News from the Hill Issue 10, Trinity 2026
Speech Day Celebrations Page 4
In this issue...
Appointment of New Head Page 3
American Program Graduation Page 5
Sports Day Spirit Page 7
Word from the Head Welcome to the latest edition of News from the Hill. One of the great privileges of being Head of Kingham Hill is seeing the many different ways in which young people grow. Sometimes that growth can be measured in examination results, and we have much to celebrate in the excellent GCSE and Sixth Form achievements featured in these pages. Just as often, however, it happens through experience: taking to the stage, completing a challenging expedition, representing a team, pursuing a new interest or discovering the confidence to have a go. This edition is full of such moments. Conor took his EPQ to new heights by designing and launching his own rocket; our quizzers competed against some of the country’s most academically selective schools at the Schools Challenge National Finals; and pupils helped test a new video game, earning a credit in its worldwide release. Elsewhere, pupils have performed, competed,
explored New York, undertaken DofE expeditions and gone the extra mile, quite literally, to raise money for causes close to our community. What connects these experiences is not simply achievement, but the curiosity, resilience, teamwork and willingness to embrace opportunity that characterise life at Kingham Hill. As I approach my final term as Head, I find myself especially grateful for the community that makes those opportunities possible. Speech Day offered a fitting reminder of this, celebrating not only achievement but personal growth, character, service and the experiences and memories that shape us. Schools change and new chapters begin, but their character is found in their people. I hope these pages capture something of the energy, warmth and spirit of this remarkable community, and that you enjoy looking back on another memorable term on the Hill.
Pete Last, Head
Celebrating Excellent Exam Results Kingham Hill celebrated another year of strong academic achievement, with excellent GCSE and Sixth Form results. At GCSE, more than half of all results were awarded at Grades 9–7, well over double the national average of 22%, with an impressive 33% of results at Grades 9–8. Particularly strong performances in Further Mathematics, English Literature and the Sciences highlighted the academic ambition of the year group. The success continued into the Sixth Form, where 45% of all A Level, BTEC and CTEC grades were awarded at A*–A or equivalent, whilst two thirds of all grades were awarded at A*–B. Behind the headline figures were individual stories of success and progress. Gabriel achieved straight 9s in his GCSE subjects, alongside an outstanding A* in Mathematics A Level, which he took two years early. Aria achieved seven Grade 9s and three Grade 8s, whilst Milo achieved two A*s and an A at A Level, 2
securing a place to study History at the University of Exeter. Georgia achieved three A grades and will progress to the University of Sheffield to study Biomedical Science. Reflecting on the results of this year’s Sixth Form pupils, Head, Mr Last said, “Once again, our Upper Sixth pupils have demonstrated a remarkable level of commitment and maturity throughout their time at Kingham Hill. These results are a wonderful reflection of the hard work they have put in, and I am immensely proud of what they have achieved. This year’s set of results reflect not only strong attainment, but also excellent progress, with our value-added statistics showing the significant progress pupils have made from their individual starting points. I would like to thank our dedicated teaching staff, whose expertise, encouragement and support have played such an important role in helping every pupil fulfil their potential.”
New Head Appointed for Kingham Hill
CCF Passing Out Parade Marks Cadet Success Kingham Hill’s 3rd Form Cadets reached a proud milestone in May at the CCF Passing Out Parade, marking the successful completion of their first stage of Army and RAF training. Following their recent Recruits Camp, cadets were joined by families, staff and pupils, with Foundation Trustee and Army Nurse Mrs Debra Ritsperis as Inspecting Officer. Awards recognised outstanding commitment and achievement, including Best Recruit, Best Driller, Best Infanteer and Best Aviator, while several cadets received promotions for their dedication and leadership.
In August, we were delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Cooke as the incoming Head of Kingham Hill School. Mr Cooke will succeed Mr Pete Last, when he retires in January 2027. Mr Cooke joins Kingham Hill with more than 30 years’ experience in education, including 20 years as a senior leader. Mr Cooke’s leadership philosophy closely reflects the school’s commitment to ensuring every pupil is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. Throughout his career, he has championed an approach that combines academic ambition with exceptional pastoral care, placing equal emphasis on developing confidence, character and individual talents. Mr Cooke joins Kingham Hill from Langley Senior School in Norfolk, where he has served as Head. During his tenure, he led significant improvements in school culture, academic performance and long-term sustainability. Under his leadership, Langley School has delivered outstanding outcomes for its pupils, including being among the top 10%
nationally for GCSE progress and the top 25% nationally for A Level progress. Earlier in his career, Mr Cooke spent nine years as Vice Principal at Hinchingbrooke School in Cambridgeshire, one of the region’s largest secondary schools, where he held responsibility for teaching and learning, pastoral care, behaviour, operations and communications. Outside education, Mr Cooke has a life-long passion for sport, outdoor education and adventure. He has coached rugby and led activities including rock climbing, kayaking and mountaineering. He remains a keen runner, walker and skier.
Animal Care Egg-Citement This summer, there was plenty of eggcitement in Animal Management, with ten chicks hatching from incubated eggs. Pupils in 4th and Sixth Form played an active role, observing their development and learning about their care. When one chick developed a splayed leg, pupils researched treatments and created a splint using elastic bands. Cared for temporarily in Mrs McFarlane’s lab, the chick’s recovery was closely monitored. Within three days, she was encouragingly able to stand and walk independently!
Speech and Drama Showcase The Performing Arts Centre came alive with outstanding performances as pupils took to the stage for this year’s Speech and Drama Showcase. Directed by Miss Phillips, with lighting and sound expertly managed by Mr Jones and Jesse (1st Form) the evening featured a varied programme of LAMDA exam pieces performed earlier this year, alongside a selection of exciting new works. From comedy and classic literature to powerful contemporary drama, pupils demonstrated an impressive range of stage skills. Junior performers entertained the audience with lively productions including In the Laboratory
of Dr Death, The Glass Slipper and Kidnapped at Christmas, while senior pupils delivered compelling extracts from Private Peaceful, Macbeth, 1984, Salome and Accidental Death of an Anarchist. The showcase highlighted not only the breadth of dramatic talent in the school, but the composure pupils have developed through their speech and drama studies. Bringing the evening to a close, Miss Phillips praised the performers for their commitment, saying it is “absolutely fantastic to see our young people growing in confidence, and growing in their skills of speech and drama.”
Art in the Big Apple Over Enrichment Week, the Art Department enjoyed an unforgettable five-day adventure in New York City. The packed itinerary included visits to the Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim Museum, alongside iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Empire State Building. Pupils also experienced the energy of Manhattan, exploring Times Square, enjoying American dining and finding time for shopping at Macy’s. The trip provided invaluable inspiration, immersing pupils in the art, architecture and culture of one of the world’s most creative cities. 3
Speech Day Celebrations
Young Writers Recognised
We brought the academic year to a memorable close on Saturday 4th July with Speech Day, celebrating pupil achievement, personal growth and the community at the heart of life on the Hill. The day began with music from the Kingham Hill Choir, followed by a Chapel Service, before the Prize-Giving Ceremony recognised academic excellence, personal development, character, progress, leadership, service, sporting achievement and contributions to school life. Head, Mr Last, encouraged pupils to look ahead with confidence. Whilst guest speaker and former pupil Nim Anderson reminded pupils of the importance of lived experience and the memories that shape who we are. Heads of School Georgia and Herbie, alongside Deputies
Finlay, Harriett and Maita, also delivered moving speeches reflecting fondly on their time at Kingham Hill. The afternoon continued with tea on the lawn and a cricket match between the Barings 1st XI and Hillians, bringing pupils, staff, alumni and families together. Celebrations continued into the evening with the Sixth Form Summer Ball, where guests enjoyed delicious food, music, and a traditional ceilidh expertly called by Mr Steele.
Enrichment Week Experiences The final week of term at Kingham Hill was filled with adventure, discovery and personal development as pupils stepped away from their usual timetables for a varied programme designed to challenge and inspire. The 1st Form enjoyed a medieval-themed residential featuring camping, archery, orienteering and a visit to Warwick Castle, while the 2nd Form explored the Jurassic Coast through outdoor adventure and STEM activities.
Pupils once again demonstrated their creativity and literary talent in the English Department’s annual Creative Writing Competition, entering original poetry, short stories and long stories. Jayson (Upper Sixth) enjoyed particular success, winning both the poetry and short story categories, as well as being crowned overall winner for his compelling story, What’s Eating StellaGray. Theo (3rd Form) won the long story category. Head of English, Mr Lee, praised the quality of entries and Jayson’s “mature style”, highlighting creative writing as a valuable, transferable skill that encourages pupils to explore the world through different perspectives.
Geography in Action Kingham Hill geographers took their classroom learning into the field this term, exploring river health in the Cotswolds and urban regeneration in London. In May, Lower Sixth pupils investigated the Rivers Evenlode and Windrush, collecting data on water quality, including pH, temperature, turbidity, nutrients and invertebrate life. The following month, 4th Form and Lower Sixth visited Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to investigate how regeneration has affected quality of life in East London. Both trips developed pupils’ skills in observation, data collection, analysis and geographical enquiry, bringing their studies to life.
Pupils Test New Video Game Pupils across the school, from 1st Form to Upper Sixth, assisted with the development of a new video game this term. They stress-tested an upcoming title from Dutch publisher Pixel Doors, tasked with breaking the game however they could. The team identified around 30 bugs and provided valuable feedback on its mechanics and difficulty. 3rd Form pupils chose between CCF Camp at Inskip, developing leadership and teamwork, or a programme of volunteering and trips to Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle, an aqua park and Oxford.
Art pupils travelled to New York, visiting iconic landmarks and world-renowned galleries, including the Guggenheim Museum and MoMA.
The 4th Form took part in a boarding residential, the Malvern Ridge Walk, an Oxford City Challenge and an energetic ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition, alongside a trip to Thorpe Park.
Enrichment Week also featured a busy cricket schedule. A standout moment came when Tom (Upper Sixth) scored an unbeaten 103 for the 1st XI, becoming the first Kingham Hill pupil in seven years to record a century.
Lower Sixth pupils selected from a range of activities, while Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants focused on expedition training and assessment.
Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Mr Irwin, reflected: “We hope Enrichment Week has provided memories and experiences that will stay with pupils for years to come.”
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The game, about a lone shopkeeper surviving the world’s most stressful job, launched worldwide in July. The pupils were credited in the final release, giving them an exciting early professional accolade to add to their CVs.
Rocket Project Soars From the classroom to the launchpad, Conor (Upper Sixth) took his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to new heights by designing and building his own model rocket. The ambitious project which combined research, design, construction and testing, culminated in the successful launch of his final rocket, and presenting of his findings in May. The EPQ enables Sixth Form pupils to explore a subject of their choice while developing valuable skills in research, critical thinking and communication.
American Program Graduation A highlight of the academic year, the American Program Graduation Ceremony celebrates Kingham Hill’s US pupils as they receive their high school diplomas. This year’s ceremony recognised the Class of 2026, who have made a significant contribution to school life. Following the ceremony, families and friends gathered for a celebratory BBQ. A particular highlight was hearing
from the graduates themselves, alongside heartfelt speeches from staff, who reflected on the qualities, accomplishments and lasting memories that have defined this exceptional group. Developed in conjunction with the US State Department, Kingham Hill is one of the few UK independent schools to offer a fully accredited US diploma alongside a British curriculum.
DofE Adventures and Achievements Kingham Hill pupils have embraced adventure and personal growth through their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journeys this term. 4th Form pupils completed their Silver qualifying expedition in the Peak District, navigating a challenging three-day route through the Hope Valley while managing their pace and meals independently. Gold participants also travelled to the Peak District for a demanding four-day practice expedition,
developing navigation, campcraft and emergency skills ahead of their qualifying assessment which took place during Enrichment Week. The school also celebrated five 2025 leavers who attended the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Celebration at Buckingham Palace, marking the culmination of their volunteering, expeditions and residential experiences.
National Quiz Success Kingham Hill’s quizzers have enjoyed an outstanding season, with the U15 team securing two victories over Brighton College, and the 1st Team finishing third in the Schools Challenge National Finals, competing against some of the country’s most academically selective schools. The national finalists, Gabriel (5th Form), Amy, Finlay and Herbie (Upper Sixth), demonstrated impressive knowledge, speed and teamwork, building on years of Quiz Club participation. Together, the teams’ success reflects Kingham Hill’s thriving quizzing culture and commitment to fostering academic curiosity.
Kingham Hill in Concert Kingham Hill’s Music Department has enjoyed a fantastic term, treating the school to a Foundation-wide Celebration of Music, in addition to a series of concerts. At the Junior Concert in June, performances ranged from first-time musicians to experienced soloists and ensembles, featuring everything from Vivaldi and Mozart to Billy Joel, Pink Floyd and music from The Incredibles. Following an evening of impressive performances, the Summer Concert marked a heartfelt farewell to our Upper Sixth musicians, whose dedication has been integral to the school’s musical life. 5
Classic Cars Come to the Hill In June, Kingham Hill welcomed visitors from across the region for its inaugural Classic Car Show, with more than 70 classic and vintage vehicles displayed across the campus. Pupils, parents, alumni, staff and members of the local community enjoyed an impressive collection spanning a range of makes, models and eras.
The event also coincided with an alumni lunch, welcoming former pupils back to the Hill to reconnect with old friends. The gathering followed the launch of Kingham 10, the school’s new alumni networking initiative, which aims to create connections between younger alumni through regional events and professional networking.
Meet the Team
The day was a wonderful celebration of community, bringing together generations of alumni and classic motoring enthusiasts. Our thanks to everyone who exhibited, volunteered or attended. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors in the years ahead.
Octagon Dinner The Octagon Academic Society’s Annual Dinner returned in April, bringing together pupils, parents and staff for an evening celebrating academic achievement, curiosity and discussion.
Name: Mrs Joanne Irwin
What is your role within the school? I have many hats! I am the School Librarian, Greenwich Houseparent, Teacher of Art and Design Technician.
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, before an address from Guest of Honour, Sir Anthony Seldon, which explored one of the defining questions of our time: what distinguishes human beings from artificial intelligence?
What is the most interesting part of your day-to-day work? The most interesting part of my dayto-day work is talking to our warm and friendly pupils, and listening to their fun and interesting stories.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks from outgoing Octagon President, Emily (Upper Sixth), who reflected on her time in the Society and the many opportunities it has provided throughout her Kingham Hill journey.
What activities do you enjoy in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy painting and cooking, especially with my family. Who, or what, has most inspired you? My dad has always pushed me to challenge myself and learn new skills. Tell us one activity that is on your ‘Bucket List’. After listening to Drama Teacher Mrs Bayliss talking to her class, I would really like to swim with seals. Finally, the best thing about working at Kingham Hill is… Being around young people who have the confidence to be themselves, in terms of their faith and identity. 6
Exploring Careers Lower Sixth pupils gained valuable insights into different routes into the world of work this term, with visits from Hillian Charlie Megson and Jaguar Land Rover’s Classic Vehicle Technician, James Barrett. Charlie, now completing a Business Management degree shared his experience of a placement year with Unilever, where he has worked as a Global Assistant Marketing Manager. He offered practical advice on applications, interviews and assessment centres, while highlighting the benefits of gaining real-world experience alongside a degree. James shared his journey from school to a JLR Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship and his current role restoring iconic Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. He also discussed the future of the automotive industry, electric vehicle technology and the range of apprenticeship and graduate opportunities available.
House Spirit Shines on Sports DayDay In June, we came together for Sports Day, with pupils demonstrating determination, teamwork and House spirit throughout. Whether striving for victory on the track and field or cheering on their friends from the sidelines, every pupil played a part in creating a memorable day of competition. From the morning’s first race to the final relay in the afternoon sunshine, pupils
gave their all across a full programme of events. The day featured sprints, challenging middle-distance races and relays, alongside a range of field events including the long jump, high jump, javelin, discus and shot put. The day concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding performances, teamwork and House spirit.
Going the Extra Mile for Charity Pupils, staff and the wider community went the extra mile this term, raising more than £3,700 for important causes through two endurance challenges. In April, Plymouth House took on a demanding 24-hour challenge to raise money for Calling Academy in South Africa, which provides education and opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The boys ran continuous laps, completing an incredible 556 laps and covering approximately 723km. Seven boys completed the equivalent of a marathon, while three reached ultra-marathon distances! With support from the school community, the challenge raised over £2,200.
The fundraising continued in May, when Team KHS returned to the Bidwells Oxford 10k. Pupils, parents, staff, friends and family took part, raising more than £1,500 for the MAP Nemaline Fund at Muscular Dystrophy UK. The fund was chosen in honour of Kingham Hill pupil Meriel, who lives with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Together, these challenges have raised vital funds whilst demonstrating Kingham Hill’s community spirit. Resident Tutor Mr Skerratt praised the “heart, resilience and comradeship” of Plymouth House, while Mr Martin highlighted the importance of supporting research into rare muscle conditions.
The Junior, Inter and Senior House Sports Day winners were announced, alongside the much-coveted Victor and Victrix Ludorum titles. These awards, presented to a boy and girl in each age category, recognise the pupils who accumulated the highest number of points across the individual events.
Girls’ Rugby on the Rise Kingham Hill’s Girls’ Rugby Team enjoyed a fantastic day at the Banbury 10s Women and Girls Festival, joining more than 700 players from U12 to U18 in celebrating the growth of girls’ rugby. Joining forces with Lutterworth RFC, the team played five matches on the show pitch, demonstrating determination and teamwork throughout. The festival provided a valuable opportunity to face new opposition, develop skills and enjoy the sport they love. The event was Banbury RUFC’s largest Women and Girls Festival to date, highlighting the growing momentum behind women’s and girls’ rugby.
Honouring Excellence in Sport This term, Kingham Hill’s Sixth Form Colours Dinner, celebrated a year of sporting excellence. Representatives from hockey, rugby, football, netball and cricket reflected on memorable seasons, with captains sharing highlights and recognising the commitment and performances of their team mates. Coaches then paid tribute to departing pupils, celebrating not only their sporting achievements but also their leadership and character. A key message for those leaving the Hill was to “keep on playing” and continue enjoying the benefits of sport. 7
Little Shop of Horrors Returns to Kingham Hill From the first note to the final curtain call, this year’s Junior Production of Little Shop of Horrors was a performance to remember. After months of rehearsals, the cast brought Seymour Krelborn’s extraordinary story to life with confidence, humour and impressive musical talent, supported by a dedicated backstage crew, across three performances from Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th June. Despite exceptionally hot weather, pupils delivered every song, scene and dance
Kingham Hill School Kingham, Chipping Norton Oxfordshire OX7 6TH
number with remarkable energy and professionalism, making the performances all the more impressive. Audiences were also delighted by a memorable cameo from Head, Mr Last, who provided the booming voice of the infamous maneating plant, Audrey II. For many, the production was the culmination of months – and in some cases years – of developing their performance skills through the school’s Performing Arts Academy, a mainstay of the co-curricular
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programme that gives pupils regular opportunities to build confidence, hone their stagecraft and develop their love of performance. The show also marked a special return to Kingham Hill’s musical history. When Mr Jones joined as Director of Music, he chose Little Shop of Horrors as the school’s firstever full-scale musical, performed in 2004. More than two decades later, it was a fitting tribute to revisit the production that began a cherished annual tradition.