VIEW FROM The Abbey
Wednesday 9 July 2025
Welcome From... Mr Watson
In the Abbey on Speech Day I was privileged to speak to our graduating class of Middle Sixth Leavers on the theme of duty Our pioneering Headmaster, Hughie Hodgkinson, stated that one of the school’s founding ideals was, ‘the discovery of talents and skills which perhaps have a greater value than paper qualifications, to provide society with leaders of integrity, sense of responsibility and duty to the common good ’ I gave two Miltonian examples that I believe show such duty
John Burder was one of our ‘Originals’ pupils, who joined the modern version of Milton Abbey on its very first day in 1954. He sadly died two years ago at the age of 82 John loved his time at the school, including digging the first swimming pool, and after A-levels he joined the BBC and had a long career in TV and film, including working on Doctor Who and the Queen’s Christmas Speech. John remained a passionate supporter of the Abbey throughout his life, serving as Life President of the Alumni Association At Easter I was humbled to announce that John bequeathed the majority of his estate to the school In his will he wrote specifically that ‘I wish to provide others with the opportunity to acquire the same sort of education from which I was able to benefit many years ago ’ It is an incredibly generous legacy which means that future Miltonians can be financially supported for years for come
Another fine example of duty is Mr Hugo Mieville, our longest serving member of staff, who will retire this summer after 40 glorious years at the Abbey. Hugo arrived in Dorset in 1985 as a French teacher He then took over as Head of Languages, Master i/c Football and became the Athelstan Housemaster for a decade in the 90s
After that Hugo served in a range of senior roles such Director of Co-curricular and Senior Master, and finally since 2016 as our Alumni Manager. Hugo has seen and directed the school from almost every aspect, and outlasted six Headmasters! He now serves as the allpowerful mayor of Blandford, serving not just a charitable school but our local town Hugo has been a terrific support to generations of Miltonian pupils, parents and staff. Indeed, Hugo has been a superb help to me as a new Headmaster, sharing his wealth of knowledge on the school, introducing me to Miltonians throughout the world and giving me judicious words of encouragement at just the right times He is a kind and gracious man, he is a thoughtful and skilful educator, and he is the epitome of the all-round ‘school master ’ Please join me in saluting these two fine Miltonians who have practiced a lifetime of ‘duty to the common good.
Mr Watson | Headmaster
In The Classroom
FIRST AID TRAINING
As part of our Futures Week programme, Lower Sixth students took part in a valuable First Aid training session, led by our Deputy Nurse Manager and Paramedic, Ms Tomkins.
The training covered a wide range of essential life saving skills, including the primary survey, recovery position, CPR, safe use of an AED, how to assist a choking patient, and how to treat head injuries, cuts, grazes, sprains, and dislocations, among many other scenarios
To successfully complete the course, students were assessed through both a practical demonstration and a multiple-choice test Congratulations to everyone who has now earned their Level 2 RQF Student First Aid Certificate!
FILM AND TV
We're delighted to announce that our Lower Sixth Film and TV students have achieved third place in the 2025 Child Net film competition in the awards event at Disney's HQ in London, for their film ‘Tyranno-Scam-Us-Rex’
As they were away on their Cornwall expedition, the film makers were represented at the event by Middle Sixth film and TV students Haya A and Lily H, who went up and collected their prize from BBFC Chief Executive David Austin.
Milton Abbey School have had pervious success in this competition, having been winners in 2023, and Lily, Haya and Mr Ratcliffe were personally approached by Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, who told them the Milton Abbey films are always the highest quality
Congratulations to the Lower Sixth Film and TV students The trophy is on its way back to Milton Abbey!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Haya H, Middle Sixth A Level Photography student, has created a final project that explores the creative space where drawing, collage, and photography meet. Beginning with her own photographs of cities, she used drawing and collage as tools to respond, reimagine, and transform the urban landscape By layering hand drawn elements and mixed media collage over her images, Haya adds emotion, texture, and personal interpretation turning static documentation into dynamic narratives Her work shows how photography can be extended through other disciplines, offering new ways to see and connect with place. A thoughtful and original series that blends photography, drawing, and collage into one expressive visual language.
Competition: The entries for the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2025 are open and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your creativity and love for animals This national competition celebrates powerful, moving, and inventive images of animals and the natural world, with categories for all age groups and experience levels Whether you enjoy photographing pets, wildlife, or nature, this is a brilliant chance to develop your skills and gain recognition
Key details:
Open to anyone aged 18 or under Free to enter
Deadline: Wednesday, 13 August 2025
Submit entries by email to: ypa@rspca org uk
Fantastic prizes (share of nearly £4000 of vouchers & an awards ceremony at the Tower of London)
If you ’ re interested in entering, please email your entries to the above email address or speak to Mr Lynn You don’t need professional equipment – a good idea and a strong image are what count More information and full entry guidelines are available on the official RSPCA competition website: https://young.rspca.org.uk/ypa/
We’d love to see some Milton Abbey talent represented this year!
CHALK VALLEY HISTORY FESTIVAL
History students from Third, Fourth, and Lower Sixth Forms attended the Chalke Valley History Festival, where they took part in interactive historical experiences and attended lectures from university level academics. A valuable opportunity, particularly for those preparing for their GCSEs!
MATHS
Third Form students have been exploring ciphers and codes in their Maths lessons, and recently had fun creating their own versions of Morse code.
BIODIVERSITY
Fourth Form have been taking the opportunity to monitor the biodiversity around the site in the glorious sunshine
Bruno DI informed everyone that in the lesson they were counting the number of 'margaritas' on the cricket field, which is Spanish for daisy!
Working in groups, they took turns presenting their codes Some even transformed their messages into dance movements, while their classmates decoded the hidden sentences
It was a creative and interactive way to combine logic, communication, and a bit of performance in the sunshine!
THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER!
Lower Sixth Fashion, Art and Film and TV students went to visit the extraordinary Warner Bros. Studios: The Making of Harry Potter!
The trip offered the opportunity to explore the incredible production techniques, costume design, and set artistry, deepening their understanding of creative industry practices and inspiring their own artistic development
DIGITAL LEADERS
We are incredibly proud of Digital Leaders for their hard work and achievements this term They have:
Successfully completed the Childnet online safety course, gaining valuable knowledge about how to stay safe online
Created three engaging and informative videos to promote safer online habits for Safer Internet Day.
Reviewed and updated the Pupil Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), which every pupil will sign next academic year. (Check out their poster on the next page)
Looking ahead to next term, the Digital Leaders will be exploring the risks and benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how we can use it responsibly in our school community
Watch this space, exciting things are coming!
SPORTING NEWS!
TENNIS
Tennis has been a very popular sport for the summer term, with many students taking it up as an evening activity as well
The senior boys delivered their strongest tennis performance of the term in their matches against Clayesmore It was fantastic to see so many students representing Milton Abbey in tennis for the first time The team adapted quickly to the hard courts, using the surface to their advantage The matches were incredibly close, with long rallies and many games going to deuce The boys should be very proud of their efforts and the high standard of play they demonstrated
GIRLS’ FOOTBALL
This term has seen a fantastic rise in girls' football, with our inaugural team playing numerous fixtures and showing incredible improvement throughout We hosted our first ever Girls’ House Football Tournament between Damer and Hughie's!
At halftime, only one goal separated them, a top corner free kick from Flo E, Third Form, Damer, showing remarkable skill and precision Damer extended their lead with another superb free kick, this time from Lissy A, Fourth Form, shifting the momentum firmly in their favour
In the end, Damer secured a fantastic 7–0 victory, earning valuable points towards this year ’ s House Cup. A huge well done to all the players for a brilliant afternoon of sport and school spirit!
POLO
Our Polo team had an excellent summer term of training as we prepare for upcoming fixtures We’ve recently moved our training sessions to Druids Lodge Polo Club, a fantastic new venue that has been a real benefit to our students Ms Ruckley is always keen to welcome new players, no experience necessary! Polo is open to all as a Round Square option, so come and give it a try
Photos taken by Ila K, Fifth Form
SPORT TEAM PHOTOS 2024/25
Digital copies of the 2024/25 sports team photos are now available for purchase Please complete the short form here to place your order
STAFF VS STUDENTS CRICKET
Our U15A Cricket team enjoyed a friendly match against members of staff to round off the term
Highlights included some outstanding bowling from Jago B, Third Form, and impressive batting from Mr Denness
A big thank you to Mr Bonner for serving as a wonderfully good humoured umpire throughout the game
Hornets
Academic Awards
SUMMER TERM 2025
LOWER SCHOOL
Third Place - Manuel G P and Austin N, Third Form
Second Place - Emanuel W-Z, Third Form
First Place - Freddie S, Third Form
UPPER SCHOOL
Third Place - Artur A, Middle Sixth
Second Place - Tessa MW, Lower Sixth
First Place - Alma G, Middle Sixth
TOTAL ACADEMIC AWARDS PER HOUSE
Third Place - Damer
Second Place - Hambro
First Place - Tregonwell
Congratulations to all our subject prize winners, overall academic effort awardees, recipients of the Round Square Ideals Prize, and those honoured with special awards on Speech Day.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES!
RESIDENTIALS
Our students have been making the most of their residential trips this week, with a fantastic range of adventures and activities!
Third Form have been out on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition, hiking through the beautiful Dorset countryside They also enjoyed crazy golf and making sandcastles, congratulations to Keen P for his sculpture of a person.
Fourth Form spent an action packed day at Dorset Waterpark, tackling the mud trail and inflatable water course. Lower Sixth have been soaking up the sun in Mawgan Porth, coasteering new Fistral Beach.
HUGHIE’S SLEEPOVER
Hughie’s House had a fun-filled sleepover in their common room! The evening was packed with pizza, movies, snacks, a few rounds of Just Dance, and even some stargazing Everyone brought along their favourite teddies, Mia EVDS and Anita SH, Third Form, especially enjoyed cuddling up with Alfie, one of the beloved House dogs
TRIP TO SWANAGE
Damer House enjoyed an evening trip out to Swanage for fish and chips and ice cream with Housemaster, Mr Treadaway, Assistant Housemaster, Ms Cooper and Resident Tutor, Ms Pull, before the end of term.
BLACK AND GOLD DAY 2025
E n d o f Y e a r
S e r v i c e a n d
L e a v e r s ’ B a l l
Some of our dance students enjoyed their last summer term dance round square activity outside behind the Abbey
We are delighted to be shortlisted for ‘Small Independent School of the Year’!
Save the date for our Sustainable Fashion Show on Saturday 20 September
Fourth Form absolutely loved the mud trail on their residential trip Here is a very muddy Zach J!
after
O T O G A L L E R Y
- 18
Some of our newest joiners and STEP students in Damer recently enjoyed a warm welcome over afternoon refreshments with the Headmaster, Mr Watson, and Damer Housemaster, Mr Treadaway
Farewell to Mr Hugo Mieville, who retires
40 years at Milton Abbey School!
Dates For your Diary
Tuesday 2 September
Wednesday 3 September
Thursday 4 September
Saturday 13 September
Saturday 20 September
Monday 22-24 September
Thursday 25 September
Thursday 16 October
Friday 17 October
| New Pupils Arrive15:00
| New Pupils’ Induction (all day) and Boarders return 17:00 - 21:00
| Return of Day pupils and start of Term 08:35
| Day Parents’ Coffee Morning
| Sustainable Fashion Show
| Residential House Trips
| Exeat from 12:30 - return Sunday 28 September 17:00 - 21:00
| Third and Fourth Form Parent Dinner
| Third Form Parent Consultations (in person)
HEADS AND DEPUTIES OF THE SCHOOL
We are delighted to announce our 2025/26 Heads and Deputy Heads of School. Eliza GDC and Neo T were selected as Heads of School, supported by Deputies, Teresa K and Sol B.
