We were delighted to welcome so many guests to our Art and Design Exhibition The Manor House was transformed into a gallery showcasing the remarkable talents of our GCSE, A Level, and Scholarship students.
From stunning paintings to intricate textile pieces, the exhibition highlighted the artistic prowess we have here at Leweston. It is brilliant to witness the creativity and dedication that our students put into their work.
Watch the sneak peek video from the exhibition to the right.
A Level Music Students and our Music Scholars visited Cambridge University to experience life as a Choral and Organ Scholar at St John’s College this term They took part in a singing workshop with the Choral Scholars, sat in on the rehearsal for and attended Evensong.
Well done to our Baroque Ensemble, Flute Group, Recorder Consort, Romantic Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, and Jazz Band, and to Schola Cantorum and the Festival Singers for their superb performances at the Sherborne Abbey Festival Ensembles Concert and Choirs Concert! Their dedication and passion shone through every note
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the KS3 promenade production of 'Monkeybards', a compilation of scenes showcasing Shakespeare’s best clowns
The students performed brilliantly as they led the audience through the school grounds sceneby-scene Headmaster, Mr Paget-Tomlinson said of the event "It was a fantastic evening with stellar performances, we have many future stars of stage and screen, not least for the annual Senior Production! A huge thank you to Miss McIntosh for putting everything together
Year 10 students showcased their creative flair in their Fine Art Sixth Form taster lesson towards the end of term.
They responded to the theme of still life or vanitas, and the artist Valerie Hegarty in their whistle-stop session
Pupils used a wooden structure and chose an old masters painting to work upon using newspaper, small twigs, glue and paint.
"I enjoy Art and Design at Leweston because I have always loved being creative A wide range of techniques are taught and studied throughout the years at Leweston and as part of the GCSE course. I feel I am given the freedom needed for the next step in art "
Year 11 Art Scholar, Posey, shares her experience of studying Art at Leweston as part of our Student Profile series. View Posey's Profile on our website
This term Leweston took over 50 students across the Senior and Sixth Form to Yeovil to trial for the North Dorset Schools' athletics team Over half of the Leweston athletes were successful in qualifying for the next round. A fantastic result amongst a busy and impressive year of athletics.
The North Dorset Schools’ Girls’ Swimming Gala saw Leweston successfully crowned the Year 9 and Year 10 District Champions, with our Year 7 girls finishing second. A brilliant way to cap off another successful year of fixtures for the school’s swimmers.
Congratulations to Isaac (Year 10) and Harrison (Year 11) who have both been selected for the Bath Rugby Development Players Programme (DPP)
The DPP engages players aged 13–16 years old and is a development programme which interacts with and complements school and club playing programmes, to provide further development and competitive opportunities for young players
At Leweston we offer rugby as the main boys’ sport in the Autumn term. Both students have wholehearted thrown themselves into the rugby programme on offer and this opportunity with Bath Rugby is s stepping-stone towards playing professionally
Final, Leweston Sixth Form finished first, Leweston Blue (Year 9) second, and Leweston Red (mixed years) third
Leweston Sixth Form also got through to the main final, finishing third with less than a second between the teams! Our students raised funds for the Sherborne Food Bank and smashed their target of £1000.
14 students from Leweston travelled to Erding in Germany from 29 June to 2 July to represent Great Britain at the European Biathle, Triathle, Laser Run Championships.
Congratulations to all the athletes who took part, bringing home nine Gold medals and two Silver medals Special mention goes to Rueben who was crowned European Champion and finished with four Gold medals.
We saw another fantastic Senior Sports Day this year. Pupils competed in Discus, Javelin, Hurdles, 800m and Tug of War, (to name just a few) The atmosphere was brilliant, with lots of smiles, spirit, support and school records. Congratulations to winning House, Campion! Visit our website for further results.
Selected pupils from Years 7 to 11 played a competitive House cricket match this term Pupils amassed House points based on runs scored, being not out, bowling figures, wickets, catches, run outs, sportsmanship and, ultimately, winning The House totals were then divided by the number of House representatives they had. Based on this formula, the winners were Fisher with 41 points per player!
In June we travelled to Gillingham School for an U13 'The Hundred' format cricket match A close game went down to the last over, thanks to an unbroken 65 run partnership between Zac and Jack. A nice fixture to close the season.
Congratulations to the riders who had a successful four days at the Hickstead Championships. We are thrilled to be the National County Intermediate Show Jumping Team Champions!
Our riders did Leweston proud with 10 top eight podium finishes This Championship continues to grow in size and competitiveness so that is no mean feat. Well done everyone.
Read the full report from Lorraine Robe (Equestrian Manager) on our website.
Many congratulations to Year 9 Equestrian Scholar, Darcie, who has become the English Schools AA Junior Girls High Jump Champion clearing 1.65m. This achievement is on the back of a highly successful weekend at Chard EC where Darcie and her ponies jumped 7/7 clear rounds qualifying her ponies for the British Show Jumping Championship.
Follow our page on Facebook for the latest Equestrian news - @LewestonEquestrian
This term we celebrated boarding life at Leweston by taking part in the Boarding Schools Associations' National Boarding Week
Our boarders kicked off the festivities with a 2k Relay, racing around the school grounds. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious! View the video footage below
Our boarders also participated in a memorable camp out at the stunning Belvedere The fire pit, starry skies, and unforgettable memories created an experience they will treasure forever.
Not only are our boarders athletically talented, but they also showcased their baking skills in a boarding bake-off competition. And let's not forget about our boarding choir, whose voices filled the room with beautiful music Well done to the boarders for their enthusiasm, and sharing their talents
Mrs Ovey and Mr Ryan-East took an intrepid group of boarders to the Mendip Hills to embark on an underground adventure! Led by CaveClimb, the group crawled, slid, scrambled and squeezed their way through a kilometre of boulder chambers and tight passages (before having to ascend again once they had reached the bottom!
Eventually, they emerged into the sunshine with smiles (and some Mendip mud) on their faces.
CREST is a nationally recognised scheme for student-led project work in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths). Pupils design their own investigation and record their findings, giving them a taste of what it is like to be a scientist or engineer in the real world Our exhibition brought to a close the lab work that Year 9 and 10 pupils have conducted and gave them a chance to present to other pupils and their parents what they chose to investigate, why, and what they have found out. Well done to everyone to decided to take part in the CREST Award.
In their Science lessons, Year 8 focused on the topics Biodiversity and Photosynthesis. The pupils learned about food chains and how plants adapt to their environments. To bring the topic to a close pupils visited our forest school to look in deta the bluebells and identify the key structures t allow them to thrive in a woodland environme
Pupils also looked at sampling techniques and scientists might measure biodiversity within different environments.
This was a great opportunity for the pupils to their topic learning to life and put their learni into action
Year 12 completed three days of fieldwork at Skern Lodge, Devon, in preparation for their NEA. This included changing place, coastal processes, sand dune succession and urban quality of life They also had some time to explore the local area of Appledore and cool off in the Skern pool
Year 10 Geography students travelled to Swanage and Studland beach for their Geography fieldtrip. They spent the day putting their theory learning into practice, including measuring the beach profile and groyne drop surveys to understand the impact of groynes on longshore drift along the beach Read more about their fieldwork and view the gallery on our website
Congratulations to our Year 8 pupils who submitted their Leweston Learner Diploma portfolios - the very first cohort to do so.
During Years 5 to 8 pupils are encouraged to reflect on and record examples of the Learner characteristics (Adventurous, Confident, Creative, Inquisitive and Resilient) within the classroom and beyond. Pupils have developed an electronic portfolio of evidence and have submitted for either a Bronze, Silver or Gold award.
They showcased a wide array of talents and achievements and have been thoughtful and reflective in considering what they have learnt along the way.
Alongside curriculum specific opportunities, such as the Junior Maths Challenge and Biology and Physics Challenges, pupils have participated in Rhetoric (Years 7 to 9), Scholars’ Society (Years 10 to 11) and Head’s Essay Society (Year 12).
In Scholars’ Society students debated the motion “This house believes that freedom of speech is always justified”
Year 12 students researched the well known 'trolley problem' for their final Head’s Essay Society meeting of the year. A wide ranging discussion was held, debating moral and ethical stances on this topic, extending ideas into the world of driverless cars, medical ethics and much more.
Finally, in Rhetoric, Mrs Newnham ran a session which tested the pupils' organisation and planning as they had to write up the findings from the challenge in a logical manner. The session ended with quadratic sequences – something pupils usually learn in Further Maths GCSE.
Well done to all the students involved who continue to impress with their hard work, logical thinking and debating skills
After half term 16 international pupils arrived for four weeks of English immersion. They started by exploring the South West coast alongside Mrs Kelly-Quick (Director of International students) The pupils were tasked with solving mysteries or finding treasures whilst learning about Geography, History and Math vocabulary.
They also went into Sherborne to explore their new home from home and enjoyed a trip to Bournemouth exploring the gardens around the pier. In Weymouth they took a walk along the esplanade and took part in a sand drawing competition and on a trip to Exeter visited the Cathedral green.
It was a fantastic way to get to know each other, learn English and find out more about the local area.
Towards the end of term, four of our Sixth Form students (Weronika, Alexia, Isaure and Cosima) walked the grounds and corridors of Leweston School capturing short messages from some of our international students. Leweston has a thriving international community, welcoming students from all over the world View the video to the left
Leweston recognises the importance of providing individualised support and guidance to pupils, enabling them to make considered and informed choices about their future. Extensive help is available from the tutor team, Head of Sixth Form and our Careers Adviser, Mrs Hutton. In the video below Mrs Hutton, talks about the specific support she offers our pupils from Year 7 to Year 13, including careers talks from specialists, UCAS applications, mock interviews and the Leweston Oxbridge Programme
Many thanks to Lt David Maxwell who joined Year 9 to discuss his career as an Air Engineering Officer in the Royal Navy
Lt Maxwell studied Maths and Physics at Glasgow University and talked about the many real-world applications of STEM subjects, as well as discussing his own career journey and future plans.
He had some great advice for Year 9 pupils, on the subject of developing teamwork and leadership skills. Only five years out of university, this was an excellent opportunity to hear from someone at the start of their career.
23 November 2023, 16:45 - 17:45 & 18:00 - 19:00
Year 11 and 12 pupils and their parents are invited to speak to professional advisers including those working in healthcare, engineering, music, finance, human resources, website and app development, marketing, public relations, military, town planning and architecture amongst others.
Our Year 8 pupils had a fantastic time in France towards the end of term From exploring iconic landmarks to immersing themselves in French culture.
They started their journey with a visit to the aweinspiring Sacré Coeur and delved into the fascinating history of humanity at the Musée de l’Homme. The pupils unleashed their inner child at Disneyland Paris, enjoying thrilling rides and enchanting parades. It wasn't just about the sightseeing! Year 8 also got the chance to practice their language skills.
Mr Purchase said, "Our Year 8 trip to Paris was an unforgettable experience and a fantastic way to round off the year We’re incredibly proud of how all of the students got involved, and we can’t wait for the next adventure!"
Visit our website to read more and view the gallery.
Congratulations to our Ten Tors team who completed the 45 mile challenge This was the first Leweston team to compete in the gruelling two-day trek across Dartmoor and Ginny, Henry, Flynn, Bruce, Chloe, Serena and Freddie had been training for the event since September
The Ten Tors stands alone its scale, ambition and challenge Organised by the Army’s Headquarters South West with support from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force it demands commitment, endurance and teamwork.
400 teams of six, navigate routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles through ten check points. Teams must be completely self-sufficient and set off on Saturday morning carrying everything they need to complete the route and stay out overnight safely
They are not allowed any support or contact whilst on route and there is cut off time on Sunday for teams to complete their distance, (not all teams make it!)
Read the full news story on our website
Twenty-seven Year 10 students participated in their Silver Practice Expedition for their Duke of Edinburgh award on 23 to 25 June. The students were required to be completely self-sufficient, carrying everything they needed on their backs, including camping, cooking equipment, first aid kits and lots of snacks!
Over the course of the weekend they walked two 15km routes, whilst improving their map reading and pacing skills Read more on our website.
In their PSHRE lessons, Year 7 focused on the topic of ‘bereavement' including how we remember those who have passed.
The pupils each planted pots and walked to the St Antony's Garden to place them by the gravestones. They then took a moment to think about the passage of life and their own families, whilst also commemorating the Sisters who are buried there.
In time their plants will be planted around the graveyard crucifix where they can watch them grow.
What a memorable day it was at the annual Leavers’ Tea and Mass on Thursday 29 June Students, staff, and families came together to celebrate the end of Year 13's time at Leweston
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Leaver’s Mass and Gowning Ceremony held in At Antony's Chapel. This cherished tradition marked a significant milestone for our graduating class as they passed the baton of responsibility to their Year 12 successors
As we bid farewell to Year 13, we know they will carry the lessons, friendships, and spirit of our school with them as they embark on their new adventures
On 30 June, Year 13 students and their families were invited to our annual Leavers' Ball
The Manor House was transformed, adorned with lights, a disco, a photobooth, sweet stall, and a bar (selling the popular 'Blue-eweston' cocktail!).
Into the evening our students and their families, elegantly dressed in ball gowns and dinner jackets, gathered drinks, music, food and speeches. It was a wonderful event and a fantastic way to mark the end of the students' Leweston journey. View the gallery on our website.
We are delighted to introduce you to our Head and Deputy Prefects for 2023/24 Each year a team of prefects are elected to assist in various organisational tasks and contribute to significant aspects of school life, acting as ambassadors for the school Taking on the Prefect role with its extra responsibilities is an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and play a part in areas of school life where they think they can make a difference. Watch their video in full screen here
Congratulations to Olivia, Year 13, who has gained a summer job in France through the Leiths agency Olivia’s experience studying Leiths as part of her Sixth Form at Leweston played a major role in her receiving the two-week placement in the South of France. Olivia said "I am really excited at the opportunity this job has given me and am looking forward to utilising all the skills I have learnt over the duration of the two year course I have completed for Leiths whilst in Sixth Form". Read Olivia's full write up on our website.
Since joining Leweston in Year 7, Serena has taken advantage of all of the opportunities on offer to her, particularly those in the Art, Music and Performing Arts departments. Now in Year 12, Serena shares what it is like to be a student at Leweston Sixth Form.
"Leweston is always a busy place, but somehow the atmosphere still seems calm. The students are friendly The teachers and staff are always supportive and willing to help "
Miller, Year 12, also shares his experience of Leweston Sixth Form in his Student Profile. Visit our website to read our Student Profiles
In February Leweston’s Nepal group students passed their letters addressed to their Pen Pals at Jana Jyoti school to Partners in Progress to travel back with them to Nepal. Since then they were delighted to receive responses.
The letter writing exchange has been such a fantastic experience for our students and they are very excited that, come October, they will get to meet their ‘pals’ in person. The motto on the two schools’ post boxes “through letters may our two schools meet” couldn’t be more apt!
In May our Prep and Senior pupils came together for Marian Devotions in St Antony’s Chapel. During the Liturgy, staff and students offered songs and prayers to Mary, and Ms O’Toole spoke to the school about Mary’s importance as the Mother of Jesus, taking care of him all the way to the foot of the cross She explored the question ‘Why do Catholics worship Mary?’ and explained that we instead honour her, just as God honoured Mary by finding her worthy to be the mother of His only son
Everyone then followed Sacristan Prefect, Bella, in a silent procession through the school grounds
Our Whole School Summer Fayre proved a popular event again this year
A huge thank you to the PALS (Parent Association for Leweston School) for organising the opportunity for our entire school community to come together Not only did we have lots of fun, but all the money raised from this year's PALS events went towards improving the school. From state-of-the-art theatre lighting to brand new cricket nets.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the Summer Fayre
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Speech Day, which was a special way to end the school year and a celebration of our pupils’ achievements. As Ian Lucas, Chair of Governors, said in his speech “We are not a large school, but we punch well above our weight” Evidence of this was provided a few days before in a new league table in Telegraph Money ranking independent schools by comparing pupil performance to fees: no other school in Dorset managed to achieve a ‘good’ rating
We are delighted to see Leweston come out on top.
Special thanks goes to Tom Williams, our guest speaker who delivered a brilliant speech based on his career as a film and television scriptwriter and we must not forget Florence, our outgoing Head Prefect, for her heartfelt and inspiring speech
View the gallery on our website.
Year 11 dived deep into a Leweston tradition as they jumped in to the school pool in their uniform. This marks Year 11’s final days at Leweston and is a special way to celebrate their time together at school. Although many will be back in September, we say goodbye to those who go elsewhere.
After the jump they enjoyed a session on the pool inflatable followed by a delicious BBQ and ice creams outside the Cedars Café.
Special mention to Head of Year 11, Mrs Lilly, who joined the students in the pool jump! Visit our website to view the gallery and read Mrs Lilly's message to Year 11.
We were delighted to welcome Kate Adie for this term's Leweston Lecture
Kate was an incredible inspiration. She spoke about how she came to be a journalist and some of the shocking news stories she had reported on whilst encouraging the audience to grasp every opportunity that comes our way!
George Stiles will be joining us on Tuesday 10 October at 4 45pm for our next Lecture George will be taking questions about his career as a composer who has written many stage musicals and is now making his debut as the producer of SIX which played at various venues from the West End to Broadway. To find out more and to book please click here.
With extensive grounds surrounding a beautiful Georgian Manor House, Leweston provides fantastic hire opportunities. Within the 46 acre estate sits our swimming pool, a full-sized all weather pitch, a walled garden play area, Enchanted Wood Forest School, tennis courts as well as a wealth of historical features. Click here to learn more.
Explore our Summer Brochure to find out what's on at Leweston. Click here to learn more
Open Morning: Thursday 21 September, 10:00am (Book here)
Sixth Form Information Evening: Friday 6 October, 17:00pm (Book here)
Leweston Lecture (George Stiles): Tuesday 10 October, 16:45pm (Book here)
Firework Night: Friday 3 November, 18:00pm (Book here)
Careers Fair (Leweston Year 11 & 12 students and family only): Thursday 23 November, 16:45pm & 18:00
