The Savilian 2024-25

AN ODE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH I AN ODE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH I

NATHANAEL ILLINGWORTH 12ANR NATHANAEL ILLINGWORTH 12ANR

She was the Nation, that woman of red. In actions, and in words Her puissance encapsulated In every tavern, every mind and every heart; The epitome.

Why, do we venerate long-martyred Elizabeth? Is it her successes which drive us to follow? She was the nation Her image was cast in rhetoric, Yet her emblem, cast in iron Repulsed Spaniards with triumph

Although those taverns have closed their doors, And the minds and hearts that held her dear have departed, Her spirit, the essence of Britain, lives on; For Her God, her Kingdom, her People and her leaders

The centuries have progressed unrelentingly, And, despite our memories wearing thin, We continue to honour this timeworn tradition

Our patroness’ victories mean Her legacies are left, untainted, everlasting

FROM THE FROM THE

As we reflect on the culmination of another academic year, it is a privilege to acknowledge the dedication, perseverance, and curiosity demonstrated across our community.

This year has been marked by both individual achievement and collective endeavour, reflecting the values at the heart of our school: to Care, to Contribute, and to Aspire. These principles continue to guide our pupils’ learning, personal development, and engagement with the wider world.

concerts showcasing not only impressive technical ability but also a genuine joy in sharing music with our community. A particular highlight came from our generational Year 13 leavers, who brought their QEGS journey to a fitting close with a memorable final performance at the Summer Concert - a true reflection of their collective talent and passion.

Beyond the classroom, pupils embraced a wide range of experiences. From the challenges of Plas Y Brenin to skiing in Val Thorens, school trips offered

Academically, 2024–25 has been a strong year At ALevel, 47% of all grades were at A*–A, with a phenomenal 75% at A*-B while at GCSE, 50% of results were awarded at levels 9 to 7 These outcomes are a testament to the commitment of our pupils and the guidance of their teachers We congratulate all leavers and

This year has been marked by both individual achievement and collective endeavour, reflecting the values at the heart of our school

wish them every success in the future

On the sporting front, the 1st XV reached the National Schools Cup Final at Twickenham. While they were ultimately defeated by Harrow, their journey was a source of pride across the school and highlighted the sense of camaraderie, perseverance, and enjoyment that underpins all our sporting endeavours

The arts have once again flourished across the school In the Junior Section, pupils brought The Nativity and Jekyll and Hyde to life with creativity and attention to detail, while the Senior Section entertained audiences with Arabian Nights and Guys and Dolls Music has once again been a standout feature of the year, with performances and

opportunities for growth, independence, and lasting memories These adventures are an integral part of life at QEGS, allowing pupils to develop resilience, teamwork, and curiosity outside formal lessons

We also bid farewell to a number of dedicated staff whose contributions have enriched the life of QEGS

We thank them sincerely and wish them every success in the future, confident that the values they nurtured in our pupils will continue to resonate across the school

In particular, I would like to thank Jim Palin for his support to me personally as Deputy Head - keeping bees might be a simpler challenge!

As you turn the pages of this edition, I hope you will enjoy a sense of the energy and creativity that defines QEGS This year has reminded us of the strength of our community and the extraordinary potential within each pupil

Dr Richard Brookes, Head

THE YEAR IN THE YEAR IN FOCUS FOCUS

Well, what a year The WGSF calendar 2024-25 has been just as jam-

This year, the Scholarship pathway award was launched, which encourages Year 7-10 students to engage in super-curricular learning It’s been a huge success with some packed and hectic as we have come to expect There’s a lot to say

Scientists refined their code breaking at Bletchley Park and politics students listened to Jacob Rees Mogg at the annual London Polecon

impromptu “bonding meal” at Capri On The Vine, which I don’t remember receiving in Year 8

Our Junior Section Roald Dahl day focused on kindness as an essential human attribute This ideal was promoted during our well-being week, where students were encouraged to spread kindness around the foundation It’s through simple events such as these, that we can take the opportunity to check in on our friends and reinforce the school’s supportive environment

students even achieving their gold award a year early There have been an exceptional set of external exam results Fifty percent of all GCSE grades were 7-9 and forty seven percent of all A-level grades were A/A* For Year 13, this was our second highest proportion of top grades in the past decade. Congratulations to all the lads who received their results and a special good luck to our upper sixth who are moving onto a new and exciting chapter in their lives.

DT students even toured around the JCB headquarters, a trip that clearly came in handy at the annual DT rotary competition where Th H, Jack I, Harry G and Chris their innovation and olving skills to take first

ps are academic though ur excursions are planned chment in mind and the sidential to Plas Y Brenin is a classic example. I hear that the Year 5's spent their week climbing

Naturally, these superb academics are supplemented with hands-on learning outside the classroom

French students honed their language skills in Nice, Computer students even achieving their gold award a year early There have been an exceptional set of external

experience at YMCA lakeside where they kayaked on lake Windermere and did what looks to be an incredibly muddy obstacle course. Both groups returned exhausted but smiling.

Back in Wakefield, we saw the annual Junior Section grandparents’ afternoon, where family members were invited to an afternoon of music-making and refreshments Speaking of refreshments, all 81 boys in Year 8 were treated to an

This year’s charity initiative has been second-to-none with an impressive showing from both individuals and our community.

Across the charities, we have raised money for Teenage Cancer Trust, Macmillan, UNICEF, NSPCC, Cancer Research and The Dog’s trust. The senior school charity day even had an inflatable obstacle course - no wonder they raised so much money

We banded together with the girls school for “Hand Across Wakefield”, which supported a series of local hospitals, and our attendance at the Wakefield 10K raised another £1000 for Wakefield Hospice

Following the success of Total Warrior last year, forty-five more sixth-formers battled it out against muddy obstacles in a 6K or 12K race It would have been a good day if not for Mr Jones and Mr Rees embarrassing all of the students by coming in WGSF first place I suppose that raising £2000 for Oddballs and Coppafeel makes up for it though.

A special mention should go to the impressive individuals who have raised money for charity through

their own initiatives Henry M decided to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of his Grandad “Running for Ronny” saw Henry - alongside Tommy C, Alistair T, Jacob N and Thomas T - run 5K everyday for 44 consecutive days which accounts for 13,200 football pitches and

Elsewhere, Tom G and Harvey P ran a total of 135Km for the Movember charity and Mitul in year 6 swam the distance of the English channel to raise £300 pounds for the British Heart Foundation All of these individual achievements should be highly commended

QEGS are eager to support their immediate community as well Once again, SPLATS and SHINE welcomed local primary school students to profit from the exceptional facilities that we are so privileged to enjoy. The senior citizens’ Christmas party also remains a foundation favourite, with 60 local senior citizens being invited for an evening of festive fun. Mr Palin soaked up the atmosphere whilst calling the raffle and the evening was accompanied by phenomenal bands and carols

Our music scene has continued to thrive this year We kicked things off at the Marsden Jazz festival where the swing foundation were

invited to be the opening act! Th carol concert was as atmospher as ever with a combination of group carol singing, solos and ensemble performances. As ever, the Christmas concert was an absolute musical highlight.

success But, Mr Cheffins just couldn’t stay away Our playwright and director extraordinaire will be back next year to direct the junior school again.

Sixteen different ensembles played across two nights and treated us to everything from full-blown orchestral music to classic rock. It was a truly magical event The summer concert was just as spectacular and very emotional

Our Year 13 were a particularly musically talented year group and so there were tears all around at their last ever WGSF concert With soulful vocal solos and energetic ensembles: these performances really showcased our full range of musical talent

The WGSF drama scene has been equally as exciting Boys in key stage three had the chance to enter the ESU Performing Shakespeare competition and perform a piece of Shakespeare from memory Danny L and Luke G made it through to the regional finals - hosted by QEGS - with their dramatic duologue from Macbeth, a very impressive achievement.

Mr Cheffins has been teaching and directing the year six play for about as long as anyone can remember. This year, he admitted to it being his final year and our young thespians suddenly felt a little extra pressure His adapted version of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was a riproaring, if not a very emotional

The senior section runs two plays each year, one for KS3 and one for the foundation (7-13) This year’s KS3 play was “Arabian nights” and consisted of some wonderful acting from a multi-talented cast Held in the Elizabeth theatre, it really did feel as if we were huddled around a campfire in the desert, telling fantastical stories

The foundation production continued its tradition of big brassy musicals with the Broadway classic Guys & Dolls.

teamed up to put on three nights of hilarious and uplifting entertainment. It was especially encouraging to see a whole new generation of male thespians who filled the stage with their tireless energy and exuberant charisma I am sure that they will carry QEGS drama into the future as the mantle is well and truly passed down It would be amiss not to praise the student led stage-crew and SALT teams that work through all of our productions and concerts Without their ceaseless dedication and technical prowess, these special events would never take place

Speaking of ceaseless dedication, the school enterprise initiative this year has been just as exciting Year 5 and 7 students from across the

foundation entered the JCB enterprise competition where they must design an innovative machine for the future I hear that this inspired some absolutely incredible inventions Elsewhere, Mr Everett promoted the product design award which required students to design a product for the global health and well-being market

The Leeds Enterprise Action Project (LEAP) challenges year 12 students to found their own start-up company and complete a series of challenges set for them by a board of directors The teams are required to attend two trade-fares in the Merrion Centre, keep complete financial accounts, write business plans, construct business reports, give a company presentation and, more than anything, make a profit. Teams across the foundation rose to the challenge, grossing £5000 in sales and £2000 in profit. I am convinced that one team, Creativity, managed to sell a personalised pen to almost every single member of staff in the foundation At the LEAP awards evening, teams from WGSF swept the board against fierce competition Marlon W was even awarded a never-before-seen individual award for his personal dedication However, it was Boxful (Oscar S, Fleur H, Hettie L, Aoife M, Chris B and Nathanael I) who won the “Overall Best Company” award, a first in WGSF history

Just as competitive was the house system this year where Savile fought desperately to defend their title We held all manner of interhouse quizzes: Freeston won the JS general knowledge competition whilst Cave triumphed in the Yorkshire, MFL and history quizzes. New for this year were the 1% club and countdown events which turned out to be incredibly popular.

Intellectual rigour was on the line at the University challenge where Bentley dominated in Y12 whilst Freeston reigned supreme in Y13 Savile won the junior debating (Y7/8) and Cave won the senior (Y11/12/13) despite fierce competition The inter-house music competitions were hotly contested There were a variety of victors in the junior section however Charlie T triumphed in the senior and claimed the title “Musician of the year ” A special mention must go to Joseph G who, for the international Pi day challenge, memorised 157 digits of Pi to rapturous applause

On the games fields, the house competition continued with senior hockey, junior hockey, badminton and football. The inter-house football was especially successful with huge crowds each lunchtime, raring to cheer on their teams.

In a twist of fate that frankly nobody was expecting, Freeston triumphed overall, closely followed by Cave Bentley took third whilst Savile propped up the table, better luck next time

As I am sure that you are no doubt aware, sports has always been the lifeblood of QEGS and this year has been no different Hockey’s 1st XI made a tentative start to the series with a few hard fought matches against some tough opponents However, this only served to strengthen their resolve and led to a run of dominant performances Their commanding 9-0 win against King’s Macclesfield was followed by a professional 3-0 victory over RGS Newcastle. With this momentum, the team were prepared for a rematch against Sedbergh in the North semi-final. Having lost 4-3 to them earlier in the season, the team were hungry to respond - and did so in an emphatic fashion,

with an outstanding 6-0 win, a testament to the group’s hard work both on and off the pitch

Cricket’s 1st XI had an exceptional season this year, starting off with a five game win streak There was an outstanding knock for 62* by Josh Wood against Pocklington followed by a comprehensive 52 run win over Ampleforth college Most importantly, they secured a 110 run victory against GSAL, bowling them out for just 69 Overall, a very impressive performance which the 1st XI will be keen to build on this next year

The U11 cricket team also showed their grit and determination at HMC cricket against several other schools. They quickly adapted to different conditions and opposition in an impressive demonstration of versatile gameplay. With such talent on show, it’s no wonder they took home the trophy.

Recently, the school has seen some impressive individual success in martial arts Kirkiaran took first place Northern Regional Karate Championships whilst Henry has begun to compete internationally in Kyorugi Meanwhile, Mayon won two gold medals at the World Union Of Martial Arts world championships in London and Alex took home gold at the World Karate Championships, a very impressive showing from our budding martial artists

And now we turn to what has been an incredibly successful Rugby season In junior school, the U11s triumphed in style at the HMC/NEJS 7s tournament where they remained undefeated after six games. This success can be seen again in the 1st XV who won every single match in their league bar one. The clear highlight of our rugby year was the Continental

Tyres National Schools’ Cup The QEGS 1st XV advanced to the semi-finals following an enthralling 14-12 victory over Ellesmere College As QEGS were hosting, staff, students and parents thronged to the games fields where they provided an electrifying backdrop that carried throughout the match Lance B quickly settled our nerves with a confident penalty; however, Ellesmere responded with a try to make the scoreline 5-3 at halftime Ellesmere began the second half by dominating possession and putting the QEGS set-piece under immense pressure Ironically, it was a QEGS scrum deep inside their own twenty two that provided fullback Will H the opportunity to round the Ellesmere defensive line and touchdown for a sensational coast-coast try

The opposition showed their grit with another try in response which took

It is with this backdrop that the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation boarded a fleet of coaches and set off to the Twickenham final against reigning champions Harrow The team displayed immense heart and determination against some incredibly impressive opposition

But despite thei b t ff t Harrow held on t victory Neverthe won the respect o of Twickenham

It is events such remind us what im sport in general foundation. Throu dedication of our our whole comm take great pride identity. I thin therefore, that celebrated 150 ye QEGS. This cu determination and relentless dedication speaks to our success in all areas of school life

the scoreboard to 12-11 With the game hanging in the balance, Lance B once again demonstrated nerves of steel, calmly slotting a pressure penalty for QEGS to win the day

The semi-final was just as spectacular with a stunning comeback victory over Warwick. It was a tight first half, dominated by tactical discipline and defensive grit, until a cruel bounce left the scoreline at 7-3 to Warwick at the break. In the 66th minute, full-back Will H produced a moment of individual magic, weaving past multiple defenders for a sensational solo try under the posts that sent QEGS to the final I highly recommend that everyone watches the recording; this game was truly phenomenal

It is with our proud history in mind that we must now turn towards the future It’s important that we savour this last year of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School - its individually, traditions and culture But most of all, we must diligently prepare for the coming of a new era in the form of Queen Elizabeth’s School in 2026

Written by 112BJK 2BJK

This section of the magazine is dedicated to members of staff who bid farewell to QEGS during the academic year. We have said goodbye to a number of wonderfully dedicated colleagues whose contribution, commitment, and presence leave a lasting mark on the school and a significant gap in our community.

JIM PALIN

Throughout his time with us, Mr Palin was a steadfast leader of our pastoral and safeguarding teams, forging strong and lasting connections with both staff and pupils It is these relationships for which he will be most fondly remembered – whether accompanying pupils on school trips (often found behind the grill on fishing expeditions), attending concerts and Cathedral visits, supporting on sports tours, or simply sharing a thoughtful conversation in his office His presence, guidance, and commitment have left an indelible mark on the QEGS community We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Palin for all that he has contributed during his time here and wish him every success in his future endeavours

CHRIS CHEFFINS

At the end of the summer term, we had the privilege of celebrating the retirement of Mr Cheffins His farewell was a truly memorable occasion - a fitting send-off for someone who gave so much to the school community over many years Mr Cheffins will be fondly remembered for his energy, creativity and the inspiration he shared with countless pupils, not least through his leadership of the Year 6 summer productions His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to be felt throughout QEGS for years to come

DAVID BENN

After 39 years, David “Dave” Benn has left QEGS. Joining in 1986, he became known for introducing GCSE Systems and Control Technology, his pastoral care, and his huge impact in sport - coaching U14 rugby for 20 years and leading “Benn & Fitzy’s black and gold army” to multiple victories. He also shared his love of fishing and mountain biking with students. Dave will now work part-time as a DT technician in Leeds alongside his daughter. We wish him all the best.

DEBBIE ROGERS

At the end of the summer term, we had the privilege of celebrating the retirement of Mr Cheffins. His farewell was a truly memorable occasion - a fitting send-off for someone who gave so much to the school community over many years Mr Cheffins will be fondly remembered for his energy, creativity and the inspiration he shared with countless pupils, not least through his leadership of the Year 6 summer productions His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to be felt throughout QEGS for years to come

NEIL RHODES

Neil joined WGHS in 1998 as an NQT in geography after completing a doctorate at Newcastle University in “lakebed sediment sampling” – fascinating, he assures us! He moved to QEGS in 2003 and became Head of Geography in 2013, serving an impressive 27 years across the Foundation Known for his dry sense of humour and meticulous eye for detail, Neil will be fondly remembered by both colleagues and students

He has also made a huge impact on sport, particularly hockey and cricket, guiding teams to national finals and multiple Yorkshire cups, as well as leading memorable field trips to Morocco, Iceland, Snowdonia and the Yorkshire coast

In retirement, Neil looks forward to more climbing, caving, hiking and biking, with the dream winter job of driving an Ocado van – accompanied, of course, by Test Match Special.

ANNE TAYLOR

Anne joined QEGS in 2005 as Chemistry Technician and, for over 20 years, has been at the heart of school life From Bridge club and DofE expeditions to Chemistry Club and the much-loved ‘dads and lads’ and ‘mums and sons’ evenings, she has given so much to pupils and parents alike Known for her organisation and eye for detail, she kept the Chemistry department running seamlessly and will be deeply missed

In retirement, Anne looks forward to more time on the golf course – playing off an impressive handicap of 4 – and walking her dog, Leah, from her home at Castle View

MIKE BERESFORD

Mike spent 12 years at QEGS delivering physics of the highest standard, while also shaping pupil wellbeing and staff practice as PSHE and Professional Skills Co-ordinator

Calm, professional and endlessly dedicated, he has been a trusted colleague and inspiring teacher, always going the extra mile for those around him QEGS was Mike’s first teaching role, and he now moves on to become Physics Lead at Rochdale Sixth Form College We thank him for all he has given and wish him every success in the future

GAVIN CHATTERTON

Gavin entered the teaching profession following a successful career in Finance in the City of London. He joined us as Head of Economics and Business in 2012. He is an excellent Economist, highly respected in his field as a chief examiner at the AQA Exam Board He is also an accomplished athlete, making the triathlon his own

Gavin has been appointed as Director of Economics and Business at Elliott Hudson College and will take up his new role in September He will take on a more strategic role, leading provision for the hundreds of students who will be taking courses in his subject area, and we are sure he will build on the excellent leadership he has shown here

FAYE SMITH

Faye studied History at Leeds University before teaching in Japan and then in Leeds She joined QEGS 16 years ago, where she has taught a range of subjects including History, RPE, Geography, Classics, and Latin She also served as Head of Year 8 and was one of the first QEGS teachers to teach at WGHS

Known for her energy, patience, and deep understanding of her students, Faye has been a dedicated and sympathetic teacher She is also a wonderful colleague on school trips due to her calm and organized nature

She is now looking forward to spending more time with her family and in her garden

ROB FRASER

Rob, who joined QEGS in 2017, has been a calm and dedicated presence He recently brought his talents to WGHS, supporting Biology, Chemistry, and Finance. His passion for science left a lasting impression, from guiding Year 6 experiments to delivering captivating lessons.

A versatile and unflappable colleague, he supported various subjects across both schools. Rob also championed co-curricular activities, leading a Finance course and spearheading squash at QEGS. We thank him for his outstanding service and wish him the best in his next adventure.

WILL STIFF

Will joined QEGS in 2015 and has been a key member of the Science Department for the past decade. He has guided pupils through Biology GCSEs and A levels, led Biology Club and the Medical Society, and helped shape the school’s Digital Skills curriculum.

As a Year 7 form tutor, he supported boys through their first steps in senior school, while also coaching cricket and hockey teams to county and even national finals. Will now moves on to become Curriculum Leader for Science at Trinity Academy Grammar, Sowerby Bridge, and we wish him every success

BOB WESTERDALE

Since joining the Modern Languages Department in 2009, Bob has made an exceptional contribution to language learning at QEGS. A dedicated teacher of French and Spanish, he has inspired countless pupils with his passion for languages and culture, bringing the same clarity and enthusiasm to lessons at every level. He has also led memorable trips abroad, from exchanges in Nice and Valence to a host of extra-curricular clubs, all while being known for his warmth, kindness and approachability.

Bob now leaves to continue teaching in Leeds while also embarking on an exciting new venture – running his own mobile pizza business. We thank him for all he has given to QEGS and wish him every success in the classroom and beyond.

ON ON STAGE STAGE

This year the Senior Musical Production was the classic and perennially popular Guys and Dolls Students from across the Foundation worked both on and off stage tirelessly to bring this brilliant and colourful ‘fable of Broadway’ to the bright lights of the Queen Elizabeth Hall in February Featuring some dynamic choreography by Katy Ray and a superb orchestra under the baton of Tom Jarvis, there were a wealth of standout performances from the QEGS students Oscar Smith commanded the stage as the seasoned gambler Sky Masterson, whilst also demonstrating great sensitivity in romantic numbers such as “I’ve Never Been in Love Before”. Sharing the lead was the able Ayan Sinha who brilliantly embodied the roguish Nathan Detroit and his troubled relationship with forever-fiancee Adelaide. By the final night, the cast were clearly overwhelmed by the rapturous reception given to them by the audience and gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to the Foundation for providing them with the opportunity to participate in performing arts.

The junior production was an adaptation of the classic collection of fantastic tales found in the book known as Arabian Nights This RSC version, written by Dominic Cooke, presents the seemingly dark tale of Sharahzad, bride to the tyrannous king Shahrayar who saves herself from execution by telling him a new story every night, including Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, The Tale of the Little Beggar, and of course Sindebad. A huge cast from Years 7-9 managed to transform the bare stage of the Elizabeth Theatre into the epic worlds of the stories, using a combination of physical theatre, narration and even puppetry of a giant bird! It was truly a mammoth effort from all concerned and the audiences were engaged throughout Standout performances from QEGS Students included a suitably imperious Barad Sheikholeslami as the terrifying but emotionally wounded king, as well as James Skipp who managed to tell the longest story in the play as Sindebad

'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', the Junior School's 67th Year 6 play was performed on the QEHall stage on Thursday, 26th June, 2025 to a large, appreciative audience of parents, friends of the school and a healthy number of past teaching staff and Old Savilians.

The play, my reinterpretation of the charming Robert Louis Stevenson novella, published in 1886, told the story of mildmannered Henry Jekyll (ably portrayed by Cameron Newsam) who concocts a transformation potion turning him into his diabolical alter-ego, Mr Hyde (played exceedingly well by J J Lole) Both boys were first-rate, reliable students throughout auditions, rehearsals and the performance; their demanding roles demanding much from them in both acting and singing; JJ just pipping Cameron to win the Speech Day drama prize

Musical producer, Mr Renshaw and I were both delighted that, as so often happens at QEGS, the acting talent went deep with this year ' s Year 6 and there were many highly talented boys vying for the top roles. Horacio Winch enjoyed playing the dapper, charismatic Sir Danvers Carew; Parker Goodair had fun berating the suspicious-looking audience as Inspector Newcomen, and Edward Clark, I believe in one of his first major acting roles, was an extremely good Sir Gregory Utterson, narrating the play, being involved in key scenes before being carted off by the police

Other main, well-played characters were Leo Hall as the 'rags to riches' Urchin, Toby Rigby who was particularly receptive to acting advice as Jekyll's butler, Poole, an extremely conscientious Arthur Ramsden-Clark as Peter, Oscar Howell as the werewolftransforming Dudley and Charlie Worth as the tough PC Plod.

The 'lucky boys in dresses' were Ned McCann who insisted on wearing two different outfits and the extremely brave Jacob Knaggs resplendent in a whirl of pink feathers, lace and frills as the 'glamorous' Lady Fanshawe and one of the last boys to be cast, Jason Li, who had a lovely, funny scene as a confused landlady

Jekyll and Hyde afforded a lot of memorable characters and scenes for the many boys keen to have a fun role: Ali Hassan as the Newsboy, Egyptian tomb explorers Ayman Bello as Carruthers and Rohail Mahmood as Marcus Scarman (anyone know where the name came from?), Mitul Sood as Van Helsing and Ethan KeatingChoudhary as Mr Plod.

We were very pleased with Esa Khan, Ayman Bello, Ali Hassan and Ethan Keating- Choudhary who were the four policemen in addition to playing several other roles.

We were also very pleased to draw on the 'dance' talents of the twelve-strong QEGS Dance 'A' team who were at various points zombies, vampires, Egyptian-style

mummies and Frankenstein creatures: Ridha Abubakar, Tim Akintolu, Musa Mirza, Emaad Khan, Sharman Jagtap, Max Payne, Olly Gill, Jaxson Beaumont, Rohan Kendell, Samir Narula, Max Gamble and Rohail Mahmood. In addition to their four routines, the boys also performed their 'Thriller' routine in full make-up lurching around the smoke-filled Owls' Den filmed and edited by Mr Graham and shown on the performance night and as a dvd extra

In addition to displaying fine dance skills, we were pleased to feature Max Payne singing 'Black Pudding', Jaxson Beaumont performing 'Jigsaw Man' accompanied by Damon Rhodes as various Igors, William Anderson enjoying himself lumbering around as Frankenstein's 'Creature' and the very able Nathan Hudson (who had been a candidate for both Jekyll and Hyde) and who began the play so well as the Nightwatchman before rushing about hitting the gong throughout our 'Egyptian reggae' song

The Year 6 play was the culmination of a lot of talented people in the WGSF family who all gave up their time willingly to ensure that the resulting performance would be a happy, memorable one for the boys. I would like to thank all of the parents who I'm sure spent considerable time checking that their sons knew their respective lines I would like to thank Mrs Roddy for her sterling work on the lights, Mr Hodson and Mr Drury as

the stage crew and Mr Best and Mr Johnston for assembling the set.

Special thank yous are welldeserved for firstly former staff member, Mrs Spawforth who kindly came to school on multiple occasions to help me with the set painting as well as providing a number of clever, well-made props and Mrs Barrett who, once again shared her talents with choreographing several typically imaginative dance routines A third, very special thank you is equally deserving to Mrs Gale, the mother of a former Junior School pupil who has kindly provided costumes for the Junior School in the past including many for last year ' s 'Robin Hood' play and who created the outfits for both Hyde and Jekyll for this My final special 'thank you ' , once again, is to the talented, hard-working, extremely busy, technically skilful and imaginative Mr Renshaw who gave the performance, as always, a professional look.

'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' was the Junior School's 67th annual Year 6 play – an incredible, proud tradition and I have been lucky to have worked on it for over a quarter of a century, working with a considerable number of current and past talented staff and pupils I was extremely honoured that my time at the school directing, designing, scenery creating, painting and often writing the plays was recognized in a pleasant, afterplay do where former staff and Old Savilians raised a glass to me I

would like to thank them and the Foundation for the last twenty seven years and for giving me the wonderful, creative opportunities that the play affords and best wishes for the play's future

Music at QEGS 24-25

Music at QEGS 24-25

It has been a remarkable year for music across the Foundation, with pupils from all ages showcasing their talents in concerts, services, workshops, and festivals.

The festive season began in style with Carol Services at both QEGS and WGHS (12 December) From the Foundation Choir and Brass ensembles to the Junior and Staff Choirs, performances reflected both traditional and modern approaches to Christmas music These were followed by the everpopular Christmas Concerts (16–17 December), where every major ensemble came together in two unforgettable evenings of festive cheer

Our Rush Hour smaller groups shine, with ensem

clarinets, saxophones, guitars, and double reeds performing to appreciative audiences Meanwhile, Lunchtime Concerts for both Juniors and Seniors provided a supportive platform for performers of all ages, from beginners to Grade 8

musicians

Senior musicians took centre stage in February with a Rush Hour Recital by the A Level cohort, performing selections from their final recitals with flair and professionalism.

December also brought the African Drumming Workshops (Year 8) and the Swing Foundation Primary Schools Roadshow, where young audiences danced along to jazz favourites Earlier in the term, Swing Foundation had the honour of opening the Marsden Jazz Festival (11 October) with a dazzling performance

The spring term saw the launch of a new-look Senior House Music competition (1 April), with soloists, composers, and ensembles competing for the title of Musician of the Year 2025. Congratulations to Charlie T (Freeston), whose moving performance earned him the overall crown, and to Freeston House, who triumphed in the team standings

ensembles delivered performances of outstanding quality

The farewell to our Year 13 leavers was both heartfelt and inspirational, marking the end of an exceptional year of music-making at WGSF.

Make sure to head to the ‘House Matters’ section to read more about our exciting House competitions!

WGSF Concerts 24-25 WGSF Concerts 24-25

Junior Section Choirs Junior Section Choirs

Junior School Choir Junior School Choir

The Junior School Choir has enjoyed a fantastic year, filled with inspiring performances that highlighted their remarkable talent and commitment

The year began at the Harvest Festival, where their uplifting voices created a joyful atmosphere setting the tone for the months ahead Soon after, their moving performance on Remembrance Day offered a heartfelt tribute to those fallen before us

The choir’s harmonies shone brightly once again at the Carol Service in Wakefield Cathedral, where their joyful melodies filled the historic space with festive spirit.

In the spring, they continued to delight audiences at the Spring Concert and the Foundation Summer Concert, where their energy and enthusiasm lit up the stage Another highlight came during Grandparents’ Afternoon, a heartwarming celebration of family

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Lower School Choir Lower School Choir

This year was a special one for me Each concert and rehearsal signalled the end of an era- one that started over 23 years ago when I was inexperienced and on a steep learning curve Throughout the years the boy’s talent and commitment has made me so proud I have learned a huge amount from each and every one of them

This year I’m sure the boys will remember reducing me to tears (in a good way) and my particular favourite was grandparents afternoon where we couldn’t hear the keyboard but we had fun and put a smile on everyone’s faces anyway!

Lunchtime Concerts Lunchtime Concerts

A big thank you from me, boys, for always being cheerful, for your concentration and effort and for making Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes such a pleasure

A footnote- I have always worked alongside the most talented and enthusiastic musicians who have supported, encouraged and made everything at QEGS one of the best times of my life- to Mrs Cousins, Mrs Clayton and Mr Renshaw, my heartfelt thanks for always being my best cheerleaders and a true inspiration.

The Lunchtime Concerts are a new initiative to give pupils of all ages and abilities the opportunity to sign up to play in a friendly, supportive environment, to practise the art of performance, overcome nerves, or just give an exam piece a dry run This year, four lunchtime concerts have taken place, two for Senior school musicians, and two for the Juniors Pupils performed a fantastic selection of solos, representing all ages from Y3-Y13, and all abilities from beginners to Grade 8, to a small and supportive lunchtime audience of friends, parents, and staff A fantastic opportunity to practise the art of performance in a friendly atmosphere Parents love these events, and many turn up to hear their sons perform Congratulations to all who have performed at one of these platforms this year

Mrs Rogers

QEGS Tour to South Africa QEGS Tour to South Africa

In July, 44 boys and six staff embarked on the QEGS Sports Tour to Cape Town, proudly representing the school across 1st and 2nd XV rugby and the 1st XI hockey teams. Excitement was palpable from the moment the group left Wakefield, and what followed was a truly unforgettable sporting and cultural experience

The tour began with a visit to Kayamandi Township, where the boys gained an insight into local life and sampled traditional South African dishes, including mielie pap and boerewors

On the sporting front, both rugby and hockey teams wasted no time testing themselves against tough opposition. The rugby squads faced a local club in spirited contests, forging friendships as well as memories.

Pride in representing QEGS shone through, none more so than in James Gibson’s rousing rendition of the school song Turpe Nescire Meanwhile, the hockey team’s opener against Strand High School ended in a thrilling draw before they narrowly lost a tense penalty shootout, despite some excellent finishing

From there, the group travelled to Stellenbosch, taking in the sights of the historic university town A surf lesson at Muizenberg Beach brought plenty of laughs especially when Mr Lewis took to a surfboard compared more to cruise liner than a board A sud horn blast briefly sparked fears shark warning, but relief ca when it turned out to be noth more than a passing train

The tour then moved on to the Garden Route Game Reserve, where the group stayed in wood cabins overlooking sweeping plains Sunrise and sunset safaris gave the boys a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, kudu, and springbok up close an undoubted highlight. Evenings were spent in the lodge’s games room, before early starts for more adventure.

Back on the coast, training sessions at Hermanus High School included a special guest appearance for the hockey boys, who were coached by none other than South African captain Ryan Julius The group later returned to Cape Town, where they explored the V&A Waterfront, enjoyed authentic cuisine, and were entertained by local performers A standout evening at GOLD Restaurant featured African drumming between courses, facepainting, and even some brave dancing on stage from both boys and staff Mr Everett, in particular, entered into spirited conversation with visiting educators from the USA gee whizz!

Another memorable moment came when all pupils volunteered at a local primary school, leading barefoot rugby, table tennis, and cooking activities with the children Later that day, the rugby teams faced sides representing the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation, once again earning praise for their skill, spirit, and sportsmanship

The closing days of the tour were no less adventurous A Cape Canopy Tour saw the boys tackle a four-hour mountain zipline course with 13 lines, including one stretching 320 metres. Staff and pupils alike showed courage none more so than Mr Anderson, who overcame his fears to complete the challenge. The trip concluded with visits to iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, rounding off a tour rich in cultural experiences, sporting excellence, and lifelong memories

Throughout the journey, the boys represented QEGS with distinction, showing respect, resilience, and camaraderie at every stage Sincere thanks go to Mr Wolfenden, Mr Lewis, Mr Lawson, Mr Anderson, Mr Masterson, and Mr Everett for leading and supporting the squad on what was a remarkable adventure

Ski Trip 2025 Ski Trip 2025

The annual QEGS Ski Trip once again proved to be a highlight of the year, as pupils from Years 5 to 10 headed to the Alps for a week of adventure, challenge and laughter on the slopes.

From the moment they arrived, the boys made the most of every opportunity to refine their skiing skills under perfect blue skies The weather could not have been kinder crisp mornings with excellent snow conditions gave way to warm, sunny afternoons, creating ideal settings for both learning and fun

Under the expert guidance of their instructors, the boys were pushed to improve their technique and confidence on a range of slopes As the afternoon snow softened, the focus shifted to the snow parks, where the boys practised jumps and turns, learning the “tricks of the trade” in a safe and supportive environment.

Evenings brought no shortage of excitement either. Monday’s après-ski activity moon tubing proved a huge hit, with laughter echoing down the mountainside as pupils raced each other under the floodlights.

The following night saw the group take on the thrilling Cosmojet luge, a high-speed descent that was met with equal parts excitement and exhilaration Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a well-earned traditional pierrade meal, cooking steak, chicken and vegetables on hot stones a highlight for many

As the week drew to a close, the boys made the most of every final run, determined to put all they had learned into practice With stunning mountain views, great company, and plenty of sunshine, it was a fitting finale to an unforgettable trip

Throughout the week, the boys represented QEGS superbly showing resilience, teamwork, and a genuine enthusiasm for the experience The camaraderie among pupils of different ages was evident both on and off the slopes, making the 2024 Ski Trip a memorable chapter in their school adventures.

Bushcraft Diary 2025 Bushcraft Diary 2025

Written by ETHAN, JASON AND ALI ETHAN, JASON AND ALI

Day 1

The journey was longer than expected but that doesn't mean I didn’t enjoy it I couldn't wait till we arrived When we got there we gathered wood and got in our groups and the group was not just caring wood but Pinecones? It didn’t last that long as people from our group and the other sabotaged us by kicking our pinecones out a pile and we also got burgers that were cooked on the fire anways, as it became dark we played a game of predator and we got dinner shortly after on a long walk and we invented THE SPIT HOLE… for brushing our teeth and then me and max played WWE in the tent with our sleeping bags.

After a long night's sleep it was day 2.

Day 2

We woke up early and we played around in the tent then we went to eat breakfast and ate sausage and egg mcmuffin’s After breakfast we went back to the yurt and got our water bottles and went to do archery No one made a bullseye We went back and we collected wood ; we learned a new technique by putting wood in between a tree and bending it so it ‘wood’ snap Did you get it, wood instead of would right? Haha Okay enough jokes So, we also did axe throwing and Mr Tiffany got it on the handle! We went back to camp and collected wood and everyone was bringing down trees with that new technique. For tea we had curry (which I personally thought alright) We went back to camp and almost everyone gave me their

plates which took me 100 years to clean but in the end I got a caramel log for my efforts (which I shared with Ridha) then we cooked the pizza There was no meat, no pepperoni or chicken, just veggies so I chose cheese and pepper and there was sweet corn Then we made a new game called WHERE'S MY MONKEY It was a water bottle that was the monkey but we got the monkey and the tribe leader figured out who it was We went back to camp and we had smores

Day 3

The last day,my tent all woke up at around 5:50am to finalise packing our bags. It was going well and fast until I tried to pack my sleeping bag. I had to push so hard to get it in. Eventually I did. For breakfast it was an English breakfast, it was pretty good. I had sausages and hashbrowns on the way we heard people screaming it was Mr Thompson and Mr Tiffany, they got in a plane crash with blood dripping out of their bodies but, we all knew it was a skit because before we practised first aid and they definitely never survived Mrs Roddy came to check out the place after the crash Neil sent us for a wood collect and we got so much we literally broke the trees Jason and Ned ate fish eyes

Ned spat it out in a blink of an eye and Jason couldn’t swallow it, it looked like hard work! Neil arranged more activities, one group were making a pencil with knife skills and others making survival bracelets I definitely didn’t mess up Sadly after wraps for lunch it all came to an end at 2:30pm when we hopped on the bus to make our way back to school

Bletchley Park Bletchley Park

On the morning of Monday 21st January, 28 boys from Y10 accompanied by Mr Reed, Mr Becker and Mr McWilliam hopped on a coach at 7.30am headed for The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC). The boys on the visit study Computer Science for GCSE so the venue is ideal for purpose On arrival we split into groups and permuted through a sequence of immersive activities that included A I and robotics ethics, a roaming museum discovery quiz, working demonstrations of Colossus - used to decrypt Nazi High Command transmissions sent using Lorentz, the Enigma machine and Alan Turing’s Bombe Machine, Dekatron - the first digital computer, and various other historic computers that look more suited to a James Bond film Classroom activities included programming a “Snake” game on BBC Microcomputers from the 1980s (the teachers were in their element here!) and virtual bomb defusal using VR headsets.

The highlight from the perspective

Spectrum, Atari ST and Sega Megadrive running classic games that included Paper Boy, JetPack

and Sonic the Hedgehog to name a few. The time passed quickly and at 4pm we headed to our accommodation, a Premier Inn in central Milton Keynes. After checking in and relaxing briefly, we regrouped and walked through town to Xscape for our evening activities Boys had the choice of eating at Nandos, Pizza Express or Slim Chickens Once suitably fed and watered, boys had some free time to go 10-Pin Bowling, visit the arcade and the ice-cream parlour By 9 30pm it was time to stroll back to the hotel and settle in for the night

Tuesday morning started with the all-you-can-eat full English and continental breakfast The staff at the hotel did their best to keep up with the boys as they ploughed through croissants, pain-auchocolat, bacon and eggs, toast, crumpets, etc Our next port of call, a short walk from the hotel, was Sainsbury’s to buy packed lunch items. There were a few frowny faces when I told the boys that monster energy drinks and

Once again we hopped on the coach, bound for Bletchley Park, home of the Code Breakers! Whilst TNMOC provides a very technical insight into the history of computing, Bletchley Park provides logistical insight into the necessity of organising 12000 people in total secrecy with the goal of decrypting and manipulating Nazi transmissions and intelligence. On arrival we had some time to explore the Huts, where teams of mathematicians worked in shifts on intercepted messages Later we had a guided tour from guides that helped bring to life the way Bletchley operated during and after wartime

After lunch, our interactive classroom activity focussed on Vigenere cyper techniques, leading to asymetric and end-to-end encryption Our tutor had a background from working in Banking and Cyber Security, and he kept the boys engaged and on task for the hour

We ended the visit with a quick visit to the gift shop for souvenirs before boarding the coach and heading back to Yorkshire Several boys caught up on some sleep on

Year 7 Residential Year 7 Residential

We arrived at school full of expectations. We knew the trip would be fun, but none of our guesses reflected how fun it was going to be. The coach was two hours long but we all knew it would be worth it.

When we arrived at the building, we were greeted by the friendly instructors who gave us a tour round the building, showing us our rooms, the lunch hall and all the other amazing facilities at YMCA Lakeside.

After settling in we knew we would be in for a rollercoaster ride.To start with we went on the high ropes. It was amazing The staff at Lakeside always kept us busy and they were really nice and friendly There was always something going on but they also gave us about 5-10 minutes in between activities to get ready for the next one I rate this a 10 out of 10

The staff encouraged us to be independent and try new things They explained all the activities and watched us having fun! It was a great trip enjoyed by all of Year 7 and the best residential we have been on

Year 13 Leavers Year 13 Leavers

This year’s Year 13 Leavers enjoyed a series of memorable events to mark the conclusion of their time at QEGS The celebrations offered a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their achievements, friendships, and experiences, while creating lasting memories with their peers and staff

The Leavers’ Ball was a standout highlight, with boys arriving dressed to impress for an evening filled with laughter, dancing, and celebration. The atmosphere captured the pride and camaraderie that have defined their years at school, as well as the excitement of moving on to new adventures.

Back at school, the boys were treated to a special breakfast in the main dining hall, where they revisited the letters they had written to themselves in Year 7 a poignant reminder of how much they had grown and achieved They also received their Old Savilian ties, pausing for photographs on the school lawn to commemorate the occasion The traditional interhouse fancy dress football tournament proved another highlight, with competition fierce and plenty of spirited moments, before lunch in the Sixth Form Centre brought the celebrations to a close.

Throughout all the events, the Year 13 cohort displayed the qualities that have made them such a valued part of QEGS: resilience, character, and a strong sense of community. We congratulate them on becoming the newest members of the Old Savilians Club and wish them every success in the next stage of their journeys

Year 11 BBQ Year 11 BBQ

The Leavers BBQ was a fantastic send off to mark the students last day in Year 11. The weather could not have been better and students enjoyed a delicious spread of BBQ favourites, with burgers, chicken, and vegetarian options all cooked to perfection, along with soft drinks and cookies to finish Friends gathered in groups, enjoying the food and the friendly atmosphere amongst staff and students

One of the highlights of the day was the tradition of shirt-signing, with every student leaving with a school shirt covered in heartfelt messages and well-wishes After the BBQ the students gathered for their last ever Year 11 assembly where they celebrated their time at QEGS, even if some were embarrassed from seeing photos from their earlier years at the school! All in all it was a lovely final day for both students and staff

Results Days Results Days

This summer, QEGS pupils achieved another exceptional set of results at both A Level and GCSE. At A Level, 75% of grades were A*–B, with over 47% at the top A*/A grades. Across the cohort at GCSE, 16 boys achieved straight 9–7s, and 30 pupils earned at least one Grade 9 Across the full range of ability, pupils exceeded their benchmark expectations

The school’s ambitious leavers secured places at a wide range of first-choice universities, including Oxford, Edinburgh, Bristol, Bath, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle,

Loughborough and King’s College and UCL.

Overall, 86% of pupils applying for university places secured their preferred course, alongside outstanding apprenticeship opportunities in finance and engineering

Dr Brookes, Head of QEGS, praised the cohort:

“Our Year 13 pupils achieved results among the best in the last decade This is a testament to their ability, dedication, and the support of our staff They have contributed so much to school life on the sports field, on stage, in concerts, and through mentoring younger

pupils. They leave QEGS with the confidence, creativity, and skills to succeed in whatever they pursue next.”

He added, “we are also celebrating excellent results at Wakefield Girls’ High School and look forward to continued success as the schools unite under the new diamond model to form Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wakefield, in 2026 ”

Dr Brookes also highlighted the Year 11 cohort:

“I am incredibly proud of our Year 11 pupils They have excelled academically and contributed fully to co-curricular life Their achievements reflect both their hard work and the exceptional support of our staff ”

Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party

On 2nd December, we hosted the annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party, bringing together members of the local communities surrounding QEGS for an evening of festive joy. The Sixth Form Centre was beautifully prepared for the occasion; the addition of the Christmas tree and decorations truly brought the Christmas spirit to life Everyone was excited for the event, which was organised by the catering staff, teachers, and b

As the shuttle buses ar boys welcomed the guest seats and engaged conversation, making eve y comfortable and appreciated Meanwhile, the Year 12 volunteers poured tea and coffee and served mince pies as the guests settled in for a night of celebration and cheer

Following the perform the much-awaited Ch dinner was ready served The catering st

carefully plated the food, wh Year 12 volunteers demon their admirable waiting sk they delivered the meals tables. Guests were treate traditional turkey roast with trimmings, followed by a serving of warming Christmas pudding The minimal plate scraping required afterwards was a true testament to how much the guests enjoyed their meal!

minibuses and attended the event, and, of course, the Year 12 volunteers A special thank you also goes to all those who donated food and gifts.

It is evident that this event remains a key part of the winter season for the elderly members of our local community, offering them the chance to enjoy a wonderful Christmas celebration and to socialise throughout the evening This heart-warming occasion is truly a cherished highlight of the annual QEGS Christmas calendar

The musical performances began with some Christmas classics performed by our talented school musicians, with the Funk Band proving a major success with everyone The guests thoroughly enjoyed listening and singing along enthusiastically to a variety of Christmas hits and carols. It was clear that the music brought back fond memories for many and helped to create a wonderful sense of community.

Once everyone had finished dining and the tables had been cleared, Mr Palin began the raffle With every guest winning at least one prize, the selection ranged from sweet treats to useful household items. The raffle was clearly one of the highlights of the evening, as guests eagerly chose from the donated collection of gifts.

As the party came to a close, the guests were presented with goodie bags containing a delightful assortment of donated items. Events like this could not take place without the tireless and enthusiastic efforts of Ms Allen, the catering staff, the music department, the staff who drove

QEGS Enterprise QEGS Enterprise

As many of you will know, not least because of the teams successful endeavours to part you from your money in return for their products, for the past 8 months 31 foundation students in 6 teams have been taking part in the Leeds Enterprise Action Project Along the way they attended nearly 20 trading events, made sales of over £5000 and net profits of over £2000 This was incidental to the true purpose of the event which was to develop first hand experience of establishing and running a business and the skills required to do this successfully

At the LEAP annual awards evening, hosted last night by GSAL the efforts of the 29 teams from across Yorkshire were recognised and celebrated. If you attended either of the Merrion Centre trade fairs you will know that the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit of the sixth formers from all 15 schools who took part is impressively humbling

I am very pleased to say that 5 out of the 6 teams received awards in at least one of the 15 award categories

Despite not coming away with any awards it would be churlish to not mention all the efforts of the boys behind Aromis (Aran Khan, Rowan Patel, James Maddison, Akshar Patel, Usman Shabir, Dylan Hayer, Aarush Pilai & Hassan Hussain)

Daryl Oud (Rohan Zaki, Sara SarlakClark, Safa Qasim, Anna Umoh & Ishani Kundu) came third in the February trade fair and were very unlucky not to be placed in the social media award

Cookies Clothing (Billy Child, Will Cox & George Cooke) came third in the company logo and company presentation awards

Stuffies in the Wild (Marlon Walsh, Warren Shen and Jamie Ashworth) were presented with a special award for novel product Marlon was also recognised, in a LEAP first, with an individual award for Exceptional dedication (which hopefully makes the past 7 months of knitting through all his lessons worthwhile - he’s promised that he will now get back to focusing on those pesky A levels)

All those who ducked out of sight whenever they saw Shiraz heading in their direction will not be surprised to hear that Creativity (Shiraz Baig, Asim Shah, Guy Bailey, William Binks, Yu He & Ethan Ngwa) performed extremely well reproducing their presentation to the audience last night In addition they secured third place with for their 30 second advert, two second places, for social media and their company logo and won the presentation and financial reports/accounts categories (I suppose being a team of 6 Further Mathematicians came in handy there)

Finally there was Boxful (Oscar Smith, Nathaniel Illingworth, Fleur Hornsby, Chris Barnett, Aoife McTigue & Henrietta Langrick They received the trophies earned earlier in the competition for being judged the best trade stands at each of the two Merrion Centre events (the first time in LEAP history that feat has been achieved)

Again, recreating their presentation on the evening, it was easy to see why they secured second place in that category and for their financial recording/reports However, when they secured the top spot for their administration, marketing, Enterprise and Company report it was clear that the judges thought they were something special, a fact confirmed when they were crowned the 2025 LEAP Business of the Year It is fitting t

hat, as we move into the future with Queen Elizabeth’s School, the victorious team combined the best of QEGS and WGHS

I want to congratulate all of the students and teams who put an enormous amount of time and effort into what has been an impressive and sustained enterprise these past few months I was incredibly proud to watch their success last night and want to thank Al, Angela and Mark Fitz for accompanying us and ensuring that all could attend last night

However, I can’t claim the credit for this entrepreneurial spirit; these were Caley’s boys, the cohort that she shepherded through so many enterprise challenges from the house enterprise competitions to the school production spanning behemoth that was the y10 Enterprise project She desperately wanted to prise the trophy out of GSAL’s vice like grip- a difficult task when they routinely throw 8/9 teams and hours of staff time at the project. It was not lost on me that she would have been overjoyed last night and rightly proud of the team’s achievements She would have been overjoyed to see her favourite students Chris, Marlon and Oscar receive well deserved acclaim for their success in a field for which she had so much passion and enthusiasm

A fact reinforced when, shattering my failing attempts to maintain composure, Oscar dedicated his teams efforts to his Y10 Form tutor and Enterprise Mentor

Please congratulate the teams as you see them around school, I will be gathering in their trophies so that they can be presented in front of the school at final assembly and will see to it that the LEAP shield is on display whilst efforts begin on retaining it next year

150 Years of QEGS Rugby 150 Years of QEGS Rugby

In March, QEGS proudly marked 150 years of rugby - a sport woven into the very fabric of school life. The celebrations brought together generations of Old Savilians, staff, pupils, and friends of the school for a day that perfectly captured the enduring spirit of QEGS rugby: passion, teamwork, and community. From the excitement on the pitch to the laughter and reflection in the QE Hall, it was a day to remember - honouring the past and inspiring the future.

On Saturday 15th March, QEGS marked an extraordinary milestone 150 years of rugby with a day of celebration that brought together generations of Old Savilians, staff, parents, pupils, and friends of the school The result was a festival of sport and spirit that perfectly embodied the enduring legacy of QEGS rugby

Festival of Rugby

The celebrations began on the pitch with the Old Savilians Festival of Rugby, as players from across the decades returned to don the black and gold once more The matches were fiercely competitive yet filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a shared sense of pride The standard of rugby on display impressed everyone all the more so given the “scratch” nature of the teams and while Team Black ultimately triumphed, the true victory was in the spirit of the game

As Mike Prentice (OS 1965) poignantly reflected:

“The standard of rugby was excellent from scratch teams, and thankfully there were no significant injuries though I’m sure there were some old bones creaking the following morning!”

A Gathering of Legends

After the final whistle, the celebrations continued in the QE Hall, which had been transformed into a hub of warmth, nostalgia, and lively conversation Guests enjoyed the traditional Yorkshire fare of pies, mushy peas and a well-stocked bar, setting the scene for an afternoon of memories and laughter

The highlight of the event was a panel hosted by QEGS rugby legends Trevor Barker and John Cholewa, who guided an engaging and often humorous discussion with former players about their rugby journeys from school days to life beyond

Trevor Barker reflected:

“It was great to see Old Boys support and get involved in the rugby, and so good to share memories with so many from the QEGS Rugby family It was a privilege to play a part and once again spend time with some QEGS legends -

and to be on stage with John Chol! It was a great day, and a big thank you to all involved ”

For John Cholewa, the day was as much about people as it was about sport:

Sportsmanship and bon ami were seen in abundance - a great day, enjoyed by all ”

“The day wasn’t just about celebrating our rugby heritage, special though that is it was about reconnecting with the many Old Boys who made the effort to return Hearing about their lives, families and careers was a real treat, and a reminder of the positive role QEGS played in shaping them

Reflections and Memories

Throughout the afternoon, stories flowed freely of games played in mud and glory, of friendships forged on the field, and of lessons learned that lasted a lifetime As the England v Wales match played out on the big screen, the atmosphere was electric; the cheers and good-natured rivalry perfectly echoed the spirit of the day

Mike summarised:

“The whole evnt was superbly organised

a truly special day From catching up with old teammates to enjoying a brilliant afternoon hosted by Trev and John, it was everything QEGS rugby stands for I wouldn’t have missed it for the world ”

A Legacy to Inspire

The 150th anniversary was not just a reflection on the past, but a celebration of the community that continues to drive QEGS rugby forward As Trevor Barker noted:

“I was delighted the school was so keen to celebrate 150 years of QEGS rugby It’s been a brilliant year, and it’s wonderful to see the passion and commitment remain as strong as ever ”

The day closed with heartfelt thanks to all who made the event possible the organisers, players, supporters, and volunteers who ensured every detail was delivered with care

As the QEGS rugby family looks ahead to a new era under a new name, the pride in 150 years of tradition, excellence, and unity remains steadfast Here’s to the next 150 years of QEGS rugby and to the people who continue to make it something truly special.

Junior Speech Day Junior Speech Day

The Junior Section was alive with pride, applause, and plenty of smiles as we came together to celebrate another fantastic year at Junior Speech Day.

As the term drew to a close, the afternoon offered a wonderful opportunity to recognise the achievements, efforts, and personal growth of every pupil From academic successes to extracurricular accomplishments,

there was plenty to celebrate, and our boys certainly earned the applause they received.

A particularly special moment was reserved for our Year 6 pupils, who were given a heartfelt send-off as they prepare to move on to the Senior Section Their contributions to Junior life have been outstanding, and we wish them every success in the next stage of their journey

We are also grateful to the families who joined us for the occasion, and a warm thank-you goes to Old Savilian Mr Alastair Morris, who inspired the audience as our guest speaker.

Congratulations to all pupils for making this year so memorable!

CREATIVE CREATIVE

A-Level A-Level

A Hassanein

A Hassanein

F Milner-Moore

A Hassanein

T Singh

F Smith

I Smith

F Milner-Moore

GCSE GCSE

M English

A Ali

I Ha

D Green

E Farrar

B Mattison-Smith

H Langley

G Bullas

Y Khan

GCSE GCSE

H Pert

D Stanley

B Smith

B White

W Townend

S Subedi

B Sanyang

A Sinha

D McKenning

Art

Junior Section Junior Section

H Turner

H Turner

H Turner

G Bullas

G Bullas

G Bullas

G Bullas

A Sinha

A Sinha

G Bullas

A Sinha

A Sinha

A Sinha

R Thwaites

R Thwaites

R Thwaites

R Thwaites

R Thwaites

Year 5 Year 5

Year 5 students used their textiles skills to design and make a Worry Monster, a tool used to help children process and manage their anxieties and worries This involved learning a range of textiles and sewing skills, as well as pushing their creativity to the limit to come up with some fantastic monster designs!

Year 6 Year 6

This year, year 6 students had the chance to work in the senior school workshops to design and make their very own desk light. This product made use of a wide range of manufacturing processes, including laser cutting, line bending and sublimation printing The outcomes were superb and all the students should be very proud of their achievements

Year 9 Year 9

Year 9 Design and Technology students recently completed an engaging project focused on the design and creation of smart device tidies This practical endeavor challenged students to identify a need for organized storage of their personal electronic devices and then develop innovative solutions Employing a diverse range of materials, including wood, plastics, and metal, students explored various manufacturing processes such as laser cutting, vacuum forming, 3D printing, and traditional woodworking techniques.

Year 10 - IKEA Inspired Lighting

Year 10 - IKEA Inspired Lighting

The Year 10 Design and Technology project challenged students to create a flat-pack or self-assembly lighting solution. Students used a variety of CNC machinery, including CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers, to produce their designs The students created a diverse range of designs, demonstrating a high level of creativity Designs had to adhere to specific packaging requirements and align with IKEA's design style and vision

G Buck

K Daru

J Howarth

N Fortas

R Dawson

M Mandarwis

S Ilsley

A Clark

J Owen-Smith

A Patel

Ar Taylor

Al Taylor

W Priest

S Patel

J Timmons

Year 11 - GCSE NEA Photos

Year 11 - GCSE NEA Photos

The Y11 GCSE classes completed their NEA project over the course of the year. They designed and made a prototype to solve a problem based around one of three given contexts from the exam board

A Ahmed

S Allott

T Chester

H Crecraft

W Dilley

D Fisayo

I Ha

T Kayode

A Maddy

T Martin

L Milburn

Y Mitha

U Nayaar

J Parker

B Sanyang

A Sinha

W Stanway

K Subaskaran

R Thwaites

O Strang

H Wareham

Year 12 - Flat Pack Furniture Year 12 - Flat Pack Furniture

Our Year 12 class completed a design project focused on creating flat-pack furniture specifically for pre-prep students. The students will utilize a range of digital fabrication processes, including CNC routing, laser cutting, and 3D printing, to produce their designs The quality of design work is outstanding, demonstrating a high level of creativity and technical skill

Year 13 - A-Level NEA Photos

Year 13 - A-Level NEA Photos

The Y13 A Level classes completed their NEA project over the course of the year. They designed and made a prototype to solve a problem based around a context they derived from a client of their own choosing

S Barrett

M Bennett

W Fletcher

S Haywood

O Hobbs

D Marsden

O Mountain

F Milner-Moore

G Rozentsvit

W Ryan

F Smith

O Smith

L Thayakaran

J Wood

Y Zafar

W Abubakar

E Batty

1st XV Season Review 1st XV Season Review

byCaptain,JackB byCaptain,JackB

Right from the start of the preseason in the summer of 2024, it was evident that the players in both Year 12 and Year 13 were a standout group. Our primary objective was to set clear ambitious targets, defining exactly what we aimed to achieve together

Our targets were:

Reset the QEGS rugby standard and squad

To become the best school team in Yorkshire (North)

To play in a stadium by reaching the latter stages of the National Cup competition

We consistently reflected on these clear goals throughout the season, using them as our benchmark for measuring success

Following a successful pre-season at the Macclesfield festival, where we bonded well as a group and grew in confidence, we quickly moved into the regional school fixtures. We started with a convincing win against King’s School Macclesfield, a team we had lost to the previous season. This outstanding start set the perfect tone for our cup run ahead

The first two cup matches we secured wins over Hymers College and our local rivals, GSAL Despite being down to 13 players early against GSAL, we rallied together for a remarkable comeback

In between these two cup games, we celebrated an immense victory over York St. Peter’s, clinching the win 13-12.

Our focus quickly turned to the next challenge: a match against Durham Cathedral This game held special significance for us, as the 1st XV from the 1964/65 season was in attendance, celebrating the 60th anniversary of their 1st XV season We took immense pride in honouring their legacy and delivered an impressive performance, winning 34-21

The following week, the 1st XV faced AKS Lytham, who were also undefeated. However, an outstanding team performance in the first half allowed QEGS to secure a resounding 43-17 victory

It's important to note that the team viewed this match as preparation for their toughest challenge yet: a clash against Hill House, this season’s other top team in Yorkshire, in the third round of the National Cup With both teams holding unbeaten records, it was no surprise that they were highly motivated for this match QEGS showcased their

resilience and determination, emerging victorious with a hardfought 30-26 win in an intensely physical encounter.

Then an exciting moment in the rugby calendar arrived: the annual St. Joseph's festival. After a week of rigorous preparation, our team travelled to Ipswich, determined to prove ourselves after being labeled the "punching bag" in previous years. Unfortunately, we did not meet our potential at St Joe's, falling short in several closely contested matches against strong opponents

With the next fixture being the 4th round of the cup, the team left the festival behind and focused on beating Durham for the second time this season A disciplined team performance secured a 31-22 victory and a place in the last 8 of the competition

The opposition was set to become even tougher as we faced Ellesmere in the quarter-finals However, a loud and supportive crowd cheered us on for the entire 70 minutes Despite not playing at our best, our teamwork shone through, driving us to victory A special highlight of the match was Will Hunter's impressive 80 metre try

As we reached the end of the season, we knew that our togetherness needed to be our superpower, especially since most of the team has been together since junior school

After a well-deserved rest, we geared up for the semi-final and final matches The semi-final against Warwick was filled with tension due to the longstanding rivalry between the two teams The intensity built until the very end, where Lance Barker's last-minute penalty led us to an unforgettable 20-19 victory The occasion didn’t get to us and demonstrated that we truly deserved our place in the final

At this point, we had achieved our targets for the season, but with the opportunity to lift the national trophy at Allianz Stadium, we gave it our all

Although the players left everything on the pitch and the traveling supporters made their voices heard, it wasn’t enough to end our 1st XV season with the national U18s trophy, having narrowingly edged out 22-14 to Harrow.

Nonetheless, the determination and effort displayed by the team certainly made fellow pupils, our teachers, and parents proud.

2nd XV Season Review 2nd XV Season Review

The 2024 season has been an immensely positive and memorable one for the Second XV a campaign marked by commitment, strong performances, and a deep sense of progression Over the course of six competitive fixtures, the team recorded four convincing wins, one draw, and only one defeat, racking up 168 points scored while conceding just 73 These numbers reflect not only the squad’s attacking threat but also its defensive organisation and discipline

The season began with a spirited 20-20 draw away at The King’s School, Macclesfield, in what proved to be a closely contested and physical encounter This was quickly followed by a clinical 27-0 home victory over St Peter’s School, York, where the team executed Mr Pearson’s game plan with precision and purpose.

The momentum continued to build with an impressive 35-7 win against Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, showing real control across the park.

Rugby Rugby

Arguably the performance of the season came in the 45-0 away win at AKS Lytham, a fixture that demonstrated the squad’s depth, focus, and ability to dominate from start to finish

A cancelled fixture against Bradford Grammar School and a tough 5-34 defeat to Woodhouse Grove School served as important moments of reflection but credit must go to the boys for their response They bounced back superbly with a commanding 36-12 away victory at Hymers College, closing out the term’s fixtures in style

With the match against RGS Newcastle postponed and the final fixture against The Grammar School at Leeds still to be confirmed, the current record is one the squad can be extremely proud of.

Crucially, this season has not just been about results it has been about development, identity, and legacy. The contributions from Years 11 and 12 have been outstanding, and their

performances have laid a solid foundation for this year’s eagerly anticipated South Africa rugby tour.

At the same time, a special mention must go to our Year 13 players, many of whom have now brought their QEGS rugby journey to a close They’ve led with maturity, set the tone both on and off the field, and ensured they finish their time at the school on a high Their commitment and influence have left a lasting mark on the squad, and they depart with the respect and admiration of their teammates

This season has been one of pride, growth, and preparation for the future a true reflection of what it means to wear the QEGS jersey

Finally, on behalf of the entire Second XV, a heartfelt thank you to Mr Pearson for his coaching, unwavering support, and belief in the team throughout the season. His leadership has been central to everything we’ve achieved, and we are all incredibly grateful for his time, energy, and dedication.

The 2024–25 season was one of great success for the QEGS Rugby programme - a year defined by determination, growth, and outstanding achievements across all age groups

As Jack has already written so eloquently, it was a season of historic milestones for our 1st XV, and what a fitting way it would have been to lift the Schools Cup on the eve of our 150-year rugby celebrations

The strength of any 1st XV lies in the depth and quality of the wider Senior Rugby Squad, and this year’s teams showed exactly that The 2nd XV produced an excellent campaign of their own, keeping the 1st XV on their toes and demonstrating the value of commitment, teamwork, and resilience Meanwhile, the U16s experienced an important year of development - learning first-hand the high standards and intensity expected at the top end of school rugby

Our U15s - a truly fantastic group - developed enormously both on and off the pitch under the leadership of their captain, Harry They are a side defined by their self-discipline and passion; a team you could hand a bag of balls to and trust entirely to run their own high-quality session

Their season wasn’t without its challenges. When Mr Tiffany suffered a leg break during October half-term, Mr Graham stepped in to continue guiding the squad. Together, they helped the group evolve into a formidable force capable of taking on anyone. This was evident in their hard-fought National Cup clash against reigning champions King’s Macclesfield, where, after a thrilling game full of twists and turns, they narrowly fell short - but proved beyond doubt they could compete with the very best in the country.

The team rounded off their season in fine style with an impressive victory at Mount St Mary’s 7s, watched on by their former Head of Year, Mr Head, who spoke glowingly of their performances throughout the day.

The U14s faced a season full of valuable lessons At times, they discovered the hard truth that sometimes ”the bigger team wins”, but their determination to learn and improve never wavered Under the creative guidance of our resident maverick, Mr Masterson, they produced some excellent rugby across the season Their campaign culminated at the prestigious Rosslyn Park International 7s, where they delivered a strong showing before bowing out in the group stage to the eventual quarter-finalists - a performance full of promise for the future

Under Mr Everett’s leadership, the U13s enjoyed a highly successful season, competing strongly across the northern circuit A key focus for this talented group was learning to channel their competitive passion positively, showing composure and control in challenging moments - a quality that shone through as the season progressed

Their hard work was rewarded with a remarkable performance at the Caldicott National Schools’ 10s Tournament, one of the most prestigious events on the schools’ rugby calendar They secured impressive victories over RGS High Wycombe, Taunton School, and Merchiston Castle to be crowned Vase Champions

Our U12s also made great strides in their first year of senior rugby Although the team faced challenges with player availability during the season, they approached every fixture with positivity and a willingness to learn Mr Lawson was full of praise for their attitude and unity, commending their enthusiasm, teamwork, and desire to improve with each performance

In the Junior Section, the talent pipeline looks as strong as ever. The U11s continued to impress, particularly at their HMC Rugby Festival, where the ‘A’ team proudly brought home the HMC Trophy after a day of outstanding rugby. The event celebrated not just skill but also commitment, sportsmanship, and teamwork - values that our boys displayed in abundance. In fact, every coach present voted QEGS as their top choice, a testament to the quality of play and spirit shown by all. And, as if that weren’t enough, the same group went on to win the HMC Cricket competition later in the year!

Our U10 and U9 teams began their rugby journeys with enthusiasm, taking their first steps in both tag and contact rugby. Both groups demonstrated curiosity, courage, and rapid development.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the staff whose tireless dedication makes the QEGS Rugby programme what it is A special mention goes to Mr Wolfenden, Mr Pearson, Mr Lewis, Mr Tiffany, Mr Graham, Mr Masterson (and Mr Haddon), Mr Everett, Mr Lawson, Mr Benn, Mr Drury, and Mr Hodson - and to our hockey coaches Mr Leask and Mr Anderson, who step in so selflessly when called upon

Mr S Cook - Teacher i/c of Rugby

Hockey Hockey

This hockey season has been one of growth, achievement, and promising development across all age groups. The junior school boys enjoyed an increased number of fixtures, giving many their first taste of competitive hockey As a result, a large number of boys discovered a real passion for the sport, laying strong foundations for the future The U12 team impressed with their progress, ultimately reaching the North Finals a fantastic achievement that highlights the exciting potential within this age group

Across the U13, U14, U15, and U16 teams, development has been a key theme. A significant number of new players joined the hockey programme this year, and their enthusiasm and rapid improvement have been encouraging to see Each age group has grown in skill and cohesion, setting the stage for future success

The 1st XI capped off an impressive season by reaching the quarterfinals of the EH Cup Tier 2 Plate competition, showcasing the high level of talent and teamwork in the senior squad

Meanwhile, the indoor hockey programme has flourished. The 1st XI delivered strong performances indoors, and this exciting format of the game was also introduced to the U12s, further enhancing their skills and enjoyment Overall, it has been a hugely positive and progressive season for hockey

We wish our Year 13 leavers the very best as they move on to new challenges Their commitment, leadership, and contributions to school hockey over their time at QEGS have been greatly appreciated and will be missed

Mr M Anderson - Teacher i/c of Hockey

Cricket Cricket

The 2024–25 cricket season at QEGS has been one of growth, resilience, and impressive performances across all age groups. From the Senior 1st XI to the Junior Section, each team demonstrated commitment, skill, and the enduring spirit of QEGS cricket.

This year’s 1st XI showcased the fruits of hard work laid down by both players and coaching staff over the past three years, as well as the benefits of the team-bonding experiences from last summer’s tour A young squad through school but now comprising of Year 13, 12, and 11 players, they quickly established themselves as a formidable presence on the field, posing a different challenge to opposition teams

Standout victories against Hymers, Ampleforth, Pocklington, and Bradford highlighted the squad’s talent and cohesion, signalling an exciting era for senior cricket at the school

The U15s brought energy and positivity to every match, always playing with a smile Their dedication was evident, particularly when stepping up to support the 1st XI or filling key roles in cup competitions Their own cup run demonstrated both skill and teamwork, and the squad has proven themselves a joy to coach, mirroring the spirit and commitment seen in their rugby counterparts.

The U14s continue to impress with their development and strong performances across the school circuit. This year’s highlight was their Yorkshire Cup run, culminating in a final against Scarborough College. Although they fell just short, the experience provided invaluable lessons and will undoubtedly contribute to their continued growth as cricketers.

The U13s consistently displayed moments of quality with both bat and ball, demonstrating depth in their squad. With a few players also called up to the U14 Cup squad, the talent within this group is evident. Their focus for the future lies in refining their understanding of the game and fielding skills - areas where time and continued team cohesion will undoubtedly see them flourish

The U12s proved themselves a spirited and well-knit group, showing glimpses of brilliance throughout the season Highlights included a first-round cup victory where they bowled their opposition out for just five runs, and a thrilling cup tie against Heckmondwike, which they narrowly lost despite a remarkable fightback Special mention goes to captain Aneesh, whose off-spin bowling was a joy to watch and a key factor in the team’s successes

The U11 squad, mirroring the success of their rugby team, triumphed at the HMC Cricket event, demonstrating not only talent but also strong game understanding, work ethic, and team dynamics With such promise in the Junior Section, the future of QEGS cricket looks bright as these players transition into the senior ranks

Writing this report highlights the excitement and potential flowing through every year group The combination of talent, commitment, and a willingness to improve promises a thrilling future for cricket at QEGS

A sincere thank you goes to Mr Masterson, Mr Anderson, Mr Stiff, Mr Leask, Mr Graham, Mr Wolfenden and Mr Cook for their tireless support and passion throughout the season Their dedication has been invaluable in nurturing our squads and ensuring every player has the opportunity to excel

Mr C Lawson - Teacher i/c of Cricket

Athletics Athletics

Mr G Lewis - Teacher i/c of Athletics

Another stellar season saw QEGS athletes shine across track and field, combining teamwork, talent and determination to deliver regional triumphs and national recognition.

The 2024–25 Athletics season was another outstanding one for QEGS, marked by individual brilliance, collective effort, and impressive results across both the Junior and Senior Sections The hard work of our athletes and staff continues to pay dividends, with performances that underline the school’s growing reputation for athletic excellence

The Junior Section Athletics squad produced an exceptional performance to be crowned HMC Athletics Champions in a fiercely contested competition This achievement highlighted the remarkable depth, determination, and team spirit that define QEGS sport

Within this overall victory, the U11 team shone particularly brightly, taking the individual year group title and setting the standard with outstanding performances in both track and field events. Every athlete contributed to the team’s success, demonstrating not only athletic talent but also resilience and camaraderie throughout the competition

Building on this success, our Junior Athletics team in the Senior Section competed at the North and Midlands Regional Final, finishing an impressive third overall Against some of the strongest schools in the region, QEGS athletes produced personal bests and inspired performances that reflected months of dedication and preparation

In a particularly strong showing, the Intermediate (Inters) team claimed first place in their age group, earning a coveted place in the National Schools’ Cup Finals in Chelmsford This remarkable achievement reflected both the quality of our athletes and the commitment of the coaching staff who have supported them throughout the season

These results are a testament to the continued growth of the Athletics programme at QEGS. From sprinting to throwing, longdistance running to jumping, our athletes continue to demonstrate versatility, discipline, and the determination to push beyond their limits

Congratulations to everyone involved athletes, coaches, and supporters alike for a superb season We are immensely proud of your achievements and wish our Intermediates the very best of luck as they continue to represent QEGS on the national stage

Celebrating Individual Achievement Celebrating Individual Achievement

Beyond the QEGS fields, pupils continue to excel on regional, national and even international stages. This page celebrates their outstanding individual achievements and dedication to sporting excellence outside of school.

Oliver W

Oliver has continued his remarkable rise, representing England and scoring his first goal for his country, while also captaining the side - an incredible achievement Adding to this, Oliver became one of the youngest players to represent Barnsley’s 1st Team when he featured against Manchester United U23s in the EFL Trophy, an extraordinary feat

Charlie W

Junior Head Boy, Charlie, made headlines over the summer of 2024 by signing his first professional contract with Huddersfield Town His hard work and dedication have clearly paid off, and we wish him continued success in his footballing career In addition, he also represents Yorkshire at cricket - a fantastic achievement

Will H

Will signed with the Leeds Rhinos Academy, demonstrating his exceptional talent across both rugby codes A key member of our 1st XV, he has been instrumental in the team’s success, including his outstanding tries against Ellesmere and Warwick during the run to the National Cup final at Twickenham We look forward to following his continued achievements in the sport

Ben S

Ben also signed with Leeds Rhinos this summer - another fine example of the growing number of QEGS’ cross coders Powerful in contact and an outstanding skillset to match, he has developed immensely over the past few years and is part of an exciting (now) U16 group His signing is thoroughly deserved - well done!

Joe H

Since joining the school in Year 8, Joe has quickly established himself as one of the standout sportsmen of his year group A talented cricketer, he is part of the Yorkshire set-up and proudly represented England this year A classy left-handed bat, Joe continues to impress with his composure and technique at the crease

Josh A

Josh has been a phenomenal athlete for many years, and his selection for England Athletics Schools is a testament to the dedication and sacrifices he has made to reach such a high level Excelling in both the high jump and long jump, Josh has recorded some truly impressive results, and the excitement surrounding his future potential is only just beginning

Henry H

Henry has made exceptional accomplishments in Taekwondo Competing at both national and international levels, he had the opportunity to travel to Poland for a prestigious G1 competition, a key event where athletes can earn points towards selection for the Great Britain squad Henry already represents the British Taekwondo squad, and the school congratulates him on his continued success

Jake L

Jake has been competing at the highest level of Karate for many years Most recently, he travelled to Berlin for the U16 Berlin Banzai Cup, where he won bronze in the individual kata section This achievement adds to an already impressive list of individual awards, highlighting his dedication and skill in the sport

Mayon J

Mayon has represented England in Karate, competing in international competitions including the WSKA European Championship in Gondomar, Portugal At just 14 years of age, he won the bronze medal in the youth men’s individual kata section, an extraordinary accomplishment given the challenges of international competition This achievement reflects his remarkable talent

Kiri S

X also excels in Karate, most recently competing at the WUMF Karate World Championship held at the K2 Arena in Crawley. With over 29 countries represented, he claimed first place in the male 15–20 years Kumite category, winning the gold medal. This is a truly outstanding achievement.

Remy B

Remy was selected to represent Team England at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, a remarkable achievement at just 13 years of age Remy earned medals at the Empire British Open in BJJ as well as a shortlisting for Male Junior Fighter of the Year by the BMF, reflecting his dedication and skill

Hector J

Hector’s crew achieved a remarkable result at the National Schools Championships, winning bronze in the J14 4x+ (open coxed quad) Competing against 42 of the top crews from across the UK, they secured a place in the A final and delivered an impressive performance despite challenging conditions Their medal marked a historic achievement for Leeds Rowing Club, being the first-ever 1st boat medal at the Championships.

House Welcome House Welcome

The 2024-25 QEGS House Competition has been a year of energy, enthusiasm, and engagement, offering pupils of all ages a chance to shine and strengthening the bonds across our school community.

As my first year at the helm of the QEGS House System, taking over from the outstanding work of Dr Clark, the 2024/25 House Competition has been both an enjoyable and rewarding challenge I have been fortunate to work alongside a committed team of staff: Ms Allen supporting Cave, Mr Drury leading Bentley with the help of Mr Lister, Mrs Williams steering Freeston alongside Dr Shearer, and Miss Loftus assisted by the everdedicated Mrs Taylor taking charge of Savile Special thanks must go to Mrs Taylor, who will be retiring at the end of this academic year after being a cornerstone of the senior house section since its inception I would also like to extend my gratitude to our elected house captains, spanning Years 6 to 13, whose leadership, enthusiasm, and initiative have brought the House System to life. At its heart, the system exists to foster participation, build a sense of belonging, and strengthen our wider school community and it has been a pleasure to see these values thrive throughout the year

This year has seen a significant expansion in both the number and variety of house events, with over 50 competitions across the Junior and Senior Schools While we have maintained many long-standing favourites, we have also introduced a range of new and exciting opportunities for pupils to get

involved. From sport to art, academic challenges to musical showcases, and even more abstract or miscellaneous events, there truly has been something for everyone

Highlights of the new additions include debating, a science experiment challenge, gameshowstyle competitions, basketball, doubles badminton, a spelling contest, and the eagerly anticipated return of Senior School House Music These ran alongside much-loved staples such as University Challenge, rugby, football, chess, a variety of quizzes, and, of course, the ever-popular Sports Day. This breadth of events ensured pupils of all interests and talents could engage meaningfully with the House System while enjoying themselves.

The House Sport competitions provided plenty of drama, surprises, and dominant performances across a wide range of events Cave emerged victorious in house football, thanks in large part to a commanding showing in the Sixth Form competitions an ironic twist given their last-place finish in the traditional leavers’ football on Year 13’s final day Senior rugby honours went to Bentley, bolstered by strong performances from Year 7 and Year 10 players In indoor hockey, Savile under the careful guidance of Mr Anderson nearly achieved a clean sweep, with only the Year 8 team slipping to third place

Bentley added further silverware by narrowly clinching the overall doubles badminton title, with their Year 8 side securing crucial lastminute points to hold off Cave Cave, meanwhile, bounced back by dominating the basketball courts, sweeping KS3 with wins across the Year 7, 8, and 9 tournaments

This year’s House Competition has been a true celebration of participation, teamwork, and school spirit, and it has been a joy to witness pupils across all year groups engaging, striving, and excelling. The enthusiasm, commitment, and camaraderie displayed throughout 2024/25 set a strong foundation for the years to come, and I look forward to seeing the House System continue to thrive

House Music House Music

This year’s Senior House Music was the first of its kind, in a new concert format, following the heats last term Dozens of pupils of all ages sent in entries, and from those, 14 soloists, 2 composers were selected to go through to the live concert final on 1st April

At the concert, the successful qualifiers were joined by 4 house ensembles, and competed for the title of QEGS Musician of the Year, judged by visiting adjudicator Dr Dan White from the University of Huddersfield.

The QEGS Junior School Inter house Music Competition, held during the Spring term last year, was once again a resounding success that showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our young musicians. With a remarkable variety of entries, the event was a testament to the vibrant musical community within

QEGS Musician of the Year 2025 after a mature and emotive performance of Tosti’s Ideale.

Junior House Competition Junior House Competition

the school Boys from all year groups participated across multiple instrument categories, creating a rich tapestry of sound and performance that resonated throughout the Junior School hall It is for a very good reason that this is one of my favourite events of the year!

One of the standout features of this year ' s competition was the sheer number of participants It

was heartening to see so many boys eager to take the stage, whether they were strumming guitars, tickling the ivories, or showcasing their vocal skills

The variety of instruments and musical styles on display from classical piano solos to jazz and pop ensured that there was something for everyone This diversity not only enriched the competition but also encouraged

camaraderie and a sense of healthy rivalry among the houses

As the day unfolded, it became clear that the level of talent was exceptional Each performance was a unique expression of the musicians' hard work and passion The adjudication process, led by Mr Jones from the Senior School, was no small feat; he faced the challenging task of evaluating numerous outstanding acts The boys demonstrated impressive accuracy and fluency in their playing, and it was evident that many had invested countless hours in preparation

Several performances stood out for their musicianship and communication, a hallmark of a mature musician who thinks not about which notes to play, but more how to play them.

As the finals approached, the anticipation was palpable. Mr. Jone’s task of selecting winners was undeniably challenging, given the high calibre of performances across all categories

Each act brought something special to the table, making it increasingly difficult to narrow down the overall category winners

Sadly there can only be one winner but happily, this was a very difficult decision to make

My congratulatio following boys as categories:

Under 9 Wind - Bu Under 9 Voice - Le Under 9 Piano - La Under 9 RhythmUnder 9 StringsUnder 9 Young Year: Lawrence C

Under 11 Piano - Madhav V

Under 11 Wind - Joseph C

Under 11 Strings - Saathvik S

Under 11 Voice - J J L

A League of their own - Ibrahim A and Abel J

Under 11 Young Musician of the Year - J.J. L

Huge congratulations to Bentley House this year who proved to be very worthy winners of the overall house cup for music.

Our Year 3 and 4 pupils enjoyed a thrilling afternoon on the pitch during a fantastic Inter-House Football Tournament The event showcased the students’ growing skills, teamwork, and love for the game, with each house represented by enthusiastic young players eager to give their best

The tournament featured a series of fast-paced, closely contested matches, with every team displaying both technical ability and a strong understanding of the game. As impressive as the football on show was, it was the outstanding sportsmanship that truly stood out. Pupils supported their teammates, respected their opponents, and demonstrated the values of fair play throughout.

The matches built in intensity as the tournament progressed, culminating in a tense and nailbiting final Savile emerged victorious, securing the win in a closely fought match The entire team deserves praise for their determination and skill, as do all participants who gave their best on the pitch and showed wonderful house spirit

Congratulations to Savile for their well-earned win, and a big well done to all pupils for making the event such a success. The tournament was not just about competition, but also about coming together as a school community, with camaraderie and teamwork on full display.

Sports Days Sports Days

The Junior Section enjoyed a lively day of compe with pupils taking part in events including the high jump, javelin, and the ever-popular tug o Strong performances reflected the skill and prog the Junior Athletics squad, fresh from their U11 Championship success Individual honours went to Charlie (Year 6), Jacek (Year 5), Joe (Year 4), and Daniel (Year 3), while Savile House once again took the overall prize Beyond the results, the day was marked by positive participation, teamwork, and support between pupils

The Senior Section followed with a day packed with competitive athletics From discus to high jump, the 1500m to the 4 x 100m relay, events were closely

sted and often came down to fine margins nal bests were achieved, close finishes delighted ators, and the boys displayed focus and ragement for one another Whether competing on rack or supporting from the sidelines, the pupils fully embraced the challenge and demonstrated the qualities valued across QEGS sport

Congratulations to all who took part, and thanks to the staff and spectators whose support made both days successful These Sports Days highlighted not only individual achievement but also the sense of community and shared effort that makes QEGS sport so distinctive

House Rugby House Rugby

The Junior Section enjoyed a pair of exciting inter-house rugby tournaments, with pupils across Years 3 to 6 displaying skill, determination, and teamwork

The action began with the Year 3 and 4 tournament, where our youngest players took to the field with impressive enthusiasm The afternoon was full of developing skills, clever play, and strong teamwork, making for an engaging and competitive tournament

The excitement continued with the Year 5 and 6 tournament Each house competed fiercely, but Bentley emerged as the winners, securing the trophy with a series of strong performances and earning welldeserved praise for their efforts

Congratulations to all participants for their commitment and sportsmanship. These tournaments highlighted not only the growing abilities of our Junior Section rugby players but also the spirit of teamwork that is central to QEGS sport.

Overall Winners Overall Winners

With the final events of the year complete, Freeston were crowned winners of the QEGS House Championship, securing the title after a closely fought contest. Cave finished a narrow second, just a handful of points behind, while Bentley claimed third place and Savile finished fourth, despite strong performances across the calendar. The year’s competitions, from House Football to Sports Day, showcased outstanding effort, skill, and team spirit, with every race, catch, and throw contributing to the thrilling conclusion