Lockers Park Magazine 2024-2025

WELCOME from our Headmaster

At Lockers Park, we celebrate academic achievement while fostering resilience, inquisitiveness, and aspiration in every student. This term, academic highlights have showcased the dedication of our boys and their determination to rise to every challenge.

Year 6 and 7 students worked diligently through comprehensive assessments, demonstrating growing confidence and mastery of their subjects. Meanwhile, Year 8 boys undertook a full set of Common Entrance practice papers, sharpening their skills for the significant milestones ahead. We are particularly proud of the Year 6 cohort, who achieved a 100% success rate in the first round of Harrow’s entrance exams—a remarkable achievement that underscores their hard work and focus.

A standout moment for Year 6 was their Skills Day, where boys immersed themselves in activities designed to develop attributes from our Learner Profile. Focusing on traits such as resilience, collaboration, creativity, and inquisitiveness, the boys honed skills critical to both personal growth and successful interview techniques. This engaging day was not only a valuable learning experience but also an opportunity to reflect on, and recognise their individual strengths—a perfect foundation for future challenges.

Our chess team has continued its incredible undefeated streak, showcasing the boys’ strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities. Their success is a testament to their dedication and mental agility, both of which are central to our values.

At Lockers Park, we don’t just aim for academic success; we nurture creativity, determination, and resilience, ensuring our boys are prepared for every challenge life brings.

A Busy and Exciting Term

The second half of this term has been nothing short of remarkable at Lockers Park. Every week has brought new opportunities for the boys, allowing them to embrace challenges, discover talents, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Whether through academic achievements, creative endeavours, or moments of personal growth, Lockers Park continues to deliver an education unmatched anywhere. We are also thrilled to share that the school was recently named runner-up for Best Boarding School in the prestigious ISA awards—a testament to our commitment to excellence in every area of school life.

Enthusiasm for Life: Abundant Opportunities

Life at Lockers Park is rich with opportunities that allow boys to explore their passions, develop key life skills, and grow as global citizens. This term’s Junior performance, Cinderella & Rockafella, was a vibrant showcase of talent and enthusiasm. The boys lit up the stage with captivating singing, energetic dancing, and unforgettable solos, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and proud of their efforts.

Our sports programme remains a cornerstone of school life, with boys representing Lockers Park in football, badminton, basketball, squash, and table tennis fixtures. These matches provided ample opportunity for teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. The badminton team made a particularly impressive mark, finishing second in the ISA regional U14 competition—a fantastic achievement. On another front, the school’s swimmers demonstrated their exceptional talent, with several individuals qualifying for nationals and representing London North at the National Aquatic Swim Centre. Their perseverance and determination in the pool are nothing short of inspiring.

The DENS Sleep Out was another standout moment, where some boys braved freezing temperatures and stormy weather to raise over £30,000 for charity. This extraordinary effort not only highlighted their resilience but also their compassion and drive to make a meaningful difference.

Lockers Park are thrilled to be finalists in the Independent School of the Year awards 2025: Lockers Park was nominated for its overall excellence and its focus on nurturing students in a supportive environment. The judges highlighted the school’s success in academic achievement, its engaging and vibrant school life, and its superb wellbeing support. Lockers Park was noted for its outstanding outcomes for pupils and the emphasis on creating an environment where boys can thrive.

In the arts, the Set Music competition was a dazzling display of talent, with boys delivering memorable instrumental and vocal performances. Their creativity and passion for music were evident, and their growth as performers was a joy to witness.

The festive season brought additional cheer with events like the Little Lockers’ nativity, which charmed the audience with its dancing sheep and confident performances from our youngest pupils. Baa Baa Boogie was one of my personal, favourite moments, Meanwhile, the Carol Service at St. John’s showcased the exceptional talent of our Junior Choir, Chapel Choir, and the newly formed Lockers Voices. Together, these events reflect the vibrancy and diversity of life at Lockers Park, where boys are encouraged to explore their interests, develop their skills, and embrace a spirit of adventure.

Purposefully Small: Bespoke Care and Attention

At Lockers Park, our intentionally small community allows us to provide every boy with the tailored support and encouragement they need to flourish. This term’s Anti-Bullying Week was a shining example of how our older boys are stepping into leadership roles; working closely with younger pupils to foster a supportive and inclusive school environment. Their efforts have laid a strong foundation for a positive and respectful culture across the school.

In the Boarding House, the boys have enjoyed a wide range of activities that cater to diverse interests, from competitive darts and lively bingo nights to a memorable pantomime trip. These activities not only build camaraderie but also encourage independence and responsibility.

The Headmaster’s Breakfast was a special moment to celebrate boys who have excelled academically and exemplified our values of aspiration and resilience. Moments like this remind us of the importance of recognising individual achievements and nurturing each boy’s potential.

Opportunities for personal growth were abundant this term. Year 4 students participated in Bikeability, where they learned essential cycling and road safety skills, preparing them for greater independence. Our LAMDA students were treated to an enriching theatre trip to Treasure Island, where they had the opportunity to meet the cast and gain insight into the world of performing arts.

By remaining purposefully small, Lockers Park ensures that every boy is seen, supported, and celebrated for who he is, allowing him to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Friends of Lockers Park (FoLP) for their incredible efforts in organising events like the Fireworks Evening and Christmas Fayre. These occasions not only bring our community together but also enrich the boys’ experience at school. As we look forward to another exciting term, we are reminded of the joy and energy that define life at Lockers Park.

Warm regards

Gavin Taylor Headmaster

HEAD BOY

Prefects & Prizegiving

The staff meet to discuss which pupils have earned prizes in each category and who deserves designated roles of responsibility.

They also take time to consider who should be Head Boy for each term of the school year. Being Head Boy at Lockers Park is a great honour, recognising trust, leadership, and character. The Head Boy sets an example for others, takes on responsibilities with maturity, and acts as a voice for pupils while supporting staff. He represents the school’s strong sense of community and pride, leaving a lasting legacy as a role model who embodies the values of kindness, respect, and hard work.

Lucas, Head Boy

UNSUNG HERO

John Timmons, Head of Maintenance

John Timmons, Head of Maintenance at Lockers Park since 2002, is the very definition of an unsung hero.

With a can-do attitude and genuine care for the whole school community, he throws himself into every task—from repairing facilities and responding to late-night emergencies, to supporting staff, pupils, and even lending a hand with flat tyres. Over the years, he has built a strong team that shares his positive, solution-focused outlook, while also inspiring boys to get involved in practical projects, making maintenance part of their school experience. Always approachable and dependable, John is valued not just for keeping Lockers Park’s 23 acres running smoothly, but for the kindness, humour and commitment that make him the heartbeat of the school—qualities recognised in his nomination as an Unsung Hero at the 2025 Tatler Schools Awards.

ICELAND 2024

By Mrs Ashburner, Science Technician

Although it was our 4th trip to Iceland, it was as exciting and fresh as the first one!

We set off at an unearthly hour, negotiating all that Heathrow Terminal 5 had to offer. It went very smoothly, helped by having 30 seasoned travellers with us! After boarding the coach at the airport, we began our first trip to Reykjavik, starting our new adventure with a visit to the Perlan Museum. It was a wonderful, interactive experience that provided a great introduction to the Land of Ice and Fire. The museum had its own ice cave, which fascinated the boys as they navigated its twists and turns. We took a wander around the city, grabbing lunch, before reboarding the bus. We then stopped off at the Lava Tunnels, where we donned hard hats and ventured into the beautifully lit caves, formed many years ago by molten lava flows. The complete lack of echo and the total darkness when the lights were turned off made for an unforgettable, fabulous experience. We finally arrived at our hotel and cottages, which were to be our home for the next few days. Dinner was hot and nutritious, and the boys tucked

in with gusto! Afterwards, we took the short, dark trip back to our cozy cottages for a good night’s sleep.

The next day, we set off to the Hellisheidi Power Station for an absorbing talk on the geothermal power used in Iceland, ensuring their consumed electricity is almost 100% renewable. It was an interesting and surprising concept that hot water is supplied to households for various uses.

We then spent the remainder of the day at the Golden Circle. Here, we walked across the stunning national park where the North Atlantic and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. We strode down to see the glorious, gushing Gullfoss waterfall (translated as the Golden Waterfall), where 100,000 litres of water plunge down 31 meters every second. Cue lots of atmospheric, dramatic photos! Then we headed to the Haukadalur area, where the hot geysers, steam vents, and sulphurous mud pots are located. The Geysir Strokkur did its thing and sent 30 meters of hot water spouting, another great photo opportunity. Finally, we headed to the Secret Lagoon for a long, leisurely soak in the glorious, steamy waters.

An early start on Saturday saw us heading to the Solheimjokull glacier tongue, just waiting for an exciting glacier walk! We clomped up to the glacier with harnesses and crampons and were escorted by lovely, informative guides who led us across the glacier, including showing us a crevasse and allowing us to drink pure glacial water. An incredible experience!

We then hot-footed it to the Reynisfjara black-sand beach, where it was incredibly windy. We managed to see the staggering geographical features, including the stacks, peninsula, arch, and basalt columns. On the way home, we stopped at two more incredible waterfalls: the 200ft Skogafoss, where we climbed and climbed the steps to enjoy stunning views, and the Seljalandsfoss, where we were able to walk behind the waterfall—a unique and slightly damp experience!

Another early start on Sunday morning saw us returning the boys safely home. Thank you for trusting us with your amazing boys to experience this wonderful trip—we all had a ball!

AUTUMN TERM CHARITY

By Mrs Smith, Teaching Assistant

This academic year, Lockers Park’s focus charity is Solving Kids’ Cancer. We will be fundraising through a variety of events and activities throughout the year.

We believe it is crucial for the boys to understand the importance of helping others and how we can make a difference. This term, we have supported local charity DENS with our

harvest festival collection, held a cake and coffee morning for Macmillan, and supported Children in Need by wearing bright-coloured accessories and taking part in the “Dance Mode Challenge.”

We’ve also supported Save the Children by wearing Christmas jumpers and festive tops. In support of High Five for Ollie, we held a successful pyjama drive, collecting 99 pairs of pyjamas!

We asked some of the boys what charity means to them and how they feel about the charities we are supporting:

“I think it’s our job to help other people. Some people can’t afford food and don’t get treats, and that makes me feel sad.”

“I brought in two pairs of pyjamas because I wouldn’t want to spend Christmas in hospital and not at home with my family.”

DENS SLEEPOUT

By Mrs Maddern

On a chilly November evening Little Lockers was transformed into a base for the famous DENS Sleepout.

Outdoor games were set up, a ukulele band entertained and firepits roared, ready for s’mores, as 150 people arrived at 9pm, following weather warnings of the incoming Storm Bert.

After a welcome from the DENS organisers, the sleepers set up their ‘dens’, with cardboard, tarpaulins

and sleeping bags. Scouts from across Hemel Hempstead District and their Leaders were based in the Little Lockers outdoor play area, to offer a degree of shelter, while families and adults took up residence on the tennis courts. Classrooms were on standby in case the weather became unbearable, or for any cold campers to move indoors.

All was quiet until around 4am when the weather turned from being chilly to extreme rain and wind. Sleepers started to trickle indoors, so we made hot drinks to warm people up, and by 5am most of the people had come in

from the tennis courts; the Scouts were largely protected from the extreme rain by the roof of the play area. Breakfast of bacon rolls and hot drinks was served at 6am, and everyone had gone home by around 7am.

This is a fantastic event, and the main fundraising event for DENS each year. Having slept out for several years with Scouts, I decided to volunteer for the organising team this time and so I asked people to sponsor me to stay awake, so I could look after any chilly sleepers! The event attracted around 150 sleepers and has so far raised £32k including Gift Aid.

NATIONAL POETRY DAY 2024

By Mr Sullivan-Pond, Head of English

On Thursday 3 October, we came together once again to celebrate all things poetic for National Poetry Day 2024.

The day began with a whole-school assembly, where we were treated to an amazing poetry recital from our boys in Little Lockers, whose confidence and stage presence truly set the bar high and laid an excellent foundation for the day ahead.

The boys then split into groups to take part in the third annual Set Poetry Competition, creating a “Shared Poem” about who their Set would be if it were a person - something which proved to be a great success and highlighted both pride and a healthy spirit of competition amongst the boys and Staff alike. The competition was extremely close but was in the end, deservedly won by Haig.

We then marked the culmination of several weeks of intensive poetry focus in our English lessons with the “Prep Poetry Competition”. Thirty-seven boys from Years 3-8 were selected by their peers as finalists and took to the stage to recite/perform their chosen poems in front of a packed audience and our VIP judges, renowned author Emily Critchley and fellow writer and Lockers parent Sam Hunter.

The boys truly did us proud and whilst there can only be one overall winner, each of them deserves huge praise and respect for making it such a close and tough competition. Huge congratulations to Raphael, Year 6.

The day was an overwhelming triumph and a most enjoyable experience for

all, showcasing the wealth of poetic talent at Lockers and making us all very proud to be a part of a diverse community.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part and for those who missed it, we look forward to welcoming you next year!

ANY QUESTIONS?

By Mr Phillips, Head of French

The 2024 Any Questions? event was its usual triumph, with the ‘cream of the cream’ of Year 8 showing off their oratorial skills.

Nikhil spoke confidently; George made one of the shrewdest comments of the afternoon; James grew in stature throughout the event; Tom caused a scandal (hilariously); Ryan was truly to the manner born, to name but six of

the ten. Joseph, Vivaan and Jonathan were extremely considered in each of their answers and showed great intelligence and maturity.

Before announcing the winners, kudos to Hendrix for winning a Dojo from the floor for his wonderful reason for loving Saturday school, and to Alexander, also from the floor, who came up with the true source of Climate Change: Taylor Swift!

So back to the main event; Ray came in second for his consistently shrewd responses and won a second Academic Award (each receiving one for taking part) and the overall winner was… (insert drum roll here) … Étienne! Following a shaky start, Étienne spoke with clarity, passion and intelligence, supporting his answers with examples and personal experience.

Back again in 12 months!

By Mr Connors

Ten of our Year 6 boys had the exciting opportunity to attend a Philosophon event at Stowe School.

Zachary, Sebastian, Raphael, Neev, Sean, Reef, Lewis, Leo, Dario, and Balthazar visited the stunning Stowe School, nestled within the beautiful Stowe Gardens. During the event, they engaged in thought-provoking discussions on topics such as “Robots & Belief,” “Gullibility & Trust,” and “Morality & Religion.”

PHILOSOPHON AT STOWE SCHOOL YEAR 6 SKILLS DAY AT LOCKERS PARK: BUILDING LEARNERS FOR LIFE

By Mr Dawes, Director of Studies

A highlight of the autumn term at Lockers Park School in 2024 was the much-anticipated Year 6 Skills Day, a dynamic event designed to help pupils develop essential life skills beyond the classroom.

Throughout the day, boys took part in a variety of practical challenges that encouraged them to demonstrate and reflect on key traits from the Lockers Park Learner Profile, including resilience, collaboration, creativity, and inquisitiveness. The

Our boys represented Lockers Park with pride and enthusiasm, deepening their love for Philosophy in anticipation of studying the subject next year. We are incredibly proud of their contributions and look forward to sending another group of strong, passionate pupils to represent the school next year.

carefully structured activities not only stretched the pupils’ thinking and teamwork but also allowed them to identify and celebrate their personal strengths.

Combining fun, reflection and purposeful learning, Skills Day was more than just enjoyable, it was excellent preparation for the boys’ upcoming senior school interviews and realworld problem-solving scenarios. By embedding character education at the heart of the Skills Day experience, we reaffirmed our school’s commitment to nurturing confident, curious, and well-rounded learners.

YEAR 2 AMAZING AFRICA

By Mrs Walters, Year 2 Teacher

The Year 2 boys have had a fantastic time this half term learning about ‘Amazing Africa’ as part of their Creative Curriculum topic.

A highlight was our incredible visit to Whipsnade Zoo to learn more about the animals that live on the continent of Africa. We spotted several African animals including some of the Big Five as well! In English, the boys have written descriptive diamond poems about lions and created wanted posters for the lion character in our focused text. In Art, they have created African sunset silhouettes and designed their own African prints. An excellent start to the year.

ART NEWS

Art Trips

On Friday 18 October, pupils from our Year 8 Scholarship Art Group visited the Tate Britain and the Moco Museum to learn about British, modern and contemporary art, including works by Alvaro Barrington, Chris Ofili, Henry Moore and Banksy, to name just a few of the featured artists. Our students, along with Mrs Diggory, Mr Price and Mr Pearce, enjoyed experiencing the art through first hand observation. The pupils particularly loved the immersive digital art, downstairs in the Moco Museum. They learned about a variety of artists and were inquisitive about the work on display.

Scan here

to see some of the wonderful art that has been created at Lockers Park in the academic year 2024-2025.

On Wednesday 6 November, five of our Year 6 pupils were lucky to spend the day at Stowe school for their annual art festival day. The pupils were given the task of working collaboratively and creatively to produce an ‘under the sea’ animation. The day began with discussing animated movies and storyboarding. It ended with a showcase to parents, teachers and pupils, who gathered to watch ‘Shark Rampage’ along with the other schools’ animations. Congratulations to these Year 6 pupils for working so well together and for producing an excellent animation in just a few hours.

Seasonal Card Competition

Pupils from Year 5 to Year 8 have been working hard to create their own festive, winter designs, based on the theme of ‘Snow Globes’, in the hope of winning the Lockers Park Seasonal card competition. Mrs Diggory would like to congratulate every pupil who took part for their creativity, resilience and aspiration. The shortlisted designs have been selected due to a number of factors including the accuracy and skill level of the drawing, the clarity of the design, the audience appeal and the combined colours. These images show the top 13 designs.

Congratulations to Allen, whose winning design was the official Lockers Park card for 2024.

LOCKERS PARK REMEMBERS

On Sunday 10 November 2024, pupils from Lockers Park School who are members of the 7th Hemel Hempstead Scout Group took part in the town’s Remembrance Day Parade, joining fellow Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Explorers, and leaders from across the borough in paying tribute to those who served and sacrificed.

Wearing full uniform and proudly displaying their poppies, the boys marched from Hemel Hempstead town centre to the War Memorial at St John’s Church, Boxmoor. Many took on ceremonial roles such as carrying flags and laying wreaths, marking the occasion with dignity and respect.

The Remembrance Day service was a poignant moment in the school calendar, reflecting Lockers Park’s commitment to instilling values of service, reflection, and community

spirit in its pupils. As part of the school-based 7th Hemel Hempstead Scout Group, Lockers Park boys are regularly involved in community and national events, learning through action and tradition.

This important act of remembrance complemented the school’s wider efforts to help boys develop into thoughtful, responsible citizens who understand the importance of honouring the past.

LAMDA THEATRE TRIP

By Ms Neale and Mr Winchester

Our LAMDA boys had a brilliant evening watching Treasure Island performed by Redbourn Players last week... oh no they didn’t... oh yes they did!

Although ‘it’s behind them’, the boys watched a fantastic show, full of joy and laughter and brought them into the Christmas spirit! Afterwards, they were treated to a Q&A with the cast which allowed them to gain valuable

advice that will help them on their LAMDA journey. A huge thank you to Mr Timmons and Mr Meacock for driving the boys to and from the show, as well as Mr Tivey for accompanying the boys on the trip.

LAMDA RESULTS (JULY 2025)

Congratulations to all of our LAMDA boys who successfully achieved, 40 Distinctions, 6 Merits and 1 Pass. Here is some feedback from the judging panel.

“Dario, you are an exhilarating, expressive performer with an engaging style that communicates a character’s circumstances and the situations that they find themselves in. You have a strong voice that transmits all around a room.”

“Neev, you are a captivating talented performer, with stimulating energetic style that communicates a character’s circumstances and the situations that they find themselves in. You can annunciate in a clear precise manner.”

“Charlie, you are a dedicated and expressive student whose command of words connect and engage with an audience. You adapt seamlessly to the requirements for text and clearly enjoy sharing your work.”

“Humphrey, what an engaging and assured performer you are. You share materials with sincerity and enthusiasm, filling the room with your lovely vocal tone and energy.”

“Ephra, you deliver material with accuracy and commitment and bring texts to life with careful consideration.”

“Zachary, you are an intelligent performer. You showed enjoyment and a keen interest in the subject of Acting. You have a secure voice which fills the space well.”

“Oscar, you are a captivating performer. You share work with precision and care and you use keywords strikingly to bring performances to life with energy. You have a strong vocal tone which fills the performance space.”

“Bertie, you have a bright, crisp voice that fills the space. You demonstrate an understanding of the written word through the strong use of facial play.”

“Asher, you use keywords boldly and bring performances to life with passion.”

“Hector, you are a believable performer who can connect with a character’s circumstances and the situations that they find themselves in. This engages audiences and makes them sit up and think.”

“Jack, you are a fearless, eloquent performer who can bring a writer’s words to life with energy and enthusiasm. This is meaningful and makes spectators sit up and think.”

“Jude, you are an expressive, genuine performer with stimulating energetic style that communicates the inner emotions of a character. You can physicalise a role by using a range of dynamic body language and facial play that is meaningful and infectious.”

“Ryan, you are a charming, thoughtful communicator with strong memory skills that can recall written words accurately and boldly enough to fill a whole performance space.”

“Max, you are a self-assured charming communicator, with lots of exciting knowledge that educates and informs audiences. You can make written words fill a whole room. You have strong concentration skills and can enter a discussion, then share some intelligent ideas.”

“Arthur, you are a confident, expressive communicator, who can paint a picture with written words. This is exhilarating and draws audiences in and makes them sit up and think. Also, you can listen and then share ideas in an interesting, intelligent way.”

“Sam, you are a powerful performer, who understands the feelings and emotions behind a writer’s words. This is stimulating and fills a whole stage space with energy and life. Additionally, you can use subtle body language and facial expressions which strengthens interpretations.”

“George, you are an energetic lively performer with an infectious style that is engaging. Also, you can communicate a writer’s words. This draws audiences in and makes them sit up and pay attention. Physicalisation skills are exceptional and imbue each character with visceral emotions that communicates their circumstances and situations that they find themselves in.”

“Sean, you are a natural performer, who shows an understanding of textual styles. This portrays the essence of characters within a performance space. You can convey roles with an understanding of their circumstances and situations that they find themselves in.”

YEAR 6 THEATRE TRIP: WARHORSE

As part of the ongoing enrichment programme, on Thursday 12th September, our Year 6 boys went to see the award-winning stage production of Michael Morpurgo’s Warhorse at the New Wimbledon Theatre.

From the magnificent puppetry to the excellent acting on display, the boys experienced a rollercoaster of emotions whilst witnessing this amazing story being brought to life on stage.

As well as giving them the chance to explore different aspects of the narrative, the opportunity to see a live theatrical performance itself was something that they will not forget and

has opened their eyes to the many possibilities that a love of English, and storytelling can offer.

A huge thank you to the staff and parents who made this trip possible, and we were so very proud of the boys and how they represented Lockers with their impeccable behaviour and enthusiasm for the show.

AUTUMN TERM DRAMA

By Ms Neale, Head of Drama

As the new Head of Drama at Lockers Park School, I’m thrilled to embark on what promises to be an exciting and dynamic year in the Drama Department.

Having spent 12 years as Head of Drama at a coeducational Prep School, I’ve witnessed many great theatrical moments, but I must say I’ve been in awe of how the boys here embrace the performing arts. Whether it’s through productions, Set Dance, music, or the technical elements of theatre, every boy at Lockers Park throws himself into these activities with enthusiasm. The joy they bring to their work makes my role even more rewarding and truly energising!

One of the major highlights of the first term was our production of Cinderella and Rockerfella. This modern, rock-inspired twist on the classic fairy tale provided ample opportunities for the boys to showcase their acting, singing,

dancing and technical talents. I was so impressed by how the boys got involved in every aspect of the show. What has particularly struck me since joining Lockers Park is the genuine sense of community here. I’ve worked at several schools, but I can confidently say that after 19 years of teaching, Lockers Park truly feels like a family. This was made abundantly clear during our recent Junior play, where a dedicated group of parents generously volunteered their time to make and source costumes, assist with makeup, and help with supervision. Their unwavering support— along with the tireless work of the staff—was inspiring and heartwarming. It’s this kind of collaboration and sense of shared purpose that makes teaching here such a joy.

Throughout the year, our drama activities will focus on building confidence, developing performance skills, and encouraging creativity. I’m excited to continue working with such a passionate group of students and staff, and I look forward to seeing how the boys will grow through their involvement in drama. It’s going to be a wonderful year!

SET MUSIC COMPETITION

By Mr Golding, Director of Music

The standard of musicianship and ability exhibited during this year’s Set Music Competition was, I thought, utterly outstanding, and the levels of energy and excitement were as high as always!

It was wonderful to see, more than ever before, every individual involving himself in the set songs, singing with passion, determination and joy. All of the Junior and Senior soloists represented their sets admirably, but congratulations to Daniel and Ray for winning the two categories. Congratulations also to Roberts for the overall win!

YEARS 7 & 8 INFORMAL CONCERT

By Mr Golding, Director of Music

It was wonderful to see such a healthy number of boys in Years 7 & 8 performing on stage in the Informal Concert, and on such a wide variety of instruments.

Beginners and more experienced players alike, they overcame the nerves of performing to their friends and thoroughly deserved the recognition and respect that they received from the audience. I mentioned it in the concert,

but it was encouraging to see as many heads in the audience nodding along to Nirvana songs as there were to a J. S. Bach Prelude! As always, my sincere thanks and congratulations to all who played.

SET MATHS COMPETITION

By Mrs Rogers, Head of Maths

This year, the annual Set Maths competition took place one Thursday morning in November.

It was a keenly fought-out battle between teams of our stronger and more inquisitive mathematicians from across Years 7 and 8. Each round required skills of collaboration and creative thinking to succeed. Each Set was represented by three boys, and all of the teams demonstrated both resilience and aspiration to solve some tricky problems set by the United Kingdom Maths Trust. It came down to a battle between Haig and Kitchener, with Kitchener claiming victory for the second year in a row. Well done to all – a fantastic competition held in a competitive but respectful atmosphere.

BOARDING LIFE HALLOWEEN HAVOC

By Mr & Mrs Newman, Boarding House Parents

This proved once again to be one of the most exciting and exhilarating events in the boarding diary.

65 boys were in attendance to enjoy an evening filled with fun, frights and fantastic food! A huge thank you to our wonderful Catering Team for their themed supper, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The boarders were then sent in groups to enjoy various Halloween games; including pumpkin pong, ghostly towers, pumpkin putt, spider races and an amazing ghostbusters challenge (thank you to our DT genius and costumer extraordinaire, Mr Phillips). The boys then ventured into the darkness to experience the ‘Haunted Walk’, with surprise staff appearances to scare at every turn, plus trick or treat opportunities at Mrs Corrigan’s and Mr Taylor’s houses. Described as ‘the best night ever’ by a first timer, Halloween Havoc is an event not to be missed!

Scan here to see more.

LITTLE LOCKERS RECEPTION AUTUMN

By Mrs Colwill, Reception Teacher

We started off the term getting to know one another and our new environment, which can be a tricky transition to make. However, as the boys have grown, they have shown how caring and kind they can be to one another. They understand the importance of being a global citizen and have demonstrated this beautifully in their behaviour.

We have had lots of fun learning about being ‘On the Farm’. Reception

have demonstrated being inquisitive when learning about the different fruits and vegetables they can grow listening to the story ‘Oliver’s Vegetables’. The class have been resilient through taking part and learning about the different jobs a farmer needs to do. Listening to the story of ‘Farmer Duck’, they learnt how to be aspirational and looking at maps and journeys with the clever little ladybird from the story ‘What the Ladybird Heard’. To conclude the Reception farm topic we had the opportunity to visit ‘Woodside Animal Farm’ where the class enjoyed feeding, petting and finding out information about the animals. The highlight was going on a REAL tractor

ride which the class absolutely loved!

In our whole school cross-curricular Africa topic, Reception created safari sunsets and learned some interesting facts about the animals that live in Africa.

To finish, this half term Reception have discovered what it means to be collaborative. This has been demonstrated through Forest School lessons where we work together as a team to successfully complete a task, listen to one another and build positive relationships. This is a key area of development for Reception as it builds on their confidence, self-esteem and their motivation to learn.

LITTLE LOCKERS NATIVITY

By Mrs Colwill, Reception Teacher

Disco dancing sheep, a rather fed-up Mary and the coolest donkey ever…YES, it must be the Little Lockers Nativity! The children delighted us all with their skilful singing, amazing acting and brilliant boogieing. The boys worked so hard this year and this was evident in the performances they gave to their families and friends in the Prep School. A little bit of Christmas magic was had by all!

THE FRIENDS OF LOCKERS PARK (FOLP)

By Mrs Alberti, Friends of Lockers Park Chairperson

We kicked off the year with a new crew at the helm and large shoes to fill. One week in and the fact that we had Class Reps organized for all classes, with a sprinkling of fathers, felt like a real feat.

But the green bins for collecting the crop that was to produce our Lockers Park Apple Juice, where had they gone? The sage advice

that Ana Doyle was to become our ‘knight in shining armour’ materialised very quickly, as did the support of the school for which we are immensely grateful.

Our mantra has been to unite our special and unique community, to create experiences and lasting memories for all, particularly our boys, and raise funds. Kicking off with the harvesting and creation of the Lockers Park Apple Juice, this was followed by a Diwali-themed Fireworks Night, the Christmas Fayre

(with Santa’s Grotto and father/son climbing races), a Chinese New Year celebration, a Quiz Night, the Swimming Gala Duck Race and finally, the Bond Summer Ball.

Thank you to all of those who have supported FoLP this year, from brainstorming all manner of ideas to endless marketing, risk assessments, late night set-ups, decorating, cooking, staff and parent rotas, to sponsoring us, attending events and so much more. It’s been a lot of fun!

ALADDIN PANTOMIME TRIP DECEMBER 2024

On Monday 9th December 2024, boys from Reception to Year 5 at Lockers Park enjoyed a memorable trip to the Watford Palace Theatre to see a modern-day twist on the classic tale of ‘Aladdin’.

With a quirky, comical theme, the performance kept the boys thoroughly entertained, sparking laughter and excitement throughout the auditorium. The interactive nature of the show was a highlight. The boys were particularly vocal when Lockers Park received a shoutout on stage and took part in creating a lively atmosphere throughout. The excitement seemed to peak when water guns were being sprayed at the audience!

A standout part of the day was when one pupil from each attending school was invited on stage for a hilarious rendition of the ‘12 Days of Christmas’. Representing Lockers Park, Oscar Y5, proudly took to the stage and carried “5 toilet rolls,” much to the delight of his peers in the audience.

The trip was a great success; the boys represented our school excellently with their behaviour and enthusiasm. A huge thank you to the staff and cast at Watford Palace Theatre for creating such a magical experience! Thank you to Mrs Bull for organising a great trip.

CHRISTMAS AT LOCKERS PARK

Christmas at Lockers Park School is a time of joy, community, and celebration. The festive season kicked off with exciting performances, including the muchanticipated Little Lockers Nativity, Baa Baa Bethlehem and Junior Production. This year it was the panto Cinderella & Rockafella, directed by Ms Neale. Following this, two beautiful carol services were held at St. John’s Church in Boxmoor, led by Rev. Macey and Mr Golding, Director of Music.

The school community comes together for the Friends of Lockers Park Christmas Fayre, featuring games, stalls and seasonal cheer. Our boarders enjoyed a range of activities such as Christmas Bingo and a pantomime trip to see Aladdin. A delicious Christmas lunch and magnificent ‘Feast’ is celebrated every year. Traditions like ‘Carols Around the Tree’ and the 12 Days of Christmas bring an extra touch of festive magic to the season, making it a memorable time for all involved.

SCOUTING AT LOCKERS PARK 7TH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

By Mr Bulpit, Scout Leader Lockers Park 7th Hemel Hempstead

Hitting the 2024-25 academic year running, all three of our Scouting sections have had an engaging and exciting start, living up to the school motto of Enthusiasm For Life!

The Beavers began the autumn term working towards their Space Badges by designing, building and firing their own rockets. As if the excitement of our weekly sessions wasn’t enough, some of our Beavers recently participated in an actionpacked activity day, completing a range of challenges including outdoor cooking, archery and canoeing. The Beavers spent their day working alongside other Beavers from across the district. It was great to see the teams collaborate.

The Cubs adventure began before the autumn term commenced with earning an Athletics Badge. The athletics track at Jarman’s Park hosted the event in conjunction with other local Cubs groups. Only a few weeks later our Cubs were out again for this year’s Tudor Challenge. Walking a gruelling 10 miles around the town, mostly in the dark, the Cubs manged to complete a range of challenges before they returned to camp just before the arrival of a storm! In our regular sessions the Cubs have been looking to the stars as they work their way through their Astronomer badges. (As well as having a healthy dose of s’mores to keep their fire making skills alive!)

Scouts have enjoyed an explosive start to the term as they launched their own rockets towards both their Astronautics

and Science badges. To complement their rockets the Scouts have also been busy playing with robotics, as they build an army of Wigglebots. As if two badges where not enough, they have also begun work on Fundraising badges which we will tie into our DENS charitable sleepout, later in the term. Additionally, the Scouts also proudly represented both their group and the school at this year’s Remembrance Parade in Hemel Hempstead. The Scouts came second in the February 1st District Swimming Competition. We only had a small team of four, so each Scout had to compete in multiple races. However, they all did exceptionally well and put in a great effort. The Cubs were proud of themselves with the combined group coming third in the relays.

SWIMMING COMPETITION

By Mr Bulpit, Scout Leader

The scouts came second in the February 1st District Swimming Competition. We only had a small team of four, so each scout had to compete in multiple races. However, they all did exceptionally well and put in a great effort. The Cubs as well also made a good account of themselves with the combined g roup coming third in the relays. All the boys who participated should feel most proud of themselves.

AUTUMN SPORT ROUND-UP

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

Another busy half term of sport comes to an end, and we all start to think about the copious amounts of chocolate we will eat over Christmas!

Our boys have been as busy as ever this half of term…

The Football season drew to a close with all sides showcasing the progress they have made this season. The 2nd IX only lost 1 game all term, finishing off with a strong performance against Sunningdale. The U9A won every game at their festival at home, including victories over Westbrook Hay, Merchant Taylors’ and Edge Grove. The Colts A made it to the quarter finals at the ISA regionals at St John’s, narrowly missing out on the top 4 and a place at nationals. It was a brilliant football season with 134 matches across 8 year groups and all boys can be very proud of their progress made.

The Swimming squad headed to the London Aquatic Centre for ISA National Finals. 5 boys representing London North region swam well and can be proud of their achievements. Luca came 5th nationally in the 50m Butterfly, narrowly missing a medal by 0.2seconds. The

rest of the team were representing in the relays and all swam well.

The basketball team continued their good form beating Beechwood Park 35-20. They looked dominant on court and really excelled around the key, landing over 75% of their lay-up shots. At the time of writing, they have one more game to go this term to cap off an unbeaten term.

The ISA badminton saw our top squad win silver medals at the London North regional event. A clean sweep in the group saw us not drop a game and the boys continued this form into the knockout stages. We eventually came up against a strong Webber school in the final, but can be really pleased with our effort, especially as there were Year 9 boys playing against our Year 7 boys. Fixtures v Kingshott later in the term gave both our Seniors and Colts another opportunity to showcase their talents on court, with the Seniors winning the doubles and the Colts clean sweeping both singles and doubles.

Both Senior and Junior squash teams were in hot form v Berkhamsted in the latter weeks of the term, both winning convincingly. The Colts looked in fine form as we all work towards IAPS Nationals in the summer term.

FOOTBALL 1ST IX

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

As September rolled around again, squads began to form and the hard work started with 6 of last year’s squad returning as Year 8s. The game plan was the same as last year; fluid football, played at a high tempo.

Our first outing was away to Haileybury, a formidable opponent who always produce good football sides. In rain that was coming in sideways, the boys stuck at it throughout and went ahead quickly with Captain Tom netting from outside the box. Our Summer overseas transfer Fernando, hit the ground running, scoring twice, whilst Adejola finished a beautifully worked move from deep within our half to secure a 5-1 victory. A great way to start.

A close fought victory over Beechwood Park (4-3) really saw the boy’s gel together and showcase exactly what they were all about. Another 2 goals from Tom showed

that he really was looking dangerous up top and had the potential to be very dangerous for us this year.

Further victories against St Johns Northwood (5-0) and York House (2-1) in the same day was our best performances to date. Pau and Nikhil in the middle of the park, dominating possession and feeding play in different directions.

A thumping 7-0 victory over Edge Grove was our performance of the season, with the ball being moved with ease. Pau and Nikhil again from the middle of the midfield commanding the space and looking the best players on the pitch that day. Mention must go to our defensive group of players as well. William led the back three all term at centre back and was our unsung hero of the term. Cool, calm and collected on the ball he helped put Max and Jack at ease with Year 7 William in goal. This game was also the introduction of Kiran to the 1st IX. On debut as a Year 7, he scored twice in the space

of 10 minutes, to cement his place in the 1st IX for the rest of term.

A second Edge Grove fixture three weeks later was a similar result. 5-1 winners and a hattrick for Fernando who looked untouchable on the left wing. A mention must go to Captain Tom, who last year played on the wing and transferred this year to striker. He scored 16 times across the term which is a huge achievement and led from the front.

This group of boys over the last 2 years have bought into a style of football and ethos that has seen them train in such a professional way and play some of the best football we have seen at Lockers Park in many years. With 3 of the squad returning next year as Year 8, the challenge will be reset for them to carry the torch and keep the skill, passion and determination into next year.

Colours awarded: Tom (Captain), Max (Vice Captain), Adejola , William, Pau ,Nikhil.

FOOTBALL 2ND IX

By Mr Winchester, Assistant Head Co-Curricular

A very memorable season for the 2nd IX who won six out of eight games, drawing one and losing just one on their travels!

The boys scored a magnificent 30 goals and only let in 5, with Awais keeping five clean sheets, a superb achievement. The team were prolific in front of goal, with notable performances from Kiran and Eddie throughout. Special mention to Lucas, JJ, Hugo, Maxence and George who, as Year 8s, came into their own this season and played some fantastic football together. The most notable game came in a 2-0 win over York House, not only keeping a clean sheet, but working hard to score and maintain their lead to walk away with a great victory. Hard work on the training pitch over the past two years really did show this season, and the team gelled superbly to put in some fantastic performances. A very proud coach who wishes all the boys leaving us great success for the future, whilst hoping the Year 7s step up next year and continue the building blocks and progress they have made this season.

FOOTBALL 4TH

IX

FOOTBALL 3RD IX

By Mr Wilson, PE Teacher

The 3rd IX went about this season in a professional manner and found large amounts of success on the pitch.

Despite a slower start to the season with a loss against Haileybury, the boys bounced back and won the next three games without conceding a single goal! A goal difference of +19 this season truly highlights the splendid efforts in both attack and defence that the boys put in. Notably, Noah was our talisman this season, whilst being a defender (who was never afraid to go flying into tackles) was also not shy about scoring some absolute screamers from outside the box. However, the majority of the goals came from Sebastian who struck fear into the opposition defence with his eye for the goal. What really pleased me this season was to see the team gel together superbly and as a result, Wednesday afternoons were never a dull affair! There is plenty of talent coming through for next year from year 7’s who have not been afraid to showcase their skills despite being the younger year group.

By Mr Phillips

The 4th IX had a shaky start to the season with a comprehensive defeat against Haileybury.

The first positive emerged though, in the tireless defensive efforts of Sebastian, who prevented a far worse result - and continued throughout the season to hold it together near our own goal. Thereafter, the team fared very well against mixed opposition, winning 4 of the remaining 5 games. The team started as a group of individuals, but by the end working in collaboration beautifully. The main goal scorer was Harry, who in just 2 games put a whopping 5 into the net! Étienne was the most productive up front of the ‘regulars’, but generally it was all hands on deck when it came to scoring goals. Ellis and Luca held the midfield together well. Teddy and James both did well in goal (not

usually at the same time, thank heavens) helped by Billy in defence, Arian and Nolan showed great skill on the wings, moving forwards. There were guest appearances from teams above and below, but the highlight for me was the match against Keble when all the moving parts combined to dismantle some solid opposition.

FOOTBALL 5TH IX

Mr Sullivan-Pond

Despite the (sometimes) terrible weather, the 5th IX had a mixed season and managed some good results against some tough oppositions.

Standout performances from our Goalkeeper Lucas and Winger Jack helped us to secure victories against St. John’s and Aldwickbury during a triangular at the former and no matter what the result, our boys gave their all and showed great sportsmanship and true Lockers qualities. We also had several boys who moved up through the ranks, with Harry and Jack playing a number of games for higher teams – a true testament to the development the boys can achieve over the season. Well done to all involved and thank you to the Staff who made this season possible.

FOOTBALL 6TH IX

By Mrs Roberts

The 6th IX have had a fantastic term, thoroughly enjoying their time playing against other schools across the counties.

They started the season with a bang, scoring an unbelievable 9 goals, despite the introduction of a 5-pass rule before they were allowed to shoot. This fuelled the boys with the confidence they needed to continue in their subsequent matches. They experienced some exciting end-to-end football and started to really gel as a team, encouraging each other and helping each other to score goals for Lockers Park. Scorers this term included Lucas, Jacob, Bruce, Tim, William and Ray. Congratulations to all of the team, and roll on the rugby season for further success!

FOOTBALL COLTS A

By Mr McHugh

The Colts A had a mixed set of results during the season. The positive part being that the boys competed in every match.

Dario had a great season in goal, with Muhammad consistent all season in defence. The midfield boys of Lewis, Balthazar and Noah improved as the season progressed and played some lovely football. Rafferty played in every position apart from GK and Nathaniel scored a perfect Hat trick in victory over Keble Prep School with a right foot / left foot / header / hat trick. The team saved their best form for the Regional Tournaments with the highlight being reaching the 1/4 final at ISA, where Zach showed why he was our Player of the season with excellent performances in every game. Well done, boys!

FOOTBALL COLTS B

By Mr Newman

The Colts B football team had an excellent season, showcasing great teamwork and collaboration on the pitch.

The boys worked hard together, passing the ball with skill and determination, which led to some impressive results. A standout moment were Reef’s brilliant goals at Westbrook Hay, which highlighted the team’s effort and spirit. Well done to all the players for their commitment and sportsmanship throughout the season!

FOOTBALL COLTS C FOOTBALL COLTS D

By Mr Saunders

The Colts C’s this year showed true resilience throughout the season.

Through the harsh weather, to the tough training sessions, to the challenging matches. There was a huge amount of positivity that came from the team with a victory and a draw in the record books. Raphael was a true staple to our defensive line. Not letting the ball or any attacker pass him. He led the team from the back and showed true leadership in the Captain role. It was brilliant seeing Theodore use his wonderful pace down the right wing and tallying up a number of goals this season. There was wonderful communication from Leo, calling for the team to watch and mark the opposing players. Though results did not show much success, there was absolutely no doubt the players took away many positives from the match. I am very proud of the team this year. Well done, everyone!

By Mr Hobson

A perplexing term of football when results were puzzling to all and sundry, as we often wondered how victory had escaped us.

There were times when hitting a post or crossbar was the difference between immortality and a glum minibus journey home. Captain Harry rarely took prisoners when the opposition threatened, leading by example. In support Jasson and Hendrix huffed and puffed, making playing against us difficult. Sacha improved as custodian of the net but will need to dominate his area and work on his distribution for next year. George and Joshua have good right feet which gave us impetus. They will need to pass with greater consistency and accuracy in the future. Thomas and Henry became a right pair of nuisances to defenders, picking their pockets and snapping at their heels with the persistency of rabid bluebottles! All in all, more great fun in the mud. However, so near and yet so far...

FOOTBALL COLTS E FOOTBALL COLTS F

By Mr Tivey

The Colts Es faced a tumultuous season full of ups and down with constant changes to the team throughout the season.

A tough start led to two early losses however, the boys pulled together and went on an unbeaten run for the rest of the season. The highlight of the season would have been the terrific win at Edge Grove with the boys winning 5-0. Emilio had a standout season in goal coming to the rescue on multiple occasions, Neev and Justin formed the key defence that led to the team to only concede 2 goals in the last 4 games. Snehaj, Alvin, Stephen and Charlie formed the midfield and attack that enabled the team to be so effective going forward scoring 15 goals between them in the last 4 games. Overall, a fantastic season for the team showing just how hard they have worked over the course of the term.

FOOTBALL U9A

By Mr Tivey

The Under 9As had a difficult start to the season facing tough opposition at the start of the term, losing to Westbrook 3-0 and Manor Lodge 5-1.

However, with time the team came together and almost went on an undefeated run only to be thwarted in the last game of the season against a strong Heath Mount side. Two impressive victories started the run with a 7-3 victory over Kingshott and 7-0 win over St Margaret’s. There were stand out performances from Asher and Caleb with Charlie and Daniil also getting on the score

sheet. Come the second half of the term, Jude joined the squad as they travelled to St Columba’s for a triangular. Two closely contested matches that ended 3-1 and 2-0 to Lockers, Jude debuted scoring 4, one being an impressive overhead kick. Next came the festival at Lockers Park where the boys had 3 tough matches against familiar opposition. It was an impressive match day with all the boys performing well and winning all 3 games. A first at Lockers Park for many years. The boys have shown huge improvement over the term and they will certainly be a squad to watch in the future.

By Mr Pearce

The Mighty Colts F team had a season full of ups, downs, and plenty of excitement.

They faced a mix of opponents, from powerhouse teams that put their skills to the test to others that offered a chance for some fun on the field. This can best be described as when we lost by two goals against York House, in which we then proceeded to beat St Martin’s by six. Each game brought its own challenges and laughter, making for a season to remember. Humphrey did an amazing job as a striker for the season, with Krishna feeding him the ball from the defence. It was also great to see Austin push himself outside of his comfort zone as a goalkeeper. It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch these boys grow and progress in football this season.

FOOTBALL U9B

By Mrs Roberts

The unstoppable Under 9B team has strengthened as a unit and every single player has mastered their position and proved invaluable within the team.

Communication, dedication and team work have all been key areas they have been focusing upon, and each boy has hugely improved in each of these skills. Successes, including a 7-0 win against St Joseph’s school despite the introduction of a 3-pass rule, boosted their confidence early on. The match against Kingshott could

have seen a very different score if it weren’t for their goalie saving numerous shots on target from Arda, who went on to become a formidable striker for the team, up front with Kareem and Mikael. Another win against St Columba’s school in an exciting 4-3 victory led us nicely into our high-octane match against Heath Mount with Joshua saving a number of goals as well as a penalty. Everly set up a beautiful goal which was put into the back of the net by Arda. Huge congratulations to the entire team and I can’t wait to see further successes on the rugby field next term.

FOOTBALL U9C

By Mrs Forshaw

As the season progressed, from warm sunny weather and perfect pitches in September, to freezing, sunny weather and soggy pitches in November, skills developed week on week.

The boys showed steely determination to win every game and did in fact, win almost all of their games.

James was an extremely useful player, always in the thick of it and scoring goals too. Toby became good at finding spaces and he too, scored goals. Winston and Bertie took it in turns to have the goalkeeping role and both made superb saves and saved the day for us! Zachary played his hardest in defence and was fearless when up against some much larger Year 4 boys. Rafi was the one who sneaked the ball and quickly passed it on. Dani was solid in every position he played in and he scored goals! Harrison played his heart out and always remained in good spirits. All members of this team have improved hugely since the sunny September days and have worked well as a team.

FOOTBALL U9D

By Mrs Pizzey

The Under 9D team has made significant progress this term with each boy giving 100%.

For some, it was their first time wearing shin pads and tying their shoelaces, as well as representing Lockers Park. They have thoroughly enjoyed playing against other schools and participating in festivals, where

they have experienced wins, draws, and losses.

As a team, they are beginning to dribble forward with the ball and pass it to create scoring opportunities. A special mention goes to Casper and Arthur, who were always determined to score and cheer on their teammates, and to Sebastian and Alexander for their determination to

defend and prevent goals while also pushing forward to try to score. Jack and Harry showed great discipline, always listening to and following instructions attentively. Ben embraced the opportunity to play in goal and worked hard to focus, making many excellent saves. They should be incredibly proud of their efforts and achievements. Well done boys.

ISA SWIMMING

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

A squad of 10 boys represented the school at the ISA London North National Qualifiers towards the end of the autumn term.

The team all swam incredibly well in a highly competitive gala. Highlights were Luca and Vivaan winning their heats in the 50m Butterfly. Overall we came away with 2 gold medals and 6 silver medals. Meaning a squad of 6 boys

qualified for the National Finals at the London Aquatic Centre.

In London, the boys were competing with 7 other regions from around the country and representing London North. Luca finished 5th in the 50m fly and missed a medal by 0.2s. Whilst our other members of the team all represented in the Medley and Freestyle Relays. A big well done to all our Swimmers. A great day out at an iconic sporting venue.

ISA BADMINTON

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

The ISA badminton saw our Top squad win silver medals at the London North regional event.

A clean sweep in the group saw us not drop a game and the boys

ISA CROSS COUNTRY

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

National qualifiers this year were hosted by Abbotts Hill on their hilly and rather wet course this year.

The U9 were the first to set off in the field of around 50 runners. The boy’s paced themselves well in what was a very quick race. Alexander finished 5th and booked his place in the National finals – and we wish him all the very best at Nationals.

continued this form into the knockout stages. We eventually came up against a strong Webber school in the final, but can be really pleased with our efforts. Especially as there were Year 9 boys playing against our Year 7 boys.

In the U11 race, the boys placed well in the 20’s but narrowly missed out on a place at National Finals. Well don’t to all the boys who represented the school.

As the main school cross country season arrived, we attended two events at Beechwood Park and Westbrook Hay. Our seniors ran well at both events finishing in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. However, our U9 team, led by Jude and Alexander produced a fantastic performance and won the U9 team event at the Beechwood Cross Country.

The future is looking very bright.

SKIING NATIONAL SUCCESS

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

This academic year has been a record-breaking year for the Ski Team.

7 National events held at The Hemel Hempstead Snow centre from SATIPS, ISA National to English Schools Open Championships and the Independent schools’ National Finals.

Lockers Park has entered teams into all 7 events and walked away this year with 7 National Team Titles and 26 Individual medals. A phenomenal effort on both a team and individual level!

Daniil won the U8 ISA and English School title, whilst

Winston won the U10 ISA and English schools titles. Thomas and Lewis finished with medals at all events as well. Highlights were Thomas’s two runs at English Schools of 12.69s and 12.62s. Lewis’s run of 13.19s at ISA and Alexander holding out on one leg as he rounded the final few gates at the ISC.

We had boys from Year 8 all the way down to Year 1 representing the school, with Maximilian in Year 1 winning one of our 26 individual medals.

Huge congratulations to the whole squad and a great platform to push on from for next year as we look to recreate our success moving forward.

SET BASKETBALL

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

The annual Set Basketball competition returned in full force this term, with all 76 seniors poised and ready to represent their Set.

Games were 7 minutes, and every boy had to play at least half of every game. The pace of the games was a sight to behold. In particular Pau for Jellicoe making gains all over the court and Adejola for Mountbatten pressing high and putting all opposition under pressure.

Congratulations to Jellicoe who won all their games and played like true champions. Thoroughly deserved. Well done to all!

SPRING TERM REVIEW

By Mrs Corrigan, Deputy Head

As we reach the halfway point of the spring term, it’s a pleasure to reflect on the many exciting events, achievements, and opportunities that have taken place at Lockers Park.

From sporting triumphs to engaging educational trips and student-led initiatives, it has been a fantastic few weeks for our school community. The rugby pitches have been alive with energy, determination, and teamwork this half term. The mud is everywhere, the blues are brown, but the smiles are big!

Our Head Boys have taken the initiative to deliver regular news reports, keeping the school community informed about key events and student achievements. Please do keep an eye out for these on social media. Lucas and Hugo are enjoying their new-found fame and will no doubt be selling their autobiographies in the new future. Spurred on by the Head Boys’ initiative, Year 7 took a trip to the Sky Studios this week, honing their scriptwriting skills and understanding how to present on camera - ready for their own moment in the spotlight.

This half term, both the School Council and Mini Council have been actively engaged in discussions about school life, with a particular focus on food. This has sent our catering team into a flurry of activity; testing new recipes, googling foods from around the world and exploring how they can convince boys to eat all their vegetables without a hint of complaint. We are so lucky to have this team who jump on board with our every suggestion and love to

get involved in every new initiative. Well done, boys, for offering such excellent suggestions and trying new foods in your meeting.

Our youngest pupils in Little Lockers were delighted to welcome the Fire Brigade for an exciting and informative visit. Learning about their community and those who help us is so important for the boys. It was thrilling for them to see all of the fire equipment and to get to sit in the truck. We always enjoy our visits from those who help us in the community.

This half term, we placed a strong focus on wellbeing during Children’s Mental Health Week. Through a series of discussions, activities, and reflections, the boys explored the importance of looking after their mental health. We came to school wearing what made us happy - and yes, there were many in pyjamas! It was with delight that we chose this week to announce our new partnership with the charity, Signpost, who will offer dramatherapy sessions. This creative and therapeutic approach will provide students with a supportive space to express themselves, develop confidence, and explore emotions through drama-based techniques.

I would like to thank all the students, staff, and parents for their continued enthusiasm and support.

HEAD BOY

Roles of Responsibility & Prize Winners

Hugo, Head Boy (pictured right)

A WIZARD DAY OUT…

By Mr Sullivan-Pond

The learning never stops at Lockers Park and so, just one day into the spring Term, Year 6 headed off to the Warner Bros. Studios “Harry Potter Experience” as part of their study of the text, “Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone”.

The boys (and Staff!) had a truly magical time exploring the Studios, looking at the incredible sets, elaborate costumes, an array of props and the exceptional departments which brought this popular series of books to life on the big screen.

We also took part in an excellent, “Foley Workshop”, which gave us the opportunity to see how sound

effects are created using a range of everyday items and then added in post-production. The boys then had a go at making and adding their own sounds to actual footage from the Harry Potter film series.

It was a truly fantastic day for all and I personally can’t wait to go again next year!

DARK TOWER

By Maxence, Year 8

Dark tower is one of the most prestigious events here at Lockers Park and this is all about it.

The event takes place at the darkest of all times in the year. The darkness will allow the treacherous teachers to catch the unfortunate children. When they get caught, they have to hand over any treasure they have taken from the witches guarding it. Once the witches catch the poor children with a flashlight they will say, sshhhtillllll!

The aim of the game is to try and get the most treasure in your base’s bucket. The teams are split up into our Sets whose names are great Generals and Admirals of

the past from the army and navy. Whoever has the most treasure wins. Teachers roam the Lockers Park grounds but most witches will be scattered around close to the entrance of the treasure. It is easy to get caught in Dark Tower if you are very loud, which means each child has to be very quiet when slyly sneaking around or you will be caught by the flashlight. No one knows where these wicked teachers are lurking, they could be anywhere and sometimes just right behind you. The dim dark makes the teachers practically invisible. This is a main factor of why this is such a hard challenge.

No one knows if you will make it out or not…

SCIENCE WEEK

IMMERSIVE SCIENCE DAY BY YEAR 4 & 5

We had an amazing morning of Science. First, we met Kiran, a scientist and astronomer, who told us about Space and everything about it. We learned about how the sun will come to an end one day and destroy the Earth! We found out about the conditions on different planets and environments. We held a real meteorite, which was around 4.5 billion years old!

Making a comet:

We hammered dry ice, added H20, charcoal, sand, Worcester sauce and window cleaner, it made a dirty snowball comet.

Planetarium:

Zee had set up a dome for us ready to learn about the stars, constellations and black holes. We learned that the North Star is the centre of navigation and the Saucepan leads to it and spaghettification. Overall, it is a wonderful experience with all this considered, definitely 10 out of 10. Thank you, Mrs. Pizzey and Mrs. Roberts for the great experience. Nathan Y5

On Friday 31 January, Year 4 and 5 had a wonderful morning. First, we went to the Senior Science Lab. We learned about planets and we got to hold real meteorites that are 4.5 billion years old. Then we made a comet out of dry ice, water, charcoal, sand, Worcester sauce and window cleaner.

Next thing was a big dome, the person that was controlling it showed us constellations then he showed us stages of the moon and our milky way. When he finished that he showed us a video of the Black Hole and everyone screamed because it got dark and loud. I give this experience 8.6/10 because making a comet was so cool and so was the dome. Tom Y5

Here is an interview with B5D

On Friday, 31 January, Year 4 and 5 had the chance to participate in a supreme morning of Science with a visiting company called Wonder Dome.

What did you do this morning?

Emilio: We went into a space workshop and we held real meteorites.

Sacha: I was chosen to add the Worcester sauce into the mixture, it was really cool to do, and it felt so cold getting next to the dry ice. What was the highlight of the day?

Henry: Learning about the black hole and spaghettification.

Nathan: Learning that the sun can expand and what would happen.

Stephen: Making the comet with the dry ice. What did you learn?

Sacha: That meteorites are 4.5 billion years old, and it was a bit scary to have the chance to hold it. It smelled of iron!

Tom: What meteorites are made from.

Austin: That the sun is a very small star. What would you rate the morning out of 10?

Tom: 8/10 because I didn’t think you could actually make a meteorite out of dry ice and Worcester sauce. It was an experience of a lifetime.

Snehaj: 8.5/10 because it was really good. Tell me about the dome…

Snehaj: It was a huge inflatable dome, which showed us how constellations work, how the moon orbits the earth and how the earth rotates and orbits the sun.

Mack: We were learning about the different stages of the moon: Full moon, gibbous moon, waning, waxing, crescent.

C4P’s questions to Nate a flight controller at NASA

Alexander

Has a piece of debris ever hit the International Space Station?

Have you ever visited the International Space Station?

Sammy

How long does it take to travel to the International Space Station?

Jude

Would you like to go to the International Space Station?

If so, what training do you need?

Caleb

What is it like in space?

Mikael

What is it like working for Nasa?

Dani

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CHINESE NEW YEAR GALLERY

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BUSHCRAFT SCOUTING AND FOUNDERS DAY

By Mr Bulpit, Scouting Leader

We had attendees from all three sections throughout the day, as they tackled a range of bases including knot tying, shelter building, knife work, and cooking on open fires.

Amongst other games and activities. We had a number of other leaders come to express how impressed they were by Lockers boys’ attitude

and manners. So, a big well done to them!

Founders Day on the 22 of February is a crucial day in Scouting where we commemorate our founder, Robert Baden-Powell. One of the key players in early scouting and an associate of Mr Baden-Powell was a Mr Roland Philips. He wrote a number of influential scouting manuals, developed the current rank structure used in scouting today,

gave his home to the East London Scouting District as their HQ, and was crucial in the establishment of Scouting within prep schools creating many himself. Lockers Park is perhaps the last group of this type still in existence. However, what’s more astonishing was Mr Philip’s was an old Lockers boy himself!

BABY JUDE AND BOARDING

A new member of the boarding family!

WORLD BOOK DAY 2025

By Mr Sullivan-Pond, Head of English

Reading is, without doubt, one of the most important life skills which we can impart to our boys and by encouraging them to foster a genuine love of Reading, we are opening the doors to a world of excitement, discovery and adventure which will stay with them forever.

Throughout the week, the boys took part in a range of activities to encourage them to think about Reading and how it can help them to develop as writers and enhance their comprehension and creative skills,

including visits from published authors Alex Atkinson and Sam Hunter.

Thursday 6 March was World Book Day and this year’s theme was, “Pirates & All Things Nautical”. As well as dressing up as characters from our favourite themed literature, the boys were off-timetable for a carousel of activities including Pirate Flag Design, Semaphore/ Morse Code, Finding the Northern Lights and Decorating Pirate Biscuits to name but a few. We were also fortunate enough to have a visit from the Head of CCF at Pangbourne College, who put the Senior boys through their paces with some Naval Foot Drills!

In the afternoon, Little Lockers had a visit from The BBC’s Captain Sinker, whilst the older boys took part in the 3rd Annual Lockers Park BIG Set Book Quiz. After a hard-fought battle, including an exciting tie-break round, Jellicoe were crowned this year’s Champions! Congratulations to them and well done to all those who took part.

All in all, it was an fantastic week and one that will stay with our boys for many months, if not years to come! A huge thank you to all who were involved and of course to the boys, whose enthusiasm made it such a roaring success once again.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD AT LOCKERS PARK SCHOOL

At Lockers Park, we know that food isn’t just about filling our tummies – it’s about enjoying delicious meals that keep us energised and ready to tackle our busy school days (Staff included!). From hearty breakfasts to tasty suppers, our catering team led by Catering Manager Chef Fay, ensures that every meal is packed with flavour, nutrition, and a lot of love.

Food is also a part of the celebrations at school, from Match Day Teas for visiting teams to Set Suppers for the winning ‘Set,’ meals are an opportunity to come together as a school community. Birthdays are celebrated with a cake of your choice, washed down with fruit

squash as a special treat. We also love our themed events, like “Food from Around the World Week,” where we explore and enjoy international cuisines.

Mealtimes are more than just eating –they’re a chance to build relationships

and create memories. Teachers sit down with pupils during meals, making every lunch and supper an opportunity to chat, laugh, and enjoy the company of friends and staff. It’s all part of the close-knit, community spirit that makes Lockers Park so special.

NUTRITIOUS, DELICIOUS, AND INCLUSIVE

At Lockers Park, we believe food should be nutritious, delicious, and inclusive. Our in-house catering team ensures that ever y pupil’s dietary needs are met, from food allergies to cultural preferences. No one is left out, and every meal is designed to fuel our bodies and minds.

So, the next time you sit down for a meal at Lockers Park, remember – it’s not just food, it’s a celebration of taste, community, and good times- Bon appétit, 开心餐,Menú Feliz, Onje Ayo, Счастливый

and

to all who come to visit!

YOGA CLUB AT LOCKERS PARK

By Mrs Roberts

Yoga Club runs each Friday at break time for all pupils from Year 3 to Year 8. This is a wonderful opportunity for the boys to explore some of the ancient asanas (postures) through games, dance, and creative activities designed specifically with young learners in mind.

Alongside building strength, balance, flexibility, and greater awareness of the connection between mind and body, yoga offers a wealth of mental health benefits for children. Regular practice helps pupils become more present and grounded in the moment. It introduces valuable tools for managing stress and anxiety—such as breathing techniques and mindfulness—that they can carry with them into their daily lives, both in and out of the classroom.

Yoga can also support emotional regulation and self-esteem. Through movement and stillness, children learn to listen to their bodies, notice their thoughts without judgment, and

develop a calmer, more focused mindset. These skills can have a profound impact on their overall wellbeing, confidence, and resilience.

I have been practising yoga for nine years and hold a qualification in teaching children’s yoga. I’ve recently completed my 300-hour

course to become a fully qualified yoga instructor. I started the club at Lockers Park to share my passion with the pupils, and I can already see the incredible difference it is making. The boys thoroughly enjoy the sessions— they leave smiling, relaxed, and often seem to float out of the room in a renewed head space.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES BY YEAR 3

We went to see Horrible Histories at Milton Keynes Theatre.

It was all about the awesome Egyptians or as Mr B in the show said, ‘Awful Egyptians!’ When the show started, our bodies filled with excitement. In the second half, we got to wear 3D glasses. Although some of us were very scared of the creatures flying towards us, the rest of us were amazed by the graphics. There was a

line of canopic jars that they used to hold the liver, lungs, intestines, and stomach. They left the heart in the body so they could live in the afterlife. It was funny when they wrapped the mummy and threw body parts around the stage. When they opened the coffin, it was scary as 3D objects flew towards us.

We would give this 4.8 out of 5 because it kept us on the edge of our seat, and we even got to have slatter at half time!

SPONSORED WALK

In March 2025, Lockers Park School rallied its community for the annual Sponsored Charity Walk.

The event exemplified the school’s ethos of purposeful smallness and local impact. While the event was scaleddown from earlier editions, the solid fundraising result underscores the continued dedication of pupils, parents, and staff to supporting essential local causes.

SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS

Lockers Park pupils achieved notable Scholarship success, reflecting the school’s tradition of excellence across a range of disciplines.

In 2024, four Senior School Scholarships were awarded: Academic and Sport to St Albans, and Art and Drama to Stowe. This momentum carried through into 2025, with boys securing further recognition, including two Academic Scholarships to Berkhamsted and both Sport and Academic Awards to St Albans. Consistently achieving around four scholarships each year despite small class sizes, Lockers Park continues to nurture talent and prepare its leavers for success at top senior schools.

By Mr Phillips

World Religion Day is a day for all to celebrate their religion.

It was started by the Baha’i Faith in 1950. It originated in the United States but now it is a worldwide event, taking place in January each year. Its purpose is to promote the idea that spiritual principles of all the religions of the world are the same, that we should love God and love our neighbour. The day suggests that religions should play a part in bringing the world together and unify mankind. At Lockers Park we recognise and respect the religions of the world through our weekly chapel services and RS teaching.

WORLD RELIGION DAY RAMADAN

By Sameen, Year 2

Ramadan What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month on the Arabic calendar. Ramadan is a special time for Muslims, rich with religious and cultural practises. During this time, Muslims believe that the gates of heaven are open and Allah’s mercy and blessings are abundantly available.

Ramadan is observed by Muslims as fasting, prayers, Salah, community and reflection. If you do good deeds in this month, then Allah will give you lots of rewards.

How is Ramadan celebrated?

On Ramadan, all adults who are Muslims have to obey this rule. The rule is to fast and not eat anything, even if you’re thirsty or hungry. Most Muslims fast between dawn and sunset. Fasting allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith. It is taught to teach self-discipline and remind them of the suffering of the poor. However, children, pregnant women, elderly people and those who are ill or travelling don’t have to fast during Ramadan. It is common to have one meal known as the Sauber just before dawn and another known as the Iftar directly after sunset.

Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan. It is a time for prayer and good deeds. They will try to spend time with family and friends and help people in need. Many Muslims will attempt to read the whole of the Quran at least once during Ramadan. They will also attend special prayers in mosques during when the Quran is read.

LOCKERS PARK STUDENT

LISTENERS PRESENT CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

WEEK 2025

This week, we have been focusing on Children’s Mental Health. We have enjoyed discos, smoothies, meditation, yoga and a non-uniform day where we could wear what made us happy. When we think about Mental health, it is easy to focus on the negative thoughts as that is mainly what we recall. We must remember we all have mental health – it’s like our physical health.

Jude: To have good mental health, we know that healthy food is always good for us. However, we had the argument that in the case of our mental health, the occasional sticky donut or pastry can help us smile.

Ryan: Everyone knows that exercise is good for your mental health. It releases endorphins which are the feel-good sensation. It does need to be balanced though. You can’t exercise for hours every day, particularly not at our age. It can cause lasting damage to our bodies.

Kiran: Sport is like exercise. It has the feel-good factor, but it is also great because we work together as a team. We celebrate our successes, and we support each other in our losses. It is so important, even as we get older. Even Prince William has said that sport is a great way to support men’s mental health!

Sam: Music has the feel-good factor. It can help us release emotions, feel empowered and just have a bit of fun. The discos on Wednesday were a great chance for everyone to have a party.

Awais: In an age of more and more technology, it is easy to get lost in a virtual world. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets lost in a game for hours rather than minutes. Playing with our friends together can be more fun and helps us learn how to get along with others.

Étienne: Sleep is one of my favourite things. It’s interesting to know that adults should have around 8 hours per night. Teens and children should be having more than 8 hours every night.

Cheng-Xi: We all have moments when we feel anxious, worried or overwhelmed by what is happening around us. It sometimes feels easier to just keep how we are feeling in our head and not talk about it. Many boys in this school seem to prefer to internalise how they are feeling and not seek help and yet, it is that help which they need.

George: Your School Student Listeners are here to listen when you need us. We help with listening to boys reading. We are happy to point you in the direction of adults we feel would help you. We can even just sit down and chat about the latest football results!

LITTLE LOCKERS

By Mrs Colwill

It has been an exciting term for Reception, where we have enjoyed learning about a variety of mini-beasts and discovering some fascinating facts about their habitats and lifecycles.

We also focused this term on being Global Citizens. Where

FROZEN PLANET

By Mrs Miller

we enjoyed celebrating our classmates’ traditions and beliefs, learning to respect ourselves and others. The boys were very keen to take part in a litter picking activity around the school, they demonstrated great care and enthusiasm to help keep their outdoor environment clean and safe for the wildlife.

To celebrate our achievements this term, Reception took part in the much-loved Easter traditionThe Great Egg Roll! The children had a fantastic time rolling their decorated eggs and cheering each other on, bringing our spring term of learning and fun to an end.

It has been incredibly cold in Year 1, but this is not just because of the weather in the UK – the boys have been learning all about the Arctic and Antarctic in their ‘Frozen Planet’ topic!

We even had the opportunity to visit our Science Lab where the boys could explore real bugs! The boys were very brave and excited to see the giant cockroach and meet the baby stick insect.

We also focused this term on being Global Citizens. Where wch other on, bringing our spring term of learning and fun to an end.

SPRING CHAPEL CONCERT

By Mr Golding, Director of Music

This was the first Chapel Concert in several years at Lockers Park, and it was wonderful to see the boys rising to the occasion and embracing the more formal setting.

The Samba Group began proceedings with a high-energy (and high-volume!) piece – something that you would be happy to hear at a carnival in the streets of Rio!

The String Group, Brass Group, Years 5&6 Choir and Chapel Choir all performed their pieces with confidence, accuracy and character. It was also a pleasure to witness the Staff Choir’s second performance, adding some harmony to Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria’!

The standard of the four solo performances by Lucas, Alexander, Cheng Xi and Daniel was highly impressive, as was their mature sense of phrasing, contrasting character, and effective technique. My thanks to all who attended and congratulations to each of our performers.

Watch the video

LOCKERS GOT TALENT

WATFORD SPEECH AND DRAMA COMPETITION

Name Year Score

Bertie 3 83

Commended

Zachary 3 83

Commended

Oscar 5 85 Honors

Sebastian 5 87 Honors

Humphrey 5 87 Honors

Raphael 6 88 Honors

Sebastian 6 84

Commended

Jude 7 87 Honors

Lucas 8 84 Commended

Tom 8 86 Honors

SKI TRIP TO VALLOIRE: A MEMORABLE ADVENTURE

By Ms Neale

This year, 29 boys and 21 adults embarked on a ski trip to Valloire, France. After a long day of travelling, we were all delighted to enjoy a lovely meal and a welldeserved rest, preparing for the busy week ahead.

As always, the first day began with a flurry of activity during ski fitting, but once all the boys were equipped, it was straight onto the chair lift and up

Jacob: “A great experience where I made a lot of new friends. I loved the skiing.”

the mountain to the stunning slopes!

We enjoyed six glorious days of skiing, with the sun shining down, which certainly enhanced our experience. As staff, we were thoroughly impressed by how attentively the boys listened to their instructors and the significant improvements they made to their skiing throughout the week.

The evenings provided an opportunity for everyone to unwind. We spent

time in the pool, enjoyed a movie night, and savoured a delightful outing for some lovely pizza! The boys also took pleasure in playing pool most evenings, and I am sure we have some future Ronnie O’Sullivans in our midst!

Before we knew it, it was time to go home, and I believe everyone felt a tinge of sadness about leaving. It was a fantastic week, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Here’s to Ski Trip 2026!

Seb: “I had a great time skiing and waking up to the views. The hot chocolate was fabulous!”

Harrison: “I loved skiing every day and the pizza night.”

SPORT ROUND-UP SPRING

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

As sporting terms go, this has got to be up there with one of the wettest we have had! The Rugby term has been a rather damp squib so far - but the rugby that has been played has been of a very high standard.

The U13A started off with back-toback defeats but have recently come alive and beat Westbrook Hay 8-3 (Akinrinmade scoring 5) and St Johns 10-0. The U12A bounced back against St Johns as well with a comprehensive 10-3 victory. The U11A boys have played some spectacular rugby but been up against much larger opposition this term and found this a challenge. Hopefully their fortune changes after half term.

The U11B continue to make progress and are certainly moving in the right direction. The U10A team have looked dangerous on the ball in attack, and further work on their defensive line after the break will hopefully turn their season around

- that said the 6-3 victory over Westbrook Hay was a highlight. It has been the U10B team who have been involved in some thrilling games this half term. A 14-12 victory over Westbrook Hay with Khalil scoring 9 individual tries.

We haven’t forgotten our U8 and U9. Our younger boys continue to learn the game and have had some brilliant results along the way. The U9A wining two games at their first festivals and beating St Columbas’ 19-15 with Afolami scoring 4 and Gibson scoring 8! Similar results for the U9B who looked in fine form winning two games at their festivals.

Away from the Rugby field in more drier sports hall conditions, our Senior basketball squad continue their unbeaten run this academic year. A 34-34 draw with Lochinver was a thrilling game which we should have come out on top. HOWEVER, the boys bounced back and put in a dominant performance against Kingshott winning 40-8 and looking in blistering form. We look forward to the final two games after the half term.

The Badminton team looked in fierce form v Kingshott at both Colts and Senor ages. As did the Table Tennis squad. Our swimmers have been in action as well, and at the time of writing, are heading off to the IAPS Regional qualifiers for a chance to swim at Nationals. We wish them the best of luck. Results will land with us over the Easter break.

And finally, we couldn’t have a Sport For All report without an update on our Ski team. Although there are no indoor events currently, 3 of our team have been out in Italy at the NSSA School British Schools Alpine Championships. Congratulations to Danill who won 2 Golds in the U8 category, Lewis for 2 Silver medals in the U12 category and Hanns who won 2 Golds in the U12 category. Meaning they secured a 4th team national title of the year for Lockers Park. Huge congratulations to all 3 of you!

Here’s to warmer dryer and longer days ahead.

RUGBY U13A

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

After a cold and wet start to the term, the U13A’s got their campaign up and running against a mixed Haileybury side.

We attacked well in places, but made mistakes in our defensive line which ultimately cost us, falling short 7-5. Captain Lucas crossing the line 5 times.

Numerous injuries meant we went a 3-week spell with boys playing out of position in midfield, but the pack remined strong and was a highlight for us this season, aiming to scrummage well and dominate the breakdown.

A dominant 8-3 victory v Westbrook Hay started the run of unbeaten games from late January all the way through to the end of term.

The visit of St John’s saw a comprehensive 10-0 victory with the boys moving the ball into space and taking advantage of opposition shape. Once the U13’s had ball in hand, they looked unstoppable, tries from Hugo x3 and 7 other boys capped of a strong outing.

One of our top performances of the season was the visit of Sunningdale. Lockers took an early 4-0 lead thanks to a JJ A hat trick within the first 10 minutes. Sunningdale came back strong in the second half and Lockers spent 10 minutes defending from within our own 22’. Maxence at full back and Nikhil hitting some huge tackles in defence. Two late tries from Hugo solidified our position and a 9-7 victory.

Further victories against Kingshott (12-3) and St Margaret’s (7-2) highlighted how

RUGBY U13B

By Mr Winchester

well the boys were performing and the hard work they had put in to training sessions. Hat tricks from JJ and Lucas and Pau were 3 particular highlights.

Our last match day of the season highlighted our strength in depth, as half the squad played 7’s at Westbrook Hay, whilst the rest of the squad were at St Margaret’s. A thumping 13-0 victory at Westbrook (Hugo 4 tries, Lucas X2, Vivaan X2 and JJ X2) whilst the St Margaret’s side were 7-2 victors - capped off a thrilling and enjoyable term of Rugby.

The boys have trained so well over the course of the term and should be very proud of their achievements. Well done, boys.

Rugby Colours Awarded: Lucas (Captain), JJ, Nikhil, Tom.

Despite the poor weather, the U13Bs progressed hugely during their season.

Not only did handling improve massively because of their technique but also positioning and understanding of the game. Being able to get themselves into the right positions to impact the game positively was a big plus for the boys. Understanding how and where to be at specific stoppages and restarts in the game was key to their success and I am sure they can take these positives into their matches next year at their senior schools. A huge well done to Seb for his perseverance during our matches, and to Joseph for organising the team so well throughout.

By Mr Sullivan-Pond

RUGBY U12A RUGBY U12B

The U12As had a mixed season in terms of results, but played some excellent Rugby and provided regular glimpses of what they are capable of – something which has got us very excited about the future.

Driven forward by our Captain Jude, there were standout performances from Jack at Fullback, whose tackling ability is frankly second to none and some excellent and powerful runs from Kiran, Billy, Vihaan and Will, whose quick thinking and outstanding pace made them extremely hard to stop (or even get close to!). Speaking of unstoppable forces, our two bulldozers, Tim and Awais regularly smashed their way

through defensive lines and often made huge carries, dragging several opposition players with them.

Other key individuals included Toby, Alfie, Thomas, Ellis and Eddie whose handling and passing skills were made with pinpoint accuracy, setting up a great many tries throughout the season.

It was also good to see some new faces playing an active part with Luca, Fyodor and Jacob making valuable contributions to the side’s performance.

The camaraderie and team spirit were amongst the best I have seen and it was a true privilege to work with them this year. Watch out 2026, the boys are coming to get you!

RUGBY U11A

By Mr Hobson

Fun in the mud is always the highlight of the Spring Term. The boys certainly did not shy away from such carefree, messy, boisterous joviality as their rugby skills improved with the aid of slick handling drills and ferocious tackling.

Skipper Zach, showed good pace on the flanks, scoring some thrilling tries with levels of enthusiasm and encouragement that were off the scale! Playmaker and chief try scorer, Nathanial had an amazing term, scoring over twenty tries and learning to release others with impeccable timing. Raphael is every Coach’s dream on the basis that all teams need someone to tackle passing oak trees. He did just that with intent and then some! Balthazar was our terrier at

By Mrs Roberts

The U12 B team has thoroughly enjoyed their rugby season, and it has been fantastic to see the progress they have made as part of a team.

They have worked hard on handling and positioning, persevered throughout, and have never given up despite what the score line says. They moved the ball quickly and understood where and why to be in certain positions throughout the match, even though it was the first time for some of them on the rugby pitch. One of the highlights of their three wins this season was a 10-0 victory against Kingshott, which saw five tries from Jacob and tries from Alex, Kevin, and Jack. It was a highoctane match with some fantastic tackles from the Lockers Park side. A huge thanks to Jacob, Alex, Kevin, Jack, Hector, PJ, Lucas, Harry, Kyle, Roger, Allen, and Eden for a marvellous season.

the base of scrums, showing great handling skills and shifty, elusive running. Incredibly, he also tackled sizable chunks of opposition as if his life depended upon it. Noah, along with Dario developed powerfully in midfield and will improve further. Muhammad became a direct runner, being awkward to tackle, creating space for others. Sebastian, Theodore and Lewis all played in different positions being effective, skilful and courageous. Rarely outclassed, once or twice outsized, but never downhearted. A great term’s endeavour. Onwards...

RUGBY U11B

By Mr Newman

The U11B team faced a challenging season, playing against a variety of strong opponents.

Despite the difficulties, they demonstrated excellent team spirit and scored some impressive tries. However, our defence was an area for improvement, as we missed several tackles, which led to conceding

RUGBY U10A

By Mr Phillips

Well, Dickens was half right at the start of A Tale of Two Cities... We had a good win against (as always) a well-drilled Sunningdale outfit and the main thing was the amount of improvement we showed.

Henry led from the front with determination and passion. Nathan was the ultimate in ‘small of stature but huge in heart’ as he was comfortably our top try scorer with his endless pluck and verve with the ball in hand. Emilio and Lucas were pretty unstoppable once they got going, and between these three we were always in the game. It took a while to hone our rucking skills and keep possession, but once we mastered this, we were able to spin the ball out to the wings, and if they are able to pick up where they left off next year, the only way is up!

RUGBY U10B

By Mr Saunders

Resilience is the perfect word to describe the U10Bs rugby season this term.

There were very difficult matches against Beechwood Park, Kingshott and St Johns, though the team never

tries. On a positive note, all players have made significant progress in their understanding of the rules, rucking, and teamwork. Well done to everyone for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

gave up and showed sportsmanship in defeat. This perseverance and determination of the team was reflected in a brilliant game against our rivals Westbrook Hay where the team won 14-12, with Hendrix K scoring 9 tries. We also had fantastic effort from

Stephen and Ralph who contributed with brilliant performances in matches. The team should be immensely proud of their achievements this year and I hope they look forward to their next season in the U11s.

Well Done boys!

RUGBY U9A

By Mrs Roberts

In January, on an icy cold day, the U9 A rugby team got together for their first festival against Westbrook Hay and Heath Mount.

I could see from the start of the season that every single player on the pitch meant business and I knew that the spring term was going to be one to remember. Every player was keen to be there, and they were determined to take on advice and truly understand how to go in for safe and accurate tackles. This first match was just the beginning, and they went on to St Columba’s to win 19-15, sparking consecutive wins weekly. In my opinion, the best match they played was in midFebruary against Edge Grove, we had parents of the opposition school coming to congratulate the boys on their incredible performance. It saw tries from Caleb, Jude, Sammy and Kareem but every single boy worked together to get the job done and they came away with a win of 8-6. We finished the season on a beautiful warm, sunny day at home against Kingshott, and it was lovely to have compliments again from the parents of the opposition team. I want to thank Jack, Jude, Winston, Danny, Caleb, Sammy, Arda, Kareem, and Asher for their efforts this season, and I can’t wait to see further accomplishments in the future for these bright and promising rugby stars!

RUGBY U8A RUGBY U9B

By Mr Tivey

The U8 A had a fantastic start to their rugby journey with a very successful season losing only two games in the whole season.

The boys started the season strong with 2 wins and a draw at the Edge Grove festival. Strong performances shown from Oliver and Callum. The season was followed by a tough draw against St Columba’s with the whole team showing great defence to keep the game close. Two close

By Mrs Forshaw

The season began at Heath Mount with a triangular competition. The team played very well, showing collaboration, resilience and creative play.

Arda was extremely quick and scored 6 tries that dayresulting in a move to the U9A team. The other try scorer was Winston who fearlessly fought off challengers. There was some great passing with all boys involved. At Edge Grove there was another triangular competition with Lockers Park dominating the first game, winning 5 tries to 2. Alexander scored 3, Joshua and Alfie scored one try each. Again, the team played with enthusiasm and determination, fighting hard for the ball and making regular gains. The second game that day was more even with a 2-2 draw. Alexander scored both of Lockers Park’s tries and was Player of the Match. Another even score came in the following game, ending 7-7. That day, the try scorers were Alfie, Joshua, Winston and Toby. It proved that Lockers Park were hard to defeat because of their tenacious attitude and strong resilience. In the final game of the season, Lockers Park lost by 1 try to Manor Lodge. The team still managed to score 6 tries in a match that was end-toend, full of passion and excitement. Casper was Player of the Match as he kept playing with a cool head and displayed a positive attitude, making space and running at the opposition. Try scorers in this match were Casper, Alexander, Charlie, Everly and Alfie. Well done team!

defeats followed. However, the season ended on a three-game winning streak, two well fought wins against Heath Mount and Westbrook Hay started the run. The season was capped off by an impressive 13 to 5 victory against Manor Lodge with all the boys crossing over the try line. All the boys demonstrated huge improvements over the term leading to this point. overall, a very impressive season and I look forward to seeing how they do in the future.

RUGBY U8B

By Mrs Pizzey

It has been delightful to see the enthusiasm from the U8 B’s this term. For some, this has been their first experience of playing school rugby and they have thoroughly enjoyed it.

The boys should feel immensely proud of their efforts, for they have won, drawn and lost some games but have always tried their best, determined to defend and attack to score tries. The boys have become more organised

and always encouraged and supported one another to create a team playing ethos. A special mention to Arthur L, for his speedy feet and weaving to score tries. To Bertie, Rafi and Zachary for their defensive play and trying their hardest to not let anyone past. To Sebastian and Alexander for encouraging the team to stand in a defensive line and finally, to Ethan for trying to stay onside and encouraging good team morale. Well done to the B team for the progress made this term, which will surely prepare them for contact rugby next year.

BASKETBALL

By Mr Sullivan-Pond

The Basketball programme at Lockers Park has been steadily growing over recent years and this season saw the realisation of a truly monumental ambition… the fabled “Perfect Season”.

Despite some early setbacks caused by a number of personnel changes and injuries, the boys rallied together and truly delivered one of the finest performances imaginable.

Led by our Captain and “Pau-er Forward” (Pau), we played some excellent games against some tough opposition and came out on top with

some dominating performances. Our two towers, Eric and Lucas were unbeatable in the air and on the rebound, smashing through defences and maintaining possession right from tip-off.

With Alex and James hitting baskets from downtown, it made us dangerous in all positions and firmly closed the door on our opponents. The astonishing work rate of new addition Vivaan in defence limited scoring opportunities for our rivals and the pace and quick thinking of Maxence and Nikhil on the wings gave us plenty of options in attack.

Westbrook Hay visited and were swiftly brushed aside 24-8, whilst Kingshott came to town and felt the full

force of the Lockers machine in a 40-8 high quality performance. A strong and well drilled Lochinver House side was our 1 draw, a 34-34 tie. Lessons were learnt and chances that could and should have been taken were analysed, and we moved on.

Knowing that we needed just one more result to maintain our record, our final game against Edge Grove started well, but looked to be slipping in the third quarter until a mighty charge from Pau and Lucas slammed-dunked the visitors and finished our season with a mighty victory 28-22. We are extremely proud of their efforts and know that their legacy will be remembered for quite some time to come.

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

It was a pleasure to welcome 7 local primary schools onto the Lockers Park site in early April this year to participate in the annual Primary Schools Cross Country event.

The previous year had been cancelled due to wet weather so all the runners we keen and ready to run on a sunny April afternoon. Albeit with a rather sudden

SQUASH PRIMARY SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

Squash continues to go from strength to strength at Lockers Park. Our weekly activities now have boys from Year 1 to Year 8 on court twice a week with school coach Mr Lloyd.

These sessions all lead towards representation at IAPS National Squash at Nottingham University. This year we took our largest team ever to Nottingham. 9 boys embarked

rain shower right before the start! In the U9 event, the children ran incredibly well around our 23-acre site, followed by two laps for the U11’s.

A huge thank you to all schools who attended, and congratulations to the individual medal winners in the boys’ and girls’ categories and the team winners. Also, a huge thanks to the Year 8 hares (Pau , Tom and William) and the team of Year 7 boys who helped host the Primary Schools.

on a two-day competition which saw some truly great squash on show.

Maxence led the way in the seniors, making it safely through his group into the cup competition, to be drawn against a top seed in the round of 16. This didn’t put Maxence down as he continued through the plate competition, brushing aside everyone in his path on the way to winning the plate! The 2nd time in 3 years for Lockers Park.

In the U11 competition, our 6 boys played well in the groups with 4 of them making it past the group

stage and into the cup competition. Unfortunately for Lockers Balthazar and Sebastian were drawn against each other in the round of 16. But had a fantastic 3 set game which had most of the crowd fixated.

We returned home with silverware and 4 individual medals which is our strongest ever result from the event.

As a new academic year starts in September, our boys will be back on court weekly looking to put the hard yards in as we go in search of more medals and National success.

By Mr Phillips

Well done to our epic chess team for continuing to dominate the home counties!

In the national prep school championships, we were only a squeak away from 3rd place, against 25 other schools and 400 players. Talk about boxing above our weight! Just the one chess fixture against Aldwickbury, but despite missing some of our top players, it was a comfortable victory. Well done to Ryan K for winning both his games in his first fixture of the season, and to Bruce S who has 5.5 points out of 6 for the year! 21 boys have played chess for the school out of a possible 121 eligible, a stunning 17% of the school! Keep practising, chaps, and play on chesskid.com (other websites are available) in the holidays!

CHESS BRITISH ALPINE CHAMP SWIMMING SUCCESS

SUMMER TERM REVIEW

By Mr Taylor, Headmaster

A Season of Achievement and Celebration at Lockers Park

The summer term at Lockers Park has truly been extraordinary, marked by a dynamic mix of academic excellence, exciting residential trips, and a range of memorable events that showcased the full breadth of life at our school. From thrilling outdoor adventures to impressive achievements in the classroom, this term has been a testament to the energy, spirit, and hard work of both our students and staff.

A Whirlwind of Adventure and Discovery

The Little Lockers Enrichment Week was one of the standout moments of the term, brimming with exploration and discovery. Pupils had the opportunity to visit Whipsnade Zoo, Beaconsfield Model Village, and Leighton Buzzard Steam Railway—each outing designed to inspire curiosity and broaden horizons. The week concluded with the highly anticipated Tour de Lockers Park, a joyous and inspiring event that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the week.

Residential trips continued to be a highlight for many students, providing them with unique, hands-on learning experiences that they’ll cherish for years to come. Years 3 and 4 embarked on a magical journey to Celtic Harmony Camp, where they embraced life as Celts and spent the night in traditional roundhouses, immersing themselves in history. Year 7 ventured to Tawd Vale High Adventure Centre, where they faced challenges and built lasting camaraderie. Meanwhile, Year 8 brought their time at Lockers Park to a fitting close with a week at Little Canada on the Isle of Wight—an experience that celebrated their achievements and marked the culmination of their journey with us.

Academic Triumphs and Future Pathways

The summer term also brought significant academic achievements, none more so than in our Common Entrance results. Every boy who required CE for entry to their senior school was successful, a testament to the dedication of both the boys and their teachers. This success was mirrored in our first-ever Careers Talk and Careers Fair, which gave the boys a valuable insight into the world of work and future opportunities beyond Lockers Park.

Mathematics was another area where our pupils shone. Outstanding performances in the Junior Maths Olympiad and Kangaroo competitions were topped by Year 6 students Sebastian and Jisoo, who achieved the highest scores in Lockers Park history—a remarkable feat that speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence.

A Term of Sports and Friendly Rivalries

In the world of sport, the summer term saw continued enthusiasm and success. Cricket and swimming fixtures were a source of both excitement and achievement, with the boys competing fiercely and demonstrating true sportsmanship. The Set Athletics Sports Day and Individual Sports Day were highlights of the sporting calendar, with numerous new

records set across various events. A particularly memorable moment came during the Swimming Gala, where the fiercely contested Staff v Parents v Boys race saw the boys triumphing proudly in front of a cheering crowd.

The term also saw the boys engage in a thrilling Simultaneous Chess Display, a cerebral challenge that highlighted their strategic thinking and love of the game.

Vibrant Boarding Life

Our boarders enjoyed a lively and varied programme throughout the term. Highlights included a fun-filled trip to Southend, a mini golf competition, a badminton tournament, and Kit’s Birthday Party—where celebrations and laughter filled the air. The Boarding Bonanza proved to be a fun favourite and the Disco with Abbots Hill brought a sense of excitement and camaraderie as the term drew to a close.

Performing Arts at Their Best

Lockers Park’s commitment to the arts continued to shine this term, with outstanding results in both LAMDA and music exams. The grand finale of our performing arts calendar came with the spectacular production of Bugsy Malone, which captivated the entire school. The energy, talent, and dedication of the cast and crew ensured that this performance was truly unforgettable, cementing its place as one of the best productions in our school’s history.

Community, Celebration, and Fun

The sense of community at Lockers Park was palpable, especially during the FoLP Summer Ball, which brought Bond-themed glamour and excitement to our school grounds. The event, which included a fantastic charity auction, raised significant funds for our causes—an example of how the Lockers Park community continually comes together to support one other.

In a fun and light-hearted moment, the boys were treated to a humorous change of leadership as the Headmaster was briefly replaced by Mr Di, who won the ‘Headmaster for the Day’ prize in a charity auction. The boys were delighted by his breakfast and lunch menus, which they insisted were an improvement on the usual fare!

End-of-Year Traditions and Farewells

As the term came to a close, we upheld our cherished end-ofyear traditions. The Leavers’ Cricket Match was a spirited contest that saw the boys’ triumph over a determined parent side. Our Prefects’ BBQ at the Drey was a fitting and heartfelt send-off for our Year 8 leavers, who have shown exceptional leadership and dedication throughout their time at Lockers Park.

All of this was achieved while maintaining our regular lessons and activities, a reflection of the incredible commitment of our staff and the energy and adaptability of our boys. The second half of the summer term at Lockers Park has been a celebration of growth, achievement, and community—a perfect conclusion to another successful year at our school.

HEAD BOY

Prefects & Summer Term Awards

Nikhil, Head Boy (pictured leftt)

LOCKERS PARK WINS GOLD FOR OUTDOOR LEARNING

By Mr Phillips, Head of DT & Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning is not a subject—it is ALL subjects, delivered in natural surroundings through hands-on experiences.

Our boys have made some wonderful woodland Art, applied their D&T

knowledge to build dens, wielded their English skills to make up stories and acted these out with their Dramatic prowess. They have learned the Latin names of plants, used Maths to compile nature surveys, played Sporty outdoor games, brought the woodland to life with natural Musical

instruments, investigated the History of Lockers through unearthed objects, understood the Science behind floral and faunal life cycles, and studied local Geographical features. Working together and focusing on wellbeing covers PSHE. That just leaves French... erm... j’adore Forest School!

BHAKTIVEDANTA MANOR TRIP YEAR 3

UNPLUGGED AND THRIVING: THE POWER OF LOW-TECH LEARNING IN A DIGITAL AGE

By Mrs Corrigan, Deputy Head

Why a low-tech approach to education is important in today’s world.

Over the past decade, technology has saturated our education system. The 1:1 device model - once heralded as a breakthrough - has become the norm. A multi-billionpound industry emerged almost overnight, selling the promise of heightened engagement, future-ready skills, and access to vast information. But has it delivered?

In short, no.

While there have been undeniable benefits, recent global

research reveals a growing list of drawbacks. Today’s students are overstimulated, less inquisitive, and increasingly struggle to concentrate for sustained periods. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum identifies analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, motivation, and curiosity as the top skills required in tomorrow’s workforce. 1 Have we taken a misstep with our education system? It would seem so.

At their core, children are eager to learn, grow, and succeed. Our challenge is to support this in ways that develop resilience, creativity, collaboration, and selfawareness - traits that flourish best through purposeful interaction, not passive consumption.

In a world flooded with smartphones, cultivating focus and real-world engagement may seem near impossible. But countries like Portugal have shown it can be done. After implementing a smartphone ban for 6–12 year-olds, participating schools saw bullying drop by 59% and disruptive behaviour fall by 57%. Face-to-face interaction, engagement, and student wellbeing all improved.2 This brings us back to the age-old adage, ‘happy children learn’. With that freedom to concentrate and think, we find our space to grow and succeed.

The UK is beginning to respond. In St Albans, a group of schools introduced smartphone bans before Year 9, aiming to boost behaviour, wellbeing, engagement, andsomewhat ironically - communication.

These are not anti-technology stances; rather, they are calls for balance. Yes, students must learn to navigate AI, software, and digital platforms. But we must also ask: at what point does technology stop supporting learning and start undermining it?

Programs such as ‘Times Tables Rock Stars’ have supported learning in measurable ways. But when technology use becomes excessive or unfocused, the impact can be detrimental.

A 2023 meta-analysis of 81,000 children found a 51% increase in ADHD symptoms among those using screens for more than two hours a day.3 Studies remain unclear on the differentiation between symptomatic increase and diagnostic increase, but at the core of the research is a tremendous neurological impact on the minds of young children.

Sweden, once a leader in 1:1 device rollouts, is now reversing course. The prestigious Karolinska Institute recently concluded that “digital tools impair rather than enhance” student learning. In response, Sweden is reintroducing books and handwriting in younger year groups.4 This move aligns with a 2024 study by Van Der Weel and Van der Meer5, which found handwriting stimulates a larger, more complex neural network - resulting in deeper cognitive development and better academic performance.

Reading is another casualty of digital saturation. In her pioneering research, Maryanne Wolf demonstrated that students who read physical books are far superior in reconstructing plot, retaining detail, and understanding narrative flow compared to their screen-reading peers. Screens promote skimming and scrolling - not deep, sustained reading.6

Perhaps most alarmingly, a marked decline in empathy has been observed among young people over the past two decades, as they move towards speed and multitasking, and away from ‘deep reading processes’ which are essential to develop cognitive skills reliant on them. 7

As screen time displaces time spent reading fiction, the brain’s somatosensory cortex, the region responsible for experiencing others’ emotions, is less stimulated. This means children are not only struggling to understand complex texts but also struggling to understand one another.

If we continue in this direction, classic literature may

become inaccessible to future generations - not because it disappears, but because the cognitive stamina required to read it fades away.

Let’s return to the heart of the matter: children want to learn, to grow, and to thrive. The question is not whether technology should be present in schools, but how, when, and why it is used.

Yes, students must be digitally literate. They must understand AI’s power and its limitations, and they must be taught to navigate the online world safely. But they also need experiences that fire motor neurons, develop fine motor skills, and foster long-term retention - things that only books, handwriting, and tactile learning can provide.

Traditional does not mean outdated. In fact, the latest neuroscience confirms that methods like pen and paper, reading print, and face-to-face discussion support deeper learning than we ever imagined. A decade ago, we didn’t have this data. We do now.

So yes - use technology. But use it purposefully. Set limits. Provide balance. And above all, protect the space where curiosity, imagination, and authentic human connection can flourish.

Because what the world needs now is not faster learnersit’s creative ones.

VE DAY CELEBRATION

BALLOON DEBATE

By Mr Phillips

Eleven intrepid balloonists braved the annual debate, taking on a persona and justify why they should be the lone survivor on a plummeting balloon. First to be ejected were Henry II (Humphrey), Aristotle (Sebastian), Donald Trump (Daniel) and Minecraft Steve (Jude).

Facing questions from the audience, the judges continued to separate the wheat from the chaff and Tralalero Tralala

(Noah), complete in shark costume was ejected, without this scribe ever being any the wiser as to who he was! Soon afterwards, a most repentant Stalin (Jack) was denied his opportunity to willingly right his wrongs and was thrown into the deep blue sea. Joe Biden (Ellis) and the UN Office (Sasha) lasted until the final round but were forced to accept their final demise.

After final speeches, Nelson Mandela (Raphael) secured a watery third place, and then Prime Minister Modi (Neev) tragically failed to make the final cut. All hail Johannes Guttenburg (Alexander) for leading the field from start to end, with his script-free, home researched and detailed exposition that was truly impressive and deserving of first prize.

SCOUTS

By Mr Bulpit, Scout Leader

Our boys were invited to participate in one final summer adventure...

I’m A Cub, Get Me Out Of Here!

Enduring some exciting and some pretty grim challenges, including head dunking in cold baked beans for stars, searching through mystery boxes, eating crickets and grub worms as well as a wet and slippy obstacle course.

A fun way to wrap up another year of action, adventure and Scouting

Nimrod Challenge

We’re beyond proud to share that our very first competing team from the Lockers Park 7th Hemel Hempstead Scout Troop, finished in 3rd place out of 11 teams in the annual Nimrod Challenge. This incredible feat is all the more impressive considering the team had to navigate a 14-mile walk, completing challenges along the way, whilst braving the blistering weekend heat!

The Nimrod Challenge is a renowned annual event for Scouts in the Hemel Hempstead area, held at Phasels Wood Scout Activity Centre. This competition is designed to test Scouts’ endurance, teamwork, and navigational skills through a series of challenges.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs. Olivier for her unwavering support throughout the weekend. We would also like to thank Mr Bulpit for leading the boys to successfully reach their objective.

This weekend was a true testament to teamwork, perseverance and the spirit of adventure that defines the Lockers Park 7th Hemel Hempstead Scout Troop. We hope to see some new joiners in September ready to tackle challenges and brave expeditions in 2025-26.

MATHS

By Mrs Rogers, Head of Maths

Junior Maths Challenge 2025

The sun is out, the sky is blue, what better way to celebrate than to take part in the Junior Maths Challenge! On Thursday 1 May, around 50 Lockers Park boys selected from Years 6 to 8 spent one hour working individually in complete silence. The Junior Maths Challenge is the UK’s most popular mathematics competition with over 300 000 students taking part each year. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The challenge is a one-hour paper, with twenty-five multiplechoice questions that test the students’ ability to think laterally and apply their knowledge in unfamiliar settings armed with no more than a pencil and a blank sheet of paper.

This year, our boys surpassed themselves, bringing us an excellent set of results. We had the highest number of certificate winners ever, and our highest number of Gold

How to solve a problem like Maths!

Here at Lockers Park, we use a maths mastery approach to teaching in order to help the boys gain a deep and secure understanding of the subject. Fluency in number facts is the bedrock of all success, but the idea is that the boys develop their mathematical understanding by applying what they know to solving problems every step of the way. The boys are taught

certificates. We also had more boys than ever qualifying for the next rounds, with 9 boys out of the 51 who entered gaining enough marks to be invited to take the next level up, called a Kangaroo paper. However, we are so incredibly proud that we have 2 boys whose scores were so outstanding that they have qualified for the highest test –the 2 hour Junior Maths Olympiad paper. Most impressively, both of these boys are in Year 6. Congratulations to Sebastian and Jisoo on their merits and special mention to Allen in Y7 for achieving an outstanding result and receiving Gold in the Junior Maths Kangaroo.

how to use of a variety of visual representations to help with the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach to deepening their understanding. By encountering non-routine maths problems in everyday lessons, the boys grow in confidence in that all-important skill of mathematical problem-solving. This approach is really paying dividends in terms of both enjoyment of the subject and exam results for senior school entry.

The evidence is clear to see in our year-on-year record breaking results in the Junior Maths Challenge. This is a national maths competition in which children aged up to Year 8 are invited to solve up to 25 maths problems in one hour. We regularly enter boys in Year 6, 7 and 8 with increasing numbers of Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates as well as increasing numbers of boys qualifying to further rounds.

WINDSOR DEBATING

By Mrs Forshaw

On Thursday 22 May a team of three Year 5 boys travelled to Upton House School in Windsor, for the annual Debating Competition for the District 10 schools, of which we are a member. Schools are located in Wiltshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, so the area is huge.

This year, our topic for debate was ‘The House believes that no humans should go into space’. Boys had less than a week to research both sides of the argument and produce enough notes to support whatever side they were placed on at the time of the debate. Individual speeches were no more than three minutes long and Lockers Park argued for the proposal. Humphrey, Sebastian and Hendrix performed brilliantly,

challenging their opposition on their points and rebutting any points that they were challenged upon. All boys spoke with confidence and clarity and deserved to win their first roundbeating the team that went on to win overall.

Their second debate was given to them twenty minutes before the next round began and with minimal information. The boys had to delve deeply into their own thoughts and ideas to produce arguments for both sides, on ‘The House believes that children should look up to sports stars.’ Our team were placed on the opposition and argued that sports stars were not the best influences of children, with some very interesting points raised.

Humphrey was awarded the ‘Best Speaker of the Competition’ award. All boys should be very proud of their achievement - their first ever debate, and the youngest boys in the competition.

CAREERS FAIR

By Ms Turvil, Head of PSHE

Lockers Park Careers Fair

The Lockers Park Careers Fair, held in June was a vibrant and engaging event that brought together pupils, local businesses and the community to explore a wide range of career opportunities. The event provided valuable insights for pupils in Years 6 to 8 offering a hands-on platform for discovering future career paths and connecting with professionals across various industries.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for our pupils to interact directly with the keynote speaker, Nathaniel Peat. His presentation allowed for a dynamic exchange, where our boys could enquire about the specifics of different roles, the qualifications needed and what day-to-day work in various sectors looks like. This interactive aspect made the fair not only informative but also engaging and inspiring for our boys, who are curious about their future.

Fostering Community Connections

In addition to its focus on career development, the Lockers Park Careers Fair was a celebration of community involvement. It successfully encouraged participation from local businesses and residents, strengthening the connection between the school and the surrounding community. Local families

and alumni were invited to participate, making it a truly community-oriented event. The fair’s ability to foster these connections underscored Lockers Park Preparatory School’s commitment to not only educating pupils, but also to creating a sense of belonging and collaboration within the broader local area.

A Commitment to Career Exploration

Lockers Park has long been committed to supporting its pupils as they explore various career paths and the Careers Fair was a testament to this dedication. The event was well received by all involved, with positive feedback from both exhibitors and attendees. With its success, the Lockers Park Careers Fair is set to become an annual event that continues to inspire and guide young minds towards successful futures.

HARMONY YEAR 3 & 4

YEAR 5 RESIDENTIAL

By Mr Winchester

Our Lockers Park Residential Programme was kicked off in style as the Year 5s travelled to Legoland before experiencing a night in the Boarding House and then visiting Silverstone Museum.

The boys were treated to glorious sunshine throughout and with short queues, managed to experience all the thrills and rides that Windsor had to offer! Being away from home can be difficult for some, but the

boys were extremely well behaved in the Boarding House and luckily(!) very tired after their busy day. After a lovely breakfast to recharge, boys were then treated to the full F1 experience, learning about the history of Silverstone, the evolution of racing driving, and even managed to see some fast cars in action! Having taken part in a workshop all about how Formula 1 cars are made there. Our boys travelled back to school for their presentation ceremony in which awards were given out to celebrate each of our Learner Profile attributes. Whether we have a rollercoaster

designer or a future Formula 1 driver in our ranks, hopefully they boys learnt a huge amount from the two days! The boys were superbly behaved throughout, and it was so lovely to see them socialising and enjoying being together as a whole year group outside of a school setting. They have had a fantastic year together and we are so proud of everything they have achieved! A big thank you to all the staff that took part and to you the parents for making sure everything ran so smoothly!

YEAR 6 RIVER GADE TRIP

By Mrs Roberts

Year 6 visited the River Gade, they learned how to measure the width, depth and velocity.

They studied the different features in the upper, middle and lower course of the river. The boys learned about erosion and deposition at the meander and saw how an ox-bow lake is formed. Finally, they observed wildlife in the river which they analysed and recorded in a tally chart.

It was a magnificent day, enhanced by the positive attitude of our boys; Sebastian, Noah, Louis, Neev, Andrew, Muhammad, Dylan and Thomas who fully immersed themselves in the learning experience and represented the school beautifully.

YEAR 8 LEAVERS EVENTS

YEAR 8 LEAVERS’ BARBEQUE

By Lucas, Hugo and Nikhil

What is the Leavers Barbeque?

The leavers barbeque is a final send-off for the Year 8 boys before they head to their next schools. At the start of the barbeque, we all enjoyed each other’s company for the last time as a Lockers boy whilst eating delicious hot dogs, burgers and cakes prepared by Mr. Phillips and the catering team.

Following tradition, it was time for the games, each lead by a member of staff. To kick it off we had an obstacle course set up by His Lordship- Kit Newman, where names were drawn from a hat randomly to decide the teams. Secondly, we were puzzled by Mr. Doyle’s crossed and uncrossed scissors. Trailing that we tried to connect our minds through telepathy in pairs, led by Mr. Doyle and Mr. Dawes. To bring the games to a close we had a relay with a dizzy twist led by Mr. Hobson. To complete the evening, we all played an immensely intense football match for the final time together.

Dear Mr Taylor, Mrs Corrigan and Members of the Lockers Park School Community,

As I come to the end of my three incredible years at Lockers Park, I want to take a moment to express just how grateful I am for everything this school has given me. From the strong academic foundation that has pushed me to aim high, to the wide variety of co-curricular opportunities that have allowed me to discover and grow my passions, these years have been truly life changing. I’ve especially loved being part of the rugby team—some of my best memories have come from the friendships built on the pitch, the early morning training sessions, and the thrill of playing in matches that brought the whole school together. Through all of this, I’ve learned discipline, teamwork, and resilience—skills that I know will stay with me far beyond my school days.

I’m also incredibly thankful for the unwavering support from my teachers, coaches, and friends who have helped me find my path, especially as I worked towards my next big step: joining Berkhamsted Boys School in Year 9. It’s a place I’m very proud to be heading to, and I know I wouldn’t have achieved this without the guidance and encouragement I received here at Lockers Park. The school has not only helped me secure places at six different schools but has also helped me grow into someone who’s confident, prepared, and excited for what lies ahead. I leave Lockers Park with so many unforgettable memories, and I will always carry a deep sense of pride in being part of this special community.

JJA

YEAR 8 TAKE ON PGL’S LITTLE CANADA: A WEEK OF ADVENTURE, TEAMWORK AND FUN

By Ms Turvil

Isle of Wight – It was a week filled with adrenaline, laughter, and memories as the Year 8 boys ventured off to the Isle of Wight for an unforgettable stay at PGL’s “Little Canada” adventure camp.

From the moment they arrived, it was full steam ahead. After settling into their dormitories, the boys were immediately thrown into action-packed activities. Some faced the dizzying challenge of climbing a towering telegraph pole before taking a heart-pounding leap of faith onto a trapeze. Others jumped straight into aeroball—a high-energy game combining trampolining and basketball that proved to be a fast favourite.

With appetites well earned, the boys tucked into their first supper before diving into a camp-wide version of Cluedo. Rushing around in the twilight, they pieced together clues and embraced the mystery in true detective style.

Day Two brought even more thrills. Some boys worked collaboratively to brave Jacob’s Ladder—a giant, wobbly climbing frame—while others got hands on with buggy building or navigated a blindfolded sensory trail. The trail became even more exciting thanks to mischievous teachers who added surprise splashes of water and well-timed shrieks, adding an extra layer of suspense. That evening, laser tag in the bushes gave the boys the chance to test their stealth and strategy.

By Day Three, it was time to hit the water. The boys donned their lifejackets and took to the kayaks like seasoned pros— though no one stayed dry for long! Back on land, they

tackled a series of problem-solving challenges, including shifting buckets of gravel as a team, and constructing water channels with pipes. Each task required communication, resilience, and teamwork—and the boys rose to the challenge.

After supper, the energy didn’t stop. The boys competed in a set of PGL games, including basketball, noughts and crosses (using bean bags) and a fun twist on Frisbee. It was all about cooperation and fast thinking, and everyone got stuck in with enthusiasm.

Day Four saw archery competitions and zip wire thrills as students embraced their inner Robin Hood. But the real highlight came that evening: a glowing campfire where the boys toasted marshmallows, sang camp songs, and reflected on their adventures under the stars.

On the final day, the challenges reached new heights— literally. The boys conquered the giant swing and took on abseiling with confidence. By this point, they had become experts at harnesses, with many helping one another get geared up. It was a proud moment to see so many demonstrating Global Citizen values—supporting their peers, encouraging one another, and working as a team.

Throughout the week, the boys showed incredible resilience, enthusiasm, and maturity. Whether they were climbing, paddling, puzzling, or simply singing by the fire, their behaviour was exemplary, and they represented their school with pride.

“It was an amazing experience watching them grow in confidence, develop new skills, and support one another,” said one of the staff members. “We were incredibly proud of them all.”

FOLP SCHOOL BALL GALLERY

Watch the video

WHY OUR OLD BOYS STILL MATTER

AND ALWAYS WILL

At Lockers Park, our focus is not only on providing an outstanding prep school education but also on helping boys grow into confident, grounded young men. A key part of that journey continues long after they leave our classrooms, through our thriving alumni network.

Inspiring the Next Generation - Our Old Boys often return to share stories, lead workshops, or cheer from the touchline. For our current pupils, these encounters are both exciting and reassuring. They see boys like them, now thriving in senior schools, universities and careers beyond.

Real-World Connections - The Lockers Park network may be small, but it’s mighty! Our alumni offer advice, opportunities and introductions in industries ranging from finance and engineering to the arts and armed forces. For boys starting to explore their aspirations, these connections can be transformative.

Supporting School Life - Old Boys regularly give back, helping with interviews, coaching sport or funding bursaries and projects that benefit today’s pupils. Their continued loyalty ensures that our school evolves without ever losing sight of its values.

A Lifelong Community - Once a Lockers Park boy, always a Lockers Park boy. The friendships formed here last a lifetime and many alumni return not just as visitors, but as parents themselves.

This year saw the birth of Lockers World, a newspaper club created by a passionate parent and FoLP, Mrs Sam Mulligan, who saw an opportunity to tap into the boys’ curiosity, nurture their confidence and develop their journalism skills. Here are some extracts from this years’ editions, shining a spotlight on some of our Old Boys.

If you would like to join the Junior Marketing & Newspaper team next year, register your interest: marketing@ lockerspark.co.uk

LOCKERS LEGENDS EXTRACTS FROM THIS YEAR’S LOCKERS WORLD

Dr Richard Budgett interviewed by

Lucas Year 7

What were your hobbies?

Skiing and rowing.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Latin.

Did you enjoy boarding?

Not at first but then loved it!

What sport are you famous for?

I was a rower and went to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. I won a gold medal as part of the

Ben Stuart-Smith interviewed by Lucas and Bruce Year 8

What are your favourite memories of Lockers Park?

The creativity and freedom! Making dens and tipis, running wild! Skateboarding and ceramics. Performing in the plays and acting workshops. The atmosphere and the people that were there!

Are there any secrets from your time at Lockers?

Not really, I used to dream or planned (I can’t remember?), a midnight raid of the tuck box! We used to just enjoy running around at night and having a great time.

Are you still in touch with your friends from Lockers?

I had not been in touch with them for 15 years and then one got in touch recently and we have been meeting up which is really nice. Sometimes you can stay close and sometimes

coxed four team.

How did you find racing?

I was very nervous at the beginning of each race but soon forgot about my nerves after 10 seconds, knowing there would be 6 minutes of pain coming up!

What do you do today?

I am a doctor. Specifically, I have been the International Olympic Committee’s Medical and Scientific Director since November 2012. I was also Chief Medical Officer for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games from 2007 to 2012. It is a big responsibility!

life pulls you apart. I met up with 3 or 4 other Lockers friends last year and they are still the same. I love the idea that you can meet someone 24 years later and they still have the same / similar qualities.

What have you done since your time at Lockers?

I trained as an architect which included 5 years at university. I got work in India as an architect when I was 22. This expanded my mindset and understanding of different ways of working as I worked with traditional craftsmen and made beautiful houses in wild, remote places. Most recently I collaborated with my dad to create a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show 2024. The brief was to create a place to escape to in a woodland for people recovering from cancer. The garden will ultimately go to a hospital.

How did your time at Lockers prepare you for your job today?

I didn’t learn anything specifically

about architecture at Lockers, however I did learn how to look at things and feed my imagination; making dens in the woods and spending time in the art room helped with this.

Do you have any advice for Lockers boys today?

Get lots of different experiences to find the things and people you enjoy. Find things that you really enjoy that aren’t just academic – things you get excited about! I have ultimately found work that is my passion. It’s not an easy job but I believe in it and I want to do the work. The education you get at Lockers is great! I used to struggle with maths but Lockers is great at building baseline capabilities. The teachers really cared and gave lots of time. I needed good grades and Lockers helped me to get there. There is no way I would be an architect now had I not experienced Lockers. Be patient, persevere and believe in yourself. Things that are worthwhile take time, you cannot expect success overnight.

Charlie Nash interviewed by Étienne Year 8 and Archie Year 7

What are your favourite memories of Lockers Park?

I left Lockers at the age of 13, over 25 years ago, and have a feast of memories from my time there, as well as a great deal of friends, whose friendship has endured through the years! I am not particularly academic, but I enjoyed most of the subjects as I had some very inspiring teachers i.e., Henry Ritchies who used to read us stories around the campfire. There was something very special about that time. I have some very fond memories!

Do you feel your time at Lockers Park helped to spark an interest for your future career?

100%, I was very lucky! A lot of my working life has been being a naturalist and loving the natural world. I got an immediate introduction to wildlife through Mum, but my Lockers Park science teacher, Colin Parkin made sure that we got outdoors. He would take us to the allotments, tip the carpets and show us sloe worms and many other wonderful things! Also, an old boy, James Honeyborn, series producer of national history film making, came to do a talk at the school. This talk inspired me to pursue a career as a wildlife camera man.

What did life look like after Lockers Park for you i.e., where did you go to school after Year 8 / what did you study at university?

Whilst at Lockers Park, we went to Shrewsbury for a 6-a-side football tournament. I like it so much that I ended up going to Shrewsbury, a bigger Lockers Park! I did work

experience at Whipsnade, mucking out elephants and rhinos. This was inspirational! I also did a gap year in Southern Africa with another Lockers Park boy, Robert Huel.

Did you land your dream job immediately after university? If not, what actions did you take to find a job that you love?

It did not come immediately at all! I was meant to read Zoology at Bristol for my degree, but I did not do well at Biology A-level. I therefore ended up doing a geography degree and put to bed being a wildlife camera man.

Whilst at university, I did work experience for a corporate events company. I worked there after university for 10 years which flew by! However, just before I turned 30, I decided I didn’t want to do this for the rest of my life.

I happened to see an advert in BBC Wildlife about a master’s degree in wildlife film making. I applied and went to Bristol to reinvent myself. I got to work on BBC Spring and Winter Watch and worked on a project in Somerset, but life can be complicated. I was struggling to make enough income out of wildlife filmmaking.

I met a friend at a pub who said he was working for Formula 1. They wanted someone to put cameras in curbs. They offered me a full-time job, so I worked with Formula 1 for 4 years. It is here that I developed my craft as a camera man, including an opportunity to work at two Olympic Games and for a David Attenborough documentary!

What do you do today and what impact do you hope to have with the work you do?

I am now working on a regenerative farming project to make more nature friendly farming. Science shows that we have not looked over our soils well.

We are looking at things we know that will improve soil i.e., habitats and the wildlife that live within them. To farm in a regenerative and sympathetic way, we need to move away from using chemicals and get back to older and mixed farming systems.

I am very grateful for my love of the natural world and appreciate the wildlife I see every day. I feel am excited to be part of this project to make a difference and to give back!

What advice would you give to boys at Lockers Park today?

• If you have a natural ability of interest in something, nurture and explore your interest

• Be curious! It can be quite daunting if you don’t find something you love immediately, but curiosity, exploration and trying lots of things will help to get you towards finding something.

• Embrace everything, make the most of it and be grateful. Even on the bad days, remember there are always good days to come!

• Try and focus on certain things and keep going deeper and try and master your skills. These things will then always be with you and enrich your life.

• Always keep your eyes out for opportunities that align with your loves. You make your own luck, don’t be afraid to try. Sometimes when you try, you fail, but through failure you can learn a lot of things and get back on track.

EXPLORING MUSIC TECHNOLOGY AT STOWE SCHOOL

By Mr Golding, Director of Music

On 18 June 2025, four talented Year 8 boys— Cheng Xi, Adejola, Lucas, and Jonathan—had the incredible opportunity to visit Stowe School’s prestigious Music Department.

Welcomed by Mr. Weston, the Head of Music Technology, the boys were given an exciting tour of Stowe’s state-of-theart recording facilities.

The visit allowed the boys to experience the process of recording their music in a professional environment. They had the chance to perform their pieces in the studio, an unforgettable experience that many aspiring musicians

dream of. Mr. Weston provided a valuable demonstration of music editing using Logic, showing how to cut together various takes, mix piano and vocals, and apply effects such as reverb to transform the sound.

The boys were completely captivated by the process and amazed to see how famous musicians record their tracks. The results were nothing short of impressive, with the final recordings sounding superb!

This experience was not only enriching for the boys but also for me as their teacher. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Weston and Stowe School for this fantastic opportunity, which offered the boys invaluable insights into the world of music production.

Piano

Lucas Jonathan Cheng -Xi Adejola Voice

ART AWARDS

By Mrs Diggory, Head of Art

Scholarship Success

A highlight of 2025 was finding out that Hugo had achieved a well-deserved Art Scholarship to Stowe School. Hugo’s portfolio is a combination of art created in a variety of mediums. It reflects his personal interests and passions; including photography, videography and digital art. Hugo is a confident, driven, articulate and conscientious pupil, who I know will make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

Scan here

to see some of the wonderful art that has been created at Lockers Park in the academic year 2024-2025.

Art Competition News:

Huge congratulations go to Mikael, who was selected by the esteemed judges as our ‘Best in School’ candidate and awarded ‘2nd place overall’ in the ‘Dacorum Young Artists Competition 2025’. The exhibition of Year 4 & Year 5 work took place at Ashlyns School on Saturday 3 May 2025. The competition received 788 entries from 23 schools. Mrs Whitehead and Mrs Diggory were proud to enter so much fantastic artwork from all of our Year 4 & Year 5 pupils at Lockers Park. Well done to everyone who took part.

We were also thrilled to receive certificates recognising two of our talented artists - Joseph and Harry, who were ‘highly commended’ for their colourful entries in the @amys_artbox Colour Competition 2025, held annually by local, contemporary artist Amy Pettingill. We are already looking forward to entering again next year!

BUGSY MALONE

By Ms Neale, Head of Drama

Take some striped suits, trilby hats, two sedans, a speakeasy, a host of boys on stage, dancing, singing and a generous helping of splurge, and what do you get? The Lockers Park performance of Bugsy Malone!

When I mentioned to someone that I was directing Bugsy Malone as the show, they exclaimed, “Are you mad? Think of the mess!” However, I am truly delighted that I did.

For months, the boys have been rehearsing, and their hard work and dedication have certainly paid off! The performances were a triumph and will be remembered in the school’s history as the show that created the most mess, thanks to the copious amount of splurge.

Every single boy came together, whether they were performing on stage, in the chorus, working in the wings, or handling sound and lighting. The smiles on their faces demonstrated how much they enjoyed performing. Words cannot express

how proud I am of them all. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr Golding and his professional band, as well as all the staff who have contributed to this endeavour. A special thanks to Mrs Aleeson and the costume team, who devoted countless hours before and during the show, as there were many costume changes. As the final song says, “You’re gonna be remembered for the things that you say and do.”

Never truer words spoken as The Bugsy Malone cast will undoubtedly be remembered.

CRICKET 1ST XI

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

After a long winter of batting and bowling practice, signs of the front pitch being cut and the April sunshine blaring down, could only mean the start of the summer term and cricket season.

This year’s 1st XI started their season at home to Westbrook Hay and having won the toss captain Nikhil decide to bowl, a decision that proved right. Lockers bowled Westbrook Hay out for 101. Nikhil taking 4 for 11 off his 4 overs. Our opening bowlers Lucas and Maxence both looking dangerous with the new ball, and Year 7 Eddie with match figures of 1 for 6 off 2 overs. In reply, Lockers were totally in control and never looked in danger finishing 103-1 with Maxence (43* off 32 balls) and Nikhil (44* off 30 balls) winning by 9 wickets.

A 6 wicket win v Haileybury followed at home with the target of 124 set by Haileybury. 9 bowlers used by

Lockers with wickets spread across the attack. Tactically it was a masterclass by Lockers with field positioning and close catchers in place to keep the pressure on Haileybury. In reply, another Maxence spectacle as he made a fine 46 of 50 balls, notably backed up by Tom.

The visit of St Margaret’s saw another 9-wicket victory as we bowled the opposition out for 76. Bowling highlights were Vihaan (2 for 4) and the leg spinning Étienne (2 for 17). In reply, Lockers again looked comfortable with runs for Maxence (23* off 28 balls) and Nikhil (35* off 22 balls).

Sunningdale and Lochinver House were the final games for the 1st XI before residential trips took over. An 8-wicket victory over Sunningdale as we bowled them out for 48. Étienne the pick of the bowlers with figures of (4 for 9), assisted by Nikhil (2 for 10) and Eddie (2 for 6). Lochinver was our closest game is it went to the final over with Lucas (34* off 36 balls)

saw us over the line. In the bowling department there was another great display of spin from Étienne with figures of (4 for 31).

This group of boys have worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months both inside and outside. They play the game in the right spirit and have been a joy to coach. Nikhil has captained the side tremendously, without much match day input from me and he has led the boys from the front.

Well done, boys on another fantastic season. Year 7 will continue the hard work as we return to Cape Town for an overseas tour in February 2026.

Cricket Colours awarded - Nikhil (Captain), Maxence, Lucas, Tom, Étienne and Max

Runs – Maxence (175 runs at 43.75), Nikhil (92 runs at 23.00)

Wickets – Étienne (11 wickets at 12.36), Nikhil (9 wickets at 12.11)

CRICKET 2ND XI

By Mr Winchester

A fantastic season for the 2nd XI with notable wins against Haileybury by 9 wickets and Kingshott by 66 runs.

Awais (143 runs @ 28.6) and Alfie (96 runs @ 24.0) starred with the bat, whilst Will (18 wickets @ 11.4) and Pau (14 wickets @ 10.1) starred with the ball. Under the

CRICKET 3RD XI

By Mr Wilson

The summer term brings cricket on a Wednesday afternoon, and this term it was an absolute pleasure to see the 3rd XI play some excellent cricket against a range of different schools.

Only losing on our final game of the season, the 3rd XI dealt with some tough opponents including a win against Haileybury that came down to the last ball of the match. Excellent captaincy was on display from Sebastian who made all our away fixtures smooth sailing by always ensuring that every single member of the team was on the bus on time and that the kit bag was all sorted ready to go. I will thoroughly miss this team, and I wish the best of luck to all of them going forward in their cricketing journeys and hope to see some year 7s pushing towards the 1st XI next year. Well done, boys!

guidance of Alfie, the squad were fantastic in the field. A special mention to Sam who was brilliant behind the stumps throughout the campaign. With 5 wins from 7 matches, the team spirit throughout was great. Constant cheering for boundaries and celebrating taking wickets was lovely to hear during each game. Many Year 7s will make their 1st XI debuts next season and the Year 8s leave having made fantastic progress.

CRICKET 4TH XI

By Mr Mc Hugh

The 4th XI have had a fantastic unbeaten summer term of cricket matches.

The season started with an away victory at local rivals Westbrook Hay School, restricting Westbrook to 89 runs, Lockers replied with 102, notably opening partnership between JJ A and Joseph of 34 setting us up nicely for victory.

St Margaret’s School were next and this time Lockers batted first with Luca and Jack the stars with 42 between them for 186 runs.

Harry the pick of the bowlers only conceding 6 runs in his 2 overs, ably supported by Fedor and Ryan. The return fixture against Westbrook Hay brought a massive win for Lockers scoring 237 runs with Sebastian, Jacob top scoring and then super bowling all round to leave Westbrook on 90 runs. Well done to all the boys!

CRICKET COLTS A

By Mr Hobson

A season in which the weather played its part as the sun beat down allowing for fast outfields and good wickets, when we played on grass.

Bowling and fielding was our initial strength as we restricted our opposition to what perhaps should have been winning totals. However, consistently playing straight and valuing our wickets were our Achilles heels as we simply did not score enough runs. However, skipper Balthazar ended the season with runs and wickets aplenty. He scored a

stubborn 57 not out, a 48 not out and took a 5 for 20 in the same game.

A superb all-round performance in which his captaincy also improved. He was well supported by a muchimproved Zach. who played some outrageous shots to all parts of the county and whose leg spin was superb. Muhammad was positive and enthusiastic with both bat and ball and will improve further with patience. Noah became our most consistent seamer, swinging the ball away, often too good for our bemused opposition. He also contributed with some lusty blows, predominantly to the leg side boundary. Dario as wicket keeper did not let many byes through, was

very brave and should continue to work on his skills. Neev showed the ability to contribute as an all-rounder and must continue to play as much as possible. Rafferty bowled a good line and length and invariably picked up wickets regularly. Nathanial, Sebastian, and Lewis all bowled well on occasions and fielded as if their very lives depended on it. Sebastian and Oscar will be our stars next year as they have exciting potential and enthusiasm. “Caps, water bottles and sun cream” was an unusually frequent enquiry as we boarded our minibus off on another sun draped Wednesday afternoon adventure. Not a cloud in sight.

By Mr Newman

As we reach the end of a fantastic term of cricket, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous progress made by our Colts B team.

It’s been a term full of learning, teamwork, and exciting cricket. Over the weeks, the boys have truly come together as a cohesive unit,

CRICKET COLTS B CRICKET COLTS C

By Mr Phillips

After losing the first three fixtures pretty convincingly, this scribe feared the worst. While we could score runs, the number of wides and no balls meant we were unable to defend any total.

Out of nowhere, things suddenly changed. If I had to put my finger on how or why we went unbeaten for the

showing great team spirit both on and off the field. It’s been rewarding to watch them support one another, communicate well in the field, and celebrate each other’s successes. One of the biggest improvements has been in our bowling discipline. The team has significantly cut down on wides, showing much better control and consistency in line and length. On the batting front, it’s been thrilling to see the players embrace an aggressive,

confident approach – some might call it a bit of “Bazball”! A 10-wicket win v Heath Mount followed by a 71-run win v St Edmunds College were highlights. A 9-wicket win v Lochinver House proved our skill shad improved as we chased 120, 1 wicket down. Overall, it’s been a term of growth, fun, and competitive cricket. I’m proud of the boys’ efforts and excited to see how they continue to develop their skills.

rest of the season, I would put it down to Team Spirit. It was quite a mix of boys, and we never quite put out the same team twice but, my word, they all stood by each other, encouraging each other through thick and thin while the opposition’s behaviour too often left much to be desired. Even the minibus trips were a delight as the boys were full of beans but in a positive frame of mind. How apposite that the season went down to the last ball of the last

CRICKET COLTS D

By Mr Saunders

This year’s achievements at cricket were outstanding by the mighty Colts D team. Every player has shown kindness, sportsmanship and resilience in all games sessions and matches.

This has been reflected in one of the most successful Colts D teams certainly in the last 5 years with two fantastic victories over our rivals Westbook Hay and Beechwood Park.

We must acknowledge the incredible batting pair of Humphrey A and Charlie W with also exceptional

over. If the opposition scored one, they would lose; two would be a tie and three would mean we would lose. They had their best batsman at the crease, and we had our best bowler. The ball was clipped to square leg and the opposition started to run. The first fielder missed it, but a teammate was close to hand, scooped up the red and leather sphere of wonder, hurled it into the alert keeper and victory was ours! Joy all round!

bowling from Andrew and Larry. It has been mightily impressive to see boys who have never played cricket prior to this season do exceptionally well.

It has been a pleasure to coach this team this season and I look forward to another year of cricket. Well done!

CRICKET U9A

By Mr Tivey

The U9A’S had a mixed season this term winning 2 matches and losing 3 matches. Since the start of the term, it has been clear that the boys have come a long way and improved significantly.

The season started with a tough match against Lochinver House but was followed by a good win against Manor Lodge with the scores 147 - 141. With strong bowling from Mikael taking 3 wickets in one over. Jude showcased some big hitting this term as well as Jack bowling with control and speed. Kareem also batted well across the term scoring vital runs. Alexander with bat and ball regularly rose to the challenge. This run of form was continued with a strong win against Heath Mount with the score of 265 - 224. The season ended with two close loses against Kingshott and St Columba’s. Overall, it was a good season and I look forward to seeing how the boys do in the future.

CRICKET U9C CRICKET U9D CRICKET U9B

By Mrs Forshaw

The U9C team had a good season, winning many of their games. Superb performances were from Ben and Zachary who made amazing catches and Ben hit some fantastic sixes.

Harry, James, Rafi and Arthur hit boundaries, and a notable pairing was Harry and Rafi who communicated brilliantly scoring many runs over the term. The team spirit was strong with lots of encouragement across the whole team.

By Mrs Roberts

The U9 B team has thoroughly enjoyed representing Lockers Park across the counties this term. They kicked off the season with a win against Lochinver House, and I could see it was going to be a fantastic season of cricket.

It was incredible to see the players getting to know the laws of the game and of course, collaborating as a team. In our second match, we came away with a commendable 71 runs, which was equalled by Westbrook Hay. This match saw Bertie and Danni take wickets! As we moved into our third match against St Columba’s, Toby and Daniil were the proud takers of wickets. We finished the season on an incredible high, winning against Beechwood Park. Well done boys.

By Mrs Pizzey

It has been a pleasure to lead the U9D team this term. They have made great progress on the cricket field and showed fantastic team spirit.

The U9 D’s have won many of their matches this term, scoring runs and taking wickets. Diamond cricket has also been a firm favourite, helping to develop their communication skills and risk-taking abilities to make runs. This introduction to cricket has prepared the boys well for next summer and they should feel proud of themselves. Well done!

GOLF

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

Golf continues to grow at Lockers Park with the introduction of the simulator in the Sports Complex and weekly activities with PGA professionals.

Our Senior Squad had 2 outings this term at Swanbourne and Westbrook Hay.

Pau V played some brilliant approach shots at Westbrook Hay on his way to a score of 29 around Royal Westbrook. Ably assisted by his teammates Jacob, Étienne and Fedor.

As we enter the winter months, more practice on the simulator is in order as we roll towards the 2026 summer.

LITTLE LOCKERS SPORTS DAY

YEAR 8 LEAVERS V PARENTS SKIING

SET SWIMMING 2025

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

The 2025 Swimming Gala returned this year with the Set competition neck and neck. Although slightly earlier in the term than previous years, the boys had prepared well and were ready to represent their Set.

Little Lockers kicked things off with some brilliant noodle and running races. It was lovely to see the younger members of the school community enjoying their swimming, whilst being cheered on by all boys in the Prep school. Congratulations to all our winners and Christopher who won both Reception races.

Into the main Set competition, the Set masters had been busy all week selecting who was to swim in each event. Each Set competed fiercely and there were some exceptionally good swims on show. Special mention must go to Luca (U13) who broke the school record for the U13 Backstroke in (34.13s). This record in particular had not been broken since 2006! Vivaan broke the U13 Individual Medley for Mountbatten with a time of 1’23.75 and Alexander who broke the U9 Individual medley record for Roberts with a time of 1’46’01. Mountbatten retained their title in the Set Relay, with 15 boys representing each set in a spectacular finish to the Set Competition side of the gala. Congratulations also to Mountbatten who were the overall Set winners.

In the Individual events saw boys sign up and qualify in the days leading up to the gala. Luca swam very well and won the U12 Cup (29.45s), the Duncan Cup (45.07s), and the Taylor Medley (54.07s). There were also victories for Jack in the Junior Butterfly (18.50s), the Junior Medley (1’13.20) and a victory in the U11 Cup (37.75s). There were also victories for Alexander in the Bromley Shield, retaining this for a second year (42,81) and Zachary and Toby in the Junior and Senior Diving respectively.

The gala finished with the hotly contested Staff v Parents v Boys Relay. The staff were keen to retain ‘their’ trophy but knew we would be up against it. After a strong start from the parents, they swam into an early lead. The boys and staff were jostling for 2nd place whilst the parents continue to swim away. Strong middle lengths from the boys brought them back into contention. Around the half distance mark it was clear the boys were cruising home for their first win since 2022

Well done to all!

Backstroke

Freestyle Under 9 1 length (15.65)

Individual medley events

Under 9 4 lengths (1’52.02)

11 4 lengths (1’24.74)

Under 13 4 lengths (1’24.18)

Set relay

Overall winners: Mountbatten

Individual Events

ATHLETICS FINALS

By Mr Doyle, Director of Sport

After years of wet and dull weather, Lockers Park was blessed with 34-degree heat and wall-to-wall blue sky meaning this year’s Athletics finals took place in the final week of term. A slightly adjusted running order to protect boys from the blistering heat was in place, but that didn’t dampen any spirits as 3 school records were broken in the process.

Here were some of the highlights:

Lucas stormed to a 200m victory (26.30s) and broke our first record of the day in the 80m hurdles in a time of 13.92s. The High Jump final in particular was a stunning event to watch, with 2 boys clearing 1.45m, and Lucas going on to clear 1.50m. There were also wins for Kiran in the 75m Hurdles (13.54s) breaking a school record, Adejola in the 100m (12.24s) and a double for Tom in the 300m (45.73) and Long Jump (4.31m). There was also a double win for Lucas in the Discus (21.56m) and Shot Putt (9.23m)

In the U11’s, Nathaniel completed a sprint double in the 200m (32.01s) and 100m (14.49s). Zach also had a good day, winning 75m Hurdles (14.85s). There were also wins for Noah in the 300m (59.17s) Theodore in the Long Jump (3.48m) and Sebastian in the Cricket Ball (37.88m).

The U9’s also compete and produced some fantastic performances. Jude setting very high standards winning 3 events, the 100m (15.03s), the 200m (34.92s) and the Long Jump (3.22m). Sammy winning the 55m Hurdles (11.36s) for the second year running! Alexander picking up 2 wins in the 300m (57.11s) and the Cricket Ball (36.72s). The afternoon was finished off with our final record of the day, Caleb breaking the U9 High Jump record with a height of 1.20m.

Well done to all who took part in both the heats and the finals. A true reflection of the talent on show at Lockers Park.

The 600m, 800m and 1500m races all took place later in the week once the extreme heat had passed.

U9

U13

SET ATHLETICS

STAFF LEAVERS 2025 – WITH GRATITUDE AND BEST WISHES

Mrs Ashburner

Since joining in September 2015, Mrs Ashburner has played a vital role at Lockers Park as a Science Technician and Teaching Assistant. She has not only cared for our science animals with dedication but has also helped organise awe-inspiring trips to Iceland and CERN. A vibrant member of the Common Room, she has always volunteered and immersed herself fully in school life. Her contributions have been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed.

Mr Wilson

A former Lockers Park pupil, Mr Wilson returned in 2021 to begin his teaching journey. Having now completed his training, he moves on to the next exciting chapter of his career in education. We are proud to have played a part in his development and look forward to welcoming him back in future—perhaps coaching a visiting team on the games field!

Mrs Walters

Since joining in 2022, Mrs Walters has been an outstanding teacher in both Year 3 and Year 2. She has shaped the early learning experiences of so many boys, embracing every opportunity offered at Lockers Park. Her warmth and professionalism have left a lasting impression, and she will be missed by pupils, parents, and colleagues alike.

Mr Winchester

In his short time with us since September 2023, Mr Winchester has made a big impact. He has helped revitalise the IT curriculum and played a major part in the planning of our new IT suite. His leadership as Assistant Head Co-Curricular has broadened our co-curricular offering, introduced SOCS, and enhanced residential and enrichment opportunities. His passion for sport and innovation will be missed, but his legacy is clear.

Mrs Massey

Joining us as maternity cover for Mrs Newman, Mrs Massey quickly became a cherished member of the teaching team. She brought energy, care, and enthusiasm to every lesson, fully embodying our school values. Though her time with us has been short, it has been deeply appreciated. We hope to welcome her back should the opportunity arise.

Mr Price

We’ve had the good fortune of collaborating with Mr Price over the past academic year, as he works on his apprenticeship in digital marketing. I have been impressed by his creativity and dedication to sharing all the wonderful things about Lockers. He has consistently supported FoLP in promoting their events, creating posters, menus and lots more besides. Mr Price has enjoyed attending school outings and events; successfully capturing the emotions of those special moments in the school calendar.

One of Mr Price’s standout projects was creating an unforgettable Star Wars Day for the boys, an event inspired by one of his favourite film genres. It’s been incredible to see his creativity come to life and we’re excited to see where this journey takes him next. The future of marketing is bright with talented individuals like Mr Price on board and we wish him every success in his new job.

Our GAP Students – Harry, Helena, and Angus

These three have been an integral part of school life this year, offering support, guidance, and friendship to our pupils. In many ways, they are the big brothers and sisters of Lockers Park—trusted, admired, and always approachable. Their care and example have enriched the school, and we wish them all the very best as they move on to university and full time employment.

PRIZE GIVING

By Mr Taylor, Headmaster

As we mark another remarkable year in the life of Lockers Park, Speech Day is one of those special moments in the school calendar when we pause — just briefly — to look back with pride, to look around with gratitude, and to look ahead with hope.

This school is steeped in tradition. But what gives Lockers Park its real strength — its heartbeat — is not its history alone, but the values that underpin everything we do: courage, curiosity, kindness, integrity, and above all, joy.

Our motto, Bene agere ac laetari — To do well and to be joyful — speaks volumes. It is simple and clear, but deeply powerful. It reminds us that success is not just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it. The boys here are not only learning how to write essays or solve equations, but how to be good people — people who act with purpose, care for others, and take genuine delight in the life they are living.

We want our pupils to leave Lockers Park not just as wellprepared learners, but as grounded, joyful young men who know the value of hard work and the power of kindness.

As the philosopher Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” Our boys are encouraged to think independently, to reflect on their actions, and to realise that joy is not found in noise or things, but in relationships, effort, and purpose.

This year, we’ve had so many moments to celebrate. From national success on the ski slopes, to the roar of support on the rugby pitch; from wonderful drama productions, choral performances and charity events, to the quiet, daily acts of thoughtfulness in the classroom and on the playground. These are the building blocks of a rich, full, and meaningful education.

But today is not just about the past. It’s also about the future. And in that spirit, I want to speak briefly about change.

It can be tempting to protect what we know — to hold fast to familiar ways of doing things, particularly in a school where tradition is rightly valued. But we must also be brave enough to evolve. The world our boys will inherit is changing rapidly — socially, technologically, environmentally. The way we educate must reflect that.

As the author C.S. Lewis once said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” Our job — all of us — is to prepare these young people not just for exams, but for life. For uncertainty. For challenge. For opportunity. That means fostering not just knowledge, but resilience. Not just routine, but reflection. Not just ability, but adaptability.

Here at Lockers Park, we continue to embrace that challenge — whether through innovation in teaching, widening access through bursaries, exploring wellbeing and oracy, or deepening the impact of character education. We are not standing still. We are investing in a future where doing well and being joyful remain the cornerstone of all we do, even in a changing world.

But amid all this movement and growth, I urge everyone here — especially the boys — to take a moment today to be grateful. Because life passes quickly, and if we don’t pause to notice it, we risk missing the most important parts.

Take a moment to thank your teachers. To appreciate your friends. To notice your family’s support. To look around this beautiful school and simply be glad to be part of it. Gratitude grounds us. As the writer Melody Beattie put it: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”

To our leavers — we will miss you. You have given much to this community and, in turn, Lockers Park will remain part of who you are. Go with confidence. Take with you the values you have lived here. Be ambitious, be kind, be joyful. And know that you always have a home here.

And to all the boys — remember, this is your moment. Be present. Be thankful. Be ready.

Leavers Destination Schools

We prepare boys for the UK’s top independent and public senior schools, many with scholarships and exhibitions in Academics, Sport, Music and the Arts, and Technology – on average four each leaving year, which is remarkable, given our small class sizes.

PARENT STORIES

A Serendipitous Story of a local boy who decided his future was at Lockers Park

Thank you to Jude’s mother for sharing his scholarship story

Jude discovered the enchantment of Lockers Park last summer, when he attended Cascade holiday camp and decided that he wanted to go there as a pupil. Shortly after the holidays, he was invited to play in a football tournament hosted at Lockers Park for surrounding Junior Schools.

Already an U9’s academy football player at MK Dons, Jude decided to show Lockers Park teachers and pupils what he could do on the pitch, by playing his heart out to score goals and lead his team to an impressive victory.

Thriving at Lockers Park: Nikhil’s

Journey

When our son Nikhil joined Lockers Park in Year 7, we were hopeful—but couldn’t have imagined just how much those two years would shape him. Coming from a local prep school, he was ready for a new challenge: somewhere that would nurture his sporting talent, stretch him academically, and help him grow even stronger in confidence and character. Lockers Park did all of that and so much more.

Nikhil arrived on a sports scholarship, full of enthusiasm and potential. From the outset, the school recognised his passion for sport—especially cricket— and gave him every opportunity to thrive. With expert coaching, excellent facilities, and a strong fixture calendar, he grew into a reliable and dynamic player. In his final year, he was incredibly proud to be named Cricket Captain, a role he embraced wholeheartedly.

Sport at Lockers Park wasn’t limited to one discipline. In addition to cricket Nikhil played in the first teams for rugby

Jude was invited to meet Mr Taylor, then interviewed and assessed for a special 150-year anniversary sport scholarship. Jude was delighted to be offered a place in Year 4 at the school, with recognition of his ability in gymnastics, football, and future potential in other sports.

He started in October 2024, with staff and pupils making him feel so very welcome. He hasn’t looked back at all since. Jude says: “It feels like I was meant to come to Lockers Park, and I have always been here.”

Jude has developed and thrived at the school, particularly enjoying the opportunity to try new sports like tennis and rugby. He’s also made the most of the wider academic learning the school provides, gaining much more confidence in subjects such as maths and English with smaller classes

and football, and represented the school in basketball, table tennis and badminton fixtures. He also learnt to play squash. The school’s commitment to offering a broad and inclusive sporting programme helped him build versatility, resilience, and leadership. He developed a deep appreciation for teamwork and the values that come from both winning and learning.

A highlight of his time at the school was the unforgettable sports tour to South Africa. It was a formative experience—competitive, eyeopening, and incredibly rewarding. Nikhil came home buzzing with stories and memories, and noticeably more independent and mature. It was the kind of opportunity that leaves a lasting impression.

Beyond sport, we were equally impressed by the academic support Nikhil received. We had been looking for a school that could also challenge him in the classroom, and Lockers Park delivered. With small classes and inspiring teaching, he was encouraged to engage deeply with his learning and aim high. His academic confidence grew

and tailored individual support.

Jude has ended his first year on a real high with a great report and awards for attainment, cricket, athletics, cross-country and more. Jude’s already looking forward to returning for the Autunm term - “I can’t wait to see my friends, play sport and get stuck-into Year 5!

“We can’t thank Mr Taylor and his wonderful staff enough, our son is proud, fulfilled, and enjoying his journey to become the very best version of himself. Jude was right, Lockers Park is a truly magical place where dreams do come true.” –Jude’s parents

alongside his sporting success.

In his final term, Nikhil was honoured to be appointed Head Boy for the summer term—a proud moment for all of us. It was a fitting end to his time at Lockers Park, recognising not just his sporting contribution, but also the maturity, kindness and leadership he had developed.

Thanks to the dedication and belief of his teachers and coaches, Nikhil will now move on to St Albans School on a sports scholarship, well prepared and excited for what’s ahead.

Although he was at Lockers Park for just two years, the impact on his life has been extraordinary. The school gave him space to grow, the encouragement to believe in himself, and a community that championed both his character and his achievements. We’ll always be grateful for everything Lockers Park has done for Nikhil—and for setting him on such a strong path for the future.

Wilmot-Smith boys by Mrs Wilmot-Smith

The Wilmot-Smith boys posed in the boys hall in front of their names on the board – Patrick, Head Boy with Nick and Tom, Captains of Football which ends our Lockers Park journey.

It started 12 years ago when we made the decision to drive an average journey of 50 mins to take Patrick to school, a testimony to Lockers Park, rather than 10 mins up the road to an alternate prep school.

I now look forward to getting about 4 hours a day back with the end of the school run, I include in this time calculation waiting for the boys to appear as it is always too much fun for them to want to come home, but will greatly miss our Lockers Park life.

The school has nurtured, inspired and educated all three boys ensuring they are confident, independent, and well adapted young gentlemen ready for their next school. We are eternally grateful to the school for giving them the best foundation for each to flourish in the future and along the journey provide a lot of fun and happy memories.

Each brother has formed strong prep school friendships which I predict will last a lifetime. And when you get two or more Lockers Park boys together there is always laughter. It usually starts with ‘do you remember….’ as they launch a story ‘about the time that……!’ and across the school years they compare and remember stories along with perhaps some lighthearted mischief, the sport, the teachers, the shrubs and of course Slatter.

In fact, Slatter connected the Lockers generations, Tom, then eleven-years old, was in deep conversation with a friend who was also a Lockers old boy in his sixties. They were discussing the school and to our friend’s, dismayed that Slatter had been stopped. All was restored the following year when we could report that slater had been returned to Lockers.

When we first looked around the school, Andrew, commented on how it reminded him of all the good things about his old prep school allowing boys to be boys in the right safe

environment. Playtime in the shrubs has always been an important part of the W-S boys day.

I learnt about the importance of Slatter as the trading currency between dens in the shrubs, or the ‘bum burner’ which featured high on the enjoyment sliding down the hill and of course endless fun in playing lots of football and general running around games.

Sport for all three brothers was important with weekly matches a highlight for both boys and their mother. I have always thought a good way to judge a prep school is by their match tea and I am delighted to report over extensive years’ experience that Lockers has one of the best match teas!

It’s been a joy to watch each boy excel on the pitch in their respective teams. Patrick in the Year 8 rugby A team were unbeaten in the season. This was also repeated with Nick under his football captaincy, the only difference being they didn’t play a match as it was the Covid year!

Tom was overjoyed to be the leading goal scorer last season and, on the athletics track winning 300m, 800m, 1500m and long jump to clinch the Victor Ludorum. But it’s his brother Nick who can claim an unbeaten Locker’s record in the hurdles – he won the 75 metre hurdle race in year 6 only for the distance to be changed so remains the undefeated record holder.

Cricket provided a great excuse for a family holiday to support the touring Lockers team to South Africa. We arrived just in time to see Tom batting in the first match. Mr Taylor greeted us slightly anxiously that we might not recognise him when he takes off his helmet. The boys were given their lunch money with a variety of outlets to choose from in the shopping centre. Tom and some other friends budgeted their finances to cover a new haircut and a light lunch. A delighted Tom having had a good innings showed off his mullet – oh well, just have to laugh!

Beatty was the set and Patrick and Nick enjoyed regular Set dinners for victory in the termly Set competitions. However, the dominance of Beaty was not to last, with the Set competition

boarding its judging criteria to include sanctions and red slips, despite sporting victories for Beaty Set suppers alluded our final 5 years.

In the classroom, there have been legendary teachers who we are eternally grateful to for imparting their knowledge and sharing the gift of learning on their subject to each child.

The three W-S boys love history, with two who have taken it for A levels. Mr. Moubray’s classroom was treasure trove inspiring young minds and included, WWII helmets, a Winchester rifle, a pistol, firebomb and relics from the Bismark.

Or Mr. ‘French’ Philips bringing the language alive in the classroom with his highly entertaining rapportage, songs and even a few jokes to ensure the boys know their verbs and words. His ‘Best sheet’ still essential crib notes for GCSE exams!

And on a side note, there is chess and famously Mr. Philips kindly giving a young Nick in Year 4 some additional match practice before an inter-school competition, only to find he was quickly check mated. But it is a game which thanks to Lockers both Patrick (Under 11 Prep School Chess Champion) and Nick enjoy and still play. And of course, there is still hearty competition between Mr. Philips and Nick.

Special Beginnings by Mrs Elia

In 2016, the Little Lockers building was completed and the autumn term saw four boys and two girls join the first ever Reception class. The girls left at the end of Year Two and all four boys continued their journey through the Prep School.

Nine years after they joined, 2025 marked the completion of their journey through the school for this first set of boys, an event that has given both parents and teaching staff quiet pause for reflection.

The following is an account by Zoë Elia, mother of Jonathan, one of the boys.

When Jonathan started school, it wasn’t just the beginning of his own educational journey – it was the beginning of something new and exciting for Lockers Park. Jonathan was part of the very first Reception class in a beautiful new building that nestled in the hillside, accessed by a magical path from the main school.

Before this, a Lockers Park education began in an amalgamated Year One and Two class called Chestnuts in the main school.

To add to this, Jonathan’s year was part of a short-lived but memorable experiment: for the first time in the school’s 142year history, girls were included in Little Lockers (Reception to Year 2). Although this was later reversed, the inclusion of Amelia and Nadya alongside Lucas, Maxence, Noah and Jonathan made for a wonderful start to their school lives. The small class made for a tight-knit bond and an exceptional learning experience.

Their Reception teacher, Mrs. Miller, had just the right blend of attention to detail and playful energy. She nurtured their curiosity and joy, making each day feel like an adventure. The children spent hours outside, whether playing amongst the shrubs or learning about nature with Mr. Gilden, who opened their eyes to the environment around them in a very stimulating and exciting way. There were also early sports lessons with Mr. Doyle, who always treated them quite seriously as young athletes despite their small size – which made them feel proud and capable.

One of the most treasured memories from those years was each year’s nativity play. In Reception, all six children took the role of angels, and to this day I can’t say who enjoyed it more – the children, the staff, or the parents. It was beautiful and so full of joy. By Year 2, they had adopted speaking parts and had clearly developed so much more confidence and musicality.

In Year 2, they were lucky to have Mrs. Newman as their form teacher. She was fun, warm, and engaging but with a commitment to preparing the boys for the more structured and academic environment of the Prep School. I still smile when I remember how Christmas songs began playing just after half term in the autumn! Yet beneath the festive spirit was a solid educational foundation that prepared them all so well for what was to come.

After Pre-Prep, the four boys – Lucas, Maxence, Noah and Jonathan moved up to the Prep school and said goodbye to

their female classmates. Transitioning into Year 3 was made much smoother thanks to Mrs. Forshaw, who helped build a bridge between the nurturing cocoon of Little Lockers and the growing independence of life in the Prep school. Over the years, their world expanded: more specialist teachers, deeper learning, more ambitious trips, and a widening array of activities that stretched and challenged them in the best possible way.

By the time Jonathan reached Year Eight, he was thriving. He had learned to absorb information and work to a brief with confidence and discipline – skills that had been laid down steadily through the years. He was able to draw on the tremendous range of activities and extracurricular lessons that Lockers had to offer and he had improved significantly as an athlete.

More than that, he has absorbed the values Lockers Park holds dear: kindness, courage, academic curiosity, and a huge sense of fun. It’s hard to put into words the contribution Lockers Park has made to his development, not just academically, but as a person.

Speaking to the parents of Lucas, Maxence, and Noah, I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. We all agree that our sons have been exceptionally well supported and prepared, not just for the next stage of school, but for life beyond the classroom. The boys have been taught the values of compassion, resilience and independent thinking. We are delighted that all four boys have been offered places at excellent senior schools: Eton, Harrow and St Albans.

Lockers Park has been exceptional in every way and very hard to leave. I would wholeheartedly recommend the entire experience. For us, it has been a journey filled with joy, growth, and lifelong memories – and we’re truly thankful.

A LOCKERS PARK JOURNEY

Mrs Simon Reflects on the School’s First Pre Prep Cohort to Year 8

It’s an honour to be asked to say a few words to mark the end of another school year, and what for my family – after 11 years, three boys and 630 nets washed is sadly our last at Lockers Park.

But finally seeing the back of the last Simon child isn’t the only cause for celebration. Today our Year 8s become the first class in 151 years to journey all the way through the school. From the first ever reception class of just four boys - Noah, Maxence, Jonathan and Lucas nurtured by the wonderful Mrs Miller – to the 40 strong class of 2025.

Reminiscing at the leavers’ barbeque last night, Mrs Miler recalled 5-year-old Lucas sat at a desk in the Reception class pretending to be the Headmaster and writing red slips. Which I think goes a long way to explaining how I come to be standing here today.

But to go back to the start. Private school hadn’t ever been part of the plan for us. However, with one of the boys struggling with literacy and not knowing how best to support him, we spoke to a neighbour about her own experience. She told us that her older son had spent very happy years in a wild utopian paradise of shrubs, feasts and something called Slatter in (of all places) Hemel Hempstead.

The boys’ Dad immediately booked a tour and came home declaring “it’s just like Hogwarts!” The two older boys were interviewed by Mr Stephens – somehow passed muster and we were in.

On our first day – a sunny September morning in 2014 we arrived at school for Henry to join Miss Gallagher’s Year 3 class, and for Boris, the only boy in Year 1 - to join Mrs Pizzey’s class, Chestnuts. And with two-year-old Lucas (dummy in his mouth) straining to get out of his buggy and join in with the action.

This was long before Little Lockers has been built, before the first Tesla had arrived on the front drive or anyone had heard of SnapChat. And I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say Mr Doyle might still have been a teenager. Possibly. Just.

My abiding memory of that first day – alongside the warm welcome, the total chaos in the Boys’ Hall and my boys meeting their Paters - noticing as we drove up the drive that another parent had brought her son to school on a horse!

I must be honest and say that for a moment I did wonder what on earth we had gotten ourselves into. My concerns were allayed however, following the Saturday we had our first Year 3 parents’ coffee morning at Belinda K’s house. Having been used to tea and a digestive, I learned that Lockers Park mums had levelled up the concept of coffee morning. A huge spread of smoked salmon, parties, elaborating iced cupcakes and trugs of champagne. “Yes”, I thought “we’ll be alright here after all”. And I was right.

Much has changed and evolved at Locker Park over the last 11 years.

• The banning of Slatter

• The reintroduction of Slatter

• The introduction of girls

• The banning of girls

• Golf simulators, climbing walls, posh gym equipment

• New school gates, which came with interminable gate code changes – very hard for the over 40s

• Class WhatsApp groups, class party WhatsApp groups, teacher’s gifts WhatsApp groups, side WhatsApp group talking about the other WhatsApp groups

• Dads being class reps – (Oh no wait, we didn’t quite manage that!)

• VAT

• Lockers Park Facebook and then Lockers Park Instagram

• Instagram reels of SLT heads superimposed on dancing Christmas elves and leprechauns (I’m hoping this isn’t the first Mr Taylor, Ms Corrigan and Mr Dawes are learning of this)

But while much has changed and evolved, at its core Lockers has remained the same – providing an excellent education, huge opportunities for sports, music and drama and exceptional pastoral care - all in the magical and unique way that it does. Each of my boys has left more confident, resilient and well-rounded and has gone on to thrive at their next school. Above all else they have all been very happy here.

We could not have made a better choice for our boys, and I am very grateful to you all.

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