KIF 2024/25

IN FOCUS

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

Dear Parents and Friends,

As you turn the pages, I suspect you will be dazzled by the array of achievements – academic triumphs, musical brilliance, dramatic flair, sporting heroics, charitable endeavours, trips and adventures at home and abroad – but what I hope strikes you even more is the spirit in which it has all been done. That spirit is our real superpower.

Community, I believe, is the word that best describes Kingswood. It is there in the way pupils cheer one another on from the side-lines, or throw themselves wholeheartedly into productions, expeditions and fundraising. It is there in the countless acts of kindness, large and small, that knit together the daily life of the School. And it is there, too, in the way we look beyond our gates and give our time and energy in service of others.

This has, above all, been a happy year. I hear it and I see it each day at

For those of you who heard my address at Prize Giving, you will have appreciated the near-impossible task of summing up a whole year at Kingswood in just a few minutes. But the wonderful thing about this magazine is that it does what I cannot: it captures in pictures, stories and reflections the sheer breadth and joy of school life in 2024–25.

school, and it is evident on the faces of teachers and parents watching our young people thrive. The culture of a happy, high achieving community, of course, is not something that can be forced – it grows naturally when young people feel valued, inspired and part of something bigger than themselves. That, to me, is Kingswood at its very best.

To our pupils, thank you for throwing yourselves into school life with such energy and generosity. To my colleagues, thank you for your tireless dedication. And to our parents, thank you for your support and encouragement throughout the year. Together, you make Kingswood the place it is. A final word of thanks and best wishes to Mrs Herlinger for her incredible service to our school as she departs for pastures new, and to Mr Reeman who steps down having worked for several decades to get Kingswood sport to the excellent place that it is.

Community, I believe, is the word that best describes Kingswood.

I hope you enjoy this magazine as much as I do. It is more than just a record of achievements; it is a snapshot of a vibrant, caring, and joyful community.

With warmest wishes,

Mr Andrew Gordon-Brown (Headmaster)

Editor: Theresa Faux

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

SOCIAL JUSTICE AT THE HEART OF KINGSWOOD

‘By religion I mean the love of God and [people], filling the heart and governing the life. The sure effect of this is the uniform practice of justice, mercy, and truth. This is the very essence of it, the height and depth of religion, detached from this or that opinion, and from all particular modes of worship.’ From John Wesley’s sermon ‘Of former things’.

Our Founder, John Wesley, expressed his love of God and people not just in word but in his passionate practice of justice, mercy and truth: Justice being the fight for fairness and standing up for what is right, for example speaking out about the slave trade; Mercy, his active compassion and focus on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable in society, founding places to provide food, clothing, shelter, medicine and education; Truth, his lifelong passion for learning and teaching, whether academic or spiritual, expressed in 100s of pamphlets, books and sermons with the aim of transforming lives.

Our school has seen immense change since the days of Wesley with wonderful advances in education but he would, I’m sure, be delighted to see a community that is still engaged and compassionate, open hearted and kind, standing up for fairness and inclusion, looking outward to the needs of others and finding ways to serve.

Last year we had a new PR position representing Social Justice and Kara did an amazing job in that role, leading Chapel services on the theme of Justice, speaking to Governors and encouraging engagement. Senior students took a big part in the Christmas Charity Fair for the first time, filling the Sports Hall with a fantastic array of stalls and games.

After a first very successful Social Justice group in 2023/4 we started afresh in September 2024 with a new group of Year 12s. They learnt about development work of NGOs in LIC countries, thinking critically about ways in which help can harm or have a positive impact. As well as learning about our charities in Malawi, they continued our partnership with the Life Project in Bath which seeks to support Adults with Learning Difficulties through gardening. We hosted them for lunch and gardening and they hosted us in return at their allotment and we had fun learning some Makaton signing. We also began a new partnership, learning about the amazing family support work of Southside in Bath, meeting CEO Penny McKissock and teaching others about it in Chapel.

...delighted to see a community that is still engaged and compassionate...

A new international partnership is developing with a fantastic NGO called Beyond Ourselves in Zambia which has successfully converted Jolly Phonics to work in Zambian culture, dramatically increasing levels of literacy. 18 students have been selected to go and visit in July 2026 to learn about development in context, visiting local communities, schools and Social Enterprise projects. It will be a life changing opportunity for us all.

Rev. Katy Thomas

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At the end of my first year of being Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lead, I am feeling excited and encouraged by the level of student involvement I have encountered in our wonderful community.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Mambwe and Terence for their work as EDI prefects. They were consistently engaged and motivated, delivering EDI notices in assembly in most weeks of the year.

We have marked a lot of days and months to do with religion, ethnicity, sexuality and disability throughout the year – which has acted as a way in which to encourage students to think about the wider world in Monday assemblies, but also has educated students on a number of issues, from Tourette’s, to hearing loss, to how different religious festivals are being celebrated globally. I have had some lovely positive feedback on these messages from students of all age groups.

We were joined by the amazing Chine McDonald for a whole school service to mark Black History Month, in which she talked about her own experience as a black student at school. She also spoke to students in small groups afterwards. She is a very inspiring woman.

For Holocaust Memorial Day in January, Miss Davison gave moving and engaging chapel services on physical Holocaust memorials around the world and talked about the experience of her own family members. Students came to the library to write their hopes for the future on memorial flames.

We have had assemblies across all ages to mark International Men’s Day

in November (focusing on positive images of masculinity and role modelling) and International Women’s Day in March (focusing on data and design on the real world – did you know that Alexa is trained to understand male voices more clearly than female voices?!).

In March, I accompanied Kara and Mambwe to Radio Bath for an event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Kara was there in her capacity as Young Ambassador for Children’s Hospice South West. The trio had the very enjoyable opportunity to talk to a number of very impressive women from Bath involved in: business, politics, media and charities.

At the end of their visit, they were invited onto a live radio interview, in which Kara spoke persuasively about the vital work of Children’s Hospice South West, and Mambwe spoke about the importance of International Women’s Day.

In April, we celebrated our second annual Identity Day. Students were encouraged to wear something which represented their identity in any way they chose. We were treated to some beautiful national dress, particularly from Japan, Nepal, Hong Kong, China and Nigeria. There were also many sports team shirts on show and t-shirts showing hobbies and interests of choice. We were treated to an international menu for lunch and saw displays of flags from every country of origin for students and staff!

In May, Terence and Mambwe did their

best and most important work of the year, by developing assemblies and general studies sessions for almost all students on Neurodivergence. They were informative, personal and positive – encouraging students to understand that we all have brains that work differently and how to support each other in class and in friendship. Many students and staff commented on how informed they felt afterwards and how much they now wanted to find out more.

Through the spring and summer terms, we held four student voice forums: gender, race, sexuality and disability. So many interesting and powerful views were expressed, leading to discussions in many areas of the school and some updates and changes. Most importantly, students were inspired to step up and help make a real change –volunteering to organise Black History Month, reinvigorate Black Students of Kingswood and start a student-run Pride group. I am so grateful for the help and the enthusiasm!

Finally, all departments have been working on EDI curriculum reviews to ensure that they show as much diversity as possible in materials, displays and examples through their courses. So many wonderful elements of subjects have been highlighted and excellent targets made for next year. It is really empowering to feel the whole community coming together in a team effort to ensure that all feel included, supported and celebrated.

Thank you to Miss Borys in the library, for all of the amazing displays throughout the year – they really helped to support each celebration!

My new EDI prefect for the coming year is Janice. We cannot wait to get started with lots of new plans!

Mrs Emma Brown (EDI Lead)

PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION: DOING ALL THE GOOD WE CAN

At

Kingswood

excellence,

School, we believe that education is not only about academic

it’s about shaping young people who lead with empathy, act with compassion, and serve with purpose.

Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition and inspired by John Wesley’s enduring call to “do all the good you can, in all the ways you can,” our commitment to service is not an optional extra, it is a core part of who we are.

In a time when many independent schools are facing economic pressures, VAT changes, and scrutiny around charitable status, some may feel compelled to scale back their community engagement. At Kingswood, we’ve chosen a different path. In 2023, under the leadership of Mr GordonBrown, my role was redefined to reflect the importance of this work within the Pillars of a Kingswood Education. Since then, we’ve doubled down on our commitment, celebrating what happens at Kingswood. In this capacity I was asked to create Kingswood School’s first social impact report to coincide with our 275th celebrations, which I am proud to say was launched December 2024. Scan the QR code below to read the full report.

This article offers a glimpse into the partnerships and projects that are shaping our students and strengthening our community. It also introduces a new framework – the Taxonomy of Kindness – which maps the journey we hope every Kingswoodian will take as they grow into empowered, compassionate changemakers.

SOCIAL

PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Our partnerships span local, national, and international contexts, offering students meaningful opportunities to engage with the world around them.

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS:

Southside, SFC, CHSW, Genesis Trust, Julian House, Mentoring Plus

Our local partnerships are equally impactful. We are excited to begin a collaboration with Southside to create a student forum across Bath to support families in crisis, in addition to mentoring younger peers through Mentoring Plus, and raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). These experiences are not just charitable, they are transformational.

• 10,000+ hours of student service including DofE.

• £47,700 raised for charity inc. over £37,000 through staff and student initiatives.

• 3,500 community members reached.

IMPACT AT KINGSWOOD 2024–25

METHODIST AND LOCAL SCHOOLS:

Selwood Academy & Madero College

Our Methodist partnerships exemplify the power of shared values. With Selwood Academy in Frome and Madero College in Puebla, Mexico, we’ve built a vibrant programme rooted in the Wesleyan ethos of service and global citizenship. From joint John Wesley Days to curriculum-linked projects on food insecurity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students are learning to lead with courage and compassion. In the past three years we have also seen groups of students from Madero visit Bath and participate in Bath Schools MUN. Kingswood students met online with their contemporaries from Mexico and across Latin America to discuss and debate issues that affect our world. And finally students from both schools came together for a STEM programme and conference which focused on the John Wesley Challenge and developing ways to combat aspects of food Insecurity.

“Through these shared experiences, we’re empowering a generation of courageous advocates.”

Dan Jeffries, Headmaster, Selwood Academy

“Our shared Wesleyan DNA calls us to unity – not just in spirit, but in action.”

Victor Valerio Cordova, Principal, Prepa UMAD, Mexico

INTERNATIONAL IMPACT: Mbora and Malawi

Our connection to Malawi continues to inspire. This year, the Christmas Charity Fair raised £30,000, supporting our five Malawi charities including Mbora, a social enterprise founded by Kingswood alumnus Adrian Raisbeck (Class of 1992). Mbora empowers farmers through ethical finance and sustainable agriculture, increasing incomes tenfold and transforming communities.

“Mbora is a testament to what happens when education, compassion, and action come together.”

A WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO SERVICE

Social impact at Kingswood is not confined to a single department, it is woven into the fabric of school life:

• Pastorally: Students are supported to reflect on their values and actions, with over 20 house-related fundraising opportunities and associated awareness raising activities.

• Academic Curriculum: Service themes are embedded in subjects like PE and Sport, also within academic subjects through extracurricular programme and supporting younger students at local Primary schools and KPS.

• Co-Curricular Programme: From the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to the Social Justice Group, students engage in structured, meaningful service activities to help others.

• Chapel and Assemblies: Weekly reflections reinforce and celebrate our shared mission, through Rev. Katy and her amazing programme of chapel services and assembly programme.

• Staff Involvement: 39 staff members led a wide spectrum of service initiatives this year, modelling leadership and compassion.

THE TAXONOMY OF KINDNESS: A BLUEPRINT FOR GROWTH

To guide our students’ journey, we’ve introduced the Kingswood Taxonomy of Kindness, a developmental model that maps the path from empathy to compassionate leadership:

interactive staff/ student-led events

which require a greater involvement from student body, e.g. Year 7 Boarders’ Walk, Wesley Day, Cake Sales, UpperFest 3

Sustained, structured programmes

4 Compassionate Active Student-initiated, transformative

This model helps us ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow through service, starting with small acts and progressing to leadership and advocacy.

Mr Garrod Musto (Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement)

Sustained Service activities over a period of time, which are organised by staff or other organisations, e.g. Duke of Edinburgh, Mentoring Plus

Sustained Service activities created and developed through student voice, e.g. Social Justice Group initiatives, CHSW fundraising campaigns

e are proud of what we’ve achieved, but we know there is more to do. As we look ahead, we invite you –parents, alumni, local partners – to join us. Whether you have an idea for a new partnership, want to support an existing initiative, or simply want to learn more, we would love to hear from you.

SIXTH FORM

THE NEW ADVANCED ELECTIVES PROGRAMME

This has been the inaugural year for the Kingswood Advanced Electives programme, which has been a resounding success and provided our students with breadth and depth in the curriculum outside of their A Level subjects. Students have had the opportunity to take part in 10- or 20-week courses which have enabled them to develop new skills and explore subject areas of interest, which will also help prepare them for further education and employment.

MENTORING PLUS

Peer mentoring has again been running this year, working with Bath-based charity Mentoring Plus to train 50 Kingswood Year 12 students. The mentoring scheme is designed to bridge age groups and foster empathy, leadership and independence among students and continues to be very popular with more applicants than available spaces. In the initiative, Kingswood sixth formers are trained by Mentoring

A favourite for many has been the Introduction to Criminology course run by Mr Lynch, where students finished the course dressed as forensic investigators sent to a mock crime scene. The Year 12s commented on how fun this was and loved learning about the personality types of serial killers and different theories underpinning criminology.

Others have enjoyed learning more about the planet and its future with Mr Moat’s Environmental Science course; exploring topical issues with Mr Woodgate as part of the International Relations elective; and delving into Pharmacology with Mr Allchorne. There have also been a number of creative courses, with a highlight

being the development of Kingswood’s new caller hold music, an original composition by Pai and Amy.

Both the Innovation and Enterprise and STEM Racing electives have enabled our Year 12 students to get involved in external competitions, with one of the F1 teams travelling to Rotherham for the national final, and other groups presenting their business ideas to the Royal High School, and visiting Bath University.

Overall, Kingswood teachers have developed an exciting array of courses that have fully engaged our Year 12 students, offering fresh challenges and the chance to explore and practise a diverse range of subjects and skills.

Plus in safeguarding, communication and emotional intelligence and then mentor younger students in Years 6-9 at Kingswood and nearby primary schools St Andrew’s and St Stephen’s. Mentors gain valuable life skills, while younger students benefit from the support and connection with older peers.

Kingswood mentors have said the following about the programme:

“Through the programme, I have developed a relationship with my

mentee and have visibly seen her grow in confidence as the recent months have passed. The mentorship relationship is truly a two-way street, with both parties benefiting from the exchange of time, ideas and support. It has been a pleasure to catch up with someone every week who looks forward to your arrival and values your time.”

“It has been an eye-opening experience to learn about the pastoral and welfare side of education and how important it can be in some young people’s lives.”

CAREER GUIDANCE

This year has been an exciting and transformative one for the Careers Department and the Sixth Form, beginning with our move into the new Careers Office in the Dixon building. This dedicated space has significantly improved accessibility for students, providing a welcoming environment where they can easily seek guidance and support on a range of career-related matters.

Among the year’s highlights were three highly successful networking events, which brought together a diverse group of parents and alumni to share their professional experiences. These events provided students with the opportunity to ask insightful questions and, in many cases, secure valuable work experience placements.

We were also pleased to collaborate once again with The Royal High School, inviting their students to join us in May for a joint networking event. This gave students from both schools the chance to develop their networking skills and build confidence in a setting that, while occasionally outside their comfort zones, offered meaningful and practical experience.

In June, our Year 12 students undertook a wide range of work experience placements – many of which were both ambitious and inspiring. Opportunities ranged from local placements with funeral directors, veterinary clinics, and law firms, to more unique experiences such as assisting at the Monaco Grand Prix. Several students have since been offered additional placements or internships over the summer holidays, and employers consistently praised their enthusiasm, professionalism, and contribution.

Alongside these practical experiences, students have continued to explore career development through their Life Skills lessons. Key topics included CV writing, interview preparation, personal values, and the evolving impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work.

It has been especially encouraging to see how open-minded and proactive students have been in exploring a wide range of future career paths. Several have successfully secured highly competitive apprenticeship offers, while many others have broadened their awareness of less familiar professions – with some now confidently able to answer questions such as, “What does a phlebotomist do?” This curiosity and willingness to explore all options will serve them well as they make important decisions about their futures.

DIXON REFURBISHMENT

This year, our Sixth Form space – The Dixon – was turned into a modern work area for our students. Each study space now features large shelves, lockers and hangers for our students to keep their belongings and every student has the opportunity to personalise their study space and create a unique environment to support their learning.

SIXTH FORM DINNER

In January, Kingswood sixth formers enjoyed the annual 'Dress to Impress’ Sixth Form Dinner.

Cocktails were served in the theatre foyer on arrival and our catering team pulled out all the stops to provide a delicious three-course meal. There were also the annual Dixon Awards which included categories such as Best Decorated Study, Most Money Spent in the Café, and Spirit of the Dixon. It was a great evening and a lovely way for Year 12 and 13 students to socialise together and celebrate the end of their January assessments.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In addition to the wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities available to our Middle School students in Years 9, 10 and 11, they have also enjoyed our annual social events.

YEAR 9 TEAM-BUILDING

Having moved up from Westwood to their Senior Houses, early in the year, Year 9 came together for an afternoon of activities and team-building games. The upper playing fields were alive with laughter as students bonded over activities such as tag rugby, rounders, and giant inflatables – forming new friendships and strengthening their sense of community.

YEAR 10 AND 11 CHRISTMAS BALL

The Year 10 and 11 Christmas Ball at the end of the Autumn term began with welcome drinks in the Theatre Foyer followed by a delicious meal with festive tunes in the Dining Hall. Sixth Form helpers were on hand to sell raffle tickets, generating funds for Southside, a local charity which helps Bath families in need. After dinner, everyone moved to the Sixth Form Dining Room where ‘disco fever’ hit with much singing and dancing.

MRS SARAH HERLINGER

It is with sadness that we said farewell to Mrs Herlinger this year. Mrs Herlinger started at Kingswood in 2012, and has been a highly passionate teacher of History, Life Skills, and Games. She started as resident assistant in School House, then a few years later became Assistant Head of Westwood. For the last three years, Mrs Herlinger has worked as Co-Head of Middle School, as part of the safeguarding team, and as a highly valued member of senior management. She has been on numerous school trips: the Year 9 ski trip, History trip to Berlin, the Politics trip to Washington USA, the Paris trip, and many fun weekends on Exmoor on Silver DofE expeditions.

Mrs Herlinger has always held pupils’ best interests at the heart of all decisions. She is incredibly professional, kind, generous with her time, and hugely respected by parents, pupils and colleagues, yet brings great humility with it. We wish Mrs Herlinger all the best as she moves to Brighton College, Singapore to fill the role of Deputy Head Pastoral.

...always held pupils' best interests at the heart of all decisions.

LOWER SCHOOL WESTWOOD AND BEACONFIELD

This really has been a stellar year for Year 7 and 8 pupils. So many great things have taken place that the year seems to have rocketed by.

As a house, we have supported numerous fundraising events. Tutor groups have hosted afternoon teas for our elderly communities, we have strengthened outreach ties with Selwood Academy through the Year 7 John Wesley Day in the Summer term, and we have taken part in a vast number of matches and other outings.

Our leadership programme has gone from strength to strength and a huge thank you must go to Mrs Curtis, Miss Griffith, and the Westwood Leaders who, after having undergone a training programme, then took on leadership of the house in many guises, from organising football leagues, to taking tours and looking after visitors, as well as using their skills to lead by example in terms of modelling behaviour and support for others in Westwood. Next year we look to our Year 7 cohort to continue in this fine tradition.

We must not forget our boarders who have reached the end of another wonderful year in Beaconfield House. It has been a delight to welcome many new boarders into both Year 7 and Year 8 from across the world, including Germany, South Korea, Spain, and Hong Kong. We’ve been thrilled to see deep friendships flourish within the boarding

community. Whether enjoying film nights in our glorious Common Room, relaxing in the garden, playing basketball, baking, hosting Beaconfield’s Got Talent, or celebrating our Cultural Weekend, Beaconfield has truly been a home from home for our junior boarders.

The boarders have enjoyed an actionpacked schedule of weekend excursions, including visits to waterparks, laser tag, theatre trips, rugby, football, as well as the return of the Beaconfield camping trip and the Beaconfield Olympics. These experiences have created unforgettable memories and have undoubtedly been highlights of their junior boarding journey. We are especially proud of our boarders for raising money for the Royal University Hospital through a cake sale and a sponsored walk along the Bradford-onAvon to Bath canal. In total, we raised over £800 for the hospital – a fantastic achievement.

During the year, as well as all the matches played against other schools, Westwood has also held our own interhouse competition. On sports day, we had a number of stellar performances including Olivia P setting a new Discus record of 26.2m – the old one had stood for 38 years! She also matched the 100m record with a time of 13.11s. Amelie B set a new 100m record in

Year 7 and Noah S did the same in the 800m. Theo W threw 11.52m in the Year 8 shot put – adding this record to his Year 7 one – and the Year 7 Boys 4x100m recorded a new record of 58.30 seconds. The overall winners of the inter-house athletics in both Year 7 and Year 8 were Mulberry.

In the overall competition, our Autumn term of girls’ hockey and boys’ rugby did belong mainly to Phoenix. Mulberry fought back in the Spring term of boys’ hockey and girls’ netball and it was nip and tuck as the Summer term progressed. As the final week of the Summer term started, for the first time ever we had both houses tied on points. Despite Mulberry’s win in the athletics, when the tennis, cricket and rounders were added to the spreadsheet, Phoenix came out as victors for 2025.

As always, our musicians have been out and performing in so many areas of school life: concerts, choirs, assemblies, the Abbey Choir and more, both in and outside of school. In Drama, who can forget the exceptional performances of so many of our pupils in the incredibly demanding Lower School production of

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

Animal Farm; what a thoroughly enjoyable drama evening from a very talented (and sizeable) cast. The countless hours of rehearsals that make these music and drama performances look so polished are truly impressive.

In the classroom, in terms of the Merit competition, Westwood gathers so many Merits we have our own tutor group competition away from the Senior Houses. Well done to Mrs Curtis’s Year 8 tutor group and Mr Castrique’s Year 7 tutor group who both finished top of their respective leagues in the Summer term competition.

Thank you to all the tutors, teachers, parents, and many support staff in their various roles, without whom none of the above would be possible. Finally, thank you to all of the Westwood pupils whose willingness to tackle anything thrown at them with good humour and resilience has made Westwood the wonderful, memorable place it has been this year.

Mr Steve Pentreath (Head of Lower School)

Mr George Newbould (Beaconfield Houseparent)

FONTHILL HOUSE

This is the end of my first year leading Fonthill House and I have learned so much from the wonderful students and staff who make Fonthill what it is.

Iam eternally grateful to the Fonthill students (and parents!) for the kindness and generosity they have shown me. I am also very grateful for the help and support offered by Miss Moore (Deputy House Parent), Miss Taverner (Resident Assistant), Ms Wight and Mrs Jenkins (duty staff), the wonderfully skilled Fonthill tutor team and to Yas and Chloe who are the best Matrons ever. Mrs Taverner is stepping down as Resident Assistant (but remaining a tutor) and we are delighted Ms Wight is taking up this role next year. We are also pleased to have Mrs Paterson joining the tutor team for 2025/26.

The key takeaway from my first year is the impressive attitude of Fonthill students. They are an open, inclusive, friendly, welcoming group of young people who are unafraid to try new things, push themselves out of their comfort zones or make sacrifices for the team. Their resilience and hard work is astounding and I am so proud to be leading such a talented group of young people. The Fonthill spirit is very much alive!

This spirit is embodied by my prefect team who do so much, in public and behind the scenes, to ensure Fonthill is the best it can be. Ellie was a brilliant leader as Head of School, with Oyin contributing much as Deputy. Kate and Kristy were wonderful as Head and Deputy Head of Fonthill, and Sofia was a role model as Head of Boarding. They have been well-supported by the hard work of the Fonthill Senior and House Prefects. We couldn’t have done it without them!

There have been numerous drama and music-related achievements this year, starting with House Music in September. The Fonthill and Hall students created a fine piece of musical entertainment and despite not winning this year, they learnt so much and had so much fun that it didn’t really seem to matter. We have been treated to many musical performances – my personal highlight was the Spring Concert. I was so impressed by the sheer number of Fonthill students participating in a huge variety of musical disciplines. The talent is amazing. We were astonished by the calibre of the Fonthill performances on display during Legally Blonde. It is challenging to single out performances in a strong cast but special mentions go to Ella (leading as Elle), and Lucia (playing Paulette).

House Colours were awarded to Ella C, Pav, Ayokunmi, Zoe, Katy, Gareima,

My most cherished memory this year has to be working with everyone to make the iconic Fonthill candy cane video. It was awesome to work with such creative and talented students to make some Christmas magic!

Kate S, Head of House

Rebecca, Evie, Sophia L, Emmy, Whitney, Vivi, Fig, and Sophia B over the course of the year. It was challenging to whittle down candidates for the three end-of-year awards. The Sergeant Leadership Award recognises leadership in any form. This year, we recognised the brilliant musical and drama leadership Ella S has shown. The Wright Way recognises a student who has trodden the 'Wright' path by consistently going the extra mile – seeing what needs to be done before being asked and acting with humility without seeking the limelight. I am delighted to say that Kristy has won this award, as well as the peer-voted Lewis Trophy (Spirit of Fonthill) Award.

Year 12 led the Fonthill charity effort –organising the Kingswood fundraising institution that is candy canes. They created an amazing and well-received promotional video (even managing to

film during snow showers) and raised nearly £900 to split between Step UK and Refuge – very deserving charitable causes. Special mention to Connie for her hard work behind the scenes keeping the big candy cane machine gliding along smoothly.

Fonthill saw that famous house spirit in all its glory in the sporting arena: winning Senior and Year 9 house hockey, Year 9 and Year 10 house netball, and Rebecca’s, Sasha’s and Fig’s huge achievements in cross country. We are delighted to see Georgia representing GB water polo in U18 and U20 women’s squad, and Poppy was selected for the GB U20s women’s team for ultimate frisbee. It was fantastic to see Daisy and Oyin as captains of netball and athletics respectively. Ellie L, Daisy and Kate are part of the netball first team, whilst Kristy, Rebecca and Isabel have played brilliant first team tennis. The sporting year was capped by a spirited performance during Sports Day, including Oyin breaking her own shot-put record!

An action-packed but fun year with so much to celebrate. Now it’s time to recharge over the summer break before we return, ready to go again in September.

Ms Amy Webb (Senior Houseparent)

HALL HOUSE

A colourful year for Hall House!

From the very start of the year, Hall House burst into life with energy and spirit. The first major event – House Music – saw us paired with Fonthill, and the buzz was instant. Our rendition of 'Valerie' had the Hall boys belting out harmonies and grooving like pros, and with Fonthill’s spark alongside us, the ensemble had the entire audience on their feet. It was a brilliant way to kickstart the year and reminded us of the joy that comes from performing together.

On the rugby pitch, Hall had a dominant presence. Archie, Jack, and Euan all proudly represented Bath as well as others in the cohort playing for the school’s 1st XV. Our U16 team was especially impressive –Mathis, Milo, Sam and others showed real strength and skill, representing Hall with distinction. It was also great to see so many Hall boys competing in the 3rd XV and

contributing fully in House matches. Rugby 7s later in the year brought further success, with a particularly strong 1st VII winning the Collegiate Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the West of England Cup. The U16s, captained superbly by Milo, lifted the Roseline Park 7s Plate –overcoming Cheltenham and Clifton in a display of grit and class. Huge credit to Barney, Ernie, Sam, and Mathis who helped steer the team to victory.

Hockey has been another highlight. Mathijs, Tom, Viv, and Tis have been integral to the 1st XI this year, making it all the way to the national semi-finals – a phenomenal achievement. House Hockey saw Years 9 and 10 come out on top, beating both Upper and Middle in strong displays. The Senior team showed determination, drawing against Middle and narrowly losing to Upper 1-0. Throughout, Hall’s competitive spirit and sense of teamwork shone through.

Football added to the packed sporting calendar. Hall players represented across the year groups, with notable performances in the 2nd XI, who ended with five wins from eight games. The 4-3 thriller against Downside was a real highlight – Dami’s crucial goal and Felix’s spectacular header stood out. Contributions from Theo, Jonah, Mathijs, Zen, and Dinobi rounded off a strong season.

Meanwhile, Ten Tors training got underway, with four training hikes including challenging Dartmoor expeditions. The commitment from all involved has been commendable, the event was a huge success and all teams made to time limits at the event with ease.

Beyond the fields and trails, the academic sphere was equally impressive. Hall students excelled in UK subject challenges in Maths, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Dami chaired Kingswood’s Model United Nations with professionalism, supported by Tom’s excellent organisation. Charles earned the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship – a testament to his hard work and potential. Special congratulations to Ben, Logan, Charles, Thomas and the other members of the F1 STEM teams for reaching the UK F1 in Schools finals – a fantastic accomplishment.

Isane achieved the exceptional feat of winning the European Informatics Olympiad, placing him among the top young coders in Europe and heading to the World Championships over the summer. His Mathematical Olympiad

distinction further highlights his place among the UK’s very best.

Creative talent also flourished. The DT coursework looked superb when photographed, and musicians and Drama students tackled auditions with confidence. Hall students played starring roles in the Legally Blonde production, as well as vital work in the tech box, which wowed audiences with its energy and flair. Our singers and musicians were also centre-stage at the Spring Concert, lunchtime recitals, and chapel services throughout the year.

Charity and community initiatives have been a vibrant part of Hall life. The House Colour Run raised over £500 for the Masiphumelele project in South Africa, supporting primary education in Cape Town. The boys’ enthusiasm on the day – under blue skies and clouds of colour – captured the joyful spirit of Hall House. Those on the sports tour over the summer visited the community we’ve supported, making that connection all the more meaningful.

Other projects included Hall’s doughnut sale for the 1st XI Hockey match, raising money for OddBalls, and the numerous contributions to LAMDA, DofE, mentoring, and chapel duties epitomise the charitable efforts of all the boys in house.

Summer brought sunshine, sport and more success. Hall boys played key roles

in the 1st XI cricket team and tennis squads, while Euan and Noah excelled on the athletics track. Sports Day was a triumph, with Hall winning overall thanks to incredible participation and standout performances. Euan broke two long-standing school records, and Nisek smashed the Discus record in his age group.

Prize Giving was a proud moment. Over 22 Hall boys received awards, and many more were highly commended. It was wonderful to see so much effort and excellence recognised across academics, sport, and contribution to school life.

In January we welcomed the birth of Jacob and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow. We also welcomed Edward G this year – though only with us for a term, he made a lasting impression. From rugby matches to stunning piano performances, Edward lived and breathed both Hall and the Kingswood values.

In our final House Assembly, we said goodbye to the leavers – a group who have left their mark with humour, integrity and kindness. A huge thank you

HOUSE AWARDS 2024-25

• Rugby: Archie W

• Athletics: Euan S

• Cricket: Mathijs IDR

• Hockey: Tom S

• Overall House Sport: Theo E

• Hero Award: Ferdie G

• Champion Award: Logan H

• House Colours: Eli W, Dami M, Dinobi N

to our House leaders – Archie, Logan and the other prefects – whose leadership this year has been exemplary.

The Hall spirit has once again been loud, proud, and present in every corner of school life. From performances and pitches to classrooms and community projects, Hall boys have thrown themselves into everything with energy and purpose. As we look ahead to a new year, we carry forward that same drive and unity. Here’s to another brilliant chapter in the story of Hall House.

Mr Barney Brown (Senior Houseparent)

SUMMERHILL HOUSE

The Summerhill leaders, Florencia, Poppy and Gaby, have led Summerhill with grace, dignity, energy, flair and spirit this academic year.

They have each been incredible role models as they balance being high achievers academically with all manner of sporting events, charity initiatives and running the house with a rich variety of activities. I am so grateful to each of them for the time, energy and effort they have put in to making it a super year.

The year kicked off with House Music, with a fantastic rendition of 'Hot N Cold' by Katy Perry alongside the Middle boys. We won the performance – a worthy accolade for the huge energy, enthusiasm and sheer hard work that was put into it. We have been blessed with incredible musicians in Summerhill this year including Poppy S who won ‘Musos’ Muso’ at the KATS awards. Luna, Anna, Emmy T, Sunday, Phia, Mako and Christina all performed at various times to a very high level whilst Evie, Tansy and Ava played in their own band at the summer concert. We’ve had brilliant dramatists in Summerhill including students who did LAMDA exams as well as those taking part in school productions or working in the music or behind the scenes.

Regarding sport, our Year 9s have had a phenomenal year and done us proud. There are too many names to mention

but they have thrown themselves into all opportunities with eagerness, enthusiasm and energy. We had an amazing hockey season and incredible successes in athletics with Bella, Elspeth, Amy and Pippa being of note. It was also a fantastic year for cross country. The leaders all came from Summerhill –Christina, Poppy S and Mako leading the school team brilliantly. Summerhill won the cross country relay and we also held the 3 top spots in the whole school cross country race. Poppy, Mako, Christina, Alicia and Flor all successfully ran the Bath Half which was very impressive! There were also a few remarkable individual sporting achievements which we have enjoyed following and celebrating in Summerhill. Hannah G has once again been representing GB

in the National Youth Squad for Artistic Swimming and her team came first in the Hungarian Open in June. We are so proud of her! Alicia C-D was selected for the GB U20s women’s squad for Ultimate Frisbee and was chosen to be the Spirit Captain to play in the European Championships in Slovakia in August. Phia W has had successes with her rowing and very excitingly was the cox for a squad who rowed in Henley in June – a fantastic experience for her!

It's been another brilliant year for charity initiatives. We are thrilled to be renowned for our charity endeavours and that has continued with full gusto this year. We once again collected a huge number of items for the Genesis Trust care packages campaign, we decorated and sold glass jars as candle holders at the Charity Christmas Fair, we held all number of bake sales and sponsored events, and we have a large number of students from Summerhill represented in the Social Justice Club who have volunteered with The Life Project (a local charity working to support adults with learning disabilities) including gardening in the Summerhill garden and in their allotment.

The beautiful Summerhill kitchen is always well used by the boarders and we are the proud winners for the third year running with a 100% success rate in the Boarders’ Bake Off! Kripa, Jewel and Vera made an incredible beach cake which looked totally professional.

We awarded them with chefs hats in house to mark this fantastic achievement! We have enjoyed baking cookies, creating fun mocktails, using a chocolate fountain, assembling gingerbread houses and having a feast for International weekend as well as a special Christmas dinner celebration. Lots of the boarders did cooking as their skill for their Duke of Edinburgh's Award so I often got to try their concoctions as I had the privilege of being their assessor!

We were delighted with the successes of Summerhill students in their F1 in Schools competition; a huge shout out to Abi E, Liv O, Tanwen and Fiona for their commitment, contributions and confidence in this. We also had a strong representation from Years 12 and 13 in MUN and BISMUN and I was particularly proud of Risako and Eleanor representing Summerhill in the house debates.

Huge congratulations to Poppy for being awarded the Burns Leadership Award, Gaby for receiving the Opie Kindness award, and Mako for getting the Friends of Kingswood “Unsung Hero” award. What a phenomenal group of young leaders I have had in Summerhill!

Mrs Monica Lopez (Senior Houseparent)

HOUSE AWARDS

• Perseverance – Itusha L

• Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Poppy S

• Good Egg – Christina Y

• Dragon Award for Sport – Gaby D

• Flourish Award – Florencia L

COLOURS

Emmy T, Renissa A, Phia W, Emily H, Emmy L, Nicole K, Vera K, Kripa G, Jessica C, Ellen M

My favourite memory in Summerhill has to be the end of year house entertainment in Year 10. The Year 12s led “Sweet Caroline” whilst someone played the guitar, and the whole house sang along after a long sunny sports day and fun on the Slip & Slide.

Florencia L, Head of House

MIDDLE HOUSE

The Autumn term began as Middle and Summerhill collaborated to win the House Performance with a lively and well-received rendition of 'Hot N Cold' by Katy Perry.

This success was due in large part to the excellent organisation and enthusiasm of the Middle House Leadership Team, Max (Head of House) and Archie (Deputy Head of House). Well done to all the boys who took part.

On the sports front, a significant number of Middle boys represented senior rugby teams, with special recognition to Charlie D and Harry C for their regular appearances with Bath Under-16s. In the arts, many boys contributed to the Christmas Concert and various musical ensembles. Notably, Gordon T and Will G continued to make outstanding contributions to Kingswood Music throughout their time in Middle. The term drew to a close with a festive outing to the Bath Pavilion for ice skating, shared with Summerhill. It was the perfect occasion to end the term with skaters of all abilities embracing the seasonal spirit.

The Spring term brought success on both the hockey and football pitches, with Middle boys forming a large part of both senior and junior squads in both sports. Particular congratulations go to Owen B and Toby D, who earned international honours with Wales and England Hockey respectively. Middle

was also strongly represented in the 1st XI Hockey team that progressed to the National Semi-Finals. In cross country, several boys competed at both senior and intermediate levels. We had an impressive showing in the House Cross Country, with Tom W, Dan W, and Alfie M all finishing in the top ten for Senior Boys, and Joshua G placing third in the Intermediate category. Spring also marked the beginning of university offer season for our Year 13s. It was wonderful to see their excitement as offers from top institutions began to arrive.

As we moved into the Summer term, our talented musicians were once again celebrated at KATS, where we were proud to see many Middle boys nominated. Congratulations to Gordon for being named one of the

eventual winners. Will also generously performed for veterans on VE Day.

Sport remained a strong theme throughout the term. Middle boys played key roles in Senior Cricket, with captain Toby E delivering standout performances for the 1st XI, ably supported by Archie and Owen. Lower down the House, Tobias C impressed with his performances for both Gloucestershire and the Under-14s, and Teddy Mc played a key role for the 1st XI despite only being in Year 10. In tennis, Sam N led the boys’ teams with great success, and Year 9 student Jax M shone brightly, representing the 1st team and winning both the Under-14 and Under-16 Lansdown tournaments, showing great promise for the future. The Senior Boys’ house team also won the Cross Country Relays. We approached Sports Day with high hopes, bolstered by the strong performances of Middle boys in school athletics. The event saw fierce competition under the June sun, culminating in an exhilarating Senior Boys’ 4x100m relay. With Mide O anchoring the Middle team, his powerful final leg secured a thrilling victory – a fitting end to an outstanding afternoon. When scores were combined, Middle and Summerhill emerged victorious, a testament to the hard work and spirit of all involved.

Many boys contributed to partnership work with Mr Musto over the year. This included former Middle House man and IT Gap student Nikita, who set up the Ukrainian Family Hub at the Pavilion.

Evan G rallied the house behind ‘Movember’, resulting in some questionable facial hair but excellent awareness and support of Men’s Health Charities. Max B and Tudor M raised money for their chosen leukaemia charity by running the Bath Half. Of particular note are Tom B and Joss A in Year 12, who – supported by Mr Gordon – took the lead in orchestrating a highly successful Boot Sale and Food Festival in the Middle House garden. The event raised over £1,000 for the Children’s Hospice South West. The boys were hands-on throughout the afternoon and made delicious sourdough pizzas using the Middle House pizza oven. This followed a year in which Tom and Darren W also volunteered regularly at the hospice. Over the summer, the ever-active Dan W set out to complete a ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in an effort to raise additional money for the hospice.

The year concluded with our final House Assembly, where we reflected on achievements, said farewell to our leavers, and celebrated individual contributions. Will and Gordon were jointly awarded Musician of the Year, Toby received Sportsman of the Year, Owen was named Middle House Man of the Year, and Archie was presented with the Endeavour Shield

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful matrons and the House tutor team for their unwavering support. Special thanks also to Max, Owen, and Archie for their outstanding leadership throughout the year, and of course to Mr Gordon and Mr Lynch in their roles as Deputy Houseparent and Resident Assistant. Your efforts have helped make this a memorable and successful year for Middle House.

Mr Steven Smyth (Senior Houseparent)

We approached Sports Day with high hopes, bolstered by the strong performances of Middle boys in school athletics.

SCHOOL HOUSE

What a fabulous year it has been for School House – full of spirit, creativity and plenty to celebrate!

It has been great to see the girls supporting each other and getting involved in the different events and competitions throughout the year.

The Autumn term got off to an exciting start with House Music. Our Ensemble dazzled with a powerful rendition of 'Rolling in the Deep', securing the Ensemble Cup. The full contingent of Upper and School House then came together for a lively and energetic performance of 'Dynamite', which earned praise not only for the quality of the performance but also for the fantastic number of students who took part – a real show of House spirit by all!

House Hockey quickly followed, with excellent performances in some closely contested matches; well done for all involved and in particular to the Year 10 team who came out on top! Beyond the sports and music, School House also made a real difference in the local community, collecting an incredible 183 items for the food bank – a huge thank you to everyone who contributed and supported this effort to help families across Bath.

December brought festive fun at the Christmas Fair with our ‘pin the tail’ game, and the creativity continued with our annual gingerbread competition. It was another impressive display from the different tutor groups with some great innovation shown from School House elves to strawberry lace zip lines and dolphins in hot tubs! Mr Chataway and Mr Gordon-Brown had the tough

job of judging, and it was Mrs Dakin’s tutor group who claimed victory for the second year in a row. We then wrapped up the term with House Entertainment at Bath on Ice – a great evening to celebrate the end of a busy term together.

The Spring term was equally memorable. The whole House was wowed by the incredible school production of Legally Blonde, which showcased so much talent and energy. The pink tutus certainly brightened the House Cross Country course which saw a real team effort with everyone getting involved. Inters ran particularly well (we had 11 finishers in the top 20) and Maddie W came 3rd! It was the collective effort of the House though which meant that School House took the win in both races – a fantastic achievement!

Pink Week was another highlight, bringing the House together for two very

HOUSE AWARDS

• Spirit of School House: Freya T

• Pave the Right Way: Freya I

• Jackie Reeman Sunshine Award: Pippa G

important causes. Year 10 led the way in raising the most money from their bake sale, and in total, nearly £1000 was donated to Breast Cancer UK and to the Lymphoedema Support Network. The term ended with the annual House Quiz. This was an excellent evening for Upper and School House to come together –top marks to the Upper Sixth for their excellent organisation and to Gala and Lotti who both celebrated their 18th birthdays whilst hosting!

The Summer term raced by, too. We kicked off with a (competitive) House Easter egg hunt and saw strong performances in the Cross Country Relays, where School House came 2nd despite the heat. Sports Day was another chance for School House to shine – so many brilliant individual performances and lots of girls stepping up to fill gaps in the different events. A particular mention must go to Pippa C who managed to break a school record in the Junior Long Jump. It was wonderful to see everyone supporting each other

on the day, complete with pink face paint and lots of glitter. We also (finally) won the Reward League cup – a brilliant way to cap off an amazing year!

As the end of term celebrations drew to a close, we said a fond farewell and best of luck to our Year 13 leavers. As a cohort they have been an absolute delight to support. They are all brilliant, strong women who have made the most of the opportunities offered and who have excelled in their own ways. We wish them the very best for their next adventures. A special thank you should also go to Gala and Lotti who have been brilliant in their respective roles as Head and Deputy Head of School House. They have led with integrity and enthusiasm and leave big shoes to fill. Finally, we also say goodbye to Mrs Herlinger who has been an absolutely fantastic member of our tutor team. Mrs Herlinger has been a real support to many students and staff in School House and though she will be much missed, we wish her all the best as she takes up a new role as Deputy Head Pastoral in Singapore.

Mrs Sarah Musgrove (Senior Houseparent)

My favourite memory from School House was during the rehearsals for House Music in September. We had practiced our routine a million times already so we did a karaoke break in the theatre. It turned into a concert and we were all picking ballads to perform. I remember enjoying running around with the mic forcing people to sing!

Gala M, Head of House

UPPER HOUSE

Well this year has flown by, and what a year it has been.

We welcomed a new team of Senior prefects who have been outstanding in galvanising the House, led by ‘The Big 3’ of Wills, Yannis and Alfie. One of the key premises of the Upper ethos is to ‘get involved’ and I’ve been blown away by the way in which the boys have grasped the myriad of opportunities that Kingswood has to offer. It began with a great turn out at House Music and a well-deserved win in the Ensemble competition with ‘Rolling in the Deep’ as well as a memorable rendition of ‘Dynamite’ in the main event.

As the Autumn term progressed, the House actively supported the foodbank initiative and took a leading role in the school's 'Movember' campaign. Mr C-P was once again the driving force behind the effort, supported by Caleb, who provided strong student leadership. Together, their efforts contributed to the school raising over £3,400 for charity.

There were always plenty of strong contenders for the iconic Yellow Blazer 'Man of the Week' award, and it was fitting that Terence became the first recipient after achieving an outstanding score in his UCAT exam in preparation for his medical career. In Year 9, awards went to Tutku for his 5 goals against Monkton, Adrian for his outstanding

performance in the Maths challenge, and Rafael for his faultless organ playing. Frankie and Harrison in Year 10 were recognised for their all-round contributions across a number of areas of school life, and in Year 11, Alex L got the award for an excellent performance in the Year 11 Mocks, and Oscar M for always being the man to stick his hand up when something needs doing. Jack P’s 'Player of the Tournament' award in the Collegiate 7s, and Ed P securing a place on the highly sought after degree apprenticeship scheme with PWC got them the Yellow Jacket in the Spring term. There were many, many others and regularly getting the opportunity to celebrate student successes in such a variety of areas is one of the undoubted highlights of the job.

In sport, James L enjoyed another remarkable season on the rugby field, gaining selection into Next Gen’s World U18 XV, whilst Caleb made his Senior debut for Malta, and Stan W was selected for Bath Academy. Oscar E led with distinction as Senior Athletics captain and Roger continued his rise to prominence in the swimming pool, again competing at the National Championships. Upper House once again made up over half of the 1st XI football squad, including co-captains Sam D and Gabriel, and over half of the 1st XI cricket team, with Fred S again the stand-out batter. We also supplied 8 of the 1st XI Hockey squad that reached a second successive National Semi-Final. Full colours were awarded this year to Sam D and Fergus (Cricket); Ollie Y (Tennis); Wills, Fin, George C and Archie H (Hockey); and James and Caleb (Rugby) – just rewards for their many years of hard work.

On the Drama front, Rory M, Kit H, Charlie W and Ernie all played prominent roles in the excellent production of Legally Blonde, whilst Alex K, Tom G and Ethan Y continued to be stalwarts for Music. The future is bright in these two areas with a strong Year 9 cohort including Rafael, Kit K, Jackson, Tutku and Jasper all excelling

in the creative arts. One pertinent moment this year was George C’s faultless playing of The Last Post at the whole school Remembrance Service –a huge responsibility that he coped with admirably.

Despite summer exams looming, the third edition of the main charity fundraiser of the year, UPPERFEST, was a great success, with the sun finally shining on us for the first time! With Wills otherwise engaged with his A Level Art exam, Yannis and Alfie took the lead and what a great job they did, with the day raising over £2,850 for our chosen charities, MIND and Leukaemia UK.

Friday mornings saw a varied menu of activities in our ‘Clans’, including Tug of War, Conkers, Thumb Wars, and a special guest appearance from Betty Bingo! House Entertainment activities were also all great events: ice-skating, the Easter Quiz and Summer term inflatables.

As the year approached its conclusion, Upper House tutors joined this year’s leavers for a lovely evening in house sharing their memories of their time at Kingswood. At the formal House goodbyes on the last day of term, Wills, Yannis and Alfie spoke so eloquently about their time in Upper and what the House has meant to them. I have been fortunate to have had some outstanding Heads of House since starting the job, and Wills has continued that legacy, setting a fine example to the younger students; the respect he has amongst the boys is clear to see. I am certain that he, like the rest of this fine group of leavers, will go on to great things. You will always be welcome down in the new Upper 2.0 whenever you are back in town.

Mr James Brown (Senior Houseparent)

AWARDS

• Upper House

Sporting Legend –Oscar E

• Upper House

Creativity King –George C

• Spirit of Upper House – Wills H

ACADEMIC NEWS

STEM

BIOLOGY

Competitions

• The Biology Olympiad is a competition which challenges and stimulates students with an interest in Biology to expand and extend their talents. 16 Kingswood students studying Biology A level competed this year. Ivor B was best in school and Ivor and Crystal Y both achieved Gold awards, with a further 2 Silver and 3 Bronze awarded amongst the cohort.

• Year 9 students took part in the Biology Challenge competition. Questions are set on the school curriculum, but the competition also rewards those students whose knowledge of the subject has been increased by reading books and magazines, watching natural history programmes, taking notice of the news media for items of biological interest, and are generally aware of our natural flora and fauna. James C and Isaac L both achieved Gold awards with an additional 4 achieving Silver and 13 gaining a Bronze award.

SCIENCE

This year has been an exciting one for Science. In Year 7, we saw the launch of a new curriculum designed around enhancing the key scientific knowledge and skills of our students to not only prepare them better for the IGCSE but to enrich their interest and scientific curiosity during their time in the Lower School. Outside of lessons, they have also engaged excellently with Science Club

Year 10 entered the National Scientific Thinking Challenge and once again did superbly well. They achieved 12 Gold, 30 Silver and 18 Bronze awards, which is a phenomenal achievement from our students with nearly half the year group winning an award. Year 10 also visited GCSE Science Live at The Forum, Bath where they listened to talks from top scientists and examiners to help inspire their understanding of what science looks like in the real world and how to help themselves gain top marks in their GCSE examinations.

Year 12 Field Trip to Slimbridge WWT Centre

Our Year 12 Biology students enjoyed a fantastic field trip to Slimbridge Wetland Centre. They developed their ecological sampling skills for the OCR practical endorsement, carrying out both random and systematic sampling techniques to investigate plant and habitat biodiversity.

Year 10 Conservation Conference at Longleat

A group of Year 10 students headed to Longleat in October to attend a wildlife conservation conference. Topics ranged from Red Panda conservation (and how Longleat supports Red Panda Network in Nepal), sustainability at Longleat, conservation of the southern white rhino, and much more. A great time was then had by all exploring the park for the rest of the day.

In addition to their fieldwork, they were treated to engaging demonstrations, getting up close with the grey-crowned crane and the lively Asian short-clawed otters, gaining a real appreciation for Slimbridge’s conservation work.

It was a warm, sunny day – perfect for exploring everything Slimbridge has to offer, from the wildfowl collections to the diverse wetland habitats. The experience gave students a real-world context for their A Level studies and an inspiring glimpse into the world of conservation science.

CHEMISTRY

It has once again been a very busy year in Chemistry with many amazing opportunities available for all our students.

In May, our Year 12 Chemists visited Bath University for an exciting Synthesis and Spectroscopy workshop. Our students had the chance to work in the university teaching labs, extracting chemicals including aspirin from a new fictional super drug ‘Bathenone’. This gave the students the chance to put into practice the skills they have learned from our assessed practicals into a real-life laboratory situation. The A Level Chemists also attended the spectroscopy in a suitcase workshop, university talk from researchers Dr Alex Creswell and Hannah Ryder, Chemistry of Christmas Lecture and also took part in the Chemistry of Bonfire Night where the students learned about the origins of bonfire night, the chemistry of the explosives used in the gunpowder plot (that are almost the same as in many fireworks in use today), how fireworks and sparklers are made, how fireworks produce different colours and noises and also the environmental issues associated with fireworks and bonfire night activity.

Competitions

• We participated with great success in the Chemistry Olympiad this year obtaining 2 Gold awards, 6 Silver, and 12 Bronze. Congratulations to Rei and Crystal for their Gold awards.

• Once again, we also held our own Chemistry Race competition for Year 12, with Henry G and Charlie W the winners.

• A selection of Chemistry students from Years 9, 10 and 11 also took part in the brand new Junior Chemistry Challenge. This was a written paper, aimed to extend students beyond the realms of IGCSE and into A Level standard content. From all those who competed we achieved two Gold awards for Ernie P and Ethan W, as well as three Silver and fourteen Copper awards.

Leavers’ Breakfast

It was with great sadness that we said goodbye to our Year 13 Chemists, marking their last day in Chemistry with our traditional Chemistry Breakfast and quiz event. We wish them all the best for their futures beyond Kingswood.

PHYSICS Competitions

• Year 12 students took part in the British Physics Olympiad Senior Physics Challenge. This competition tests students’ understanding and problem-solving skills and encourages them to apply physics they know to novel situations. Gold awards were awarded to Rei H (whose score placed her in the top 10 students in the whole country), Kevin L, James W, Adam R, and Jim P and an additional three Bronze awards were achieved by this cohort.

• Some of our Year 7 students competed in the Millfield Physics Olympics in June. Here, they competed against other teams from across the Southwest in some pretty tricky physics related tasks, from bridge-building to testing resistors. They also had to solve some difficult maths questions. The team were successful in gaining 2nd place; an excellent achievement.

Visiting Speaker

In February, the Physics department hosted a talk by Professor William Wadsworth from the University of Bath’s Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials. Speaking to all A Level Physics students, Professor Wadsworth shared insights into his cutting-edge research on Photonic Crystal Fibres, which are used in advanced lasers and light sources. His work has applications ranging from quantum information and precision measurement to medical imaging. Professor Wadsworth’s talk was highly engaging and relevant to their A Level Physics studies and provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage with real-world physics research and explore topics beyond the A Level curriculum.

XMaS Scientist Experience

Rei in Year 12 has been selected to take part in the XMaS Scientist Experience. As one of only sixteen successful applicants to this national project for female/female-identifying Physics students, Rei will experience what life might be like as an international research scientist, visiting the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble and speaking with some of the amazing female scientists who work there. She will also take part in the innovative and immersive Synchrotron@School Programme. Congratulations to Rei for her hard work and commitment in securing her place on such a prestigious and competitive project and we wish her well for this fantastic opportunity.

MATHEMATICS

It has been another fantastic year of success and participation across all levels of mathematical enrichment.

Competitions

• In the Maths Olympiad for Girls, Risako S and Rei H in Year 12 came away with a Distinction.

• 70 students from Years 11–13 participated in the Senior Maths Challenge. Among our entries, 17 students earned Gold awards: Luna A, Cyrus C, Mako H, Alvin H, Rei H, Mathijs I, Tudor M, Riki M, Oyin O, Jim P, Spike S, Risako S, Isane S, Ryu S, Ethan W, Charlie W, and Jiwoo Y.

• Three teams of Year 12 mathematicians entered the Ritangle Competition, where they tackled weekly challenges spanning two months, inviting creative thought and teamwork to reach a solution. All students found this thoroughly enriching and enjoyable and a special mention must go to Jim P, Ivor B, James W, Hannah A, and Ferdie G who made it onto the list of commended teams who successfully completed the challenge.

• In the British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO), Rei H, Isane S,

Risako S, Jiwoo Y, and Riki M all qualified for BMO Round 1 where Rei, Riki, and Isane all achieved Distinction and advanced to Round 2. Here, Isane earned another Distinction – for which roughly only 0.05% of students studying A Level Maths will achieve – whilst Rei and Riki earned a commendable Merit.

Royal Institution Year 8 Masterclasses

During the Spring term, six Year 8 students – Finn B, Johann P, SeoYonn C, Rupert N, Ella K and Lucas R – attended a series of masterclasses at Bath University on Saturday mornings. The subject matter ranged from networks, making sense and use of chaos, to probability and cryptography. The content took the students into a world of maths beyond their curriculum, opening their eyes to the possibilities and uses of the subject. The lectures were a great success and we look forward to future year groups getting the opportunity to attend.

• A team of Year 8 and 9 students (Fred P, Bea A, Sophia L, Isaac L) competed in the Monmouth UKMT Team Maths Challenge. They achieved excellent scores across all rounds and placed 3rd overall.

• Four Year 10 students – Ben B, Flynn B, Fiona F, Teni O – took part in a Maths Feast competition at Hayesfield School. It was a great morning and a good competitive experience.

• The Intermediate Maths Challenge is open to Year 9 and 10 students and Gold certificates were awarded to Year 9 students Isaac L, Vivi Q, Christopher D, Sophie C, and Emmy H, and to Hannah L and Flynn B in Year 10.

• 108 Year 7 and 8 pupils took part in the Junior Maths Challenge. Of those, a phenomenal 78 achieved an award: 18 Gold and 64 Silver or Bronze. Gold winners were: SeoYonn C, Rupert N, Fred P, Johann P (Year 8); Freddie B, Will B, Reyansh C, James F, Pin Jia F, Ethan H, Floss H, Charlie M, Fola O, Noah S, Finley S, Edward L (Year 7).

Maths Extension Work

The majority of Year 12 mathematicians attended three inspirational lectures from nationally renowned mathematicians at The Forum, Bath, and twelve volunteers from the same year group, gave up their time to work with Year 6 students over three sessions, engaging them with challenging, openended problems while also building meaningful relationships – something which the Prep School greatly valued.

Mr Lorimer delivered an extension session at St Andrew’s Primary School, building on the relationship that already exists through the two schools via outreach, and in May we were treated to a lecture from Alan Champneys of the Institute of Maths and its Applications as he spoke about Breaking the Rules: the Role of Creativity in the Mathematical Sciences.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Pushing the Frontiers: Computer Science at the Cutting Edge Computer Science is rapidly becoming one of the most forward-thinking and impactful subjects in education today – and our curriculum is keeping pace with this exciting evolution. We’re proud to be launching a brand new advanced elective next year: The Science of AI. This forward-looking course will explore the fundamental principles that underpin artificial intelligence and how these powerful tools can be harnessed ethically and responsibly for the benefit of all. Students will delve into the mechanics behind AI systems, data handling, algorithmic decision-making, and the social and ethical implications of emerging technologies.

Our students are already showcasing just how far Computer Science can take them.

Competitions

• Year 13 student Isane has achieved remarkable results in the British Informatics Olympiad which demands precision coding, algorithmic thinking, and creative problem-solving under intense time pressure. Isane rose to the challenge brilliantly and was selected as one of the top four students in the UK to represent Great Britain at the

prestigious 2025 International Olympiad in Informatics in Bolivia. Isane also qualified for the Western Europe Olympiad in Italy and won the competition by a long way, scoring 398.83 out of 400, almost 50 points ahead of second place.

• During November, 412 Computer Science students took part in the Bebras computational thinking challenge, which tests students’ logical thinking skills through a number of online challenges. Kingswood students performed to an outstanding level this year with 22% of our students achieving a Gold award, marking them in the top 10% nationally. Of particular note are the achievements of Freddie B, Edward L, Madeleine M, Finley S, and Fig W who all achieved the joint highest score nationally – a phenomenal achievement given that over 400,000 students participated.

The Future Is Now

Whether solving world-class algorithmic challenges or building technology with the potential to improve education worldwide, Kingswood Computer Science students are proving that this subject is at the heart of innovation. With our new AI elective on the horizon, the future looks even brighter.

Real-World Impact Through Technology

Students Jim and James were recognised for their innovation in the PA Consulting Raspberry Pi Competition, where they designed an intelligent environmental monitoring system. Their project addresses an oftenoverlooked issue in schools – CO₂ buildup in classrooms – and its adverse effects on concentration, mental health, and learning.

“We realised that this was an issue that could not go unnoticed,” they explain. “We set out to create a product to fix it.”

Their system monitors air quality and alerts users when ventilation is needed, helping ensure healthier learning environments. The impact of their work is already being felt internationally: Jim and James presented their solution at Madero College in Mexico, and plan to trial the project in local schools, giving young software engineers the opportunity to build and deploy the system themselves.

This kind of work exemplifies the real-world relevance of Computer Science – not just as a technical skillset, but as a toolkit for positive change.

ENGLISH & LIBRARY

This year, the English Department hosted an inspiring lineup of authors. Stewart Foster returned for his second visit, captivating Year 7 with insights into Can You Feel the Noise? and discussing his latest novel, Pieces of Us, in General Studies. Fleur Hitchcock enthralled Year 7 with Murder in Snowfall as part of the BookBuzz Reading Programme and Westwood Reading Challenge, while poet Beth Calverley brought her famous "poetry machine" to National Poetry Day, sparking creativity across year groups. Professor John Mullan (UCL) delved into Jane Austen’s world with Years 10 and 12, and Michael Malay mesmerised Year 10 and AFA creative writing students in his talk on Late Light, blending poetry and environmental themes. These visits, packed with wisdom, workshops, and literary passion left students buzzing with ideas.

In December, the library hosted an evening of creativity with its much-loved Open Mic Night. Students treated us to well-loved characters, poetry readings and original excerpts that made us laugh and cry, as well as an impromptu reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Staff and students embraced the spirit of World Book Day with imaginative costumes and a quiz testing knowledge of staff’s favourite childhood books. It was a delightful celebration of storytelling and shared literary memories!

In the Summer term, students embarked on unforgettable literary excursions. The English Language and AFA classes enjoyed a fascinating tour of Bath’s bookish gems, starting at Mr B’s Emporium for some well-deserved book browsing. Next, they visited Fox, Finch & Tepper, the publishing arm of Mr B’s, where co-owner Nic Bottomley shared the inspiring story behind the shop’s founding and the inner workings of independent publishing. The highlight was a trip to George Bayntun’s Book Bindery, a historic workshop operating since 1829. Students watched skilled craftsmen demonstrate traditional binding techniques using Victorian-era tools, gaining a deep appreciation for the artistry behind every book. Meanwhile, Year 12 Literature students immersed themselves in Regency England at Bath’s Jane Austen Centre. They were greeted by a lively portrayal of ‘Emma’, who guided them through Austen’s family history and

...original excerpts that made us laugh and cry...

literary influences. The students explored exhibitions filled with period artefacts, tried their hand at quill writing, and even dressed in Georgian costumes, bonnets, frocks, and all, bringing Austen’s world vividly to life. These trips weren’t just educational; they were a celebration of literature’s enduring magic.

This year’s creative writing anthology took inspiration from the world of fairytales. Students gathered in the Chapel for a magical launch event filled with rich storytelling, evocative imagery and impressive performances of both prose and poetry.

A huge well done to Florie, Sasha and Fenella, who represented Kingswood at the annual Hayesfield Spelling Bee. The competition was fierce, with students tackling some truly difficult vocabulary. All three impressed with their poise and perseverance.

This year also saw the launch of a brand new Kingswood Reading Challenge. Students were aiming to read as many books as they could across the year, earning Bronze, Silver or Gold awards. Several students achieved Bronze, and the Silver and Gold achievers were invited to join the English Department for a special celebration featuring cake and book chat. Mrs Cruickshank’s tutor group won the Westwood Reading Challenge and celebrated with a lovely breakfast, complete with delicious pastries and juice.

CLASSICS

In the Autumn term, Year 10 Latin students visited the Roman Baths, on the way learning about Bath’s Georgian architecture. On arrival, students took part in a workshop analysing Latin inscriptions on Roman altars and headstones, and examined authentic Roman artefacts from Aquae Sulis. They then toured the Baths, sampled sterilised spring water (with mixed reactions), and ended with a gift shop visit and gelato treat. Later in the year, Year 9 Latin students visited Stonehenge, exploring its historical timeline, burial barrows, and engineering marvels, and A Level Latin and Drama students attended an inter-school event at The Royal High featuring lectures by Dr Naomi Scott (University of Bristol) on Greek Epic and Theatre. Students explored Greek theatre’s religious roots and the evolution of Homeric oral poetry.

Meanwhile, the Kingswood Classical Society entered two Year 9 students into the Classical Association’s annual competition. Sophia L created a digital artwork of Romulus and Remus with the she-wolf, and Erik B produced a stop-motion animation retelling their myth – from attempted execution to reclaiming the throne and founding Rome. The society also hosted alumnus Simon Radford, who shared ancient coins dating back to 250 BC. Notable pieces included coins minted by Marc Antony using Cleopatra’s Egyptian silver and others from emperors like Nero and Caligula. Students learned about Roman coinage quality and historical context. Each attendee received a 4th-century bronze coin to mark the event, which also honoured Matthew W, departing President and co-founder of 'Class. Soc.', for his vital role in reviving the society.

It’s been another bumper year for the Modern Foreign Languages Department.

In September, the department held festivities for the European Day of Languages and the School marked the occasion with some celebratory lessons and an international themed lunch.

Year 7 took part in the Modern Foreign Languages Spelling Bee in French, German, and Spanish. Pupils were challenged to learn over 200 words in their target language and attempt to spell as many as they could in 60 seconds. Aila-Mae, Edward, and Maya were crowned school champions which advanced them to the Southwest Regional Final of the Routes into Languages Spelling Bee held at Hayesfield School. To gain a place in the final, they had already beaten over 2,200 pupils nationally, placing them in the top 1.5% of Year 7 language learners nationally. Despite a fierce competition, with competitors from schools all

over the Southwest, we extend our congratulations to all contestants, who each won a place in the National Final at Cambridge University in July for their respective languages. This placed them in the final 96 out of 17,420 pupils who started the competition - a phenomenal achievement.

Year 8 competed in the Routes into Languages Translation Bee; a similar competition to the Year 7 Spelling Bee, but where pupils translate sentences into French, German or Spanish. The class competitions created our school champions – Keerut, Yunik, Bea, Deniesha, and Jack – who were through to the last 52 in the whole of the Southwest, beating over 3,380 other contestants from schools all over the region. The Regional Final, held at Bath University, was fierce and the contestants should be congratulated in getting as far as they did through the competition.

French, German, and Spanish Departments also continued the tradition of holding a film evening throughout the year, showing a classic foreign language

...lots of role plays and wonderful descriptions of traditional breakfasts...

film to pupils of all ages. These gave our pupils the chance to experience languages and their culture and history through the medium of film.

French and German Departments also treated pupils to an authentic breakfast whilst studying the topic of food and daily routine in lessons. They were able to sample a breakfast picnic while using their language skills to describe their experience. There were lots of role plays and wonderful descriptions of traditional breakfasts –although not all our Germanists loved ‘Roggenbrot’ in the afternoon!

The MFL Department also held the annual Christmas Card competition Congratulations to Ava in Year 7 (winner) and Sophia B in Year 9 (runner-up) who created beautiful designs which fully met the brief: ‘Christmas traditions from around the world’.

SPANISH

20 students in Years 9 to 13 took part in a Flamenco workshop with world class flamenco dancer and teacher Aneta Skut. They learned the basic footwork and arm movements and performed a mini routine. They also enjoyed a performance by guitarist Cuffy and learned about the origins of Flamenco and names for some of the common parts of the dance. In February, we also welcomed author Jason Webster to speak to our students about the Arabic influence on Spanish culture and history. It was an enjoyable and enlightening evening.

FRENCH

28 students submitted entries to the prestigious Anthea Bell Prize Translation competition organised by Oxford University. Theo P’s and Silas W’s translations, which were taken from a novel by the Guadeloupean author Maryse Condé, were awarded a Level 3 Commendation which is an outstanding outcome given this was a national competition in which over 22,000 students took part from more than 300 schools across the country.

GERMAN

Year 9 took to the new GCSE course with great enthusiasm. They learned how to describe school life in German which culminated in the creation of some promotional videos of Kingswood. Not only were these professional, but incredibly well composed and accurate, not to mention a lot of fun to watch. They then undertook a mini film project about the film ‘Ballon’, which tells the story of an East German family who try to escape to West German in a hot air balloon. This was a lovely film to study and discuss, not only from a language point of view, but a historical one too.

MANDARIN

In September, to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, our Year 11 Mandarin students made lantern decorations. This festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, comparable in popularity to Chinese New Year. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, it features a full moon and is a time for family reunions and giving thanks.

In October, Year 8 to 10 Mandarin students enjoyed a trip to London, where they immersed themselves in Chinese culture and history. In the British Museum, they enthusiastically explored the gallery, learning about various Chinese dynasties through ancient artifacts and records. The group then headed to Chinatown for a delicious dim sum meal, with fried noodles proving to be a crowd favourite! Students then toured the vibrant streets, admiring the Chinese-inspired architecture and decorations. They especially enjoyed visiting Chinese supermarkets and shops, where they sampled traditional Chinese bakery products and the ever-popular bubble tea.

In January, Years 7 and 8 Mandarin students celebrated the Year of the Snake whilst learning about the traditional Chinese dumplingmaking process and discover the symbolic significance of dumplings in Chinese culture. During the workshop, Mrs Falkiner, one of our school parents originally from Hong Kong, captivated the students with a demonstration on how to make authentic Chinese dumplings. The hands-on experience allowed students to try their hand at creating their own dumplings, making the session both educational and enjoyable.

HUMANITIES

ECONOMICS

During summer 2024, a few of our economists grasped opportunities beyond the curriculum in Economics:

• Tudor M secured a scholarship to attend a research course, during which he wrote an excellent paper titled “How can business implement the principles of behavioural economics in their strategy to guide consumer decisions?”

• Ryu S won a scholarship place at Cambridge University Summer School to attend a course on the applications of game theory.

• Luna A reached the final for the very competitive Economics Category of the John Locke Institute 2024 Global Essay Prize

• In addition, there were a number of students who were accepted into the Institute of Economic Affairs Sixth Form Internship Programme which increases their economic understanding and provides valuable work experience.

These are excellent examples of academic curiosity and will stand these students in great stead for their future studies and careers.

The International Economics Olympiad is an annual competition for Sixth Form students from around the world in the areas of Economics and Finance. Students compete across three rounds to win a place to compete as part of the national team. This year seven Kingswood students made it through to the South of England regional final and competed by buying and selling shares in an attempt to make the highest possible return on their investment. Congratulations to Ayomide O, Risako S, Owen K, Charlie H, Ed A, Ollie M, and James A.

GEOGRAPHY

This year’s highlights for the Geography Department include a trip to Bristol for our Year 11 students to learn about the impacts of the urban regeneration and enjoy a boat ride to explore the floating harbour. In November, Mr Smyth led a highly educational and enriching residential field trip for our Year 12 students to Porlock and Minehead, studying the coastal processes and landforms at these locations. which was enjoyed by all.

In the Spring term, our Year 7 students visited Bristol to carry out their first piece of senior school fieldwork, answering the enquiry question ‘where is the CBD of Bristol?’ and learning about our oceans at the Aquarium. Perhaps the biggest trip was during the Easter holidays for the Year 11 students who got to spend five days on a trip of a lifetime to Iceland - read more on page 86.

After Easter, our Year 12 students explored some more contemporary urban themes of gentrification, migration and redevelopment in Easton, St Werburghs and Stokes Croft in Bristol as well as a trip to the new Bath Riverside development. In May, Year 8 students visited Dunraven Bay where they got to see a wonderful example of a wave cut platform and carry out fieldwork on the main beach, testing the theories and concepts they had been studying in class. Finally, our Year 10 students spent a warm and sunny day travelling from source to mouth of the River Holford in the Quantocks examining how its various characteristics change. A special mention should be made to our wonderful Year 11 and 13 students who prepared so well for their end of year exams and to all the Year 13s who joined us for our annual end of year Rounders and BBQ

RPE

This year, our Year 10 RPE GCSE students enjoyed a trip to Bristol where they visited the Amithaba Kadampa Buddhist Teaching School and participated in an insightful question and answer session with a Bhikkuni before a guided meditation led by a lay Buddhist, offering students a moment of calm and reflection. This was followed by an afternoon spent at We the Curious, an interactive science museum where students could explore a wide range of exhibits which allowed them to reflect on some of the big questions that shape our world.

Kingswood surpassed their own record by winning a fourth consecutive regional Philosothon trophy at Hayesfield School. The competition was well contested by ten schools from Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire, all of which gave a strong account of themselves. Kingswood’s impressive victory was further highlighted by individual awards for Rebecca L, Frankie J, Ethan W, Ferdie G, Rubysha M, and Amy R.

This triumph earned Kingswood a spot in the national final at Eton College which brought together the regional champions from eight elite schools, making for an exceptionally high standard of competition. Our team competed with composure, clarity, and deep thinking, engaging in meaningful discussions that truly showcased the best of Kingswood's intellectual spirit. The judges placed Kingswood in third place and to place in the top three out of more than 150 schools nationwide is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the team's hard work, critical thinking, and collaborative spirit. Orla R scored the highest individual points for Kingswood, earning her the title of Kingswood’s Philosopher of the Competition.

PSYCHOLOGY

Congratulations to Eleanor H-L and Laura S who both achieved a Highly Commended award in the 2024 and 2025 Minds Underground Psychology Essay competitions This competition sees entries from over 3700 students across the globe including Thailand, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, USA, and Italy. To win this award, students need to demonstrate excellent analytical thinking, originality, and a strong ability to engage with complex ideas beyond the school syllabus.

To acknowledge the 18th annual psychology day at the United Nations in April, our Year 13 psychologists produced some podcasts for everyone’s enjoyment. Topics included: Who changed the game in Psychology?; Is there any free will in offending behaviours?; and Are mental disorders nature or nurture?

HISTORY & POLITICS

2024-25 has been a really exciting year in the History and Politics Department, filled with debate, discovery, and dynamic opportunities both in and beyond the classroom. The academic year began with an unforgettable trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia over October half term, where Sixth Form students studying the American Revolution and US Politics immersed themselves in the founding history of the United States just days before one of the most significant US presidential elections in modern times. In the Spring term, Politics students were kindly hosted at the House of Lords by Lord Griffiths for an engaging and thought-provoking visit to Parliament.

Over the Easter holidays, Year 10 IGCSE History students travelled to Berlin, deepening their understanding of Germany’s turbulent twentieth-century past. Closer to home, the Junior History Society has been hard at work interviewing Old Kingswoodians, now in their nineties, as part of a social history project exploring Kingswood’s time in exile at Uppingham during the Second World War. Meanwhile, the History and Politics Society hosted a lively balloon debate on “the most significant historical figure you’ve never heard of”, with persuasive arguments ranging from forgotten revolutionaries to unsung scientists.

Students and staff also played a major role in another outstanding BISMUN conference, continuing our strong tradition of Model United Nations. Students also enjoyed external MUN trips to Oxford University and Leighton Park, providing fantastic opportunities for our students to meet and collaborate with like-minded young people from around the world. Finally, a select group of A Level historians and Politics students enjoyed the summer sun at the always excellent Chalke Valley History Festival in June – grasping the opportunity to hear from leading historians and take part in hands-on activities that bring the past to life.

BISMUN 2025

In March, Kingswood hosted the 34th Bath International Schools’ Model United Nations conference.

Approximately 350 students took part, representing 74 member states of the UN in two days of debate on a range of issues facing the global community today, including the conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine, LGBTQ rights, the Israel Palestine dispute, climate change and the rights of women.

The conference began on the Friday evening with the Opening Ceremony.

Gala M, this year’s Secretary General, gave an outstanding welcoming address. She spoke powerfully about some of the grave issues confronting the world today, and in particular about the failure of too many of our leaders to value the lives of every individual human being, regardless of their background or nationality. It was a thoughtprovoking speech, delivered with real conviction, and set the tone for the rest of the conference weekend.

The Opening Ceremony was followed by a period of lobbying, during which delegates sought to build support for their resolutions. Saturday saw a day of committee based debates on the issues on the conference agenda, before the conference climaxed on the Sunday with the always popular emergency scenarios, where delegates are asked to respond to an unexpected international crisis; this year these ranged from a clash between China and the United States over control of the Panama Canal to a crackdown on the rights of women in Saudi Arabia.

Special mention should be made of the 44 Kingswood Year 11s and sixth formers who served as chairs of the committees. All rose to the challenge of taking charge of their committees magnificently, showing exceptional organisational skills as well as great maturity in dealing with a variety of sometimes difficult situations.

HEAD CHAIRS

• Gala M • Ferdie G

• Orla R • Ethan W

• Dami A • Elfriede W

• Florencia L • Oscar Mc

• Daisy W • Tom G

• Sophie S

PRIZE GIVING 2025

It was a joy to celebrate our Prize Giving ceremony at the end of term, marking another important milestone in Kingswood’s rich history.

The Bath Forum provided a grand and fitting setting, filled with pupils, parents, staff and governors, all gathered to recognise achievement and celebrate the spirit of our school. The energy in the room reminded me once again how much our pupils value the chance to celebrate both their own successes and those of their peers.

The ceremony combined academic recognition with moments of humour, music and creativity. Academic prizes were awarded across all subjects and year groups, acknowledging the hard work, talent and ambition of our pupils. Another outstanding performance from KJO coupled with fantastic reports from Mr Gordon-Brown and Chair of Governors Paul Baines highlighted the breadth of

opportunity for our pupils, and showcased the depth of creativity and community that enriches life at Kingswood.

Yet Prize Giving is more than the awarding of prizes – it is a celebration of what a Kingswood education represents: resilience, kindness, discovery of new talents and the perseverance to thrive in a complex world. Perhaps most poignant of all was watching our Year 13 leavers take to the stage one final time, ready to step into the world as young people of character, ready to make a positive difference.

We also bid farewell to several longstanding members of staff, including

Mrs Herlinger and Mr Reeman at their final Prize Giving. Their contribution to generations of students has been profound, and their legacy is felt deeply within our community.

The day left me immensely proud of all that our pupils and staff have achieved, and excited for the next chapter in Kingswood’s journey. Our vision of nurturing excellence, creativity and character remains as strong today as it did in 1748, and we look forward with confidence to the opportunities ahead.

Dr Rachel McIlwaine (Deputy Head Academic)

PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCHOOL 2025

The Heart of Westwood Award A. Goodliffe, R. Marin

The Charlotte Hecquet Butterfly Award for Fine Art M. Graham

The Duchars Award for Art

D. Woodward

The John Allison Memorial Award for DT L. Harris

The Jean Pratten Award for Music

The Tom Pritchard Award for Music & Drama

The Golden Mask Award

P. Squires

M. Press

O. Hewitt

The President’s Prize for Contribution to Science E. Campbell

The Dikran A. Knadjian Award for Medicine T. Beekma

The E.P. Thompson Award for History

The Model United Nations Award

The William Cross Award for Politics

M. Wadsworth

G. Marrack

L. Pargeter

The Award for Significant Contribution to Life Skills H. Anderton

The Simon Morris Award for Super-Curricular Achievement O. Reddin

The Jo Heap Award for Contribution to Sport O. Easen, M. Higashino

The Sandy Burgon Award for Sporting Commitment Out of School G. Haines (and Full Colours)

The Warmann Shield for Team Sport U14A Girls’ Hockey

The Friends of Kingswood Award for Community Spirit M. Higashino

The Chaplain’s Award for Charity J. Armstrong, C. Woodward

The Opie Award for Kindness G. Davies

The Cooke Award for Fortitude L. Hartwell

The Burns Family Leadership Award P. Squires

GCSE RESULTS

An outstanding 78% of all I/GCSE grades awarded to Kingswood students were at Levels 9-7 this year. This is a record result showing an increase of 15% versus last year. Overall, 24% of grades awarded were Level 9, and over half (51%) were Level 9-8.

A remarkable 21 students achieved at least nine or more subjects at grade 9-8, while two students secured 11 grade 9s. With an offering of 20 subjects at GCSE, the success across subject areas again demonstrates the breadth of opportunity for Kingswood students, with particular note of Biology and Physics at over 95% of grades at 9-7 and Chinese, Geography, Maths, Music and RPE with over 80% of grades at 9-7.

Of course, our students’ experience has been about so much more than the classroom; whether treading the boards with starring roles in Legally Blonde the Musical, securing their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, winning the U16 Plate at the Rosslyn Park Rugby 7s Festival or debating their way to a Bronze medal at the National Philosothon Final.

We are looking forward to seeing 90% of the year group continue their Sixth Form journey at Kingswood this September and to welcoming over 30 new students. Together they will experience our newly refurbished Sixth Form centre with café and small studies, wide academic offering of 23 subjects and our enriching Advanced Electives Programme, as well as bespoke support for UCAS and work experience plus a myriad of leadership opportunities to help them prepare for their next steps.

“I am so proud of this cohort’s incredible set of results, which is both a testament to the great attitude they brought to their studies, and the care and support from our very talented and dedicated teachers. At Kingswood, academic excellence is one important part of our vision of a holistic education that transforms lives. I can’t wait to welcome this group back into our sixth form and watch them grow in mind, body and spirit over the next couple of years.”

Andrew Gordon-Brown

A LEVEL RESULTS

The Class of 2025 celebrated an excellent set of A Level and BTEC results this year.

With 78% of all A Levels awarded at A*-B grades, 50% of grades at A*-A, nearly one third of students achieving 3A*/A or better and 75% of all BTEC candidates achieving a Distinction, the school's largest ever Year 13 cohort have demonstrated the breadth of success possible at Kingswood.

There were incredibly strong results in Further Mathematics (89% of grades A*-B), Computer Science (88% A*-B), Biology (87% A*-B), Economics (82% A*-B) and Design Technology (80% A*-B) and a clean sweep of 100% A*-B in Drama, German, Latin, Music and Spanish.

This breadth of success is all the more impressive when considered alongside the contribution these young people have made to the wider life of the school. These students have enjoyed incredible achievements on the sporting field and in sublime drama and musical performances, led their F1 in Schools team to the National Finals, founded the work of the Social Justice Group and medalled at the National Philosothon final. All of which reflects how these talented students have balanced their studies with the development of character and exploring wider passions and interests.

Their next steps are also a testament to their hard work, with students successfully gaining a place at their first or insurance choice of university and with all those in receipt of UCAS offers to Oxbridge, Medical and Veterinary Science and apprenticeship offers securing their places.

“I am delighted that this multitalented group of young people have achieved so highly in their exam results. These excellent grades round off a Kingswood journey which has seen them leading the school as great role models whilst making the most of their abilities both inside and outside the classroom. As they now move on to their chosen universities, apprenticeships or gap years, their time at Kingswood has prepared them well to flourish in the years ahead. I am incredibly proud of them all and grateful to our dedicated team of teachers who have guided them with such care.”

Andrew Gordon-Brown

ART

The following images show a selection of A Level and GCSE artwork from this year.

1. Kripa G, Y11

2. Gareima T, Y11

3. Max G, Y13

4. Hattie B, Y11

5. Mako H, Y13

6. Lukus K, Y11

7. Nish G, Y11

8. Wills H, Y13

9. Aditi R, Y11

10. Olivia H, Y13

11. Holly C, Y11

13.

14.

15.

16.

18.

19.

20.

12. Iona S, Y13

Issy S, Y13

Dan W, Y13

Thea D, Y13

Toby G B, Y11

17. Phoebe J, Y11

Mae P, Y13

Drew L, Y13

Eva G, Y11

DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING

This past year has been a testament to our students’ hard work, growth and success, as they embraced new challenges, developed their talents and gained experience both in and beyond the classroom.

Much of what we’ve accomplished this year would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Kingswood community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to our journey. I would like to extend special thanks to both the Friends of Kingswood and Paul Baines for their invaluable support on several large-scale projects – more on those will be revealed soon.

A proud highlight for the department this year was being officially recognised as the F1 in Schools Centre of Excellence for the South West of England. This enables us to support other schools entering the competition – offering guidance, technical advice, and help with component manufacturing.

We’ve already begun outreach, visiting local primary schools with our wind tunnel to spark interest and inspire young engineers. We're excited to welcome many of them to compete alongside us as we host both the Primary and Secondary school competitions in December ’25.

We have also now partnered with professional engineering simulation software Ansys, which gives all of our students the ability to simulate the material stress and aerodynamic forces on their designs. Something that will be hugely beneficial to our Electric Car Club and our F1 in Schools teams as well as our academic students.

This year, five Kingswood teams competed in the F1 in Schools Regional Final at the University of Bath – the largest southwest competition yet, with over 40 teams. Students raced their cars, presented pit displays, and participated in interviews, impressing judges with their engineering knowledge. Entry Class team ‘Cobra Racing’ won the ‘Best Engineered Car’ award. Development Class team ‘Swift Flow’ placed second and won ‘Best Portfolio,’ earning a spot at the National Finals. In Professional Class, Kingswood teams took the top three track spots, with ‘Osprey’ winning ‘Fastest Car’ and ‘Impetus’ finishing second overall

A proud highlight for the department this year was being officially recognised as the F1 in Schools Centre of Excellence...

– also qualifying for Nationals. At the National Finals in Rotherham, ‘Swift Flow’ competed in their first national event, finishing 24th – a fantastic debut. ‘Impetus’ returned after just missing out in 2024, and improved their national standing to 16th in the UK. For the first time, Kingswood was represented in every category at the national level, including

Faraday Challenge

our Primary team, who competed earlier in the week. It was an incredible experience for all involved, showcasing not only engineering excellence but also teamwork, resilience, and growth. These results reflect the hard work and dedication of every student involved, marking another proud chapter in Kingswood’s F1 in Schools journey.

As a special treat, our F1 in Schools students and DTE Scholars visited the Williams F1 headquarters. They took part in a STEM challenge to design a nose cone with the most effective crumple zone, presenting and testing their designs on a G-force measuring machine. Students also toured the Williams F1 museum, learning about the team's historic victories and the evolution of F1 cars. They tried their hand at racing in the Williams Esports suite and were thrilled to receive a Williams F1 goodie bag. It was an inspiring day, sparking further interest in engineering careers.

Year 10 DTE students visited the Design Museum, viewing the collection of design pieces, which gives great inspiration for their coursework. While there, they had a Lighting workshop from their Designer in Residence.

Year 8 students visited the Coventry Transport Museum, where they explored the world of high-speed engineering by seeing the three fastest land vehicles ever built, including Bloodhound –designed to break the next land speed record. Students had the chance to get

up close to these groundbreaking machines and experience the thrill of speed in a simulator. They also took part in a hands-on workshop focused on autonomous vehicle design, followed by two engaging museum trails. The visit provided valuable inspiration and insight, directly feeding into their Automotive Design project back in the classroom.

Year 12 DTE students visited BMW Mini and Morgan Motor Company manufacturing plants. This showed the difference between a mass manufactured vehicle which is almost entirely automated and a low volume, traditionally handcrafted vehicle. Our students were able to see the robotics working up close at Mini and talk to the panel beaters at Morgan. This should be memorable for all of our students when facing scale of production questions in their A Level exam.

Twelve Year 8 students travelled to Wells Cathedral School to take part in this year’s Institute of Engineering and Technology Faraday Challenge, a national STEM competition designed to test creativity and problem-solving skills. The challenge required teams to design a product to assist someone with a disability or specific need. Students planned, developed, budgeted, and built their ideas before presenting them to the group at the end of the day. Both Kingswood teams showed impressive focus, teamwork, and innovation, producing very interesting prototypes. One of our teams was crowned overall winner, but all twelve students should be proud of their outstanding efforts.

Finally, congratulations to Charles W-C on being awarded an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship - an impressive achievement, with only around 200 awarded from 1,500 applicants each year. Charles completed rigorous tests and an interview to earn this honour and will now receive financial support and an industry mentor to guide his path into Engineering.

Mr James Castrique (Head

of DTE)

This year, our department welcomed three inspiring visitors.

 Katy Morrison, a RIBA Chartered Architect and Kingswood alumna, led a Year 12 module where students designed a building for the Kingswood School site using CAD and Virtual Reality.

 Genevieve Morris, a Civil Engineering student and Vice Chair & Outreach Lead for the Institute of Civil Engineers, ran an earthquakeresistant structure workshop and discussed careers in engineering.

 Matheu Parr, the project lead for Rolls-Royce’s ACCEL (Accelerating the Electrification of Flight) shared his journey to setting three world records with the Spirit of Innovation, the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft reaching 387mph. Each visit offered unique insights and inspiration, enriching students’ understanding of architecture, engineering, and cuttingedge innovation.

Here is a selection of the A Level and GCSE projects created this year.

1. Charlie S, Y13

2. Milo P, Y11

3. Harriet J, Y11

4. Eddie B, Y11

5. Matilda T, Y11

6. Maya S, Y11

7. Charlotte S, Y13

8. Freddie S, Y11

9. James I, Y11

10. Charlie D, Y11

11. Logan H, Y13

12. Ernie P, Y11

13. Lucy H, Y13

14. Anson N, Y11

15. Max G, Y13

DRAMA

YEAR 9 DRAMA SHOWCASE

This year’s Year 9s are not short of talent and worked brilliantly exploring a variety of scenes from plays to help challenge their performance skills. From Blood Brothers to Broken Biscuits all the students impressed with their characterisation, timing and focus.

Our commitment to speech and drama excellence has been reflected in outstanding LAMDA exam results, with students taking Grade 3-8 examinations in November and March, achieving an exceptional 56 Distinctions and 6 Merits.

Well done to Emily H who achieved Grade 8 Distinction.

TRIPS

Our theatre trips have taken students to see some very sought after productions including powerful performances of 1984 at Theatre Royal Bath, the haunting adaptation of Never Let Me Go, the vibrant energy of Bangers, and Play Fight at Bristol Old Vic, alongside Our Country's Good at Lyric Hammersmith. We've also enjoyed National Theatre screenings of Romeo and Julie and A View from the Bridge, bringing world-class productions directly to our students.

YEAR 10 DEVISED DRAMA

• Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover took us on a journey into a dystopian world where lessons are taught by AI, society is governed by a hardline set of rules and a specific class structure: greys, blues and golds. Finn, Emmy, Gracie, and Pippa explored the challenges experienced by a group of teenagers struggling to find identity in a rigid world. All the performers communicated emotions with nuance and sensitivity, all enhanced by Ollie’s visually engaging set design and Ava’s embellished ‘gold’ costume – placing us firmly in the colour coded society.

• The Cancellation of Barry Alexander told the tale of a down at heel comedian aiming for a comeback with disastrous consequences. Weathered comedians, played by Joshua, Frankie, and Silas, entertained us with their ‘in-jokes’ and backstabbing plots as Ollie’s frazzled comedy show producer tried to salvage the situation. The boys worked brilliantly together and used excellent comic timing throughout, and Will’s lighting design helped to place the audience in the studio setting.

• Hillsborough – Drawing inspiration from the tragic events of the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster, Esme, Fergus, Jimmy, Rosie, and Thomas created a powerful and sensitive piece of drama that was both moving and respectful to its subject matter. Rising admirably to the challenge of performing

with convincing Liverpudlian accents, the group delivered a poignant and memorable performance that will stay with the audience for a long time.

• Perfect – Emily, Jamie, Pippa, Sophie, and Tansy created a powerful piece that shone a light on another dystopian society with clear parallels to Kowloon. Featuring characters who were brainwashed and bullied by the state, this dark and unsettling performance gripped the audience throughout and was superbly acted by all four cast members. Emily’s costume design for the central character, played by Pippa, was particularly effective and perfectly suited to the tone of the piece.

• Hard Life – With a central character who was misunderstood by everyone around her –superbly portrayed by Evy – this group delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant piece. Using a range of theatrical techniques, they told a deeply moving story of isolation and longing. Bex, Isaac, Katelyn, and Teni each brought

compelling characters to life, but it was the group’s strong sense of ensemble and their ability to work seamlessly together that truly elevated the performance. A beautifully crafted and heartfelt piece that left a lasting impression.

• Prejudice – Poppy, Katie, Eleanor, and Fiona brought to life four strikingly different characters from diverse backgrounds in a gripping piece of drama that constantly kept the audience on their toes. What began as a seemingly straightforward story quickly unravelled into a series of unexpected twists, leading to a powerful and surprising finale. Shifting seamlessly between settings – from bustling cafés to shadowy backstreets and tense interrogation rooms – the group maintained suspense and intrigue throughout. Aiden’s superb costume design for Fiona added an extra layer of style and depth, making the performance not only engaging but visually compelling. A clever, well-executed piece full of flair and originality.

This year’s senior production dazzled audiences with a fast-paced, high-energy performance of Legally Blonde, whilst Year 7 and 8 took on the serious themes of Animal Farm with sensitivity and insight.

Read the full reports on the following pages.

A LEVEL PERFORMANCES PRODUCTIONS

SCRIPTED

• Martha P and Alice C performed the opening scene from House Party. Their scene, set during the intimate ritual of getting ready, skilfully portrayed the complexities and intricacies of friendships. They unpacked complex social dynamics while maintaining perfect comic timing.

• Rory Mc, Olivia H and Mae P performed another extract from House Party that explored the explosive dynamics of toxic friendship and the idea of "two's company, three's a crowd." Their performance juggled the portrayal of hedonism, vulnerability, and arrogance whilst revealing just how much can go wrong in a single evening. They were supported by Oliver H who beautifully captured the location, emotional temperature, as well as the more symbolic moments through clever use of projection.

DEVISED

• Ellen M, Lucia H R, Emily H, Clemmie E-D and Kit H created In Their Shoes. This brave ensemble tackled the complex ethical questions surrounding assisted dying and euthanasia with remarkable sensitivity and nuance. Through multiple perspectives and character journeys, they explored the personal, medical, and societal dimensions of this challenging subject.

• Connie H, Issy S, Ella S, Daisy W and Katrin O created Songbird, a devised piece about the experiences and restricted rights of young women in Afghanistan. Issy's songbird motif, brought to life through puppetry, added a poignant dimension to their storytelling. Through innovative staging, symbolic imagery, and physical theatre, the group created a theatrical experience that was both informative and emotionally impactful.

Ms Jo Brayton (Head of Drama and Theatre)

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE A TECHIE?

As the outgoing President of the People’s Republic of Tekistan, I thought I should share my thoughts on what exactly it is like to be a member of the Tech Team.

You may see us lurking at the back of the theatre or huddled behind the desk in the chapel, but what exactly do we do?

On a Monday morning, we have our weekly panic. This takes place over a period of around 15 minutes as we frantically prepare to livestream Monday assembly to several venues across the school. Mr Francis becomes ever twitchier the closer we get to 08:35, as he collates many, many PowerPoints into one. For the rest of us, the time is spent setting up laptops, focusing cameras, and checking microphone levels as we prepare to ‘go live’! Once we’re at least semi-confident that we’re ready to go, we discuss a range of extremely important issues, such as ‘Does pineapple belong on pizza?’ (It does not.), ‘What would the Tekistan National Anthem sound like?’ (I believe a recording is incoming), and ‘Could we have a jingle playing at the start of assembly?’ (apparently this would make it feel like a cult…). During the assembly, we spend our time monitoring

the stream or troubleshooting any issues that crop up. It’s not unknown for someone to have to dash off across the School to find out what exactly has gone wrong!

As well as our regularly scheduled doses of assemblies, the Tech Team also help out at a variety of other events across the school calendar. From House Music and Westwood Disco, to MUN and the Anthology Launch, very few events pass without a techie or two lurking behind the scenes, inhaling Squashies as our lifeblood.

All of this ignores the wonders of our productions. These are by far the highlight of the year – all the techies, from Year 13 all the way down to Year 9, join together to create something amazing. This year, we’ve had two exceptional productions. February heralded the arrival of Legally Blonde, with a flurry of pink invading the theatre. As the excitement grew, the techies became… well, stressed! Over the course of 10 days, our team of 16 collectively spent a whopping 580 hours in the theatre, hurrying to perfect every detail of our lighting, sound, and staging as opening night drew ever closer. It’s safe to say we managed it, and with over 329 lighting cues and 52 microphones, it will take some beating as the ‘biggest show in Kingswood history’! In June, we also had the junior production of Animal Farm. While technically simpler, this still required 80 lighting cues and 50 sound cues to help build the ominous atmosphere of Manor Farm. Alongside these, I’ve also been lucky enough to work on my own A Level assessed pieces, which are

excellent opportunities to experiment more with the amazing resources the theatre has to offer any eager designer. After several weeks of rehearsals, we decided to stage The House Party with the smaller audience sat onstage behind the curtains, creating the tense, close atmosphere that the play required. This huge variety in shows all within the space of a few months really is what makes it so enjoyable.

Being a techie has been wonderful. It has been a joy to work with such a fun, talented, and dedicated group of people over the last four years. I really must thank Leyla, last year’s President, who has put up with all my questions and panicked phone calls at random times over the last 12 months. I must also say a huge thank you to Jerry – my partner in crime for the last four years. Together we have driven Mr Francis up the wall, and I am relying on next year’s techies to continue that longstanding tradition! And finally, I cannot leave without thanking Mr Francis. He may appear grumpy, but he’s quite nice really.

Oliver H (Year 13)

ANIMAL FARM

This year's Year 7 and 8 production was George Orwell's Animal Farm, adapted by Sir Peter Hall.

Staging this timeless play with the younger years was always going to be a challenge –one that our talented students embraced with remarkable dedication and maturity. From the auditions through to the Technical and Dress rehearsals, their commitment to bringing this story to life was inspiring. Despite their age, they tackled the play's serious themes – power, corruption, and hope – with sensitivity and insight, which made them a joy to work with.

...their commitment to bringing this story to life was inspiring.

From our gambolling sheep to the ominous farmers, our students worked hard to take on these demanding roles. Learning on the job, our Year 7s went from strength to strength throughout the rehearsal process, and it was fantastic to see their dramatic and artistic growth. Our Year 8s also stepped up to take on responsibility of many of the larger roles, and set a fantastic example of how to work hard, work professionally, while being playful and taking risks during rehearsals. We were very proud to present this production of Animal Farm, when this story is more important than ever.

Mrs Lizzy Ward & Charlie Bevis

LEGALLY BLONDE

After months of preparation, watching Legally Blonde come to life on stage in February was deeply rewarding.

Directing a dual-cast production was a challenge, but Clemmie and Ella’s contrasting strengths - Clemmie’s comedic flair and Ella’s emotional depth - expanded our vision of Elle Woods. Their collaboration set the tone for the entire show.

Expanding the Delta Nu trio into a full Greek chorus added vibrant energy and identity to the production, while our dance troupe brought precision and vitality to every number. The principal cast shone: Lucia’s hilarious yet heartfelt Paulette, Emily’s nuanced transformation as Vivienne, Rory’s grounded sincerity as Emmett, and Kit’s commanding Callahan were standout performances.

Equally impressive was our ensemble. Whether playing jurors, salon workers, shop assistants, frat boys, or partygoers, their commitment to distinct characters enriched every scene and built a believable world around Elle.

The vocals throughout Legally Blonde were truly outstanding, showcasing a level of skill and polish that rivalled professional standards. From powerful solo numbers to poignant moments of vulnerability, to intricate close-harmony work, the cast demonstrated remarkable control, range, and expression. Their ability to navigate the score’s

rhythmic and melodic challenges while maintaining crystal-clear diction and character was truly impressive. The vocal ensemble created a rich, vibrant sound that elevated every scene, all whilst executing fantastic choreography. Supporting this was the superb band, made up of Kingswood’s Music staff and visiting teachers, who played with flair and precision and brought the fabulous score to life. Special credit must go to Poppy in Year 13, who joined the pro players on flute.

Our student crew’s technical work was exceptional. Oliver’s lighting design - especially the Harvard steps - was stunning, and our student-led stage management and sound operation ran with professional precision.

One of the most powerful moments was tackling “Whipped Into Shape”. Initially daunting, Alice’s athleticism and the ensemble’s dedication proved that no challenge was too great. Individual performances, like Beth’s fierce Enid, Ellis’s layered Warner, Milo’s charismatic Kyle, and Charlie and Alex’s hilarious “Gay or European,” showed how strong character work elevates every moment.

This production embodies everything theatre should be: individuals uniting to create something greater than

themselves. Each performance is a culmination of countless moments of hard work and discovery.

Huge thanks and congratulations to everyone involved!

Jo Brayton

& Mr Andy Barton

Ms

(Head of Drama & Theatre)

(Director of Music)

MUSIC

This year has been a truly remarkable one for Music at Kingswood. From the very first note in September to the final flourish of Prize Giving, the department has been buzzing with sound, energy, and collaboration.

From our youngest Year 7s discovering orchestral instruments for the first time to our senior scholars leading concerts and composing original music, the year has been filled with highlights. The snapshot below represents just a glimpse of the dedication, talent, and passion that define music-making at Kingswood. Bravo to all our musicians – your commitment and joy have made this year unforgettable.

OUTSTANDING EXAMINATION RESULTS

The Music Department was delighted to celebrate the following students who achieved their Grade 8 or above this year, representing a highly significant musical achievement:

GRADE 8

• Olly C. - Saxophone with Merit

• William G. - Piano

• Anna H. - Piano with Merit

• Alexander K. - Cello with Merit

• Oyinlola O. - Singing with Merit

• Christina Y. - Singing with Merit

DIPLOMA

• Akshay S. - Tabla with Distinction

• Poppy S. - ARSM Flute with Distinction

YEAR 13 MUSIC SCHOLARS

• Alyssa C.

• William G.

• Anna H.

• Mae P.

• Poppy S.

• Gordon T.

It has been a real privilege to have such a large and dynamic group of Year 13 Music Scholars this year. Each one has brought their own distinctive style, skill, and personality to the department. Whether leading ensembles, performing solos, mentoring younger pupils, or devising concerts, they have been role models in every sense.

Their presence will be sorely missed, and we thank them for the enormous contribution they’ve made to Music at Kingswood. We wish them every success in the future, and we know that their love for music will stay with them for life.

MUSIC CONCERTS & EVENTS 2024-2025

• Bath Abbey Heritage Open Day – the year began with a visit to Bath Abbey for our GCSE students and organists to explore the magnificent Klais organ, including the chance to climb inside the organ itself to the very top of the Abbey! Students were inspired by the instrument's incredible range and power and learned about its fascinating history and construction.

• BBC Young Musician of the Year Final Filming – our Music Scholars travelled to Bristol Beacon to be in the audience for the filming of the final of BBC Young Musician 2024. Witnessing such exceptional performances up close was a source of great inspiration for the students. Experiencing pianist Ryan Wang’s winning performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, alongside the National Orchestra of Wales, was breathtaking.

• Bands & Beats – our growing Pop & Rock scene got off to a fantastic start with this lively gig featuring vocalists, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and drummers performing classic covers and new favourites. The energy and enthusiasm were infectious!

• Woolley Church Concert – our annual visit to All Saints Church in Woolley is always a cherished moment in the calendar. The beautiful autumnal setting provided a perfect backdrop for an intimate and atmospheric evening of music.

• Christmas Concert – the department’s Christmas showcase was once again full of cheer, variety, and sparkle. All of the department’s ensembles performed to give the audience a fitting, festive celebration to close the Autumn term.

• Carol Services – Senior Choir and Westwood Voices led joyful and reflective services at Bath Abbey and St Stephen’s Church, filling the spaces with music that marked the spirit of the season with the retelling of the Nativity.

• Year 7 Instrumental Scheme – this year saw the launch of an exciting new initiative, with all Year 7 pupils learning an orchestral instrument in class. Students were grouped into clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, or cello, and immersed in the joy of acoustic, hands-on music-making.

In partnership with Bath Festivals, every pupil also took part in workshops exploring the four orchestral families through professional demonstrations in Chapel. The programme also extended to St Mark’s School to form a special and important part of our Community Engagement work. The progress shown in this first year has been exceptional, and we are thrilled that so many students have chosen to continue next year!

• Legally Blonde the Musical – this year’s Senior Production was our most ambitious to date. With its demanding vocal harmonies, fast-paced choreography, and high-octane band parts, Legally Blonde was a triumph. From September’s first rehearsals to final bows, the cast and crew poured their hearts into the show – read more elsewhere in this edition.

• Scholars’ Concert – always a highlight of the Spring term, this formal recital featured performances from our talented Music Scholars: Year 7 – James B, Ella P; Year 8 – Akshay S, Celeste W; Year 9 – Rafael E; Year 10 – Ben B, Sunday J; Year 11 – Beth D, Ellis R, Elfriede W; Year 12 – Edward G, Alexander K, Max W, Jayden Y; Year 13 – Alyssa C, William G, Anna H, Mae P, Poppy S, Gordon T.

• Spring Concert – our major ensembles took to the stage once again to present a varied and uplifting programme. Senior Orchestra, Westwood Orchestra, Brass, Clarinet and Flute Ensembles, Kingswood Strings, Senior Choir, Westwood Voices, and Kingswood Jazz Orchestra all performed to a packed audience.

• Year 13 Showcase – entirely devised and led by our Year 13 musicians, this evening was a stunning display of musical maturity and flair. A wide range of repertoire was presented, including some of the most accomplished solo playing we’ve heard.

• Commemoration Service – this year’s service to mark the founding of Kingswood featured music of depth and reflection. Senior Choir’s anthems this year included Philip Moore’s awe-inspiring All Wisdom Cometh from the Lord, a remarkable showcase for both choir and organ. The occasion marked a special farewell to Mr Dewi Rees, who leaves us to take up the post of Assistant Director of Music and Partnerships at St Albans Cathedral.

• The Bath Festival, Party in the City – Kingswood Jazz Orchestra once again delighted audiences, this time in the elegant surroundings of The Guildhall. Their set of lively pop arrangements opened the festival in style.

• KATS (Kingswood’s Artistically Talented Students) – our annual joyful awards evening recognised the many achievements of our student performers in both Music and Drama, celebrating excellence, commitment, and progress. Read more elsewhere in this edition.

• Young Organists’ Showcase at Bath Abbey – as part of the Royal College of Organists’ Play the Organ year, two of our talented students were selected to perform in a special lunchtime concert. It was a wonderful opportunity to perform on the Abbey’s Klais organ and represent Kingswood in a professional setting.

• Chicago at the Bristol Hippodrome – Year 9 and 10 students enjoyed a night at the theatre to see the touring production of Chicago. The experience proved both exciting and educational, with students inspired by the choreography, live music, and storytelling.

• Summer Sounds – the final concert of the year featured a vibrant programme of pop, rock, jazz, and musical theatre. Highlights included the Year 12 band’s crowd-pleasing performance of Wonderwall (a nod to this year’s Oasis reunion!), and a rousing finale of We Are the Champions, with the whole audience joining in.

• KJO at Prize Giving – Kingswood Jazz Orchestra brought energy and flair to the end-of-year celebrations, performing three of their favourites to the whole Kingswood community at the packed-out Forum.

• Lunchtime Concerts, School Services and Assemblies – throughout the year, these regular performance opportunities have given students of all ages the chance to develop their confidence and share their talents with the wider school community.

• Music Exams – our musicians have achieved outstanding results in a wide range of instrumental and theory exams this year, across multiple boards. Congratulations to all who entered music exams, your hard work paid off!

Mr Andy Barton (Director of Music)

...the department has been buzzing with sound, energy, and collaboration.

Our annual Music & Drama Awards –

affectionately known as KATS –

took place in June.

KATS stands for Kingswood’s Artistically Talented Students, and so the performing arts community gathered for a truly unforgettable celebration of creativity, talent, and commitment. This year’s event took on a new and elegant format, with a sit-down dinner in the beautifully decorated Dining Hall. Invited students and VIP guests enjoyed a warm and sophisticated evening that celebrated the performing arts in style and comfort. The red carpet moment remained a clear favourite, with students arriving to cheers and

applause as proud parents gathered outside the Friends' Bar. It was wonderful to see such enthusiastic support from the Friends of Kingswood, whose continued generosity and encouragement are so vital to the performing arts at the School.

Our honoured guest for the evening was Kingswood alum Yasmine Meaden. Since leaving Kingswood in 2016, Yasmine has trained at LAMDA, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and at Fontainebleau, and she is currently making waves in the

...the performing arts community gathered for a truly unforgettable celebration of creativity, talent, and commitment.

industry with screen and stage credits including Netflix’s hit series

The Crown and Bridgerton, Tatania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the Young Shakespeare Company, as well as voiceover work. Her inspiring address to the students carried a powerful message of resilience, passion, and perseverance – words that struck a chord with all present. The crowd was also delighted by a surprise video message from none other than Danny Dyer, sending his unmistakable good wishes for the night ahead, much to everyone’s amusement!

Once again, Mr Harding served as our brilliant compère, steering the evening with his trademark wit and warmth. The entertainment was nothing short of electric: Max stunned the audience with a slick guitar solo of Wicked Game by Chris Isaak, Clemmie gave a showstopping rendition of Maybe This Time from Cabaret, and Ella returned to the stage to dazzle us with So Much Better from this year’s senior musical, Legally Blonde. It was also wonderful to see Charlie Bevis, our Drama Graduate in Residence, perform an acrobatic display with Nicholas Partridge.

In addition to our annual celebration of student excellence in Drama and Music, this year also saw some special awards presented to recognise the extraordinary cast and crew of Legally Blonde, a fitting tribute to a landmark production that showcased the very best of Kingswood’s performing arts. The evening concluded with a joyous reworking of Call Me Maybe, performed by the Sixth Form band as a farewell to our departing students. Complete with confetti and disco lighting, it made for an exuberant finale.

Congratulations to all our nominees and winners whose passion, perseverance, and creativity continues to inspire us all. The KATS Awards remain a joyful reminder of what happens when talent meets opportunity, and we are so proud of everything our students have achieved.

KATS 2025 WINNERS

• Outstanding GCSE Music Composition

Ellis R

• Outstanding GCSE Music Performance

Elfriede W

• Outstanding Achievement in A Level Music

Gordon T

YASMINE MEADEN

“When I was told that scientifically nerves and fear do the exact same thing physiologically to your body as when you’re excited, the exact same, it changed my life. We’ve just learnt to label that emotion as either fear or excitement but biologically what’s happening is the same. So next time you’re feeling nervous, remember this! You’re at a point right now in your life, where you can make a choice to be bold, to choose whether you’re fearful or excited. So don’t let it choose for you.”

• Outstanding Sixth Form Commitment to Music

Anna H

• Best GCSE Devised Performance Perfect (Emily A, Pippa G, Sophie L, Tansy L, Jamie Mc)

• Best GCSE Scripted Performance Constellations (Will F, Luke H, Freya I)

• Best A Level Group Performance In Their Shoes (Clemmie E-D, Lucia H-R, Kit H, Emily H, Ellen M)

• Best Lower Sixth Newcomer

Emily H

• Unsung Hero in a Musical

James W

• Charlie’s Choice

The Delta Nus (Connie H, Olivia H, Freya I, Matilda L, Florencia L, Oyin O, Martha P, Mae P, Issy S)

• Best Individual Performer in a Musical

Clemmie E-D, Ella S

• Actors’ Actor: Rory Mc

• Techies’ Techie: Oliver H

• Musos’ Muso: Poppy S

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

It has been an incredible season for our girls’ hockey teams. With a 70% win ratio across 140 games, our teams secured a century racking up an impressive 100 wins.

The U14, U13, and U12 teams were crowned County Champions, with the U15s finishing as RunnersUp - an outstanding achievement that highlights our dominance at these age levels. All four teams qualified for the Regional Finals, but it was the U14A team who went on to make history by winning the entire tournament at the National Finals in Nottingham during the Spring term. They are a formidable group of players who have gelled brilliantly as a team and continue to go from strength to strength. After finishing as runners-up last year, they worked tirelessly to earn the title of National Champions - an incredible accomplishment. We are so proud of each and every one of you.

The U12s also delivered a flawless season, going unbeaten in 35 games, and the U13s played 36 matches, securing 31 victories. U14Bs and U14Cs had excellent campaigns, finishing as County Plate Champions and Runners-Up, respectively. The U15s showed remarkable progress as a year group, enjoying their best season yet. Livvy H was the School’s top scorer, netting nearly 20 goals across all competitions.

The 2nd XI, 3rd XI, and 4th XI demonstrated resilience and adaptability, navigating challenging schedules with competitive performances. Emmy L proved to be a brilliant 2nd XI captain, leading her team with composure and determination. Poppy C-D exemplified growth, starting the season in the 4th XI and finishing as a key player for the 2nd XI.

This season’s results reflect not only the talent and dedication of our players but also the unwavering support and commitment of our staff. A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone who represented the School.

COLOURS & AWARDS

 COLTS COLOURS: Hattie B, Erin C, Baci D, Jess H, Alice H, Laura M, Kitty M, Maya S, Ciara T

 HALF COLOURS: Gala M

 FULL COLOURS: Maiya M, Iona S, Lotti W

 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Laura M

 GROVE TROPHY: Kitty M (for the greatest contribution to the girls’ 1st XI)

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

U12, U13: County Champions

U14: National Champions

U15: County runners-up and Regional semi-finalists

1ST XI CAPTAIN, IONA S

The 1st XI team’s bond ever since the first pre-season training session has been unmatched. At first, I hardly knew any of the new players, but I grew to absolutely love them. I’m really going to miss them. I’m incredibly proud to reflect on what has been an unforgettable season.

Firstly, I want to highlight our defenceLaura, Ciara, Hattie, and Alice - who were an absolute rock at the back. Their stability, relentless tackling, and ability to stop any ball made sure we always had a strong foundation to build on.

Our midfielders - Lotti, Baci, Jess, Maiya, and Eva - showed remarkable ball skills. Their ability to weave their way up the pitch, creating opportunities out of nothing, truly stood out.

And then, of course, our attackersKitty, Maiya, Gala, and Erin - who never failed to deliver. Kitty dazzled us all with

her unique skills, consistently outplaying opponents in the most creative ways. And let’s not forget Sasha, Pippa and Rebecca, who despite being too young for the team, did not fail to make their debuts in style.

It’s true, we probably had more falls than goals, but what stood out was our determination and growth. Match after match, our results improved, showing just how much hard work we put in as a team.

To the entire squad, thank you for an incredible season. We not only formed a new team, but a new friendship group, too. For some reason, I found myself to be captain of this new cohort, but with very much needed help from my two vice-captains Maiya and Lotti. My love of hockey started alongside Maiya, in Year 3, and it’s not the results that defined

my hockey career, but the people who made it. Mr Shrubsole and Miss Newman taught me how to hold a stick, and Mr Jackson taught me how to represent the school’s highest team. Mr Jackson is so passionate in what he does, at any level. We may win some, we may lose some, but he made sure we learned and made up for what we lost.

For me, there’ll be no more Saturdays stressing about making the minibuses on time, or running onto the pitch wearing the iconic red Kingswood logo and cheering three hip-hip-hoorays. I’m going to miss it… after 11 years of it I’m going to really miss it.

So I urge you to cherish your Kingswood sport career and take every opportunity to play with your mates as you can. You’re going to look back at it and not regret any of it.

Bristol Grammar

King's Bruton

Kingswood Prep

All Hallows

Redmaids' High

Clifton College

St Mary's Calne

RUGBY

There was some excellent rugby on show this season, with highlights including the 1st XV cup run, a clean sweep of wins against Malvern and block victories against Sir Thomas Rich, Blundell’s and King Edward’s.

Across the school we won 54% of our matches on what has become a very tough circuit. The U14As finished with the best record, with an 86% win rate, and it was Tobias C and Nisek T who were the key players here. The U14Bs also had a strong season with Alex B leading the way.

The U15As took another step forward this season, with the highlight being the excellent win against Blundell’s. For the U15Bs, it’s the performance against Bristol Grammar that will live long in the memory.

Our U13 teams both recorded more wins than losses and it is a couple of boarders, Arsan G and Kevin P who deserve a special mention for these teams.

The Year 7s have real promise but found themselves on a tough circuit so the results do not entirely reflect the quality of their play. Amongst many individual displays of note, over the course of the season it was Ralph H who was the most consistent performer for the A’s. The B’s can take great satisfaction in beating two esteemed rugby schools in Millfield and Blundell’s, both away from home.

The U16As had a great season bearing in mind that two of their squad earnt callups to the 1st XV during the second half of the season. Harry C was a colossus for them and to only lose two matches, against Clifton and Cheltenham, was an exceptional effort. The U16Bs deserve huge credit for their willingness to compete on whatever level. Such is the nature of the 16B circuit these days, that they ended up playing a number of ‘A’ teams and were competitive in every single match. Even more impressive at an age group where many schools are struggling to field teams, was that a total of 31 boys represented the Mighty B’s over the course of the season.

The 2nd XV finished with an outstanding win against Sir Thomas Rich, who had only lost one game all season. Tom B was the player of the season and Harry B slotted in brilliantly in his first term at Kingswood. For the 3rds, Freddie L was the top performer.

1ST XV CO-CAPTAINS, JAMES L & EVAN G

The season kicked off with the Kingswood Rugby Festival, a great event that attracted much of the rugby talent from the South West. Kingswood used this festival to trial a large squad and make final preparations for the upcoming season. The fixture schedule was one of the toughest in modern times, reflecting the team's intent to take on challenges rather than settle for easier matches.

Despite the challenges, the boys rose to the occasion. With many players stepping up from U16 rugby and Co-Captain Evan G out for the season due to a shoulder injury, it was a tough test. Notable victories included wins over Marlborough College, Habs Monmouth, King's Taunton, and a thrilling last-minute victory against Sir Thomas Rich's School away from home.

One of the season's highlights was the Friday Night Lights game against KES Bath at Bath University. Under the floodlights, Kingswood took control and emerged convincing winners, showcasing the experience gained from playing on a tougher circuit.

However, we had our setbacks. The match against Clifton College was a significant learning experience. Clifton's rugby program, in association with Bristol Bears, meant our young team faced a side almost entirely made up of U18 academy players. The disparity was evident on the scoreboard, but the boys used the experience positively, understanding the work needed to compete against the best.

The last game of the season was against RGS High Wycombe, a team high in the national rankings and runners-up at the prestigious St Joseph's Rugby Festival. Although we lost in the final five minutes, the team gave everything, impressing everyone who was there to see it.

As well as the team successes a number of boys have gained individual honours with Stan W and Jack W gaining selection into the Bath Academy and Caleb B continuing in the Bristol Bears set-up.

Well done to all the boys who played their last 1st XV game for Kingswood. Archie W, Teifion J, Archie E-D, Jago D have all been regulars in the team this year, and Caleb B’s service to the game and investment in the team's ambitions have been noteworthy. To those returning next year, we wish you the very best. Continue to build on the legacy of the past few years, and we look forward to supporting you from the sidelines.

COLOURS & AWARDS

 COLTS COLOURS: Charlie D, Harry C, Milo P

 HALF COLOURS: Jago D, Stan W

 FULL COLOURS: Caleb B, Archie E-D, Teifion J, James L, Archie W, Jack W

 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Euan M

 PLAYER OF THE YEAR: James L

Beechen

NETBALL

This year's netball season was action-packed, with over 150 fixtures played across a busy and competitive schedule.

With 23 teams and more than 230 girls participating in regular Saturday matches, the level of involvement and commitment was truly impressive. The fixture card provided a strong challenge, pushing our teams to grow and excel through a series of exciting and hardfought games. Notably, our U19, U16, and U14 teams represented Kingswood with pride and determination at the County tournaments, showcasing their skill and teamwork on a larger stage.

Notable players for the U12s this season include Aster G and Maya B with their respective agility and split-second reactions, and relentless tenacity in defence. Sophie P showed raw skills and reflexes, and Heidi T’s enhanced senses repeatedly turned over the ball. Rubie P zipped across the court, leaving opponents in her wake. In the U13s, Ame T’s determination and Rosie L’s agile movements have been indispensable, whilst Iris P pounced on the ball and Skye B drew the attack and defence together.

...the level of involvement and commitment was truly impressive.

The U14s have been unshakable and full of depth. The A team’s composure in the Regional Finals was nothing short of impressive. Bella N’s decisive actions under the post outperformed even the quickest competitors, while speedster Liv D was a constant threat. Fig W always knew how to get the team out of tough situations, and Izzy D’s and Ena M-P’s contributions were vital.

In the U15s, Esme H and Teni O dominated their areas. Esme B showed exceptional promise, orchestrating the attack with finesse, whilst Eve J was pivotal in the B’s.

The Seniors fielded five teams, competing confidently on the circuit. Freya I with her calm nature has the power to slow the pace of the game, whilst Kristy F and Izzy T showed versatility. Oyin O always had her arms over the ball ready to get tips and interceptions, whilst Verity G held her composure throughout.

COLOURS & AWARDS

 COLTS COLOURS: Kitty M, Ruth P

 HALF COLOURS: Connie H, Ellie L, Iona R, Kate S, Lotti W

 FULL COLOURS: Daisy N, Orla R, Izzy M

 OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Daisy N

 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Ellie L

1ST VII CAPTAIN, DAISY N

Over my three years of 1st team netball I’ve never played in a team that felt more like a group of friends. Every player has shown so much development as the season progressed which was reflected in the results.

Kitty M with her super speed and Ruth P with her ability to stay calm under pressure made getting the ball through court effortless. Iona R’s ability to fly on the interceptions and Connie H’s starfish split were always reliable, making everyone else’s job easier.

Lotti W’s thunderous energy and Kate S’s laser vision accuracy meant that they could catch and control any passes thrown their way.

Ellie L’s ball hunting vision and Orla R’s reflexes were satisfying to watch as they won or intercepted every ball that came near them, and the dynamic duo of Izzy and Orla in defence was consistently strong.

I have loved playing with my vice-captain Izzy from the beginning to the end of our Kingswood journeys, both inside and outside of school and I can confidently say that Izzy’s superpower is both her unwavering positivity and her determination. Izzy has really been a rock in the team and I couldn't have asked for a better partner for my final season.

1ST VII VICE-CAPTAIN, IZZY M

Daisy is someone I have always looked up to and I have loved playing with her for the last two seasons. Despite being injured for the second half of the season, leaving very big shoes to fill, her unmatched commitment remained, supporting us from the sidelines.

Finally, let’s take a moment to celebrate the superhero within each of us. Whether you're the quiet leader, the lightning-fast thinker, the steady presence, or the powerhouse, everyone has their part to play for the success of Kingswood Netball.

BOYS’ HOCKEY

2025 has been another remarkable season for Kingswood’s hockey teams, with so many successes and memorable moments.

With four of our age groups reaching regional finals and beyond, 11 teams finishing the season unbeaten and a win rate of 80% across the board, that would be a fair enough measure of success. However, we take just as much pride from the fact that we fielded 23 teams in total, playing over 150 matches and made history by fielding a Senior 5th XI for the first time, when most of the schools in the area are only fielding two. And all that in just nine weeks! Well done to everyone who got involved.

1ST XI CAPTAIN, TOBY D

The 1st XI season started strong with two dominant Friday night wins against local rivals Prior Park and King Edward’s and, but for a slip-up against Sherborne, would have finished the regular season unbeaten.

The cup run though was the real highlight. It didn’t start perfectly, with a shaky 4-2 win over Downside but we bounced back, with a fantastic 4-0 win over Dauntsey’s, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Cheltenham. That took us to the regional finals against King’s Taunton, and wow, what a final that turned out to be! After a shocking start, we found ourselves 2-0 down at half time but after a fiery team talk from Mr Jackson, we came out in the second half looking like a new team ready to take the game to Taunton. With 15 minutes to go, a vital goal from Alfie started our comeback swiftly followed by an equaliser from Wills. With only 2 minutes to go, Alfie came out of nowhere to take it around the keeper and score the winning goal. Following this special win, we hosted Charterhouse in the national semis. While we didn’t get the result we were wishing for, it was an unbelievable experience for all of us and we can’t thank everyone enough for their support.

Five Year 11 boys made consistent appearances and acquitted themselves well going up a level and playing in

some pretty high pressure matches. Each bring their own strength to the team. Viv’s silky skills, Fred’s range of passing, Tis’s tackling at left back, Toby’s composure on the ball, and Charlie’s eye for goal all added to the team’s make-up.

This year's Year 12s have really provided a backbone for the team. Jack P and Tom B combined well in midfield while Tom S has been a tank at the back having to fill in at centre-back for a few games. George H and Alfie M have both now completed their second full season in the team and have established themselves as key players in midfield

and I am sure they are the ones who will lead the team forward again next season.

Of our leavers, Ollie Y has added an attacking threat to the squad from silky dribbling to his intensity in the press and he commits 100% to every challenge he makes. Fin C joined the school in Year 12 and fitted right into the 1st team squad from the jump with his unmatched intensity and drive that he not only brings to the game but to training as well. Archie H has been at the forefront of Kingswood’s attack for the past three years, consistently ranking among the top goal scorers. His eye for a goal and relentless energy in the press is unmatched. George C has been a rock in goal for two years now, and has often been the difference in tight games. In particular, his save against King’s Taunton in the final play of the game with his head was one of the moments of the season. Owen B has been in the squad for three years now and his improvement has really shown with him being selected to represent Wales at international level. His hard work and determination has been a key component of the team’s success this year. Wills H has truly made the centre-back role his own, playing with the poise of a seasoned veteran and never losing the ball to an attacker. His focus, leadership, and ability to shut down attacks have made all the difference in crucial games.

Finally, on behalf of all the players at the school, we would like to thank all of the staff who have worked so hard with their teams this term, but in particular Mr Jackson. JJ has been a key part of many of our journeys, both as a teammate at the club and as our coach for school over the past three years. He has been a constant source of support and inspiration, pushing us to reach our full potential and we couldn’t ask for more from a coach.

COLOURS & AWARDS

 COLTS COLOURS:

Charlie D, Vivaan G, Toby K, Mathis S, Freddie S

 HALF COLOURS: George H, Alfie M, Ollie Y

 FULL COLOURS:

Owen B, Fin C, George C, Toby D, Archie H, Wills H

 IDRIS CUP (for outstanding contribution to hockey): Joe Watt

 PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Toby D

CRICKET

The cricket term always seems to be a bit of a whirlwind and 2025 was no different, with over 70 matches crammed into just 9 weeks.

Louie A was the stand-out player in Year 7, and Henry A, Alfie R, Austin G, Luca M and Freddie A all had impressive seasons for their respective teams.

In Year 8 Harrison D was a great addition as he excelled with bat and ball. Olivia P was often the pick of the seam bowlers whilst Keerut G, Luke C, Charlie F and Finley H should also be proud of their efforts this term, with the U13Bs finishing as one of the unbeaten teams this season under Mr Hills’ guidance.

For the U14As, Tobias C enjoyed an exceptional season, particularly with the bat, and was the mainstay of a team that has made great progress this term. Sophie R was also a great addition at wicketkeeper whilst Aston N, Toby H and Magnus D also showed up well.

Teddy Mc was once again the key man in Year 10, before moving into the 1st XI at the end of the season. George W captained the team well and James L and James S also had fine seasons. Jimmy C, Oscar P and Jasper S were all leading performers in the B's.

With many schools struggling to field 2nd teams this season, to have consistently been able to put out an unbeaten 3rd XI is arguably the greatest measure of how cricket is flourishing at Kingswood, with George H being the main man of this team. In what was arguably our strongest 2nd team ever, Henry K had a fantastic season with bat and ball whilst Barney H, Hector H, Jimmy S and Freddie C were also consistent.

It is also wonderful to see girls' cricket thriving, with our fixture list steadily expanding to meet the growing talent and demand. The Year 7s have been particularly formidable, boasting some of the best bowling on the circuit. Our U14s continue to impress – when they bowl first, they rarely fail to chase down a target. A standout moment this season was the U13s reaching the County Cup Final, with many playing a year above their age. Meanwhile, the U15s have embraced every challenge, and Iris G has especially caught the eye with her outstanding bowling performances.

1ST XI CAPTAIN – TOBY E

The 1st team looks to be in very good hands with youngsters Teddy, Mathijs, Toby K and Freddie S all playing vital roles in the team this year. Mathijs is a player with all round quality and is a threat with both bat and ball. Toby’s 54 not out to rescue us vs King Edward’s was one of the key highlights, showing real grit and determination. Although late to the team, Teddy’s performances have been exceptional – scoring a half century and taking a 5wicket haul as a Year 10 student is remarkable. Freddie S has been the team’s top run scorer and on his day is as good as most batters on the circuit, and you forget sometimes that he is still only in Year 11.

The Year 12 contingent are in a great place to take on the senior roles next year. Harry B is a very solid bowler; Tom S has scored some useful runs this year and he has been vital in the field; Tom B has been solid with the ball and has added consistency to the attack; Joss A has provided some vital wickets with his off spin; whilst Ed A has been solid at the top of the order and is a very gifted wicketkeeper.

Of the Year 13 leavers, Sam D has played some of the most impressive innings over the past two years. His ability to stay level-headed at the crease is what stands him out from many others. Fergus H is always upbeat on the pitch. He is a remarkably skilful bowler, and this year ended as top wicket taker which is a testament to his skill and consistency. Owen B has bowled some vital spells this year and he is one of the most consistent performers. Archie B is an incredible bowler – one of the best there has been at Kingswood over the last four seasons.

In the last seven years I doubt I’ve had more than 5 weeks without some sort of cricket at Kingswood, whether that’s the famous KPL or cricket weeks. I’ve watched many players come through the years and develop into solid 1st team cricketers and I feel incredibly privileged to have captained the side this year.

COLOURS & AWARDS

 COLTS COLOURS: Mathijs IDR, Toby K, Freddie S

 HALF COLOURS: Ed A, Harry B, Owen B

 FULL COLOURS: Archie B, Sam D, Toby E, Fergus H

 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Teddy Mc

 PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Toby E

TENNIS

Despite the demands of exams and study leave, our tennis players managed to have another amazing season.

Co-Captains: Amy R and Sam N

In the U12s, Amelie B and Tilly M-T brought a dynamic partnership and Sophie P brought strength to the court. The U13s impressed with Thea R being standout for her consistency and adaptability, whilst Lottie K has been the most improved and she will be missed next year. In the Junior boys, Edward L, Freddie C-J and George J joined the Year 7 cohort and they show much promise. All the Year 9s must be praised for their four wins against Marlborough but standout pairings

were Belle D and Immy H-B who didn’t lose a single match, and Amber B and Sophia B who also impressed in the B's. In Year 10, Esme and Poppy brought cheer and talent to the court for the girls, and Sam M and Callum F showed much improvement throughout the term.

In the Seniors, we want to recognise those who have shown some of the most important qualities of tennis players.

GROWTH

Throughout the term, we have seen numerous players improve. For the girls, Erin and Maya became more consistent with their ground strokes and interceptions, whilst for the boys, Charlie B and Charlie W both improved their serves, becoming a force to be reckoned with.

TEAM SPIRIT

On and off the court Masha and Livvy never fail to make others laugh from the side lines but are always composed during their long matches; Harry W always keeps the team motivated and is a constant support on court; whilst Jonty L-S never fails to bring his passion for tennis to every match.

WORK ETHIC

Anna, Mako and Charlotte always show great work ethic and their diligence is appreciated by their teams; Oscar and Spike never miss a training session and always give it 100%; whilst Ed D and Archie H always show resilience on court.

TALENT

India’s forehands challenge the opposition’s strength and Rebecca L’s serve and constant aces surprise competitors. Despite only being in Year 9, Jax’s place in the firsts is secure. The new pairing of Ernie and Kian has been impressive, whilst Ollie’s enthusiasm on court is infectious and his volleys are second to none – he is always focused on court, but still always manages to make it a fun experience, whatever the score is.

Sam’s commitment to the sport – from playing in the firsts since Year 10 – has been inspiring to the younger players and he has made a great captain for the boys this year. Amy has made an invaluable contribution to Kingswood tennis, with movement similar to Emma Raducanu and leadership skills to match – she will be greatly missed.

Thank you to all the teachers who have coached tennis this season – particularly Mrs Sim, Mrs Andell and Mr Davies – who have guided the teams to such a successful season.

COLOURS & AWARDS

 COLTS COLOURS: Jonty L-S, Spike S, Oscar S

 HALF COLOURS: Ed D, Anna H, Mako H, Maria R, Harry W

 FULL COLOURS: Sam N, Amy R, Ollie Y

 MOST IMPROVED: Charlotte M, Jonty L-S

 BLEATHMAN CUP: Anna H

CROSS COUNTRY

The cross country team have once again provided a superb season, with Kingswood having continued high numbers for fixtures and being the best represented school by far on the cross country circuit.

Co-Captains Poppy S and Christina Y

From seeing the students supporting each other in every race with such enthusiasm and positivity, to seeing senior students who have only recently taken up the sport thriving and developing a passion for cross country running, to our amazing new Year 7 cohort who have brought with them such a great spirit, energy and enthusiasm, this year has truly been a special time for cross country at Kingswood.

As well as hosting the BANES XC Championships, Avon Schools Championships and our inaugural home fixture – the Kingswood Cross Challenge, we also attended eight away fixtures, never once returning empty-handed. Our senior boys team of Toby D, Max G, Ewan S and Ferdie G proudly defended their title at Canford relays. Other senior runners have also contributed to many team prizes at Bryanston, Milton Abbey, Canford, and Leweston. Christina Y and Ferdie set up superb examples as senior athletes by never missing a single fixture this year, demonstrating their commitment and being great role models.

The junior girls this year are especially promising, showing some incredible speed and dominating most of their fixtures. Amongst them, Florence B, Cosima D, Hannah M and Rachel M regularly swept the podium and won many medals.

Inter and junior boys have also delivered consistently top performances. The team consisting of Ewan S, Noah S, Noah Mc-L, and Tom W took home gold in the Bryanston relay race.

There are also individual achievements outside of Kingswood XC this season. Eight of our runners qualified and represented Avon at the South West Schools’ Cross Country Championships. At this event the minor girls – represented by Cosima, Florence, and Hannah – came first as a team, Noah S finished 9th overall in his race and Noah Mc-L also delivered a superb performance.

COLOURS & AWARDS

 COLTS COLOURS: Tom W

 HALF COLOURS: Toby D, Ferdie G, Max G, Mako H, Dan W, Christina Y

 GREATEST CONTRIBUTION:

Christina Y

Seniors Christina, Ferdie, and Mako were selected to run in the English Schools’ Cross Country, the very day before they all participated in the Bath Half Marathon and they all represented their county and their school with pride.

Well supported by their vice-captain Mako H, captains Poppy S and Christina Y have done an excellent job this year and have been superb role models and catalysts of our great team spirit; they will be hugely missed.

HOUSE XC

The six races of boys and girls across the Westwood, Inter and Senior age categories were well contested and represented, with some excellent competition taking place through all areas of the field.

Mr Matt Deacon (Head of Cross Country)

HOUSE XC WINNERS (Girls/Boys) WINNING HOUSES

WESTWOOD (Y7, Y8) Hannah M/Noah S Phoenix (Girls)/Mulberry (Boys)

INTERS (Y9, Y10) Rebecca L/Ewan S School/Hall

SENIORS (Y11, Y12, Y13) Christina Y/Ferdie G School/Upper

HOUSE XC RELAYS WINNING TEAMS (Girls/Boys) MEDALS

WESTWOOD (Y7, Y8) Phoenix 7A/Mulberry 8A Luke C, Cosima D, Reuben G, Sebbie H, Hannah M, Maya S

INTERS (Y9, Y10) Fonthill A/Hall A Reuben C, Sasha F, Rebecca L, Noah Mc-L, Ewan S, Fig W, Oscar W

SENIORS (Y11, Y12, Y13) Summerhill A/Middle A Archie B, Charlie H, Mako H, Alfie M, Risako S, Tom W, Christina Y

Overall wins for Hall, Summerhill, Phoenix and Mulberry across all age groups.

FOOTBALL

This season has been a truly special one for Kingswood football. What made it memorable wasn’t just the results on the pitch, but the character of the players who formed the squad.

1st XI Co-Captains: Gabriel L and Sam D

Each individual contributed something unique – not just in terms of ability, but in attitude, commitment, and the way the team supported one another throughout the campaign. A strong sense of unity ran through every match, training session and challenge, and that togetherness made a real difference both on and off the field.

Opponents were often caught off guard by the sharpness, organisation, and determination shown throughout the season. The team played with flair and discipline, but also with a sense of sportsmanship that never wavered. Against high-quality opposition, Kingswood frequently rose to the occasion and delivered impressive performances, often with successful results to match.

One standout moment came in the fixture against the top-ranked football school in the country, QEH. In a tense and thrilling game, the teams were level going into half-time. Although the final result didn’t fall in Kingswood’s favour, the performance demonstrated just how far the team had come.

Of course, this season wasn’t just about the 1st XI. The 2nd XI also enjoyed a brilliant campaign, marked by some thrilling comebacks that showcased their

resilience and unity. Their contribution to school football this year was significant, and special credit must go to their captain, Mishari, who led with passion and determination throughout.

Mr Lynch deserves recognition for his work with the 2nd XI, guiding them through an exhilarating season. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and the players took great pride in being coached by him.

The 1st XI also benefited greatly from strong leadership, with the co-captains Sam and Gabe working together to guide the team through a demanding season. A huge thank you is extended to Mr Harding, whose commitment, passion, and deep knowledge of the game played a vital role in the team’s success. Whether motivating the players, ensuring tactical discipline, or delivering a few trademark shouts to track back or press forward, his influence was ever-present and deeply appreciated by the squad.

Looking ahead, the team is in safe hands. The current Year 12s, including Ben B and Fin B, have had outstanding seasons, and both are well-placed to take on greater leadership roles. Fin and Mide contributed three goals each and finished second only to Gabe, who ended the season with seven goals in seven games. Year 11 George W has also impressed with his composure and quality at the back, marking him out as a key player for the future.

A final thank you goes to everyone who contributed to the success of this season – players, coaches, supporters, and all those working behind the scenes. The encouragement and belief shown throughout the year have made a lasting impact and it is clear that Kingswood football continues to go from strength to strength.

House football

During an early season meet at Dauntsey's, our pupils delivered exciting initial performances, securing wins in various events and setting a positive tone for the training ahead. This quickly translated into success at the Marlborough College Nitro Athletics Competition. Kingswood proudly fielded four teams and emerged as the overall champions, triumphing over a strong field. A special shout-out goes to our Junior Boys team who were crowned category champions for 2025, with the Junior Girls and Senior Boys also excelling as close runners-up.

Our athletes continued to impress at the English Schools' Track and Field Cup. This national competition ranks teams based on cumulative athlete scores. The Junior Girls put in a fantastic effort, finishing 3rd in Avon, whilst the Inter Girls tied for 1st place in Avon, demonstrating resilience despite a few unexpected challenges. The Inter Boys truly shone, winning the Avon category by a substantial margin. Our Intermediate Girls progressed on points to the Southwest Regional Championships at Millfield where they put in a strong display to secure an impressive 6th place.

The Millfield Grand Prix saw our Kingswood team competing against top schools from the South of England. Our Inter Girls delivered a phenomenal performance, placing first overall. Their efforts were consistently outstanding

COLOURS & AWARDS

 COLTS COLOURS:

Charlie D, Sam G

 HALF COLOURS:

Oscar E, Theo E, Oyin O

ATHLETICS

Our athletes have consistently showcased dedication, skill, and an incredible team spirit across a variety of competitions, achieving remarkable success and setting a high standard for future seasons.

throughout the day, capped off by a decisive win in the 4x100m relay.

The second and final Nitro Athletics competition at Marlborough College continued to highlight our teams' prowess. Our Senior Boys achieved the performance of the day with our 4-Minute-MaximumDistance relay team. The boys took victory and showed immense determination and teamwork. The Junior Girls also put in a strong showing, unfortunately just missing out on the top position by a few points. Our Junior Boys team showed significant improvement from the previous meet, continuing to push for top places and displaying encouraging progress.

Year 7 and Year 8 teams dominated the BANES Minor Championships at Bath University. The girls delivered an exceptional performance, winning both the Year 7 and Year 8 competitions, whilst our smaller boys' team showed great determination, achieving strong placements in their respective events.

In the demanding Quadrathlon Championships, our athletes displayed incredible versatility across multiple disciplines. In the Intermediate Girls’ competition, Elspeth M secured a gold medal, and Pippa C earned a fantastic silver. Arthur M-T also took home a medal in the Intermediate Boys’ competition, showcasing great all-round potential, and Charlie D put in an excellent effort to earn a medal for the Senior Boys despite strong competition. In the Lower School meet, our youngest athletes put on a phenomenal performance, showing that the future of Kingswood Athletics looks bright!

Whilst there have been many outstanding performances this year, Ewan S stands out. His intense training in both Triathlon and Athletics, combined with a strong focus on developing his psychological and physiological skills, has driven his continued progress at the top level. This season, he ran 1:51.49 in the 800m, ranking him first nationally by a clear margin. Over the summer, he finished second at the English Schools Championships (a year young) and also placed second representing England at the Schools International Championships.

We are incredibly proud of every athlete who has represented Kingswood this season. Our school has cultivated a well-respected identity on the circuit for maximal effort matched by incredible spirit and mutual support among our athletes.

Co-Captains Oscar E and Oyin O

Ewan S

MR TIM REEMAN

Mr Reeman arrived at Kingswood in 1988, beginning his PE teaching career alongside his commitments as fly half for Bath Rugby.

Now coming to the end of a 37-year stint, it makes him the longest serving member of the current teaching staff at Kingswood. In that time, he lived on site for a long period and has been a constant presence as a tutor in Hall House, offering invaluable support and pastoral care to generations of boys.

As part of the PE & Games Department, and Director of Sport since 1998, Mr Reeman has been central to Kingswood's sporting success. Under his leadership, sport at the school has flourished, gaining a reputation as the strongest in the city and a serious competitor regionally and nationally. He has championed participation at every level and inspired countless pupils, whether in the A team or the D team.

He has also built and led a committed team of teacher-coaches, generously giving his time every weekend and setting an example of energy and dedication, creating a highly rewarding sense of shared purpose and camaraderie. A lasting part of his legacy includes the sixth form rugby and hockey tours, which he has led for many years, taking pupils to countries such as South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Fiji, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, the USA, and Sri Lanka.

In the classroom, Mr Reeman has taught both PE and Mathematics, and is a much-respected colleague known for his willingness to support others – even driving minibuses at all hours, and accompanying trips run by other departments.

Mr Reeman has been ever present to all of us on our cricket journey through school. Whether that’s from his endless wisdom, scoring, umpiring, or driving us to fixtures, he has quietly had a huge impact on us all and I feel very privileged to have received 7 years of his coaching. There is only one Mr Reeman and he will be very sorely missed.

2025 Cricket Captain Toby E

Though stepping back from full-time teaching, he will remain at Kingswood in a part-time Ambassador role, helping the Engagement team strengthen ties with former pupils – a fitting continuation for someone held in such high regard by so many.

Mr Reeman has led the rugby programme at Kingswood for more than a quarter of a century. In that time, he has taken it from a period when we would lose to KES by over 100 points to where we are now competing on a regular basis with some of the biggest rugby schools in the country. His impact on Kingswood rugby should never be underestimated.

2024 Rugby Co-Captains James L and Evan G

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

BRONZE

In June, 100 Year 10 students completed two days on the Mendip Hills for their Bronze DofE qualifying expedition. The groups walked one of two routes, both taking in the Cheddar Cliffs just to the east of Cheddar Gorge, Burrington Combe and the delightful Chew Valley. The participants coped well with the changeable weather, steep hill climbs and sore feet. Whilst the majority of the groups took most of Saturday morning to reacquaint themselves with the map, all of the groups made excellent progress and were very competent by Sunday afternoon.

SILVER

At the end of June, 63 Year 11 students embarked on their Silver DofE qualifying expedition on Exmoor. They had to complete three days of challenging walking across a variety of different terrain whilst carrying all of their food and equipment with them for the entire expedition. They also had to camp independently for two nights which required high levels of organisation and teamwork. The students coped really well with the high temperatures and showed strong navigational skills to reach their checkpoints in good spirits. Day 2 was a particular challenge with long distances to cover and high temperatures but everybody coped admirably and remained really positive throughout.

GOLD

Following a successful practice expedition in October and months of preparation, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh participants set off for the Lake District in the first week of the summer holidays.

Over the course of the four-day expedition, students were required to be entirely self-sufficient as they navigated and camped in the stunning wilderness of the Cumbrian fells and valleys. Glorious weather for much of the trip allowed the groups to enjoy the routes they had carefully planned in advance. These routes took in the Langdale Valley and Borrowdale, with a highlight being the ascent of High Raise, offering superb views of Scafell Pike, Bowfell, and even Skiddaw.

The journey also included a scenic stop in Grasmere and a long lunch break at Grisedale Tarn. The groups were again blessed with sunshine on the final day as the participants trekked the length of Ullswater, successfully completing their expedition at Pooley Bridge.

Each group undertook a specific aim during the expedition. Some focused on identifying mountain flora and fauna, others studied the geographical features of the glacial landscape, and one group even developed an innovative system of hand signals for communication.

Congratulations to all twenty-nine participants who have now successfully completed the expedition section of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

TEN TORS 2025

The Ten Tors challenge is a regional event run by the British army whereby teams of six students have to safely and successfully lead themselves across Dartmoor over a weekend. The students must be fully independent and selfsufficient with regards to navigation, group management, campcraft and cooking.

Over 60 students began the Ten Tors journey in January with several local walks testing their waterproofs and navigation as well as their legs. There were then several weekend trips to Dartmoor in March and April which gave students the opportunity to test themselves against the rugged terrain and weather of Dartmoor, getting to know the moor and learning how to navigate in this harsh environment. Following this training, 24 students were selected to represent the School at the final event in May with our Year 10 students completing the 35-mile and Year 12s completing the 45-mile routes.

Our students travelled down on the Friday, had to plan their routes and have their kit checked before going for fish and chips in Okehampton for dinner. Dawn on Saturday was clear and crisp with excellent visibility and hikers were treated to a stunning sunrise. Students were woken at 5am to the famous ‘Chariots of Fire’ blasting out of the speakers, and in the early morning alpenglow, students nervously packed their bags and ate what breakfast they could. Hikers were treated to an acrobatic display from army skydivers as they lined up at the start before the field guns at 7am signalled the beginning of the event.

All four teams made excellent progress on Saturday, successfully navigating across the moor and walking well into the evening. They then set up camp and enjoyed a well-earned rest before the 4am alarm on Sunday morning forced them from their warm tents.

KINGSWOOD A 45

Freddie G, Alex K, Max L, Adam R, George W, Harry W.

KINGSWOOD B 45

James A, Charlie B, Henry E, Charlotte P, Risako S, Archie T.

KINGSWOOD A 35

Reuben C, Pippa G, Fergus J, Theo P, Xavier R, Maddie W.

KINGSWOOD B 35

Flynn B, Isaac J, Will J, Ben L, Rupert R, Arthur W.

On Sunday our teams visited their final few tors and made it to the finish line (and victory pasty!) in excellent time.

Completing this challenge is a massive accomplishment and all students who took part should be immensely proud of their achievement.

KS3 HIKES

Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 are offered the chance to join shorter hikes that build experience and confidence for future challenges like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Ten Tors.

In September, Year 8 tackled a hilly 8-mile circular walk from Tyning’s Farm through the Mendips visiting the highest point in the hills, Beacon Batch, and enjoying glorious views over the Severn Estuary from the Iron Age hill fort at Dolebury Warren. In May, Year 9 enjoyed a walk in the Mendips in splendid weather. The route from the village of Priddy took in spectacular views over the Somerset Levels and Glastonbury Tor as well as the dramatic Ebor Gorge. Year 7 completed a 9-mile route in June on the rolling Marlborough Downs, where everyone was able to enjoy the historic sites of the Iron Age Barbury Castle and the Avebury Stone Circle, and the extensive views from the ancient Ridgeway.

Each group walked well and finished their hikes in excellent time.

Scan the QR code to enjoy the full video of the trip.

In October half term, 29 students travelled to the Bay of Naples for a jam-packed Classics-themed tour.

After a brief stop in Naples for the Archaeological Museum, the group journeyed to Sorrento. In Pompeii, they visited the forum, amphitheatre, and assorted villas, walking in the footsteps of Romans two millennia ago. On the third day they visited the Isle of Capri, where they learned all about its impressive history. The penultimate day featured the group heading up Vesuvius. They climbed up to the summit, and saw the steam rising out of the crater, allowing them to imagine the sheer scale of the famous 79 AD eruption. Later on, they visited Herculaneum which, whilst being smaller than Pompeii, is much better preserved.

They strolled the streets and were shocked to see how each building was so intricately decorated. Students returned with many amazing memories.

SPANISH EXCHANGE 2024 MADRID

The annual Spanish Exchange experience was finally up and running again – the last one being in 2019.

The experience began in June 2024 when students in Year 9 to 12 met with their exchange partners virtually. A few months later, during October half term, Mr Walker and Mrs Andell accompanied fourteen of our students to Madrid.

Our students stayed with families for eight nights, getting to know new people and customs and enjoying the Spanish culture. Much time was spent practising Spanish and trying new foods including calamari sandwiches!

Over the course of the week there were some inspirational excursions:

• A visit to the ancient UNESCO city of Segovia where they enjoyed a guided tour of the key sites including the 2000 year old aqueduct and the castle that was used as a model for the Walt Disney castle.

• A visit to the capital Madrid seeing the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor and other historical sites.

• A long trip to Toledo, the old capital of Spain until the 16th Century. This is another UNESCO world heritage city that includes Spain’s greatest cathedral, an ancient synagogue and also Muslim architecture – indeed, our guide explained how this city once included Christians, Jews and Muslims all living together in peace for several hundred years.

On the final Friday, students gave presentations in small groups to primary school Spanish students before departing for the journey home.

In March, Kingswood was delighted to reciprocate and host our Spanish counterparts. Over a very busy week the Spanish students were treated to trips to Bath, Oxford, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Wells and Glastonbury. Several of them also made it to London during their stay with their English host families.

The relationships they've established are wonderful, many having told Head of Spanish Mr Walker that they have made friends for life with plans already afoot for future visits to Spain and vice versa.

THE USA

HISTORY & POLITICS TRIP 2025

The first Saturday of February half term saw 26 Sixth Form students make the trip to Washington, D.C. – the capital of the United States, ahead of one of the most consequential presidential elections in American history.

They visited the US Capitol and were even able to enter the US Senate chamber where the new President was later officially announced. The students were great company, letting their hair down at the NFL match between the Washington Commanders and the Carolina Panthers, before trying their own hands at ‘touch football’ in the shadows of the Washington Monument.

After all this, and much more, the group visited the home of the USA’s first president, George Washington before moving north to the ‘swing state’ of Pennsylvania. Upon crossing the state line, the billboards on the highway

became almost entirely focused on politics as each candidate sought to wring out every last vote in the Keystone State, and the commercial breaks on local TV at the hotel just outside of Philadelphia made for compulsive viewing. The last few days were spent visiting sights such as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitutional Convention was held, before indulging their tastebuds at the famous Reading Terminal Market for Philly Cheese Steaks.

There was much intellectual curiosity amongst the students and a great time was had by all.

HISTORY TRIP 2025 BERLIN

Thirty-two Year 10 historians embarked on a journey to Berlin during the first week of the Easter holidays, exploring significant sites related to the Nazi regime.

Ahighlight for many students was the guided tour around the Olympic Stadium which hosted the Berlin Olympics in 1936.

This was the site where Jesse Owens made history, Usain Bolt’s world record 100m time was set, and where Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions came up short in summer ‘24.

There was also a visit to sites related to the Holocaust such as Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, and the outstanding visitor’s centre underneath the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in the city centre.

Doughnuts, a trip up the space age TV tower, and an evening bowling all added some much-needed levity to the week.

The students were really engaged in the historical side of the trip throughout, impressing all the staff with their attentiveness and inquisitiveness.

LA PLAGNE

YEAR 9 SKI ADVENTURE

During the first week of the Easter holidays, 48 Year 9 students embarked on an unforgettable ski trip to La Plagne. The week was filled with breathtaking views, great snow conditions, and an atmosphere of excitement as everyone embraced the adventure in the stunning French Alps.

It was mostly sunny and warm weather, which made for perfect skiing and ensured that every student had a fantastic time across the expansive ski area.

Each ski group showed impressive progress throughout the week. The students explored the glacier and had the unique opportunity to encounter the local Marmot population, adding a special touch to their mountain adventure. Some of our more adventurous students even went off-piste with their instructors on the final day, tackling more challenging terrain and pushing their limits.

The evenings were lively and packed with fun activities. Everyone had a

great time enjoying a variety of events, including bowling, games, and a quiz night, where students and staff alike had the chance to test their knowledge in a friendly competition. For those who wanted to relax or explore, shopping trips offered the perfect opportunity to discover local souvenirs and enjoy the alpine village atmosphere.

As always, the students displayed excellent behaviour throughout the trip and were true ambassadors for Kingswood, showing respect and enthusiasm at all times. All in all, it was an incredible week full of adventure, learning, and memories that will last a lifetime.

DESERT SPRINGS

1ST XI PRE-SEASON CRICKET TOUR

During the second week of the Easter holidays, the 1st XI cricket squad travelled to Desert Springs in the south of Spain for a pre-season tour.

The team took part in the prestigious TCS100 competition, run by The Cricketer magazine, offering a fantastic opportunity to gain early match practice ahead of the season.

The opening day proved challenging, with the team suffering two tough losses. However, these matches provided invaluable experience against high-quality opposition and set the tone for learning and development throughout the week.

In a rare turn of events for Desert Springs, rain disrupted the schedule over the following two days, limiting time out in the middle. Despite the weather, the boys made full use of the resort’s superb facilities, including padel tennis courts, the golf driving range, swimming pool and other recreational amenities, ensuring spirits remained high.

Fortunately, the sun returned for the final day of the tour, and Kingswood produced an outstanding performance

to win against Parkview Academy, a feeder school for Durham County Cricket Club.

The tour was not only a crucial step in cricket preparations but, more importantly, a brilliant opportunity for team bonding and building camaraderie.

GEOGRAPHY TRIP 2025 ICELAND A JOURNEY THROUGH FIRE AND ICE

At Easter, a group of 50 Year 11 GCSE Geography students embarked on an unforgettable five-day adventure to Iceland – the land of glaciers, geysers, and geological wonders.

The trip was a fantastic opportunity to bring classroom learning to life, exploring firsthand the dramatic landscapes shaped by tectonic activity.

Touching down at Keflavík Airport, we headed straight for the Reykjanes Peninsula, an area teeming with volcanic features. Our first stop was the Bridge Between Continents, a symbolic crossing between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. This was followed by a visit to the Fagradalsfjall lava flow, where we observed fresh volcanic terrain from the 2021 eruption – a striking example of Iceland’s ongoing geological evolution.

Our second day began at the Lava Centre, where interactive displays deepened our understanding of Iceland’s volcanic systems. The view from the roof of this centre allowed us to watch a storm roll in from the North Atlantic. We then travelled to the powerful Skógafoss waterfall made even more impressive by the wild

weather on the day, before heading to Sólheimajökull glacier for a guided glacier walk – a highlight for many students. Equipped with crampons and ice axes, we explored crevasses and ice formations.

We kicked off day three with a visit to the wave-lashed dramatic black sands of Reynisfjara beach, and we watched as the destructive waves crashed against the cliffs, eroding the hexagonal columns it is famous for. Next, we visited the Hveragerði Geothermal Centre, where we learned about Iceland’s use of geothermal energy.

We explored the iconic Golden Circle on day four, starting with the Geysir geothermal area, where we watched the Strokkur geyser erupt at regular intervals. Next was Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls, followed by a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart finishing with a swim in one of the open air,

...dramatic landscapes shaped by tectonic activity.

geothermally heated swimming pools Iceland is renowned for.

On our final day, we embarked on a very rough boat trip to look for whales, and whilst we did not see any cetaceans, the scenery more than made up for it. Overall, it was a wonderful and highly memorable trip, and we look forward to our next overseas expeditions.

PARIS

FRENCH TRIP 2025

A JOURNEY OF CULTURE, DISCOVERY AND DELIGHT

The Paris trip early in the summer break proved to be an unforgettable cultural and educational experience for our students, who were exemplary in their conduct throughout.

In the space of just a few days, they immersed themselves in the language, history, and vibrancy of the French capital.

Students explored many of Paris’s most celebrated landmarks, including the majestic Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the elegant avenues of the Champs-Élysées. A bateau mouche cruise along the Seine offered a unique perspective on the city’s rich architectural heritage, passing by Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre,

and the stately façades of the Grand and Petit Palais. A particular highlight was the guided tour of the Parc des Princes – home to the 2025 Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain.

Students were enthralled by the behindthe-scenes insight into one of Europe’s top football clubs and even had the opportunity to test their own skills on the side pitch.

No visit to France would be complete without savouring its world-renowned cuisine, and students enjoyed everything from traditional breakfasts to classic regional dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, escalope provençale, mousse au chocolat, tartelettes aux fruits and, of course, delicate macarons. Another standout moment was the day spent at Disneyland Paris. Despite a rainy start, the students’ enthusiasm was undiminished, and they embraced the magic of the park with energy and joy. On the return journey, a stop at the Beussent Lachelle chocolate factory provided a fascinating glimpse into the artisanal process of chocolatemaking – from bean to bar – complete

with generous tastings that were greatly appreciated by all.

This trip was far more than a sightseeing tour; it was a genuine enrichment opportunity that broadened students’ horizons, deepened their cultural awareness, and brought the French language to life in meaningful and memorable ways.

SOUTH AFRICA

RUGBY TOUR

JULY 2025

Following the end of the school year, 50 Kingswood boys and five staff embarked on an unforgettable rugby tour to Cape Town, South Africa.

Our hearts were set on experiencing the magic of South Africa's renowned schoolboy rugby and soaking in its breathtaking natural beauty, and this carefully crafted tour delivered on every promise.

From the moment we touched down, the energy was palpable. Our first training session at the University of Cape Town felt truly special, with the towering mountains providing an awe-inspiring backdrop. Beyond the competitive matches, the tour was a tapestry of enriching experiences. In the days which followed, we explored the peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope, braving a wavy boat trip to Seal Island, taking the Cable Car up Table Mountain, and delighting in the charming antics of the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. We were deeply moved by meeting Mama Yandi, whose inspirational work in the Masiphumelele community uplifts young minds through arts and education. We also took a poignant tour of District Six, a powerful reminder of how apartheid had tragically fractured communities.

Perhaps the most profound moment of the entire trip was our return to Masiphumelele Rugby Club. Our bond

...magnificent ambassadors for Kingswood...

with this club has deepened beautifully since 2019. We shared an unforgettable joint training session, followed by an evening brimming with authentic joy, delicious boerewors rolls, vibrant music and dancing. It was an evening that truly touched our souls, forging amazing connections and memories that will last a lifetime.

On the field, we took on Rondebosch Boys High School, a formidable force. Our 1st XV poured their all into a match that, while a narrow defeat, filled us with immense pride. Our 2nd XV learned a lot from playing a strong Rondebosch U16A team. Somerset College provided two enjoyable games; while our 1st XV secured a win, our 2nd XV fell just short in a game they dominated for large patches. Our final game against Hermanus High School was another display of fighting spirit, with both teams playing some great rugby.

We thoroughly enjoyed visiting Paul Roos in Stellenbosch to witness a local derby between two Top 10 ranked schools – the electric atmosphere and sheer passion of the supporters captivated us all!

The grand finale was a magnificent two-day safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve, where the boys feasted like kings and delighted in spotting the Big Five – cherishing every moment connecting and forging friendships. The tour concluded with an awards dinner, where the boys reflected on a truly fantastic and inspiring journey. They forged exceptional bonds and created special memories. Touring is such a unique experience, and these boys truly embraced every opportunity, acting as magnificent ambassadors for Kingswood and proving themselves to be wholesome, warm-hearted individuals. We can't wait to reminisce about these treasured moments for years to come.

THE AZORES

SUMMER 2025 TRIP

In the second week of the summer holiday, 19 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 enjoyed an exciting and varied trip to São Miguel Island, one of the nine volcanic islands that make up the Portuguese Azores.

The group was based in the bustling and picturesque town of Ponta Delgada on the southern coast of the island.

Highlights of day one included a hike around the rim of the Caldera of Sete Cidades, enjoying wonderful views and then cycling round the lagoon side and some kayaking on the lagoon itself.

Day two saw a visit to a tea plantation and factory followed by a visit to Furnas, a centre of geothermal activity dotted with thermal pools, hot springs and fumaroles. Lunch was at a local restaurant that uses this geothermal power to cook the food. A visit to the Terra Nostra botanical garden followed, culminating in a swim in the natural hot water swimming pool.

On the third day the group visited the Centre for Volcanology to discover the origins of the islands and then explored the lava tunnels below Ponta Delgado before relaxing in thermal pools in the nearby hills, surrounded by endemic flora and fauna.

The next day began with a marine biodiversity lecture followed by the much anticipated boat trip. In choppy waters the whales proved elusive but we were lucky enough to see two pods of different types of dolphins and enjoyed amazing views of the island from a very different perspective.

The final full day was spent at the eastern end of the island, historically the most isolated and difficult to access area. We learned about efforts to conserve the Azores Bullfinch in the face of the introduction of invasive species. The day ended with a well deserved swim in the sea at the Ponta Delgado swimming centre, complete with diving platform.

On the final morning there was time to explore the highlights of historic Ponta Delgado before the flight home. The students made the most of the huge variety of activities and experienced an excellent balance of conservation, geography, biodiversity, adventure and fun.

FRIENDS OF KINGSWOOD

A reflection on one of our busiest years yet.

All parents and guardians of the Senior School are members of the Friends of Kingswood (FOK). Together, we support the school, students, and wider parent community through a range of events and initiatives throughout the year. This past year has been one of our most active yet, as we aimed to connect with and support every family in the Kingswood community.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

One of the ways the Friends try to build community amongst the parent body is to organise a range of social events. This year, our year group social activities ranged from coffee mornings, dads’ “book-clubs” (which definitely involved no books but focused simply on beer and curry), skittle nights, as well as informal socials held in the city centre. For the first time, the Autumn term came to a close with every year group having held a parent Christmas social in the city.

In addition to year group activities, the Friends also coordinated social events that were open to the whole school: the Christmas Wreath workshops were once again a big hit, and the ever-popular quiz sold out in a matter of minutes – at which, for the second year in a row, the Teachers’ Team were triumphant; it is clear they are as knowledgeable about Star Wars and Dr Who as they are about algebra, geography and ancient history.

The Parents’ Evening Suppers continued to be a great success. Parents of Westwood students in October, Sixth Form parents in April, and Middle School parents in May were invited to sample the very best of Kingswood’s fabulous Catering Department, all delivered in a formal setting in the school dining room.

PRE-LOVED UNIFORM SHOP

The popularity and thus revenues of the pre-loved uniform and sports equipment shop increases year on year. Opened every week in term time and with oneoff sales in the summer holidays, parents were given the opportunity to buy great quality items at heavily discounted rates. Satisfied shoppers varied from students buying last minute one-off items to parents purchasing a complete set of day and sportswear, along with sporting equipment to face the year ahead.

All of this is only made possible by our hardworking team of regular parent volunteers, plus kind donations of stock from parents. Not only did the shop raise many thousands of pounds to fund school projects, but pre-loved sales also helped ensure as much uniform is re-used as possible, thus supporting Kingswood’s sustainability goals. Items that are out of date or surplus are donated; this year two large deliveries were made to registered charity SOS Kit Aid, which redistributes stock around the world to disadvantaged youth.

THE FRIENDS’ BAR AND TUCK SHOPS

The Friends were delighted to work with school to redesign and refurbish the Friends’ Bar this academic year. In a few short weeks, the once run-down uninviting space transformed into a bright, welcoming area. The new look bar also enjoyed a product range refresh, including many more low and 0% alcohol drinks on offer.

As always, FOK opened the Friends’ Bar for parents attending school theatre productions in Music and Drama. This year it was also opened at a wider range of events, including visiting speaker evenings, charity fundraisers, and parent group gatherings. In addition, FOK ran a lively and well-stocked tuck shop for the 400 student delegates attending the Model United Nations weekend in March.

FUNDRAISING

The Friends’ focus has been on building community, but along the way we have raised many thousands of pounds to support Kingswood’s trusted charity partners, as well as a variety of school projects.

Within school, FOK were delighted to fund:

• The sponsorship of the new VEX Robotics Programme for the Design, Technology & Engineering Department for pupils to use both within the curriculum and as part of exciting after school activities.

• Outdoor seating and enhanced socialising spaces for both Westwood and the Learning Support Department.

• An Air Hockey table for Fonthill House.

• Equipment for the Ten Tors activities.

• New speakers for the school dining room.

• The full refurbishment of the theatre bar and supported the extensive theatre foyer enhancements.

For the first time, FOK partnered with the School to support the annual Charity Christmas Fair, supporting Kingswood’s trusted charity partners in Malawi. We were delighted that parents and students had a really enjoyable evening, kick-starting their Christmas shopping, and some lucky attendees also won fabulous raffle prizes. However, what was most heartwarming was to read the reports from Malawi in the school newsletter over the following weeks about the number of teacher hours the Fair has funded, the number of school meals provided, and the social enterprises partnered in Malawi. We are looking forward to another successful event in November.

As the school year draws close, it is terrific to know that the fabulous team of committed parent volunteers, along with the energy and dedication of the new Chair Nicky Daborn, will keep the Friends community thriving.

Jo Eayres

Kingswood Parent (2014-2025) | Friends of Kingswood Chair (2023-2025)

REFLECTIONS FROM OWEN & ELLIE HEADS OF SCHOOL,

2024-25

Our time at Kingswood has finally come to an end and looking back on it we are so lucky to have experienced senior school here.

Kingswood is truly a special place with a brilliant community and a genuinely happy feel to it. As many people here say, Kingswood is more than just a school.

We have had the chance to take on so many opportunities over our time here from trips to plays to sports matches to concerts and so much more. In just this last year we have seen the terrific senior performance of Legally Blonde, hosted another brilliant BISMUN, seen many amazing performances on the sports pitch, seen success for our F1 in Schools teams, amongst many other achievements and landmark moments

over the year. There is always so much going on and so much to get stuck into which is what makes this such a brilliant school.

To our fellow leavers; what a journey it’s been. Our time here wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing year group. Whether you have been at Kingswood since reception or, like us, joined along the way, every single one of you has played a part in making this year group something truly special. It has been a joy to grow up alongside you whilst making so many amazing memories that I know we will all look back on fondly. You are all such

...thank you to everyone who has made Kingswood such a brilliant experience for us...

talented, kind people and we know you will all go on to achieve amazing things.

Kingswood simply wouldn’t function without all of the amazing teachers we have. Day in day out they go the extra mile to support us in reaching our goals and to make us better people

along the way. They put so much effort into helping us learn and making their lessons engaging and enjoyable as well as hard work outside of the classroom in running a huge variety of extracurricular activities which shows their brilliant dedication. We know all the teachers and staff more broadly will be missed by us leavers.

If we had to leave you with just one key message it would be to make the most of what is on offer here. At Kingswood there is so much to get involved in and that is what has made our time here so special, getting stuck in. You don’t know how great something could be until you try it so just give it a go, there is something for everyone here.

Finally, just one last huge thank you to everyone who has made Kingswood such a brilliant experience for us and one that we will truly miss. Teachers, support staff, governors, parents and pupils, the school wouldn’t function without all of these amazing people.

We are so lucky to have gone to school here. With all our thanks and best wishes,

Owen & Ellie

HEADS OF SCHOOL

Owen B

Ellie L

DEPUTY HEADS OF SCHOOL

George C

Oscar E

Orla R Oyin O

ADDITIONAL PR

Terence B (EDI)

Mako H (Sustainability)

Mambwe M (EDI)

Kara K (Social Justice)

SENIOR PREFECTS

Charlie A

Luna A

Archie B*

Alfie B-F*

Max B C

Caleb B

Evie B

Tilly B

Evie C

Arlina C

Cyrus C

Arcus C

Alyssa C

Alicia C-D

Gaby D*

Kate S (Head of Fonthill)

Archie W (Head of Hall)

Gala M (Head of School)

Florencia L (Head of Summerhill)

Max S (Head of Middle)** Wills H (Head of Upper)

Jago D

Toby E

Kristy F*

Georgia H

Anna H

Archie H

Lucy H

Olivia O

Leo P

Yannis P*

Sofia R**

Billie R

Supriya S

Charlie S

Logan H* ** Poppy S*

Eleanor H L Freya T

Rosie-May J

Zen K

Gordon T

Chloe V

Itusha L Matthew W

Dora M Haydn W

Izzy M

Eli W

Riki M Lotti W*

Thea D Sam N Christina Y**

Sam D Daisy N Ollie Y

*Deputy Head of House | **Head of Boarding

2025 LEAVERS

Leavers' Ball

photographs by

T. Gilpin (Year 11)

STAFF FAREWELLS

David Farrell

Mr Farrell joined us back in January, and he quickly became a teacher we could all rely on, that was always eager to help and guide his students. We thank him for his dedication, kindness, and support he’s shown in the last two terms.

Nikita Briazghin

Nikita came to us three years ago from Dnipro in Ukraine on a transformational bursary. He completed his A Level studies and has worked this year at Kingswood as a gap year assistant. He leaves us now having secured a scholarship to study Economics at The Stockholm School of Economics in Riga Latvia. Nikita has spoken about how the opportunities he has gained at Kingswood over this time have truly changed his life.

Sophie Schneiderman

Our Senior School Chef, Sophie left Kingswood this year after 19 years of dedicated service. We are grateful for her long-standing contribution to the school and all she has done over the years. We wish Sophie every success in her new role and all the best for the future.

Language Assistants

We thank and say farewell to this year’s language assistants: Claudia Miragaya Rico (Spanish), Julie Anne Bion (French), Pia Jennert (German) and Cherry Qin (Mandarin Chinese).

We also said farewells to Tim Reeman and Sarah Herlinger, listed elsewhere in the magazine.

NEW STAFF

This year we welcomed a fantastic group of new teachers and assistants who have taught, guided and inspired our pupils.

Mr M Chataway Senior Deputy Head

Mrs L Cockburn Sixth Form Supervisor

Miss E Crozier Business Studies

Mrs A Cruickshanks PE and Games

Miss E Davison Art

Mr T Elliott Mathematics

Miss R George Mathematics

Ms K Gordon KS3/4 Science

Mr D Lehmann Head of Mathematics

Mr S Lickiss Biology

Mrs M Miller Business Studies

Mr W Musgrove Physics

Mr M Richards Mathematics

Mrs V Waring Learning Support

Ms A Webb Senior Houseparent (Fonthill) & RPE

L-R: Mrs A Cruickshanks, Ms K Gordon, Mr T Elliott, Miss R George, Mrs V Waring, Miss E Crozier, Mr M Richards, Mrs M Miller, Mr D Lehmann, Ms A Webb, Mr M Chataway

TEACHING STAFF 2024-2025

NAME JOINED SUBJECT

Mr Andrew Gordon-Brown 01/09/2020 Headmaster and Principal of the School Foundation

Mr Mat Chataway 01/09/2024 Senior Deputy Head & Vice Principal

Dr Rachel McIlwaine 01/09/2022 Deputy Head (Academic)

Mr John W Davies 01/09/1994 Deputy Head (Co-Curricular)

Mr Jamie Matthews 01/09/2002 Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Mr Ed Allchorne 13/06/2016 Head of Biology; Medic/Vet Coordinator

Mrs Sophie Andell 01/09/2017 MFL

Mr Andy Barton 01/01/2018 Director of Music

Miss Emily Becconsall 01/09/2022 Geography

Miss Rosie Bond 01/09/2019 MFL

Miss Taryn Borys 01/09/2022 Librarian

Ms Jo Brayton 01/01/2022 Head of Drama

Mrs Natalie Brett 01/09/2022 Physics

Mr Barnaby Brown 01/09/2010 DTE; Houseparent Hall

Mrs Emma Brown 01/09/2017 Head of English; EDI Lead

Mr James Brown 01/09/2009 Head of Boys' Games; Houseparent Upper

Mr Stephen Brown 01/01/2011 Head of Art

Dr Nick Burton 01/09/2023 Chemistry; Head of Academic Scholarship

Ms Rebecca Calder 01/01/2024 RPE; Global Goals Coordinator

Mr Alex Carlton-Porter 01/09/2023 PE

Mr James Castrique 01/01/2018 Head of DTE

Mrs Ilona Chamen 01/09/2017 Head of Study Support

Miss Charlotte Chua 01/09/2015 Second in English

Mr Jude Chua 01/09/2010 Mathematics; Oxbridge Coordinator

Mr Liam Conner 01/09/2019 Head of EAL

Mrs Monica Corripio-Lopez 28/01/2019 English; Houseparent Summerhill

Miss Emma Crozier 01/09/2024 Business Studies

Mrs Annabel Cruickshanks 01/09/2024 Girls' PE and Games

Mrs Nicola Curtis 01/09/2016 PE; Assistant Head of Lower School

Mrs Sarah Dakin 01/09/2008 Head of Classics

Mr Daniel Darwin 01/09/2012 Head of History & Politics

Miss Amy Davidge 01/09/2022 Mathematics

Miss Ella Davison 01/09/2024 Art

Mr Matt Deacon 01/09/2022

Head of Chemistry/Head of Science/ Head of Lower School Science

Mr Olly East 01/09/2018 DTE

Mr Gareth Edgell 01/09/2010 Head of Computer Science

Miss Sophie Elliott 01/09/2015 Art

Mr Thomas Elliott 01/09/2024 Mathematics

Miss Charlotte Evans 01/09/2020 Head of MFL and German

Miss Alice Fox 01/09/2017 Second in Mathematics

Mrs Elaine Francis 01/09/2015 Music

Miss Rachael George 01/09/2024 Mathematics

Mr Euan Gordon 15/05/2017 Geography

Ms Katie Gordon 01/09/2024 Science

Miss Jane Hammond 01/09/2023 English

Miss Natalie Hannah 01/09/2019 Head of Academic PE

Mr Darrell Harding 01/09/2002 Head of Boarding; Drama & Theatre

Miss Emma Hawthorne 01/09/2023 German

Mrs Sarah Herlinger 01/09/2012 Co-Head of Middle School; History & Politics

Mr James Hills 01/09/2022 Business Studies

Mr John Jackson 01/09/2022 PE/Hockey

Miss Amy Jenkins 01/09/2022 History & Politics

GOVERNORS 2024-2025

Mr Paul Baines (Chair of Governors)

Mrs Jessica Briggs

Mr Ian Falconer

Ms Judith Fenn

Mr Peter Freeman

Ms Beth Garner

Mr Malcolm Gordon

NAME JOINED SUBJECT

Mrs Hannah Jenkins 01/09/2022 Chemistry

Mrs Anna Knights 01/09/2004 Mathematics

Mr Jamie Knights 04/09/2006 Music

Miss Felice Laake 01/09/2019 Biology

Ms Priscilla Lam 01/09/2017 Head of Mandarin

Mrs Sarah Leclercq-Thain 01/09/2018 Head of Economics

Mr David Lehmann 01/09/2024 Head of Mathematics

Ms Ruoshan Li 01/09/2022 Physics

Mr Samuel Lickiss 24/02/2025 Biology

Ms Debbie Longland 01/09/2022 Biology; Head of Careers

Mr Bill Lonsdale 01/09/2023 Computer Science

Mr Luke Lorimer 01/09/2021 Mathematics

Ms Nicola Lowe 01/09/2019 Study Support

Mr Paul Lynch 01/09/2022 Head of RPE

Ms Jo Lyons 01/09/2023 Economics

Mr Peter MacDonald 01/09/2003 Assistant Head (Academic); History & Politics

Mrs Abi Madge 01/09/2020 Psychology

Mrs Juliette Mainwaring 01/09/2003 English

Mrs Alexandra Matthews 23/04/2007 Geography

Mrs Michala Miller 01/09/2024 Business Studies

Mr Tom Moat 01/09/2017 Head of Geography; Head of EPQ

Miss Alice Moore 01/09/2016 English

Mr Jonny Moore 01/09/2022 Physics

Miss Kathy Moynihan 01/09/2022 English

Mrs Sarah Musgrove 01/09/2021 Geography; Houseparent School

Mr Will Musgrove 01/09/2024 Physics

Mr Garrod Musto 01/09/1994 Computer Science; Mathematics; Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement

Mr George Newbould 01/09/2016 History & Politics; Beaconfield Houseparent

Mrs Steph Newbould 01/09/2023 RPE

Miss Michelle Newman 12/01/2004 PE

Miss Sam Page 01/09/2022 English

Mrs Alice Paterson 01/09/2022 Biology

Miss Una Paver 08/01/1990 Science/Psychology/PE

Mr Ed Peerless 01/09/2011 Head of Physics

Mr Stephen Pentreath 01/09/2015 Head of Lower School; Chemistry

Ms Emma Prowse 01/09/2020 Study Support

Mr Timothy Reeman 01/09/1988 Director of Sport

Mr Martin Richards 01/09/2024 Mathematics

Miss Nadine Robinson 01/09/2010 MFL

Mrs Victoria Sim 01/09/2012 Head of Girls' Games

Mr Matthew D Smith 01/09/2016 Mathematics

Mrs Laura Smyth 01/09/2011 Co-Head of Middle School; Biology

Mr Steven Smyth 01/09/2012 Geography; Houseparent Middle

Miss Louise Sobey 01/09/2019 MFL

Mrs Nicki Sparks (Gerrish) 01/09/2013 Chemistry

Mrs Nat Stewart 01/09/2018 English; Head of Life Skills

Mr Barney Stuttard 01/09/2018 Geography

Ms Najat Taibi 01/09/2018 Head of French

Miss Katie Taverner 01/09/2023 Head of Psychology

Mr Miles Thompson 01/09/2023 KS3 Science

Mr David Walker 01/09/2009 Head of Spanish

Mrs Lizzy Ward 01/09/2013 Drama

Mrs Victoria Waring 01/09/2024 Study Support

Ms Amy Webb 01/09/2024 RPE; Houseparent Fonthill

Mr Digby Webb 01/09/2015 PE

Mr Roger White 01/09/2012 Mathematics

Miss Harriet Wilson 01/09/2013 RPE; Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Mr Craig Woodgate 01/09/2001 Head of Sixth Form; History & Politics

Mr Rob Hill

Mr Guy Hinchley

Prof David Lane

Tim Lindsay (Former Chair of Governors)

Clare Millington

Dorothy Nancekievill

Morag Smith

Andrew Tait

Otty Warmann