his third season in the 1st XI, averaging 35 with the bat and taking 15 wickets. We wish him well over the summer when playing for both Middlesex CCC and Berkshire CCC.

The 2nd XI and 3rd XI teams played throughout the term with several Upper Sixth and Fifth Form pupils balancing their academic endeavours with some competitive cricket. Highlights include Caspar Chambers taking 5 for 18 against King’s School, Worcester 2nd XI and George Lawson taking 5 for 28 for the 3rd XI, also against King’s. Oscar Mann scored 64 for the 2nd XI v Clifton College and Archie Quirke scored 63 against Abingdon 3rd XI.

The Lower College sides enjoyed continued success proving themselves to be competitive against many of the leading cricketing schools. The Junior Colts’ A side won five of their seven fixtures, including impressive wins over Marlborough and St Edward’s School, Oxford. With the bat, individual highlights include 95 for Justin Cohn against St Edward’s and Archie

Hackett’s 70* (not out) and 76* against Marlborough and Bloxham. Lawrence Young and Justin Cohn were the pick of the bowlers.

Bear Makin, Justin Cohn and Archie Hackett have all made appearances for the 1st XI T20 squad this season and played for their respective counties over the summer break. The Yearlings’ A side have had a strong term with some excellent individual performances. Josh David-Ward has averaged 53 with the bat, including scores of 85 and 63 against King’s School, Worcester and Abingdon. Cal O’Higgins also scored 90 against King’s. Alex Linton took 6 for 26 against Bloxham. Several of our Yearlings players also played for county sides over the summer holidays. The Yearlings’ C and D teams have enjoyed a great term, winning seven out of the eight games they played.

Full Colours: Oscar Moore, Gus CariniRoberts, Tom Unsworth Half Colours: Max Davidson, Oliver Pearson

Mr Matt Coley

The girls’ cricket season commenced with high energy as early winter nets set the stage for preparation.

In the Spring Term our U15 team performed admirably in the Lady Taverners indoor competition. They showcased their talent and determination, eventually securing 2nd place after a closely contested final against a formidable Clifton College side. Unfortunately, this meant they did not progress to the next stage, but their performance was commendable and set a solid foundation for the cricket term ahead. This setback did not deter the U15s. In the outdoor cup competition, they progressed to the 4th round of the National Cup T20 competition, an impressive achievement considering it was our first time entering this prestigious tournament.

The summer season began with a highly anticipated girls’ block against

Marlborough College. The highlight was a brilliant performance by the 14As, who narrowly lost by just two runs. For the first time in College memory, we fielded a 2nd XI girls’ cricket team who came away with a convincing victory against Marlborough winning by 5 wickets and a following fixture against Bromsgrove School. The team’s formation reflects the growing interest and participation in girls’ cricket at College.

Despite some dubious weather cancelling a few fixtures, we still had a robust fixture list lined up, including matches against Clifton College, St Edward’s School, Oxford, Bristol Grammar School, and St Helen and St Katherine. In each game, the College girls held their own, securing some fantastic wins. Their performances were consistently strong, demonstrating both individual skill and teamwork.

A standout moment of the season was our annual fixture on Speech Day

against Cheltenham Cricket Club. It was a beautiful sunny day, with a wonderful ground set up with tents and supporters gathered to watch both the boys’ 1st XI and girls’ 1st XI play side by side. The match was tightly contested, with Cheltenham Cricket Club eventually taking the win, but our girls put up an impressive fight, highlighting their growth and competitive spirit.

Despite the unpredictable weather, the girls’ squads have all had brilliant seasons. Their resilience, dedication, and skill have shone through, leading to a series of memorable matches and significant achievements. The girls are already looking forward to this coming year’s prospects with great excitement and anticipation.

Full Colours: Melissa Watson

Half Colours: Alice Dawson, Erin Darbin

Miss Katie Brooking

Badminton

Mr Sol Griffiths and Dr Luke Davidson

Our boys’ badminton team improved this season, winning three out of 11 matches. This was a welcome step up from last year when we didn’t register a single victory! The boys are to be congratulated. They are a young and promising squad and we anticipate further progress this coming year.

The girls’ team had another strong season, winning six out of their 10 matches. Their consistent performance

Basketball

Mr Michael Higgins

continues to set a high standard, and we look forward to maintaining this excellence despite key members of the 1st team leaving College.

Our Key Stage 4 team won the Gloucestershire Junior League for the 2023-2024 season, showcasing the improvements they have been making during College sessions.

Rex Yeung had an exceptional season, completing a remarkable hat trick of U18 county singles titles and regaining his doubles title. Additionally, Rex secured two tournament wins on the national circuit, a fantastic achievement

With 30 - 40 pupils training regularly the Club is going from strength to strength. We were especially pleased to see good representation from girls, including Lucille Kalindawalo, Iona Davies and Eniiyi Animasaun joining this year.

House Pots was a highlight with a hotly contested final between Boyne House and Hazelwell. Hazelwell was victorious and Thomas Wu named Most Valuable Player.

Although it wasn’t the most successful season in terms of wins, the team had fantastic matches against Wycliff College, St Peter’s High School, Gloucester, Churchdown School Academy and Dean Close School, and a notable win against Malvern College.

and something that he, and College, can be very proud of.

This season has been excellent for the Club, preserving its reputation for fun with significant team victories and remarkable individual achievements. With the dedication of our players and coaches, we anticipate even greater success this coming year. Our numbers keep growing and badminton is flourishing at College.

Full Colours: Ambrose Chan, Rachel Tam, Emily Ng, Jack Yuen

Half Colours: Bethany Chan, Prang Sovikul

Coach Michael Higgins would like to pay tribute to this year’s leavers, many of whom have been committed Club members since Third Form: Angus Chu and Terry Han (captains), Nick Zhang, Justin Wong, Zac Fitzgerald, Matthew Tsang, Leo Liu and Ivan Luhovyi. Special thanks go to Iona Davies and Matthew Tsang for reffing and scoring.

This coming season, we look forward to Thomas Wu taking up the captaincy and fielding a full team of girls, with new additions to the Club anticipated from Fifth Form.

Full Colours: Terry Han, Angus Chu

Equestrian

Mrs Jenny O’Bryan Equestrian has gone from strength to strength this year with more than 40 riders on our roll and our weekly Monday training sessions at Rectory Farm for everyone are paying dividends.

In February College held its inaugural Equestrian Dinner for Riders, OCs and their parents. We welcomed OC Tom McEwen (H, 2009), our most successful Sporting OC having secured an Olympic Gold medal in Paris and Olympic Gold and Silver medals in Tokyo 2020. He was so generous with his time and reflections, even allowing current Cheltonians to wear his medals!

We hosted our own Eventer Challenge at the end of March at Rectory Farm. Despite the bitter cold, our pupils had a successful day with teams qualifying for the Championships and individually Kayleigh O’Neill won the 1m Eventer Challenge class.

Another highlight of the year was at Royal Windsor Horse Show in the Inter Services King of Bahrain Show Jumping Competition, where our relatively young team of Tamara Townsend, India Trounson, Fenella Redvers and their mounts came an amazing fourth place, each jumping hard to come by clear rounds despite distracting crowds, big screens and military displays. They acquitted themselves so well in the main arena gelling as a team in front of royalty!

We then headed to Hickstead where we achieved a creditable fourth place over a very tricky course in the 95cm Inter County Show Jumping Competition.

Darcey Cutts, Tensie Littlewood, Lottie Atkinson and Bella Charlesworth worked well together.

The main Inter Schools Show Jumping Championship was held on the hallowed turf of Hickstead and the team of Willow Johnson, Fenella Redvers, Lottie Fyson and Tensie Littlewood represented College,

showing great team spirit to come 13th. Individually Willow went clear and had a great time introducing her young horse to the main arena and all looks very promising for the coming year!

Another fabulous achievement was that Tinks Walker in Lower College came sixth in the prestigious Badminton Grass Roots competition. An outstanding effort considering the thousands of competitors of all ages vying for this amateur National eventing crown.

In British Eventing Isabella Sanford has been flying, achieving a top five place overall in the U18 category representing the Central Region in the National Youth Championships.

Thank you to all of the parents for your continued support which enables our pupils to achieve so well and most importantly enjoy their horses.

Full Colours: Sofia Games

Half Colours: Isabella Sanford, Tinks Walker, India Trounson

Fitness

Mrs Rebecca Faulkner

The pupils have enjoyed another varied and exciting programme of Pilates, yoga, circuits and strength training. With specialised staff leading these sessions, pupils have been able to build on previous knowledge and show more

Golf

Mr Simon Conner

The season started away with Malvern College and all performed well but eventually lost 2-1. Theodore Nelson, Raif Nelson, Tommy Bidwell and Alvin Sze-To travelled to Banstead Downs Golf Club to play in The Old Cheltonian Golf Society annual Golf Day. The

independence in terms of their own programmes and development. With Miss Emily Hartley’s Pilates course now fully embedded, we have been able to offer this wonderful opportunity to more girls and boys across College. The Saturday programme continues to grow from strength to strength, with new classes being trialled and enjoyed. These sessions have included strength training, Zumba and mindfulness sessions.

format was 18 holes in the morning followed by nine holes of foursomes in the afternoon. Theodore Nelson won the Founders Cup with his partner, OC Max Arthur (L, 2010) for the best score in the Foursomes. Alvin Sze-To won the main pupil competition. It was a superb day and enjoyed by all. The rest of the term saw close matches against Dean Close School and the OCs. In the Summer Term, Cody Watts won the

Prospect Cup at the Cheltonian Day at Cleeve Hill. There were then matches against Dean Close School, Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Malvern College. All the scores were close with us winning against Cheltenham Ladies’ College. The season was rounded off by beating the staff team 3-2, to retain the cup, in a close fought match on a drizzly evening at Cotswold Hills Golf Club.

Football

Mr Stuart Greer

The football season saw the Club develop even further with over 100 Upper College members, both boys and girls. In fact, we had such a big interest from the girls, we now have two female senior teams!

The season for the girls was one of transition after many of the founding first team members had left the previous year. However, the teams quickly gelled and enjoyed a lot of fun games and tournaments. The first team won the plate in the Bradfield College Tournament and had close games against Bristol Grammar School and

Malvern College followed by a big win against St Edward’s School, Oxford. This season also saw the first local derby with Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Home and away fixtures could barely separate the two teams with three draws and a win for our second team.

The boy’s season had its usual ups and downs with close games against Wycliffe College, St Edward’s School, Oxford, Bromsgrove School and Royal Grammar School Worcester ending in narrow losses for the 1st XI. The other three teams had similar stories against good opposition. But all teams can hold their heads high for the way they played and their positive approach to games. First ever games against

local Dean Close School were played with gusto and we very much look forward to playing them again this coming season!

The annual House Pots were as successful as ever with Leconfield regaining the boys’ trophy and a combined Queen’s and College Lawn team taking the girls’ trophy. Congratulations also to Lucy Makin and Hawi Rabongo who were awarded Full Colours and Player of the Season awards at the annual football dinner.

Full Colours: Lucy Makin, Hawi Rabongo

Half Colours: Izzy Anton-Smith, Emma Brown, Elli Collins, Max Kwintner, Max Moss

Hockey

Mr Gwyn Williams

Before this season started 17 students and three members of staff went on a tour of Malasia starting off in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur making their way up through Ipoh to the beach resort of Penang over 12 days.

In Kulau Lumpur the girls played two fixtures, one of which was in the National Stadium, visited Batu Caves, had dinner in the revolving restaurant of KL Tower and attended an OC function at the Royal Selangor Golf Club. They also experienced white water rafting, visited an orangutan sanctuary, and managed to play a match in the Azlan Shah Stadium. For the final few days they relaxed somewhat, took in the night markets and played one final game. The girls really engaged with everything about the tour and experienced so much of this great country in terms of its food, culture and love of hockey.

After the tour there was a great sense of excitement within the Club as the teams returned for their pre-season

training camps. The Club was able to expand to include a 5th XI at seniors’ level, giving a total of 15 teams. Of the 116 fixtures completed, College managed a win or draw in 61% of them, scoring 241 goals in total which averages at two per game.

The 1st XI was led by Min Fletcher and they had a tremendous season securing 10 wins and a draw in their 14 fixtures with wins secured over Clifton College, Bromsgrove School, Bradfield College, Bristol Grammar School, Kingswood School and Cheltenham Ladies’ College to once again retain the Emily Sumaria Memorial Trophy. In the cup competitions the 1sts managed to get to the third round of the National Plate and the U16s also reached the third round in the National Cup. Unfortunately, both teams went out on penalty shoot-outs. In the indoor competitions, the U16s managed to get to the West of England semi-finals. Every girl represented their House in House Pots with the senior title going to Westal and the junior title to Queen’s.

The fixture blocks remained very competitive and within them there

were some notable performances from the teams. In the opening block against Bromsgrove there were nine wins and one draw in the 13 fixtures. Against Rugby School College had eight wins and two draws out of the 14 matches and in the Bristol Grammar School matches, it was a record of six wins and two draws in nine games. The final fixture of the term against Kingswood brought eight wins and a draw from the 10 matches. A special mention goes to the Colts’ B who only lost one game out of seven throughout the season.

There were also individual achievements for players with Maddie Archer, Izzy Birks and Matilda Makin all being selected for England Hockey’s Talent Academy Centre at Stourport.

Full Colours: Min Fletcher, Erin Darbin, Rosa Hanbury, Maddie Archer

Half Colours: Melissa Watson, Sky Jamieson, Tilda Barter, Matilda Makin, Alice Dawson

Player of the Year : Maddie Archer

Players’ Player : Alice Dawson

Club Player of the Year : Sky Jamieson

The Club had 12 boys’ teams representing College in hockey fixtures. There were 81 matches played in total including cup competitions, and in these College either won or drew 57% of them. In senior House Pots Newick House came out as winners and Southwood were junior Pots winners.

Under the captaincy of Hugo Cornwell, the 1st XI managed to get the furthest they had previously in the Tier 2 National U18 Cup, only losing out in round three. Their season produced some good performances resulting in wins over The King’s School, Gloucester and Collegiate School and draws with Rugby School and an epic 5-5 with Bromsgrove School.

Within the local club environment and representation, there are several Cheltonians out playing who have gained regional and national honours.

In addition, Max Davidson achieved an individual highlight in being selected for the Wales U18 squad for their test series with Ulster and the Four Nations tournament.

In terms of the block fixtures College managed some superb results to match their performances. Of the 10 matches with Abingdon School, College managed to win six and draw two games, with all junior teams unbeaten on that day. Against Bromsgrove School it was the same split with six wins and two draws across the board and in the Marlborough College block, three wins and three draws were secured of the 11 matches.

Things look very bright for the juniors as they move through their College years. A special mention goes to the Yearlings’ A who reached the National U14 quarter-finals after victories over

The King’s School, Gloucester, Dean Close School and Clifton College. Their only defeat this term was in the cup match and their term produced 42 goals in eight fixtures. Not to be outdone the other Yearlings’ teams played some superb hockey and were rewarded with unbeaten seasons for the Yearlings’ B and C. The Ds nearly matched them but lost in two matches of their six. In total the Yearlings as a group played 24 matches losing only three and scored 83 goals.

Full Colours: Hugo Cornwell, Max Davidson

Half Colours: George Trafford, Thomas Hill, Jude Richardson, Max Hughes, Bryn Evans, Tor Allan, Jack Savage

Player of the Year : Tor Allan

Players’ Player : Max Davidson Club Players of the Year : George Trafford, Max Hughes

Netball

Mrs Kate Mears

We had a fantastic start to the season with an exciting pre-season of friendly fixtures played against Severn Stars, Hucclecote Netball and Wrekin College squads.

We had 17 teams and were delighted that all pupils that selected netball as their games option were able to represent College.

Some particular highlights included an exciting U14A match against Severn Stars. This game went down to the wire with College nipping in a final goal to secure a 30-29 goal victory. We enjoyed other exhilarating matches such as our U15Bs clinching the win against Cheltenham Ladies’ College by one goal and our senior 4th team also securing victory by one goal against Tudor Hall School.

Our U16s qualified for Regional Finals at the National Schools Championships and enjoyed an overnight stay in

Bournemouth. They had a challenging group, including Millfield School and Redmaids’ High School, but played some exceptional netball. Our U16s only lost to the eventual regional winners Millfield by four goals (our biggest loss of the tournament), showcasing how competitive our squad was.

In March, our 1st team met Malvern College in the annual charity match. We knew it was going to be an exciting game complete with 800 chairs surrounding the show court and being live streamed by Nexgen. The starting line-up was captain Poppy Dillon, Alice Tomblin, Zoe Cripwell, vice captain Min Fletcher, Alice Dawson, Hebe Heynes and Pia Nichol.

Malvern had the first centre pass but with an immediate tip by Hebe, College were clinical and took it to goal. There was an immediate roar in the sports centre, showing the fantastic support from the College community. College went on to score a further four goals with some excellent shooter to shooter connections from Poppy and Alice to

get close to the post. College had an outstanding defensive quarter, forcing the error and keeping Malvern high up the court. At the end of the first quarter College were leading by two goals. The line-up remained the same for the second quarter although Malvern made some changes to try to disrupt our style of play. Utilising the new roll-on subs rule, Autumn Conner was then injected into the WA role to provide clinical attacking play. Down the defensive end, Jessica Heynes came on to pick up ball from a defensive fly and cause confusion to the ball carriers. This was a highly pressurised quarter with the score margin closing, but College still leading by one goal.

Tensions remained high and we began to see players engaging on the body to compete for the ball. Malvern went level with College for the first time just as Hebe went down on her ankle, unable to continue. The score was 1515. The squad had prepared for a range of scenarios so the change for Pia to go into GD, with Jessica at GK was a familiar

scene. In addition, an excellent entry from Tula Leach-Herrero evidenced the depth of this team, with the ability to change player connections and still maintain high quality attacking play. Alice Dawson remained an ongoing threat both defensively but also with some outstanding attacking drives to the transverse line. At the end of the third quarter College had maintained their lead.

The final quarter was now a question of belief, and a reminder to always attack the goal. Rebounds and interceptions became a regular feature at both ends but College were still maintaining a short lead. Min came back into the centre role with Zoe at WA to give a

final attacking push. The crowd were off their seats and roaring at every goal that went through the net and the atmosphere in our beautiful sports centre was electric. The determination from both teams was evident, but College held their nerve and went up one final gear to win the game by two goals, 25-23. We were proud to raise £3,500 for the College charity National Star.

A busy final week in the netball calendar saw the return of the annual netball House Pots. There was some exceptional netball on display and all matches were played in great competitive spirits. The competitions were closely fought to the end with

Westal triumphant in the senior competition and Queen’s winning the junior competition.

Another brilliant event saw the mixed staff VII take on the 1st VII girls. It was an exciting match which was a tightly fought game of end-to-end netball with the staff finishing victorious.

A huge thank you for 1st VII captain Poppy and vice captain Min, who led their team brilliantly over the season and were superb role models.

Full Colours: Poppy Dillon and Min Fletcher

Half Colours: Hebe Heynes, Alice Dawson, Jessica Heynes, Autumn Conner, Alice Tomblin

Polo

Mrs Sarah Hayden

Polo is a big part of College culture and Mondays and Thursdays at Longdole Polo Club are the perfect way to blow off some steam during the week. The speed at which the team exit the minibus on arrival is testament to this, or is that down to not getting stuck on Tony the pony? Poor Tony!

We kicked off with the Schools and University Polo Association (SUPA) arena friendly tournament in November, which was fantastic to be a part of, and gave us the chance to get to grips with arena polo. Since then, we’ve gone from strength to strength. We’ve competed in the national competition at Open, Intermediate (two teams), and Novice levels, all while keeping up with regular chukkas at Longdole and beginners’ sessions on a Monday.

Summer took its time to arrive, and we didn’t get onto the grass until mid-May. But once we did, we were on fire! We kicked off with matches against Stowe School and Radley College, winning 3-1 and 4-0, respectively.

Cirencester Polo Club hosted the Cheltonian Society Polo Day in June marking a highlight of the season. The junior team put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell to Beaudesert Park School, with a final score of 7-4. Their performance, however, was commendable throughout the match. In the senior fixture, the competition was fierce, resulting in an exciting 2-2 draw against the OCs, showcasing some outstanding polo skills. The season

culminated with a thrilling match against Marlborough College, where our team triumphed with an impressive 8-0 victory under the glorious Cotswold sunshine at the Prince of Wales Ground, Longdole. It has been a remarkable year filled with exceptional polo action. We say farewell to George Duff and Holly Bullock, who will go on to play polo as part of a university programme or through clubs. I thank them both for their advice, good humour and excellent attitude to polo at College.

None of this would be possible without the amazing support of parents. They cheer us on, move horses, and orchestrate teams and fixtures. A huge shoutout also goes to the Longdole Polo Club and Academy for their fantastic instruction and support, which have been key to our polo success at College. Let’s not forget the beautiful ponies! Capo, Oreo, Santa, Mai Tai, Tony, Hippo, Champagne and Nancy to name a few favourites. Even Sol, who likes to nibble!

Full Colours: Oscar Fuery, George Lawson, Hari Dhillon, Hector McPherson

Half Colours: George Duff, Max Callon Hine

Rackets

Mr Matt Coley

It has been another busy season for the Club. Eighty boys and girls represented College in school fixtures, College singles and House doubles tournaments. More than 60 pupils represented College in the National Schools tournaments at The Queen’s Club and this achievement is not matched by any other school.

The boys’ 1st Pair of Max Kwintner and Spencer Moore saw steady improvement and development over the season. Freddie Moore and Noah Somen as 2nd Pair, and the other senior pairs, all played consistently.

At National Schools Max Kwintner won his first-round match in the Foster Cup and put on an incredible performance in the quarter-final losing to the eventual winner. The Junior Colts’ pair of Lewis Moore and William Billings had a very strong season winning all their school matches and we look forward to watching their development over the coming seasons. The season highlight was finishing as runners up in the National Schools U15s final.

Max Kwintner has been an excellent captain and received his Full Colours for his leadership both on and off the court.

The girls’ rackets programme continues to go from strength to strength. As more schools emulate the College programme, the fixture list grows and is becoming much more competitive and thus is healthier for the game.

Katie Baker, Mary Leslie and Rosa Hanbury rotated at 1st Pair and made good improvements along with Liv Greenwood and Min Fletcher. The highlight of the season was the U16 National doubles final where Poppy Baker and Sophia McCarthy won a tense and nail-biting match 3-2.

In the National singles U16s Tilly Coley narrowly missed out on making it an all College final against Poppy Baker who finished as runner up.

The U18s girls’ doubles saw College compete against some strong pairs and they lost in the semi-finals. The U18 singles saw both Katie Baker and Mary Leslie lose their respective semi-finals but they battled hard to get to that stage.

In the College rackets competitions, Max Kwintner won the Dick Bridgeman title and, alongside Jude Richardson won a first K.A Cook cup for boys’ House doubles for Southwood. Katie Baker won the L.E Owen girls’ singles title and Ashmead 2nd Pair Rosa Hanbury and Min Fletcher won the M.P Briers girls’ House doubles.

Lewis Moore won the C.O.A.L. Plate for the junior singles for the second year and Sophia McCarthy won the I.J Deakin Lower College girls’ singles.

We would like to thank the departing Upper Sixth for their continued support for the Club over the past five years. We hope they will continue to play and represent the Old Cheltonians in future events. Good luck also to Liv Greenwood who is taking up a Fellowship at the Tennis and Racquet Club of Philadelphia.

A huge thank you must go to Mr Mark Briers and Mr Sam Matthews for their continued hard work, passion and the long hours that they invest in the game of rackets. With the sheer number of pupils playing and the long hours the court is in use every week, the Club has never been healthier.

Full Colours: Max Kwintner

Half Colours: Min Fletcher, Liv Greenwood, Rosa Hanbury, Mary Leslie, Freddie Moore, Spencer Moore, Jude Richardson, Noah Somen

Rugby

Mr Olly Morgan

The 2023 season was one to remember! This can often be measured through performances, fixtures lists, participation and general smiles on faces after a muddy afternoon. However, in this case, a Friday early evening in the penultimate week of term under portable floodlights in -2 degrees, we saw more than 100 pupils train in preparation for their final fixture of the season. This spotlights the commitment pupils gave throughout the term towards their teammates and coaches and is testament to their character and resilience.

The Yearlings’ A, B, C and D teams had a season to remember. Playing 38 fixtures and only losing four in the process is a feat we have not witnessed for some time and highlights the depth throughout the year group. Huge congratulations go to all pupils and coaching staff and special mention to Mr Thomas Lambert and Mr Owen Williams and their Yearlings’ B team, who finished the season unbeaten.

The Junior Colts have been equally impressive recording fantastic results against the likes of Millfield School, Clifton College, Marlborough College, Rugby School and Monmouth School, with the A team making it through to the regional final in the National Cup against Radley College.

The Colts battled hard throughout the season causing many upsets and improving game by game. An exciting lastminute score against Monmouth for the Colts’ B team and a resounding victory against Marlborough for the Colts’ A team are just two memorable moments!

The seniors, many of whom were playing for the last time this season, represented the school with distinction. A memorable Italy tour for the 1st and 2nd XV as well as victories against Monmouth and Abingdon School in the first half of term, showed the unity of both groups. The 3rd XV also played with passion and pride, performing in some fantastic matches against Clifton, Abingdon and Rugby, with their final outing on College Field.

The 1st XV retained the Parry Coombe Cup against Marlborough for the sixth successive year and reached the bowl final of the prestigious St Joseph’s festival beating the likes of Wellington College, Dulwich College and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield along the way. Perhaps the performance of the term for the XV was beating one of the best in the country, Millfield, for the first time in the school’s history. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be backed up in front of a bumper crowd at Kingsholm for the annual charity match against Sir Thomas Rich’s School, however the occasion and £11,800 raised for the National Star, outweighed any result.

A huge thanks to all the pupils and in particular the coaches, for what was a truly a memorable season. It would be remiss not to mention the medical staff, grounds team, catering and referees for their help across the term as without their assistance, we would not be able to run the Club.

Away from school and recognised for their performances throughout the season, it was great to see Ed Critchley, Josh Hansen and Ed Reed-Daunter represent Gloucester Academy. Well done to Ethan Jones and Charlie Hattam who also represented the Welsh and Scottish Exiles during the half term break.

Full Colours: Tom Unsworth, Ethan Jones, David Gamble, TJ Fanolua

Half Colours: Charlie Birch Sevens

The U14, U16 and U18 sevens squads had a very busy Lent Term. With tournaments, triangular and training throughout the season it was an exciting time to be involved as we prepared for the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens.

The U18 and U16 squads were put through some gruelling sessions both on the pitch and in the gym which accounted for some success in fixtures against Millfield School, Wellington College and Clifton College as well as silverware at the Wycliffe Sevens.

All three teams produced some excellent sevens at the West of England Tournament in Taunton reaching the final stages.

Special mention goes to the U14s who were runners up losing to Monmouth School in the final.

During the final week of term the three squads travelled to London to compete at the National Schools Sevens which hosts 800 schools and almost 10,000 boy and girl rugby players. The U18s produced their best run in recent years reaching the final eight from 254 schools. They produced some excellent displays against Samuel Whitbread Academy, Oundle School, Whitchurch High School, Dean Close School and Merchiston Castle School but unfortunately lost out to eventual winners Stamford School.

The U16s were equally successful reaching the latter stages of the competition in arguably the hardest age group of the tournament. Wins against Brighton College, Norwich School and King’s School, Macclesfield, were particular highlights but losing to Clifton College in the last 28 at the final hurdle was a bitter pill to swallow.

The U14s faced a difficult group in Berkhamsted School and Abingdon School but showed plenty of grit to almost sneak wins in both games after conceding early on. It was a great occasion for the boys first taste of the tournament and plenty to take forward in the upcoming years.

Huge thanks to Mr Nick Runciman, Mr Terry Fanolua and Mr Ollie Bunn for all their hard work throughout the term, making sure the pupils were engaged, prepared and creating long-lasting memories.

We look forward to the coming year!

Rowing

Mr Jed Greenhouse and Mr Mark Trotman

The year started well with the Cheltonian Society Regatta held at the Boathouse. This incorporated House Pots which was raced in a round robin format with Southwood eventually coming out on top for the boys and Queen’s for the girls.

As we moved into October, the winter rain started and by the end of the month the Boathouse had already been flooded. The decision was made to move the boats to Gloucester Rowing Club and to start training on the canal. What we didn’t realise at this time was that water levels would not drop enough for us to get back to the Boathouse until after Easter.

Our next big event was the British Rowing Indoor Championship held at the NEC. Everybody that took part set a new personal or season best time and despite only taking a small squad, we managed a creditable haul of medals. Edward Davies and Victoria Hemphill

took Bronze Medals with Victoria less than one second from the Gold and William Geary taking Silver.

Continuing our indoor season, January saw us at the annual invitational competition at King’s Worcester, racing against several local schools. As usual we put in a good performance leaving with a large collection of medals.

March saw us racing on the Olympic Lake at Eton-Dorney in the Scullery Head, this is used as a selection event for the regional rowing squad, with the Third Form boys of Andrew Robinson, Sebastian Hemphill, Edward Davies and William Jenkins coxed by Sean Degnan being selected to represent the region at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. They raced hard in the time trial to earn a place in the B Final where they finished in second place.

The next two big regattas both involved a return to Eton-Dorney. In the Scullery Regatta the Third Form boys missed a place in the A Final by the tiny margin of 0.04 of a second. Whilst at the National Schools Regatta, the Fourth Form boys eight and Third Form coxed

quad both made it into the finals. Sixth Formers Charlie Whitney, in a single, with Bertie Parkes and William Draper in a pair, raced in the championship class, also reached the finals.

Despite the weather causing the cancellation of several races this year we raced at Wycliffe Head, Worcester, Hereford, Bridgnorth and Reading, collecting a number of pots and medals, in all age groups, along the way. There isn’t space to mention everyone by name but congratulations to all members of the Club that represented College over the season.

This year the coaches have been joined by Mr Ben Burch, a returning OC (BH, 1997 and current parent), who rowed for both the University of Oxford and Great Britain winning the Boat Race on two occasions. Ben was instrumental in getting the girls of Groton School in America to do some training and racing with us as they prepare for Henley Royal and Henley Women’s regattas. A relationship we hope to build on in the coming years.

Full Colours: Charlie Whitney

Shooting - clays

Mr Chris Reid

The opening match of the season at Rugby School saw five of the team representing College for the first time. Club captain Charlie Worrall led by example shooting an impressive 45/50 which saw him come fourth overall.

William Noest and Chris Anderson made their debuts at Barbury Shooting School for the Marlborough College Sporting Clays Shield. There was exceptionally good shooting from all with Charlie Worrall and Chris setting the precedent coming joint 2nd overall out of over 180 individuals.

In the teams’ event the 1st team secured third overall which was an amazing achievement as there were 44 teams from schools across the country. College was second-best in attendance behind Millfield School who picked up the top two places.

Squash

Miss Noel Lee

Squash at College has been a thriving and growing sport this year. Continuing to team up with East Glos Squash Club, we were able to allow more players to participate in squash with the additional venue. We focused on the understanding and enjoyment of the game, and this has shown great success with increasing numbers of squash players both in and out of

A record turnout of 37 teams saw fierce competition at Harrow School Fido May Clays Challenge. The two teams could not be separated, with only a clay between them. 148/200 v 149/200. High Gun was shared jointly between Charlie Worrall 42/50 and Elliot Burley 42/50: each representing a different team! Freddie Smith gained valuable experience with an admirable 35/50.

At our own Cheltenham Challenge, the A team won the flush and came second in sporting while the B team came fourth in flush and fifth in sporting. Charlie Worrall was joint first in the individual but eventually came second on count back.

The highlight and culmination of the season was competing at the British Schools Clays Championship against the top schools in the UK. The team shot well with Wills Moffatt scoring 36/40 coming third. The team then came third in the combined flush, scoring 73/80 with the winners 80/80. The team eventually came third overall

official sports sessions. Our players have shown this growth and understanding of the game in a multitude of fixtures in which many players improved vastly to beat opponents who had previously beaten them. Well done to all the players who played fixtures this year, giving it their all and supporting one another. A big well done to Daniel Fung our Number 1, for playing in the prestigious British Junior Open this year to come up against some of the best junior players in the world. At all levels the players have created a positive and

making College the best school in England and the second best in the UK as Strathallan School came first and second.

Congratulations go to Charlie Worrall and Edward Cleverly for success outside the Club. Edward competed in the Southwest Intercounty Competition shooting for Wiltshire winning the Colts/Juniors competition and he has been asked to shoot for them again. Charlie took part in the British Championships for Olympic Skeet shooting. This was his first major competition having been selected to join the British Shooting Development Academy last year. After impressing the GB coaches, he has been offered a place in the British Shooting Talent Academy for the coming year.

Full Colours: Elliot Burley, Edward Cleverley, Freddie Hack, Charlie Worrall (re-award)

Half Colours: Oscar Amies, Chris Anderson, Alfie Cox, Wills Moffatt

fun atmosphere, and I am very proud of how well they have all done.

Full Colours: Daniel Fung

Half Colours: Marnie Davies, Bhavya Jain, Arav Mediratta, Florence Piggott, Oliver Shannon

Swimming

Mrs Zoe La Valette-Cooper

It seems that we always begin by saying that we have had another good year in swimming, but actually that really undersells what has been a vintage year in swimming. Success has been internal, local, regional and national, made all the more impressive by having small squads, many of whom swim in addition to competing in other sports.

For the girls, Chandos won the senior House Pots and Queen’s the junior House Pots. Our girls were runners up behind Cheltenham Ladies’ College in the Cheltenham Challenge Cup and our junior girls secured a win in the triangular gala against Bromsgrove School and Marlborough College.

Teams have competed in both the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) regional trials at Millfield School, (breaking the College freestyle relay record held since 2009 in the process), and the Otter relays at the Olympic Pool in London.

For the boys, Newick House won the senior House Pots and Christowe the junior House Pots. In the district relay event in September, the junior boys broke the College record, but the senior boys not only broke the College record, but also the longstanding district record for both medley and freestyle. They went on to perform well at the ESSA regional event at Millfield, earning them a national finals spot at the Sandwell Aquatic Centre, (the Commonwealth Games Pool)

in Birmingham. They came 14th in the medley final and seventh in the freestyle final, which is an amazing result. We went on to swim in the Otters and the National Schools Gala at the Aquatic Centre in Queen Elizabeth II Park in London, but as a ‘large school’ this year. We performed well, but just not quite well enough to make the finals.

On an individual level, we have also seen five of our swimmers win Gold, Silver or Bronze medals at county level this year, which is testament to their hard work and effort and that of our wonderful Head Coach Mr Andy Osborne.

Half Colours: Felix Duggan, Liv Greenwood, Zach Hitchcock-Smith, Pia Nichol, Georgina Scott, Matthew Wright

Tennis

Mr Tim Lang

It has been a brilliant term for the Club with an average of 15 teams playing each weekend accumulating to more than 80 competitive matches.

Our players trained hard throughout the year, and it was wonderful to see them play, despite having to occasionally dodge the rain.

Special mention goes to Ines Garcia Puerta and Olivia Deshais, and Arabella Harris and Lucia Hargitay. Both pairs came second in the Gloucester County Doubles Tournament. Poppy Baker and Rose Iles came third in the U18 category.

We can look back on a tremendous summer.

Full Colours: Bea Painter, Max Kwintner

Ashmead

House Events

This has been another remarkable year for Ashmead, marked by our supportive community and diverse achievements. This year’s journey began by welcoming new Third Form girls and those joining in Lower Sixth. We kicked off the term with exciting team-building activities for the closed weekend, setting the tone for a vibrant year ahead. One of the highlights was our spirited performance of ‘On Top of the World’ at House Singing. Led by our talented conductor, Hannah E from Upper Sixth, we truly felt on top of the world as we sang our hearts out. The festive season was a joyous occasion, celebrated with our annual Ashmead and Leconfield Christmas Dinner. Lower College girls delighted in a magical visit to Sudeley Castle’s Christmas Festival of Light, a shopping trip with Christowe, and an exhilarating ice-skating trip, all of which got us into the holiday spirit. Ashmead has been buzzing with various activities that have strengthened our bonds. From delightful meals out and ‘invite dinners’ to the exquisite champagne tasting for Upper College girls, generously provided and delivered by a parent, we’ve had a year filled with memorable moments and strong camaraderie. We are looking forward to another year of achievements, friendship and community led by Pia N as the coming year’s Head of House, and Amelia P as the Deputy Head.

Charity

Ashmead girls have shown remarkable devotion to the local community through various charitable activities. In October, we made bubble teas to support the Prefect’s Charity which was National Star. Marisse FA, Sonia K, Marieta DJ and Emily T participated in the Kenya volunteering experience at Gogar Primary School in Rongai. Additionally, all Ashmead girls came together to stitch handmade cushions for the charity CoppaFeel which supports patients with breast cancer. Many of our girls took part in the annual Netball Charity Match against Malvern College in support of National Star, emerging victorious after a very tense and close game. Eight Upper Sixth students also participated in the Big Dip, a chilling winter swim at the Lido, raising funds for the charity Sue Ryder. Our girls actively engaged in all the wonderful school charity events which predominantly supported National Star.

Academic

In addition to our social successes, the girls have made impressive strides academically. Ashmead girls have maintained high academic standards, with notable achievements including Emily Z who received Gold Award for the Intermediate Maths Challenge (UKMT), and Bronze for the Senior Maths Challenge. Ann W was awarded Silver Awards in both UKMT and Physics Olympiad. Ivy C received the Gold Award in the Maths Olympiad. In addition to this Katie B and Alice T achieved Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Academic Full Colours went to Emily and Ann W and Half Colours were awarded to Lulu LF, Blythe C, Charlotte C, Emily Z, Molly H, Amelia P, Hannah E, Ellen B and Pia N.

Drama and Music

We are astonished by Min F’s bone-chilling performance as O’Brian in the Upper College play 1984 and earning her Drama Blazer. We also had many pupils involved in the Orchestra and recitals.

Sport

We have stayed active in games and are very delighted to embrace our athletes’ achievements. We are very proud of Katie B and Rosa H for winning the tennis House Pots; Min F, who is the captain for the hockey team, and Rosa H both gained hockey Full Colours, rackets Half Colours, and won rackets House Pots! Our House also came second place in House cricket and swimming. Moreover, congratulations to Emma B for breaking the school’s swimming record. Finally, credit to Katie B, Rosa H, Min F, Mary L and Ellie H for playing at the National Schools Rackets competition at Queen’s Club. Finally, we rounded off the year brilliantly as a House when we won both the senior and junior girls’ competitions at Sports Day.

Farewells and Thank Yous

We bid a heartfelt farewell to all our wonderful Upper Sixth girls and wish them an exciting future ahead. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Miss Brooking, who is leaving this year after four years of exceptional care and commitment to Ashmead. We wish you all continued success in the future and may the cherished memories from Ashmead serve as a guiding light, providing you with strength and warmth.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Ann W

Endeavour: Charlotte C, Emily G

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Charlotte C

Upper College

Design (Resistant Materials): Emily T

Ronald Guthrie Bedford economics: Blythe C

Psychology: Ellen B

Business (Cambridge

Technical): Bella C

Sir Frederick Page Fellowship of Engineering: Devanshi K

Jackson-Matthews Chapel Prize (for best address): Jessica H

Davenport Theatre

Performance: Min F

The Duleepsinhji Cup: Min F

The Sloan Cup: Rosa H

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes

Science: Flora S

Macroeconomics Prize: Jessica H

House Editors: Sonia K and Marisse FA

Boyne House

House Events

The year started with the annual Leckhampton Hill Clan Walk which allowed us to get to know the new Third form. We also had our first House Darts Tournament. Numerous rounds led to an exhilarating final between Oscar M and Charlie H. Both finalists gave a phenomenal show with Oscar M eventually crowned this year’s champion. The whole event was live streamed to Boyne’s Instagram page. BoyneFest was a night which will not be forgotten. Sadly, the rain forced us out of our home turf and into Big C, but the crowd was no less impressive. The night started with a mostly home-grown Boyne band of Milan T, Will S and Hugh N taking to the stage. This was closely followed by DJ Will T playing all the classics and finally, for the second year in a row, DJ Freddie H energising the crowd. In the summer once the sun had started to filter through, we saw the return of our NFL Super Bowl Sunday. The tournament included a live draft to four teams: Saints, Raiders, Chiefs and Lions. The day saw many nail-biting moments but the one which got us all on the edge of our seats was the slightly controversial, late touchdown from Bosco C which shook up the results to let the Lions take home the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy for another year.

Charity

This year Boyne continued its long standing support for the James Hopkins Trust. We had numerous events throughout the year but the Parent and Son Padel Tournament at Elkstone Studio was a highlight. Pairs of parents and their children came together to support a great cause all while having a great time.

Academic

It was another great year for Boyne’s academia. We had a number of scholars join the Third Form and Sixth Form. Across all year groups we have seen various Olympiad and UKMT results with Will T, Liam T, Michael W and Hugh N obtaining UKMT awards and Rory S obtaining a Silver in the Chemistry Olympiad. Boyne academic owl ties were also awarded to Rory S and Liam T. Academic Full Colours were awarded to Rory H.

Sport

Boyne’s sporting achievements were remarkable this year. From rugby to basketball, Boyne has shown grit and dedication. Charlie H, Finn T and David G all made the 1st rugby team while Oscar M, Hector M and Freddie B made the 1st XI cricket team. Under the leadership of Freddie M as Head of Sport, Boyne senior boys excelled into the finals for rugby House Pots however after a tough final took home second place. The junior teams followed suit and consistently all made House Pots finals. Boyne came second in both tennis and basketball House Pots. Other notable achievements come from Finn T who was selected for the Bath U18s rugby squad.

Drama and Music

With Queen’s and College Lawn, we took part in a joint House Play of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The play promised and very much delivered on an evening of camaraderie, comedy and captivating entertainment. Among some superb acting, the audience was also treated to our very own David G dressed as Rapunzel, a group of squawking pigeons, a few donkeys and finally Freddie the Frog. Elliot B was awarded his Drama Full Colours for continued dedication to Drama. We also felt the pain of yet another robbery of not taking home the House Singing trophy. Despite being named the ‘People’s Champions’ by pretty much everyone, Boyne failed to place this year. Hopefully, this year will prove to be more fruitful and we will finally get the long overdue win. William T received his Music Half Colours.

Farewells and Thank Yous

As painful as it is, we also have had to say goodbye to some of the House’s greatest members. This started with Mrs Inger Bourne. The title of Matron can’t truly depict how much she meant to Boyne. Whether she was cooking bacon for Upper College on a cold Saturday morning, having a weekly catchup with almost all the boys or giving her many pearls of wisdom, Inger had so much dedication, passion, enthusiasm and kindness. We wish her the best in her new job as Head of Pupil Welfare at Balcarras School. We also say goodbye to Resident Tutor Mr Johnson. As a key member of the Boyne community, he was always laughing with the House. The boys will miss him, especially his ‘penthouse’ takeaways. We also sadly say goodbye to Mr Greenhill. Having joined with Mr Johnson as a Resident Tutor and Tutor for Boyne’s Fourth Form he didn’t have an easy task, however, there was never a day when he couldn’t help. He has been a strong supporter of many of the Boyne boys, and we wish him the best in his next job. As always, we also sadly have to say goodbye to the departing Upper Sixth. With Milan T as Head of House, Will S as Deputy Head of House, Angus C as Head of Sweat, George D as Head Boy and Freddie H as a College Prefect it has been a very strong year. Charlie H is the new Head of House hoping to bring enthusiasm and new ideas.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Liam T

Hannam Clark Orchestra: Michael W

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Liam T

Upper College

Endeavour: William S

Physics: Rory S

Allen Divinity: Victor L-S

Head’s Award For Outstanding Commitment: Freddie H

Marcan Prize for Music: William S, Milan T

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that our Upper College also won the Marsden Shield for boys’ House academic achievement.

House Editor: Rory S

Chandos

House Events

This year Chandos has been full of exciting activities spanning sport, socials, charity, and tons of recreational fun. As per Chandos’ annual tradition we had the House family inflatable race with team ‘Princess Tiana’ winning. In House there has been lots of baking and cooking, with Third Form doing a Sushi Workshop in House, weekends with lots of s’mores at the firepit, and the baking of banana muffins with Mrs Howard’s delicious secret recipe. Chandos also set up an official Instagram this year, the highlight being the ‘Advent Interviews’ hosted by Upper Sixth and staff. Other activities have included sard-making, bowling and roller-skating.

Charity

Chandos has made significant contributions to charity, supporting causes close to our hearts. Our House charity was Linc, a local charity dedicated to help patients with blood cancer. To fund raise, we organised a ‘Royal Regatta’ in which the girls collectively swam the English Channel. Additionally, we raised funds for Sue Ryder, which also helps cancer patients. Our Upper Sixth showed remarkable spirit by participating in the Big Dip event for Sue Ryder, bravely plunging into a freezing pool on a winter morning. Despite the cold, the event was filled with fun and enthusiasm. Other charities supported by Chandos girls included Firefly International, Music into Care, Marie Curie and the Wales Marcos charity.

Academic

The achievements of the girls have been outstanding. Ellie L won ‘Best in College’ for Biology, Zoe C received her MFL Tie, Linda C won first place for her documentary about Show Jumping, and 17 girls across year groups received awards at Speech Day. Chandos won Upper College Society’s Model UN event representing Yemen on the topic of ‘Conflict in the Red Sea’ and the House’s Scholars partook in a mock University Challenge. On top of this many of the girls took part in cocurricular activities such as essay writing competitions for Geography and Classics, STEM Olympiads, Mini MBAs, and presentations in College’s societies (Science, TPE, Morley, and Classics). Lastly, the House is proud to announce that the House has five Prefects next year: Claudia N, Lucille K, Thea M, Zoe C, and Iona D. Academic Full Colours were awarded to

Claudia N and Half Colours were awarded to Liora B, Linda C, Kimmy K, Prang S, Tiffany Y, Alvina C, Ellen Y, Zoe C, Isabel C, Ella C-B and Emelie S.

Sport

Chandos has had a phenomenal year having excelled in various House Pots events. The juniors kicked off the year with impressive performances in both hockey and netball House Pots, securing the second place in both competitions. Chandos celebrated remarkable victories in badminton and cricket House Pots, where it was great to witness the exceptional team spirit and unwavering support from the girls. A significant triumph was our senior team’s outstanding performance in the swimming House Pots, where they secured a well-deserved victory. Our year has been marked by dedication and perseverance, reflected in several individual achievements. Sofia G has been shortlisted for the 2024 Pony and Junior European Championships and came third in the Compiegne CDI in the junior U18, which are remarkable achievements. Furthermore, our brilliant equestrians Fenella R, Tamara T and India T took part in the Royal Windsor Horse Show for CCF. Impressively, Zoe C, who competes for Wales lacrosse has been selected for the U20 world championship in 2024. It has also been fantastic to see some of our outstanding athletes be recognised with Full Colours: Lucy M for football and Erin D for hockey.

Drama and Music

There was a myriad of exhilarating performances this year. We had girls acting in the Scholars’ Play Great Expectations and taking 1984 to the stage. As for music the House is very proud of Daisy M for winning the Singing Competition as well as all the girls who showed their talents at lunchtime concerts or the annual Variety Show. A notable performance this year was our Head of House Alvina C who demonstrated her Chandos spirit in her incredibly accurate portrayal of Mrs P in the Prefect skit. The House has also been involved musically in charitable events with most notably Claudia N’s ‘Music into Care’ which was a programme that had pupils perform locally in care homes twice a term.

Farewells and Thank Yous

Alongside the incredible Upper Sixth leaving this year the House is also saying goodbye to our beloved Housemistress Mrs Poulain. Throughout her 10 years as Housemistress Mrs P has truly left her mark and without her it’s clear the House wouldn’t be the welcoming, caring, and fun environment that it is. The girls will always remember the kindness and immense care she showed us whether it was treating the House to pizzas, calming us down with her firm confidence in us, or simply one of her hugs. We are wishing her the best in her new pastoral position and are looking forward to what the next year will hold with the House welcoming Mr Henocq. Meanwhile we are already missing our Matron Sue Parker who left in November and thank her for the support she gave us. We miss her. We sadly said farewell too to Matrons Lucy Wakeman and Alice Knibbs. Thank you for all you have done for us.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Perlie M, Annie S, Astrid C, Isabel C

Endeavour: Tanya H

Elmslie Theatre

Performance: Daisy M

Upper College

Endeavour: Thea M, Ella C-B

Hornsby French: Claudia N

German: Zoe C

History of Art: Iona D

Theology, Philosophy and Ethics: Emelie S

Ronald Marsden Classics: Lucy M

Marcan Prize for Music: Mollie C

Hannam Clark Orchestra Prize: Kimmy K

CCF Millenium Trophy: Nathalie F

The Gasson Cup: Kimmy K

The Cadbury Cup: Erin D

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes

Design

(Resistant Materials): Ottilie R

History: Doris W

Psychology: Carrie H

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that our Lower College also won The Robertson Shield for girls’ House academic achievement.

House Editors: Liora B, Iona D and Thea M

Christowe

House Events

It has been a busy and successful year for the House with numerous events taking place. Our Christmas Dinner was a particularly impressive night held at The Queens Hotel. We also had many successful House trips ranging from paintballing with a lot of friendly fire on teachers, to Wibit (inflatables with a lot of water involved too!) which was a great success for the pupils with a few slips and slides along the way. Clan nights took place every Wednesday to ensure that the House connected throughout the different years, although they tended to end up with pasta all over the floor from broken ‘spaghetti bridges.’ Another highlight of the year was the Lower Sixth presentations throughout the Easter Term, where each member of the Lower Sixth made a presentation of their choosing. These ranged from war heroes to how to make dumplings. This was a very rewarding experience for us all, especially with the dumplings. The renovation of the kitchen brought new life and a greater sense of community.

Charity

One of the most impressive charitable moments this year was when the House raised funds for men’s mental health charity Incourage. To do this we took part in a whole House ‘last man standing’ running event. It was a brilliant cause but also helped to bond the House as we all took part together. In other charitable news Noah S and Tor A took part in Rhino Charge, a car event organised to raise money for the Kenyan charity, Rhino Ark. Both boys used their own time in order to fundraise for it and all the money raised went towards developing high impact forests to aid conservation.

Academic

Boyceites have been working extremely hard this year with many exceptional results. Academic Full Colours were awarded to William D and Half Colours were awarded to Jerome Y, Alvin S-T, Caspar C. There have also been Chapel talks from Samay M on Diwali and Hugo C on a music track of his choice – M83’s Outro. Oliver C has also been awarded an Army Scholarship and we look forward to hearing from him

in the future with how it goes. Also, many thanks to the many Boyceite Peer Mentors: Will D, Stepan R, Charlie Q, Casper C, Sean D, Avi S, Max S and Ollie S, all of whom are often found lending a helping hand to members of the House and supporting people across all different year groups.

Sport

It has been a very sporty year for Christowe. We excelled in House Pots, winning the Upper College rugby and rackets. Following this the juniors took second place in rugby. Ed R-D and Barney C both played for Gloucester U17 rugby. Gennaro B in Forth Form signed a contract with Forest Green U16 football academy. Lewis M and Lawrie Y both represented the 1st XV hockey whilst still in Fourth Form - an exceptional achievement and we look forward to seeing them play in the coming years. In the hockey seniors Max D and Hugo C were both awarded Full Colours with Hugo also captaining the team both indoors and out on to the astro.

Drama and Music

In Music both Henry G and Freddie Y played in the Cheltenham Jazz festival, with Henry G being awarded the Co-Curricular (Music) Blazer for his wonderful contributions to College music throughout the years. Stepan R in Fifth Form won the audience prize at the Gloucester Young Musician of the Year competition for piano, competing against people much older than him. This was a fantastic achievement. On the drama side, George L and Sean D starred in the Summer Showcase. Will D and Jerome Y were tech wizards backstage for the Upper College production of 1984. Music Half Colours were awarded to Stepan R and Oliver C.

Farewells and Thank Yous

As a House we want to say a massive thanks to our amazing Matrons and House staff who have helped the boys out in every aspect of school life throughout the year. They are the glue of the House and help with any problem that might arise. With the Upper Sixth and some members of the Fifth Form leaving it will be sad to see them go as they have had a profound impact upon the House. However, we wish them the best with their endeavours and hope that they stay in touch and come back to visit.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Endeavour: Sunny K, Charlie Q

Upper College

Endeavour: William D

IT- Cambridge Technical: Hobie B

Computer Science: Oliver S

Borchardt Mathematics: Jack Y

Head’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Hugo C

Marcan Prize for Music: Henry G

Army Leadership Prize: Oliver C

House Editors: Kip O’H and Tor A

College Lawn

House Events

The year started with a whole House trip to West Midlands Safari Park, where the girls took part in some family bonding. This was followed by our Christmas Meal, held at No 131, House Singing and countless other House events that the girls threw themselves into with enthusiasm. Saturday night socials have been successful this year, with Lower College out rollerblading and mid-winter beach parties, and Upper College getting their scare on for the Spooky Social and dressing up in formal attire for the Christmas Feast.

Charity

The whole House took part in the charity fun run for the College charity, National Star and Head of House, Molly S-M hosted the first ever College Reeling Society Ball. Our House charity event, in aid of Open Door, was expectational this year, with the girls in House attempting to beat Guinness World Records. Starting off with some Zumba instructed by our very own Matron Mrs Becky Clarke, energy was pumping, and the girls were ready to break some records which included how many toys could be thrown into a basket, and how many pennies could be stacked in two minutes.

Academic

The Fifth Form went through a rigorous scholarship process with Katie Y being awarded a Scholarship and Tilly B, Kitty F and Zlata P with Exhibitions. Ishbel B achieved joint top position for the senior Maths challenge, demonstrating great mathematical knowledge. Along with Melissa W and Gigi N-C, Ishbel also took on the UK Chemistry Olympiad, a national competition. All three attained Bronze Awards. Lastly, Jocelyn L and Tessa C have been working hard as co-presidents of Psychology Society to spread the love of the human mind across College. Academic Full Colours were awarded to Sarah A, Lottie E, Eleanor W and Izzy A-S and Half Colours were awarded to Katie Y, Bella W-G, Nastasia Z, Jocelyn L, Lavanya R, Ishbel B and Tessa C. We’re also extremely proud that Ava G, Alisa S and Juli W have been awarded Sixth Form Art Scholarships.

Sport

We performed exceptionally well in House Pots throughout the year, with a victory in football House Pots where Izzy A-S, Bella W-G, Kitty D, Eva C and Natal B joined with the girls in Queen’s and formed ‘Queen’s Lawn’. Rowing House Pots was also a success, where Ishbel B, Lottie E, Georgia B, and Isabella W took to the water, representing the House on the river at Tewksbury. Vivien L and Rachel T took to the badminton courts in November and walked away with first place in the doubles tournament against Cheltenham Ladies’ College.

Drama and Music

The year started with the Fraser Graham Piano competition. Ishbel B competed in the senior category and Hattie R was junior winner. We had a multitude of acts from College Lawn in the Variety Show including sketches by Molly S-M, Eleanor W and Melissa W as well as many musical performances. Besides excelling in the Pop genre, 16 of our girls performed at the College Concert, playing renditions from Beethoven to Keane. A black-tie charity Cabaret was also held where Melissa W and Eleanor W performed exceptionally well. Jocelyn L also performed a string quartet rendition of the iconic ‘Slipping Through my Fingers’ by ABBA. In the 1984 Upper College production, Bella P, Lavanya R, Eleanor W, Munisa A, Nastasia Z and Wenlin H contributed to a chilling production about a dystopian society. Other highlights of the year include Rykiel Y and Yolanda Y competing in Battle of the Bands, Candice N performing at The Elms and the Jazz Festival with JIG and Wenlin H, Melissa W and Eleanor W competing in the Singing Competition. Lastly, Juli W, Maya C and Annabelle W showcased their musical talents in the GCSE and A Level performance evenings. The House Play was a real highlight of the year, where 21 girls took to the stage alongside Boyne and Queen’s Houses to perform six of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Music Full Colours were awarded to Annabelle W and Music Half Colours were awarded to Xanthe H, Jocelyn L and Vivien L.

Farewells and Thank Yous

We are sad to see our outstanding Upper Sixth leave, but we know they must go to conquer the wider world. They are a year group full of life and love and are incomparable role models to the younger years. We all hope to see them flourish as they move on to the next exciting phase of their lives. It goes without saying that we hugely appreciate the work done by our Matrons Mrs Becky Clarke and Mrs Jo Blair, our Resident Tutors Mrs McBride and Mr Pirttijarvi, and all our tutors, to make College Lawn so amazing. This year we are saying goodbye to our incredible founding Housemistress of College Lawn, Mrs Wintle. Too many to name here but everyone in College Lawn is so grateful for all the amazing things Mrs Wintle has done for the House over the years, from the ‘forced fun’ nights we all secretly enjoy, to always being there for a chat. College Lawn wishes Mrs Wintle the best of luck at her new school -the girls will miss her very much.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Kitty C, Sophie E, Sarah A

Endeavour: Delilah B

Foundation Project

Qualification: Sophie E

Upper College

Endeavour: Xanthe H, Gigi N-C, Eva C

Applied Psychology – BTEC: Sophia J

Art: Lottie E

Design (Textiles): J ocelyn L

Bingen Human Geography: Eleanor W

Ronald Guthrie Bedford History: Bella W-G

Abbott Mathematics: Ishbel B

Abbott Mathematics for

Science: Melissa W

Extended Project

Qualification: Nastasia Z

Anthony James Art: Eva C

Sports Science: Lavanya R

Head’s Award for Outstanding

Commitment: Molly S-M

Marcan Prize for Music: Annabelle W

Davenport Musical Theatre: Lavanya R, Bella P

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes

Design (Textiles): Amber G

Economics: Izzy A-S

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that our Upper College also won The Lladarin Sheild for girls’ House academic achievement.

House Editor: Jocelyn L and Sophia J

Hazelwell

House Events

We saw Hazelwell undergoing major development with the refurbishment of ‘The Red Dragon’ - the Sixth Form Common Room now equipped with a darts board, pool table and TV. The boys enjoyed a whole host of weekend activities including trips to high ropes courses, paddleboarding, gokarting and rollercoaster parks. In House we also held several Dragon Team events and saw heated competitions including football tournaments and scavenger hunts.

Charity

We focused on our charitable organisation: the Cornerstone Centre. Set with the goal of running 1,000 miles, it’s been a pleasure to see the boys getting active in the mornings and even participating in the Eastnor Mud Bath this April. Congratulations for this go to both Angus G and Noah O for their amazing efforts in the 6km and 10km respectively. The boys’ efforts finally culminated in a wonderful evening of music and drama organised by Ryan C, which featured the story of Snow White, a pop duet, various classical pieces and even a communal sing-along to ‘Sweet Caroline’.

Academic

The boys continued to show a genuine passion and determination for their studies, with Full Academic Colours being awarded to Max CH, Ryan C, Gareth T and Tristan E, and Half Colours going to Xander M, Thomas W-G and Johnny C. We were also proud to congratulate Bhavya J on his selection for the British Maths Olympiad, having achieved the highest in College for the competition, and to Taka M, Daniel Q and Gareth T for their own Gold Awards in this event. The boys got involved and presented in a wide range of societies, with special mention to Max CH and Tristan E for their appointments to senior roles in Morley and UCS respectively. It was also fantastic to see Justin W achieving highest in the school in the Chemistry Olympiad, with four other awards being given to those in our Lower Sixth. Three students gave Chapel talks on the virtues of wisdom, peace and forgiveness, along with a fantastic singing solo from Miss Vaughan and a talk on ‘the power of Chapel” by Mr Hayes.

Drama and Music

We took to the school stage with involvement in Great Expectations and Orwell’s 1984. Special mention goes to Sebastian B, Tom H, Xander M and Max CH on being awarded Drama Full Colours and to Oliver E, Aaryan M, Sam P, Ludovic R and Sebastian M-T for their outstanding performances in the Variety Show in Autumn. Music continued to thrive also, as members of the choir and ensembles such as Symphony Orchestra and Wind Band took part in the College Concert in December, including debut performances from both Cyrus Y and Alexander C, our two new Lower Sixth this year. We also saw a host of talented musicians involved in other school showcases, lunchtime concerts and competitions, and were hugely proud of Hazelwell’s heart-wrenching performance of ‘Budapest’ in House Singing. Music Half Colours were awarded to Ryan C and Gareth T.

Sport

We have seen a number of sporting successes, notably returning the badminton House Pots trophy to our shelves for the third consecutive year. Congratulations go to Rex Y for his efforts, having also won the Gloucestershire U18 badminton tournament this year. We also won the basketball House Pots, just one week after a tense ‘training match’ against our very own teachers! Special mention goes to Zac F for his outstanding performances in both events and to Thomas W for being awarded MVP. We saw strong performances from both Lower and Upper College in rugby, hockey and football - with Aaryan M captaining the 3rd XI team in successful fixtures and both Thomas W-G and William S playing in this year’s annual Charity rugby match against Sir Thomas Rich’s. The boys were involved in swimming galas, rowing fixtures, rackets tournaments and polo matches, with special mention going to Arav A for his performances in squash and to both George S and William S for their 50m victories in swimming House Pots. Externally, we were also immensely proud to see Edward C representing Great Britain in the European Shooting Championship and for Max F’s county performances in both hockey and cricket.

Farewells and Thank Yous

On a final note, we must say a bittersweet farewell to not only our Upper Sixth, who have been shining ambassadors to Hazelwell and College alike over the last five years, but also to the students and teachers who must leave us this year. The House is devastated to see Mr Ballentyne move to Newick House, and while the offer to camp out in the shed is still open to him, we’ll all miss him dearly if he declines. Our thoughts also go to those who won’t be returning and we wish them all the best. The boys are so grateful for all the work done over the year by our Housemaster Mr Hayes, resident tutors, tutors, matrons and support staff. We want to thank you all for your constant help. Congratulations go to Max CH for his position as Deputy Head of College for the coming year.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Endeavour: Sam H, Daniel Q

Upper College

Endeavour: Max CH, Gareth T

Tanner Biology: Ryan C

Politics: Xander M

Extended Project Qualification

(Artefact): Alexander C

Ian Marsden Chemistry: Justin W

IT – Cambridge Technical: Aaryan M

Adams Prize: Rex Y

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

Spanish: Ivan L

House Editor: Tristan E

Leconfield

House Events

It was, as always, a full-on year in Leconfield. In the Autumn Term we took part in the annual paintballing at Combat Splat. This was a great way to form bonds in the new year and many paint covered smiles emerged from the battlefield after a long day. We then quickly immersed ourselves in the College Fun Run which saw all the boys particularly enjoying the ‘slip n slide’ and delicious roast afterwards. The boys then tested their athletic skills in Ninja Warrior along with a few other Houses. The House then took to the dry ski slopes where boys were seen tubing, skiing, and tumbling down the course in a show of exceptional skill. Many thanks from the entire House go to our excellent Resident Tutor Mrs O’Malley who has organised beloved Anchor Nights every Thursday ranging from inter-year football tournaments to ‘snowball’ fights in the Common Room.

Charity

Charity initiatives this year have been resoundingly successful. This year we raised money for both the Bethany Joy orphanage in Nairobi and the British Heart Foundation. Charitable highlights were Mr Evans’ unforgettable Movember moustache, the adored Leconfield Tennis Tournament, the exciting Leconfield Casino Night, and the ambitious 1866 Challenge where the boys of the House all worked together to cycle, row, run, and even ski a combined total of 1,866km.

Academic

Our many triumphs included the Hart Shield won by our Lower College while George T won the Adams Prize for greatest improvement from GCSEs to A Level and Ed C won the Sports Science Award for Lower Sixth. Harry H was this year’s recipient of the Snell Cup for most promising sportsman in Leconfield’s Lower College and Fred D received the Housemaster’s Cup for most improved academically since joining. Finn C was awarded his Anchor Tie at Speech Day for achieving an extraordinary 4.36 average ATL over the five years he’s been at College. Academic Full Colours were awarded to River H and Max C and Half Colours were awarded to Aaden C, Adam KJ, Ed C, Curtis P, Jerry C and Fred D.

Drama and Music

Leconfield has had an excellent year of music and drama. Oliver B gave an excellent performance as the lead in College’s riveting production of Orwell’s 1984. We then had the Scholars’ Play which saw Finn C and Matthieu VS perform in Dickens’ Great Expectations. Musical talent in Leconfield continues to be outstanding with Felix W, Oleg K, Finn C and Curtis P representing the House brilliantly in the Cheltenham Jazz Festival as part of JIG. JIG members also gave a wonderful performance in both the College Cabaret Night and the annual Variety Show. Last but not least, Oleg K also led his band to perform at BoyneFest; undoubtedly the highlight of the evening. Curtis P received his Music Full Colours.

Sport

This year has been a triumphant year for sporting achievements. We took home the senior football House Pots in a nail-biting win against Newick House. Archie W, who played in goal, said that ‘it was the chemistry of the team that finally brought home the well-deserved trophy’. On the hockey pitches, Leconfield was also brilliant with our senior team narrowly losing the final to secure second place. Our juniors were also excellent in sports winning the junior rugby House Pots, further adding to the House accolades. The juniors also performed strongly on the river with Joshua W, Sam A, Max W, Thomas B-D, and their cox Ronan D bringing home Silver for Leconfield. Congratulations also go to Ed C for his rugby scholarship with Sport USA.

Farewells and Thank Yous

As the year comes to a close, we regretfully say goodbye to our Head of House George S. George has been a bastion of support for the boys and the staff and will be missed. He said: ‘It has been wonderful working on leadership and helping out the House. It has really pushed me out my comfort zone, but I am grateful for the experience. I am proud and reassured to leave the House in the hands of our next Head of House, Jim W, who will undoubtedly lead the House brilliantly.’ A special farewell must be given to our Resident Tutor Mr Diamond who is leaving us for a new job at Mill Hill as Head of Cricket. Mr Diamond has been a dynamic, fun, and respected presence in the House for the last five years. From weekends to House trips, Mr Diamond has done an incredible amount for us and will be truly missed by everyone. We would also like to wish Tutor Mrs Ward well as she goes on maternity leave. At the end of the year, a big thank you must be said to our Matrons, Mrs Groves and Mrs Booth, our other Resident Tutor Mrs O’Malley, Mr and Mrs Evans, and all of the wonderful tutors that assist in House. Thank you for the support, care, and energy that you all bring to Leconfield. Finally, thanks go to our Houseman Rob and Housekeepers Agnes, Emilia and Adrienne, who expertly manage to make Leconfield look like it doesn’t have more than 70 teenage boys living here.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment : Henry B, Jerry C

Foundation Project

Qualification: Anirudh L

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Ronan D, Anirudh L

Upper College

Endeavour: Finn C

Computer Science: Aaden C

Sports Science: Ed C

Davenport Drama Award: Finn C

Adams Prize: George T

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

Classical Civilisation: Sebastian T

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that our Lower College also won the Hart Shield for boys’ House academic achievement. House Editor: River H

Newick House

House Events

As always, Newick has had a colourful calendar crammed with activities and dinners. We started off the year with some great nights gathered around the fire pit with freshly made pizza, laughing and talking between the year groups. As we moved into the colder months, we had our annual Burns Night dinner. Our dapper clothes, fine food and ill-advised Scottish accents would make Robert Burns rolling in his grave. Continuing with the Caledonian theme we had a large troupe of Sixth Form attending the tartan fuelled Reeling Society Ball. As the weather warmed up, we went to the high ropes where Jude W overestimated his strength and had to be ziplined down the course causing a traffic jam on the tight rope.

Charity

I believe it might have been Churchill who said ‘Never in the fields of Cleeve Hill Golf Club was so much given by so few’, which is a true testament to the courageous efforts of the whole of Newick House. Most of the boys chose to run a 14km uphill sponsored run, sold to us by Mr Hayden as ‘9km downhill’. We raised money for our House charity Maggie’s, which is a cancer support centre based in Cheltenham which we can visit. Mr Hayden also ran the London Marathon in a very respectable time raising money for Hospice UK, a charity very close to his heart. However, the charity does not stop there. OC and last year’s leaver Freddie Robertson (NH, 2023) rode a motorcycle from Hanoi in the north of Vietnam down to Ho Chi Minh City over the course of a month raising money for the Blue Dragon Charity. Blue Dragon helps stop the trafficking of Vietnamese children and helps rehabilitate them back into their families and schools. OCs Guy Beazley (NH, 2020), Tom Beazley (NH, 2021) and Charlie Gardiner (NH, 2020) embarked on a trip to Ukraine. They bought a couple of pickup trucks, filled them with aid and drove them across Europe into Ukraine. They left the trucks in Ukraine and flew home.

Academic

It is often that Muglestonites are mentioned alongside the greats DaVinci, Eisenstein, Newton, Oscar F. With our strong attendance rate at Upper College, led by Jamie R, Newick dominated in University Challenge and Model UN. Jamie R and Tom C both gained their Exhibition and Scholarship Ties

respectively, helping to fuel the House of Academia that is Newick House. Paddy G and Thomas C need a special shout out for their epic achievements, with Paddy G being the youngest and last person currently in the school to get the old Science Society Tie, and Thomas C gaining impressively the highest attainment in the Third Form. Academic Half Colours were also awarded to Amir B, Hendrie N and Bryn E.

Sport

We continue to give our all on the sports field, proudly representing the House in numerous House Pots. We retained the senior Sports Day trophy as well as the senior swimming House Pots with a particularly notable contribution from Terry (the Torpedo) H. The seniors secured the hockey trophy with standout performances from Bryn E and Max H. The seniors sadly went out in the group stages of the rugby Pots on points difference and so the dream of a clean sweep was unfortunately dashed. Despite a valiant effort from Third Form, they were unable to continue the tradition of winning the junior House Pots trophy, falling just short to Southwood. Gus C-R was appointed 1st XI cricket captain and was deservedly also awarded his Full Colours.

Drama and Music

Newick’s musical talent really shone through at House Singing, and like the phoenix, we rose from the ashes and placed for the first time in living memory, leading Mr Hayden to call it ‘the happiest night of his life’, much to Mrs Hayden’s disappointment. Dominykas D, our very own Eastern European Louis Armstrong, was awarded his Music Co-Curricular Blazer, for his commitment to the musical arts. He also won his category in the Singing Competition, a true ‘crescendo’ for his time at College. Both Anson W and Karsen H gave strong performances in the Fraser Graham Piano competition and Hendrie N received his Music Full Colours.

Farewells and Thank Yous

We said goodbye to Upper Sixth led by Head of House Hawi R who, on occasion, did make the Prefect rota. Next to him stood one of his deputies whilst the other was probably in bed! Dominykas D was constantly ready to help around House and was commendable in sorting out Lower College while Gus C-R took on a similar leadership style to Hawi. All of Upper Sixth have contributed greatly to the House and they leave us for even greater heights with their wide range of universities and courses, truly showing their diversity and individuality. We also said goodbye to Miss Buist, who like Captain Cook came in and not only rejuvenated Tribes but can also be held accountable for our awesome performance in House Singing. We are grateful for all you have done. One year short of a decade we sadly say goodbye to Mr Hayden, whose continued commitment to the House is incomparable. He has shaped and guided Newick into the House that it now is, turning the boys into kind, polite and honest men. Special thanks of course must also go to Mrs Hayden for all her fun, patience and kindness. Although the family are not leaving College, they will be greatly missed in Newick.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Thomas C, Paddy G, Amir B

Endeavour: Caspar B

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Paddy G

Upper College

Physical Geography (John Morse): George G

Head’s Award for Outstanding

Commitment: Charlie W

Davenport Theatre

Performance: Charlie W

The John Bowes Cup: Dominykas D

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

Music: Dominykas D

House Editor: Edward A

The Queen’s House

House Events

We pride ourselves on our family system where different year groups form part of a family - named after a crown jewel. Diamonds won the Garden Olympiads and the Easter Egg Hunt, whilst Pearls dominated the Rounders tournament. The Sixth Form’s Alpine Dinner meant dressing up in ski gear and enjoying mulled wine with an indulgent cheese fondue and tartiflette. For Christmas Dinner we enjoyed an evening of letting our hair down at The Queens Hotel. We also hosted a pub quiz and performance evening in Big C and parents showed off their superior general knowledge. In a ‘dance off’ Fifth Form won with their rendition of ABBA but we loved every act. Congratulations Upper Sixth for getting the whole audience on their feet during the Zumbathon.

Charity

The Secret Garden Hub in Cheltenham is our chosen local charity for the next four years. As a day hub it is part of the Lilian Faithfull Homes supporting those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, recovering from strokes and other conditions. A third of their residents and guests have little or no means of personally funding their care. We visited on a monthly basis and raised money to help with their seaside trip and buying new garden furniture. Other fundraising events included a beer-tasting evening, a nail salon, a hog roast, a group pilates evening and a concert. Well done to Katie R and her mum Lucy for winning the mum-daughter title in our charity tennis competition, and to Rose I and her dad Jeremy for the fatherdaughter title. We were so immensely proud to win the Bellamy Charity Cup, not so much for the actual win, but for the recognition that we care so much about our chosen charity. We look forward to our visits, whether it is for Desert Island Discs, a book club, discussing old family photos, celebrating someone’s 90th birthday or hosting their tea and cake break.

Academic

Ava M, Aoife M and Tilly C were awarded Academic Half Colours while Ellie M and Lily R received Full Colours. Societies were very well attended, and we continued to build on our reputation for being academically hard-working girls.

This is reflected in the number of Commendations that are awarded each day, and commendable ATL scores throughout all the years.

Sport

The girls did well in all House Pots. We won the rowing House Pots captained by Victoria H, as well as the junior hockey, captained by Izzy B. We secured the junior netball Pots too led by led by Amelia T and Amara H. Autumn C and Tula L-H represented us in this year’s nail-biting netball charity match against King’s Worcester. College emerged victorious. In football House Pots Izzy O led the joint team from Queen’s and College Lawn to victory. With many of us playing for club and county, we were proud to have so many girls playing cricket for the 1st XI too. We had fun at the Swimming Gala and won the junior cup, captained by Evie W. Maddie A made us immensely proud by being selected for the England U16 hockey squad - a thoroughly deserved opportunity. Our equestrian team kept Queen’s name in the spotlight. Darcey C and her horse, Kate, jumped 1m at Hartpury and were awarded three rosettes. Daphne G and Zoe C also achieved personal bests. Although we didn’t win overall at Sports Day this year, we broke a few records and won lots of individual events, such as the 100m for Olivia M, the high jump for Red G, the welly-wanging for Lucy C, and the prestigious Victorium Plates for our runners Izzy B and Ella B.

Drama and Music

Ava R and Milly J, who play in JIG, are two of the many gifted musicians from Queen’s and they made us enormously proud by their performance at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. The Cabaret evening was fantastic, displaying the amazing musicality of JIG, Isabella B-B, and Hayden T. We placed second in House Singing with our rendition of ‘Africa’ by Toto, conducted wonderfully by Katie R. It was our turn to do a House Play with College Lawn and Boyne House and we produced a very funny take on Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Over 20 girls from Queen’s made vital contributions to this show by performing, directing, and assisting with makeup or props backstage. Isabella B-B received her Music Half Colours while Hayden T was awarded her Music Co-Curricular Blazer.

Farewells and Thank Yous

Ms Howkins stepped down as a Tutor and Dr Harris returned to Westal. We thank them both for all they have done and for so many happy tutorials over the last few years. Mr Bates and Mrs Faulkner are the new assistant HsMs to Mme Bates, after two great years with Miss Davies, who was instrumental in setting up our House charity. We were all very sad to say goodbye to Mrs Hale, our dearly loved Matron. She has left her mark on all of us and we are missing her lots. We warmly welcomed Mrs Negus-Cole. We hope she will be happy in Queen’s and that she will never stop baking her wonderful brownies!

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Endeavour: Olivia D, Olivia M

Elmslie Drama: Aoife M and Lily R

Upper College

Endeavour: Poppy W

Business CTech: Zoe C

Chemistry: Ellie M

Rea English Literature: Isabella B-B

Music: Hayden T

Spanish: Ollie G

Head’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Ella B

Marcan Prize for Music: Milly J

Davenport Drama Award: Molly R

The Sloan Cup: Autumn C

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes

Business: Isla S

French: Charlotte T

Geography: Katie R

Politics: Molly R

Theatre Studies: Kitty P

Cup Winners!

We are proud to say that as a House Queen’s won The Bellamy Cup for Charitable Endeavour.

House Editor: Izzy O and Izzy W

Southwood

House Events

As a House we have hosted many events with everyone involved. Highlights included our charity casino night which brought parents and Upper College boys together for an evening of fun. The boys threw themselves into the annual House football tournament, which involved an evening of wayward passes, scuffed shots, and a lot of fun under the floodlights in the garden. A Top Gun: Maverick outdoor cinema movie night was also a particular hit, and the Christmas Dinner at the Long Horn restaurant was a top treat too.

Charity

Southwood has exceeded expectations yet again this year with supporting our chosen charity of the year, The Trussell Trust food bank in Cheltenham. The boys supported them by providing lots of different food items which we knew would be much needed by those supported by the charity. The boys were given a certain item to bring in over the Christmas period – including toiletries and baby items as well as food. Southwood did not disappoint with the boys, and of course their parents, going completely above and beyond what was asked of them by bringing in a staggering amount of items. These items where then transported to the food bank by Mr Orchard...and it is safe to say that he did more trips to and from the charity then he ever expected!

Academic

An Academic Improvement prize went to Andika S this year, Jude R was awarded Academic Full Colours while Sam C and Charles M were awarded Academic Half Colours. Ollie W was a Wilson Diploma Gold Award Winner. Southwood took part in the Model United Nations, represented by Cameron M in an eventful evening of debating. In Economics, Zach R and Charlie W now hold a financial services qualification. Congratulations to Theodore N and Charlie W, again, who were awarded their 14-year ties. These go to students who have completed a full shift at Pre-Prep, The Prep and College. Will D continues to fly a crucial flag by representing Southwood as a Peer Mentor.

Sport

As per last year, the Southwood boys kept up their winning ways on the sports pitches. Southwood boys particularly excelled in rugby with Ethan J, Tom U and TJ F being awarded their rugby Full Colours and with TJ captaining the 1st XV to many victories. Congratulations to Josh H who played for Gloucester U17s and U18s at Kingsholm. In golf Theodore N was captain and won the afternoon event at the OC Day. The Southwood boys showed promise in rowing on and off the water, with Ed D winning two Golds at the indoor championship. Rowing Full Colours were awarded to Charlie W and Southwood won the Prize Oar at the Cheltonian Society Regatta. Southwood tends to make up at least half of the College’s rowing squad, which suggests many successful years lie ahead. House Pots were very eventful, too, with the boys getting involved in every event. Congratulations to the Third Form for being the junior rugby House Pots winners. The boys put on a great show for the title and eventually came out victorious. In House hockey the Third and Firth Forms put together another good set of games coming out on top and winning both competitions. Congratulations to Nabih K and Max K for winning the senior tennis House Pots. In rackets Max (Quickstep) K excelled on the court, captaining the College team. Congratulations to Max K and Jude R, who won the senior boys’ rackets House Pots. In swimming the senior boys’ relay team competed in the finals for the ESSA Schools’ Team Championship, while the medley team which included great swims from Jude R and Josh H was placed 14th nationally.

Drama and Music

Congratulations to Henry B for getting his Drama Half Colours and to George W, Jayke N and Edward D for representing the House in choir.

Farewells and Thank Yous

As we come to the end of the year, unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to the current Upper Sixth. During this year there were so many good times and it was a pleasure to share the House with them. They have been a great year, providing role models for lots of the boys. Many of us have formed friendships with them and they will undoubtedly continue to inspire us after their departure. We bid them farewell and hope that they come back to visit. We also say farewell to Mrs Smith who has been a vital part of the tutor team in House. Tutor Mr Floyd departs College for fresh fields too while Mr Lait is heading to The Prep to be Head of DT. Thank you for all you have done and we wish you all well in the future. A huge thank you to Emma, who put on a series of pasta nights for the House - boys were lining up like Oliver Twist for ‘more, please’, to our Matrons Cathie Hutchins, Jules Hartley and Sally Morton, our tutors, and Viv, our indefatigable cleaner. It’s a real team effort in Southwood, one in which we all play our part.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Doug M, Mills

A, Charles M

Endeavour: William B, George B, Ted M, Sam C

Upper College

Endeavour: Charlie W

Lionel Wells Physics: Finn K

Sports Science CTech: Cody W

Jackson-Matthews Chapel Prize (for best address): Finn K

The Duleepsinhji Cup: TJ F

The Stidworthy Cup: Tom U

The Galahad Cup: Bertie P

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes

Mathematics: Bertie P

Applied Psychology: Ethan J

House Editor: Will D

Westal

House Events

As the academic year draws to a close, we reflect upon a year brimming with an array of captivating activities and commendable achievements within the esteemed walls of Westal. From the traditional ‘huddles’ competitions, fostering meaningful connections across year groups, and the successful organisation of the Lower College Social, ‘Westival’, our House has thrived with unyielding ambition and camaraderie.

Charity

We continue in our support for our House charity A Life for a Cure. Our bake sale in Quad was a particularly successful fundraiser. The cakes were adorned with a vibrant rainbow theme in honour of LGBT+ History Month in February. We eagerly anticipate reviving this tradition in the years to come. Meanwhile Tilly B and Sophia L created a business selling College pinstripe pyjama bottoms to raise money for the school charity National Star. After designing and finding a reliable supplier they took their passion for A Level Business outside the classroom and into real-life. To buy a pair, go to the Cheltionain Society online shop.

Academic

Well done to Maisy W, Esme C and Anna S-J for attaining their academic Half Colours and Ademide O for attaining her Academic Full Colours. Ademide, President of Upper College Society, impressively organised this year’s Model United Nations. Kisu B-A, Lily W, and Kimi H won Bronze in the Physics Olympiad, while in the Maths Olympiad Sarah H won Bronze and Lily W won Gold. We also congratulate Annabel C, Zoe H-L and Ademide O for the most improved ATLs. We are extremely proud of Kisu for delivering an enlightening Chapel talk on Ramadan.

Sport

The year was full of spectacular sporting achievements. Our senior girls won the senior hockey House Pots and the senior netball House Pots. Poppy D admirably captained the 1st VII netball and showcased her exceptional skills as a goal shooter. She earned her Full Colours Tie and Blazer. Equally, Hebe H, who played goal defence in the 1st VII received her netball Half Colours. We saw them both exhibit their grit at the spirited annual charity netball match. Emily N was awarded her

badminton Full Colours, Matilda M and Tilda B received their hockey Half Colours, and Liv G was awarded her swimming Half Colours. Poppy B won the girls’ U16s National Racket Competition, and Matilda M was chosen for the England Hockey Talent Academy.

Drama, Music and DofE

The Autumn Term closed with House Singing in which we were triumphant! The resounding harmony of 77 voices united in a rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’, propelling us to first place. Our heartfelt gratitude to conductor Georgie H, whose remarkable guidance elevated our performance. Making their way into the spotlight Maisy W and Ademide O sang solos in the Variety Show where we also had the pleasure of the hilarious Prefect sketch, with Liv G as Mr Morton and Andrea K as our Westal Housemistress, Mrs Lang. Sophia L performed with her band UNIS at the Battle of the Bands. So too did Georgie H with her band who also gave a vibrant performance at BoyneFest. Her remarkable achievements earned Georgie the honour of receiving her Music Co-Curricular Blazer. In the Scholars’ Play Keona L and Maisy W performed in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. In the Upper College play, we were invited into the radical world of Orwell’s 1984 in which Carys B, Ademide O, Maisy W and Keona L performed. Many of our girls got through to the Singing Competition final, where Maisy W and Georgie H were both awarded Highly Commended performances in the Musical Theatre category. Keona L, Maisy W, Ademide O and Matilda M were also awarded their Drama Full Colours. Brava girls! Music Full Colours were awarded to Maisy W and Music Half Colours were awarded to Wangari N. Congratulations go to Liv G, Tezita R-A, and Holly B for completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

Head of House’s Message

‘Over my five years in Westal, there has never been a dull moment. This vibrant community has become a family to me. I am grateful for the cherished memories and lifelong friendships created. My favourite memory was when we won House Singing earlier this year. I will never forget the loud Westal cheers when it was announced.’ - Andrea K

Farewells and Thank Yous

The time has come for us to bid farewell to our cherished Upper Sixth. We wish them all the very best for their exciting journey ahead. They will be keenly missed! We also wave farewell to one of our tutors, Miss Manning. Thank you for all you have done for us.The unwavering support of our dedicated Matrons, Mrs Matthews and Mrs Wright, alongside the invaluable contributions of Mr and Mrs Lang, Ms Norval, Mrs Brooke, and our tutors, have been instrumental in our successes above. We are immensely grateful for their support. We also want to warmly congratulate the Langs on the joyous arrival of their new baby and we wish Mrs Lang a blissful maternity leave. Finally, we extend our sincerest congratulations to Ngoni M, our incoming Head Girl, and Hebe H our incoming Head of Westal.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Lottie F

Endeavour: Saskia B, Esme C, Maisy W

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Ella M

Elmslie Musical Theatre: Maisy W

Upper College

Business: Sophia L

Classical Civilisation: Ademide O

Saville Classics: Ngonidzashe M

Theatre Studies: Carys B

Tanner Biology: Emily N

History of Art: Mariia G

Head’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Andrea K

Dagley Morris Prize (for Chapel Music): Georgina H

Davenport Musical Theatre: Mirabel E

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

English: Mirabel E

House Editor: Keona L

Where are they now?

We asked some recent leavers two questions:

What is your best memory from College or your House? What have you been doing since leaving College?

Mira Kohen Morhayim (W, 2020)

I loved my time at College! I have so many great memories, but my favourite is baking at Westal. We would meet almost twice a week and bake cookies, apple crumble, and cinnamon rolls, and chat in the kitchen. I have not made cookies that good since! It was so special to enjoy everyone’s company and just have a lovely snack after a long day.

After graduating from College in 2020, unfortunately under pandemic circumstances, I pursued a joint honours degree in Psychology and Business at the University of Edinburgh. I just graduated this year. I started working at Cisco as a Customer Solutions Specialist in August where I am focusing on market data analysis and behavioural analytics.

Jilly Woodward (Ch, 2019)

One of my highlights was co-directing the Chandos-Southwood House play. It was so much fun creating a show with all of our friends. CCF was also a huge part of my time there, and I always had such a fantastic time on the summer camp. I loved Chandos and my incredible Housemistress, Mrs Poulain, is a key part of who I am today.

Flash forward to now, I finished my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter in 2022 and have recently moved to London. I’m currently working for Bloomberg Intelligence as a Disease Specialist while also finishing off my master’s at Exeter in antibiotic resistance.

Ollie Callon Hine (H, 2022)

My favourite memory of College would have to be camaraderie with peers and the friends I made. Another favourite has to be Chapel. The act of sitting as a collective and singing is something that is really rare to find outside of school.

Since leaving, I have been reading Film at King’s College London. Alongside this, I have been building my portfolio as director, whilst also working on some studio films. In 2023, I was lucky to be part of a three-month exchange programme to UC Irvine in the USA where I wrote and directed a short film that was long listed for the BAFTA student film awards. I am currently working on a short film that I hope to take to festivals in 2025.

Gemma Radburn-Todd (CL, 2020)

Picking a best memory from College is difficult when so many amazing times were had. I loved Prefects’ break, everyone piling into the Dining Hall at break time for biscuits and coffee. It became routine and we all laughed so much every day! College Lawn winning House Singing in my final year is a definite great memory too.

Since leaving College I’ve gained a degree in History of Art from Edinburgh, alongside so many other OCs who came to Edinburgh! I’ve been working at the auction house Bonhams, amongst others, and now after four years it’s time to move on to my next chapter in London to begin a career in the arts.

Lara Scudamore (A, 2022)

Choosing one memory is tough, but a highlight was our final evening before Speech Day of Upper Sixth. We had a sunset picnic on Cleeve Hill celebrating finishing school and, more importantly, our sports day victory from earlier in the day!

After College, I took a gap year, working at Cheltenham Muscat in Oman before backpacking through Southeast Asia. Working in Muscat as part of the new and exciting Cheltenham community that is growing out in Oman was fantastic. I often think about all of the staff and pupils and hope to visit again soon. I have just enjoyed a summer job in the United States and have started my second year studying Biology at the University of Bristol.

Thomas Chu (Xt, 2020)

My favourite memory of Christowe has to be the House Christmas Dinner, a time when everyone dressed up and came together to celebrate our achievements over the past year. It was a perfect occasion for Boyceites to showcase their creativity, whether in selecting presents for Secret Santa or weaving as many jokes as possible into their speeches.

I recently completed a master’s in Biochemistry from Oxford, where I was also involved in environmental advocacy and co-founded the Oxford Alternative Proteins Society. I’m currently travelling around Australia before returning to London to start my job at Rede Partners in private capital advisory.

Annabel Watkin (Q, 2020)

I look back fondly upon my years in College. A highlight would be morning Chapel and the feeling of community that is fostered by singing together.

After leaving college in 2020, I moved to Cardiff where I studied a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and am now studying Medicine. Besides my studies, I have worked within Red Bull UK’s field marketing team for the past two years. I am writing this passage in my office at Henley Royal Regatta, where I’m looking after the coxswains and enjoying a lovely view of the pontoons! When I’m not working I like to spend my time wild swimming and exploring new countries. Latvia has been a recent favourite!

Annabel Merheim-Kealy (Q, 2018)

There are a lot of memories from Queen’s to choose from, but I think the Easter egg hunts Mrs Handy would organise for us were always loads of fun, even in Sixth Form!

Since leaving college in 2018, I studied History of Art for four years at Trinity College Dublin, which I loved! After I graduated, I wanted to turn my hobby of jewellery making into a career. I enrolled in a two-year jewellery and silversmithing HND at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, which I completed this year. I’m just beginning my jewellery career and am excited to see where it will take me!

Leavers’ Day

Leavers’ Day

Valete - Our Fond Farewells

Katie Brooking

Where do we begin to say goodbye to Katie, Brooko, or our personal favourite Katrina and the Waves, which was initially a joke lost on someone born in 1998! Joking aside, she is our own ray of sunshine - even when there is another downpour during timetable games. Although only here for four years, Katie has contributed enormously to College life. In 2020 she joined as a Resident Sports Professional and since then she has fulfilled the roles of Head of Netball, Head of Girls’ Cricket and Resident Tutor in Ashmead. Under her leadership the Netball Club has flourished. Her professionalism and enthusiasm with the 1st VII and all netballers in the programme will be hugely missed. Katie is able to offer excellent technical and tactical coaching in all three sports to maximise the girls’ development and success.

Girls’ cricket has thrived under Katie’s leadership. Her passion and dedication to develop the game is outstanding and it is in a truly wonderful position. We can only thank Katie for this achievement.

The hole Katie leaves in Ashmead is enormous. She has become a part of the Ashmead family and she will be sorely missed by all. Starting during a lockdown Katie quickly became the big sister to all through her caring and approachable manner. At a time when the girls needed fun and challenge, we saw Katie’s true colours. She was bubbly, fun and encouraged so many pupils to join in with her online social events or PT circuits. Despite being the ‘young and fun one’ Katie has always set the highest expectations and has been friendly, firm and fair in her management of the girls. She fights their corner at all times and is always there with a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.

In summary Katie has made a huge contribution to College and she will be hugely missed by all pupils, parents and staff. Her kindness, energy and positivity will leave very big shoes to fill! We wish her every success at Heath Mount School and hope that she and Jamie enjoy life together with their evenings not involving 100s of teenagers! We hope to see you back for many sports events for years to come.

Becky Faulkner and Lottie Robinson

Fran Buist

Fran joined the Physics Department at College in September 2022 having completed the vast majority of her teaching up to that point in lockdowns and socially distanced classrooms. However, it became apparent very quickly that, despite all of this, she was already a fantastic teacher who delivered well planned and engaging lessons with very strong subject knowledge. Her contributions to the Department have been countless, with the highly successful Safe Cracking Elective, running many extension classes and providing us with our daily cryptic crossword to mention just a few.

Outside of the Department Fran’s main role has been as Deputy HsM of Newick House for the last two years. She has shown great care for the pupils in both her tutor group and the House, gone beyond and above what is expected of her in the role and the boys are much the better off because of her guidance. Fran has also made a superb contribution to the choral life of College through her singing with the College and Chamber Choirs. She has been fully dedicated to both choirs, making time to sing every Sunday, even when not on duty. Fran has a fantastic alto voice, and her confidence in leading the section has been of huge benefit to the pupils. She has also been a key member of the DofE team, training the pupils for their Silver Award and enjoying the expeditions in the summer.

Fran is a team player. She is the sort of person that will be the first to offer help when required, always happy to offer advice and support to colleagues who need it and loves a cup of tea! She is a shining star in the Physics Department and will be greatly missed. We wish her the best of luck with her future endeavours.

Matthew Cole

Jamie Diamond

Jamie joined us in 2019 as a Resident Tutor in Leconfield and Sports Professional at both College and The Prep. Leconfield and the Sports Department were absolutely delighted with the signing. He began his time at College picking up Young Cricket Coach of the Year, awarded by the ECB, and finishes here as Head Coach of the Girls 1st XI, having overseen the coaching programme for girls’ cricket. Described by more than one of his colleagues as a ‘labrador puppy’ – he has brought his boundless energy to his

coaching, his tutoring and his duty of care in the House, where he has shown great loyalty to all those he has overseen. The Leconfield boys have loved his sense of fun and adventure, he has always been good for a chat – whether that be a ‘deep and meaningful’ in the study or a more gregarious group chat in the later hours on return from a social. He has always known how to get the best out of the boys, whilst also helping them to see the error of their ways. On the sports pitches and fields, coaching rugby, hockey and cricket to both girls and boys on both sides of the Thirlestaine Road, he was never happy with the status quo and is always looking for exciting ways to improve. His effervescence and good character will be sorely missed, but he leaves College to take up the post of Director of Cricket at Mill Hill, where we have no doubt, he will make an exceptional impact. We look forward to seeing him back in Cheltenham with a fine touring team.

Dan Evans

Paul Floyd

Though the UK has had a summer of electoral revolution, the rich tapestry of College had already been added to by our very own political maverick – Paul Floyd. The Gospel of Politics and History, according to JPF, has been preached vociferously by this mercurial figure since his arrival at College last year– fully equipped with aviators, linen jacket and particularly wellcoiffed hair. He didn’t just look the part - he has astounded Upper and Lower College pupils alike with his inspiring grasp of the intricacies of the past and the present. JPF’s commitment to bringing Politics and History to life was evidenced by his appearance at the Morley Society dinner – going ‘full Castro’ with a substantial beard, boiler suit and beret.

The Yearlings’ D rugby team could not get enough of his motivational speeches – inspiring them to ‘out rugby’ Rugby with a famous 40-0 drubbing. He has also been a brilliant tutor in Southwood, selflessly offering himself up for evening and weekend duties. I know James Orchard and the Southwood boys appreciated this a great deal. Above all, JPF’s ability to retain a sense of humour and perspective, whilst having to take in the idiosyncrasies of an institution such as this, has been mightily impressive.

Sadly, having flown into Cheltenham like a political Mary Poppins, his work now done, we must bid him farewell. He has an exciting and thoroughly well-deserved position as Head of Politics at d’Overbroeck’s School to look forward to - they have a formidable whirlwind of an individual on their hands. Thank you so much for the passion and enthusiasm you have imparted to a great number of Cheltonians. Will things ever be the same again at College? Probably not.

James Bass

Elizabeth Gerry

It is with great sadness that we wish a fond farewell to Dr Elizabeth Gerry, a jewel in the crown of the MFL Department. Liz takes her leave of us for a job leading the largest Modern Languages Department in the country, at our esteemed neighbour Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Liz has been appointed chief blue sky thinker and visionary - a role that will fit her like a glove.

A woman of many talents, Liz’s overriding characteristic is her extraordinary brain capacity. This woman’s intellect could power a large European nation and we are so grateful that she was content to educate and enlighten our young people for these last 10 years.

Coming to College via Oxford, Harvard, a four year stay in Brussels and a vast array of experience in academia - from a junior fellowship at St John’s College, lectureships at both New College and St Edmund Hall, a job with the Oxford English Dictionary, Liz had even published a book. College was not the natural next step on this illustrious career path.

In fact, when Liz arrived in the summer of 2013, this Bluestocking was a windfall and the Department couldn’t believe its luck. She had no experience of teaching teenagers but nurtured by Carrie Smith, Duncan Byrne and Ester Leach among others, she honed her craft on the job and of course, turned out to be a natural.

Teaching the full ability range from her Oxbridge groups to the bottom set inaugural Foundation tier pupils, Liz approached every pupil with the same commitment and ambition and imposed the same high standards and rigour. A firm believer that languages are for everybody Liz made inclusivity her mission.

Taking on her own PGCE belatedly with a placement at Archway School in Stroud and mentoring our own ECT pupils, Liz channelled her energies into developing top pedagogical insights and introducing strategies to bring us on as a Department. As Acting Head of French, she has shared great practice and left a legacy that we will honour.

Outside the Department, Liz enriched College life through Upper College tutoring and we exploited her superior understanding of the UCAS and Oxbridge application process. We also benefitted from her time running Lower College Society, her invaluable work with Community Action and her contributions to Orchestra and trips abroad.

Fortunately, as close neighbours, we fully expect to see Liz regularly. We already have a date in the calendar for CLC to smash us to smithereens in the Debating competition in

November (it’s a tradition) and look forward to collaborating on projects to promote languages among our pupils.

Liz will be a huge loss and we will miss her influence deeply. We wish Liz all the very best in her new job and send her off with our love and luck for this next adventure.

Helen Powell

Simon Gould

The English Department is extremely grateful to Simon for stepping into the demanding and complex role of acting Head of English to cover Sarah Price’s maternity leave. Measured, thoughtful and endlessly patient with the vagaries of the Department, Simon did a fantastic job of steering the good ship English through another year. Highlights over which he presided were the AC Bradley Shakespeare Memorial Lecture and the Hannam Clark Poetry Recital. Calm, approachable, good humoured and devoted to facilitating the enjoyment of and success in his subject, Simon is popular and wellregarded by his pupils. To his colleagues he offers a patient and understanding ear and a pragmatic and fuss free approach. With gentle wit, a broad passion for literature and seriously eclectic music taste (all too rarely heard emanating from H5), Simon brought perspective and fresh ideas to the ‘old guard’ and we are so grateful for all he has done in English, the sports pitches, Boyne House and Monday Clubs. His vision for Project English Library will triumph and be a wonderful legacy. We wish him all the best as he embarks on his exciting new chapter in Worcester with his beloved Fliss.

Jane Brodigan

Ollie Greenhill

Ollie came to College in September 2021 from Reed’s School. He initially joined as Second in Charge of Maths, but quickly was promoted to Deputy Head of Lower College. In this role he was able to have a positive impact on Third Form and indulge his love of spreadsheets. In the classroom, Ollie was an extremely popular teacher, where his collaborative style and interest in pedagogy meant that pupils both enjoyed their lessons and met with a high level of success. Despite often being mistaken for a member of Lower Sixth, his Upper College teaching has been particularly impactful.

Ollie is an accomplished sportsman and onetime captain of England’s Touch Rugby team. He brought all of this experience to the games field at College where he coached rugby and football, including a very successful season as girls’ 1st XI team coach.

Ollie spent a year as Resident Tutor in Boyne House and then continued to tutor Brooksmithites during his time here. Ollie is a talented schoolmaster, and he will be missed at College. We wish him, Florrie and his young family all the very best as they start an exciting new chapter in Dubai.

Brendan Enright

Andrew Hollingbury

Andrew leaves his wide-ranging role at College after seven years. An infectiously enthusiastic teacher, tutor and musician, his many talents were an instant hit with pupils and staff. Fiercely academic without it ever compromising his sense of fun, classes were as likely to be initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries or sacrifice a cuddly cow toy as they were to be worked hard with another mock exam. Many pupils took their Classics to a higher level because of the love of the subject they developed with him.

Andrew also made a huge impact in co-curricular Music, where the former Head of Department once wrote ‘I honestly don’t know where we would be without Andrew.’ Talented yet self-effacing as both a singer and a wind-instrumentalistwhere he turned his hand to just about every instrument you could name, and some you couldn’t - he frequently nurtured pupil talents, provided a role model in his professional approach, or simply stepped in to save the day with a last minute contribution.

Andrew had many more roles. As Deputy Head of Sixth Form, he made another sizeable contribution to the progress of Cheltonians within and beyond College, particularly in their UCAS applications and in the period where he stepped into interim charge. He was a beloved Resident Tutor in Newick House for several years - ever a visible and often audible presence, especially on one occasion where negotiating the stairs proved too much. Latterly, he was President of the Common Room, ran the Pride & Allies Society, and taught Computer Science to several year groups.

Best of luck, Andrew. We will all miss your sunny demeanour, constant willingness to help others, resounding voice and tumultuous laughter. All the best with your new Head of Sixth Form role.

Thomas Lambert

Harry Johnson

Harry joined College alongside me in September 2021 and with his confident and outgoing personality from the off, it was clear that he was going to throw himself into College life. Soon he could be found prowling the touch line of the 2nd XV in his wellies and Barbour, barking orders and answering the cries from Morgs of ‘Johnno’, a cry that the boys soon cottoned on to and used affectionately themselves.

In CCF, he often took pupils out on expedition and encouraged them to explore the wilder side of life. In the classroom Harry has taught in both Classics and Business Studies Departments under Tom Lambert and Holly Brooke and the pupils have been fortunate to have had him as their teacher. In the evenings it was always back to Boyne House, Schoffel on of course, where ‘Penny Junior’ plied his trade and has for the last two years provided great support for Andy Straiton.

Perhaps most people’s fondest memory of Harry though will be of his annual Sports Day attire, blazer and boater hat at the ready, deck chair in arm, he brought a touch of class to the whole occasion, and it will be sorely missed. Most of us expected Harry to continue down the path of Housemaster a role that he would not doubt have been a natural for. However, his passion for business has changed those plans and we wish him all the best for his endeavours in London in his new job.

Jonny Bass

Alex Kealy

There are few people who can say that they have made more of an impact on a Department in one year than Alex. He has single handedly created a scheme of work for every year group on OneNote, introduced the school to the extremely successful Industrial Cadets Award and has brought with him so many wonderful teaching strategies to get pupils engaged in lessons and having fun.

Outside of the Physics Department Alex has given so much to the CCF programme and Leconfield as well as to his teams on the sports field. As a knowledgeable and able coach of the 3rd XV rugby, he was always full of enthusiasm and the boys always enjoyed his sessions. He also brought fun and energy to his netball coaching for the U15E. He even joined in the staff vs leavers match where he showcased his hidden netball skills; he was particularly impressive under the post getting up high for the rebounds!

Alex is someone who will go out of his way to help people and so many have benefitted from the empathy that he shows pupils and staff alike. His new school is incredibly fortunate to be gaining Alex and we wish him the best of luck.

Matthew Cole

David Lait

David has been a remarkable asset to College over his 11 year tenure, making a significant impact both as an educator and a leader.

Transitioning from a successful career as a toy designer in the industry, David brought a wealth of practical experience and creativity to the classroom. His dynamic teaching methods and wide array of skills have consistently inspired pupils, contributing to some of the best value-added scores in the College.

For the past eight years, David has served as the Head of the Design Technology Department. Under his leadership, the Department flourished, becoming a hub of innovation and excellence. His ability to merge theoretical knowledge with hands-on application has not only enhanced pupils’ learning experiences but also equipped them with practical skills essential for their future careers.

In addition to his contributions in the classroom, David has also excelled as a rowing coach. His dedication and expertise have led to national success, further demonstrating his ability to mentor and inspire pupils outside the academic sphere.

As David moves on to The Prep, where he will undoubtedly continue his exemplary work, the College community bids him a fond farewell. His legacy at College is marked by his passion for teaching, his innovative spirit, and his commitment to pupil success. David’s move to the The Prep is not just a transition but a continuation of his journey to shape and inspire young minds.

College thanks David for his years of dedication and wishes him all the best in his new role at the The Prep.

Graham Cutts

Lucy Manning

It has been lovely getting to know Lucy over the last year. She joined us from Tunbridge Wells Grammer School for Boys and now leaves us to continue her career at Woodbridge School in Suffolk. We are sorry to see Lucy leave so soon, however, the opportunity at Woodbridge is too good to pass up!

Lucy is both a thoughtful and compassionate teacher and colleague. This is personified in the level of commitment and dedication she has shown to her Third Form tutor group, who I know will be very sad to say goodbye.

Lucy has taught a variety of Chemistry abilities this year ranging from two Third Form sets to the Upper Sixth. In Department, Lucy is always willing to help, whether it be with the outreach programme or additional examination marking. In fact, I am not sure that I have ever met a teacher who enjoys marking so much!

Outside of the Department, Lucy has integrated herself into College life. She freely gives her time to support pupils both pastorally in Westal and in academic one-to-one tutorials. She has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the CCF program, utilising her skills as a Lifeguard and has excelled in helping with the basketball programme, especially shooting games.

Her warm and cheerful personality will be missed in the Department and especially in the Biology workroom which has been her second home! We wish Lucy every success in the future.

Christina Oldham

Gill Mew

It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Gill who is retiring after 36 years of distinguished service to the College Music Department. Gill has been instrumental (pun intended!) in the development of pop and jazz music at College. She arrived in 1988 as a teacher of saxophone under Director of Music Lindsay Gray, and soon found a gap for a jazz band in the Department’s provision. Gill founded the Jazz Improvisation Group (JIG) in 1991 and this soon became very popular amongst pupils, staff, and the wider community through performances at The Daffodil (once a key jazz venue in Cheltenham) and at prep schools. JIG also recorded some well-received CDs during this time. JIG has continued to thrive under Gill’s leadership, being a firm favourite at the annual Cheltenham Jazz Festival, a highlight every year. Gill

also started the Jazz Band, which functions as an ensemble in its own right as well as a training group for JIG.

Many Cheltonians have benefitted from Gill’s dedicated teaching and expert mentoring over the years. Numerous alumni have achieved commendable success, with plenty continuing music as a career. Most notably, two currently perform with the Oxford Big Band. This success is a reflection of Gill’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her innate desire to see her pupils and ensembles fulfil their potential. Gill’s self-acknowledged competitive nature has certainly served as a catalyst for progress and high achievement.

As a mark to the conclusion of Gill’s tenure, we recognise that her legacy will resonate well beyond her departure. The principles and (jazz) standards she has instilled will continue to influence College Music for years to come. We express our sincerest appreciation for Gill’s unwavering dedication, inspirational mentorship, and musical excellence. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Shaun Pirttijarvi

Annette Poulain

Annette has not only been a colleague to us all but more importantly an inspiration simply through being the woman she is: first and foremost an unbelievable mum; a wife; a friend; and a role model to all College girls and staff. In and out of the classroom, she has promoted sport, encouraged all pupils to enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle and transformed a school that was in search of greater equality. Her down to earth attitude has encouraged pupils to embrace who they are in all ways, and to achieve their best in any situation. A champion woman that champions girls to believe in themselves, strive for success and aim for their greatest dreams.

Annette has made a huge contribution to sport here at College. She joined us as a Sport Science teacher and Head of Girls Games as well as Housemistress and brought a wealth of experience. Annette worked hard to introduce alternative sports carousels, develop the coaching for girls and herself coached across all three terms in hockey, netball and athletics. Her expertise from being an elite hurdler herself has helped many girls enjoy the athletics programme she helped to develop. In the Sports Science Department she has inspired many young and active minds. Her alternative methods of teaching and her willingness to teach pupils in a variety of ways always ensures that they understand the trickier concepts. She understands the needs of all her pupils and works tirelessly to ensure they reach their potential. Additionally, under the direction of Kate Hornsby, Annette has helped many cohorts of Lower Sixth students through the Junior Sports Leadership qualification.

Annette has consistently been a strong voice advocating for girls as well as fostering the sisterhood of female Housemistresses. However, Chandos is where Annette’s loss will be felt the most by the girls and by her dedicated and committed team.

With Kerry and the Samuels by her side since day one, Annette’s first challenge when she was appointed was to establish a strong identity for Chandos and incorporate the former Westal cottages into the House. The values and ethos of Chandos have been crafted by this wonderful woman and some have now become non-negotiable traditions: the Ibiza weekend, the hot tubs and the Prosecco and Pizza Nights. Behind all this fun, however, lies a true professional. A caring colleague, who deeply cares about those working close to her. Her pastoral care is second to none and has taught so much to many of us.

Family comes first but as OC Tuesday Roberts (Ch, 2020) says: ‘Turning a House of 80+ girls into one massive family is a mighty hard thing to do’ and it is the success of this that defines what a magnificent woman she is.

We all know that Annette is going to go on and do fabulous things but how sad that she is waving goodbye to Chandos and to all of us. We wish Annette and Mark, Josh, Lili and Evie the best in their new adventures and hope that it won’t be long until we hear from them.

Ester Leach

Rachel Smith

Rachel leaves her part-time role at College after four years with the school. Deftly balanced with well-chosen games, videos and interactive tasks, her thoroughly organised and well-planned lessons and exam preparation have drilled grateful Cheltonians into shape during that period. Classes have loved her enthusiasm for drama, for quizzes, for games - and for cake. It turns out that Rachel is a talented baker, and her classroom has often resembled a Masterchef preparation area after one of her creations has been unveiled - and devoured. This year’s Echo and Narcissus cake proved a particular hit with the Fifth Form.

Rachel’s commitment to the school has been such that to us in the Department she has seemed like another one of the full-timers. Marching Sixth Form across town for a Classical lecture and a pizza, martialling the Latinists into a scripted version of Perseus, (complete with costumes), stepping up for evening events such as Classics Society - all this and more has been part of her time here. We thank her for all she’s done and wish her well.

Thomas Lambert

Jo Wintle

Jo was appointed inaugural Housemistress of College Lawn in 2017, when the beautiful homefrom-home the girls know today was still an NHS Foundation Trust Headquarters. Following an extended building project and years of hard work and selfsacrifice on the part of the Wintle family, College Lawn has grown into a thriving House with a strong moral ethos. Seven cohorts of girls have now passed through, all benefitting profusely from the calmness, kindness and patience Jo has tirelessly shown them.

Herself a measured champion of gender equality, and a courageous leader who fearsomely stands up for her charges, Jo has proven herself to be an incredible role model for pupils and colleagues alike.

In her time here, Jo has also contributed prolifically to College in her role as Teacher of English, in which capacity she has been renowned for her enviable ability to get the best out of all pupils, regardless of how easy or challenging they find her subject. With her characteristic diligence and humility, she has also fulfilled the role of Oxbridge Co-Ordinator, has good-humouredly sat on the College Health and Safety Committee, and has delivered multiple timely and insightful whole-school Chapel addresses.

From September 2024, Jo will assume the role of Assistant Head Pastoral at Cheltenham Ladies’ College - a richly deserved promotion. She will be much missed by a host of colleagues, pupils, and friends, all of whom can’t yet fathom what they will do without her, but who wholeheartedly wish her all the very best for this exciting new chapter.

Elizabeth Rawkins

CHELTONIAN SOCIETY

The Cheltonian Society aims to connect the Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Prep worldwide community through social events and reunions, professional networking opportunities, sharing news and an online network.

Membership of the Cheltonian Society is free and automatic for Old Cheltonians, College and Prep parents (both current and former), and College and Prep staff (both current and former).

President of the Cheltonian Society

You will see from this publication and other communications that College is in good health. Speech Day yet again provided a great opportunity to celebrate the multiple individual and team successes that the College community enables.

The Society and its outreach via events, social media and clubs, continues to grow its engagement. My personal highlight is the success of the Professional Networking events. Since the last Cheltonian, there have been three such occasions, each very well attended. The ‘sector’ focus (e.g. Finance or Property) provides Society members young and old with the opportunity to network and share experience with people in their own field. With competition in the job market only likely to grow, the value of such events is not to be missed. Please watch for more – next is Hospitality.

This year has also seen change in the Society team. We sadly saw the departure of Diane Diver and say thank you for her contributions. We have since welcomed Fiona Meredith and Mimi Payton as Cheltonian Society Manager and Assistant

Cheltonian Society Committee

respectively. I am excited by their arrival and the opportunity to reinforce the Society’s development.

In 2022 we introduced a new website and database with enhanced functionality to support networking. Since then, 2,100 Cheltonians have registered for online profiles. Meantime, we have email addresses for around 9,500 Society members and so I appeal to the remaining 7,400 to help make the Cheltonian community even more effective for you and its members by registering for an online profile at www. cheltoniansociety.org.

Best wishes and enjoy the read.

David Stewart (H, 1978, past parent, current Council member and President of the Cheltonian Society)

The work of the Cheltonian Society is supported by members of the Committee.

Current members of the Cheltonian Society Committee are:

David Stewart, President (H, 1978, past parent, current Council member)

Helen Allen (née Burgoyne, Ch, 1987, Chair of CET)

Lucy Caines (W, 2010)

Heidi Callon Hine (current parent)

Abi Coley (Prep staff, current parent)

Georgina Gardner (Q, 2015)

Rich Hine (H, 2011)

Anthony Holt (Xt, 1994)

Darawati Hussain (past parent)

Caroline Noble (current parent)

Piers Norton (S, 2016)

Alayne Parsley (Prep staff, past parent)

George Smith (BH, 2010, past staff)

Tim Swainson (Xt, 2001)

Andrew Thomson (Xt, 1992, current parent)

Charles Wyn-Davies (BH, 2008)

Ivan Yuen (H, 1986)

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Cheltonian Society Committee, please contact Sebastian Bullock, Cheltonian Society & Development Director on s.bullock@cheltenhamcollege.org

Cheltenham College Digital Archive

We are excited to launch the Cheltenham College Digital Archive!

The Digital Archive has been made possible thanks to a donation from Cheltonian Endowment Trust (CET). At its launch, it includes copies of The Cheltonian magazines from the 1960s to 2013, along with several editions from the 1860s. We hope to add further editions and other archive material as and when funding allows.

For each edition of The Cheltonian, the magazine has been scanned page by page. All of the text is searchable, so you can either browse whole magazines or search the entire archive for specific names and text.

The database is free to use for all Cheltonian Society members. A login is required to access the Digital Archive. For login details please visit: www.cheltoniansociety.org

Announcements

Our fond wishes to all Society members who have recently got married or had a baby. Please share your news by completing the form on our website: www.cheltoniansociety.org/pages/marriages-births Weddings

Jack Harber (L, 2008) married Jessie Grainger on 22 June 2024 in Willingale, Essex. Sam Harney (L, 2008) was Best Man and Mathew Harber (L, 2010) was an Usher. Also in attendance were James Wright (Xt, 2008), Archie Collyer-Bristow (L, 2008) and Freddie Braithwaite-Exley (H, 2010).

Alice Perry (A, 2007) married Edward Aris on 9 December 2023 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wapping, with reception at The Langham, London.

William Beresford (L, 2013) married Sarah Mayes on 18 November 2023 at The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Beckley in Oxfordshire. Emma White (née Beresford, Q, 2011) and Thomas White (Xt, 2011) were in attendance.

Nigel Reynard (L, 1997) married Kathrin Maria Parzer on 11 November 2023 at Waldschloss in Schärding, Austria.

Tilly King (Q, 2011) married Guillaume Der Megreditchian on 1 July 2023 in Withington, Gloucestershire. Maisy King (Q, 2014) was Maid of Honour, and Harriet Slator (A, 2011), Emma White (née Beresford, Q, 2011) and Tom White (Xt, 2011) were in attendance.

Georgie Moule (W, 2008) married David Walton at All Saints’ Church, Kemble, Gloucestershire on 17 September 2022. Roger Moule (S, 2007) gave a reading, and Alex Jerrard (Xt, 2010) was also in attendance.

Births

Amber Ahluwalia (A, 2012) married Max Rawlinson on Lamu Island in Kenya on 25 February 2023. Philippa Coull (A, 2012) and Claudia Holt (A, 2012) were part of the wedding party, and Laura Bevan (A, 2012) and Philippa Morris (W, 2012) were in attendance.

Joshua Fairclough (Xt, 2013) married Jessica on 12 September 2020, in a ‘secret’ ceremony with only two witnesses due to Covid. They celebrated with many family and friends, including Ben Jones (BH, 2013) and Issy Watkins (née Styler, Ch, 2013), on 11 September 2021.

Alice Aris (née Perry, A, 2007) and her husband Edward are are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Grace Elizabeth Aris, on 10 July 2024.

Lulu Healy (née Watson, Ch, 2009) and her husband Nick welcomed their baby boy, Oscar, on 8 May 2024.

Emma White (née Beresford, Q, 2011) and Thomas White (Xt, 2011) are delighted to announce the arrival of their daughter, Lyla Gigi White, born on 16 March 2024.

Tilly Der Megreditchian (née King, Q, 2011) and her husband Guillaume are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Lucie Patricia Der Megreditchian, born in London on 29 December 2023.

Anthony Hawkins-Kay (Xt, 2008) and Emily Sabin welcomed Walter William Hawkins-Kay on 18 September 2023, born in Jersey.

Joshua Fairclough (Xt, 2013) and his wife Jessica welcomed a son, Casper Locryn, born at their home in Cheltenham on 22 June 2023.

Maarten Boeye (BH, 1988) and Ionela Petrea welcomed a son, Thomas Ion Schuurbeque Boeye, on 4 November 2021.

Cheltonian Society Events

Visit www.cheltoniansociety.org/events for details of upcoming events and photo galleries from past events.

Professional Networking Events 2023-24

Property Networking

March 2024: Networking event at The Lansdowne Club, London, for those working in the property sector, with keynote address from Mark Ridley (Cheltondale, 1980), Group Chief Executive Officer at Savills.

“Useful to hear a senior leader’s thoughts on the topic, but also to discuss with like-minded professionals across the spectrum of their career journey. Good to see old friends and make new connections. Great networking event.”

City Finance Forum

May 2024: Held at Goldman Sachs International by kind invitation of Rob SancroftBaker, (NH, 2004), Executive Director, Goldman Sachs. Panel discussion, chaired by Rob, with Alina Vaskina (Ch, 2003), Director of Corporate Broking at HSBC, Tilly King (Q, 2011), Emerging Market Rates Trading at Morgan Stanley, and David Stephens (BH, 2003), Partner at 3i Group plc.

“Engaging discussions, an insightful panel, and invaluable networking opportunities made it an enriching experience.”

OC Reunions 2023-24

OC Reunions held at Cheltenham College are a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and reminisce with your peers. Enjoy a Chapel service, lunch in Dining Hall, House tours and more.

5-Year London Drinks for Class of 2019

February 2024

10-Year Reunion for Class of 2013

October 2023

30-40-Year Reunion for Classes of 1984 to 1994

June 2024

“The chapel service was wonderful. The lunch and tea which followed were excellent. The highlight was having the opportunity to return to Southwood House.”

“Memories were in abundance!”

Cheltonian Society Events 2023-24

Society events are held throughout the year to allow all Cheltonian Society members to socialise and celebrate Cheltenham College’s rich history and breadth of opportunities. We hold overseas receptions whenever possible.

Cheltonian Society Regatta

September 2023

Edward Wilson Portrait Unveiling

September 2023

Kenya Drinks Reception

October 2023

Society Christmas Carol Service

December 2023

Hong Kong Lunch and Reception

December 2023

Bangkok Reception

December 2023

Cheltonian Society Polo Day

June 2024

Society Event at Cheltenham Cricket Festival

July 2024

“As

ever a super atmosphere enjoyed by all.”

“Thank

you for the wonderful and special service in Chapel.”

Upcoming Events 2024-25

We hope you will join us for our upcoming professional networking events, OC reunions, and Society social events. Events are regularly added throughout the year – visit the Society website for details of all upcoming events.

10-Year Reunion for Class of 2014

Saturday 5 October 2024

Hospitality Networking Event

Tuesday 19 November 2024 at The Lansdowne Club, London

Society Christmas Carol Service

Sunday 8 December 2024

5-Year Reunion for Class of 2020

February 2025

Cheltonian Society Polo Day

Summer 2025

20-30-Year Reunion for Classes of 1995 to 2005

Saturday 14 June 2025

Society Event at Cheltenham Cricket Festival

July 2025

Cheltonian Society Clubs

Cheltonian Society Clubs are a great way to connect with other Society members.

Our thanks to all Society members who are involved in running clubs. We hope to expand the range of clubs available, including for interests that are not sport related. For more information about the annual grant that each club receives and about establishing a new club, please contact: society@cheltenhamcollege.org

News and updates from Society Clubs are added regularly on the Society website: www.cheltoniansociety.org/pages/society-clubs

Cricket

The Cricket Club aims to continue College’s strong tradition of cricket. At the top level, OCs can compete in the Cricketer Cup, which is the premium old boys’ cricket competition. The Club also plays in a number of other fixtures throughout the year. If you are interested in playing, or would simply like to receive updates from the Club, please get in touch.

Football

The 11-a-side Football Club plays in the Arthurian League, an official FA league of old boys based in London. While only OCs are eligible to play in the Arthurian League, all Society members are welcome to play in friendlies.

Golf

Open to OC golfers of all abilities and ages, the Golf Club plays some of the best courses in the country. Most meetings and informal matches against other schools are open to all members of the Golfing Society. The Club also enters selected teams in leading national public schools’ tournaments the Halford Hewitt, Grafton Morrish, and Mellin Salver.

Women’s Hockey

The Women’s Hockey Club play in the Dean Close Sixes Tournament, usually in October each year. There isn’t a maximum number of players – the more the merrier. If you are interested in playing in future tournaments or coming along to support, check out the Hockey Facebook group for details: facebook.com/ groups/ochockey

Men’s Hockey

The Men’s Hockey Club play a dozen matches in the Old Boys Hockey League across the year in London, primarily in Battersea Park. They also play in the Haileybury Sixes in September, which sees Old Boys XIs play for a coveted trophy. The Club are always looking for more members to keep the squad (and legs!) fresh, so please get in touch if you would like to get involved.

Rackets

The Rackets Club are involved in two main tournaments each year: the Noel Bruce at The Queen’s Club and the Cheltenham Gold Racket weekend. The Noel Bruce is a doubles tournament with pairs formed of two players who attended the same school. The Cheltenham Gold Racket weekend is also a doubles tournament, but this sees OCs partner up with a non-OC. It is a great weekend and includes a dinner in College Dining Hall on the Saturday night followed by finals on the Sunday.

Rifle Shooting

The Shooting team take part in the annual Schools’ Veterans Target Rifle Match at Bisley. There are opportunities for more OC teams to enter in future years. There may also be opportunities for additional shooters to join in too, for honours only, so other Cheltonian Society members or family are also welcome to get in touch.

Rowing

The relaunched Cheltonian Society Rowing Club will be based at the Boat House in Tewkesbury and has been established as an affiliated club to Cheltenham College Boat Club with British Rowing. The Club will be open to all members of the Cheltonian Society.

Sailing

The Sailing Club’s main annual event is the Arrow Trophy, a two-day regatta between independent schools on the Solent in the autumn. All members of the Cheltonian Society, of all levels of experience, are eligible to join the Sailing Club. The Arrow Trophy rules stipulate that crews must be made up of ‘former pupils’ with the option of having up to three ‘ringers’ (not former pupils) on the crew. The club also aims to hold social events throughout the year.

Squash

The Squash Society take part in the Londonderry Cup, which usually takes place from October culminating in the finals in March, played at the RAC on Pall Mall. This competition is restricted to OCs only. The Club is always looking for more squash players so please get in touch.

OC Sporting Successes

We are proud that a number of OC athletes, many of whom were Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) members, achieve outstanding success in their sporting careers. Please do let us know of any other OC sporting success: society@cheltenhamcollege.org

Paris Olympics 2024

In June 2024, Charlotte Woodman (Q, 2015) played in the GB Rugby 7s squad as part of the Women’s 7s Championship in Makarska, Croatia.

Zak O’Sullivan (Prep, 2018) secured his first Formula 2 victory in the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2024.

Emily Drysdale (W, 2019) has played for Hockey Wales Senior Women’s Squad.

Flora Peel (A, 2013) represented Team GB Women’s Hockey in the Paris Olympics. Flora also achieved 50 combined caps for England and GB Hockey in 2024.

From left to right: Seb Blake (BH, 2020), Jack Clement (S, 2019), Louis Hillman Cooper (S, 2020) and Ollie Thorley (BH, 2015) all played for Gloucester Rugby, with Jack voted ‘Young Player of the Season’. Ollie was listed in the top 10 fastest rugby players in the world currently. Seb and Jack were named in the England Rugby A squad against Portugal in February 2024.

Tom McEwen (H, 2009) and his horse JL Dublin won Gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with the equestrian eventing team. Congratulations to Tom and his team: Laura Collett on London 52 and Rosalind Canter on Lordships Gaffal.

Photo credit: @Teamgb Instagram

Harvey Sullivan (S, 2023) played for Hockey Wales U21 squad

In June 2024, Jamie Chadwick (Ch, 2016) became the first woman to win on a road course (rather than oval track) in the US racing series, IndyCar NXT.

Jonjo O’Neill Jr (NH, 2016) won on Springwell Bay at Cheltenham in November 2023.

Joe Coley (S, 2023) and Robbie Slatter (Xt, 2023) played in the Western Open at the New York Racquet and Tennis Club in February 2024.

Oli Soames (BH, 2014) played for MCC against Scotland A in April 2024 and has been playing Minor Counties Cricket for Bedfordshire this season.

Nikita Prothero (CL, 2019) played for Sale Sharks in the women’s rugby premiership.

Abbie Whybrow (W, 2020) played in the MCC Women’s Day at Lords in May 2024.

George Brooksbank (L, 1999) played for England Over 40s in the International Masters Cricket World Cup, Cape Town in February 2024.

Will Goodrick-Clarke signed with Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Richard Owen (L, 2011) (right) and his rackets partner Tom Billings retained their title at the 2023 World Doubles Racquets Championship, hosted by The Tennis & Racquet Club of Boston, in December 2023. Richard and Tom also won the British Amateur Doubles Rackets Championship in February 2024, beating Nick James (BH, 2006) (left) in the final.

A Lost Boy and the Shoah

Dr Adam Dunning, Senior Chaplain and Director of Communities, Charities & Partnerships

A reflection first given on the evening of National Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 in the Council Chamber of Cheltenham Borough Council. The same reflection was then shared with the gathered College community in Chapel.

There are times in our lives when our cherished beliefs are challenged.

In light of recent troubling reports of antisemitic symbols appearing in our town I was ready to counter these by highlighting philosemitic actions carried out by the founders of College and our predecessors.

One of the round windows of the Cricket Pavilion clearly represents the Star of David. I was convinced that this symbol had been intentionally placed into the Pavilion by those who established the College back in the 1840s. These were all clergymen of an Evangelical persuasion who, I believed, wanted to make an architectural declaration that went against the pervasive antisemitism which was common in English society during the Victorian era.

I thought too that College had opened a Jewish Boarding House in the mid-nineteenth century.

To find out more, I employed the services of College Archivist Hannah Dale, and very quickly was told that most of what I believed was false – that it was fake news.

The Star of David in the Cricket Pavilion is, in fact, a standard piece of mid-Victorian architectural design. It has nothing to do with Judaism.

The Jewish Boarding House did indeed exist and was called Corinth House, but it didn’t come into existence until the 1890s. Support of Jewish people had nothing to do with its creation, as I had thought, but rather it was Jewish parents in prosperous Manchester who were looking for an alternative to Manchester Grammar School for their sons because it couldn’t open up the same access to English Society.

Corinth House functioned until the 1920s. It had its own Kosher diet and its own timetable. The boys did not work or play sport on Saturdays so that they could mark the Sabbath. Nor did they have to attend Sunday Chapel services.

Pupils in Corinth House, 1919.

One of the round windows of the Cricket Pavilion.

My research then led me to a boy called Robert Platschek who was born in 1924 in Hungary. He was Jewish and sent to College during the late 1930s alongside several German Jewish boys sent here as part of the Kindertransport.

In the summer of 1939 Robert returned home for the holidays. War broke out, the national borders were closed, and Robert could not return to College for the new term. The handwritten report in Robert’s College file still exists. In the Autumn Term of 1939, his Housemaster writes with his fountain pen, ‘Unable to return from Budapest.’ And then, underneath, just empty, empty lines. Robert disappears into the tumult of the European war. He became College’s lost boy, lost into the catastrophe of the Shoah.

But those empty lines do not mean that Robert’s story was completely lost to us. We know that his father Hugo was exterminated at Ravensbruck concentration camp in 1945. We know too that Robert was transported to Auschwitz Birkenau extermination camp when the Budapest ghetto was closed.

But, unlike his father, Robert survived the war.

He not only survived but, at age of 23, he gave sworn testimony to the War Crimes tribunal. Here is part of his testimony.

In the Birkenau camp in Poland, the SS men gathered there would place a rope at the height of four to five feet, somewhat like in football, tightening it from side to side and forcing several hundred people to go underneath it. If a man was able to walk under the rope without stooping, he was taken to the camp to

work. If not, he was taken to the gas chambers, where they used hydrogen cyanide. The killing took from one to two minutes.

As far as the sending of people to gas chambers is concerned, there were no exceptions. However, they would usually take people from the hospitals, who were very sick or weak. The prisoners knew about it, so they did not admit that they were sick and did not ask to be put in the hospital, because they would be included in the next group destined for cremation.

The camp itself was clean and commanded by Dr Mengele. I saw a three-day-old Jewish child, born in the camp, wrapped in a newspaper, still alive, who was thrown on a pile of corpses destined for cremation. We all heard that it was Dr Mengele who gave that order.

Such testimony is far, far more meaningful than a window in a Cricket Pavilion. It is the anti-thesis of fake news. It is utterly real, and to see the original typed transcript is to look upon something almost holy.

To think that the eyes that once looked out on Leckhampton Hill, the eyes that took in the Promenade and Pittville Park, also took such crimes, horrors and moral evils.

That Robert saw such evils and survived is a miracle of God’s Providence. That Robert survived and was able to give his testimony is a miracle of God’s Justice. That Robert survived and lived on until 2015 is a miracle of God’s blessing. His survival and his long life remind us that, despite all the evil of his time and our own time, the arc of the moral universe still bends towards justice.

Teaching in Daegu

Inés Oliver (A, 2016)

For most of my teen years, I hated school. Every day felt monotonous and uninspiring, and as my motivation waned, so did my grades. I needed a fresh start, and so with the support of my family, I made the difficult decision to move down a year and change schools. Cheltenham College stood out among the rest. I had never been to a school that was so active in finding out what sparked students’ interests and gave them the opportunities to follow them. I distinctly remember that on the way to select my A Level subjects, I met the Classics teacher.

But these jobs were only temporary, and I wanted a more stable solution.

Using the experience from my College-facilitated gap year teaching in Switzerland, I took part in a TEFL course and applied for the EPIK programme in South Korea. I was offered a job at a public high school in Daegu. I was a little nervous, as I’d hoped I’d be teaching in an elementary school in the capital, but a College friend had family there and reassured me that I’d love it.

Everyone always talks about Seoul, but tucked in the heart of the country, in a bowl surrounded by mountains, is a green, bustling city the size of Manchester. Many Koreans seem to shy away from Daegu during the warmer months, nicknaming it ‘Dae-Africa’ for its scorching 40-degree humidity.

Feeling his enthusiasm for the subject, I was immediately inspired. I just had to learn about the subject that could make somebody so passionate, and so I did. My motivation and grades skyrocketed, and I soon found myself applying for universities that had never been in the realm of possibility. My dream was to write a novel but, as I considered my career options, I pursued a diploma in Experimental Psychology at the University of Bristol. Then, to satisfy my writing itch, I achieved a BA in Creative Writing and Publishing at Bath Spa University. When I graduated, it was at the tail-end of Covid and jobs were scarce, so I floated between freelance jobs for six months. It led to some incredible online experiences, such as subtitling for films in California and writing scripts for an interactive story app in Singapore.

At first, I only taught writing (16 regular classes a week and two after-school clubs). However, I am proud to say that my school became one of the first public schools in Korea to implement the IB program, and now I’m also a teacher of IB English B and the International Universities advisor. I was also recently awarded an iPGCE (International Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from the University of Sheffield, which has helped me succeed in these new roles.

Although I enjoy my job, there have also been challenges. I was very confused on my first day when students walked into my classroom with blankets, pillows and plush toys – due to the intense workload, many teachers allow them to take naps in class, which took a long time getting used to.

As a result, I have had to unleash my creativity to secure the attention of students. My students adore the Premier League, so I designed an interactive football quiz, which earned me the nickname ‘Sonny Teacher’ (after the football star, Son HeungMin) and resulted in students doing his celebration pose to me in the corridors for months. I even saw Sonny play in Seoul and joined a local club myself! As the only girl, I have to channel my inner Lioness and make sure I am top goal scorer!

My life in South Korea has been extraordinary and I can’t wait for what exciting experiences I’ll have next.

Inés at College Inés at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

Inés (far right in the white fleece) with a class in mid-winter, when it was -25 degrees!

After a match with friends at the local football club.

Watching the South Korean National Football team play in the Seoul World Cup stadium.

The Queen’s Commission

Heber Ackland (NH, 1987)

I attended the Junior School and College (Newick House) between 1979-87 and

have two great enduring friendships and plenty of good memories. These include hours spent in vehement debate with close friends, playing hockey and cricket (which I still do), and acquiring a lifelong love of history, which I subsequently studied at Keble College, Oxford, and have used extensively in my career. I now live with my family in Bath and work for the University of Lincoln providing higher education opportunities for Royal Navy personnel.

My time at Cheltenham and Keble was great preparation for my career in the Royal Navy, into which I was commissioned in 1991, retiring in 2021. Over the course of 30 enjoyable and hugely varied years I served in seven different warships, visited some 60-70 ports around the world, undertook 17 different jobs and spent almost five years in training.

My first job was as the Logistics Officer and bridge watchkeeper in a small coastal survey vessel, where I may have occasionally been sea-sick! My last was as the Director of the UK’s Command and Staff College at Shrivenham, Wiltshire. In between, I was the Logistics Commander of the UK’s Strike Carrier, HMS Ark Royal, was involved in the planning for the Second Gulf War, the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the NATO Response Force, and served as Military Assistant to six Admirals.

A particular highlight was serving as Equerry to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II between 2004-2007. My role was to accompany the Queen on her many visits, plan her military engagements and act as the interlocutor between her and

the people she met, from members of the public to Presidents and Prime Ministers. I had the privilege, for example, of accompanying her on the major State Visit to the United States in 2007, at a time of strain in the special relationship, a situation she and President Bush quickly set right.

I always maintain, quite sincerely, that the Queen was the best boss I ever had. She had a wonderful way of putting people at their ease, as she did with me when we first met, something I was to witness many times over the next three years. She also made a special point of asking me if the role was the right thing for me and my career, the only time any boss has asked me that!

Eighteen years later, I put on my uniform for the last time and, along with fellow Equerries, accompanied the Queen on her final journey. While it was a sad time, we felt immensely lucky to have served such a wonderful person, and proud to do that one last duty for her.

Heber at College Heber at Staff College, 2021

State Banquet at the White House, 2007 (Heber far right).

Accompanying the Queen’s coffin, September 2022. Heber is the naval officer in the centre of the image.

Equerry to the Queen, Buckingham Palace, 2007.

Beyond the Dunes

Jono Jamieson-Black (H, 2017)

some call ‘the toughest footrace on earth.’

In April, I was on my way to Morocco, to compete in the Marathon des Sables (MDS), a gruelling ultramarathon

The race is a self-sufficient 250km challenge across the scorching Sahara Desert. With temperatures soaring over 40°C and the longest stage stretching 85km! Maybe I had bitten off more than I could chew...?

My father, John, had completed the race 14 years earlier, and his accomplishment had always held a special place in my heart. Sadly, he passed away just before my final year of university. Whilst processing this loss and seeking a challenge to push myself beyond my comfort zone, I decided to honour him by taking on the MDS myself.

The adventure began in an unexpected way. On the flight, I found myself seated next to Harry Hunter, a 76-year-old former Household Cavalry Officer, who is now the oldest Briton to

complete the race. His stories were of great inspiration and wisdom, and his infectious enthusiasm set the perfect tone for the trip. He definitely helped to settle any nerves.

Landing in Ouarzazate, we were whisked away on a six-hour bus journey deep into the desert. We arrived at our home for the week: a simple bivouac, a black canopy tent shared by eight of us, nestled close together like sardines – Tent 48! Introductions were quick, replaced by conversations about motivations, training, and the dreaded question of pack weight. Soon, though, banter filled the dry air, and a sense of camaraderie blossomed between us.

The next seven days were, it’s safe to say, a challenge, especially the brutal 85km stage. For stretches of the long stage, I found myself alone, with no one to chase or keep pace with. Agoraphobia was a very real sensation. It was just me, the pounding heat, and the constant reminder of my ‘why.’ Every step of the way, I knew Dad would be with me in spirit. He’d spoken so fondly of the race; I knew he wouldn’t miss a step!

Despite the harshness, a surprising beauty emerged from the desert. When lifting our heads from the pounding of our feet, you’d be met by a beautiful screen-saver worthy view. Endless stretches of horizon unfolded, punctuated by huge untouched dunes that pierced the flat sandy floor. An allencompassing silence reigned, broken only by the crunch of steps – a testament to the stark lack of life around us.

A trip like this packs a lifetime of memories: the heartstopping moment the tent buckled in the middle of the night because of a sandstorm, or the simple joy of savouring a sweet mint tea at the end of each stage. The experience taught me most importantly to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It reminded me that growth comes from letting go of the assumption that we know ourselves and embracing challenges. Simply by taking action and doing hard things, we can discover just how capable we truly are.

Of course, I’d like to thank so many of you who donated. We managed to raise over £13,000 for the British Heart Foundation, all in memory of Dad, a stroke survivor whose life ultimately ended due to cardiac arrest.

Jono at College Post 85km stage, each runner is given a Coke, bliss!

Finishing on the final day.

Jono (on the right) and university friend Freddie, on stage 2 – 40.8km. Tent 48 – it wouldn’t have been the same without them!

Bespoke Cuisine

Q&A with Katie Locker (W, 2011)

Was it always your dream to work in food?

My family has always loved cooking. My grandparents in St Andrews used to have a bed & breakfast and run the restaurant below them too. I grew up cooking and eating around a table with friends and family.

My mum found an advert for Ballymaloe Cookery School when I was in my early twenties and it grabbed my attention instantly. Although I loved many subjects at College, I hadn’t found any that I wanted to study at university. So when I attended cookery school and excelled, I instantly knew it was for me.

What led to you setting up your own business?

I was working as a freelance chef for a few female owned catering companies. I loved my work and every day was different. However, when Covid hit, I was out of work immediately and it was a scary concept not to be in control of my job. I’d learned at College that I didn’t necessarily love following all the rules, so being my own boss was important to me. I set up my own business ‘Sticky Pig’ in 2020 and haven’t looked back.

What does Sticky Pig provide?

Sticky Pig is a bespoke catering service. I receive requests from clients and create a totally tailored service for their event. I have worked in private houses, yachts, manors, fashion houses and corporate spaces. One of my favourite jobs is to teach people how to cook. I have taught so many people how to make fresh dumplings and noodles that I’ve lost count!

I’m based in Bethnal Green, East London, but my jobs are all over. A lot of my clients have second homes or go on holiday and require chefs all over the world. I plan on spending more time cooking abroad this year as it seems to be the best way for me to get some holiday days too.

What have you learned?

To trust my instincts and to ask for help if I need it! At the beginning I would try to do it all myself, now I depend on event managers, sous chefs and stylists. Word of mouth is a huge part of my industry – treat everyone with respect and speak kindly. It will get you further than you know.

What is the biggest challenge and what do you love most?

The recent rising costs of ingredients and kitchen spaces has been a huge challenge. Luckily, I know enough chefs who rent out their spaces on a day-to-day basis so we can share the costs.

I love what I do, how fast paced it is, how creative and different every job is. I’m always excited to write a new menu or lead the service for a large event. I’m lucky to say that my passion for cooking is just as strong as it was 10 years ago.

www.stickypiglondon.com @sticky.pig.catering

Katie at College Katie Recent

Katie runs bespoke catering service, Sticky Pig.

Cartoon Design

Boo Bruce-Smith (Q, 2015)

I began illustrating at university while studying Politics. These were sociopolitical cartoons capturing everyday conversations and observations on things such as gender roles, dating and culture. It was while au-pairing in Paris after university that I realised being an illustrator could be my profession and I moved to London to live with my sisters and start building a career.

I would soon learn this meant A LOT of networking (not the most stabilising situation for an introvert) and learning how to file a tax return (arguably more terrifying!). But gradually the networking led to illustration projects that had me glued to my desk for hours at a time and in the quieter periods I would make my own art to share on socials and bulk up my portfolio.

For full transparency, I was also working four or five days a week in a local cafe for a regular income and used this spot to tell every customer who would listen that I was an illustrator should they ever need one! I didn’t realise it at the time but I was building a strong portfolio and through sharing my work online it felt like I was having some breakthroughs. My work was spotlighted by Saatchi & Saatchi, BBH and Mother London and I landed my first billboards across the UK with Adam & Eve DDB. I started a line of T-shirts and prints which I sold by hosting pop-ups across London with Soho House and eventually landing my dream freelance gig working on editorial

illustrations for Marie Claire.

These moments offered insight and experience that was invaluable, however I felt like my lack of any formal education in design was limiting me, and the imposter syndrome was alive and thriving!

In 2023 I enrolled in Shillington, an online intensive graphic design course. This taught me design principles, design software and kickstarted a shift in my approach for getting freelance work. I started emailing everyone and anyone with my portfolio, finally understanding the importance of reaching out and dealing with rejection (and oh my was there a lot of it!). But it worked and I now work as a freelance Illustrator and Graphic Designer full-time for a range of clients including Snuggs, Kikina Studio, L’Oreal and start-ups.

I started my cartoons at university as a way to convey how I was feeling about the world and now I get to help people convey how their brand makes people feel using visual communication.

www.boobrucesmith.com @aliomalleyart

Boo at College Boo Recent

Working on a collage project.

Boo’s illustration for Luv Jus, an LGBTQ+ drinks brand.

Part of a Horoscope Collection Boo designed, selected for a London exhibition by SOTA founder Emma Lang and Christie’s Curator and Associate Director Daniel Etherton, and featured in Marie Claire.

Cheltenham Storyteller

David Chikwe (BH, 1993)

Storyteller. It’s not really a job that’s listed in adverts. Or job fairs. Or careers advice. But it’s the best word I can find to describe both my passions and my journey through life. And in that sense being a Storyteller is as much about living as it has been about a job.

The huge privilege of going to College were all the extracurricular activities that were encouraged. Being in the choir and the school play, joining the opera society and the jazz band. All that and more sparked a life-long passion for the arts. In hindsight, one tell-tale sign was that I was always writing. Whether Tolkien-inspired fantasy, or screenplays about being queer and mixed-race. Storytelling was always about a combination of imagination and life.

While there have been several pivotal moments, the first big break as a Storyteller was getting my own original series

commissioned by CBBC as co-creator. I can remember vividly working in production on daytime series Missing for BBC1 (I had worked closely with my boss to turn a factual format about missing people into a scripted drama). Obama was campaigning in the USA. And I randomly had a brainwave: what if you collided Pinocchio with ET?

I’d loved kids’ TV growing up and that spark of a notion became a BAFTA-nominated live-action series called Eve which ran for three seasons and 36 episodes. From words on a page to a show being watched by millions. That is the power of stories.

As with most creative careers there have been highs and lows. But even the shows that never get made can teach you something. I’ve been fortunate to work with my idols and fellow Storytellers such as Terence Davies and Benjamin Zephaniah, both sadly no longer with us. Every writer and director, producer and actor has taught me more about the craft of storytelling. Terence and Benjamin, though from wildly different backgrounds, both had a child-like passion for story.

After shifting from VFX agenting in my twenties into drama producing in my thirties, I’ve made a third pivot into screenwriting in my forties (alongside running my own production company Three Tables Productions). I love that the creative industry allows you, even demands that you, continue to evolve and adapt. At times it can feel brutal. But with shows in development with Apple TV and Channel 4 as a producer and my own original writing in development with established indies there’s still that sense that anything is possible.

Sometimes, just imagining it can be the spark to make something real.

David at College David Recent

David in Cannes promoting Eve Eve pilot read-through with cast and crew.

Tutoring at the National Film and Television School.

African Travel

Ben Nelson (NH, 2007)

I attended College from 2002 to 2007 and I recall these years very fondly. Now, at 35, I am a father and a business owner, spending most of my time juggling these responsibilities. Long gone are the blissful days of playing cricket on the immaculate grounds at Cheltenham College.

Did Cheltenham set the scene for my current work endeavours? I believe it did. My travel company, Nelson Travel, started as an African safari specialist, sending clients all over southern and eastern Africa. Why Africa? Well, I partly have College to thank for that – it was during my time at College that I made my first trip to Africa; to Kenya.

Several things happened that inspired this visit. Firstly, I met my close friend Simon Kenyon (NH, 2007), whose home is in Kenya. Secondly, during my time there, College had a travel scholarship programme for community work in Kenya, which I secured alongside Bruce Mason (H, 2007). Thirdly, Mark Durston (Christowe Housemaster) played a key part in reassuring my parents that a trip to rural Kenya was a good idea!

My first successful trip to Kenya… and fast forward 20 years… Nelson Travel was born.

We are a specialist travel company offering luxury holidays to Africa and beyond. The Nelson Travel team have a genuine passion for travel, as do the people we work with around the globe. We only take commissions from our suppliers (meaning our service is free to you!) and expertise, service and price are the cornerstones of what we do.

www.nelson.travel

Ben at College Ben in Kenya

Luxury lodging in the Serengeti

Hyenas in the Seba wilderness.

Visual Effects Down Under

Eunice Chen (Ch, 2012)

Next time you watch anything with visual effects, spare a thought for me working behind the scenes programming the software tools for digital artists to make their work more efficient.

As a Lead Pipeline Technical Director for Industrial Light & Magic in my now home city of Sydney, Australia, work is always changing. There is no such thing as a boring day. I work with very talented people who come up with very good ideas and part of my role is to listen, take it in, assess the feasibility and make it happen. People come to me with their technical problems and I find solutions for them.

There is so much to learn and the technology in this industry is ever changing. Even now I’m learning something new every day and there will always be new software or new technologies that I’ll need to keep up with so that I don’t fall behind. Within this industry, whether you’re on the technical or the creative side, you really have to be open minded, be adaptable and the biggest thing of all, be curious.

One of many highlights is being able to attend premieres of projects we have been involved in. The most recent one I attended was the Sydney Premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023).

When I was at College for A Levels, I would never have dreamt this is what

I would do. I left to do an MSci in Physics at Imperial College London and I didn’t know about this industry at all until I was in my second year. At the Physics careers fair, a visual effects studio in London set up a booth to hire software engineers. I was curious.

I put it to the back of my mind but in the same year the film Interstellar was released. Being a Physics student the film was a massive deal. The created visuals were stunning, and I was really impressed by the amount of collaboration between artists and the physicist Kip Thorne. I think that was the turning point for me and I knew, somehow, I wanted to go in a direction where I could merge science and arts.

After I graduated, I decided that I would take a mini gap year (which lasted six months or so) to focus on creating my portfolio to get a job in this industry back home in Malaysia. From there, I got a local job as a technical artist. I learned everything else on the job, moved to Australia, and the rest, as they say, is history.

www.linkedin.com/in/eunicechen1

Eunice at College Eunice Recent

Eunice (centre) with colleagues attending the Premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at the Sydney Film Festival 2023. Eunice (second from right) with colleagues and Star Wars characters at one of Industrial Light & Magic’s annual parties.

Animal Chiropractic: Cotswolds to New Zealand

Fenella Grigsby (née Bovill, Ch, 1996)

Whether it’s horses, dogs, cats, prize bulls or alpaca, it’s my job as an animal chiropractor to address issues that affect how the whole body moves and functions, and to reduce pain to improve general health and wellbeing.

My practice is Cotswold & Equine Animal Therapies based in New Zealand where I have been for 21 years. Growing up on a farm in the UK, I have loved animals all my life so it was almost inevitable I would end up working in this field!

I left College in 1996 and was enrolled to study at Bristol University West of England, but unfortunately in September 1996, just before I was to start, I incurred a traumatic brain injury (TBI) so ended up in Frenchay Hospital rather than Frenchay Campus!

However, this was a turning point for my career. McTimoney Chiropractic was the rehabilitation system that worked for me. I was not able to lift a half empty glass of water without excruciating pain in my right elbow before receiving treatment. I had always dreamt of being a vet but on the basis that chiropractic had sorted me out I was drawn to do that.

I decided to enrol to study human chiropractic and, before I started the course, took a year off and headed to New Zealand to play polo and groom. After qualifying in 2003 back in the UK, I decided a change of direction would be exciting, so made the big move to New Zealand where I have been since. I qualified as an animal chiropractor and undertook further studies.

I have always loved dogs, so breeding a tricolour litter from the English pointer who came from UK to NZ with me was very special. Plus breeding horses that I can ride and take through to competition is so rewarding!

I love the life here especially with the variety of my different patients and, as I travel around the NZ countryside, feel privileged to enjoy the many different beautiful vistas.

www.ceatnz.com

Fenella at College

My Brush with Lowry

Gordon Mellor (H, 1947)

I was a member of the Manchester Liberal Club, as were many of my friends. There was a huge room within it, where we used to have lunch followed by a game of snooker. There were five full size snooker tables kept in fine condition. On the first floor, were two dining rooms with oblong tables that could seat eight people either side.

One day, I went to lunch and there was Lowry, sitting at a table on his own. I sat opposite him and asked if he minded if I join him, to which he immediately agreed. I sat down and told him that I was an amateur painter and had bought one of his paintings from the George Aird Gallery where I went to get my own pictures framed. Lowry enquired which painting had I bought, to which I replied, ‘The painting of St Luke’s Church at Old Street, London.’

‘Do you know,’ Lowry said, ‘that I never wanted to paint in London. I didn’t quite agree with the statement made in a novel by Sir Walter Besant that London was not a good place to paint, so I decided to prove it wrong.’ Lowry went on, ‘I stood at the other side of the road in a doorway and sketched the church on the back of an envelope, from which I painted the piece. I would like to see the painting, could you bring it to my house in Mottram?’ I was very pleased with this invitation, so I agreed.

I mounted the painting, 24 by 18 inches, in a traditional gilt frame. So how to carry it? I used an old silk eiderdown to wrap it and put it flat in the car’s boot. I parked the car outside his home and rang the bell at the door, which was answered by Lowry himself. He took me into the drawing room and I laid the package on the table. Opening the package, Lowry said in a loud voice, ‘Eee, what a lovely eiderdown!’ We laughed, then turned our attention to the painting and studied it for a while.

He said to me, ‘Would you like to have 95 prints of your picture?’ The price would be £11 each and to that I agreed. I took the painting to somewhere near Worcester, the people who had the best reputation for this work, and have enjoyed the project over the years.

Lowry died in 1976 and my picture was exhibited at his memorial exhibition at the Royal Academy in London. Lowry had loved red wine and fillet steak, so occasionally I took him to a nearby Italian restaurant run by three Italian brothers. The press portrayed him as a lonely old man, who had lost his sense of humour, but personally I found him full of humour. Before he died, I asked him about this. He said, ‘I am sad because all my friends are dead.’

He was also very helpful to other artists. For instance, there was a well-known artist, Helen Bradley, who invited Lowry to her exhibition in Yorkshire. During the exhibition he told her he liked her style. She replied, ‘Maybe so, Mr Lowry, but I do not sell many.’ He told her, ‘That’s easy: put people in your pictures.’ She followed his advice and became more famous and successful after this period.

With that, I will end my tale of my brush with Lowry.

We are deeply saddened to report that Gordon died peacefully at home in France in July 2024. His obituary will be published on the Cheltonian Society website and in the next edition of The Cheltonian.

Gordon at College Gordon Recent

Gordon’s Lowry: St Luke’s Church, London

Fundraising

Guy Dodd Bursary Endowment Fund

The focus for fundraising at Cheltenham College over the past year has been creating a new Bursary Endowment Fund in memory of Guy Dodd (H, 1959, College Staff 1966-82, Leconfield Housemaster 1973-82, and College Council 19992005). The aim is to establish an invested endowment fund of £1million, to generate an annual return that is used annually to fully fund a pupil at Cheltenham College.

Hugh Wright (College Staff 1964-79) wrote in his tribute to Guy, ‘we are all for ever in his debt and will never forget him.’

The establishment of the Guy Dodd Bursary Endowment Fund, that will fund a pupil at Cheltenham in perpetuity, is a wonderfully fitting way both of remembering him and of fulfilling this debt.

Thanks to every single donor to date, the Guy Dodd Bursary Endowment Fund currently stands at £924,784. These donors include OCs, current parents and former parents. Every donation from across the spectrum of the Cheltonian Society has been gratefully received, and thanks to the wonderful generosity of John Chatfeild-Roberts (L, 1980) every £1 donated is being matched up to £500,000.

As soon as we reach the target of £1million, a new student, who could not otherwise consider it, will be able to start benefitting from a Cheltenham education.

Looking ahead, our fundraising will continue to focus on growing the Bursary Endowment Fund and thereby allowing us to offer more fully funded places.

Please do contact Sebastian Bullock, Development Director, if you would like to find out more: s.bullock@cheltenhamcollege.org

Helen Dodd (centre) with donors to the Guy Dodd Bursary Endowment Fund, February 2024.

Guy Dodd (H, 1959, College Staff 1966-82, Leconfield Housemaster 1973-82, and College Council 1999-2005)

Obituaries

Trevor Davies (History teacher 19621988, Hazelwell Housemaster 1971-1985)

Trevor Davies, father of Steve Davies (S, 1980) and Rob Davies (S, 1984) and grandfather of Jonathan Davies (S, 2010), died on 11 April 2024, aged 91.

The following tribute has been written by Trevor’s son, Steve.

My father was born in Shrewsbury to fully Welsh speaking parents. As children in the war, he and his brother Glynn were evacuated to the family farm in West Wales. Here, wandering the moor at the back of the farm, he formed his lifelong love of the countryside. In times of food shortages and rationing, if the boys shot well, they ate well.

Back in Shrewsbury after the war, his photo albums show a happy family and sport-oriented upbringing. A natural leader, he was a formidable cricketer and rugby player and seemed to captain most of the teams he played in. A shoulder injury whilst Captain of the Welsh Schoolboys finished his rugby.

Head Boy in his final year at Shrewsbury Grammar, Dad then went to Christ’s College, Cambridge to study history. Here

on the cricket field, he rubbed shoulders with Ted Dexter, Garfield Sobers and Frank Worrell.

His first teaching job was at Canford School in Dorset (where he played for the county), before arriving in Cheltenham as a history teacher with his new wife and son in 1962.

Two children later, and after a year’s teaching in America, Dad was made Housemaster of Hazelwell in 1971. Fourteen happy years followed in which he was ably backed by the indomitable Maggie Matron, and my mother of course.

He was so proud of this time and the trust, loyalty and friendships he generated with ‘his boys’ lasted all his life. He would scour his Daily Telegraph and wait eagerly for the publication of The Cheltonian, looking for news of his boys. The frequent visits from old boys and the wonderful messages from around the world give testimony to his (and Mum’s) legacy.

His love of sport was ingrained and he coached the XI, the XV and ran the OC Cricket for 15 years. On his arrival in Cheltenham, the local clubs – the Gloucestershire Gipsies, Slad Exiles and Free Foresters – all came knocking. He loved scoring runs and continued to umpire well into his 80s.

His love of the countryside never left him and he had lifelong friendships with farmers and conservationists throughout Gloucestershire. He loved his racing and was a member at Cheltenham for over 40 years. His invite to a New Year’s shooting party in Norfolk (by another wonderful old boy) was a highlight for Dad and Mum for over 35 years.

Dad always loved West Wales and he and Mum had the foresight to buy a cottage called Minydon which sits above the beautiful bay of Aberporth. As a family we had, and continue to have, wonderful holidays in this part of Ceredigion. My son once called it, ‘the heartbeat of our family.’

Dad was on fine form right to the end and spent his last evening talking, laughing, celebrating (their 63rd wedding anniversary) and planning.

In all these memories, there was always friendship, loyalty, stories, laughter (Dad’s wonderful laughter), a twinkle in his eye, and love. And as so many of the wonderful messages have said, ‘Always the true gentleman.’

Thomas John (Max) Bygrave (Physics Technician & Badminton Coach, 1994-2013)

Max Bygrave died on 4 April 2024, aged 84. The following has been written by Max’s former colleagues, Tom Adams (College staff 19812014, Head of Physics 1986-2013) and Andrew Gasson (College staff 1987-2017, Assistant Head Co-Curricular 2011-2016).

Max began his long association with College in 1994 when he joined the Science Department as the Physics Technician. He integrated well within the Department and quickly became a valued member of the Physics team. At that time we studied the Nuffield A Level course which involved a great deal of practical work. As part of the examination, each student had to perform an individual ‘Practical Investigation’ of their choice. This often required the technician to make some specific apparatus. Max really enjoyed the opportunity that this gave him to use his carpentry and workshop talents and he loved discussing with the students their ideas for progressing their experiment, helping to guide them down sensible lines of scientific enquiry.

Another part of the A Level assessment process was the ‘Practical Problems Paper’. In this exam eight students entered the laboratory where the technician had set up eight different experiments for them. Each student had only 11 minutes to work on one experiment before having to move on to the next one. It was therefore critical that each of the experiments worked reliably and could easily be re-set by the staff before the next student moved to it. Thanks to Max’s meticulous preparation and frequent testing, everything invariably ran smoothly.

An accomplished player himself, Max soon got involved in coaching badminton. He was as much at home on the court as he was in the Physics Lab. He coached the sport for 19 years, seven of which as Head of Badminton, and countless Cheltonians benefitted hugely from his expertise and skill. Badminton was listed as a ‘minor sport’ in Max’s time but one would never have guessed this when visiting the sports hall on a games’ afternoon. He always ensured that everyone was fully involved on the courts, which then gave him the chance to move from one group to another to offer encouragement, as well as valuable technical advice.

Through his passion for the game and his commitment to College’s pupils, badminton duly flourished. When the time came for Max to retire, badminton was a well-established

and successful sport. Pupils, past and present, have so much to thank him for and it is fitting that Max is remembered every year when the Bygrave Trophy is presented to the most improved player in the Club.

After his retirement, Max remained connected to College, supporting academic trips and sporting fixtures and working as a minibus driver (for St John’s Primary School as well as College) and later a car park attendant. Age was no barrier for Max and he was a highly regarded member of the transport team.

Max was very fond of College and College benefitted hugely from him – not only from his work as an excellent technician and inspirational coach but also from his cheerful demeanour, his enthusiasm to help others and his great loyalty.

Jane Waller (Prep Registrar, 2017-2024)

Jane Waller passed away in February 2024. Jane had been the Registrar at The Prep since 2017. Throughout the past seven years there is no doubt whatsoever that a great many parents chose us, for their children, as a result of the interactions they had with her. As a devoted mother herself, she was an expert at guiding nervous parents through the challenges of choosing the right school. She had a calm reassurance about her that gave great confidence to all those who were looked after by her.

Although a very private person, it was clear from the wonderful stories we heard about Jane at her funeral that she lived an extraordinary life and, above all, was a fantastic mother.

She was a trusted and highly regarded colleague and friend to all at The Prep and her untimely passing leaves a gap at her desk and a gap in all of our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Richard, and her three boys Jack, Harry and Freddie.

Rest in peace Jane.

Simon Charles Ayre (Xt, 1974)

Simon Ayre died on 30 January 2023, aged 67.

The following tribute has been provided by Simon’s family.

Simon was born in Long Eaton, Derbyshire on the 17 October 1955. He was adopted into the Ayre family alongside his older sister (also adopted). The family home was in Etwall and he enjoyed his boarding school days for education.

After Cheltenham College, he went on to attend Teeside Polytechnic, gaining his HND in Chemical Engineering; a career that was to be very successful and one where he was well respected. His career saw him working across several power stations for Costains, Mitsui Babcock, and later PX Ltd. His most notable position saw him as the group commercial manager responsible for the management of the financial and commercial aspects of the contract with Sellafield. Even upon early retirement, Simon continued to do some part time consultancy work for PX which, as his colleagues suggested, highlighted his capability and trust within the company to deliver a professional, confidential service of contractual financial control.

He met his wife Gillian in 1976. They married in 1980, then relocated to North Lincolnshire. Simon’s daughter Sharon was born in 1983 followed a few years later by his son Paul in 1986. Together they also welcomed other foster children into their home over the years.

Simon’s final working years were at Sellafield where he fell in love with the beauty of Cumbria, and the Lake District. He went on to spend what he enjoyed of his short but full retirement on the banks of Lake Windermere.

Simon was an intelligent and private man. He enjoyed bird watching, had a love of tigers, rugby, Formula 1 and all fast cars, and enjoyed a good pint of beer. You could always find him in a pub beer garden. He worked hard to provide for his family and then to enjoy his early retirement.

Summed up by friends: ‘He was good fun and always had a tale’; ‘the nicest grump in the world’; ‘he loved a pint and the crack but always maintained his commercial head and focus on business.’

Duncan Otho Steele Bennett (H, 1980)

Duncan Bennett, brother of Christopher Bennett (H, 1975), passed away on 30 November 2023, aged 61.

The following tribute has been provided by Duncan’s family.

Following in the footsteps of his brother Christopher (H, 1975), Duncan joined College and Hazelwell under the care of Trevor Davies in 1975. He took boarding school in his own stride. He made friends, quite a few of them international students, increasing his curiosity to explore the world. He enjoyed athletics, in particular running. He was an enthusiastic member of the Cheltenham Ladies’ College Choral Society! Quite an achiever too, going on to read Management Science at Manchester University (UMIST) where he met his wife, Joyce.

After graduating, his first job was with Thorn EMI in London. His passion for travel subsequently took him on a gap year travelling around the world. He enjoyed recounting his adventures and especially learning Spanish whilst living with a family in Guatemala.

On his return, he joined the family business in Worcester. He married Joyce, a GP, in 1989 and they soon started a family. He enjoyed family life and with three young sons, he found himself involved in their sporting activities including rugby and rowing but only as an observer with piano lessons! He also enjoyed skiing and gardening.

Following his father’s retirement, Duncan became Managing Director of the business. Having started in the frozen food business, he made the decision to concentrate on the manufacture of luxury farmhouse ice cream using fresh whole milk from the family farm. Under his management, the business grew as he successfully implemented expansion leading to a wider customer base and distribution as far afield as the South Coast. Needless to say, the ice cream is delicious!

His beloved ice cream business will continue as a family business under the direction of his two youngest sons, Robert and Oliver.

Duncan left us too soon, having put up a brave fight following his diagnosis with cancer the previous year.

He is survived by his wife and their three sons.

Christopher John Boddy (Xt, 1957)

Christopher Boddy passed away on 17 December 2023, at the age of 85.

One of the most important things to him – his family – had all congregated for significant events during 2023 including his 60th wedding anniversary in May, and his granddaughter’s wedding in September. His health declined quite rapidly in the last three months of 2023 as various ailments took an increasing hold.

Christopher loved Norfolk, he enjoyed his golf, tennis and sailing the Wayfarer. His family was all important. He will be missed enormously, but will always be remembered for his strong spirit, firm principles, sense of duty, decency, and terrific sense of humour.

Christopher Michael Brain (H, 1958)

Christopher Brain died on 14 March 2024, aged 84, after a short illness. Christopher enjoyed his time at Cheltenham College with fond memories of playing in the 1st XV and being part of the unbeaten side of 1956, as well as representing the school as Captain of Cricket. He had a successful career in the brewing and hospitality industry and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.

A full obituary will be published on the Cheltonian Society website and in the next edition of The Cheltonian

Matthew Kiran Burke (NH, 2018)

Matt Burke died on 24 November 2023, aged 23. The following tributes have been written by Matt’s mother Sunita, sister Jess, and his friends and College teachers.

This is an abridged version of their tributes to Matt. You can read the full version at: cheltoniansociety.org/news/obituaries

Sunita

Matt was born in Cheltenham on 21 February 2000. He was a very kind and caring child and grew up to be the same. He was bright, witty and had a dry sense of humour, but was not always easy to understand and did not always fit the norm.

He was clever and particularly good at looking at small detail and figuring things out by himself. He was one of only two who completed his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award during his A Levels. I admired his strength of character and his determination to complete the task and not give up.

Matt wanted to be successful in life and earn money. I’m not sure why but he was focussed on going into the City. I thought he was more of a research type, but I could not change his mind on that!

He spent a lot of time in the Art room and was fascinated by tall buildings which was the theme for his GCSE Art project. He was fluent in Spanish and could converse like a native. I always wondered how he could do that.

Matt was good at sport too and enjoyed squash and diving and won several medals at County level.

Despite all of this Matt’s life was hard for him. He couldn’t flourish at university the way he could at College. I am very fortunate that I had 23 wonderful years with him. He achieved more in his short life than many people do in a very long life.

Jess

My brother was an amazing human being. Even from a very young age he put me first. He was one of a kind with a unique sense of humour.

In my first year of university, I went downstairs to collect a

delivery and there were 30 blocks of red Leicester cheese for me. I had never tried it before, but it became my favourite. It didn’t say who it was from. It took a few phone calls to find out who had sent me this outrageous gift, and I vividly remember the woman from Tesco burst out laughing. Everyone in my flat was blown out of their minds to see so much cheese in one place.

Friends and College teachers

Matthew was a hugely kind-hearted young man who would always go out of his way to help others. He has a mischievous sense of humour and a quick wit. Matthew was particularly popular among younger students due to his gentle nature and inclusive manner.

He was a special individual, bright and funny, and easy to get on with. Life did not treat him well, but he never turned his back on his friends.

He will always be the young man with a voracious appetite for knowledge, who would see links with the topics, no matter how small and how tenuous.

Colonel Mark Mackenzie CarnegieBrown OBE (H, 1955)

Mark Carnegie-Brown, brother of Neil Carnegie-Brown (H, 1951) and Adam Carnegie-Brown (H, 1953), and uncle of Bruce Carnegie-Brown (H, 1977) and Ian Carnegie-Brown (H, 1979), died peacefully on 1 August 2024, aged 87.

Mark joined the army (Scots Guards) straight after leaving College. The following is an abridged version of the obituary published by the Scots Guards.

Mark attended RMA Sandhurst from January 1956 to December 1957. He was posted initially to the Second Battalion in January 1958 as a Platoon Commander in Right Flank, in Chelsea Barracks.

From early 1962, Mark served for two years with 2SG in Kenya, having just got married in London prior to the Battalion’s move to Kenya. Later, while serving as No.1 Troop Commander, Guards Parachute Company based at Pirbright and Windsor, Mark had six months active service in Borneo in

a Special Forces role operating out of base camp in Brunei.

In early 1967, he moved with the Second Battalion to join 24 Guards Brigade in Germany (based initially in Iserlohn and then in Munster) ending up commanding Left Flank. His high point there was a memorable large-scale exercise in the Libyan desert ending with each Company carrying out a live-firing Company attack with live fire support from tanks of 14/20 Hussars and Royal Artillery field guns.

From 1973 to1974, Mark commanded the Guards’ Parachute Company (the Company was later, in 1976, disbanded under Defence cuts with many of its members volunteering for transfer to ‘G’ Squadron SAS). In 1975 he was Battalion Second in Command back in 2SG, on active service in Belfast followed by a tour in Belize and then a six-month posting to the US Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, Virginia.

As a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded 1SG, based at Chelsea Barracks from 1976 to 1979. 1977 was the Silver Jubilee year and consisted of a New Colours Parade presented by Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace followed by the Queen’s Birthday Parade. He then completed a highly successful tour of active service in Armagh, Northern Ireland, where he was awarded a Mentioned-in-Despatches.

Mark was promoted to Colonel in 1984. He served in the MOD and then in 1985 as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Gibraltar. This was followed by a stint in HQ UKLF based in Wilton and then as Chief of Staff to Major General Christopher Airey in Horse Guards. (He recalls his windows being blown out by an IRA mortar attack on No.10 Downing Street while he was conducting a Heads of Department meeting!)

Retiring from the Army in September 1991, he spent the next eleven years working in The Mansion House in the City of London, initially as The City Marshal and then for the last five years as the Sword Bearer. On retirement from The Mansion House in 2002, he was awarded an OBE for services to the Mayoralty and to The Corporation of London.

Mark was predeceased by his beloved wife Jane and leaves behind his children Jonathan and Sarah, and his grandson Tom.

William Neville Dibben (Xt, 1955)

William Dibben, father of David Dibben (Xt, 1978) and brother of Richard Dibben (Xt, 1952), died on 24 June 2024, aged 87. A full obituary will be published on the Cheltonian Society website and in the next edition of The Cheltonian

Michael John Green (Day Boy, 1956)

Michael Green died on 26 November 2023, aged 85. The following is an abridged version of a tribute given at Mike’s funeral by his long-standing friend, Clive Burton. The full tribute can be read on the Cheltonian Society website.

Michael Green, who was known to most of us as Mike, was an amazing man. A slightly gruff exterior hid a kind and generous nature. He was very adventurous and was always keen to discover new things. Recently he remarked that he was 85 and had had a good life. This summed him up in just a few words; never one to duck a challenge and always positive. Mike was brought up in Cheltenham and started at Cheltenham College Junior School in 1946 as a Day Boy. Mike appeared to enjoy his time at the College and finishing his schooling he was called up for National Service. He was selected to attend officers’ training but during the initial interview the officer asked him whether he was interested in the army. ‘Absolutely not at all,’ he replied and so he was not put onto the course. He was instead made driver for the Commanding Officer which he enjoyed immensely.

However, as a private soldier this proved a bit of a disadvantage when he met Caroline who happened to be the daughter of a General. He proposed three times to Caroline and she refused him three times. Finally, Mike said, ‘You will not get my pension if we are not married,’ and so she agreed to marry him. They had 32 very happy years together.

After completing his NS, Mike began his training as a Chartered Surveyor. He joined a firm of Surveyors called Leslie Furness and by the time he retired in 1995 he was the senior partner. One of his business activities was arbitration. He was particularly suited to this type of work as it involved listening to both sides (and he was a great listener) and making sound and sometimes difficult decisions that were not necessarily welcomed by all parties. His clients included some of the big high street retail names.

Outside of work, one of Mike’s activities was golf which he was good at and had a handicap of only 16. He was also a great traveller, always interested in going to new places.

Only a few weeks before he died, he and Caroline enjoyed a holiday in Croatia and in the spring they had been on a cruise from Cape Town to Madagascar. This was despite the fact that by this stage Mike was not able to walk unaided. There were parties too to celebrate big birthdays, brilliantly organised by Caroline, and sometimes a complete surprise for Mike. He had a tremendous capacity for friendship and as people have commented was a stimulating dinner companion.

Freemasonry was a big part of Mike’s life. Having lived in Cheltenham and been to the College, it was quite natural that he should want to join his School Lodge. He was initiated in 1975 and progressed to becoming Master in 1983 as well as in 2000 and 2007. Mike was a member of several other lodges, including Grand Stewards’ Lodge which may justifiably be described as the premier lodge of England & Wales. He was introduced to the Lodge by OC Seymour Robinson (Corinth House, 1920-23 and Clive Burton’s father-in-law) and it was here that Mike really came into his own. He had an extensive and lasting influence for over a quarter of a century that has provided the lodge with great consistency. In 2006 he was made Master of Grand Stewards’ Lodge, which he loved. He was in his element travelling round the country visiting the Provincial Grand Stewards’ lodges where he made lasting friends.

Mike has three sons, David, Jim and Chris and four grandchildren. Mike’s grandchildren have written about how much they loved him; they enjoyed his sense of humour, the stories he would tell, appreciated that he was so nonjudgmental and was a great listener.

I have heard many other glowing tributes to Mike about how generous he was, what a privilege it was to know him, how adventurous he was and how he loved trying out new things. We are all privileged to have known Mike and he will be greatly missed by so many of us.

John Michael Griffith-Jones (Thirlestaine, 1961)

John Griffith-Jones, brother of the late Christopher ‘Bomber’ Griffith-Jones (Thirlestaine, 1963), died on 23 April 2024, aged 81. The following is an abridged version of the eulogy delivered by John’s daughter at his memorial service.

My father was always more of a listener than a talker. In fact, if you had to assign him a ‘superpower’ then I would say that was it. He learned through listening, and if he wasn’t listening then he was reading. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, which amongst other things made him an extremely formidable opponent in Scrabble!

Born in Cheltenham to Beryl and Charles he later attended Cheltenham College, where his love of academia blossomed. Whilst he rarely talked about his own life, he studied hard and fully applied himself to whatever challenge was presented.

During his childhood he and his brother Christopher spent many happy holidays staying with their Aunt Mary and Uncle Jack at their farm in Warwickshire. When Mary passed away and an area of this glorious estate became a designated charitable nature reserve – called ‘The Neal Trust’ – he joined both his brother and myself as a trustee. It was a place that was dear to his heart and somewhere he had run so freely as a child.

From Cheltenham he headed to St John’s College, Oxford to pursue his love of history. There he formed friendships that remained with him to the end of his days.

Not content with ending his academic studies here, whilst he was working as a town planner on the development of Milton Keynes, he went on to obtain a Masters from The London School of Economics. He was awarded a Fellowship from the English Speaking Union to complete his MBA at Indiana University so, just two days after their wedding, my parents left the Isle of Mull to catch their flight across the pond.

He returned to the UK to join the firm McKinseys as a management consultant, and my parents set up home in Blackheath, London. Shortly after I was born, we headed off for my father’s first overseas assignment to Dar Es Salaam, in Tanzania.

It was whilst living in Tanzania that my father discovered the world of philately. Through the medium of stamps he was able to further indulge his love of historical research. Years of dedication eventually resulted in the achievement of top International philatelic awards culminating in his book The Postage Dues of Zanzibar. He was a key player in The East Africa Study Circle. Towards the end of his life my father was working on his PhD, which he so very nearly completed. Needless to say, his subject was his beloved stamps!

After McKinseys my father ventured into self-employment and was involved in the set up of Data Harvest. It was at this time that he met his second wife, Angela, who inspired in him his true devotion to the Christian Faith. When Angela’s life was tragically cut short, he channelled his energies into fundraising which enabled churches and schools to be built in remote villages near Angela’s home city of Madras, now Chennai. These continue to thrive.

My father later moved back to the world of employment and joined the law firm that is now Dentons, as Advisor to the Board.

Reading the kind letters and emails about my father, the words that have appeared again and again are: kind, gentle, warm, devoted, loving, intelligent, humble, resilient, remarkable.

He passed away on St George’s Day, which feels apt. Only hours beforehand it would have been the day of the London Marathon which would also have been fitting given that he ran it twice, the second time aged 70. But St George’s Day it was. ‘Unleash the power within you, and you shall conquer every dragon on your path.’ He really gave life his all and will be sorely missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

John is survived by his partner Sharon Lesk, daughter Sarah Rutherford, granddaughters Abby and Rosie, and half-sister, Susie Griffith-Jones.

Peter Marshall Haines (H, 1958)

Peter Haines, brother of Oliver Haines (H, 1959), died in November 2022, aged 82.

Thomas Guy Stuart Higson (L, 1961)

Guy Higson died in November 2023, aged 80.

Nicholas Hugh Lindo (L, 1954)

Nick Lindo, father of Hugh Lindo (L, 1979) and Murray Lindo (Junior, 1979), died on 22 November 2023, aged 87. The following tribute has been provided by Nick’s family.

Nick died peacefully at his Christchurch home in New Zealand. By his side was a piping hot cup of tea and the day’s crossword.

Nick attended both the Junior and College from 1945-54. There is no doubt that he thoroughly enjoyed his time at Cheltenham in and out of the classroom making friends for life, particularly in the form of Charles Dickins (L, 1953) who remained a close friend until Charles’s death. Nick was a gifted sportsman and developed a lifelong love of sport, especially cricket while at College having spent three years in the 1st XI.

After leaving College, he went on to complete his two years National Service (which by then was voluntary) and was commissioned into the Queen’s Royal Regiment serving with the First Battalion on active service in Malaya (as was). Rumours of his cricketing ability must have spread and he enjoyed brief respite from patrolling the swamps searching for members of the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA) to play cricket for the British Army 1st XI in Kuala Lumpa.

After his short service commission and having seen some of the world, Nick was keen to see more of it. This early love of travelling not only led him to spend two years working for British Mexican Petroleum Company, but also saw him embark on a working tour of the US and Canada. When working for the Canadian National Railway, due to a rogue act of drilling he managed to cause a power outage that plunged most of Montreal into total darkness. During these years Nick weighed up a number of varied (some might say diametrically opposed) career options that included the possibility of going to theological college to become ordained as well as briefly considering working for the ‘family firm’ Justerini and Brooks – of J&B whisky fame.

It was his calling to education however that was to define his professional life. After taking up a temporary teaching post back at the Junior organised by his uncle (Jim Gomme, French teacher at the Junior from 1940 to 1965) who was

a teacher there at the time, he went to Durham University to study Social Sciences at St John’s College and then on to complete his Diploma in Education at Hertford College, Oxford. While at Durham and Oxford he captained the university cricket teams.

Nick’s first teaching job was at Wellington School, Somerset teaching English and throwing himself into every aspect of school mastering life, alongside his teaching duties he coached 1st team ‘rugger’ and cricket, ran the debating society, led the CCF and even found time to play the trumpet in the school orchestra!

After a very successful three years at Wellington once again Nick was tempted by an overseas posting taking his wife Anne and young son Hugh to begin what was a long and fulfilling career at Christ’s College, Christchurch, New Zealand. Nick was a hugely conscientious English teacher and Housemaster, and his reports were always meticulous and exhaustive. His colleague R. C. Bromley wrote on his retirement in the Christ’s College Register: ‘He will be remembered by his colleagues for his dedication to the boys in his house and in his classes, for his self-denigrating wit, his Christian conviction and his warm company.’ Indeed, of his many qualities it will be his terrific sense of humour that he will perhaps be best remembered for.

After retirement Nick enjoyed a highly successful career as a political writer and columnist writing for a number of newspapers throughout New Zealand. He managed to combine healthy cynicism with a wonderful comic turn of phrase that made him a favourite with his regular readers. His short and pithy letters to the editor continued to be published in The Press (the main newspaper in the South Island) right up until the week before he died.

Along with his writing, he devoted much of his retirement to service, a quality that had been noted all those years before at College. He served on the Board of Barnardo’s New Zealand for many years.

On Nick’s final College report card in 1954, it was noted that he was a, ‘fine and sterling person. I am sure he will be useful and reliable and so be a happy man.’ These were prophetic comments that were born out over the following 70 years. Throughout his life he championed the underdog, remained ever modest despite his many talents, and earned the respect of colleagues, students and friends. In all his endeavours Nick was indeed ‘useful and reliable’ and was ultimately a happy man.

Nick leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humour, dedication, and a profound impact on the lives of his students and colleagues. He will be deeply missed by his family – his children Hugh, Rebecca and Murray, his grandchildren and his wife Jean – his friends, and the many students who had the privilege of learning from him.

Gordon Richardson Mellor (H, 1947)

Gordon Mellor, father of Anthony Mellor (H, 1974), Philip Mellor (H, 1979) and Christopher Mellor (Junior, 1977), died peacefully at home in France on 4 July 2024, aged 94.

Gordon was a much-loved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and greatgrandfather. His funeral, which took place at Cannes Crematorium on 11 July, was well attended and included warm tributes from his family.

An article written by Gordon – ‘My Brush with Lowry’ – is on page 143. A full obituary will be published on the Cheltonian Society website and in the next edition of The Cheltonian

Ian Charles Hugh Moody (Cheltondale, 1946)

Ian Moody, father of Charles Moody (Cheltondale, 1976) and grandfather of Cecelia Warren-Thomas (Ch, 2003) and Guy Warren-Thomas (H, 2004), died on 1 January 2024, aged 95.

The following is an abridged version of the tribute given at Ian’s funeral by his granddaughter Cecelia.

Ian Moody, a distinguished and dedicated individual, passed away leaving behind a legacy of service, discipline, and family values. Born in 1928, Ian’s early years were marked by his time at Cheltenham College and later at Sandhurst. His brief yet impactful career in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers saw him posted to Berlin, demonstrating his commitment and resilience even after an injury in 1949 ended his army days.

Post-army, Ian’s professional journey led him to Shell, where he worked for many years overseas in Personnel, ending his tenure there as Head of Personnel for South America. During his time he also navigated challenging international landscapes, including hair-raising evacuations in Nigeria during the Biafran War, Indonesia during the 1963 antiBritish riots, and Bangladesh in 1966. His ability to lead with

authority and care was evident as he stayed behind to ensure the safety of others during crises.

Ian’s life was not just about work; he and his wife Angela, whom he married in 1952, embraced a vibrant social life as expats, fostering a sense of community and fun, while bringing up their three children, Nicola, Charles and Carey Ann. Whether it was water-skiing in Lagos or enjoying long days at local clubhouses, Ian’s zest for life was contagious. Indeed, he hosted events for Old Cheltonians in the South West at his house in Lympstone into his late 80s.

A devoted cricketer, Ian’s love for the gentleman’s game was fostered at school where he captained the 1st XI and it remained a constant love throughout his life. He was known for playing cricket in various locations, including the local Staff Clubhouses in Trinidad, Jakarta, and Balikpapan, and his detailed memoirs in his later years recounting matches and scores from his school days (including Cheltenham matches at Lord’s) are a testament to his passion for the sport.

This spirit extended to his family, where he was a loving and engaging grandfather, known for his playful manner and unwavering support. Ian’s resilience, curiosity, and non-judgmental nature made him a captivating and kind presence.

In retirement, Ian’s sense of purpose remained strong. His 32-year involvement with St John Ambulance, including a five-year tenure as Commissioner in Chief, earned him an OBE in 1996. While spending a fair amount of time in boats on the River Exe, Ian also played significant roles in the Conservative Party in South Devon, Lympstone Church, and Farlington School, showcasing his leadership and commitment to community service.

Ian’s ability to stay engaged with the world and maintain a strong sense of purpose throughout his life is a lesson in resilience and living fully. Ian’s legacy is one of dedication, kindness, and an enduring impact on those who knew him.

Ian had extremely fond memories of his time at Cheltenham College, and he was delighted that his son Charles Moody, and grandchildren Cecelia and Guy Warren-Thomas also attended the school.

Captain Richard Alfred Nesbitt OrangeBromehead BSc CEng MICE (Xt, 1945)

Richard Orange-Bromehead, son of Col FE OrangeBromehead OBE (Xt, 1905), passed away on 19 June 2024, aged 96.

The following tribute has been provided by Richard’s family.

Born in Ferozepur, Punjab, India in 1928, Richard received his education at Cheltenham College from 1941-1945 and later attended Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Following this, he was commissioned as a Regular Officer of The Royal Engineers and obtained a civil engineering degree from the Military College of Science at Shrivenham. His military career included postings to Germany and Cyprus with the 37 Field Engineer Regiment, where he also enjoyed competitive sailing with the Royal Engineers Yacht Club (REYC).

Richard retired from the Army in 1961 after serving at Headquarters Northern Command in York as a Staff Officer R. E. He then joined the consultant engineering firm Rendall Palmer & Tritton in 1963, where he specialised in dam structures. Elected as a member of The Institution of Civil Engineers in 1968, Richard later served as Engineer’s Representative for the Gale Common Ash Disposal scheme in North Yorkshire from 1970, overseeing reservoir operations and supervising earthworks, structures, and drainage until his retirement. In 1987, he was appointed a supervising engineer under the 1975 Reservoirs Act.

An active member of the Conservative Party, Richard retired to Hovingham, Ryedale, where he contributed extensively to the community as a parish council member, school governor, local chairman of the British Legion, and volunteer for the National Trust. In 2000, following significant floods, Richard led the implementation of a flood defence scheme in Hovingham, safeguarding local homes from future flooding, as reported by the York Press.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Claire in 2021 and is survived by his beloved sons James, Robert, and Peter, as well as seven grandchildren.

Stephen Michael Page (H, 1964)

Stephen Page, brother of Gordon Page (H, 1962) and Alan Page (H, 1968), died on 26 June 2023, aged 77.

Stephen was born in Preston and attended College between 1958 and 1964, where he won several sports prizes. He went on to study Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University, before becoming a Captain for British Airways until his retirement in 1997.

Stephen is survived by his wife Thérèse and three stepchildren.

Keith Edwin Pow (Xt, 1948)

Keith Pow died suddenly but peacefully in Salisbury District Hospital on 6 July 2024, aged 93. Much loved and adored father, inspiring and devoted grandfather and great grandfather.

Dan Minton Rees (Xt, 1955)

Dan Rees, father of Aled Rees (Xt, 1982) and Morgan Rees (Xt, 1988), brother of the late David Rees (Xt, 1952), Henry Rees (Xt, 1959) and the late John Rees (Xt, 1962), cousin of the late Michael Rees (Xt, 1953) and Martin Rees (Xt, 1958), and uncle of David Rees (Xt, 1983), died on 24 February 2024, aged 87.

The following tribute has been written by Dan’s son Aled.

Dan was born in Abertillery, Wales. He was the third of the five children of Harry and Aleda (née Minton). Dan married Agnes (Nina) Paterson in 1963. They had three children,

Aled and Morgan who attended College and Daniele who attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College. A fourth child, Mathew, died shortly after childbirth.

Dan was educated at Blaenau Gwent Infants School (until March 1943) and Cwmtillery Boys School (known as Cochin Chic) until July 1944. He attended Wells House Preparatory School in Malvern from September 1944 and then Cheltenham College.

Dan was at Christowe from 1949 to 1955. He was one of nine members of the Rees family to attend Cheltenham College and Christowe: three brothers, two sons, a nephew and two cousins – one of whom, Martin, later played scrum-half for Cardiff 1st XV (1958-61) and was reserve scrum-half for Wales. Dan was Head of Christowe and a College Prefect.

He played at outside-half for the 1st XV in 1953 and was appointed Captain of the Sevens team to play at Rosslyn Park but was unable to play due to illness. This also kept him out of the 1954 1st XV, and indeed ended his rugby career.

After leaving College, Dan went to France to polish his French, living with a family in Lacapelle Marival (Lot) and then undertaking a course at the Sorbonne. He then studied Commerce at Birmingham University before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Peat Marwick, Mitchell & Co, Cardiff. He transferred to Peats in Paris in 1963 and then Geneva in 1971 where he was appointed Senior Partner. He retired in 1998.

Dan’s maternal grandfather, Dan Minton, was a miner who died in 1918 aged 46. An early member of the ILP (Independent Labour Party) and friend of Kier Hardie, he was a key figure in the South Wales Miners’ Federation and Labour Candidate elect for Abertillery.

His paternal grandfather, David, was a miner who left the mines in the early 1920s and set up a bakery business (D Rees & Sons Golden Crust) with one baker and his sons. It became one of the biggest bakeries in Wales. In 1956, the business was sold to Spillers.

Dan lived in his house in Monnetier-Mornex, Haute Savoie, France for 53 years.

He was an avid collector of the marine art of Bernard Finnigan Gribble but he was proudest of his Bristol 405 which he enjoyed driving in France where few had ever seen such a car.

Golf – a bridge at Bossey Golf & Country Club (France) was dedicated to him for services to the Club over a 45-year period as Treasurer. He only played twice in the Old Cheltonian Autumn competition and on both occasions won the Founder’s Cup (Foursomes) aged 60 and 80. He played at 98 of the top 100 Links courses in the British Isles (only missing out on Muirfield and Machrihanish) and played off a handicap of 12.1.

Rugby – he was a fanatical supporter of Wales (he was one of few Welshmen alive today to have seen Wales last beat New

Zealand in 1953 at Cardiff Arms Park), and he attended World Cups in England and Wales, Australia, France, New Zealand and again in England.

Dan was convivial, exceedingly generous, interested in people, well read and was much loved by his family and many friends. He is survived by his children Aled, Daniele and Morgan, and grandchildren Jake and Holly.

Barnaby David Westlake Richards (Cheltondale, 1952)

Barney Richards, father of David Richards (Xt, 1987), died on 1 May 2024, aged 89.

The following is an abridged version of the tribute paid by Barney’s nephew, John Inverdale, at a memorial service held at 3pm on Saturday 29 June.

Three o’clock on a Saturday. Barney would have approved. The last time I saw him, we were together in his sitting room watching the Italy–England match at the start of this year’s Six Nations. 2.15 kick off... We spent a lot of time discussing kick off times. Saracens had recently played at 5.30 on a Sunday… Barney was a forward thinker in so many ways but there was something special to him about 3 o’clock on a Saturday.

So here we are, early stages of the first half – time to run through the early stages of a life, very well lived, that began in Bath on 2 June 1934 and went via school in Cheltenham, to two years’ national service in the Royal Navy, to more than half a century devoted to his family and almost as devoted to Saracens Rugby Club.

When he came out of the Navy, having served on board HMS Implacable and HMS Cumberland, Barney began his professional career as a journalist on the Swindon Evening Advertiser. Having moved into advertising, working for Bass/ Worthington (the brewers in Burton on Trent), he realised London was where it was at and joined Erwin Wasey to work on their garden products and coffee publicity campaigns.

Barney had a huge variety of advertising clients during the next 30 years, including Airfix Toys, KLM airlines, GD Ethical

pharmaceuticals (ahead of its time in 1966), Greenall Whitley, Oxfam, Thai Airways, Eurotunnel (at the very outset), Air France, British Rail, RAC and many more. Barney knew his advertising onions, that’s for sure.

While working at an agency called John Haddon and Co, Barney found himself working with someone called Pauline. Love blossomed over the photocopier machine and the rest is… She was the sometimes strident organiser, he was the calm unruffled voice of reason. ‘Are you sure?’ ... a kind of Sgt Wilson to her Captain Mainwaring.

They got married at 3 o’clock on a Saturday – when else – in 1964. Charlotte was born in 1966; David 3 years later; they moved to Stone Hall Road [in North London] in 1972. For half a century that was the Richards’ manor. Barney was always a fierce defender and robust advocate of life north of the river. There really was ‘no place like home’ even though he and Pauline were intrepid travellers of the world, especially after he retired.

Part of his North London pride was being a member of Enfield Cricket Club, but mostly it was because his life became synonymous with Saracens Rugby Club. This was a Saracens far-removed from the Nigel Wray-ing/Owen Farrelling/Europe conquering/swaggering Sarries that we know today. This was a Saracens that Harlequins wouldn’t give a game to because they considered the facilities at Bramley Road to be inadequate. But a Saracens that – then as now – had a remarkable sense of community. For three decades, Barney was at its heart, mostly as Secretary, until the sport went professional.

Brian Davies, the Sarries captain as the game turned from amateur to professional, has written: ‘Barney epitomised the best of values – companionship, humbleness and belonging. I’d go so far to say that he was as instrumental as anyone in both maintaining the Club’s history but also in driving it to become the force in the game that it now is … I loved speaking with him post-match – always calm and objective.’

That calmness, mentioned by many, obviously stood Barney in great stead over the past few years. Barney remembered, only too well, bombs dropping on Bath in the 1940s, and his generation just got on with things. Through Pauline’s illness, and then losing both his daughter and Pauline in such a short space of time, his stoicism was something to behold. In every phone call, he’d acknowledge the sadness and loss, but would always try to accentuate the positive.

And on that note, I think we should all acknowledge the part that David [Barney’s son] has played in recent times. Not only did he make Barney the most technically competent octogenarian on earth, he was Barney’s ‘rock’ for the past three years.

There was always a constancy to Barney. A reliability. A sense that, despite all the slings and arrows, everything would be alright. For nearly 90 years for Barney, every day was 3 o’clock on a Saturday.

Anthony James Sollars (L, 1961)

Anthony Sollars, brother of Christopher Sollars (L, 1964), died on 6 February 2024, aged 80.

Alexander Jonathan Stewart (H, 1968)

Jo Stewart died on 24 May 2023, aged 73. Jo was a particularly keen hockey player, playing in the hockey 1st XV, as well as rugby 2nd XV.

The following tribute has been provided by Jo’s widow, Bridget.

Jo’s early schooling was rather haphazard, in Warsaw and Aden, before starting at the Junior when he was eight. In spite of his dyslexia and lifelong habit of disregarding rules, he enjoyed his years at College and made great friends.

After school he went to university in Sheffield, where he studied very little but became an accomplished rally driver and committed Sheffield United supporter. Jo’s own degree was in Materials Science but he became more interested in a friend’s food marketing course and charmed his way onto the United Biscuits graduate programme. From then on his career was in food production; he moved to Northern Foods, becoming Chief Executive in his late 40s.

Jo retired at 53 to enjoy himself and spent the following 20 years contentedly dividing his time between the UK and Mallorca.

He was an unusual, brilliant, unconventional character, very much loved by his family and deeply missed. His was a happy life. At the service to celebrate this it was good to have his school friends present: Gordon Lane (H, 1968), Nigel Trethewy (H, 1968), Philip Tuite-Dalton (NH, 1968) and David Bruce OBE (BH, 1966).

Robert (Robin) Temple (BH, 1944)

Robin Temple passed away on 6 January 2023, aged 96. The following tribute has been provided by Robin’s family.

Robin was a boarder in Boyne House between 1939 and 1944. He had fond memories of Cheltenham College, with particular enthusiasm for rowing and rugby. He was also a member of the ornithological society, sparking a lifelong interest in bird watching. As his time at the school coincided with the war years, he also had memories of the playing fields being used to grow food, as part of the war effort.

On leaving school, Robin followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the army as a commissioned officer. He saw active service in India and Pakistan during Partition and became a firm supporter of the Gurkhas.

Following his discharge from the Army, Robin studied Chemistry at the University of St Andrews, where he made some valued friendships. After graduation Robin embarked on a career in the chemical industry that took him to many places around the world. Initially in Glasgow, working for ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries), then to Kent and Berkshire. He was an export manager for many years, with numerous trips overseas, including to Australia, Hong Kong and Japan.

In 1967 Robin and his family moved to the USA for three years when he was offered a job with Dow Corning. In 1975, Robin’s new job took the family to Tehran, where they were very happy, until the family had to return to the UK after the revolution. He then worked in Nigeria for 12 years, including a number of years as regional Managing Director for International Paints.

Robin fully retired in 1996 but kept very active, having at various times been President of the Tiverton branch of the Royal British Legion and Chair of the local Conservative Party. He played golf, bridge and also volunteered for Age Concern. He was also a member of the Old Cheltonian Association, joining local meet ups on occasions.

Robin married Diana in 1955. They had four daughters and remained together until Diana sadly passed away in 2009. Robin is survived by his daughters as well as his four grandchildren, and Margaret, his close companion in his later years.

Obituaries are also published throughout the year on the Cheltonian Society website: www.cheltoniansociety.org/pages/obituaries

These tributes have been provided by family members or those who knew the deceased very well.

We are extremely grateful to Hannah Dale, Archives Manager, for the research she has carried out and for providing many of the College photographs.

Please get in touch to let us know of any obituaries or notices for our website and the next edition of The Cheltonian society@cheltenhamcollege.org 01242 265694

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Acknowledgements

The editors would like to thank the following for allowing the use of their images in this publication:

Gillman & Soame photographers. The photographs of Speech Day 2024 and staff Valete have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame photographers and can be ordered online at https://www.gsimagebank.co.uk/cheltenhamcollege/t/bvz5xi2024

The equestrian image by M.H. Photos is available at www.mhphotos.co.uk

The image of Tom McEwen and the equestrian eventing team at the Paris Olympics 2024 is from @teamgb Instagram.

The lovely images of the children at The Milestone School and St John’s Church of England Primary School are produced with kind permission of the schools. We are grateful for this and in awe of the amazing work they do.

Editorial Notes

Old Houses will be named in full. The following abbreviations are used for current Houses:

A Ashmead

BH Boyne House

Ch Chandos

CL College Lawn

Xt Christowe

H Hazelwell

Our thanks

L Leconfield

NH Newick House

Q The Queen’s House

S Southwood

W Westal

Too many to list here, but many thanks go to the great number of pupils, teachers, support staff, OCs and Housemasters and Housemistresses who have kindly provided articles, information and images for this edition.

The editor, Jane Brodigan, would like to thank: Kate Human for her excellent content from the Cheltonian Society; Ellie Ford for her amazing work with images; Spencer Huggett, Dion Douglas and Ademide Obagun for their excellent photography; Tessa Gingell for her expert input; and Laurette Thomas for her exhaustive technical editing, proof-reading, patience and all the

laughter. Thank you too to the fantastic team in College Office, namely Helen Price and Ali Humphris for all your hard work with distribution. Special thanks must go to the lovely Jessica Ottley-Woodd whose proficiency and endless ability to laugh at my bad jokes made the job infinitely more enjoyable. My final edition would not be complete without thanking the amazing Christine Leighton, who worked with me on the magazines from 2012-2016 and from whom I learned so much. Final thanks go to my domestic support team: Blossom and Figgy who have lazed about through the whole thing, year on year, wondering what all the fuss is about. What a team! Thank you all!

On behalf of Cheltenham College, the editors would like to express the school’s gratitude to Mat Jolly of Jolly Good Design for the graphic design.

The Cheltonian team

Jane’s domestic support team

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