EXCEL Spring 2026

Spring 2026

Excel Record Breaking Oxbridge Offers page 4

Attainment 8 Excellence page 29

RGS The Grange at the Royal Albert Hall page 43

WWW.RGSW.ORG.UK

Headmaster’s Introduction Welcome to Excel The achievements presented in this Excel magazine are at a level that any school nationally would be extremely proud. From Academic success which we have seen reach beyond previous records, to success in the Performing Arts with magnificent plays and concerts, to extraordinary feats on the sports field and court, the pupils have demonstrated exceptional talent, skill and learning already this academic year. That this has all happened at a time when most independent schools are struggling, is all the more impressive and demonstrates the strength of the RGS Schools and our community.

There is so much here across all of the RGS Schools and from all age groups. The expertise of the teachers and support team inspires learning and encourages participation. There is so much for the pupils to get excited about, whether it is new clubs such as Classic Car Club or Flying Club, superb experiences such as performing at the Royal Albert Hall or going on incredible trips and expeditions, or working in teams to win competitions.

Included is the ever-growing international reputation of The RGS Worcester Family of Schools in education technology. Once again, RGS has been chosen for Educational Awards and is being asked to share our knowledge and expertise. The selection of RGS Worcester to host the Apple Education Global Summit 2026 in July, the first school in the world ever to do so, demonstrates our forward-thinking approach. We have representatives from every continent coming to RGS to share their ideas. We look forward to showcasing our

pupils and staff as well as our first-class facilities, including the brand new Innovation Centre and new look entrance to Perrins Hall at the conference.

All of this means that we are preparing our pupils for a future world, embracing change while understanding the importance of tradition - true to our motto, Respice et Prospice, cherishing the past while looking to the future.

Along the way, our pupils love learning and are inspired to aim high in their academic studies and chosen future pathways. They are encouraged to join in, enjoy new activities and experiences, take risks and develop skills of teamwork and leadership.

Excel is just a snapshot of the breadth of an RGS education. My thanks to the Marketing team who have assembled so many contributions from staff for this edition. Enjoy glancing through the pages and seeing our pupils of all ages from 2 to 18 years in action. Please do read the summaries and celebrate with us so much participation, achievement, success and sheer enjoyment of RGS life and learning together. If you are considering joining our vibrant school community then please do come and visit. If you are already at RGS or are part of our alumni community then you have made an Excel-lent choice!

John Pitt, Headmaster of RGS Worcester Executive Head of The RGS Worcester Family of Schools

The RGS Worcester Family of Schools Leading Independent Schools in Worcestershire

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RGS WORCESTER

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RGS THE GRANGE

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RGS DODDERHILL

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RGS SPRINGFIELD NURSERY

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RGS Worcester Ranked Top School in Worcestershire

by Parent Power Guide RGS Worcester has once again been recognised among the region’s leading independent schools, securing sixth place in the West Midlands in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. The School is the highest-ranked school in Worcestershire and the only Worcester school to appear in the regional Top 10. The rankings are based on recent GCSE and A Level results.

This year’s School Captains George McMillan and Isabelle Fawcett celebrate RGS Worcester’s ranking

Award Winning Year The RGS Worcester Family of Schools has enjoyed a year of national recognition, celebrating excellence in education, innovation and community impact. From achieving AI Quality Mark Gold to being named among the EdTech 50, the Schools continue to lead the way in digital learning. Success at the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and recognition in the Independent School of the Year Awards further reflect the strength of The Family of Schools and its commitment to delivering an exceptional all-round education.

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Nine Oxbridge Offers Reflect Academic Ambition

RGS Worcester is celebrating nine Oxbridge offers this year across a wide range of subjects, reflecting the outstanding academic achievement of students in the Sixth Form. Offers have been received from both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in subjects including Geography, Modern Languages, Medicine, Theology, History and Law. In addition to current students, two former RGS students were supported to secure offers, bringing the total number to nine. Students benefit from a structured Oxbridge preparation programme, including specialist mentoring, application guidance and practice interviews, helping them approach the process with confidence and intellectual curiosity.

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As official sponsors, RGS received a framed Warriors shirt.

Warriors Welcome Pupils for Training Experience Pupils from across The RGS Worcester Family of Schools enjoyed inspiring training sessions with the Worcester Warriors, reflecting the School’s role as the club’s official Education Partner.

At RGS The Grange, pupils took part in a special coaching session with Warriors players, developing their rugby skills and meeting members of the squad. The younger pupils relished the opportunity to learn directly from professional athletes and gain a glimpse into life in elite sport.

Later in the month, Senior pupils from RGS Worcester visited Sixways Stadium for an exclusive training session. The visit included a strength and conditioning session with Will Cusack, the club’s Head of Strength and Power Conditioning, followed by rugby coaching from Warriors Head Coach Matt Everard. The experience gave pupils insight into the professional training environment and the high standards of preparation required to compete at the top level of the game.

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National & International Sports Success Former student Haineala Lutui (2022-24) made her debut for the England Rugby Red Roses in the Six Nations match against Ireland and scored her debut try against Scotland.

Lower Sixth student Ellie Graham enjoyed an exceptional week representing Great Britain at the Deaf Swimming World Championships in Tokyo, securing a Silver medal in the Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay and contributing to a new Great Britain Deaf Swimming record in the Freestyle Relay.

Five RGS Worcester pupils have been selected to represent the Boys’ ISFA Midlands Under 13 representative Football team. Congratulations to Jasper Jones, Joshua Livesey, Hugo Ash, Harrison Scott and Emlyn Jones.

Max Pearce made his debut for the England national Under 15 Football team during an international training camp in Cyprus. Coming on at half-time with the score at 0–0, Max kept a clean sheet as England secured a 3–0 victory against Cyprus and later produced two excellent saves in a penalty shootout. He was presented with his official England cap after the match.

Immy Raxter (Year Nine) was selected to compete for Team GB at the World Transplant Games last summer. She was selected for cycling, long jump and 100m sprint and has now been selected for the European Games Summer 2026 and for the World Games in 2027.

Sixth Form student Ella Everett-Morris enjoyed a memorable end to the year representing the England national Under 19 Netball team against the Scottish Thistles at the Copper Box Arena. Ella delivered an outstanding performance, achieving an impressive 92% shooting accuracy.

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In Fencing, Emily De Bono (Year Nine) was selected for the England Under 14 squad and currently ranks second nationally at Under 14 level. Henry De Bono (Lower Sixth) and Issy Pottinger (Lower Sixth) are ranked eighth and ninth respectively in the GB Under 17 Épée rankings, with Henry also competing strongly at adult level. The trio enjoyed success at the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships, with Henry finishing second and Emily seventh in highly competitive fields.

Upper Sixth student Will Sutherland was selected to represent England Counties Under 18s Rugby following an exceptional performance for the Midlands representative side. Will earned selection after impressing in the Midlands’ victory over the South West and was chosen to compete at the England Counties Under 18 Finals Day at Kingsholm Stadium, home of Gloucester Rugby.

Year Nine pupil Jorgie Ardis achieved international dance success, representing Team UK at the Xpirit World Cup in Cancun, Mexico. Selected to perform with the Phoenix Company, known for their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, Jorgie competed in group performances that placed first and second overall, with one routine crowned World Champions and Grand Champions of Jazz.

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Oxford Debating

Debating Success

RGS Worcester was proudly represented at the Oxford Schools Debating Finals Day, with two of the five qualifying teams from the Midlands round coming from RGS Worcester.

Following a strong performance at the Oxford regional round, the RGS Worcester Debating team travelled to Nottingham for a competitive day of debating at the Nottingham Schools competition.

Sixth Form students Gabby Hailwood and Henry De Bono delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament, progressing to the Silver Final where they secured victory to claim the Silver Prize.

Hannah Agoston and Sasha Penlington, alongside Isabelle Jones and Joseph Kington, competed against 124 national and international teams.

Both pairs achieved second-place finishes in individual debates, while Hannah and Sasha also earned the opportunity to debate in the historic Oxford Union Chamber.

Speaking Success at ESU Regional Competition RGS Worcester pupils delivered an impressive performance in the Second Heat of the English Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition, securing a place in the Regional Finals. The team impressed judges with their confidence, clarity and teamwork, with Ridhima Canchi delivering an articulate speech, Cameron Henry asking perceptive questions and Henry Jarvis chairing the debate with authority.

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RGS Worcester Hosts First Model United Nations Conference RGS Worcester welcomed 250 pupils

from schools across the region for its inaugural Model United Nations conference. Delegates took on the roles of international representatives, debating global issues and developing skills in public speaking, negotiation and diplomacy through a series of committee sessions and a final General Assembly.

The conference opened with an address from United Nations Senior Liaison Officer and former RGS parent Nicholas Hercules, joining via live link from South Sudan. Organised by Sixth Form students Isabelle Jones and Joseph Kington, the event was a great success, providing pupils with an opportunity to engage with international affairs and collaborative problem solving.

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Recent Trips & Expeditions Sixth Form Physicists Visit CERN Sixth Form Physics students travelled to Geneva over half term for an inspiring three day educational visit centred around CERN, the world’s leading particle physics laboratory. The highlight of the trip was a tour of the facilities behind the Large Hadron Collider, where students learned about particle accelerators, detectors and the international collaboration that drives modern scientific discovery. Alongside their visit to CERN, students also explored the United Nations Office at Geneva and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, gaining insight into global science, diplomacy and humanitarian work.

Sixth Form Footballers: On Tour, On Form Thirty Senior Footballers went on a memorable European tour to Germany and Italy, combining elite coaching with cultural experiences. In Dortmund, the squad trained with professional coaches at the Borussia Dortmund Academy and attended a Bundesliga match at the famous Signal Iduna Park. The tour continued in Italy with a fixture against US Badia Polesine Calcio and time exploring Lake Garda and Verona. The trip provided footballers with international playing experience while strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories both on and off the pitch.

Rowers Train at Elite French Training Camp Seventeen RGS Worcester rowers travelled to Le Temple-sur-Lot in France during half term for an intensive training camp at a venue used by international crews preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Taking advantage of the world-class facilities, pupils developed their technical skills, race practice and teamwork through a series of on-water sessions, alongside gym and recovery training. The camp also provided opportunities for team building and cultural experiences, with the rowers returning home stronger, more confident and full of lasting memories from an exceptional week of training.

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Ski Trip Builds Skill, Confidence & Character Fifty Year Nine pupils enjoyed an unforgettable half term ski trip to Italy, spending the week developing their skills on the slopes and embracing life in the mountains. With expert instruction and daily ski school sessions, beginners quickly progressed from the nursery slopes to blue runs, while more experienced skiers explored wider areas of the resort and tackled more challenging terrain.

Volcanoes, Valleys & Vast Horizons GCSE and A Level geographers travelled to the Azores for an unforgettable field trip exploring the islands’ dramatic volcanic landscapes. From walking through lava tube systems to observing lush vegetation and geothermal activity, pupils experienced first-hand many of the hazards and physical processes studied in the classroom. The trip also included visits to pineapple and tea plantations, swimming in natural coastal pools and exploring the islands’ unique landscapes. The experience provided pupils with geographical insight while offering an exciting opportunity to explore one of Europe’s most distinctive natural environments.

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Major Sports Events at RGS Modus Cup Match Triumph RGS Worcester’s 1st XV Rugby team secured one of the most memorable sporting victories of the year with a thrilling 21–20 win over Kings’ School Worcester in the Modus Challenge Cup match at Sixways Stadium. Played in front of a crowd of more than three thousand supporters, the annual derby delivered drama and intensity from start to finish.

The victory reflected the team’s determination, discipline and attacking quality. Tries from Mylo Secker and two from Nikolas Izamis were all converted

by Will Sutherland, whose accuracy under pressure proved decisive. The Headmaster praised the team’s display of exceptional RGS grit and resilience.

The fixture also highlighted the strength of the School’s partnership with Worcester Warriors, with pupils benefitting from training opportunities and coaching sessions delivered at Sixways Stadium throughout the season.

Sixways Showdown The RGS Worcester 1st XI Football team played their annual Challenge Cup fixture against Kings’ School Worcester at Sixways Stadium. While King’s secured the win on the night, RGS progressed through the Worcestershire Schools Under 18 Cup to the semi final stage.

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Severn Shield More than 700 spectators gathered at RGS Worcester’s International Hockey Centre for the annual Severn Shield fixture between RGS Worcester and Kings’ School Worcester. The 2nd XI match ended in a 0–0 draw, while the 1st XI produced a strong performance, with Captain Fynn Butler levelling the score before King’s secured a late winner. Earlier in the season RGS defeated King’s in a national cup fixture to progress to the next round.

Superball Success The 1st VII Netball team secured an impressive 43–33 victory over Kings’ School Worcester in the annual Superball Netball fixture at the University of Worcester Arena. Played in front of a record crowd of 1,600 spectators, the 1st VII delivered a composed and determined performance, extending their strong record in the competition of eight wins from ten matches held at the Arena, while the 2nd VII also enjoyed a 17–16 win.

The event celebrated girls’ sport across the community, with coaching sessions for younger pupils and dance performances by Lower School pupils adding to the occasion.

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Junior Boys Make a Splash at National Finals The RGS Swimming Academy team again qualified for the ESSA Secondary School Team National Championships held at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

This time it was the Junior Boys’ team who reached the National Finals in the medley and also competed in the freestyle races.

The RGS Swimming Academy also competed at the Finals of the Bath and Otter Cup held at the London Olympic Pool.

National & County Success for Hockey RGS Worcester Girls’ Hockey teams have enjoyed an outstanding season, with the Under 13 team crowned National Champions at the Independent Schools Hockey Cup Finals in Nottingham and the Under 15 team securing third place nationally. The Under 13 team showed remarkable composure to win the final on penalty strokes after a closely contested match, while the Under 15 team delivered a strong performance to earn a national podium finish.

Success also continued at County level, with the Under 12A team crowned County Champions and the Under 13A side finishing as joint County Champions.

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‘Sisters n Sport’ Finalists The RGS Worcester 1st VII Netball team secured an outstanding third place nationally at the Sisters n Sport Final Fours Day at Loughborough University.

Following impressive victories over strong opposition including Repton School, The Crypt School and Rugby School, the team progressed to the national finals, for the second consecutive year.

Strong Start for RGS Equestrian Team The RGS Worcester Equestrian team made an excellent start to the season at the NSEA Showjumping competition at Moores Farm, competing alongside pupils from RGS The Grange. There were several strong individual performances, with Izzy finishing sixth in the 70cm class on her first outing for RGS Worcester, while Jessica secured first place in the 90cm class with an impressive round.

Team success followed as Ava and Izzy joined Lucie from RGS The Grange to finish third in the 70cm team competition. Several riders have now qualified for the Regional Championships later this year, reflecting a successful start to the season for the RGS riders.

Year Nine pupil Georgie Timmis enjoyed outstanding success at the LeMieux British Dressage Quest Finals where she was crowned Under 21 Intro Champion.

Rosslyn Park 7s & Sedbergh 10s The Rugby season concluded with the Under 18s reaching the quarter-finals of the Rosslyn Park National Vase to finish among the top eight schools in the country. The Under 14s also progressed to the quarter-finals after winning both their group and crossover match. Valuable experience was gained across the programme by the Senior Girls, Under 16s, Under 13s and RGS The Grange Under 11s, before the season concluded at the Sedbergh National Tens, where RGS Worcester was one of only two new schools invited to compete alongside 18 of the UK’s leading rugby schools.

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‘Wildly’ Impressive Cathedral Concert Pupils from across The RGS Worcester Family of Schools came together for the Spring Concert at Worcester Cathedral, featuring over 300 performers. The programme centred on ‘Carnival of the Animals’ by Camille Saint-Saëns, performed by the RGS Orchestra, alongside a wide range of choral and ensemble performances.

Highlights included contributions from choirs across The Family of Schools, dance performances and a finale from ‘The Lion King’ performed by a combined chorus of over 250 pupils.

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Cabaret Evening The annual Cabaret Evening once again delighted audiences in Perrins Hall, with Sixth Form singers and musicians delivering a vibrant programme of jazz and popular music. Featuring soloists, ensembles and the Big Band, the evening showcased a wide range of styles, from classic jazz standards to contemporary favourites, performed with confidence and flair.

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Could It Be Magic?

‘The Band’ Wins Rave Reviews The Senior School production of ‘The Band’ delivered six unforgettable performances that were widely praised as a resounding success. Featuring the iconic music of Take That, the production was described by audiences as worthy of the West End. Performed by two full casts, the musical showcased the depth of acting, singing and stage talent across the School.

Following its acclaimed run, ‘The Band’ has been nominated for five National School Theatre Awards: Best Musical, Best Ensemble, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Best Actor in a Musical, recognising the exceptional creativity and performance talent of RGS Worcester pupils both on stage and behind the scenes.

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Comedy Classic Brings Laughter to the RGS Stage Pupils at RGS Worcester delighted audiences with a lively production of ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’, the fast-paced comedy by Richard Bean based on Carlo Goldoni’s classic Italian farce. The play follows the chaotic adventures of Francis Henshall, who attempts to serve two masters at the same time, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings.

Such was the popularity of the production that two full casts performed across the run of four shows demonstrating the depth of acting talent within the School. With excellent comic timing, energetic performances and strong ensemble work, the production provided audiences with an evening full of laughter.

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Careers EXPO Opens Doors to Future Opportunities The 12th annual RGS Worcester Careers & Higher Education EXPO welcomed more than 600 attendees and over 80 exhibitors, offering pupils from Year Seven to Upper Sixth the opportunity to explore future education and career pathways. Held across several venues in School, the event brought together more than 35 universities and representatives from over 50 career sectors.

Pupils spoke with leading institutions including University College London, University of Birmingham, Cardiff University and Loughborough University, alongside employers, apprenticeship providers and alumni who returned to share their professional experiences. The EXPO forms a key part of RGS Worcester’s Careers programme, helping pupils explore the many pathways available beyond school.

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ESU Shakespeare Competition Year Eight pupils Monae Van Vliet and Lucy Wheeler have progressed to the regional finals of the English Speaking Union Shakespeare Recitation Competition following impressive performances at the regional heats at King’s School Gloucester. Head of English Mr Phillips praised the pair for their “intense and dramatic performances”, adding that they showed a deep understanding of both the scenes and the emotions of their characters.

Rowing at British Indoor Championships Year Nine Engineers Visit Williams F1

RGS Worcester rowers produced an excellent set of results at the British Rowing Indoor Championships, competing against some of the strongest schools and clubs in the country.

A squad of 25 rowers represented the School, achieving four Top 10 national finishes.

Year Nine pupils enjoyed an inspiring STEM visit to the headquarters of Williams Racing in Oxfordshire, gaining first-hand insight into careers in engineering and motorsport.

A highlight of the day was the ‘Nose Cone Challenge’, where pupils worked in teams to design and test crash structures, learning about the creativity, teamwork and problem-solving required in Formula One engineering.

The visit also included a tour of the Williams Grand Prix Collection and the chance to race on professional esports simulators. Pupils were particularly inspired to meet former RGS Worcester pupil Amy Murphy, now working at Williams, demonstrating how a passion for STEM can lead to exciting career opportunities.

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Olympiads RGS Worcester pupils achieved outstanding success in a range of national academic competitions this year. In the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge, pupils earned a record 97 medals, including 13 Gold awards. These were the School’s best-ever results.

The Biology Olympiad also produced the School’s best-ever results, with 5 Gold, 10 Silver and 12 Bronze medals, alongside 9 Highly Commended and 8 Commended pupils.

Success continued in the Physics Olympiads, with Lower Sixth pupils achieving 4 Gold, 7 Silver and 7 Bronze awards in the Senior competition, while Year Eleven pupils gained 8 Gold, 26 Silver and 19 Bronze in the Intermediate round. In addition, 13 Sixth Form pupils were awarded medals in the UK National Geography Olympiad Trial.

RGS Fashion Talent Takes to the Catwalk RGS Worcester Textiles pupils achieved national recognition in the Fashion Icon competition, with several pupils shortlisted ahead of the final at the Fashion, Embroidery and Stitch Show at the National Exhibition Centre.

Natasha Johnson, Isabel Gonnella, Mya Shoker and Dotti Davis were awarded Highly Commended, while Ruby Li was selected as the youngest of only ten finalists invited to showcase her design on the catwalk (pictured).

Their work was exhibited at the event, highlighting the creativity and talent of RGS Worcester’s young designers.

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Car Club Begins Classic Restoration Project RGS Worcester’s Classic Car Club continues to grow, with its ambitious restoration of a 1953 Citroën gaining national recognition, including a feature in Floating Power magazine. Pupils from Year Eight to Sixth Form are working together to rebuild the vehicle, developing hands-on skills in mechanics, engineering and restoration.

Supported by industry experts and partners including Morgan Motor Company, the project provides a unique opportunity for pupils to tackle real-world challenges while working towards the goal of returning the car to the road.

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‘Society in Motion’ Exhibition Welcomes Community Audience

RGS Worcester artists received exceptional praise from the public following their retrospective exhibition Society in Motion, held in the Chapter House at Worcester Cathedral over half term. Showcasing previously examined coursework, the exhibition explored themes of movement, identity and change through a diverse collection of painting, sculpture and mixed-media work.

Visitors from across the local community left enthusiastic comments celebrating the creativity and maturity of the students’ work, with many expressing surprise at the exceptional standard achieved by Sixth Form artists. The School extends its thanks to the Dean and Chapter of Worcester Cathedral for providing the opportunity to present student artwork in such a historic and inspiring setting.

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‘Eggstravaganza’ Engineering RGS Worcester celebrated British Science Week with its annual ‘Eggstravaganza’ engineering challenge, welcoming pupils from 13 local primary schools for a hands-on STEM challenge. Organised as part of the British Science Association programme, pupils worked in teams to design and build bridges capable of supporting a chocolate egg.

The event brought together over 100 pupils across two days, demonstrating their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.

Apple Education Global Summit RGS Worcester is proud to be hosting the Apple Education Global Summit 2026 on 9-10 July, welcoming delegates from around the world to the School.

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Digital Innovation at the BETT Show Pupils from across The RGS Worcester Family of Schools took centre stage at the BETT Show in London, the UK’s largest EdTech event. More than 50 Digital Leaders from RGS Worcester, RGS The Grange and RGS Dodderhill delivered demonstrations and presentations exploring how digital tools and accessibility features on iPads support inclusive learning in the classroom.

A highlight of the visit was a presentation by RGS Worcester pupil Ridhima Canchi at the GoodNotes stand, while Director of Innovation Mr John Jones delivered a keynote on the role of AI in education. The event highlighted how pupils across The Family of Schools are developing confidence and leadership in digital learning and innovation.

Inside RGS: A National EdTech Study Tour RGS Worcester welcomed 18 visiting teachers and education leaders for a national EdTech Study Tour led by Director of Innovation Mr John Jones and Mr Matt Warne. Guests toured the School, visiting a range of lessons and speaking with pupils and staff about how digital learning and AI are used across the curriculum to support creativity, progress and inclusion.

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion chaired by Ty Goddard of EdTech UK, where delegates reflected on the future of AI and digital learning in schools. Visitors particularly praised the School’s confident digital culture and the role of pupil Digital Geniuses in supporting both staff and fellow learners.

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We are incredibly proud of our pupils and staff for this

outstanding

achievement. Our results reflect the individual attention and supportive environment that define RGS Dodderhill, helping every girl develop the confidence, curiosity and ambition to succeed.

Headteacher, Ms Amy Page

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Attainment 8 Success RGS Dodderhill is celebrating another year of excellent academic achievement. In this year’s GCSE examinations, 92% of all grades were awarded at 9–4, with 47% of pupils achieving grades 9–7 and 68% gaining at least one top grade of 9–8.

These impressive outcomes are also reflected in the latest Department for Education performance tables, which confirmed an Attainment 8 score of 55.8. This places the School within the top 11% nationally and, for the third consecutive year, among the top two schools in Worcestershire for GCSE performance.

Attainment 8 measures performance across eight key GCSE subjects, including English, Mathematics, Sciences and Humanities, providing a broad picture of achievement across the curriculum.

International School Award Recognition RGS Dodderhill was proud to receive the International School Award at the Houses of Parliament.

RGS Dodderhill is the only local school and one of only a small number nationally to receive this prestigious recognition, which celebrates the School’s commitment to global learning and cultural understanding through its Global Citizenship programme.

Throughout the year, pupils take part in a wide range of international activities, including partnerships with schools in Madrid, celebrations for Mother Tongue Day and Chinese New Year, European Day of Languages and projects exploring cultures and communities around the world. The School also welcomed 84 local primary school children to an internationalthemed partnership event.

The award was a special moment to celebrate the dedication of staff and pupils in helping develop a wider understanding of the world.

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Pupils Rock the Stage Pupils at RGS Dodderhill delivered a confident and energetic production of WE WILL ROCK YOU Young@Part®, impressing audiences across three performances with their stage presence, teamwork and musicality.

The all-girls cast brought the much-loved musical to life with flair, reflecting months of rehearsal and collaboration. The production highlighted the strength of Performing Arts at RGS Dodderhill and the confidence pupils develop through creative opportunities.

The performances also became a real community event, with pupils from a number of local primary schools invited to attend. It was wonderful for younger children to see RGS Dodderhill pupils performing so confidently on stage and acting as inspiring role models.

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Celebrating Music & Performance

Lights, Camera…

Dodderhill!

Pupils demonstrated their impressive talent across both a Music Recital and the Winter Showcase performance, celebrating creativity, confidence and expression.

The beautiful grounds of RGS Dodderhill have taken centre stage on national television, featuring in the final two episodes of the latest series of Silent Witness.

The Recital featured a wide range of music, from beautiful violin pieces to expressive flute and lively saxophone performances, with pupils performing with confidence and enthusiasm throughout.

The Winter Showcase brought together music, drama and dance, including contributions from the Senior and Chamber Choirs, instrumental ensembles and powerful monologues.

Film crews spent time on the RGS Dodderhill campus capturing scenes set against the School’s picturesque grounds and distinctive buildings. The result is a striking backdrop for the concluding episodes of the series, showcasing the character and beauty of the site to audiences across the country.

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Condover Hall Netball Tournament Pupils in Years Eight to Eleven enjoyed an exciting weekend at the Condover Hall Netball Tournament.

The event brought together teams from across the country for a competitive programme of matches, with pupils showing excellent teamwork on court. Alongside the tournament, pupils also took part in a range of outdoor activities including abseiling, zip-lining, laser tag and water sports.

The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for pupils to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.

Strength Through Sport From competitive sport to strength and conditioning, pupils at RGS Dodderhill develop resilience, teamwork and determination.

Girls benefit from specialist coaching and training across the wider RGS Family of Schools, including netball, cricket and fitness sessions led by RGS coaches. Through access to these facilities and expertise, pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, build confidence and thrive both on and off the pitch.

Cross Country Pupils enjoyed a strong cross country season, competing in regional qualifiers and events within the Independent Schools Association (ISA).

Cross country challenges pupils both physically and mentally, helping to build stamina and determination while encouraging teamwork and personal achievement.

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Gardening Club Success Pupils are celebrating after the Gardening Club achieved the Level 2 Gardening Award from the Royal Horticultural Society.

The award recognises schools that make gardening accessible and promote the benefits of learning outdoors. Pupils have been developing the School allotment, planting and caring for crops while also running a popular plant stall at the summer fair.

Small But Mighty RGS Dodderhill offers pupils a rich range of opportunities beyond the classroom. Pupils have recently enjoyed British Sign Language, Yoga, Pottery and Photography clubs, developing confidence, creativity and new skills. These activities are just a snapshot of the rich co-curricular life at Dodderhill.

Future Pathways Pupils attended the Careers EXPO at RGS Worcester, enjoying an inspiring afternoon exploring future pathways and opportunities.

Meeting professionals from a wide range of industries, pupils asked questions and gained insight into different careers, helping them begin to consider their own ambitions for the future.

The event forms part of the School’s commitment to ensuring pupils are well informed about their post-16 choices and future careers, giving them the confidence and guidance to make the decisions that are right for them.

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Forest School Prep pupils step beyond the classroom each week to learn in the School’s own woodland setting through Forest School.

Here, pupils are encouraged to explore, experiment and take the lead whether building shelters, tackling practical challenges or working together to solve problems in the outdoors. These sessions help develop confidence, resilience and independence, while nurturing a genuine connection with the natural world.

Green Goblin Club Members of the Green Goblin Club have been getting hands-on with engineering as they begin work on rebuilding their Green Goblin car.

Pupils are removing panels, designing the car’s look and preparing it to race against other schools on a real racetrack, developing teamwork, creativity and practical engineering skills along the way.

The Green Goblin Club enjoyed an exciting visit to the British Motor Museum, taking part in a Formula 1 engineering workshop and exploring the museum’s collection of vehicles.

During the visit, pupils learned about the history of car design, discovered how engineering has evolved over time and even took part in remotecontrolled car racing. From classic cars to modern supercars, the day offered plenty of inspiration.

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Little Movers, Big Learners There is always plenty of energy and excitement during music sessions in the Nursery and Pre-school at RGS Dodderhill.

From singing and dancing to exploring a range of instruments, pupils discover the joy of music while developing confidence, coordination and early listening skills. These sessions are a wonderful example of the all-round approach to learning that sits at the heart of life in our Nursery.

Bonjour!

At RGS Dodderhill, Nursery and Pre-School children benefit from specialist teaching from the very start of their journey.

Children in the Nursery and Pre-School enjoyed their first taste of French lessons with French teacher, Madame MacRae. There was plenty of excitement as the children sang songs, shared stories and created French-themed crafts while being introduced to a new language and culture. Early language learning helps develop confidence, curiosity and communication skills, giving children a wonderful start as part of the all-round education offered at RGS Dodderhill.

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Code Club Achieves National Star Status!

Code Club has achieved Code Club Star status, placing it among only a small number of clubs nationwide to receive this recognition. To celebrate, they welcomed Code Club Community Coordinator Rujeko Moyo, who enjoyed seeing pupils enthusiastically present their projects, explain their ideas and demonstrate the impressive coding skills they have developed. With more than 70 weekly clubs RGS The Grange offers pupils exciting opportunities to explore new interests and develop future-ready skills.

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Walking Like an Egyptian!

Year Three pupils stepped back in time to explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt, embracing life on the Nile with wonderful enthusiasm. Dressed in linen costumes and jewelled collars, the children enjoyed a morning of creativity and discovery, crafting clay pots, learning traditional games such as Tug of War and Senet, and painting their own hieroglyphs using sticks and paint. The pupils’ imagination and engagement brought history vividly to life.

Learning Beyond the Classroom Outdoor learning is an integral part of life at RGS The Grange, where pupils aged 2–11 years benefit from hands-on experiences across 50 acres of Worcestershire countryside. From campfire cooking and den building to team challenges, whittling and minibeast exploration, children develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills while connecting with the natural world.

With two dedicated Forest School sites and outdoor learning embedded throughout the curriculum from Nursery to Year Six, every pupil has the opportunity to explore, experiment and grow in a rich and inspiring environment.

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National Cross Country Success RGS The Grange celebrated an outstanding achievement at the National Cross Country Finals, where the Boys’ Team (pictured above) secured an incredible 2nd place overall, the school’s best ever result at this prestigious event.

Competing against 50 of the top schools from across the country, the team demonstrated remarkable determination, resilience and teamwork to earn their place on the national podium. The Girls’ Team also performed superbly, running with great spirit and commitment against strong national opposition.

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Showjumping Success Pupils enjoyed a fantastic start to the year at the NSEA Showjumping competition, competing alongside riders from RGS Worcester. Penelope secured an excellent 3rd place in the 40cm class, while Lucie competed in the 60cm class.

Lucie also joined Ava and Izzy from RGS Worcester to take 3rd place in the 70cm team competition. Penelope qualified for the Regional Championships later this year.

New Trim Trail Proves A Hit With Pupils The new trim trail has quickly become a favourite with pupils, bringing energy, laughter and outdoor adventure to every playtime.

From climbing and balancing to swinging and jumping, pupils are enjoying the opportunity to challenge themselves, support one another and make the most of the fresh air.

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IAPS Netball The Under 11 Girls enjoyed a fantastic day competing at the IAPS Netball tournament, gaining valuable match experience against strong opposition. Throughout the day the team demonstrated excellent teamwork, growing confidence and impressive skill development, supporting one another on and off the court.

ISFA Regional Champions The Under 11 Boys’ Football team enjoyed outstanding success at the ISFA Regional Tournament, progressing through the group stages and semi-finals to reach a closely contested final against Bournemouth Prep, securing victory to be crowned Regional Champions. The team will play the National Finals at St George’s Park National Football Centre.

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Meeting the Worcester Warriors Pupils were delighted to meet Worcester Warriors players, taking part in a Q&A, rugby activities and autograph signing. As the official education partner of Worcester Warriors, our pupils benefit from these inspiring experiences.

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Performing Arts During Performing Arts Week pupils of all ages immersed themselves in a range of experiences designed to build confidence, teamwork and self-expression, from a Drama workshop for Year Six with former RGS pupil Charlie Day, to dance, drumming, improvisation and performance workshops across the younger years with Year Five taking on the exciting challenge of staging a ‘Play in a Day’. It was a wonderful celebration of creativity, confidence and performance at every age.

Matilda Jr. Wins NODA Award RGS The Grange is celebrating after its production of Matilda Jr. won a National Operatic and Dramatic Association Award for Effective and Excellent Use of Technology.

The production involved more than 50 pupils, both on stage and behind the scenes, with pupils taking responsibility for lighting, sound and stage management alongside their performances.

In his citation, Bruce Wyatt praised the remarkable contribution of the pupils backstage: “Bruce’s Technical Award goes to the youngsters at RGS The Grange, for their production of Matilda Junior… 90% of the backstage crew, lighting and sound teams consisted of 10 and 11-year-olds.”

The award is a wonderful recognition of the creativity, confidence and teamwork shown by pupils throughout the production.

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Royal Albert Hall Forty-five Year Six pupils from RGS The Grange took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concert, marking the fourth consecutive year the School has been invited to perform at this iconic London venue. Following a day of rehearsals, the pupils delivered a wonderful evening performance alongside the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted

by Ben Pope and hosted by broadcaster Natasha Kaplinsky OBE. This year’s theme, Showtime – ‘A Night of Musical Movie Magic’, saw the choir perform songs from much-loved musicals including Matilda, The Greatest Showman, Wicked, Wonka and Mamma Mia! while helping to raise funds for Barnardo’s vital work supporting vulnerable children across the UK.

Carol & Christingle at Worcester Cathedral Pupils in Years Three to Six gathered at Worcester Cathedral for a beautiful Carol and Christingle Service, where their singing filled the Cathedral with festive joy. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect as a school community.

Poetry Declamation Finals All pupils from Reception to Year Six take part in the Poetry Declamation at RGS The Grange, learning and performing a poem as part of this much-loved school tradition that builds confidence in public speaking from an early age. The Finals saw pupils perform in front of friends, families and teachers, showcasing wonderful creativity, expression and courage on stage. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and especially to our overall champions Ottilie and Etta.

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A Nurturing Start At RGS Springfield Nursery, children enjoy a vibrant and enriching day that balances structured learning with play.

Mornings begin with free-flow activities, with access to a range of outdoor spaces including the paddock, walled garden and Forest School, alongside freshly prepared home-cooked lunches.

Pupils benefit from regular outdoor learning experiences and special opportunities, including visits to RGS Worcester, where senior pupils share a love of reading on occasions such as World Book Day. 44

The best start you could ever wish for!

The setting is idyllic and like something from a story book, you can see the care that goes into planning the day.

Current Parent

It honestly feels like the Nursery team really do treasure your little one like family; taking a great interest in them as little people; supporting you with developmental changes; always there to offer advice.

Current Parent 45

Investment in Facilities Enhances Learning Environment RGS Worcester is undertaking a series of exciting development projects designed to enhance teaching, learning and the overall pupil experience. Improvements include the refurbishment of the Lecture Theatre with new seating, desks and flooring, and a redesigned entrance to Perrins Hall featuring new glass doors and stonework to improve accessibility and energy efficiency while preserving the building’s historic character. The Perrins Hall project has been made possible through the generous support of former pupil Ian Carmichael (1945-54).

A major development is also underway in the Pullinger building, where the new Mahjoor Innovation Centre will include a ‘Classroom of the Future’. Supported by the generosity of alumnus Fasha Mahjoor (1967-72), this innovative environment will be ready for the new academic year and will support collaboration, creativity and digital learning.

Together, these projects reflect RGS Worcester’s continued investment in its facilities, ensuring pupils benefit from inspiring, futurefocused spaces while honouring the School’s heritage.

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RGS & AO Foundation Double European Archery Champion Former RGS pupil Emelia Hughes was crowned Double European Champion at the European Field Archery Championships in Poland, winning two Gold medals for Great Britain. Competing at this level for the first time, she secured the Individual title with a centre shot in the final. The result marks a significant milestone in her development, with the World Championships in the USA now in her sights.

International Representation in Sport Several recent leavers have continued to compete at international level in Rowing.

Olivia Hodgson and Lucy Whiteley represented Great Britain at both the European and World Beach Sprint events this season.

From Apprenticeship to Engineering at BMW Robert Turner (OE 2004–18) is now a System Integration Engineer at BMW Group, contributing to prototype vehicle programmes across Europe. He joined through a Degree Apprenticeship, gaining experience across multiple areas of the business while studying for his engineering qualification.

Old Elizabethans Reunion Weekend The annual Reunion Weekend brought together alumni from across the UK and overseas, including recent leavers and those returning after many years. Events included the OE Dinner and Golf Day, providing opportunities for former pupils to reconnect with each other and with the School.

Alumni in Action Alumni continue to contribute to School life through careers events, talks and mentoring. Recent contributions have included speakers from a range of sectors, offering current pupils insight into pathways and experiences beyond School.

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RGS Worcester Senior School 11 - 18 years Upper Tything, Worcester WR1 1HP

RGS Dodderhill Nursery 2 - 4 years Girls Only Education for 9 - 16 years Dodderhill Road, Droitwich Spa WR9 0BE

RGS The Grange Nursery/Prep School 2 - 11 years Grange Lane, Claines WR3 7RR

RGS Springfield Nursery 2 - 4 years Britannia Square, Worcester WR1 3DL Pupils develop exceptional

levels of confidence

academically and personally, which creates a highly focused learning atmosphere and supports pupils’ success in their learning, including in national examinations.

This is a significant strength of the school.

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Leading Independent Education in the West Midlands

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