LEWESTONLIFE
LEWESTON LIFE REFLECTS THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF LEWESTON PUPILS OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD
As we reach the end of the summer term, I am once again struck by the breadth and quality of activity across all areas of Leweston life. The chair of Governors remarked on this in his speech at Speech Day and our much beloved outgoing Head of RS, Ms Caroline O’Toole, gave a speech to the school in the final assembly stating how much more there was for the pupils compared to when she started in 2000! We wish her all the best for her retirement.
This term’s highlights have included a vibrant production of Seussical the Musical, recordbreaking performances on Sports Day, and a superb Art and Design Exhibition. Our BTEC Equine Management students have had an exceptionally busy term, and Year 8 enjoyed a memorable trip to France. Once again, I extend my thanks to PALS for organising a variety of events which raise funds for different areas of our school.
We were delighted to celebrate the success of our school band The Lites, who retained their National ISA title, and proud to be shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Student Careers for a second consecutive year.
Speech Day gave us the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our pupils, and to wish our Year 11 and 13 leavers every success as they begin the next stage of their journeys.
My thanks to all staff, students, and families for their support and commitment throughout the year. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer.
John Paget-Tomlinson
MUSIC AND CREATIVE ARTS
END OF TERM CONCERT CELEBRATES MUSICAL EXCELLENCE
OurEndofTermSummerConcert,heldintheSchool Chapel,wasanunforgettablecelebrationofmusicandtalent Theafternoonfeaturedarichprogrammeofperformances fromourstudents rangingfromimpressivesolopiecesto dynamicensemblenumbersandapiecebythecommunity orchestra
Eachperformancewasatestamenttothededication,skill,and enthusiasmofouryoungmusicians
Supportedandguidedbyouroutstandingmusicdepartment, studentsdeliveredaconcertbrimmingwithconfidence, passion,andmusicalexcellence
LEWESTON BAND WINS NATIONAL TITLE FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING!
CongratulationstoourstudentrockbandTheLites whowerecrownedwinneroftheKeyStage3category intheprestigious2025NationalISABandCompetition forthesecondconsecutiveyear TheLites’ssuccessnotonlyreflectstheirmusicalability butalsothestrengthofLeweston’scommitmenttoarts education Theirperformancewascommendedforits energy,cohesion,andcreativeflair hallmarksofa groupthatclearlyenjoysmakingmusictogether
SHERBORNE ABBEY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Ourtalentedmusicianswowed audiencesattheSherborneAbbey Festivalforanotheryear.From theenchantingBaroque EnsembletothelivelyJazzband, ourSeniorSchoolEnsembles filledtheChurchofStAldhelm andtheSacredHeartwithdiverse melodies.Themagiccontinuedat SherborneAbbey,whereourPrep andSeniorSchoolChoirs, includingScholaCantorumand FestivalSingers,unitednearly100 voicesfromYear3toYear13fora memorablefinale
STUDENTS BRING CLASSIC TALE TO LIFE
Leweston’stalentedYear9 InteractiveTheatreGroup performedtheirdevised productionofTheThreeBilly GoatsforourPrep3pupils
Thisimaginativeandengaging performancetooktheaudience onanexcitingadventureacross theschoolgrounds,transforming familiarspacesintoscenesfrom thebelovedstory
Itwasawonderfulexampleof creativity,collaboration,and cross-yearengagement well donetoallinvolved!
MUSIC AND CREATIVE ARTS
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL!
Leweston’sPerformingArtsDepartmentcamealivewithcolour,creativity,and boundlessenergyasstudentsfromYears7to9deliveredaspectacular performanceofSeussicaltheMusical
Thecastcaptivatedaudienceswiththeirvibrantcharacters,catchysongs,and confidentstagepresence DrawinginspirationfromthebelovedstoriesofDr Seuss,theproductionwasajoyfulcelebrationofimagination,teamwork,and talent
Everystudentinvolvedperformedwithprofessionalism,enthusiasm,andheart Theirhardworkinrehearsalstrulypaidoff,resultinginapolishedand memorableshowthatdelightedallwhoattended Congratulationstotheentirecast,crew,andproductionteamforbringingthe magicofSeusstolifeinsuchanentertainingway!
YEAR 7 GET CREATIVE WITH NATURE-INSPIRED ART PROJECT
Year7studentstookfull advantageofthesummer sunshinebytransformingour beautifulgroundsintoanopenairartstudio.
Surroundedbynature,they producedaseriesofdetailed observationaldrawings,capturing thenaturalbeautyoftheir environmentwithcareand creativity.
Thesesketchesmarkedthe beginningofanexcitingart projectinspiredbytheiconic designsofWilliamMorriswhich sawthemdeveloptheirdrawings intooriginalwallpaperdesigns
MUSIC AND CREATIVE ARTS
DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM TIM BURTON
Year9ArtandDesignstudents delvedintothewonderfullyweird andimaginativeworldofTim Burtonaspartoftheirillustration project
ExploringBurton’siconicvisual style fromexaggeratedfeatures toeerieyetwhimsicaldetails studentsstudiedhisworkand useditasinspirationtocreate theirownuniquecharacters,and reimaginingsomeofBurton’s classicsintheirowndistinctive style
A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY: LEWESTON’S ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITION
TheManorHousewastransformed intoastunninggalleryspaceas Lewestonproudlyhosteditsannual ArtandDesignExhibition.Theevent showcasedanexceptionalbodyof workfromourtalentedGCSEandA Levelstudentsacrossarangeof disciplines,includingFineArt, Textiles,Fashion,Photography,and ArtandDesign.
Eachroomwasfilledwithvibrant displays,reflectingtheimagination, technicalskill,andpersonalvisionof ourstudents.Fromstrikingfashion piecesandintricatetextileworkto powerfulphotographyandexpressive fineart,theexhibitionofferedarich andinspiringinsightintothecreative journeysofeachindividual
Visitorswereimpressedbythe standardofworkondisplay,which highlightednotonlythestudents’ dedicationandinnovationbutalso theexpertguidanceandsupport providedbyLeweston’soutstanding ArtandDesigndepartment
SPORT AND PENTATHLON
RECORD-BREAKING MOMENTS AT SPORTS DAY
SportsDayshowcasedincredibleteamspiritand achievements,withstudentsbreakingnumerous recordsandembracinginclusivityinacelebrationof communityandeffort.
SportsDayisanoccasionforeveryone eachpupil contributestotheirHousebyparticipatinginatleast onetrackorfieldevent,makingeveryeffortcount Thisyear’sfinalstandingswerecloserthanever,with anincredible25schoolrecordsbroken!
Inanail-bitingfinish,CampionHousereclaimedthe SportsDayTrophy,edgingoutMorebyjust4points atruetestamenttohoweverysingleperformance shapesthefinalresults.
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LEWESTON’S INAUGURAL SPORTS AWARDS EVENING
Weproudlyhostedourfirst-everSportsAwardsEvening aspectacularcelebrationofthetalent,dedication,and achievementsofourstudentathletesoverthepastyear Theeveningbroughttogetherstudents,parents,andstaff Ahighlightoftheeventwasthepresentationof
theSportsPersonalityoftheYearawards,recognising individualswhohavestoodoutfortheircommitment, sportsmanship,andoutstandingperformance Congratulationstoourawardwinners:
Year7:DannyB
Year8:HarryD
Year9:IsabellaR
Year10:MillieR
Year11:EsmeL SixthForm:MarthaB
WealsocelebratedourTeamoftheYear thephenomenal PentathlonTeam,whosecontinuedsuccessatregional, national,andinternationallevelskeepsLewestonfirmlyonthe mapasapowerhouseinBritishPentathlon Guestsweretreatedtoheartfeltvideomessagesfromsporting greatsincludingcricketersTomAbellandMarcus Trescothick,OlympicgoldmedallistsAlistairBrownleeand PeterWilson,andevenaspecialappearancefromMrCannon, addingapersonalandmemorabletouchtotheevening.
LEWESTON ATHLETES SHINE AT ISA ATHLETICS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Over30ofourstudentstookontheISASouthWestRegional Athleticsshowcasingtheirskillsinrunning,jumping,andthrowing againstotherregionalISAschools Thecompetitionwasfierce,with onlythetopperformersadvancingtotheNationalFinals 17LewestonathletesfromYears7-10 securedplacesattheNational Championshipsachievingsomebrilliantresults:
IzzyK1st800m
JoanneFL1stDiscus
DexterSS2ndShot
EllieB2ndDiscus
AliceMc3rdTriple
DarcyN2ndHurdles
HeidiH/LaraP2ndRelay
SPORT AND PENTATHLON
STUDENTS SHINE AT NATIONAL AND REGIONAL BIATHLE EVENTS
Thisterm,ourBiathleteamhasgonefromstrengthtostrength,celebratingoutstandingperformancesatboththeNational SchoolsBiathle,hostedatLeweston,andtheCheltenhamBiathle,akeyqualifieronthenationalcircuit
TheNationalSchoolsBiathlebroughtover180competitorsfromacrossthecountrytoLeweston’scampus,creatinga vibrantandcompetitiveatmosphere.Theeventchallengedathleteswitharun-swim-runsequence,requiringbothphysical enduranceandstrategictransitions removingshoes,divingintothepool,andreturningtothecourseforafinalpushtothe finish
Lewestonwasproudlyrepresentedbyninestudents,fromYear3toYear10,showcasingtheschool’sdepthoftalentacrossall agegroups
KeyAchievements:
NationalChampion–ElenaFL(Year4)
SilverMedals–ElizabethD(Year5),HarryD(Year8),LaraP(Year8) BronzeMedal–HenryM(Year7)
Year7Boys'TeamSilver–HenryM,AidanK,DannyB
ThemomentumcontinuedattheCheltenhamBiathle,wheretenLewestonathletesdeliveredanothersuperbsetof performances.TheeventwasaqualifyingopportunityfortheEuropeanBiathleChampionshipsinTurkey,andourstudents rosetotheoccasionwithgritanddetermination
EuropeanTeamSelections:
QualifiedforGBTeam–JayC,IzzyW,EsmeL AwaitingSelection–LaraP NamedReserve–HenryM Inthefiercelycontestedindividualraces: JayCandIzzyWbothclaimedBronzemedals!
LEWESTON DOMINATES LASER
RUN AND TRIATHLE QUALIFIERS WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES AND GB TEAM SELECTIONS
Lewestoncontinueditsoutstandingrecordinmodernpentathlon disciplinesbysuccessfullyhostingboththeLaserRunandTriathle EuropeanQualifiereventsoncampus Thesecompetitions determinedtheGreatBritainteamsforthe2025European ChampionshipsinTurkey(5–9November).
TheLaserRuneventsawover180athletescompetingina dynamicmixoflaserpistolshootingandrunning Lewestonwas representedby11studentathletes,allofwhomgaveexceptional performancesacrosstheiragegroups MedalHighlights: Gold–IzzyK(U15) Silver–IzzyW(U19) TeamGold–U15Girls: IzzyK,LaraP,SadieL
GBTeamselection:
U13:HenryM
U15:IzzyK,LaraP,SadieL, andWilliamP(reserve) U17:FreyaD(reserve) U19:IzzyW,EsmeL
Thefollowingday,160athletescompetedintheLewestonTriathle, with13Lewestonpupilsputtingonadominantdisplay Combining lasershooting,swimming,andrunning,theeventtestedeveryathlete's versatilityandendurance
TopResults:
Gold:IzzyK(U15)
Gold:IzzyW(U19)
Gold:DylanR(U19)
Silver:JoshH(U19)
Bronze:EsmeL(U19)
GBTeamSelections:
U13:HenryM(DannyB–reserve) U15:IzzyK,LaraP,SadieL (WilliamP–reserve) U17:FreyaD U19:DylanR,JoshH,IzzyW, EsmeL
AhugecongratulationstoallourTriathleathletesfortheiroutstanding performances.
SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS LASER RUN QUALIFIER: A REGIONAL SWEEP
Thissummer,Lewestonalsohosted theSouthWestSchoolsLaserRun Qualifier,akeyregionaleventleading uptotheNationalSchools Championshipslaterintheyear.An impressive21Lewestonathletes competed someforthefirsttime anddeliveredanincrediblemedal haul:
4GoldMedals
5SilverMedals
5BronzeMedals
2TeamGoldVictories Theseresultsreallydounderscorethe strengthofLeweston’sdevelopment programmeandthedepthoftalent acrosstheschool
FANTASTIC RESULTS AT BRITISH YOUTH FENCING EPEE CHAMPIONSHIPS
TenLewestonfencersproudly representedboththeschoolandthe regionattheBritishYouthFencing EpeeChampionshipsinSheffield Thiseventshowcasedaveryhighlevel ofcompetition,withtopfencersfrom acrossthecountryparticipating The standoutachievementfortheschool wasHenryMsecuringabronze medalintheU12Epee,whileJessS earnedaspotintheBritishYouth FencingDevelopmentProgramme!
DYLAN REPRESENTS TEAM GB AT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
SixthFormstudentDylanproudlyrepresentedTeamGB attheEuropeanJuniorPentathlonChampionshipsheld inPoland Competinginahigheragecategory,Dylan facedasignificantchallengeandrosetotheoccasionwith determinationandresilience
ThisprestigiousinternationaleventprovidedDylanwith invaluableexperienceattheelitelevel,markingamajor milestoneinhisathleticjourney EveryoneatLeweston congratulateshimonthisoutstandingachievementand looksforwardtoseeingwhatheaccomplishesnext!
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EQUESTRIAN
A STANDOUT TERM OF SUCCESS
IthasbeenanoutstandingtermfortheLewestonEquestrianTeam,with ridersachievingahostofimpressiveresultsacrossdressage,showjumping, andeventingcompetitions Fromfirst-timecompetitorstoseasoned performers,Lewestonridershaverepresentedtheschoolwithconfidence, skill,andfantasticteamspirit
Oneofthehighlightsofthetermcamewhenourdressageridersenjoyeda successful,andhappymorningofcompetition Theyearned3Prelimand 3NovicequalificationsfortheNSEANationalChampionships,a testamenttotheirconsistencyandpoiseinthearena.BothTeamMarine andTeamNavydeliveredstrongresults,taking1stand2ndplace respectively anotherimpressiveachievement
AtMoretonEC,Lewestonsecuredteamwinsinthe60cm,80–85cm,and 90–95cmclasses.First-timeNSEAGrassRootsridersMaxR,IsabellaF, andTillyWrodeclearroundstowinthe60cmteamclassandplace3rdin the50cm,withMaxalsowinningthe‘StyleAward’ IntheRegionalPointsLeague,standoutresultsincluded: ArabellaW–3rdIndividual Team1st–80–85cm:FlorieC,HeidiH,ArabellaW,andDarcyN Team1st–90–95cm:HeidiH(1stIndiv),FlorieC,andDarcyN Theteamalsoplaced2ndattheMoreton-RussellODE(80cm) Atnationallevel: HicksteadChampionships: 11th(of37)in70–75cmEventersChallenge 6th(of13)inOpenTeamDressage HenJ–17thindividual(70–75cm) NationalCountySJChampionships: Team2nd–ReserveChampions(70–75cm) Team2 -Addington80–85cmSJQualifiernd 80–85cmTeamNavy9th 0–95cmTeam9 (Outof24Schools)th EventersChallenge: Team11th(of27)–90–95cm
UNIQUE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES!
TheLewestonChedingtonRiding Academycontinuestoofferstudentsa widerangeofexcitingandenriching experiences wellbeyondthesaddle Fromcompetitivetrainingtocasual lunchtimevisits,thecentreisfast becomingamuch-lovedpartofschool life.
AgroupofYear9studentsvisitedthe stablesduringtheirlunchbreak just intimetoobserveaveryspecial moment OneoftheAcademy’s belovedponies,Hippo,washavinga follow-updentalcheckaftertreatment attheEquineDentalClinic(EDC) DrJaneHaden,whocarriedout Hippo’sreview,kindlytooktimeto explaintheproceduretothestudents, offeringafascinatinginsightinto equinehealthandcare Togetacloser look,everyonehadtogetontheirknees givingthematruehands-on experience!
We’repleasedtoreportthatHippohas beengiventheallclear,andwithEDC, he’snowontrackforapain-freedental future.
Thesekindsofinteractionshighlight theincrediblelearningopportunities availableatLeweston’sEquestrian Centre whetheryou'reaseasoned riderorsimplycuriousabouthorses
EQUESTRIAN EQUESTRIAN
CAPTAINS’ END-OFYEAR SUPPER
Leweston’sRidingAcademywasfilledwithwarmth,laughter,and gratitudeastheequestriansquadcametogetherfortheannualCaptains’ Supper,markingthecloseofanothersuccessfulandspiritedyear
Theeveningbeganwithadeliciousbuffetgenerouslyprovidedbythe school’scateringteam,Chartwells,offeringridersandstaffachanceto reflectandrelaxingoodcompany Followingdinner,thetraditional presentationofcertificatesandgoodiescelebratedthededicationand achievementsoftheentireridingsquad.
AkeymomentintheeveningcameasincomingEquestrianPrefect TabbyTgaveawarmthankyoutooutgoingcaptainsMaySandMolly C,recognisingtheirleadershipandpassionthroughouttheyear
ThecovetedHorseoftheYearTrophywasawardedtoFella,ahorse knownnotonlyforhisoutstandingversatilityacrossalldisciplines,but alsohisspiritednature Hisrider,HenJ,waspraisedforhercommitment andskillinmanaginghis“talentedbutchallenging”personality
Oneofthemosttouchingmomentsoftheeveningwasasurprise presentationtoMrsRoberts,DirectoroftheRidingAcademy Theteam giftedherabeautifulportraitofFella,paintedbyrenownedequestrian artistMichelleMcCullagh aheartfeltthankyouforhertirelesssupport andguidance
Thecelebrationconcludedwithateamphoto,capturingthe camaraderie,teamspirit,andjoythatdefinelifeattheLeweston ChedingtonRidingAcademy
BTEC EQUINE MANAGEMENT STUDENTS EMBRACE HANDS-ON LEARNING THIS SUMMER
ThissummertermhasbeenarichandhandsonexperienceforLeweston’sBTECEquine Managementstudents,combiningtheorywith real-worldlearninginhorsecare,breeding,and behaviour
AkeyhighlightwasafieldtriptotheNew Forest,wherestudentsobservednativeponies duringtheannualstallionrelease.Guidedby stallionownerSuzanneKempe,theytracked herstallion,BullhillMajor,andexploredthe culturaltraditionsoftheforest,includinga visittothehistoricNewForestPoundand WilverleyEnclosure.
StudentsalsovisitedTheGlanvillesStudfora foalingworkshopwithstudvetPaulLegerton. Theyobservedmarescanning,learnedabout reproductiveanatomyandovulationtiming, andsawanewbornGoldenHorncolt. Practicalactivitiesincludedleadingmaresand identifyingfoalingsigns,finishingwithaclose examinationofaplacentatounderstandpostbirthcare
LEWESTON EQUESTRIAN CENTRE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Earlierthisyear,LewestonSchoolwasproudly HighlyCommendedintheprestigiousSchool StoriesFacilitiesAward,recognisingtheoutstanding facilitiesat LewestonChedingtonRidingAcademy TheAcademy,whichfeaturesaflood-litarena,20 stables,andadedicatedclassroom,providesan exceptionaltrainingenvironmentforstudentsof alllevels Sinceopening,ithasbecomeahubof activity,supportingthedevelopmentofboth competitiveandrecreationalriders atLeweston
Photo:LewesronCheingtonRidingAcademy
BOARDING AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
AN UNFORGETTABLE DORSET ADVENTURE FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Whilemanystudentsspenttheirfirstweekbackafter halftermsittingend-of-yearassessments,camping,or exploringFrance,aluckyfewwhojoinedusfora shortstayhadanequallymemorableexperiencewith MrsKelly-Quick,ourDirectorofInternational Students.
Rainorshine,ourinternationalshortstaycohortset offeachdayontreasuretrailspackedwithchallenges UsingtheirEnglish,maths,andmap-readingskills, studentssolvedcluesintheirmysterybookletsand competedfiercelyforbraggingrights Theenergyand teamworkwereunstoppable,evenwhentheweather wasn’talwaysontheirside
Thisyear,ourinternationalvisitorswerejoinedbya fewlocalstudents though,insomecases,that didn’tnecessarilygivethemtheupperhand!
AstandouthighlightwasthetriptoWells,Somerset, whereeveryonehadafantastictimerecreatingscenes fromiconicfilms
LEON REIMAGINES LEWESTON IN STRIKING SURREAL PHOTO
Duringtheterm,weweredelightedtowelcomeagroup ofShortStaystudentsintoYear12–includingLeon, fromGermany,whobroughthispassionfor photographytolifeinatrulyinspiringway WhileLeonhaslongbeeninterestedinphotography, joiningLewestonallowedhimtoexplorethesubjectin depthforthefirsttimeaspartoftheSixthForm curriculum.Aspartofhis‘FantasticandStrange’ surrealistproject,andinspiredbySydney-based photographerDemasRusli,Leoncreatedthisincredible imagefeaturingoneofLeweston’stenniscourts. Inaclevertwistofperspective,theimageshowsa flippedcourtwiththeplayerclingingtothenettoavoid falling–adramaticreimaginingofthetraditionaltennis scene,especiallytimelyastheworldhadjustenjoyed anotherseasonofWimbledon.
Leonshared:
"IwouldliketothankMrStephensforlettingmeborrow hisdrone,andDemasRusliforhisincredibleworkwhich continuestoinspireme Iamfeelingsadthatmytimeat Lewestonhascometoanend,butIhavelovedevery momentofitandleavewithsomanyfondmemoriesand brilliantexperiences"
SHORT STAY STUDENT SHARES HER EXPERIENCE OF LEWESTON
"Lewestonisaplacewhereyoucanfindyourtalentsandworktowards yourdreams.AndifI’velearnedonethinghere,it’sthatnodreamistoo faraway,notwhenyou’resurroundedbypeoplewhosupportyouand believeinyou That’swhyIchoseLeweston,andIwouldchooseitagain everytime."
Emma,aShortStaystudentfromGermany,haswrittenablogabout herfive-weekexperienceatLeweston.Init,sheshareswhatdrewherto theschool,howshesettledin,whatlifeoncampusislike,and everythingshe’slearnedalongtheway
Ifyou’rethinkingaboutstudyingin England,Emma’sstorymight helpyouansweranyquestions youmighthave
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Summer Short Stay Student
BOARDING AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
THINKING
ABOUT BOARDING SCHOOL?
OurDirectorofBoarding,MrsSimkinsSmith,sharedherexpertadviceforfamilies preparingforthisexcitingnextstepinthe SummereditionofIndependentSchool Parentmagazine
Frompracticaltipstoemotional preparation,herguidanceisdesignedtohelp familiesfeelconfidentandreadyforthe journeyahead.
“Whileit’snaturaltoworry,rememberthat limitedphoneaccessispartoftheroutine.If yourchildisn’tcallingoften,itusuallymeans theyarehappilyengaged Youcanalsostay updatedbyfollowingLeweston’sBoarding’s TwitterandInstagramaccounts”
A BUSY TERM OF ACTIVITIES
Thistermhasbeenpackedwithactivity,adventure,andcommunity spiritforLeweston’sboarders,withabrilliantmixofweekendoutings, in-schoolfun,andmemorablemomentstoendtheyearonahigh OneofthehighlightswasatriptoGoApe,wherestudentstackled treetopchallenges,ziplines,andropebridges allwhileencouraging andsupportingeachother Backoncampus,theboardersmadethemost ofthebeautifulsurroundingswithwalksthroughtheDorset countryside,enjoyingtimeoutdoorsandunwindinginnature. Wellnessweekendsofferedtimetorelaxandrecharge,whileother weekendswerepackedwithenergyandexcitement,includingcircus skillsworkshops,outdoorsports,andinflatablessessionsinthe schoolpool,whichprovedtobeafavourite!
Eveningswerejustaslively,withregularmovienights,boarders' mealsout,andplentyoftimespenttogetherasacommunity There wasalsoachancetotrygardengamessuchascroquet,withsome studentsdiscoveringanewpassionorpolishingtheirskills. ThetermfinishedonahighnotewiththeEndofYearBoardingAwards, aspecialeveningcelebratingthecharacter,kindness,andcontributions ofindividualboarders andachancetoreflectonthelaughterand friendshipsbuiltthroughouttheyear
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT WEEK INSPIRES AND CHALLENGES
AcademicEnrichmentWeekwasavibrant celebrationofcuriosity,challenge,andintellectual exploration Thepackedprogrammegavestudents ofallagestheopportunitytoexplorenewideas, tackleexcitingchallenges,andhearfroman impressiverangeofspeakers
LEWESTON LEARNERS GO FOR GOLD!
Year8pupilsdemonstratedtheirgrowthinkeyskills throughpresentationsfortheprestigiousLeweston LearnerDiploma,aimingforBronze,Silver,orGold awards.
AllYear8pupilssubmittedtheirpresentationsforthe LewestonLearnerDiploma Thediplomaisanaccolade thatstudentsworktowardsfromYears5to8,highlighting theirdevelopmentinthefiveLewestonLearner characteristics:Adventurous,Confident,Creative, Inquisitive,andResilient Pupilshavetheoptionto pursueaBronze,Silver,orGoldaward
ThoseaimingforGoldpresenttheirworktoaSenior memberofstaff,honingtheirpresentationskills Students areencouragedtoreflectonhowtheyhavecultivated theseessentialskillsduringtheirtimeatLeweston, encompassingallareasofschoollife,fromacademicsto extracurricularactivities.Thegrouppicturedabove,one ofseveralstrivingforGold,deliveredoutstanding presentations,showcasingtheirtalentsandreflectionsto MrsDencher.
YEAR 9 EXCEL IN STEM CHALLENGE
Year9studentsimpressedduringahands-onSTEM challenge,wheretheyweretaskedwithdesigningand buildingbridgesusingonlystrawsduringtheirPSHRE session
Thechallengeencouragedstudentstothinkcreativelyand applyreal-worldengineeringprinciples,allwhileworking undertimepressureandlimitedmaterials Teamshadto plan,problem-solve,andcollaborateeffectivelyto constructbridgesthatwerenotonlystrongbut structurallysound
Thesessionhighlightedexcellent teamwork,innovation,and communicationskillsacrossthe board Everygroupbroughta differentapproachtothetask, showcasingawiderangeofideas andproblem-solvingstrategies.
Highlightsincludedtalksfromstaffandguest speakerssuchasHeadmasterMrPaget-Tomlinson ontheBattleofWaterloo,MsPerrettonendurance challenges,andMajorMattO’Sullivanonlifeinthe RoyalMarines.OthersessionsexploredRenaissance art,musicandtheHolocaust,andtheSistine Chapel,sparkingcuriosityanddiscussion
InteractiveactivitiesrangedfromaMiniModelUN andescaperoomstotheNepaleseTomato TransportChallenge,encouragingcreativityand criticalthinking AuthorOliviaTuffinalsovisited, delightingstudents especiallyourkeen equestrians withatriptothestables
Year12senjoyedtheirownenrichmentprogramme, includingaGeographyfieldworkresidentialat SkernLodgeandavisittotheUniversityof Southampton.Thefirst-everAcademicEnrichment Dinnerbrought50studentstogetherforanevening ofquizzes,greatfood,andaninspiringkeynote fromOldAntonianEmmaBateman.
TheweekconcludedwiththeThrivingMinds Conference,whereLewestonstudentsdebated animalrightsandexploredtopicsfromphilosophy tonanotechnology,leavingtheminspiredand intellectuallyenergised
Itwasabrilliantweekofexploration,challenge,and opportunityforallinvolved
ACADEMIC
GEOGRAPHY IN ACTION
Geographystudentshavebeenbusythistermbringingtheirclassroomlearningtolifethroughexcitingandinsightfulfield trips
Year7enjoyedacross-curriculardayinSherborne,linkingbothHistoryandGeographytopics Insmallgroups,they exploredSherborneOldCastle,touredtheSherborneMuseumwiththehelpofknowledgeablevolunteers,andconducted fieldworkinthetowncentre.Activitiesincludedsurveyinglanduse,measuringpedestriandensity,andconsideringthe characterofplace,aswellasspeakingtomembersofthepublicabouttheirexperiencesofthetown
Meanwhile,Year10GeographersheadedoutfortheirsecondGCSEfieldworkday,exploringtheDorsetcoastatSwanage andStudland AtSwanage,studentscollectedprimarydata,analysingbeachprofilesandobservingtheeffectsoflongshore drift ThevisitcontinuedtoStudland,wherestudentsstudiedcoastaldefencesandtheirimpactonsanddunesandthewider environment.Glorioussunshine,awell-earnedicecream,andthechancetoexplorethelocalcoastlinemadeforanengaging andmemorabledayoffieldworkandcoastaldiscovery
Bothtripsgavestudentstheopportunitytoapplygeographicalskillsinreal-worldsettings,enhancingtheirunderstanding andcuriosityabouttheworldaroundthem
CELEBRATING POETRY ON SAINT DAVID’S DAY
WemarkedSaintDavid’sDaywithawholeschool poetrycompetition,showcasingcreativityandtalent acrosstheyeargroups Entriesweresubmittedunder bardicpennames,withAvaT(Year12)winningforher powerfulpoemTartarus,exploringwomen’sidentity struggles DominiqeP(Year12)wasrunner-upwith LoveLikeOxygen,amovingreflectiononrelationship dependency. WealsocelebratedsuccessintheISAPoetry Competition2025,wheresixLewestonstudentswere selected CongratulationstoTomP,MollyM,Georgia F,ImogenB,DominiqeP,andAliceM Special recognitiongoestoGeorgiaF,whowonFirstPlacein theYear7–9categorywithMyLifeasaStatue,a powerfulcritiqueofidealfemininity Ahugewelldonetoallwhoentered yourpoems reflectthestrengthofimaginationandloveofliterature atLeweston
STUDENTS EXCEL IN PHYSICS COMPETITION
TwoYear7teamscompetedattheMillfieldPhysics Olympics,takingonpracticalchallengeslike “MarvellousMarbles”andestimatingsweetsinajar finishinganimpressive5thoverall
CAREERS
YEAR 12 EXPLORE UNIVERSITY LIFE
Thisterm,Year12studentshavetakenexcitingsteps towardtheirfutureswithtwoinspiringcareerstrips onetotheUniversityofSouthamptonandanotherto MertonCollege,Oxford
AtSouthamptonUniversity,studentsreceivedexpert adviceonresearchingcoursesandnavigatingtheUCAS applicationprocess.AlivelyQ&Awithcurrentstudents offeredinsightintouniversitylife,followedbyaguided campustour Theyalsoattendedtwoengagingtaster lecturesandenjoyedabehind-the-scenesvisittothe engineeringfacilities,ledbyProfessorMuggleton a Lewestonparent whoshowcasedthefaculty’scuttingedgework
SixthFormstudentsexploringOxbridgepathwaysalso visitedthehistoricMertonCollege,Oxford,wherethey touredthebeautifulchapel,gardens,GreatHall,andeven Tolkien’sfavouritewritingspot.Ahighlightwasthe sessionintheT S EliotTheatre,whichofferedvaluable guidanceontheOxbridgeinterviewprocessandstudent life
Bothvisitsofferedanexcitingglimpseintotheworldof highereducationandhelpedstudentsfeelmoreconfident aboutthejourneyahead
INSIGHTS FROM MO GHERRIS ON HOSPITALITY CAREERS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Year10enjoyedafascinatingtalkfromMo Gherris,ownerofTheCrossKeysin Sherborneandformeremployeeof GordonRamsay Mosharedinsightsfrom his12yearsinhigh-endhospitalityandthe realitiesofrunningabusyhotel,bar,and restaurant openfrom7amdaily
Heencouragedstudentstoconsiderparttimeworkinhospitalityat16tobuild employabilityskills,offeringtipson interviewsandjobapplications Moeven invitedstudentstocontacthimdirectlyfor atrialshiftinthefuture.
Studentsaskedthoughtfulquestions, includingoneabouthisfutureplans whichincludelaunchingsmallvenues focusedonrotisseriechickenandcocktails
LEWESTON SHORTLISTED FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR FOR STUDENT CAREERS FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!
Weareveryexcited tosharethatwehave beenshortlistedfor IndependentSchool oftheYearfor StudentCareersin theIndependent SchoolsoftheYear Awards2025 forthesecondyearrunning!Thisrecognition reflectsourongoingcommitmenttopreparing studentsforlifebeyondschool–empowering themwiththeskills,guidance,andconfidenceto succeedintheirfuturepaths.
TofindoutmoreaboutourCareersProgramme, pleasevisitourwebsiteanddiscoverwhywewere shortlisted
CAREERS
LEWESTON CAREERS FAIR RETURNS THIS NOVEMBER!
TheLewestonCareersFairistakingplaceonTuesday25 NovemberinthePensabeneLibraryandManorHouse, opentoallstudentsinYears10to13andtheir parents/guardians
Withover30exhibitorsfromawiderangeofindustries, thisisafantasticchancetoexplorefuturecareerpaths,ask questions,andmakevaluableconnections.Whether you 'reconsideringuniversity,apprenticeships,ordiving straightintotheworldofwork,there’ssomethingfor everyone!
FORMER STUDENTS INSPIRE YEAR 12
Towardstheendofterm,wewelcomedbacktwo formerstudents,TullyandEllen,tosharetheir experiencesandadvicewithcurrentYear12pupils duringtheannualFutureDirectionsDay.
TullyandEllen,wholeftLewestonin2024,returned tospeakabouttheirgapyearadventuresworkingas chefsandchalethostsduringaskiseasoninFrance Theirtalkprovidedafirst-handlookattherealitiesof takingtimeoutafterschooltogainvaluablework andlifeexperiencebeforestartinguniversity
Thepairofferedpracticalinsightsintoapplyingfor seasonaljobsabroad,adaptingtonewenvironments, anddevelopingskillssuchasteamwork,time management,andresilience Theyalsosharedhelpful tipsonpreparingstrongapplications,makingthe mostofgapyearopportunities,andapproachingthe universityselectionprocesswithconfidence
Studentshadthechancetoaskquestionsabout everythingfromday-to-dayliferunningachaletto balancingworkcommitmentswithtraveland planningtheirnextstepsineducation
SIXTH FORM
MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS TRIP TO LONDON
Year12MusicandPerformingArtsScholarstravelledtoLondonto watch‘MerrilyWeRollAlong’byStephenSondheimatthe PlaygroundTheatre Oneofthemainrolesintheproductionwastaken byOldAntonian,ScarlettCole,whohasbeenstudyingforherMAin MusicalTheatrePerformanceattheAssociatedStudiosPerforming ArtsAcademyinLondon ScarlettspenttimewithourScholarsbefore theshow,advisingthemonhowtopursueFurtherEducationinthe performancearts,andchattingthroughherownexperiences.
TheScholarsthenwatchedScarlettintheshowandwerehugely inspiredbyherperformance,andtheperformancesofthewholecast
YEAR 12 ART & DESIGN TRIP TO HAUSER & WIRTH
Year12ArtstudentsvisitedHauserand WirthSomersetforaninspiring explorationofMythsandMachines thefirstUKexhibitiondedicatedto bothNikideSaintPhalle(1930–2002) andJeanTinguely(1925–1991).
Setacrossthegallery’suniquesite,this majorshowcasecelebratesthevisionary workandremarkablecreative partnershipofSaintPhalleand Tinguelyoverthreedecades The exhibition,presentedincollaboration withtheNikiCharitableArt Foundation,formspartofthe centenarycelebrationsofTinguely’s birth
Studentswerecaptivatedbythe dynamicsculptures,vibrantforms,and inventivemechanicalworksthatreflect theartists’sharedpassionformyth, movement,andimagination
A TASTE OF SIXTH FORM
InJune,ourYear10studentshadtheexciting opportunitytoexperiencelifeintheLeweston SixthFormduringourannualTasterDay
ForthosewithapassionforArtandDesign, thedaywaspackedwithcreativityandhandsonlearning InFashionandTextiles,students exploreddiversefashioninspirations, transformingtheirideasintouniquedesigns whichtheybroughttolifeusingarangeof materials.Meanwhile,in3DDesign,students gotatasteofproductdesignbycreatingtheir ownmouldsandtryingtheirhandatpewter casting!
Thedaywasabrilliant opportunityforstudents toimmersethemselvesin theenergyand independenceofSixth FormlifeatLeweston, exploringthesubjects theyloveandimagining whatthenextstageof theireducationcould looklike
SIXTH FORM
CELEBRATING YEAR 13: A JOURNEY OF ACHIEVEMENT AND MEMORIES
Astheacademicyeardrewtoaclose,ourYear13students, alongsidestaff,gatheredinthebeautifulItalianGardenfora specialafternoontea achancetoreflect,sharememories,and celebratetheendofanincrediblejourney
ThecelebrationscontinuedwithourheartfeltLeavers’Massand GowningCeremonyintheSchoolChapel,acherishedLeweston traditionthatmarksasignificantmilestone Duringtheservice, Year13studentssymbolicallypassedontheirPrefect responsibilitiestotheirYear12successors,amomentfilledwith pride,gratitude,andhopeforthefuture.
ToclosethetermintrueLewestonstyle,students,families,and staffcametogetheroncemoreforamagicalMidsummerNight’s Dream-themedBall
AswebidfarewelltoourremarkableYear13cohort,weknow theyleaveLewestonwithnotonlyacademicachievements,but lifelongfriendshipsandlastingmemories Wearesoproudof everythingtheyhaveaccomplishedandcan’twaittoseewhatthe futureholds
MEET THE 2025/26 PREFECT TEAM
Meetthestudentambassadorswhowill berepresentingourschool,takingon extradutiestogrowtheirleadership abilitiesandcontributetoareaswhere theycanmakeapositiveimpact.Wecan't waittoseetheideasandinitiativesour newteambringstoourschool community.
HeadPrefects:DominiqePandHarryB
DeputyHeadPrefectsPupilVoice:Elio MandRebeccaT
DeputyHeadPrefectsCharities:AvaT andPearlRW
HouseCaptains:
Campion:MayS(Captain)andOliviaR (Deputy)
Fisher:TillyCW(c)andAmeliaO(d)
Mayne:StormontH(c)andMinaV(d)
More:MarthaB(c)andJemimaT(d)
Otherroles:
Sacristan:AustinA
Sport:HarrisonSandGraceH
Equine:TabbyT
Art:AnastasiaK
Music:DarcyL
Drama:JasmineA
Pastoral:AmeliaB
Academic:ImogenB
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
WEST DORSET MP INSPIRES STUDENTS
WestDorsetMPEdwardMorellovisitedLeweston bringingpoliticstolifeforourpupilsacrossthe PrepandSeniorSchools. FollowinghismeetingwithourPrepSchoolCouncil, EdwardspoketoYears7and8,whoproudlyshared theirpostersonclimatechange(thesewerelater displayedinEdward’soffice)anddiscussedwaysto tackleenvironmentalchallenges.Heexplainedhow theUKParliamentworksandgaveinsightsintothe dailylifeofanMP Noquestionwasoff-limits,with studentsaskingeverythingfromthemostdifficult partsofthejob,tohowMPsareelected,towhatthey earn
Thevisitwasaninspiringexperiencethatencouraged pupilstothinkcriticallyaboutpolitics,deepening theirunderstandingofhowdecisionsaremadeboth locallyandnationally Throughopenconversations andreal-lifeexamples,studentsgainedinvaluable insightintotheresponsibilitiesandchallengesfaced bythoseinpublicoffice Edward’sapproachable mannerandthoughtfulengagementsparkedcuriosity andempoweredstudentstoseethemselvesasactive participantsinsociety,reinforcingtheideathattheir perspectivesmatterandtheirvoicescanhelpshape thefuture
BRAINWAVES AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
Weareexcitedtohaverenewedour partnershipwithBrainWaves,anew mentalhealthandwellbeingresearch project.BrainWavesisaregistered independentcharityworkingin partnershipwiththeUniversityof Oxford,theUniversityofSwanseaand TheDay,theonlinestudentnewspaper thatturnsnewsintolessons. BrainWavesiscreatingalarge-scale nationalstudentgrouptoparticipatein researchandhelpdevelopour understandingofadolescentmental healthandwellbeing Ourpupilshave beenparticipatinginvarious BrainWavesstudies,andwewillbe continuingtoworkcloselytosupport BrainWavesintheirresearch.
WELLNESS WALKS
OurYear7and8studentstook well-deservedbreaksfrom examweekwithpeaceful wellnesswalksduringtheir PSHREsessions Theystrolled throughthesunshinetothe beautifulBelvedere,taking timetorelax,reset,andenjoy thecalmsurroundings Aperfectreminderofthe importanceofbalance,fresh air,andlookingafterour wellbeing–especiallyduring busytimes!
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
A SUMMER TERM FULL OF ENERGY, EXPLORATION, AND EXCITEMENT
Studentshaveembracedavibrantmixofclubsandextra-curricularopportunities thathaveprovidedenrichmentwellbeyondtheclassroom
Thevarietythistermhasbeennothingshortofimpressive,withclubsspanning everypossiblepassion FromMusicTheorytoCroquet,SailingClubtoHorse CareandStableManagement,ourstudentshavebeenbusydevelopingnewskills, buildingfriendships,anddiscoveringhiddentalents
Again,RunClubhasbeenafirmfavourite,givingstudentsthechancetoget moving,enjoythefreshair,andboostbothphysicalandmentalwellbeingina fun,supportiveenvironment.
OneofthestandoutadditionsthissummerhasbeentheFlightSimulatorClub TakingplaceinthePensabeneLibrary,studentshavetakentotheskiesusing specialistflightsimulationequipment Withrealisticmonitors,controls,and globalnavigationsoftware,theyhaveexperiencedthethrilloftake-off,the challengeofmid-airnavigation,andtheprecisionoflanding allwithoutleaving theground
AnotherhighlightofthetermwastheInauguralLewestonAdult-JuniorGolf Competition,whichbroughttogetherstudents,staff,andfamiliesforafantastic afternoononthecourse.Golfersofallagesandskilllevelsenjoyedthefriendly competitionandcamaraderie,withcongratulationsgoingtothePackerpairfor theirimpressivevictory!SpecialrecognitionalsogoestoNoah,Hamish,andMr Hawkinsforexcellinginthe“ClosesttothePin”challenges agreat achievementinwhatissuretobecomeacherishedannualevent
Withsucharichvarietyofclubsonofferandenthusiasticparticipationacrossthe board,it’sclearthatLewestonstudentsknowhowtomakethemostofevery opportunity
STUDENTS TAKE ON DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND TEN TORS CHALLENGES
WeareexceptionallyproudofthetwoLewestonteamswhotookpartintheTenTors Challengethisyear
TeamOrangecamehomeinthefastesttimeyetpostedbyaLewestonteam,finishingthe45 milerouteat1448ontheSundayafternoon WelldonetoAva,Tilly,Dasha,Grace,Alex andElio TeamGreenstartedwellreachingHigherWhiteTorlateonSaturdayeveningbut sadlyfateturnedagainstthemontheSundayandtheywereforcedtowithdraw. TenTorsstandsaloneinitsscale;thedistance,terrainand,attimes,weatherensurethat thoseinvolvedpushthemselvestothelimitanditisnotachallengeforthefainthearted All ofthestudentsinvolvedhadbeentrainingfortheArmyledeventsincethepreviousAutumn andhaveshownimpressivelevelsofcommitmenttakingonregulartrainingwalksand spendingtwoweekendsonDartmooraheadofthemainevent.
35determinedYear9studentssuccessfullycompletedtheirBronzeDukeofEdinburgh QualifyingExpeditioninthestunningPurbeckhills!Overtwochallengingdays,theyhiked upto15kmadaywithfullpacks,tackledtoughterrain,andshowedincredibleteamwork, resilience,anddetermination
Beyondtheblistersandbackpacks,theybuiltfriendships,discoverednewstrengths,andtruly embodiedthespiritoftheDofE Staffpraisedtheirpositiveattitudes,perseveranceand independence
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
YEAR 8 EXPERIENCE FRENCH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE
Year8enjoyedanexcitingtriptoFrance, immersingthemselvesinthelanguageand culture
ActivitiesincludedengagingFrenchlessons, cooking,makingmosaics,playingtraditional games,andevenlearningcircusskills!A highlightformanywasshoppingatlocal marketsusingtheirlanguageskillstobuy ingredientsformeals,withprizesfor presentation
Eveningactivitiesfeaturedfoodtasting, includingsnailsforthosebraveenough,and diningatalocalrestaurant Studentsalso visitedthecharmingtownofAvallonand thehistoricChâteaudeBussy-Rabutin, enhancingtheirunderstandingofFrench history Kayakingandafundiscorounded outtheweek
Thistripprovidedafantasticopportunity forstudentstoexpandtheirFrench vocabulary,growinconfidence,andcreate lastingmemorieswiththeirfriends
YEAR 7 EMBRACE ADVENTURE ON WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIP
Year7enjoyedanadventurous3-daycamping tripinBadmintonWoods Fromlightingfires withflintandsteel(andcookingtheirown burgers!),buildingshelters,andcreatingtribe flags,tolearningfirstaidduringamockplane crashrescue thestudentsthrewthemselves intoeverychallengewithamazingenergy
Theymadepizzas,craftedbracelets,whittled wood,sangaroundthecampfire,andeven celebratedtwobirthdays!Arainystartanda broken-downcoachonthewayhome,addedto everyone ’sunforgettablememoriesthatwere madethroughoutthetrip.
COMMUNITY AND CHAPEL
YEAR 9 PUT COMPASSION INTO ACTION
AspartoftheirPSHREprogramme,Year9putcompassioninto action!StudentsvisitedSainsburysinSherbornetobuyprovisions fortheSherborneFoodBank.
Eachcontributingonepound,theyhadalistoftheitemswhich wouldbemostusefulforthefoodbank.Inteams,theyscouredthe shelvestoensuretheirmoneystretchedasfaraspossible,helping themtolearnabouttheimportanceofbudgetingwhenfood shoppingandtoappreciatetherealityoflifeforfamiliesonalow income
CHAPEL HIGHLIGHTS
Thisterm,ourcommunitycame togetherinfaiththroughaseriesof meaningfulCatholicevents
WebeganwithourMarianLiturgy, honouringMary,themotherofJesus Ahighlightwasthe‘Floweringofthe Cross’,wherestudentsadornedabare crosswithflowers transformingit intoapowerfulsymbolofhopeand newlife Wewereespeciallytouchedto havestaffmemberswhoaremothers takepartasreaders,addingapersonal layertothecelebration
Lewestonwasalsodelightedtohost studentsfromtheSherborneschools foraCatholicConfirmationCeremony atStAntony’sChapel,ledby MonsignorDraper.Withmusicand flowersenhancingtheoccasion,itwasa joyfulcelebrationoffaithand commitment.
TomarkPentecost,ourwholeschool gatheredforavibrantliturgycentredon “TheHolySpirit:Celebrating DifferencesandUnity” Studentsread prayersinmultiplelanguages,reflecting therichculturaldiversityofour community.
Theseeventshavebeenawonderful reminderofthestrength,beauty,and unityfoundinourcommunity
RETREAT: A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND RESILIENCE
Despiteanunexpectedchangeinplansdueto theweather,ourYear9studentsapproached theirretreatdaywithadmirableflexibilityand commitment Thedaybeganwithareflective liturgy,afterwhichstudentsengaged thoughtfullywiththelifeandteachingsofSt AntonyofPadua
Astheweatherimproved,theywereableto embarkonapilgrimagetoHambledonHill Thewalkprovidedavaluableopportunityfor sharedreflection,meaningfulconversation, andthestrengtheningoffriendshipswithin theyeargroup
COMMUNITY AND CHAPEL
CELEBRATING A FANTASTIC YEAR WITH PALS
Thissummertermhasbeenatrulyvibrantandsuccessfuloneforour Parents’Association(PALS),withacalendarpackedfullofcommunity spirit,fundraising,andfun!
Arealhighlightofthetermwasthemuch-lovedPALSSummerFair, whichonceagainbroughttogetherfamilies,staff,andstudentsfrom acrossthePrepandSeniorschools Itwaswonderfultoseepupils gettinginvolved runningthestallswithsuchenthusiasm,adding theirenergyandsmilestotheday Frommusicandface-paintingto gardengamesandtheever-popularLewestonDogShow,theeventwas ajoyfulcelebrationofallthatmakesourschoolcommunitysospecial.
ThankstothededicationofPALSvolunteersandtheincredible supportfromparents,staff,andstudentsalike,theSummerFairand othereventsthisyearhavehelpedraiseover£10,800forprojectsacross theschool.Thesefundshavesupportedawiderangeofinitiatives,from dramaandscienceequipmenttothePrepSantavisit,StAntony’sDay treats,andoutdoorlearningresources
Asalways,wearesogratefultothePALSteamandeveryonewho supportstheirevents Whetherbyattending,helpingout,orjoining fundraisinginitiatives,theimpactonour schoolistrulyappreciated
LOCAL PRIMARY PUPILS TAKE AIM AT FUN LASER RUN AFTERNOONS AT LEWESTON
Thisterm, wehavewelcomedpupilsfromlocalprimary schools,includingDunburyPrimarySchooland ShillingstonePrimarySchool,forexcitingafternoonsof LaserRun,ledbyourfantasticPentathloncoaches,Mick FlahertyandNataliePerrett
Itwasbrillianttoseesomuchenthusiasmandenergyas thepupilsgotstuckintothisuniquesport–combining runningwithlasershootinginafunandengagingway Everyonegaveittheirbestshotandhadagreattimetrying somethingnew!
AN UPDATE FROM NEPAL
Weweredelightedto receiveanupdatefrom formerstaffmember,Liz Rutter,whofoundedthe linkbetweenLeweston andourNepalsister school,JanaJyoti.
Thankstotheincredible fundraisingeffortsofour students,manyyoung learnersinNepalarenow thrivingwitheducational sponsorships Itis amazingtowitnessthe
impactofthedonationsraisedatschool,especiallyaftermeeting someofthesestudentsonourlasttriptoNepal!
LEWESTON SPOTLIGHTS
SPEECH DAY
Joinedby families,staff,andfriends,wecelebratedthe outstandingachievementsofourstudentsatthisyear’sendof termSpeechDay.WewerehonouredtohearfromourHead BoyandHeadGirl-GracieandBert,HeadmasterMrPagetTomlinson,ChairofGovernorsMrIanLucas,andour esteemedGuestofHonour,AdmiraltheRightHonourable TheLordWestofSpithead,GCB,DSC,PC
Congratulationstoallofthisyear’sprizewinners yourhard work,dedication,andaccomplishmentsmadeusincredibly proud Scholaandourtalentedmusiciansallgavebeautiful performances,whichaddedsuchgraceandjoytotheday.
RACE TO SUCCESS AT DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Weenjoyedafantasticdayofracing,teamwork,andcommunity spiritattheannualDragonBoatRaceatSherborneCastleCountry Fair
Intheseniorcategory,TheLewestonBlazingPaddlers ateamof teachers,parents,andstudents narrowlymissedthefinalbyjust halfasecond,finishingastrong5thoverall Intheyouthraces,bothLewestonteamsqualifiedforthefinal Despiteracingback-to-backheats,theygaveittheirall,withthe SixthFormGreenTeamearningsilverandtheYears7–10BlueTeam takingbronze TheGreenTeamalsopostedthefastestyouthtimeof theday animpressivesend-offformanyofourleavers
Theeventalsoraisedover£380forSherborneFoodBank,makingit atruecelebrationofsport,community,andgivingback
STEPPING BACK IN TIME FOR SHERBORNE’S HISTORY PAGEANT
StudentsfromYears7to9representedLewestonatthisyear’sSherborne’s HistoryPageant.EachSherborneschooltookonadifferenteraofthetown’s history,withLewestonexploringtheimpactoftheSeptember1940bombing ofSherborne
Ourstudentsdeliveredathoughtfulpresentation,beautifullyconcludedby Alma,Lola,andVeniceperforming“GoodnightChildrenEverywhere,”made famousbyVeraLynn.
Theevent,setagainstabackdropofsunshine,wasawonderfulwaytobring thecommunitytogetherandlaunchtheSherborneFestival
LEWESTON SPOTLIGHTS
YEAR 11 LEAVERS’ POOL JUMP
Followingtradition,ourYear11stooktheiconic Lewestonpooljumpattheendofterm!Aftermaking asplash,theysignedshirts,bouncedthroughan inflatablesession,andtoppeditalloffwithasunny BBQ AspecialshoutouttoDrGreenway,Headof Year11,forjoininginonthepooljumpwiththe students!
Thismuch-lovedritualmarkstheendoftheirtimeat Lewestonandisawonderfulwaytocelebratetheir yearstogether Whilemanywillbestayingonfor SixthForm,wewishtheverybesttothoseheading offonnewadventures
THANK YOU TO OUR CATERING TEAM FROM CHARTWELLS WHO TREATED US TO DELICIOUS MEALS THROUGHOUT THE TERM, INCLUDING THEMED DISHES FROM VE DAY SAUSAGE AND MASH TO A POP-UP JAPANESE THEMED LUNCH!
LEWESTON VOICES PODCAST!
ThissummerwesharedthelatestepisodeofourLeweston Podcast,featuringHeadmasterMrPaget-Tomlinsonand EquineManagementBTECteacherMissUnderwood!
Together,theyexploredwhattheEquineManagement BTECisallaboutandwhyitissuchavaluableandexciting optionforSixthFormstudents Fromhands-onlearningat ouron-siteequestriancentretodevelopingreal-worldskills andindustryinsight,thisepisodeisamust-listenforanyone consideringalternativepost-16pathways
VisitourwebsitetohearhowLewestonispreparing studentsforsuccessfulfutures,bothinandoutofthe saddle!
‘BAKE LEWESTOFF’ THE FINALE!
TheSummerTermsawthegrandfinaleof'BakeLewestoff'!Organised byourveryownMrsClifford,andopentoourSeniorandPrepSchool pupils,parents,staff,andtheentireLewestoncommunity,itwasa bake-offbonanza!
Afterawhisk-taker'sdeliberation,thejudgesnarroweditdowntotwo starbakers InSecondPlace–OldAntonian,TullyC,withher ChocolateandFreshCreamSpongewithTumblingMunchies.Tully's creationwasarealshowstopper,leavingthejudgesinastateofchoc andawe!
Andthewinningbakerwhorosetoeveryoccasion,wasDannyBfrom Year7!Danny'sSeasonalSunshineCake withVanillaCreamCustardand CrystalisedViolasinaSpunSugar Nestwasasweetsymphonyof flavoursandcreativity!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Leweston Lecture with Milly Churchill: Tuesday 16 September (Booking will open closer to the time on the School Cloud, or email admin@leweston.dorset.sch.uk)
Equestrian Boarding Taster: Friday 26 to Saturday 27 September (email robinsonl@leweston.dorset.sch.uk for further information)
Careers Fair: Tuesday 25 November. Please book via the School Cloud
LEWESTON SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM VISIT WEEKS:
29 September - 3 October
2 - 6 March 2026
11 - 15 May 2026
15 - 19 June 2026
Afantasticopportunityforprospective studentsandtheirfamiliestoreceivea personalisedtourtheschoolandmeetcurrent staffandstudents,aswellastheHeadmaster.
(Booking on our website ‘Senior Admissions’ or scan the QR code)
