THE LUDGROVIAN WINTER 2025
‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might’ Ecclesiastes IX v.10
Contents • • • • • • •
Michaelmas Term highlights The VIs’ Nativity ‘Newsies’ ISI Inspection Success We will remember them School News Old Ludgrovian News
Welcome from the Headmaster Welcome to the 2025 Michaelmas term edition of ‘The Ludgrovian’. The following pages can only give a flavour of what we have been up to since September, however I hope that you feel happiness and success radiate throughout the newsletter.
Every three years we are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and early this term, we welcomed an ISI team consisting of six inspectors. In our last inspection, October 2022, we were graded ‘excellent’ in all areas (the highest grade) and since then the inspection framework has changed somewhat, removing all ‘grading’; it’s now simply a robust process of meeting (passing) a set of standards. We met every standard and the feedback received from the ISI team was glowing: ‘The well-being and happiness of children is of the highest priority’… ‘There is a culture of high aspiration’… ‘Excellent teacher
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subject knowledge’… ‘Politeness, manners and respect run through the school like an invisible thread’. As I mentioned this time last year - ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit’ (Aristotle) - and we are delighted that the ISI team found the School to be in rude health. There have been many highlights of the term – the Poetry Recitations, the Autumn Concert, the Nativity Play, the Dramatic Society’s (D.S.) brilliant performance of ‘Newsies’, Sets’ Football and the Carol Service at the end of term in which the Chapel Choir was superb. There is a vibrant atmosphere around the School which enables the boys to thrive – my warmest thanks to everyone who works to make Ludgrove such a special place. I wish one and all a wonderful Christmas and prosperous 2026. Simon Barber Headmaster
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Michaelmas Term Highlights Ludgrove kicked off the new academic year with an absolutely cracking Michaelmas term! After the long Summer holidays the boys got straight back to business, and got stuck into life at Ludgrove. As always, the ‘old timers’ helped our new boys to ‘learn the ropes’ and settle in quickly. Here is a selection of highlights from the term including a whole raft of visits, extra activities and the boys’ achievements.
Donations to the Foodbank
Little Ludgrovians morning
Start of the rugby season
Leavers’ presents from the Class of 2025
Mother Goose and the Golden Egg panto trip for the VIs
Fun at Horseshoe Lake
Academic enrichment talk
Parent organisers of the Ludgrove Christmas Fair Ludgrove receives Eco Schools Green Flag accreditation
First Frost run!
Lecture by Nigel Clough
IVs at the Living Rainforest
The Ludgrove Magazine
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Top Year team building day
Wellington College Prep School Orchestra Day
Captain of School and Monitors Visit by poet Adisa, ‘The Verbaliser’
Top Year Street Art trip to Reading
Berkshire Fire & Rescue visit
Bradfield Science Challenge
Christmas Jumper Day
VIs trip to Windsor Castle
Poetry Recitations Winners
New boys’ boards in the Dining Hall
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vity ti a N ’ s I V
VIs’ Nativity ushers in the festive season The festive season at Ludgrove was ushered in by the traditional VIs’ Nativity play. Still only in their first term, the boys kicked off Christmas for the whole School community. With a sparkle in their eyes, the boys delivered their first performance under the bright
lights of the stage at Ludgrove, as they told a story over 2,000 years old. Families enjoyed watching the story of the birth of Jesus unfold with traditional and new songs. Thank you boys, teachers and the team behind the scenes for filling us with festive spirit with your energetic singing and
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Mr Barber is named Best Head of a Prep School in the Tatler Schools Awards A Head that goes above and beyond for their prep school… does that remind you of anyone? Well it is just one of the reasons Mr Barber was recognised as the Best Head of a Prep School in the prestigious Tatler Schools Awards. Totally bowled over by the accolade at the awards ceremony, and even more so by the boys’ enthusiastic response to the news at breakfast the next morning, Mr Barber said with typical modesty: “It’s only because we have the best staff and the best boys...” This year the awards attracted nominations from far and wide, reflecting both public opinion and insider expertise, before being refined by a panel. With over 14,000 votes counted, the categories attracted huge interest from across the independent schools sector.
Sports Award Our first accolade for the Top Year came when Charlie received a Sports Award from Marlborough College. A talented cricketer and rugby player, he is a sportsman who takes everything in his stride, on and off the pitch. Well done Charlie, we look forward to seeing your talents in the Ludgrove 1st teams this year before you make your mark at senior school in Year 9.
Tatler Schools Guide review “There’s no rush to ‘grow up’ at Ludgrove - which is what draws so many parents to this ‘wholesome’ and ‘traditional’ school.” The Tatler Schools Guide’s review of Ludgrove really got to the heart of what makes us such a rare find. The Guide referenced the no screens and gadgets policy, the emphasis on being outside having fun with friends alongside the boys’ academic, music, sporting and creative endeavours. In their words, “it’s boy heaven”!
Mr Barber is at the very core of everything at Ludgrove. From sitting with a table of boys every lunchtime and supporting them from the sidelines on match days, to teaching Latin and PSHE and helping families navigate the move to senior school, the Headmaster supports the School community every step of the way. Well done Sir, we are all incredibly proud of your well deserved achievement - you definitely deserve a Show as a reward!
Ludgrove in top 50 prep schools for cricket Once again Ludgrove’s strong cricketing tradition has been recognised by this year’s The Cricketer Schools Guide who ranked us in the Top 50 Prep Schools in the country.
E 2026 S C H O O L S G U ID FEATURING THE TOP
100 SENIOR, TOP
25 STATE, TOP 20
IN PARTN
ALL-GIRL
ERSHIP WITH
OLS OR & PREP SCHO S AND TOP 50 JUNI
The Cricketer’s independently adjudicated list is judged against an extensive set of criteria, which includes a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixtures and coaching. Well done to Mr French, Master in Charge of Cricket, the Team Takers and last but not least, the boys themselves for their endless passion for the game.
Review in the Tatler Schools Guide 2026
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r Top Yea
Hands up who loved Newsies? The reviews are in and the Top Year’s D.S. (Dramatic Society) production of ‘Newsies’ has been declared a 5 star hit! Following a full dress rehearsal to the School on the last Friday of term, and two further performances for the boys’ families and friends over the next two days, the cast ended the weekend feeling like they were ‘Kings of New York!’ Well done boys - all the hard work, sweat and ‘fears’ paid off with a resounding triumph we’ll be talking about for years to come.
Newsies is a hit show!
The show would not have been put on without the help of those behind the scenes - take a bow Mr French, Mr Murtagh, Mr Auty, Mr Plescia, Ms Childs, Mrs Moir and choreographer Ms Collins.
ISSUE 20 “Boarding staff care for and support pupils well, including through the wide range of activities available to boarders during the evenings and at weekends.
“… pupils become keen to share their success. They take pride in their achievements and those of others.”
“All pupils have opportunities to represent the school in fixtures and benefit from the camaraderie and teamwork this instils.”
Glowing feedback from the ISI Inspection Louis goes the extra mile... While others relaxed during the Summer holidays, one of the IVs took on a charity challenge to support his School community. In just one day, Louis walked across the Isle of Wight, a total distance of 29.5 miles. Starting at the Needles Battery (the most westerly point) he took 10 hours to reach Bembridge (the most easterly point).
At the beginning of term we welcomed a team from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) to carry out a thorough review of every area of the School’s operations. Since our last inspection in 2022 (when we were graded ‘excellent’ in all areas) the framework has simplified to passing a set of standards. Not only did Ludgrove meet every standard, the feedback received from the team was glowing: “The well-being and happiness of children is of the highest priority”... “There is a culture of high aspiration”... “Politeness, manners and respect run through the school like an invisible thread”. Here are some of the highlights: Summary “Extensive extra-curricular activities enrich pupils’ experiences, build their confidence and add to their enjoyment of school and being a boarder.” “The school promotes pupils’ self-awareness, self-esteem and confidence and equips them with the knowledge and skills to help them navigate life beyond the school.”
Louis’s original plan was to complete the walk in two days but he made such good progress that he did it all in one go. That’s true Ludgrove grit and determination!
“The school develops pupils’ sense of social responsibility through engaging pupils in leadership roles, charitable fund raising and initiatives which support the local community.”
Fantastically well done to Louis whose efforts raised over £3,300 for the Ludgrove Foundation and its excellent work to support Transformational Bursaries. Your Ludgrove community spirit is an inspiration to us all. As Mr Barber said: “You’re a superstar!”
“Boarding staff care for and support pupils well, including through the wide range of activities available to boarders during the evenings and at weekends.” Leadership & Management “Leaders and staff promote the principles of equality, respect and fair treatment. ... the site, facilities and curriculum are adapted as required to be accessible to all pupils.” Quality of Education, Training & Recreation “… pupils make good progress, acquire new
skills and knowledge effectively and produce work of a high standard. This prepares pupils well for their next schools.” Pupils’ Physical & Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing “Pupils respond positively to the high and consistent expectations teachers have regarding their behaviour and conduct. They are polite, respectful and move about the school calmly, politely and confidently.” Pupils’ Social & Economic Education & Contribution “Across the school, leaders and staff promote an inclusive community, effectively communicating the importance of respect for others through assemblies, form time, PSHE and TPR lessons.” Safeguarding “Well-developed systems in the boarding house ensure pupils feel secure. Boarders have an independent person they can contact should they have a concern. Boarders are given appropriate access to phones at agreed times.” The full ISI report can be found in the ‘School Policies & ISI’ tab of the ‘About Us’ section on the Ludgrove website, www.Ludgrove.net.
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Honouring fallen OLs “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.” Mr Barber led Ludgrove’s boys and staff in the Act of Remembrance as he read aloud the names of the 113 Old Ludgrovians who lost their lives in the two World Wars. As always, the boys were at the very heart of the poignant proceedings as they responded: “We will remember them.” Top Year boys, Patrick and Angus, played the Last Post and Reveille, followed by a reading of
‘In Flanders Fields’ by Captain of School, Rutger. The ceremony was brought to a close with Nino from the VIs, Rutger and Monitors, Jamie and Patrick, delivering the poppy wreath to the Chapel. Earlier in the week, Remembrance Day was brought to life when the Art Department installed the boys’ paintings of war scenes in the style of remembrance artist, Jacqueline Hurley, in swathes across the Dining Hall. A fitting tribute to the OLs who didn’t make it home and whose names decorate the Dining Hall walls.
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Heavenly voices herald the end of term One solitary soprano voice singing ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ rang through the dark to herald the start of this year’s much-loved Carol Service. Soloist Alfie was joined by the Chapel Choir, comprising boys
and staff, followed by the voices of the whole School community. Traditional carols, Lessons read by the Top Year and beautiful choral pieces ensured Ludgrove ended the term full of Christmas spirit.
Y
Festive cheers!
Common Room Karaoke... Supper Night... Christmas Jumper Day... Elf on the Shelf... the final of Sets’ Football... the list could go on and on. With such a smorgasbord of festive fun and frolics at the end of the Michaelmas term, the whole Ludgrove family was filled to the brim with Christmas cheer. Thank you to all the staff who made sure the boys’ final weeks at School were so special.
Educational partnership with Downe House What will schools look like in the future? This was the question we asked the IIs (Year 7) to explore when they hosted their counterparts from Downe House for an English Enrichment day. This is all part of our on-going academic and pastoral partnership with one of the UK’s leading girls’ school. Brain storming sessions spilled over into a ‘working lunch’ when the ideas kept flowing, with the teams working to a tight deadline for an afternoon pitch to a Dragon’s Den of judges. Let’s see if any of the ideas come to fruition by 2050!
Thank you for the music The Autumn Concert proved once again that there is no such thing as an average Ludgrove musician. From a rock band to a string quartet, choirs to brass band and everything in between, the breadth and quality of musical talent at Ludgrove is truly awe inspiring. So, in the words of ABBA: “thank you for the music!”
The Ludgrove Magazine 2024/25 is out now! If you haven’t received your copy, please contact development@ ludgroveschool.co.uk
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Grandparents get the VIP treatment on their special day The boys spent a special morning with their VIP guests on Grandparents’ Day when they introduced them to life at Ludgrove. Mr Barber welcomed nearly 100 guests who enjoyed a musical showcase by some of our talented musicians. The boys then took over, showing their grandparents all their favourite nooks and
crannies - from their name on the Dining Hall boards and dorms, to the Monkey House and Camps - and what makes it their home away from home. Time flew by too quickly, so to sweeten the farewells our guests took with them a little taste of Ludgrove in a pot of honey from Mrs Barber’s bees!
A night to remember Ludgrove lit up the night skies over the School with an amazing firework display and bonfire on the 5th November. The boys ‘oohed and aahed’ with every whizz and boom and the supply of sparklers seemed endless (as did the hot dogs and marshmallows!) Thank you to the Estates and Grounds teams for giving us all a night to remember!
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Ludgrove welcomes seven new faces Before 37 new boys arrived for the start of the academic year, Mr Barber introduced seven starters in the Common Room. We were delighted to welcome (from left): Miss Vianello, VIs teacher and Div Mistress for VIV; Mr Moodley, Head of Maths and Div Master for Div III; Ms Kwon, Cello teacher; Mr Kerr, Maths teacher and Div Master for IIIK; Mrs Moodley,
OU SOLD
T!
Ludgrove’s new bobble hats have already sold out! The fleece lined hats proved so popular that they literally flew off the shelves for boys and parents wanting to keep their ears warm this Winter. Don’t worry if you missed out, a new order is on its way for 2026 and order details will be sent in the new term.
VIs teacher; and Mr Wright, Music Assistant. The additions to the staff team (plus Mrs Fraser, Classics teacher, not pictured) brought with them buckets of enthusiasm and experience to help underpin the School’s excellent teaching. Luckily, our kind boys made sure they helped the newcomers to settle in quickly.
Congratulations to the boys in Ludgrove’s 1st IX team who made it through the preliminary rounds of the IAPS U13 Football Competition to book a place in the final. They made it all the way through to the quarter finals where they narrowly missed out on a slot in the semis. A good run boys!
The big reveal...
Goodbye Gappers It’s always a sad day when we say goodbye to our Gappers. After a year of being an important part of our School community, we waved off Messrs Beaman, Osborn and Mortlock-Chapman as they returned to Australia. Thanks for being so helpful in the dorms and classrooms and on the sports pitches. You will be missed, so come back and see us soon… Oh, and as for your naughty stowaway, set him free in the outback and see if he makes his way back to us next Christmas!
News travelled fast on the first day of term and the boys couldn’t wait to race upstairs to see the first wave of the dormitories’ upgrade programme. The lucky boys who have made these bedrooms their home away from home this term, have enjoyed gorgeous new furniture, lighting, carpets and curtains. They are very proud to have been chosen as ‘testers’ for the rest of the School and have promised they will leave them just as they found them.
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Sets’ Football brings OLs together
Thank you to organisers Ed Corry-Reid and Max Fraser for continuing this OL tradition. We love Sets’ Football but what we love even more is seeing how Ludgrove’s unique game brings together Old Ludgrovians from across the years! Thirty eight players turned up for the annual OL event at Burton Court in London, cheered on by families and two special guests… Mr and Mrs Barber senior! The play was fast and furious, the camaraderie was as strong as ever and the out and out winner was Ludgrove for having such a loyal alumni.
Contact us: For enquiries regarding registrations for OL events, to update your contact details, or to send us news, please get in touch.
OL Sixth Formers v Staff Football What an amazing day of camaraderie and rekindling of prep school friendships. Old Ludgrovians who are now in Sixth Form at their senior schools came back to see us in their dozens to play in the annual OLs v Common Room series of football matches. Before the action began, the where they spent so many OLs joined us for Sunday lunch happy hours before. “If only and had much fun spotting we could do it all again…” one their names in the Dining Hall. nostalgic parent declared! Such a testament to the Families joined the reunion to strength of relationships cheer the teams on from the formed here that our Leavers sidelines, happy to be back and families can slip straight in the familiar surroundings back into Ludgrove life.
Telephone: 0118 978 9881
We are delighted to report on OLs’ recent sporting successes.
Website: www.ludgrove.net
@Ludgrove
After 10 years of trying, the Fathers’ football team finally won the Charlie Marshall trophy! The team pulled off the amazing victory in a thrilling 11-10 match v the Common Room. Well done gentlemen.
OLs’ sporting successes
Email: development@ ludgroveschool.co.uk
Address: Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 3AB Join us on: Ludgrove_School
Whenever Mr or Mrs Barber visits senior schools they always check in with the OLs there. This term they were delighted to catch up with boys at Radley College (above) and Marlborough College (below). They report all are in good heart!
Update details We love keeping in touch with Old Ludgrovians through the pages of this newsletter to keep them abreast of developments at their prep school and notice of events throughout the year. This is only possible, however, if address and email details are up-to-date. If you have moved in recent years or have changed email address, email development@ludgroveschool.co.uk.
Left: Will Hopton and his partner were runners up in the Rackets World Doubles Championships. Middle: Michael Allison is the UK Athletics Champion for javelin. Right: John Edwards debuted for Bristol Bears RFC against an Argentinian team.