Luckley Life
SUMMER 2026
The Newsletter for Luckley House School
UNLEASH THE SUMMER FUN! Hello, friends! It’s Copper here, checking in with a waggy tail and a full heart as we wrap up another fantastic term. I have been padding around the school grounds keeping an eye on everything (and occasionally a nose in the kitchen), and I can safely say - what an incredible few months it has been! First of all, a huge round of applause and a few enthusiastic barks for our brilliant Year 11 and Year 13 students. You have tackled your exams with such determination and focus - I have seen the early mornings, the late afternoons, and all those quiet moments of revision. You have done yourselves and the whole school proud. I think you all deserve a long rest and maybe a biscuit or two, I certainly won’t say no to that! Then there was Activities Week - paws down one of my favourite times of the year! The energy, the laughter, from trips out to creative challenges on site, it was wonderful seeing everyone trying new things and making some amazing memories. Our Summer Concert was simply amazing. The music filled every corner of the school - I may not understand every note, but I know joy when I hear it! The talent and confidence on display were truly inspiring. And what a way to finish - a superb Prize Giving and Speech Day. It was such a proud moment celebrating so many achievements, big and small. Watching pupils step forward to be recognised for their effort and success reminded me just how special this community is. I made sure to sit very still (well… mostly still) for the important parts. Finally, I must give my warmest thanks and a respectful tail wag to all the staff. Every day you bring patience and care to everything you do. You make this school the welcoming, inspiring place that I am so lucky to call home. So, from me, Copper, thank you all for another wonderful chapter. Have a happy, restful summer and don’t forget, wherever you go, take a little bit of this school spirit with you. Until next time… stay kind and keep those tails wagging - because just like school life, it’s all about staying pawsitive and never missing a chance to fetch new opportunities!
LOWER SCHOOL NEWS As I write this on my final day at Luckley after nine wonderful years, I can honestly say what a joy and privilege it has been to lead the Lower School. Leaving feels a real wrench. Activities Week provided the perfect ending. I loved watching our pupils find their way around the Natural History Museum—although it was remarkable how quickly everyone managed to locate the gift shop! AirHop and Ninja Warrior were certainly eventful and unfortunately included a couple of trips to A&E. Thankfully nothing broken. I was also one of the injured few after discovering that going headfirst down a drop slide is not as sensible as it once seemed!
Mrs Esther Brown, Head of Lower School
Year 7 High Tea We were delighted to welcome some very special guests to Luckley House for our first ever Year 7 Afternoon Tea with their primary school teachers. Over delicious cakes, sandwiches and sweet treats, pupils enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with the teachers who supported them throughout their primary
We rounded off the week with a fantastic day at the beach. The weather was kind and it was wholesome to watch everyone have the best kind of old fashioned fun. It was also a wonderful way to end the term by watching Wendy and Peter Pan. I was blown away by the talent, confidence and creativity on display. A huge well done to everyone involved and to all the parents for raising and supporting such talented young people. Thank you for trusting me with your children. They have been an absolute joy, and I will miss every single one of them. I leave with immense gratitude, wonderful memories, and my very best wishes for their happy futures.
Transition Day Our new starters joined us for an action-packed transition afternoon, getting a feel for life at the school, meeting new friends and beginning to build their confidence ahead of September. The pupils enjoyed pizza on the lawn, took part in icebreaker games and a woodland treasure hunt, had fun on the inflatables and zip wire and were treated to delicious ice creams. A huge thank you goes to our wonderful Luckley pupils who supported the afternoon as mentors. Their kindness and encouragement helped our new pupils feel at home and made the day such a success.
school years. It was wonderful to see so many smiles and hear conversations about new experiences at senior school. Thank you to all the teachers who joined us and helped make the afternoon such a success.
Natural History Museum Year 7 and Year 8 pupils enjoyed an engaging trip to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, where they explored fascinating exhibits which help to bring their classroom learning to life. As always, our pupils represented the School superbly throughout the day and it was an enriching experience for all involved.
Year 7 Globe Theatre Trip Year 7 pupils visited The Globe Theatre in London. They explored the new exhibition, where they tried creating sound effects, dressed in costumes, and discovered how a traditional printing press works. This was followed by a tour of the Globe Theatre, giving pupils an insight into its history and unique structure. The day concluded with a drama workshop based on Much Ado About Nothing, which gave pupils the opportunity to bring Shakespeare’s work to life. It was a brilliant introduction to Shakespeare and a memorable experience for all involved.
Year 8 Visit to Bournemouth As part of Activities Week, Year 8 pupils enjoyed an exciting trip to Bournemouth, offering a fantastic opportunity to experience learning beyond the classroom in a coastal setting. Pupils took part in a range of activities that encouraged teamwork, resilience and enjoyment of the outdoors. They made the most of their time on the beach, engaging in group challenges and activities that required collaboration and communication. The trip provided a chance for pupils to strengthen friendships, build confidence and enjoy a shared experience together outside of the usual school environment. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and we are grateful to the staff who organised and supported the trip.
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS
Mr Matt Humphrey, Head of Upper School
Year 9 Go Ape! Year 9 pupils experienced an exciting day out at Go Ape as part of Activities Week. This was a great opportunity for pupils to challenge themselves and work together while navigating the high ropes, zip wires and obstacles. Throughout the day, they demonstrated excellent teamwork, supporting one another and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm. It was wonderful to see everyone stepping out of their comfort zones and celebrating their achievements together. The trip was a great way to mark the end of a successful year and pupils had a fabulous time! Thank you to the staff who accompanied the pupils and helped make it such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all involved.
Year 9 Challenge Day Year 9 pupils enjoyed a fun Challenge Day, taking part in a range of activities designed to test their teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills. These included navigating the Spider's Web, tackling a blindfolded assault course, solving clues in the Escape Room and building impressive Marsh Towers from spaghetti and marshmallows. Everyone embraced the challenges with enthusiasm.
Year 10 Activities Week Year 10 pupils enjoyed a varied and engaging Activities Week, with a focus on building resilience, developing confidence and creating opportunities for teamwork, creativity and personal growth. The week began with BRIYM (Building Resilience in Young Minds), a specialist-led programme designed to support resilience, emotional wellbeing and positive mental health. Pupils took part in a range of activities, including non-contact boxing to build confidence, focus and emotional regulation; basketball sessions that developed communication and teamwork; sound baths promoting relaxation and stress reduction; street dance to encourage creativity and coordination; and Drama, Movement and the Mind, which supported emotional awareness, communication skills and self-expression. Pupils also took part in an action-packed day combining physical activity and leadership opportunities. The morning was spent at a trampoline park, followed by a fun afternoon of primary school games.
GCSE Art & Textiles trip GCSE Art and Textiles pupils enjoyed an enriching trip to Oxford, which provided valuable support for their coursework through first-hand observational studies and contextual research. At the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the pupils explored a wide range of specimens, including fossils, minerals, insects and zoological displays, which provided inspiration for sketching and photography. They then visited the Pitt Rivers Museum, where they viewed an extensive collection of artefacts from different cultures and time periods. Throughout the day, the pupils worked enthusiastically in their sketchbooks, developing ideas and recording observations that will directly support their GCSE projects.
GCSE Drama assessed pieces The Whitty Theatre was buzzing with creativity as our GCSE Drama pupils performed their final assessed pieces. From thoughtprovoking scenes to powerful character work, it was fantastic to see their talent, dedication and hard work on stage. We cross our fingers for them for their results day.
Year 11 pupils mark last day of lessons We marked the last day of lessons for our Year 11 pupils with a day full of celebration and reflection. The day included the traditional shirt signing, with many creative and impressive designs alongside fun on the inflatables and a well-deserved visit from the ice cream van. It was a lovely occasion that allowed pupils to celebrate their time together before focusing on their GCSE examinations. As they now turned their attention to their exams, staff shared how proud they were of the year group and all they had achieved. Mr Humphrey, Head of Upper School, said: “We are genuinely proud of you, not just for what you achieve, but for who you have become along the way. Now go and show those exams who is boss…” We wish all Year 11 pupils the very best of luck!
Year 11 Prom Our Year 11 Prom was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a year group that has contributed so much to the life of the school. The evening was filled with laughter and reflection as pupils came together to mark the end of an important chapter in their educational journey. There were glamorous arrivals in sports cars, mini buses and even an ambulance. It was a chance to celebrate not only their achievements this year, but also the many memories and friendships they have built throughout their time at Luckley House School. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and wish them well for the next steps of their educational journey. A massive thank you to the parent group that organised the evening.
SIXTH FORM NEWS
Mrs Julie Rumble, Head of Sixth Form
A term to remember It has been an exceptionally busy and memorable term for our students. From the celebrations of the Year 13 Leavers’ Meal and fun-filled Leavers’ Day trip to Reading, (complete with bowling, shopping, and time spent with friends), to the more demanding start of external, internal, and AS examinations, it has been a period of both achievement and opportunity. Year 12 students have been fully immersed in preparing for their next steps, from beginning their UCAS applications to embarking on an exciting residential trip. Highlights included a fascinating “Sinister Side of Stratford” walking tour in Stratford-upon-Avon, a campus visit to the University of Birmingham, and a stay at the Splash Landings Hotel, followed by a thrilling day at Alton Towers, an experience that proved just as dizzying for staff as it was exhilarating for students! Throughout it all, I have been incredibly impressed by the dedication, resilience and commitment shown by the students. Watching them rise to each challenge and embrace these opportunities with such enthusiasm truly makes me proud. They are, without a doubt, shining stars as they take their next steps forward.
Birmingham University During activities week we spent an afternoon exploring Birmingham University. We had a private tour led by amazing student ambassadors who showed us the excellent facilities available to students. This included their sports facilities which were used in the 2021 commonwealth games as well as a number of faculty buildings and a thriving student union, opening our eyes to the university life. When conversing with the student ambassador on her favourite thing about Birmingham university she told me about all the incredible links the university has between different countries creating opportunities for students to study abroad.
Alton Towers Following a busy exam week, Year 12 students were rewarded with a two-day visit to Alton Towers. After spending the previous week completing their assessments, the trip provided a well-earned opportunity to relax, socialise, and celebrate the end of a successful year. Over the two days, the students enjoyed a range of attractions and rides, making the most of the warm weather and spending time with friends outside the classroom. The visit offered a chance for them to unwind after their hard work and to strengthen friendships as they look ahead to their final year in Sixth Form.
A Level Drama assessed pieces Our A Level Drama students took to the stage in the Whitty Theatre to perform their final assessed pieces, delivering a series of impressive and engaging performances. Their work showcased creativity, confidence and exceptional character development. This reflected the dedication and hard work they have invested throughout the course. From thought-provoking moments to powerful storytelling, each performance demonstrated the students' ability to communicate and bring ideas to life on stage. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow as performers and theatremakers, developing both their technical and creative skills along the way.
Student Supper Club This term’s Sixth Form Student Suppers club, run by Miss Darshan Bahbra, has given Year 12 students the chance to develop their cooking skills while creating a range of quick, affordable and delicious meals. The club has focused on recipes that are simple to prepare, use accessible ingredients and can be recreated easily at home. Students enjoyed a flavour-packed chicken, broccoli and noodle dish inspired by popular takeaway flavours, combining protein, fibre and plenty of spice from soy sauce and Tabasco. While Rory felt the heat was slightly ambitious, the meal proved a big hit, with Marcus even planning to make it himself at home. Other recipes have included a colourful chorizo, red pepper and gnocchi dish, featuring crispy chorizo, roasted peppers and soft gnocchi in a rich tomato, garlic and cream cheese sauce. Cooked from scratch in under 30 minutes, the meal was a huge success — with every portion enjoyed and no leftovers to take home! Student Suppers continues to be a wonderful opportunity for students to build confidence in the kitchen, try new recipes and enjoy cooking together in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Year 13 Hawaiian Themed Leavers’ Dinner At the end of the summer term, we bid a fond farewell to our Year 13 students with a wonderful Hawaiian-themed Leavers’ Dinner. The evening was filled with laughter and celebration, providing the perfect opportunity for students and staff to come together and reflect on the many memories and achievements of the past two years. Although it was a joyful occasion, it was also a bittersweet one as we said goodbye to a cohort that had made such a valuable contribution to the school community. Throughout their time in the Sixth Form our Year 13 students were excellent role models and had embraced every aspect of school life, leaving a lasting impact on those around them. The evening provided a fitting celebration of all that they had accomplished, and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying the occasion and marking the end of this important chapter together. The event was a memorable send-off and a wonderful way to celebrate the friendships and experiences that had been formed during their time at Luckley. Following the dinner, students completed their A Level examinations and began the next stage of their journeys beyond school. Whether progressing to university, apprenticeships, employment or other exciting opportunities, we were immensely proud of each and every one of them and wished them every success for the future. Although they have left the Sixth Form, they will always remain a valuable part of the Luckley community.
BOARDING NEWS
Mr David Rose, Head of Boarding
Wonderful Term for Boarders The boarding house continues to be a place of energy and fun this term. Now that the sun has truly come out the boarders have been able to enjoy being outside in the school grounds and socialising in the boarding garden. The BBQ and picnics have been the popular choice of food and the purchase of an ice cream machine and some radio controlled cars have made the evenings a lot of fun! The boarding house has again been invigorated by some new international short term boarders who have brought new smiles and new interests. This term the boarders have again enjoyed a wide variety of weekend activities including a trip to ride the Helix at the Olympic park in London, the world's longest and tallest tunnel slide, kayaking and paddle boarding, paintball, escape rooms and even a visit from Berkshire reptiles where the staff and students had the opportunity to handle an eight foot boa constrictor! This summer sees a change in the staff within boarding. We sadly have to say goodbye to Mr Hartley, Mr Lynch and Miss Hancock who are moving on to new positions. Each has made a significant contribution to boarding life, supporting and encouraging pupils throughout their time at Luckley. They will be greatly missed and we thank them for their dedication and commitment to the boarding community. I look forward to welcoming Mr Standing and Mr Fox to the Boarding Team in September and hopefully a few more BBQ's before the weather turns.
Boarders’ Summer Party Luckley House boarders rounded off the term in style with an afternoon of fun, friendship, and celebration. Pupils enjoyed a variety of games and activities, including cornhole, badminton, Connect 4, Jenga, one bounce, RC car racing, and table tennis. The friendly competition and laughter created a fantastic atmosphere as everyone came together to mark the end of a busy and successful term. A highlight of the afternoon was a wonderful barbecue, where boarders enjoyed plenty of delicious food while spending time with friends and staff. The event provided a great opportunity for everyone to relax and reflect on the term's achievements.
Mrs Esther Brown, Director of Drama & Mrs Janice Ellwood, Director of Music
TAKING THE STAGE - DRAMA AND MUSIC Luckley House Young Singer of the Year Our Luckley Young Singer of the Year Competition Finals was an unforgettable celebration of musical excellence! Performers across all categories delivered an exceptionally high standard, with adjudicators praising the confidence and musicality shown by every finalist, making their decisions incredibly challenging. The evening featured six competitive categories, celebrating talent across Classical, Pop and Musical Theatre at both Junior and Senior levels. Classical Winners • Junior Classical – Cassian impressed with beautiful poise and vocal control with 'Panis Angelicus'. • Senior Classical – Rei delivered a well‑deserved winning performance of 'O Del Mio Dolce Ardor'. Pop Winners • Junior Pop – Harry captivated the audience with a confident performance of 'To Love Someone'. • Senior Pop – Lola showcased outstanding musical maturity in her rendition of 'Hallelujah'. Musical Theatre Winners • Junior Musical Theatre – Millie gave a truly remarkable performance of 'I Dreamed a Dream'. • Senior Musical Theatre – Lola once again shone with an emotionally powerful performance of 'Still Hurting'. Overall Young Singer of the Year The evening’s highest honour was awarded to Year 10 pupil, Lola, whose remarkable versatility and consistency across genres truly set her apart. Competing in all three Senior categories, she demonstrated an outstanding ability to adapt her vocal technique and interpretation, impressing adjudicators with her emotional and stylistic range. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners on a truly inspiring evening of music! Thank you so much to the adjudicators; Caroline Woodhouse and Christopher Ham, and to Andrew McKenna for accompanying all the performers. And, as always, a huge thank you to Mrs Janice Ellwood for her dedication to musical excellence at Luckley!
Wendy & Peter Pan - Lower School Production Our production of Wendy and Peter Pan was a wonderful showcase of the talent, dedication and creativity of our pupils. Over many weeks of rehearsals, pupils worked tirelessly to bring the much-loved story of Neverland to life, culminating in two fantastic performances that delighted audiences. From the confident performances of the cast to the hard work of those involved behind the scenes, every pupil played an important role in making the production such a success. The energy and teamwork on display were evident throughout, with a real sense of fun capturing the spirit of the story.
National Youth Monologue Competition Success! We are incredibly proud to share the fantastic achievements of our drama students in this year’s National Youth Monologues competition! This competition was newly introduced to Luckley this year, with the aim of giving our students more opportunities to compete nationally. They truly rose to the challenge. With nearly 4,000 entries from across the UK, the level of competition was extremely high. Students submitted filmed monologues of their choice from classical, contemporary, screen and original writing, with some entering more than one category. The results speak for themselves: Regional Shortlist Jamie E, Meghan T, Josie H, Emily H Plus a special mention to Trinity M, who achieved both a Regional Shortlist place and a Commended award for two separate monologues. Commended Awards Jasper D, Harriet W, Emily D, Romilly D, Holly J, Matthew P, Catherine A, Marilia C, Rei H, Jess B‑F, Grace W, Evelyn W and Dylan C. That is an amazing 18 students recognised nationally! The Regional Shortlist highlights truly outstanding performances chosen from thousands of entries, while the Commended category recognises performances that stood out to judges in an incredibly competitive field. We are also thrilled to announce that Luckley was nominated for the Methuen Drama School & Group Prize (South East Region) for National Youth Monologues 2026, in recognition of the quality of student work and our commitment to developing young performers. A huge congratulations to all our talented drama students and the Drama Department– we could not be prouder of you!
Summer Concert - A Night at the Musicals and Movies Our Summer Concert was a spectacular celebration of musical talent, featuring outstanding solos, duets, orchestra, ensembles and choirs. We were also delighted to welcome special guest performances from Luckley Alumni, adding to a truly memorable evening. A huge thank you goes to Janice Ellwood, our Director of Music and her team for creating such a wonderful showcase. A special mention also to Theatre Manager, Oliver Bamber for his creativity with the stage lighting and special effects.
Mr Tim Hamilton, Director of Sport
SPORTS UPDATE Senior Sports Awards
Ski Team Win!
The Senior Sports Awards Evening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and sporting spirit of our senior pupils. Throughout the year, pupils have demonstrated commitment, resilience and teamwork both on and off the field. It was fantastic to recognise their efforts with awards including Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Lucky Spirit Awards and One to Watch.
We entered an inaugural team of three skiers into the UK Independent Schools National Indoor Skiing Championships at Hemel Hempstead on 22 June.
The evening was made even more memorable by an inspiring talk from Para Rower and world record holder Ben Pritchard, who encouraged pupils to focus on the qualities that require no talent but make all the difference: hard work, effort, attitude, passion and being prepared.
Romilly D - 4th in U16 Ben S - 4th in U16 Toby S - 2nd in U19 The combined scores meant Luckley ended the competition as champions - what a fabulous achievement!
Individual Sports Achievements We are incredibly proud to share that Lily N has recently been selected as one of just four goalkeepers in Great Britain to join the new Goalkeeper Squad initiative run by The Nationals. The Nationals are the UK’s leading goalkeeper camp and training providers, delivering elite coaching and education programmes for goalkeepers.
A huge well done to Year 9 pupil, Samuel B (on the left) who finished 2nd in the 800m race at the ISA national championships in June. Samuel achieved an incredible new school record of 2:08. A fantastic achievement!
After a successful trial with both Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Hockey Associations, Year 9 pupil Theo B has been a part of the U14 Boys Berkshire County Squad for this season, representing them in various matches across the southeast. He has also been selected as part of the U15 Berkshire County Squad for upcoming County Championships, to be held in Nottingham this summer.
20 20 Primary & Prep Cricket Festival Luckley was delighted to host its first 20-20 Prep Schools Cricket Festival on Tuesday 28 April, welcoming pupils from six local schools for a fantastic day of cricket, teamwork and friendly competition. Throughout the day, teams competed with great enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship as they battled for the Cup and Plate trophies. It was wonderful to see so many young cricketers showcasing their skills, supporting one another and enjoying the opportunity to play against new opponents. We would like to thank Dolphin School, Nine Mile Ride Primary School, Evendons Primary School, Wellington College Prep, Hawkedon Primary School and Upton Court Grammar School for taking part and helping to make the event such a success. The festival was a fabulous celebration of junior cricket and community spirit, and we look forward to welcoming schools back for future tournaments at Luckley.
CRICKET We were proud to field nine different cricket teams across both softball and hardball formats, providing opportunities for pupils of all ages and abilities to develop their skills, compete regularly and enjoy the game. Throughout the season, several of our teams competed in the Berkshire County Cup competitions, demonstrating excellent commitment and sportsmanship. A particular highlight came from our Year 9 and 10 boys, who enjoyed an impressive run in the Berkshire U15 Vase competition, progressing all the way to the Quarter Finals. Their success was a testament to the hard work and dedication shown throughout the season, as well as the strong team spirit that developed both on and off the field.
ATHLETICS Athletics has also been a significant area of achievement this term, with pupils competing in a variety of local, county and national events. Most year groups took part in the Reading District League, the English Schools Cup, the Wokingham District Championships, the Berkshire Schools Combined Events and the ISA Track & Field Championships. Across these competitions, our athletes produced a number of outstanding performances and achieved plenty of personal bests representing the School with distinction and demonstrating great determination in highly competitive environments. We were especially delighted that several pupils qualified for the ISA National Track & Field Championships. an achievement that reflects their commitment and talent.
Luckley Sports Festival Our Sports Festival was a highlight of the summer term, bringing together pupils, staff and families for a day of competition and Inter-House spirit. Throughout the day pupils took part in a wide range of events, including track races, high jump, rounders, cricket, tug of war and cornhole, demonstrating enthusiasm in every activity. The atmosphere was fantastic, with pupils encouraging one another, celebrating successes and giving their best effort from start to finish. Whether competing for their House, supporting teammates from the sidelines or trying something new, every pupil played a part in making the day such a success. We would like to congratulate all those who took part and thank the staff and volunteers who helped the event run so smoothly. We would also like to thank Luckley House Friends for supporting the event by selling candy floss and slushies.
ALUMNI NEWS
Ms Sarah Francis, Community Engagement Manager
Meet Baby Isla, Not What You May Expect Each year alumna, Lisa Hutchins (class of 1995) and her fiance, Nic (pictured with Isla) offer a Luckley student the opportunity to gain some work experience on their farm in Devon. This year one of our amazing Year 11 pupils, Isla B, joined them over the Easter break for a few days. In that short window of time Lisa opened up many opportunities and Isla tried her hand at ear tagging and bolusing, learnt how and subsequently did some sub cut injections, performed a worm count, drove the Polaris, docked a lamb and even helped with logging. The highlight was having the chance to lamb Ringot and having her ewe lamb named after her…meet baby Isla!
Class of 2025 Leavers Reunion Drinks Towards the end of April, we welcomed back last year’s leavers for drinks and nibbles. It was a chance to catch up with friends, reconnect with teachers, and hear what they have been up to since leaving Luckley. Although it has not yet been a full academic year since we said goodbye, it was genuinely lovely to see some of our former Year 13 students. We are proud to now count them among our young alumni. Many have taken gap years, spending time working and saving before travelling across Europe and Asia, while others have been involved in extended voluntary work abroad. Those on gap years will be heading off to university in September, bringing with them a wealth of experience. Others went straight into university or began apprenticeship schemes and report busy and fulfilling lives. This is a year group that exceeded expectations at A Level, and it is great to see them making the most of the opportunities ahead. We look forward to seeing what comes next.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS House Bake-off There was plenty of creativity, teamwork and friendly competition on display at this year's Luckley House School Bake Off. Pupils worked together to produce a fantastic selection of cakes, demonstrating skill and imagination. Congratulations to our winners: Galloway House. Thank you to all participants and judges for making the event such a success. It was wonderful to see the pupils supporting one another and enjoying the opportunity to contribute to school life.
Cultural Trip to Barcelona What an unforgettable trip to Barcelona! From exploring the colourful Park Güell and the breathtaking Sagrada Família, to a thrilling day at PortAventura World and a relaxing evening on the beach , our pupils packed so much into just four days. A visit to Montserrat added a peaceful contrast, while exploring the city and Port Vell rounded off an incredible experience. The pupils were fantastic throughout and were enthusiastic about making the most of every moment. A brilliant trip full of memories!
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Staff vs Pupils Dodgeball for the Rwanda Charity Blake House took on the Luckley staff team in a charity dodgeball match in support of Rwanda. After a spirited contest, the staff secured a 3–0 victory, but the real winners were the charitable cause and the fantastic sense of teamwork and community shown throughout the event. Thank you to all the pupils, staff and supporters who took part and helped make the afternoon such a success. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and House spirit on display. Congratulations to the staff team on the win and commiserations to Blake House. We suspect calls for a rematch may already be underway!
Eco School Enrichment Programme As part of our Eco-Schools Enrichment programme and our focus on healthy living and biodiversity, pupils enjoyed a productive session in the sensory garden this term. Together, they planted a variety of carefully chosen species including lavender, rosemary, buddleia, thyme and oregano. These plants were selected for their wonderful scents, culinary uses and attractiveness to pollinators, while also, hopefully, keeping the deers away. The group also harvested fresh strawberries, planted butternut squash seeds and prepared for the installation of new wildlife habitats. This includes robin nesting boxes, a hedgehog house and homes for mason and leafcutter bees. We are particularly grateful that the plants were purchased using funds raised during our non-uniform day in October, demonstrating how our school community can make a positive impact on the environment together. We would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Katie Clutterbuck for her dedication and hard work with the Eco Club over the past few years.
LUCKLEY HOUSE FRIENDS
Parents working together for our children
A Wonderful Summer Term This term has been another busy and successful one for LHF, with a range of activities organised to bring our school community together and create memorable experiences for our children and families. A key highlight was our Sports Festival, where pupils enjoyed taking part in a variety of sporting activities and challenges. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm, teamwork and determination on display throughout the day, with families joing us to support and celebrate the children's achievements. We would like to thank all our volunteers, supporters, and school staff who helped make these events possible. Your continued support enables LHF to organise activities that enrich school life. We look forward to bringing more exciting events and opportunities to our school community in the new academic year. To contact us, either leave a message in our tray at the school office or email us at Luckleyhousefriends@luckleyhouseschool.org
Winning House Trip to Thorpe Park Congratulations to Galloway House, winners of this year’s House Competition! As their well-deserved prize, pupils enjoyed an exciting trip to Thorpe Park, celebrating their fantastic teamwork and success throughout this academic year. They all had a great time, not least as the sun was shining!
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Mrs Laura Simmonds, Head of DofE
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME Bronze Our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants successfully completed their Assessed Expedition in West Berkshire, putting months of preparation and training into practice. Over two days, pupils navigated independently through the countryside, worked together to overcome challenges and camped overnight at Rushall Farm. The pupils demonstrated resilience, teamwork, problem-solving and independence, while developing confidence in their navigation and outdoor skills. We were incredibly proud of the determination and positive attitude shown by all participants, and congratulate them on reaching this important milestone in their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey.
Silver Our Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants also successfully completed their Assessed Expedition in the New Forest, taking on three days of independent navigation, teamwork and outdoor living. Building on the skills they had developed throughout their training and practice expedition, pupils demonstrated determination as they journeyed between campsites and worked together to complete the challenge. The expedition was an excellent opportunity for pupils to further develop their leadership, problem-solving and communication skills while enjoying the unique landscape of the New Forest. We were incredibly impressed by their support for one another throughout the expedition. Congratulations to all participants on completing this significant milestone.
Gold Our Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants successfully completed their expedition on Dartmoor, taking on the challenge of navigating across rugged terrain while carrying all of their equipment and camping overnight. Despite exceptionally hot conditions, the group showed great resilience throughout the expedition. They demonstrated excellent navigation, campcraft and expedition skills, applying the knowledge and experience they had developed through months of preparation and training. Their positive attitude and ability to adapt to challenging conditions were particularly impressive. Congratulations to all members of the Gold group on this outstanding achievement.
LIBRARY NEWS
Mrs Janice Marston, Library Manager
Pupil Assistant Librarians A huge thank you and congratulations goes to our dedicated team of hard-working Pupil Assistant Librarians who have supported the smooth and successful running of the library throughout this academic year. Coral B, Emily O, Leandro R, Marilia C, Olly C, and Tilly B have all given up their time generously to help with a wide range of important tasks, including shelving and organising books, supporting displays, assisting with stock checks, and helping to ensure the library remains a welcoming and well-resourced space for all pupils. Their reliability, enthusiasm, and positive attitude have made a real difference to the day-to-day life of the library and have been greatly appreciated by both staff and students alike. Applications for the 2026–27 PAL team will open in the autumn term, We look forward to welcoming a new group of pupils who are eager to take on this rewarding role.
Luckley Library Loves This term in library lessons, pupils in Years 7, 8, and 9 have been taking part in a creative reading initiative designed to celebrate and share their favourite books. As part of this, they have been producing imaginative “three-word” book reviews to capture the essence of titles they would recommend to their peers. Alongside these concise reviews, pupils have also created miniature book facsimiles, carefully designed to reflect the covers and themes of their chosen books.
Summer Reading Challenge All pupils are encouraged to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and there’s no better time to enjoy a good book than over the summer holidays, particularly as it is the National Year of Reading. To complete the challenge, pupils read six books and record them in their booklet. Alongside this, they can choose to take part in extra activities such as completing lines on the book bingo board and writing book reviews. Every pupil who completes the six-book challenge will be entered into a prize draw. Additional entries can also be earned for each completed line of book bingo, and one for every book review submitted. The more pupils read and engage, the greater their chances of winning!