Worcesterian 2024-25

WORCESTERIAN 2024 2025

RGS “Pupils develop exceptional levels of confidence academically and personally, which creates a highly focused learning atmosphere and supports pupils’ success in their learning. This is a significant strength of the school”- ISI Inspection

CHERISHING THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

CHERISHING THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

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CONTENTS Introduction from the Headmaster

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English Faculty

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Mathematics Faculty

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Digital Learning & AI

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Modern Foreign Languages Faculty

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Science Faculty

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Humanities Faculty

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Creative Arts Faculty

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Sport

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Physical Education

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Careers

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Enrichment

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Educational Partnerships

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House Reports

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Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

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Foundation

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Charity

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Staff Joiners and Leavers

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Academic Achievements and Prizes

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Destinations for Leavers

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42 40 60

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Wo rc e s t e r i a n I 2024/25

Wo rc e s t e r i a n I 2024/25

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WELCOME TO THE WORCESTERIAN (2024-25)

This introduction to the Worcesterian is an opportunity for me to thank everyone in the RGS community for your support over the course of the academic year 20242025. While other independent schools have struggled against the backdrop of political and economic challenges, including the introduction of VAT on school fees, at RGS we have had an exceptional year and the support from pupils, parents, staff and alumni has been extraordinary – so thank you.

As the cover photograph shows, we have had a magical time! With public examination results that set new records in the summer and academic success in several national competitions and in Debating, the pupils worked extremely hard in their studies. Encouraged and supported by teachers who are experts, the pupils are so well prepared and supported.

Co-curricular pursuits have grown and developed still further with more activities, trips, expeditions and events than ever. There is so much for the pupils to enjoy, develop new interests and skills, and create lasting friendships and memories. A new ‘Futures Ready’ course was introduced in the Sixth Form, tracking the many skills our pupils develop across their time in the School, adding still further to the opportunities for them at RGS. Sport flourished with more teams and fixtures across more sports and RGS Worcester’s reputation continues to grow across the sports. The number of county, regional, national and international honours achieved by the pupils is extraordinary. The Performing Arts provided exceptional opportunities right across the age groups, including a trip to Orlando, Florida and being shortlisted for ‘Independent School of the Year for the Performing Arts’. Music had another superb year as we celebrated all that our Director of Music, Jonathan Soman has achieved in his six years at the School. Our March choral concert was pure Gold with wonderful participation and exceptional levels of performance.

We had more volunteering in the community than ever before from our pupils completing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards and our CCF pupils enjoyed so many activities, trips and camps. With some wonderful trips, including sports tours to Barbados and South Africa and an adventurous expedition to Borneo in the summer, the pupils have made the most of it all.

We enjoyed showing lots of people around RGS Worcester for Admissions at our Open Events and during each week.

In January, it was the turn of the ISI Inspectors who arrived and spent a week with us. The outcome was a superb Inspection report which identified RGS as having a ‘Significant Strength’ and the only independent school in the area to be recognised in this way. The strength is all about the positive working relationships at RGS which the Inspectors felt were unusual and exceptional – which we were delighted to receive since this is, after all, what education is all about!

The Good Schools Guide reviewer who visited a month later also recognised the strengths of RGS and wrote a glowing summary which is well worth reading. Further Awards followed in several areas of school life – recognition to our pupils and staff for all that they enjoy and achieve here.

So please do have a read through of our Worcesterian 2024-2025 and share with us the many activities, events and achievements we have all enjoyed. Thank you again for all your support.

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

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ENGLISH FACULTY

This has been another busy year, filled with academic achievements and literary events.

One of the standout achievements was the remarkable success of Year Seven pupils Monae Van Vliet and Lucy Wheeler in the English Speaking Union Shakespeare Performance Competition.

Their dedication and dramatic flair saw them progress all the way to the regional final in Wales, a truly amazing accomplishment for such young pupils.

The much-anticipated Litsoc London Tour saw Years Eleven to Upper Sixth embark on their fifth annual three-day residential trip to the capital in December. Led by Mrs Bond and Mrs Vincent the trip was packed with cultural highlights, including a poetry exhibition at the Southbank Centre, a fascinating tour of The Globe and a memorable performance of ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’ at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre.

Academic excellence was also a key focus for the A Level Study Day in March at The Commandery. Two engaging guest lecturers provided invaluable insights and preparation for examinations, with sessions on Hamlet and Dracula. A Level students also had the chance to see Hamlet in a thought-provoking and innovative production at the RSC in March.

Our Year Eleven pupils had a fantastic opportunity to deepen their understanding of their GCSE set text with a Macbeth film trip in February. This acclaimed production brought Shakespeare’s classic tragedy to life in a new and exciting way.

To round off a busy and enriching year, Litsoc members enjoyed some delightful mini trips in June. These included a relaxed book club and coffee session at Wayland’s Yard, and a wonderfully creative Larkin by the River experience, where pupils wrote their own observational poetry along the riverside.

The Library was busier than ever this year and a record number of books have been borrowed and read. World Book Day was celebrated in style with quizzes and other fun-packed events including The Big Book Swap and Book Hide and Seek. March also saw the visit of the popular and award-winning author Julian Sedgwick, who gave a fascinating talk to Years Seven and Eight.

He also sold and signed copies of his latest novels Tsunami Girl and 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café.

In June, our fifteen wonderful pupil librarians visited Waterstones and The Hive for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups summer event. They helped choose new titles for the School Library and attended a talk by Wren James, a rising star in Young Adult fiction.

This visit gave the pupils a wonderful chance to hear from a successful and inspiring author whose work is making waves in both publishing and film, as well as helping to select exciting new titles for our own library.

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MATHEMATICS FACULTY

2025 is a bumper year, mathematically speaking, as visitors to MB107 will no doubt attest. It is a notable number for several reasons: it is the only perfect square number this century (45²), the sum of the first nine cube numbers (1³ + 2³ + 3³ + 4³ + 5³ + 6³ + 7³ + 8³ + 9³), and also the square of the sum of the first nine positive integers (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9)². What an exciting year mathematically!

It was another stellar year for our pupils in the UKMT Mathematics Challenges, with 225 pupils across the School winning awards in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior competitions. Notably, 26 pupils qualified for the follow-on Kangaroo and Olympiad rounds. Top performers in each Year Group included: Ben Pectin (Year Seven), Sean Yang (Year Eight), Dylan Cornacchia (Year Nine), Denis Goodwillie-Green (Year Ten), Sihan Fu (Year Eleven), Jacob Hartley (Lower Sixth) and Ben Fisher (Upper Sixth). Well done to everyone who took part.

Our Lower Sixth students enjoyed a trip to the ‘Mathematics in Action’ event hosted at the University of Warwick, an inspiring experience that offered insight into how A Level Mathematics can lead to real-world careers and help solve practical problems. One talk explored how sine waves can be manipulated to model and predict interactions between fluids, such as ocean waves. In another talk, mathematician Alison Kiddle discussed how probability and the relationship between risk and success influenced her decision-making as a contestant on ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’, an approach that evidently paid off, as she walked away with £250,000! Overall, the day extended classroom learning by connecting abstract mathematical concepts with tangible real-world applications.

The Mathematics Primary Partnership event was once again a great success. Sixteen teams from local primary schools took part in a Minecraft-themed escape room in Perrins Hall, where pupils solved a range of logic and mathematics puzzles to unlock hidden prizes. A big thank you to all the schools who attended, and to our Year Seven helpers for their excellent support.

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DIGITAL LEARNING & AI PROGRAMME During the 2024-2025 academic year, the RGS Worcester Family of Schools’ Digital Learning & AI Programme has continued to grow and evolve, tackling new challenges and embracing innovative approaches. Our teachers, pupils and parents have experienced a wealth of exciting developments as we have enriched our digital learning culture and harnessed technology to enhance educational experiences across our four Schools and beyond.

Our remarkable Digital Genius Team welcomed a new group of members, who quickly became involved in various projects, including learning about the everincreasing digital world and testing new tools like Canva, Gemini, and Google AI Studio. The team’s expertise was prominently showcased at the BETT show, where they presented on AI Literacy, and Ridhima Canchi delivered a solo presentation at the GoodNotes stand. Further demonstrating their leadership in digital learning, the Digital Geniuses also delivered a series of engaging presentations to 120 University of Worcester Primary BEd students, highlighting their proficiency in our digital workflow, responsible AI use, and how they meaningfully augment learning with technology.

Our internal professional development included hosting an AI Teach Meet at INSET, where staff from across RGSW demonstrated how they had integrated AI safely and meaningfully across the curriculum. We also hosted a ‘Digital Parenting Evening’ to discuss Digital Footprints, sharing inappropriate images and helping children to navigate the AI Era. Assistant Head; Director of Innovation and RGSW International, John Jones, and Matt Warne, Head of Computing and Digital Learning at RGS The Grange, spoke at various events. This included the BETT Show, the ASHE conference, Apple HQ at Battersea Power Station, and the Windsor Forest AI Summit, sharing insights into the RGS Worcester Whole School AI Strategy. They also presented at the LGFL Conference at Samsung KX and the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC). Their active participation at these prominent events highlights RGS Worcester’s leading position in the EdTech sector and our commitment to shaping the future of digital learning both nationally and internationally.

DLP (PENDING) In conclusion, this year has marked significant progress

A major focus of our EdTech journey this year has been engaging with and understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. We were proud to be the first school globally to receive the Good Futures Foundation ‘Gold’ Award AI Accreditation. Activities have also included running AI assemblies and robotic workshops at local primary schools. This commitment to leveraging technology for educational excellence was further recognised when RGS Worcester won ‘Best Use of Technology’ at the Worcestershire and Herefordshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

for our Digital Learning Programme. We have raised AI literacy levels across our school community and continued to integrate AI technologies where they add meaning and value. Furthermore, we have expanded our partnership work. These achievements reflect our ongoing commitment to preparing our staff and pupils for success in an increasingly digital world. As we look ahead, we remain focused on leveraging technology to enrich education and equip our community with the skills needed for the future.

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COMPUTING & IT This year Lower School pupils have enjoyed exploring a range of programming languages, developing their skills by planning and coding programs. In Year Seven, pupils have applied this to programming hardware as well as studying the theoretical principles of computer science and the key components that make up all computer systems.

Year Eight pupils have examined the key laws around computer misuse and data protection, as well as exploring computer memory developments in a range of contexts. They have also continued to be given the opportunity to attain a nationally-recognised qualification through participation in the iDEA (Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award) programme at RGS Worcester.

In Middle School the number of pupils choosing to opt for computer science continues to rise. In Year Nine, pupils have honed their skills in algorithm creation and applied computational thinking to craft complex programs. They have also delved into the intricacies of computer networks and cyber security, enhancing their technical understanding. Their studies culminated in an inspiring trip to The Centre for Computing History museum in Cambridge to understand the origins and developments of the subject. Pupils in Year Ten have continued improving their programming skills and embarked on their GCSE Computer Science studies by expanding their knowledge of data representation and identifying the factors that affect computer hardware performance. The engaging Year Ten trip to Alton Towers focused on the programming design for rollercoasters and theme park safety systems. Our Computer Scientists in Year Eleven have consolidated their learning of key topics alongside an examination of the use of technology in society and network protocols.

In the Lower Sixth class, pupils have delved into the realm of program design implementation. In addition, they have successfully completed CISCO Networking courses, which have equipped them with industryrecognised qualifications in areas such as cybersecurity. Upper Sixth Computer Science students have showcased their skillset through the successful completion of practical programming assignments that mirror real-world scenarios. Their impressive NEA projects have highlighted their skills and aptitude in the field.

A highlight this year was the GCSE and A Level Computer Science trip to Tokyo. The tour included practical workshops around biotechnology and a masterclass hosted by Apple, as well as a visit to a partner Japanese Apple Distinguished School. The Lower School Code Club has remained active throughout the academic year, with pupils exploring various programming environments, honing their knowledge and practical coding skills. Pupils have participated in a range of activities to foster interest in computational thinking, through the UK Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge and International Hour of Code Week in December, pupils taking part in stimulating programming activities and culminating in the highly competitive Cipher Challenge House event for Lower School pupils.

The school has also been recognised as an official supporter of the annual international Safer Internet Day event, the department proactively sharing the notion that all users should endeavour to take responsibility in being safe and promoting online positivity.

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MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES FACULTY The Modern Foreign Languages Department (MFL) began the year with an exciting new addition to the team - our refurbished LanguageHub. Gone the ageing desktops and computer stations to be replaced with a bright, open space, furnished with colourful sofas, stools and bean bags, moveable tables and chairs, above all, the space was redesigned to promote creativity and diversity in language learning, providing a relaxed atmosphere more conducive to communicating in a foreign language. It quickly became a favourite with pupils and staff, the timetabled slots hotly contested whilst many a lesson now begins with “Is it our turn in the LanguageHub?”.

Communication is the bedrock of language learning. Grammar is important, learning key vocabulary essential, but none of it matters without the core objective of improving communication with our fellow human beings, in whatever language works best. This is the primary aim of the European Week of Languages, celebrated in late September, during which we promote communication through language learning and cultural discovery in food, games (the legendary House pétanque), language puzzles and clubs.

Italian Club returned this year to broaden pupils’ exposure to languages and promote the uptake of a new language outside the classroom. Cross-curricular in its staff (Mr Farmiloe is a budding linguist, if you didn’t know), the Italian Club is also supporting native speakers of Italian to cement and retain their gift of bilingualism. Cinema Paradiso is our MFL Foreign Film Club, making use of the size and technical capabilities of the new LanguageHub to show exclusively foreign language movies with English subtitles. Appealing to the younger Year groups principally, there is less Truffaut and more Technicolore, be it the mad-capped Astérix et Cléopâtre or the more fantastical works of Studio Ghibli, which have become a firm favourite.

All things Japanese became the surprise hit of the year. By chance we were asked to host a group of 15 or so visiting Japanese students in school for two days. With little time to organise, this adventure showcased RGS at its best: Mrs Kilburn (Head of Year Ten) and Mr Evetts (Head of Sixth Form) drummed up support amongst their year groups’ Scholars to rapidly put together a buddy programme for our guests. Our buddies were paragons of hospitality, showing the Japanese our bizarre RGS ways, responding thoughtfully to their questions, shepherding them to their various venues and patiently helping with communication.

For nearly all visiting students, this was their first time outside of Japan, yet their heroic efforts to understand and be understood were met with equal care and interest on our side. This experience belied the claim that we are an insular, island people. Rather our pupils were open-minded, warm, welcoming and eager to explore new cultures. Communication at its best.

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Indeed, reaching out to others is the mark of a linguist.

Our Year Nine and Lower Sixth language ambassadors proved their admirable ability in this skill as they put on language lessons for primary school pupils, the former hosting an Educational Partnerships day here at RGS, the latter visiting one of our local primary schools to share and inspire in others their love of languages.

Seeing our pupils enjoy the role of teacher for a day reminds us of our own passion to communicate the joy and value of languages. To this end we love to encourage new teachers coming into the profession and we once more welcomed a trainee teacher, Francisco Asis, into the Department in January. Francisco’s creativity with (and near addiction to) entertaining, interactive presentations won over his classes with ease and we too have benefitted from his approach to teaching. The trainee mentor role Miss John has fulfilled so superbly over the years has led to her appointment on a part-time basis as a PGCE lecturer at the University of Worcester. Miss John will thankfully remain with us part-time, channelling to the department the depth of pedagogical research such a post will offer.

Our two-year languages trip programme scheduled a Middle School trip to Madrid at Easter and a Lower School trip to Barcelona at the end of Summer Term.

Their counterparts in Years Nine and Ten became true madrileños during their stay in April. This meant, above all, an inability to resist the glamour of Gran Vía, Madrid’s main shopping area. Interspersed with their retail addiction were guided tours of central Madrid, Toledo and the palacio at Aranjuez, a day trip to an amusement park, and indulging in the Spanish staples of tapas and chocolate con churros. The highlight of the stay, though, was undoubtedly the two days spent at Santo Domingo

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de los Silos, our Spanish link school. Despite the initial nerves at throwing themselves into a full-speed Spanish language environment with other pupils they did not know, our pupils thrived. By the end of the two days, socials had been swapped, international Football played at break, and our hardy lot had even tried out a true specialidad casera, a bracing, rich cocido madrileño (Madrid stew); principal ingredients: mountains of meat and chickpeas!

Trips overseas are fundamental to enhancing a language pupil’s desire and ability to communicate with others.

Unfortunately, we cannot manage them every lesson!

So this year saw the return of our Year Seven Christmas Carol competition and the plethora of cultural projects completed by the Lower School in the second half of Trinity Term. All produced in French, German or Spanish, these range from competing in MasterChef to a critical appreciation of Le Petit Prince, to performing in a fashion show. We love the creativity our pupils bring to these projects, constantly surprising us with the new ways they find to explore the same themes.

We look forward to the progress and promotion of language learning next year at RGS, essential for our pupils to communicate effectively in the international community of which we are all citizens.

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SCIENCE FACULTY From the depths of Earth to the edges of space, Science continues to shape our world. This year, the Iberian lynx’s recovery offered hope for conservation, while carbon capture facilities like Iceland’s Mammoth tackled rising emissions. In orbit, the Chang’e 6 mission returned the first samples from the Moon’s far side, and the James Webb Telescope deepened our search for life beyond Earth. Meanwhile, AI continues to revolutionise. From drug discovery, designing antibiotics to fight resistant bacteria, to assisting teachers with their administration, the appropriate use of AI is both powerful and transformative.

This year has seen our pupils and students continue to rise to the challenges that were offered: from the sixteen different competitions entered, yielding a total of 370 awards (45 Gold Awards, 135 Silver Awards and 190 Bronze Awards), to residential field trips, University lectures and regional competitions, our pupils and students continue to grasp the opportunities that are presented.

CHEMISTRY Another exceptional year was marked by outstanding pupil accomplishments and a continued commitment to fostering scientific curiosity. Our pupils truly shone in competitive arenas, demonstrating their deep understanding and practical skills.

We saw remarkable success in the Regional ‘Top of the Bench’ Chemistry competition. Two of our teams entered the West Midlands heat, with a team securing passage to the Regional Final at Birmingham University. The team spent an enriching day tackling diverse and challenging practical experiments against very competitive opposition.

Our quietly confident team secured a very pleasing third place overall. Their performance was a reflection of their dedication and collaborative spirit.

Our Sixth Form students also achieved excellent triumphs in the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad. We are incredibly proud to report that the cohort secured the highest number of medals since 2021, a truly fantastic feat.

Their collective efforts resulted in an impressive 3 Gold, 11 Silver, and 18 Bronze awards. A special mention goes to Sam Taylor, who recorded the highest score by an RGS student in recent years. Despite clashing with University Open Days, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge also yielded equally amazing results, further underscoring the drive of our students to achieve highly.

The Summer Term saw 25 of our Lower Sixth students enter the RSC Schools’ Analyst Competition for the first time. Over four weeks, students working in teams on Wednesdays after school were tasked to identify a series of unknown compounds using a variety of analytical techniques including titrations, TLC and ion tests, in addition to researching the methods before their use.

The winners were Jacob Hartley and Harry Moore, with second place going to Abi Haldane, Fynn Butler and Leyla Rashid and third place to Chloe Barry, Nicole Laird and Holly Potter.

Beyond competitions, our commitment to Partnership events remained as strong as ever. We ran a busy programme, inviting over 150 Year Six pupils to explore the exciting world of Forensic Science – a fantastic opportunity to spark young pupils’ interest in the world of STEM. We also provided next year’s Academic Scholars with a hands-on experience of metal reactions. Our Year Ten GCSE pupils broadened their horizons by attending insightful ‘Science Live’ lectures, hosted by Warwick University. These connected classroom learning with realworld applications. Our A Level students also attended a similar event, with the highlight being ‘Strange Ice’ by Prof Andrea Stella and ‘Poisonous Tale of Forensic Science’ by Dr Hilary Hamlet.

As the academic year concludes, we extend our warmest wishes to all our Upper Sixth students for their future studies. We are particularly delighted to see Matthew Fallows pursuing Chemistry at Durham University and Sam Taylor embarking on a Natural Sciences degree at Cambridge University. Their paths will undoubtedly inspire many more. RGS students to follow in their footsteps and pursue their passion for Chemistry.

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BIOLOGY The Biology Department has enjoyed another exciting year, with pupils continuing to excel and demonstrate a genuine desire to understand better the world around us. The Department welcomed a new Head of Biology, Mrs Lloyd, in September who has been impressed by the enthusiasm pupils have displayed.

The Department has continued to offer several supra-curricular opportunities. Sixth Form students have been successful in completing the Intermediate Biology Olympiad; achieving medals.

Year Ten pupils were also successful in the Biology Challenge, achieving medals. Success in these competitions is indicative of the breadth of content that is covered at RGS Worcester. These enrichment activities are wonderful opportunities to celebrate the pupils’ passion for the subject beyond the constraints of public examinations.

A dedicated group of Sixth Form students took part in a rat dissection, led by Mrs King. The dissection took place over several sessions and allowed students to improve their practical skills and to gain first-hand experience in studying anatomy.

The annual Field Trip to Nettlecombe Field Studies Centre was organised by Ms Briggs. This was a fantastic opportunity for the Lower Sixth students to experience Ecology in practice and enhance their subject knowledge. Pupils developed their understanding of sampling techniques, estimating population size and identification of species, making the importance of conservation work even more relevant.

The Billingham Society pupils were challenged with extracting their own DNA from cheek cells. All pupils were able to see their own DNA! This reminded us of the importance of the discovery of DNA and how exciting it must have been for Friedrich Miescher to extract DNA for the first time in 1869.

The Department was excited to launch two new competitions in 2024-25 that allow pupils to consider the subject of Biology with an artistic approach. The theme for the Royal Society of Biology Photography Competition was ‘Transforming Life’ and asked pupils to capture images to explore the profound changes occurring across our planet. BioArtAttack 2D and Nancy Rothwell Awards were also launched this year. Both are international competitions which allow pupils to combine Art and Science.

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PHYSICS The past academic year has been excellent for the Physics Department, marked by impressive achievements, enriching experiences and inspiring exploration. This year has truly celebrated the spirit of scientific inquiry.

Physics Masterclass, discussing fundamental theories and the ideas of Einstein, Planck, Schrödinger, and Heisenberg. These sessions offered valuable insight into a world that challenges everyday perceptions of reality.

Our pupils excelled in the Physics Olympiad competitions. Our Sixth Form cohort secured a total of 30 awards in the Senior Olympiad, including 5 Gold, 17 Silver, and 8 Bronze medals. Congratulations to the Gold medallists of Benjamin Brierley, William Cartwright, Noah Dunnett, Jacob Hartley and Harry Moore. Meanwhile, Year Eleven pupils delivered a standout performance in the Intermediate Olympiad, earning a truly impressive 80 awards, with 18 Gold, 36 Silver and 26 Bronze. Our younger pupils also shone, collecting a total of 153 awards in the Junior Olympiad.

The Rocket Club made thrilling progress, designing and launching a rocket for the UKROC 2025 competition.

Successful test flights captivated Prep School audiences and demonstrated the excitement of practical physics.

Dr Neil Rowlinson, Head of Physics, delivered engaging talks on Magnetism, Black Holes and Astrophysics to the Billingham Society, sparking curiosity amongst pupils and the wider community. During Science Week, his talk on considering Physics beyond the classroom further inspired pupils. A careers session led by Dr Rowlinson showcased the vast and diverse opportunities available in Physics, drawing from his own varied experiences: from explosive research to education.

Beyond competitions, enrichment opportunities flourished. Year Ten pupils visited the University of Birmingham, partaking in a workshop that explored the quantum nature of light and built spectroscopes to observe quantum effects. Year Nine pupils represented the School at the Physics Big Quiz at Birmingham University, winning a round and igniting a passion for further discovery. Also at Birmingham University, our Sixth Form students deepened their understanding of the universe through a Quantum

We are immensely proud of our pupils’ enthusiasm and commitment, as we look forward to more innovative exploration in the year ahead.

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STEAM CAFE In October, the Sixth Form STEAM TEAM at RGS Worcester organised an internal DIY Faraday Competition for 36 Year Eight pupils. The event, led professionally by Bethany Atherton and supported by fellow Sixth Formers, allowed pupils to work in engineering teams to solve real-world problems and build working prototypes. The day was a great success, showcasing leadership and teamwork.

Following this, Year Eight pupils participated in the IET-hosted Faraday Challenge in January, competing against teams from local schools.

The event focused on the Battery Challenge, with all teams presenting innovative solutions. RGSW’s team won first place in a closely contested competition.

Throughout the year, the STEAM TEAM also hosted termly STEAM Cafes, where pupils presented topics of interest in a university-style discussion format. Topics included ultra-processed food, bacterial threats, and the intersection of Art and Mathematics in STEAM. Additionally, the team launched a Science Poster Competition for Lower Sixth students, inspired by the Cambridge HE+ scheme. Students researched and presented academic posters on complex scientific questions. Winners included Hannah Agoston, Aryan Peddareddy, and Jacob Hartley for their insightful and well-researched topics. These initiatives provided valuable opportunities for leadership, academic exploration and cross-year collaboration.

PETER WILDING - A LIFE REMEMBERED Peter was a man of great kindness, generosity and dedication. His passing is a deep loss to all who knew him, but his legacy of service, friendship and support will remain with us always.

Peter began his career with a strong sense of duty, serving as a Marine Engineer in the Royal Navy for six years. He carried with him the discipline, resilience and technical expertise that defined his time in service. Following this, he dedicated 30 years of his life as a research technician at QinetiQ, where his skills and knowledge contributed to advancements in science and engineering, publishing several papers in his time.

Yet, his passion for supporting others extended beyond his professional work. After leaving QinetiQ, he brought his expertise to the field of education, working first as a school science technician at Malvern St James School, and then for the past 13 years as a valued Physics Technician at RGS.

He was an integral part of the Physics Department, not just ensuring that everything ran smoothly, but going above and beyond to support both staff and students alike. His generosity—both in spirit and in time—left a lasting impact on those around him.

Beyond the classroom, Peter was always willing to lend a helping hand. He supported Duke of Edinburgh school expeditions and Greenpower Challenge events, guiding and encouraging students as they learned and grew through these experiences. His commitment to the school community was evident in his support for various charity events, always willing to contribute in any way he could.

More than his impressive career and contributions, it was his character that truly made him special. He was kind, patient and always ready with a warm smile or a helpful word. He never sought the spotlight, yet his presence was deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service and unwavering commitment to those around him. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the many ways he enriched our lives.

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HUMANITIES FACULTY

CLASSICS Summer 2025 marks the end of another successful year for the Classics Department. We continue to walk a fine line between studying the distant past in traditional ways while adapting to new technological innovations in teaching and learning. Classicists and Latinists have been getting to grips with Cicero, Virgil and Homer through their well-trodden textbooks as well as through interactive apps. We remain popular in the twitterverse; @RGSClassics and the Department now reach over 1,600 followers. With large numbers of pupils at all levels throughout the School, we remain very busy.

We were very pleased with our results in the Summer Examinations in 2024, and with the academic successes over the past year. Dan Foster deserves congratulations for receiving an offer to read Classics with Oriental Studies at Magdalen College, Oxford, next year. In Classical Civilisation A Level, we celebrated an exceptional A*-A rate of 75%, with 100% of our students attaining A*-B. Our Latin GCSE, meanwhile, was also outstanding, with 81% of our cohort scoring Levels 9 or 8, and 100% at Levels 9-7.

In the Summer term, we welcomed a group Year Six pupils to the Department to experience taster lessons in Latin and Ancient History.

They enjoyed learning to speak some basic Latin and singing ‘Old McDonald’ in Latin, while getting to grips with some genuine ancient Greek and Roman coins. They had the opportunity to design their own coin complete with Latin or Greek inscriptions and their choice of types.

Thanks go to Sixth Form students Keira Mountford and Hope Bradley for helping with the day so successfully. Fynn Butler and Keira Mountford also completed outstanding essay competition entries on the value of Literary Sources compared to Classical Archaeology.

Miss Acton joined us this year, and her presence has been very welcome.

She has settled in and got to know the pupils very well, she has already made a very profound impression through her engaging lessons, her involvement with School Netball, and her role in supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Lower School Classical Reception Club also goes from strength to strength, with talks from older pupils about areas of particular interest to them, including Alexander the Great’s influence on modern international politics, or the resonance of the story of Persephone’s kidnapping in contemporary literature.

While looking back on another successful year we can reflect on our successes and consider opportunities to develop the teaching of Classics in the future. We look forward to continuing to encourage a wide range of pupils applying for Classics-related subjects at University, to supporting a range of Classically-themed EPQs and encouraging students in their essay competition entries.

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GEOGRAPHY The Geography Department has enjoyed another outstanding academic year, marked by a rich variety of engaging activities, field trips and academic achievements that continue to broaden pupils’ understanding of the world beyond the classroom.

The Department started the year celebrating another set of impressive A Level (41% of the students gained A* or A grades) and GCSE results. We were also delighted to welcome Miss Rhodes Jones and Mr Roberts to the Department; both have been excellent teachers in every respect, bringing energy, expertise, and enthusiasm that have greatly enriched the learning experience for all pupils.

During the Michaelmas term, Year Eight pupils visited the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where they explored tropical ecosystems and refined their map skills through orienteering challenges. Meanwhile, Year Eleven undertook fieldwork locally at the Diglis Basin, investigating the impacts of urban regeneration. This complemented their prior visit to Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire, equipping them with robust preparation for their GCSE fieldwork paper. In November Year Seven pupils also enjoyed an exciting field trip to the Natural History Museum in London, where they explored exhibits on volcanoes and earthquakes, including the ever-popular earthquake simulator.

Their enthusiasm was evident as they engaged with interactive displays that brought tectonic processes to life. The visit also sparked curiosity beyond Geography, with highlights including the iconic dinosaur skeletons and the impressive blue whale model, offering a broader appreciation of the natural world.

In the Lent term, Lower Sixth geographers embarked on a

five-day residential to the Field Studies Council Centre in Slapton, Devon, gathering data for their Non-Examined Assessment (NEA). Investigations included coastal management at Start Bay, urban study in Totnes for Changing Places, and infiltration measurements for the Water and Carbon topic. This immersive experience significantly enriched students’ analytical and practical fieldwork skills.

This year marked the second year of the Humanities Faculty Essay Competition, with students tackling the themes of conservation and population. Congratulations go to Ellen McGettigan and Isabelle Fawcett, who were named joint winners for the Geography Department in recognition of their thoughtful and well-researched submissions.

We look forward to our Azores trip in October 2025, which promises to be another exciting opportunity for pupils to experience Geography first-hand and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world.

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HISTORY It has been another successful year for the History Department at RGS Worcester. With 77% of A Level students gaining Grade A*/A and 100% reaching A*C, the outgoing Upper Sixth set a very positive tone for 2025-26. The GCSE pupils also performed strongly, achieving 70% Grade 9-7 with 38% of pupils receiving a Grade 9. We were also delighted to welcome back Dr Davison to the Department and while it had been very sad to part with Mr Ager, we were pleased to be joined by Mr Pardoe. New schemes of work on the Silk Roads along with revised schemes on the British Empire, the Second World War and the Holocaust saw pupils in Years Seven to Nine discussing and considering some of the key issues not just from the past but which are impacting our modern society today, looking beyond British shores to truly global issues. Working with the RS Department, Year Seven have also once again visited Worcester Cathedral while members of Year Ten and the Lower Sixth will be travelling to Poland next year.

Organised in partnership with The Battle of Worcester Society, the Department was delighted to support the work of the Textiles Department in the Worcesterwide Banners Project, commemorating the banners of regiments that fought in 1651. Mr Pardoe led History’s contribution by creating resources for Year Eight on the English Civil War and the significance of the banners: pupils were then asked to design their own banner. The winning banner – by Kate Yurchenko – will now be made in Textiles before being displayed along Copenhagen Street later this summer. Mr Pardoe said: ‘The project has helped bring home to Year Eight pupils the importance of our local history. Therefore, whether they cross Powick Bridge or walk to School through Worcester each day, they can imagine what it must have been like – and be immensely glad they were not doing so on 3rd September 1651!’

The History Department was well-represented in the School’s Humanities Prize, with Arran Niccol’s essay on whether the Cold War was won by the capitalists or lost by the communists gaining a very worthy second place.

This term, the Year Ten historians braved the changeable weather to head up to Staffordshire to learn more about their case study for their Medicine Through Time GCSE paper. Ridhima Canchi in Year Ten wrote: ‘Our visit to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum and the Cannock Chase War Cemetery of the First and Second World Wars was genuinely a rewarding experience that allowed us to deeply engage with the material from our GCSE History unit on the ‘Western Front’. Our enthusiastic tour guide gave us a deep insight into the daily lives of soldiers in the trenches during the First World War, describing the illnesses they contracted and the hardships they valiantly faced.’

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POLITICS Students in the Politics Department achieved outstanding results last summer with 78% of grades at A*/A and all students gaining a Grade B or above. With events at home and abroad changing at a fast pace, it has been an exciting – if sobering – time to be a Politics student. Having analysed our own General Election results last summer, we followed the US elections in November with huge interest – and the actions of Trump since have been rather a rollercoaster! It is definitely a fascinating – and important - time to be studying Politics!

As well as taking part in a Politics revision conference in the Spring, the RGS Politics students also had the opportunity to visit both Parliament and the Supreme Court in September.

This provided a fascinating look into two of the most important institutions in the UK’s political and legal systems. Since Parliament was not in session on the day of the visit, they were able to explore areas that are not typically open to the public, including the Monarch’s Entrance, which is traditionally used by the King during the State Opening of Parliament. It was a unique privilege to walk through the same grand entrance used by monarchs for centuries.

the layout of the chamber. One of the highlights of the day was a workshop led by Parliament staff. The session focused on the concept of snap elections, explaining when and how they are called, and the significant impact they can have on the political landscape.

Overall, the trip was an enriching experience, offering a mix of historical tradition, political insight and an up-close look at the workings of government. It left students with a greater appreciation of the importance of these institutions in shaping the future of the country. In fact, the visit summed up why understanding our political world is so vital in 2025, both through the tentacles reaching from our past to our today as well as the huge impact that current events in the world are having on the British and global communities.

Students were then taken into the chambers of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Standing inside these iconic rooms where so many key debates have taken place was inspiring. In the House of Lords, students learned about its role as a revising chamber and the constitutional changes the Labour government is trying to make. In the House of Commons, where MPs represent their constituencies, students were given an overview of the legislative process and

PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION Following another year of outstanding GCSE and A level results, the Philosophy and Religion Department quickly turned its focus to the year ahead, welcoming new pupils and developing fresh ideas to continue delivering an engaging and academically enriching curriculum.

A varied programme of clubs and trips has remained central to departmental life. All Year Seven pupils once again visited Worcester Cathedral alongside the History Department, enhancing their understanding of Christian belief while gaining a deeper appreciation of this significant local landmark.

In December 2024, Year Eleven pupils travelled to Kraków, Poland, for a powerful educational visit exploring the city’s

cultural heritage and its connection to the Holocaust. Visits to the Old Town, Jewish Quarter, Schindler’s Factory Museum, and guided tours of Auschwitz I and Birkenau encouraged thoughtful reflection on remembrance, justice and human rights, while experiences of local culture added further depth to the trip.

Model United Nations has continued to grow in popularity, with pupils debating at The Elms School and at Malvern College’s inaugural conference, where they achieved both Best Delegate and a Highly Commended award. With enthusiasm continuing to build, plans are now underway to host the first ever RGS Model United Nations next academic year.

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BUSINESS & ECONOMICS In August 2024, the Business and Economics Department achieved outstanding results across all three subject areas. This success is a reflection of the high standards of teaching and learning, as well as the dedication and commitment shown by our students.

This academic year, we proudly launched our newly established Enterprise Skills Club, working with a highly enthusiastic group of Year Seven pupils. The programme focused on developing key entrepreneurial skills, starting with an exploration of what it means to be an entrepreneur and the personal qualities required to start and grow a successful business. Students then explored a range of innovative business ideas before applying their knowledge to develop their own enterprise in response to a real-world brief.

Throughout the project, pupils conducted market research, analysed competitors and created unique product concepts, complete with branding and a tailored marketing strategy.

The programme culminated in a professional business pitch, delivered to a panel of Business Studies teachers. The creativity, effort and confidence shown by the pupils was truly impressive and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.

Alongside this, we have supported the formation of a student-led Economics Society, which has quickly become a popular and valuable forum for discussion and debate.

Our Sixth Form students have demonstrated impressive leadership, initiative and commitment by organising and delivering weekly sessions exploring a wide range of economic issues affecting both the UK and the global economy. Their enthusiasm and depth of research have been commendable.

In November, a group of our A Level Economics students had the opportunity to attend an Economic Update event, led by James Sproule, Chief UK Economist at Handelsbanken. The session offered valuable insights into

the current state of the UK economy, including forecasts on key macroeconomic indicators. It also encouraged students to think critically about potential economic policy responses to ongoing challenges. Our students engaged thoughtfully with the content and gained a deeper understanding of how economic theory connects to real-world policy.

Earlier this year, we organised a visit for our Lower Sixth students to the Vale Golf Club and Conference Centre in Evesham. The visit included a guided tour of the facilities, along with insightful sessions led by a resident golf professional and members of the marketing team.

Students gained a valuable behind-the-scenes look at how the business operates, particularly in relation to customer service, branding and promotional strategies. This handson experience provided an excellent opportunity for students to see business theory in action and engage directly with industry professionals.

More recently, in June, our Business students participated in a Taster Day at Aston University. The event was designed to introduce students to undergraduate programmes in Business Management, Marketing and Human Resources. Through a series of interactive taster sessions, students explored academic content, career pathways and university teaching methods. The day also included a campus tour led by current undergraduates, giving our students valuable insight into University life and helping to inform their future academic decisions.

As a Department, we are proud to offer students not only a strong academic foundation but also meaningful opportunities to develop practical skills, broaden their horizons and explore future pathways in Business and Economics.

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PSYCHOLOGY The Psychology A Level programme at our School continues to flourish, with outstanding academic results reflecting the dedication and hard work of our students and staff. This year, an impressive 100% of students achieved Grades A*-C , with 88% earning Grades A*-B, and over half securing top marks of Grade A*-A. Once again, our results surpassed the national average, demonstrating the strength and depth of our Psychology programme.

Beyond examination success, this year has been marked by exciting opportunities that have brought Psychology to life for our students. Our inaugural ‘Brain Day’ was a standout event, featuring a fascinating lecture and live brain dissection for our Upper Sixth students, led by the renowned Dr Sutton. Students delved into cutting-edge topics such as the criminal brain, Brain Computer Interfaces and the latest advances in neuroprosthetics. They explored how artificial limbs are being revolutionised through microelectrode arrays implanted in the brain and discussed the future impact of AI and brain mapping technologies. The event was so inspiring that Dr Sutton returned in Trinity Term to present a second ‘Brain Day’ for our Lower Sixth cohort.

Our programme also provided students with unique insights into the real-world applications of Psychology through a series of specialist talks. The year began with Dr Balloo’s lecture on Child Clinical Neuropsychology, offering

a glimpse into the vital work of psychologists. We explored the rehabilitation process psychologists use with young children recovering from surgery following epilepsy. This further enhanced our understanding of functional recovery in the brain.

Students learned about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in a compelling session led by Kirsty Locker. She explained key CBT techniques, presented case studies, and showed how this therapy helps reorganise and heal the mind. This talk sparked interest among students considering careers in clinical psychology and provided clear pathways into the profession.

This year, the Department has actively supported student involvement in a range of psychology competitions, including the BrainBee and the Psychology Olympiad.

The Year Eleven Psychology Club continued to thrive, with pupils taking part in stimulating discussions and exploring contemporary research topics such as phantom limb syndrome and the role of sleep in cognitive health.

We would also like to recognise the dedication of our Upper Sixth students and wish them all the best in their examination results and future paths.

SOCIOLOGY This year marks an exciting milestone for RGS with the introduction of Sociology as a brand-new academic subject at A Level. Our inaugural group of fifteen enthusiastic students have already begun delving into some thought-provoking questions about the world around them.

Sociology encourages students to think critically about society, culture and human behaviour. Our Lower Sixth students have enjoyed exploring fascinating questions such as how childhood has changed over the last 100 years, sparking rich discussions on evolving family dynamics and societal expectations. They have also learned the foundations of sociological research - understanding how to investigate social issues through different methods, from surveys to covert observations. Students have debated what education means in today’s world and who really benefits from the systems in place. Additionally, the class has tackled the complex question of media influence, exploring who controls the media we consume and how it shapes our views.

Sociology also featured strongly in this year’s Humanities Essay Prize competition, and there were three students who were highly commended for their insightful essays. They debated whether there are any clear links between crime and wealth, and used feminist theory to explore the position of working women in modern day society. These students demonstrated excellent research skills, critical thinking and a real passion for understanding society.

Looking ahead, the Sociology students will embark on an educational trip to the Court Houses during the Michaelmas term. This visit will support their Upper Sixth unit of work on Crime and Deviance, providing a unique opportunity to witness the criminal justice system in action and deepen their understanding of law, order and social control in real-life contexts.

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CREATIVE ARTS FACULTY

ART

Vesta, our beautifully decorated penguin, waddled back into school at the start of September after helping raise an incredible £330,000 for St Richard’s Hospice as part of the Worcester art trail. Her return marked the beginning of another vibrant year for the Art Department.

The Michaelmas term began with a creative buzz as our new Sixth Form artists visited Worcester to seek inspiration for their initial projects. Soon, the studio walls were alive with expressive studies and paintings that showcased not only technical skill but the individuality of each student.

Our annual exhibition at Worcester Cathedral was particularly special this year, taking the form of a retrospective. The Chapter House provided a striking venue, allowing the diversity of media and remarkable talent of our aspiring artists to shine. We are already looking ahead to February Half term 2026, when our current Upper Sixth students’ work will take centre stage in what promises to be a spectacular display.

For our GCSE pupils, this year’s examination theme, ‘Gatherings’, sparked a wealth of imaginative responses. A visit to the city of Oxford offered rich inspiration – from architecture to ambience – and pupils returned with a stunning array of imagery, from butterflies to Buddhas and flutes to fossils.

The Art Department has always been a place of welcome and this year we were delighted to host pupils from St Barnabas Primary School, who created imaginative paper heads inspired by Picasso and Lichtenstein.

During our Open Morning, visitors were invited to dress as a famous painting – a playful and popular activity that added colour and creativity to the event.

Our Co-curricular Clubs continue to flourish. The Lower School Art Club contributed a moving piece for Holocaust Memorial Day, displayed at The Guildhall in collaboration with the Music Department. Mindfulness Club continues to attract enthusiastic participants and our new Photography Club has been a resounding success, offering pupils yet another outlet for creative expression.

Creative Arts Evening once again provided a platform to celebrate pupil work from both Years Eleven and Sixth Form. It is always inspiring to see how our young artists meet creative challenges with such individuality, sensitivity and passion.

As I prepare to hang up my painting overall at RGS Worcester, I leave with confidence and pride in the future of the Art Department. It remains in the hands of talented and dedicated practitioners and I know that our pupils will continue to inspire, delight and amaze all who have the privilege of viewing their work.

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DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Each year, the Department grows busier and more dynamic, with students continuing to push the boundaries of design. This year has been no different, as projects became even more ambitious and innovative.

The Upper Sixth students have set a strong example with outstanding design work. Their projects ranged from a wheeled trolley to assist the elderly, a foldable desk for students and carbon fibre hydrofoils for a kayak. The standard of their portfolios has been exceptional - some nearing undergraduate quality. Most will go on to study Engineering or Design, and we wish them every success in the future.

Year Eleven engineers tackled the challenge of creating devices to reduce, remove or recycle polymers, producing clever working prototypes like shredders and crushers. Meanwhile, Resistant Materials students designed a variety of useful household and garden items. Both groups showed great creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment.

Lower and Middle School pupils, as always, brought high energy and curiosity to every aspect of the subject. One of the highlights this year has been the restoration of a 1950s Citroen Traction Avant, led by Mr Batchelder. Students from Year Seven to Lower Sixth have eagerly contributed to the project thus far.

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Several enriching trips and guest speakers have helped expand students’ horizons. A visit to F1 Williams in Oxford offered the chance to view the world’s largest private F1 car collection, race on simulators and run crash simulations of nose cones. Year Ten pupils visited the Morgan Motor Company to see handcrafted cars and witness their classroom learning applied in the real world. Another highlight was hearing from engineers involved in the Thrust SSC land speed record attempt during a visit to the Coventry Transport Museum.

Our Greenpower team has continued to thrive. At the Mallory Park race, our team placed 4th and 5th and wasted no time dismantling the car to reduce weight for a shot at the top three. Students from Year Eight to Upper Sixth have been instrumental in developing a new car, which will soon feature a carbon fibre shell.

Lastly, congratulations to Jai Sanehi (Year Eleven) and William Cowley (Lower Sixth) on earning the prestigious Arkwright Scholarship - a nationally competitive award granted to the UK’s most promising young engineers. We are excited to see where their futures lead.

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TEXTILES Lower Sixth Textiles students travelled to London in March to explore research opportunities for their individual Personal Investigation coursework projects. A visit to The Saatchi Gallery to see the ‘Flora in Contemporary Art and Culture’ exhibition provided a vibrant experience and The V&A Museum History of Fashion Collection gave an insight into garment style and silhouette. Finally, the ‘Vogue: Inventing the Runway’ immersive show, celebrating 100 years of Vogue, at The Lightroom, featured an exhilarating journey into the world of the catwalk with the likes of Dior, Chanel, Westwood and McQueen.

The opportunity to work collaboratively with the Battle of Worcester Society has been a new and exciting project for pupils in Year Eight. Following a visit from Mr Daniels, Chair of the Society, pupils were set the challenge to design a banner in the style of those featured in the Civil War. With credit given for simplicity of style and authenticity, the banner created by Kate Yurchenko was selected as the winning design. Summer Fox and Moin Sultan received a ‘Highly Commended’ certificate. Pupils in Year Eight, together with students in Lower Sixth, painted her design together with three of the original regiment banner designs from the English Civil War. The three banners created by our pupils will be displayed in Copenhagen Street in August and Kate’s design will be displayed in School.

In June, the Textiles Department hosted the Midlands Regional Final of the prestigious Young Fashion Designer UK (YFDUK) competition.

This centred on the theme ‘Eco Thread Challenge – transform the threads of yesterday to the fabrics of tomorrow’, with entrants submitting a range of themed design work for judging by a panel of industry professionals. Out of over 250 entries from more than 50 schools across the Midlands and North, just twelve finalists were selected to present their designs at RGS. The day offered a programme of activities, including a fast-paced Upcycle Challenge, talks from industry professionals and a gallery-style exhibition of the pupils’ final pieces.

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Upper Sixth student Frankie Reed won the Upcycle Challenge and came 2nd in the Design category, with Lower Sixth student Bella Coventry receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ in the Design category. Lauren Egginton came in the top four at Year Nine level and Ruby Li came 2nd in the Years Seven and Eight category for the second year running with Benicia Ntivunwa receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ award.

The Textiles Fashion Show took place as part of The Creative Arts Evening, featuring pieces created by pupils across all Years. Year Seven pupils displayed their vibrant tie-dye T-shirts and Year Eight’s handmade bags, while Year Nine presented stylish sweatshirts and Year Ten modelled their bodices and skirts. Lower Sixth students impressed with their sustainable denim and outerwear designs, while Upper Sixth pupils closed the show with their stunning A Level final collections.

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MUSIC This year, Years Seven and Eight Music classes have enjoyed some new topics such as the Twelve Bar Blues and Holst’s: The Planets, performing small-group pieces in each style.

GCSE and A Level musicians have produced coursework in a range of musical genres, with drum solos and piano duets being recorded alongside saxophone, violin, harp and vocal solos. Compositions have spanned the centuries, with Bach-style harmony exercises complementing pieces in the style of 70s’ Progressive Rock, ballet scores and George Ezra.

Each year group has also taken its turn to present a Teatime Concert to accompany academic music lessons, giving all pupils the chance to perform solo or small-group pieces in an informal setting in Perrins Hall. The Sixth Form Showcase in October offered an extended concert platform for many of our oldest soloists, who produced a high-quality evening of musical performances.

The Piano Concert day in December offered a focus for all of the School’s pianists, with several receiving a short masterclass session with visiting professional pianist George Rowley. This was then followed by an evening recital programme which brought pupil and professional pianists together. All of Year Seven heard George play in a special lunchtime assembly. Year Seven also enjoyed a concert trip to Symphony Hall, Birmingham to watch and listen to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra play a varied selection of short orchestral pieces.

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CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC The musical year kicked off with the second ‘RGS Live’ concert, featuring instrumentalists and singers from all Year Groups performing a variety of pop and rock songs together in Main Hall. The Michaelmas term continued with two Autumn Concerts and the Chamber Choir once again singing at St Richard’s Hospice’s moving ‘Lights of Love’ Service. There were many performances in Assemblies and, at the close of the term, our duo of Christmas treats. First came ‘Christmas with the Big Band’ in Perrins Hall, celebrating the lighter side of festive music with the Big Band joined by the Flute Ensemble, Guitar Group, Junior and Senior Jazz Ensembles.

Then there was the traditional service of lessons and carols in Worcester Cathedral, led by our four major choirs.

The Lent Term included a Piano Concert with guest soloist George Rowley giving masterclass sessions to several of our most advanced pianists before he joined them in a high-quality evening recital. The Chamber Choir had a thoroughly enjoyable trip to sing Evensong at St George’s Chapel, Windsor in March before giving a Lunchtime Recital at Worcester Cathedral later in the month. Sandwiched between these two performances, and also in the Cathedral, was the highlight of the musical year: our ‘Concert in Colour’, featuring all four RGS Schools. Colour-themed songs abounded, whilst Lower Sixth pianist Sasha Penlington and the RGS Orchestra earned a mighty standing ovation for their stunning performance of Gershwin’s seminal ‘Rhapsody in Blue’. The concert closed with a specially-curated medley of ‘Gold’ songs, matching Mr Soman’s sparkly jacket for this year, sung by a mass choir from all four RGS Schools.

Following another successful Cabaret evening where senior singers performed with the Big Band, the Trinity term featured a ‘Let’s Sing’ Outreach singing workshop with 170 primary school pupils. There were more choir performances at the Commemoration Service and Lower School Prizegiving, and several ensembles were on show at the Creative Arts Evening in June.

A special Summer Celebration concert evening concluded the musical year, allowing pupils, parents, teachers and our dedicated peripatetic team of visiting music teachers to come together to say a very fond farewell to the talented Upper Sixth cohort and, after his six-year residency, Mr Soman.

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DRAMA This academic year has been an exciting and inspiring journey for the Drama Department, filled with creative exploration, powerful performances and memorable moments across all year groups.

A standout highlight was the Lower Sixth Devised Performance, which drew on the techniques of Jerzy Grotowski. Using an extract from ‘A Doll’s House’, students created a raw and physical interpretation that showcased impressive emotional depth and a deep understanding of avant-garde theatre.

The Upper Sixth delivered a gripping scripted performance of The Portrait of Dorian Gray, tackling Wilde’s dark themes with maturity and flair. Their individual monologues ranging from Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’ to Jim Cartwright’s ‘Bed’ demonstrated versatility, confidence and an excellent grasp of characterisation.

Year Eleven pupils rose to the challenge with a range of compelling scripted performances. Their work showed great progress in stagecraft and collaborative creativity. Year Ten devised their own performances for an invited audience from Redhill Primary School.

Not only was their work imaginative and entertaining, but the pupils also led a brilliant Q&A session showing excellent leadership and communication skills.

Our Year Nine pupils impressed everyone with their Devised Drama examination performances. Despite their relative inexperience, they produced inventive, thoughtful pieces that surpassed expectations and revealed budding talent.

Years Seven and Eight also enjoyed a rich programme as they explored Physical Theatre and Shakespeare. They ended the year on a high with some energetic and joyful musical theatre work through their performances of pieces from Oliver! and Hamilton. From devised drama to classical texts, this year’s work has shown the power of theatre to inspire, challenge and unite.

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CO-CURRICULAR DRAMA It has been a truly unforgettable year for Co-curricular Drama, Dance and Theatre at RGS, with pupils from all Year groups immersing themselves in a wide range of inspiring and ambitious projects.

The year began with a bang in November, as our Senior pupils wowed audiences with a five-show run of ‘Bonnie and Clyde’.

Their electrifying performances, strong ensemble work and powerful storytelling made it an instant hit. In March, the Seniors returned with ‘The Ash Girl’, performed by two alternating casts.

This magical yet haunting adaptation of the Cinderella story tested their acting skills and showcased their maturity and emotional range.

The summer production saw Years Seven to Ten take centre stage in an extraordinary five-night run of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.’ The show was a triumph, filled with spellbinding effects, energy, and imagination – a real celebration of young talent.

Beyond the stage, pupils also enjoyed enriching experiences through drama trips. The A Level students travelled to Cornwall, where they explored the work of Kneehigh Theatre, studied Greek theatre in context, and saw the spectacular ‘Bat out of Hell’. A week-long residential in Orlando offered even more opportunities to develop performance skills. Meanwhile, theatre trips to the RSC’s Pericles and The History Boys in Malvern gave pupils insight into professional productions.

Our many clubs have also thrived. Musical Theatre Club and the Junior and Senior Spotlight groups all worked hard throughout the year, with Spotlight members proudly sharing devised performances in July. Tech Club was the creative force behind the scenes, designing props, sets and lighting effects for productions throughout the year. Dance Club also shone brightly, culminating in a stunning evening of dance in March. This has been a year of magic, dedication and creativity; a true celebration of the performing arts!

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SPORT FACULTY

FOOTBALL At the start of the season I was excited about the prospect of coaching and working together with one of the most talented 1st XI squads I have worked with in my time as Head of Football, They lived up to these high expectations and led the way admirably. Their attitude, application and the intensity of their performances were outstanding in all 23 matches, of which they won 17. The inner drive and sheer quality the players demonstrated so consistently throughout the last two terms in their performances confirmed that they were the best squad I have ever had the pleasure to coach and observe.

These attributes were best shown in the exciting and disciplined performances against Malvern, Clifton, Repton, Millfield, Wycliffe, Pate’s and Loughborough schools.

However, the undoubted highlights were the matches against Bromsgrove and King’s School in the annual Challenge Cup, such was the manner of the performances, the quality of the finishes and the sheer indestructible nature of both victories.

At Junior and Middle School level it was wonderful to observe how our Middle School boys approached the transitional stage of Football and, as a coaching team, we enjoyed working with a promising crop of boys in the Prep Schools and the Lower School.

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The Football programme has continued to grow with higher participation numbers, improved technical ability and more depth, which in turn has posed challenges when sourcing competitive fixtures in our area of the country. We have travelled further afield, pitting our wits against Monmouth, Abingdon, QEH, Princethorpe and Tockington as well as some schools closer to home.

At representative level, Sofia Stolt, Flossie Chambers, Max Moses, Theo Houston, Max Kilby, Max Pearce, Oscar Greenwood and Jasper Jones all continued to thrive and flourish at ESFA, Academy or ISFA levels.

As the season drew to a close, RGS hosted an Outreach Primary Football Tournament as well as the Annual Football Old Boys (Alumni) tournament. Both events were excellent and showcased the passion and popularity of Football at both ends of the age range.

Finally, many thanks to all the coaches for all their efforts and we look forward to the development of our Football provision at RGS.

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GIRLS’ HOCKEY This 2024/25 Hockey season was one of the most successful and memorable in recent years, with strong performances across all age groups and teams.

The Girls 1st XI team had an exceptional season, winning 32 matches and losing only two, excluding pre-season tournaments. Their consistency, tactical discipline and attacking flair were reflected in a remarkable goal difference of +54. The squad set the standard both in training and on match days throughout a long and competitive season. Highlights included a long run in the National Cup, which saw them reach the North Semi-Finals against Loughborough High. After a tense 2-2 draw, the team eventually lost out on shuffles to the eventual tournament winners. The other highlight was the team’s undefeated record at home throughout their ‘Friday Night Lights’ series.

The 2nd XI side provided crucial squad depth and displayed impressive cohesion. Out of 12 fixtures, they recorded 8 wins and a draw and the team grew stronger as the season progressed, often pushing opposition 1st teams in tightly fought matches.

The Under 16s made headlines with a thrilling run in their Cup Competition. After a strong win over Cheltenham College and an outstanding 2-0 victory against King’s Worcester their campaign ended with a 0-0 draw and shuffle loss to Redmaids, the eventual champions. It was a gutsy and disciplined campaign that underlined the depth of talent.

In the Under 15s, the A team played 7 matches, with 4 wins and a draw. A balanced side with plenty of potential, they showed glimpses of excellence and battled well across a challenging fixture list. The Bs faced tough opposition, winning 3 of their 5 games, but progress was evident throughout the season and several players stepped up and will push for higher-level selection in the future.

The Under 14As won 10 of their 17 matches, with the highlight being the Regional Finals of the Tier 1 Cup, where they met a strong Clifton College side. Despite dominating large periods and creating the majority of chances, the ball just wouldn’t find the back of the net! Clifton eventually went on to win the entire national competition. The determined and well-drilled B team enjoyed a short but positive season, playing 5 fixtures, winning and drawing 2 each. Their development as individuals and a collective was clear across all performances.

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In the Lower School, the Under 13A team played 13 matches, recording 6 wins and 1 draw, showing flashes of brilliance and some great attacking hockey. The Under 12As had an outstanding season, winning 12 out of their 15 fixtures. Their confidence, skill and flair in attack made them a standout team at this level and a very exciting prospect for the future.

Beyond the A teams, there was tremendous depth and participation across the B to F teams in both Year groups, with matches that were full of energy and enthusiasm and set a strong foundation for the years ahead.

BOYS’ HOCKEY For the Boys, 2025 proved to be a positive and competitive season across the age groups. The Under 13s enjoyed an excellent campaign, winning the prestigious Malvern College Invitational Tournament, where they overcame several high-profile hockey schools. They also progressed to the semi-finals of the Midlands competition, proving themselves as a talented and promising squad.

The Under 14s tackled a tough fixture list with great determination and produced some strong and spirited performances.

In the National Cup Competition, they were narrowly knocked out in the second round following a penalty shuffle.

A big thank you to the coaching staff, captains, parents and supporters who contributed to such a successful year.

With so much strength and talent continuing to build through the School, the future of RGS Hockey looks very bright.

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RUGBY The 2024/25 Rugby season was a tremendous success, with the School achieving around a 70% win rate across all age groups.

The transition of Prep School pupils into Senior School Rugby was seamless, with many of our B, C and D teams being unbeaten, an impressive achievement that highlighted the depth of ability. The A teams also had victories against Haberdashers’ Monmouth School and Dean Close Prep.

A particular highlight was the progress of three teams into the later rounds of their respective national cup competitions.

The Under 14s delivered outstanding performances in their victories over Bromsgrove, Oakham and King’s Worcester but then were knocked out by a strong Northampton School for Boys side. These key fixtures enjoyed enthusiastic support from pupils who turned out in large numbers to cheer on their peers. The Under 15s also produced strong performances and claimed hard-fought wins against Malvern College, Solihull and KES Birmingham.

The Under 16s adjusted well to the step up in competition, with several players making valuable contributions to both the 1st and 2nd XV teams, demonstrating their readiness for Seniorlevel Rugby. The 2nd XV played an attractive style of Rugby, displaying their ability to score from a range of scenarios, as was highlighted in a dominant display over KES Stratford.

The 1st XV team made a strong early-season statement, with two thrilling, one-point victories against King’s, Gloucester and Christ College, Brecon and then continued this momentum with high-scoring performances against Cathedral School, Llandaff and Trent College.

The season’s success created an energetic and unified atmosphere across the School. This was exemplified during the final fixture block against King’s School, Worcester when RGS teams recorded 7 wins, 2 draws, and just a single loss.

The 17th Modus Challenge Cup proved to be an exhilarating and fiercely competitive event, once again highlighting the talent and sportsmanship of both sides. This year's match was a reflection of the dedication, skill and passion of the players, with King’s ultimately claiming a well-deserved victory. While the final result was not in our favour, there was immense pride in the outstanding effort and commitment shown by the players.

Their ability to compete at such a high level under pressure was a credit to their preparation and resilience.

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The Lent term brought the transition to Sevens and the winning of five pieces of silverware. The Under 12s won the Shield at Bishop Vesey’s and Middle School teams impressed, winning the Plate at Solihull, the Cup at Old Swinford Hospital and reaching the Warwick Cup Final after a dramatic 21-21 draw with Sedbergh.

The Seniors, building on their 15-a-side season, won the Trophy at Collegiate and the Shield at King’s School, Worcester. At Rosslyn Park, the Under 18 Boys’ won two of three Vase group games, while the Under 18 Girls’ reached Day 2 and finished an impressive 5th in the Plate competition, just shy of the semi-finals.

The Under 13s played attractive Rugby at Rosslyn Park, winning more than they lost, while the Under 14s advanced to Day 2 after victories over Merchiston Castle and St Peter’s, York and narrowly missed out on progression despite a win over eventual group winners Trinity School, Croydon.

RGS Rugby continues to grow, with strong performances and valuable experiences laying the foundation for future success.

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NETBALL The School fielded 23 teams across the age groups competing in over 230 fixtures against 47 different schools. Through block fixtures, tournaments and qualifying rounds, the players showed exceptional skill, passion and teamwork.

The Lower School teams showed great progress and determination. The Under 12As had a strong run, including a 19-18 win over Cheltenham Prep, while the Under 12B won a thrilling 13-12 encounter against Clifton College. The U12C team impressed with a dominant 31-1 win over King’s, Worcester and all the Under 12 teams enjoyed strong performances, including wins against Dean Close Prep and Bromsgrove. In the Under 13s, the As won 12 of 23 matches, with a standout 23-21 victory over Clifton.

The B team had a nail-biting 20-19 win over Bilton Grange, while the C-F teams displayed confidence and teamwork in several competitive games.

The Under 14 teams had an impressive season, with the A team reaching the National semi-finals in the ‘Sisters n Sport’ Plate and narrowly missing the County Final by one goal. The B team had a commanding 47-1 win against Haberdashers’ Monmouth, and other teams secured strong victories and draws against tough opponents. The Under 15s also enjoyed success, with the A team winning eight matches and the B team clinching 11-10 wins over both Malvern College and Cheltenham Ladies College. The Under 15C team showed fantastic spirit and steady improvement week by week, with their growth evident in their teamwork and commitment on court.

Further up the School, the Under 16s were dominant in their district tournament, storming through the group stages to take first place. They also performed well in the county tournament, winning all pool games convincingly before narrowly missing out in the semifinals.

The 3rd team scored over 100 goals across their matches, and the 4th team enjoyed a 14-4 victory over Cheltenham Ladies College. The 2nd team made great strides, putting into practice in their matchplay what they had worked at in training and scored over 330 goals across all their games, including a thrilling 29-26 win against Cheltenham Ladies College.

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The 1st VII had a remarkable season, finishing third nationally after reaching the prestigious Final Fours Day at Loughborough University. En route, they beat some of the country’s top schools, including Oakham, Ratcliffe College, and Magdalen College School. They also produced a stellar performance at the Collegiate Tournament, winning five out of six pool games, defeating KES Bath in the semi-final and then avenging an earlier loss to Taunton with a dominant 13-5 win in the final. At the Final Fours, after a close loss to Marist School, they secured third place with a 16-13 victory over Sedbergh in a thrilling final play-off.

A highlight of the season was the ‘Superball’ match at a sold-out University Arena. After the 2nd team’s spirited performance in their 14-15 loss, the team secured a 26-22 win, marking a third consecutive Superball victory and a seventh in the past nine years.

A number of RGS Netballers earned selection for Under 13 and Under 15 county academies and franchise pathways, including Nottingham Forest, Birmingham Panthers and Loughborough Lightning.

After a season filled with exceptional performances, we look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to develop the RGS Netball programme in the years ahead.

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BOYS’ CRICKET The Year Seven teams had a challenging start, with tough early fixtures against strong Bromsgrove and Solihull sides.

Against Bromsgrove, they managed two wins and there were some outstanding individual performances. Daniel Hutchinson produced a powerful innings of 85 off just 42 balls, with William Hellyar contributing a composed 50*. In the Solihull fixture, Cory Crowther-Green (59) and Ollie Oates (77*) led the scoring, while in the Year Eight matches, Seb Steadman shone with an impressive 5-29. Daniel Laugharne stepped up to the Under 14A team to make a wellconstructed 68.

The Under 13A team continued to impress with a dominant victory over The Elms featuring an outstanding 62* from Jonah Bolton and Benji Barker’s 60. After Half term, Daniel Hutchinson scored 74* against Sir Thomas Rich’s to help the Under 12As chase down 151 in just 12 overs. In the semi-final of the WSCA Cup, Daniel scored 41* and Jim Ritchie took three wickets to ensure the team progressed to the final. The Under 13s also enjoyed two strong wins against King’s Worcester, with Benji Barker scoring an excellent 72 to help the As set a winning total.

In the Middle School the Under 14s started by bowling out Dean Close for just 26 runs and then defeated Nunnery Wood High School to secure a place in the County Cup semi-final. Rapha Rea impressed with a composed 68 for the Under 15As. After Half term, the Under 14s successfully chased 152 inside 30 overs against Sir Thomas Rich’s, and the Under 15s also shone against the same opposition with Edward Richardson (69) and Ciaran Hession-Wilson (78) putting on a 172-run partnership to help secure a narrow 2-wicket win.

Rapha Rea (Year Nine) and Ciaran Hession-Wilson (Year Ten) both made their 1st XI debuts, and Ciaran was later selected for the RGS Festival in Lancaster in July.

The 1st XI enjoyed a successful tour to Barbados over February Half term, gaining valuable experience in challenging conditions and embracing Caribbean cricket culture. The team played five competitive fixtures, winning two, with standout performances from George Heywood (three half-centuries) and captain Tom Odell (match-winning spells). Back home, the side reached Round 4 of the National T20, narrowly losing to Shrewsbury in a last-ball thriller. Heywood impressed with scores of 113 and 94, while Odell (5-14) and Reuben Townes (4-20) also starred. Saturday fixtures saw some brilliant batting performances: George Hallam’s maiden 1st XI century and Freddie Ammonds consecutive tons (123 vs the Alumni XI and 108 vs Bromsgrove).

The Gentlemen of Worcester proved a tough test, but the team responded well with a comfortable win over Sir Thomas Rich’s, with Ammonds falling just short of a third century (94).

RGS Lancaster hosted this year’s RGS Festival. From a performance standpoint, it didn’t go quite as the team had hoped. On some very challenging wickets, low scores were a theme throughout the week, and unfortunately, we bore the brunt of that on two occasions having been bowled out for 83 against Colchester and just 58 against Newcastle.

However, there were bright moments. A particularly well-executed victory against Lancaster stood out, with George Heywood starring with the bat, scoring an excellent 74. Earlier in the week, Freddie Ammonds delivered a superb bowling performance against Colchester, taking 6 for 27, an outstanding individual effort.

Having won just one of the first four matches, we headed into Festival Friday hoping for a strong finish. The day also marked the final fixture for our Upper Sixth cricketers. In a rain-affected match, which was eventually abandoned, we managed to secure a win via the DLS method, bringing our final tally to two wins from five matches.

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GIRLS’ CRICKET Year Seven enjoyed comfortable wins over Solihull School and Beaudesert, showing great consistency and form, and Year Eight recorded a strong victory against Winterfold.

Notable individual contributions included Ffion Lloyd Davies, who scored an unbeaten 43 for the Under 14s in a well-earned win over Christ College, Brecon, and Rosie Bousfield, whilst playing for the Under 15s against Malvern College, claimed two key wickets.

The Girls’ 1st XI faced tough opposition in their opening two fixtures and were narrowly edged out on both occasions.

However, they bounced back strongly with a well-earned victory over Bromsgrove before Half term. In Round 1 of the National 100 Ball Competition, Fynn Butler and Elsa Kenkre made a composed 53-run opening partnership, but the team was ultimately outplayed by a strong King’s, Worcester side.

The Middle School teams started strongly, with commanding victories over Bromsgrove and Solihull School. Anya Peddareddy’s record-breaking 97 (the highest score ever by a schoolgirl at RGS) powered the Under 15As to a thrilling win in a 100-ball chase. She continued her outstanding form in the National 100 Ball against Wrekin College, taking 4 wickets to help dismiss the opposition for just 57, before sealing the win with an unbeaten 33. The team then came up against a strong Cheltenham College side.

The match against Christ College, Brecon resulted in hard-fought and well-deserved wins for both the 1st XI and Under 14s. The term concluded with fixtures against The King’s High School for Girls, who fielded some very talented players. All matches were competitive; however, despite strong efforts, there were defeats for both the Under 13 and Under 15 girls’ teams, while the Under 12s ended their season on a high with a well-earned victory.

The Under 14s enjoyed a hard-fought win over Christ College, Brecon with Ffion Lloyd Davies again impressing with an unbeaten 43 to help set a total of 89 which the team defended with disciplined bowling to secure a welldeserved victory.

This term has been an excellent one for RGS Cricket, with outstanding performances across the Girls’ teams at all age levels, it shows the depth of talent and potential within our squads. A huge well done and thank you to everyone who has contributed to RGS Cricket this term.

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ROWING The 2024-25 season was an inspiring journey of growth, ambition and achievement across all Year groups, ranging from debut races to indoor championships and local regattas to international competitions.

At the 2024 Coupe de la Jeunesse, Olivia Hodgson, in the coxless quadruple scull, finished second in the first B final and then convincingly won the next B final the following day.

Shortly afterwards, Olivia and Lucy Whiteley represented Great Britain at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals. Olivia finished 7th in the solo time trial and Lucy, competing in the Under 19 double, was knocked out in the quarter finals by eventual silver medallists Spain.

A number of new rowers were welcomed at the start of the academic year and a valuable week of training was enjoyed at our Half term camp at Temple-sur-Lot. This helped set the tone for the year ahead and gave everyone time to connect, develop and prepare.

Olivia and Lucy went straight from the training camp to Spain for the Coupe de la Jeunesse Beach Sprints, where they won gold in a thrilling final against the hosts.

The domestic racing calendar began at Stourport, where several rowers made their competitive debuts. Highlights included wins for Olivia in the Women’s J18 Single, Zac Jew and Matthew Ferris in the Men’s J18 Double, and Olivia and Lucy in the Women’s J18 Double. Then in November, 44 RGS pupils competed at the British Rowing Indoor Championships where they secured five top 5 finishes in the events for Year Nine Girls, Sixth Form Girls, Sixth Form Boys and in the Sixth Form Mixed Relay, with the latter two events resulting in Silver medals for Olivia, Lucy and Freddie Fielding and two for Daniel Foster.

In January, at the Indoor Event at King’s, Worcester from a squad of 69 rowers, all 42 Lower School rowers won medals in the mixed relays. Lucy and Olivia took the top two places in the Sixth Form Girls 2K, RGS teams repeated the double in the Girls Relay, and Daniel Foster won the Sixth Form Boys 500m.

At the Worcester Head of the River, RGS crews won the J16 Coxed Fours and both the Boys and Girls won their J18 Coxless Quads. The West Midlands Junior Championships at Hereford saw another set of strong performances: Olivia and Lucy won more Gold medals, the Coxed Four of Archie Palmer, Freddie Fielding, Finlay Breese, Jacob Hartley and Tobey Prendergast also won gold, and bronze medals were won in 4 other events.

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Both the Junior Sculling Head at Dorney Lake and the Birmingham Regatta provided invaluable experience for experienced and younger crews alike, leading into Evesham Regatta, where RGS fielded 46 rowers across 21 crews. The Men’s J18 Double of Matthew Ferris and Zac Jew and the Coxless Quad, where they were joined by Freddie Fielding and Jacob Hartley, both won their events. At the Junior Sculling Regatta, Lottie Richardson and Martha Colclough came 4th in the A Final of the Girls J17 Double and in the J18 event, Olivia and Lucy won another medal, this time silver. More gold medals were won at Worcester Regatta by the Men’s J18 Coxless Quad and both J17 Doubles.

At the English Beach Sprint Championships, Lucy took bronze and Olivia became the English Beach Sprint Champion – an incredible achievement! The girls then combined again at the Metropolitan Regatta to compete against university and senior opposition in the Championship Women’s Double Sculls, securing a remarkable 6th place in the time trial to qualify for the A Final. It was also great to see former pupils Zara Povey and Menna Sutton. Menna finished 4th in her A final and Zara, having just won the Championship Women’s Quad, confirmed she was preparing for Women’s Henley and GB U23 Trials.

Years Nine and Ten pupils performed well at Bridgnorth Regatta with wins in the WJ14 coxless four and Op J14 double scull, and at Stratford Junior Regatta Isla Wilson Thomas and Mimi Paul won in the WJ14 double scull.

At Henley Women’s Regatta, Olivia and Lucy defeated Canberra Girls Grammar and then Hartpury by 2½ lengths in the quarter-final of the Junior Double Sculls. They then faced a strong Walton RC crew and were edged out by 2 lengths, but reaching the semi-final for the second consecutive year was a remarkable achievement, confirming their place among the country’s top junior double sculls.

Over the summer several RGS rowers competed in the GB Rowing Beach Sprint Final Trials, England Rowing Team Trials and the British Rowing Championships.

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GOLF

The year began with a challenging ISGA Matchplay opener for the team against Solihull School at Olton Golf Club. Despite facing single-figure handicap opponents, Jay Bennett, Eleanor Dicken and Sydney Blanchenot produced spirited performances.

Sydney halved her match after a tense finish on the 18th, but RGS lost and progressed into the Plate semi-final. Against Warwick School, a young RGS team of Max Wesley, who scored 36 points, William Webber, 37 points and Edward Perry, an impressive 41, scored 114 Stapleford points in total. Warwick edged the match with 115 points, but RGS had demonstrated great resilience and potential for the future.

Year Seven pupil Edward Perry won the Under 14 Order of Merit on the Robert Rock Junior Tour and qualified for the Junior World Championships in Ireland later in the year. He also placed second in the Under 14 Winners’ Cup in Portugal, shooting a personal best of 82. Rapha Rea has also made headlines, winning both gross (83) and net (60) titles at the Under 14 County Championship and earned himself a spot at the Midland Champion of Champions event in September.

In June, our Junior golfers began their journey representing RGS in a friendly fixture against Solihull School, held at Ladbrook Park.

Although the team was narrowly defeated, losing 2 matches to 1, the performances displayed were highly encouraging and reflect a promising future for our Junior Golf programme.

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FENCING

Fencing continues to thrive with younger fencers busy learning their skills every Monday under the watchful eyes of Nick Chapman, our Fencing coach, and some older pupils, several of whom have attained refereeing and coaching qualifications.

This year’s December Fencing Gala was bigger than ever, needing both Tom Savage and Cobham Halls to fit us all in. We fenced twice against King’s Worcester, with the focus largely on our younger fencers, whilst the seniors refereed and coached. Special thanks must go to Matthew Fallows, Joseph Kington and Issy Pottinger for their excellent work on these occasions.

Three fencers qualified for the British Youth Championships - Issy Pottinger and Joseph Kington took Bronze in their West Midlands qualifying competitions, while Emily De Bono took Gold. In March, Joseph repeated his Bronze in the West Midlands Senior Men’s Épée and Issy won the Senior Women’s Épée. They then both (along with Matthew Fallows, Ethan Leese, Sean Yang and Emily De Bono) competed in the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships, with Emily taking 8th place in the MountHaes (Year Nine and younger) Épée and winning herself a medal. Joseph Kington and Issy Pottinger were also selected to fence for West Midlands Under 18 team in the Winton Cup. RGS fencers once again competed at National and International Level, with Issy Pottinger ranked eleventh on the Cadet Women’s Épée and Emily De Bono twelfth for Under 14 Girls’ Épée. Emily also placed second in the English Fencing Championships for Under 13 Épée- an outstanding achievement.

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ATHLETICS This Athletics season saw some of the School’s finest results to date. Across a variety of competitions, RGS athletes secured over fifty podium finishes. A particular highlight was the ESAA Track & Field Cup hosted at Bromsgrove School, where an impressive 47 RGS athletes took part.

Further success followed at the County Schools Championships, where over 30 pupils qualified to represent Worcester City and delivered outstanding performances across numerous events. Flo Kelly claimed Gold in the Intermediate Girls’ Hammer, while Georgina Collins set a new school record of 1.54 metres to win Gold in the Junior Girls’ High Jump, despite competing a year young.

Tom Edge secured silver in the Intermediate Boys’ 100m Hurdles, and Bronze medals were won by Will Terry in the Junior Boys’ Javelin and Toby Ajay in the Junior Boys’ 100m. Will Higgs took Gold in the Intermediate Boys’ High Jump, and Elizabeth Bryant claimed Silver in the Intermediate Girls’ Long Jump. These results meant that Toby, Tom and Georgina represented Hereford & Worcester at the Mason Trophy.

The season concluded with the Minor Age Group County Championships and the Mercia Preparatory Schools Championships. At the County Championships, Harry Morton secured gold in the 80m Hurdles; Ben Bean took silver in the 800m, setting a new school record; Dylan Titley claimed silver in the Triple Jump; and Sam Hay won bronze in the 300m.

At the Mercia Championships at Stourport, 30 Lower School pupils competed. Harry Morton achieved two personal bests on his way to another Gold in the 80m Hurdles, and Ben Bean won Silver in a highly competitive 1500m field. Georgina Collins delivered another standout performance, winning Gold in the Under 14 Girls’ High Jump, while the Boys’ Under 13 relay team, anchored by Oscar Hewitt, secured Silver. All of these athletes qualified to compete at the National Preparatory Schools Finals at Alexander Stadium, where Harry Morton and Georgina Collins capped off superb seasons with Gold medals in the 80m Hurdles and High Jump, respectively.

Finally, congratulations to Upper Sixth Form student Fin McGill, who set personal bests in both the 200m and 400m and was selected to represent the Hereford & Worcester County Schools team in the 400m at the prestigious English Schools Championships.

This season has showcased both exceptional individual performances and outstanding team spirit. Congratulations to everyone who represented RGS in Athletics this year.

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CROSS-COUNTRY This year saw strong performances from RGS Cross-Country runners across the age groups in both team and individual competitions. In the ESAA Cup competition, the Intermediate Boys’ and Girls’ teams both qualified for the West Midlands regional final. In the Boys’ race, the team secured 12th position overall. Meanwhile, in the Girls’ race every member of the team finished in the top 50, which helped them to achieve a very impressive 5th place overall.

A large contingent of runners took part in the Worcester & District Championships at RGS The Grange where the course was muddy and slippy throughout, providing some testing conditions for all the runners. Despite this, an impressive 15 pupils made it through to the Herefordshire & Worcestershire County Championships, where four RGS pupils then finished in the top five of their respective races. In the Senior Boys’ race, Jack Price and Dylan Teasdale came 2nd and 5th respectively. Annabelle Howarth finished 5th in the Senior Girls’ event, and in the Intermediate Girls’ race, Lexi Agoston achieved 3rd place.

Meanwhile, our new cohort of Year Seven runners were on impressive form at the Worcestershire School Games Cross-Country. In the Girls’ event, Milly Palmer and Julia McKenna showed great determination and perseverance to both finish in the top 10. In the Boys’ race, it was a dominant performance by RGS pupils, with Ben Bean and Oscar Hewitt demonstrating their speed and stamina to secure 1st and 2nd places respectively.

Overall, we were delighted to have seven RGS pupils qualify for the county teams at the National Championships this year, with Dylan Teasdale also having the honour of being selected to be captain of the Senior Boys’ squad.

EQUESTRIAN

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EQUESTRIAN The Michaelmas term started with Isabel Callow and Jessica Weston, both in Year Seven, competing at the National Schools Championships at Addington. Isabel scored 67% and finished 18th in the Dressage, whilst Jessica, in the showjumping classes, came 4th in the 80cm final and 2nd in the 90cm final.

Cleo Whitbread competed in the British Pony Championships, starting strongly in the dressage and a clear round in the Crosscountry, but two fences down on the final day of showjumping resulted in a final position of 8th. As a result, Cleo was longlisted for the final observation trial in July and subsequently selected for the European Championships in France.

At the Regional North West Dressage Championships, Isabel Callow took 1st place qualifying for the National Championships. Then, at the Dressage National championship finals at Addington, Millie Dickens finished third in the Under 21 competition, only missing out on the win by less than half a percent, and put herself in contention to ride for England at the home nations event in August.

Several other RGS riders also competed successfully at various NSEA competitions and, from a strong cohort of prep school riders, a team from The Grange qualified for Hickstead in August.

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SWIMMING The RGS Worcester Swimming Academy continues to train with commitment every Tuesday at 6.00am at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, showing impressive progress under the guidance of our dedicated coaching team.

This year, the Under 15 Girls delivered a standout performance at the ESSA Team Relay National Finals in November at Sandwell Academy Pool. They placed 10th in the Freestyle Relay and achieved an outstanding 5th place in the Medley Relay final, performing strongly against elitelevel competition.

The team’s momentum continued at the Bromsgrove Invitational Gala, where the Under 15 Girls won gold in the Medley Relay and silver in the Freestyle Relay. The Under 15 Boys and Under 18 Girls also made Medley finals, demonstrating determination and skill.

At the Warwick 50s Invitational in February, RGS swimmers competed confidently among twelve schools and we also placed second overall at the Droitwich and Worcester Swimming Gala. Throughout the year, many RGS swimmers performed both for RGS and their clubs, achieving County, Regional and National qualifying times.

Special congratulations must go to Lexi and Joe Agoston on their selection for the England National Talent Pathway.

Lexi was also selected to represent England at the ISF competition in Serbia and earned a bronze medal in the 200m Breaststroke, an inspiring international achievement.

Well done to all of our dedicated swimmers throughout the School.

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TENNIS My first year as Head of Tennis has been productive, marked by both learning and success. The Performance Tennis Squad now includes 17 LTA-registered players across genders and Year groups, reflecting the depth of tennis talent within the School. This year also saw the arrival of Mr Mark Jacobson as our Performance Coach and his expertise soon drove the squad to achieve new performance levels.

The Boys’ teams have enjoyed several successes, with the Junior Boys starting their season against KES Birmingham, where they demonstrated maturity and respect on court. Both the Junior and Intermediate Boys’ teams performed well in their categories, with the Junior Boys’ winning West Midlands Division One and the Intermediate Boys’ coming second. These results showed much promise for continued strong performances in the future.

The Girls developed steadily under Coach Mark’s guidance and exhibited resilience and growth. They enjoyed success in their inter-squad matches as they worked on their match-play strategy in preparation for their league fixtures.

Overall, player standards rose significantly and, with ongoing dedication, the Performance Squad look well-positioned for sustained success.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION The 2024–25 academic year has once again been a vibrant and rewarding one for Academic PE at RGS Worcester. We were delighted to welcome Miss Morris to the Department this year, who has brought with her a passion for inclusive Physical Education and a focus on ensuring that all pupils feel valued and empowered within the subject.

A range of enriching academic opportunities were delivered across all key stages. A Level PE and BTEC Sport students visited the University of Bristol, where they engaged in laboratory-based experiments exploring physiology and biomechanics. RGS Worcester was also proud to host the A Level PE Conference for a second successive year in partnership with PE Focus. Now the largest of three national conferences, it continues to offer pupils from across the region valuable examination preparation and motivational insight from senior examiners.

BTEC Sport students visited the University of Worcester, where they explored practical biomechanics and applied theory to reallife sporting contexts. As part of their leadership unit, they also worked weekly with pupils from a local primary school, helping to deliver high-quality PE over a six-week programme.

Leadership opportunities continue to be a key focus. The Sports Leaders Level 3 qualification was again delivered as part of Sixth Form Enrichment, while pupils from both BTEC and A Level courses led multi-skills sessions and Worcester City Sports Partnership tournaments for local primary and secondary schools. These experiences gave students the chance to apply theory to practice and refine their leadership qualities.

At GCSE level, pupils engaged with topics such as anatomy, movement analysis and health and fitness through a mix of theory and applied learning. Many also attended a Careers in Sport event to explore future pathways in sport, fitness, and health sciences.

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SPORTS TOURS Hockey & Netball in South Africa In August, the RGS Worcester Senior Hockey and Netball teams took part in an unforgettable sports tour to South Africa, blending athletic achievement with cultural exploration. The trip included training sessions, exciting matches and a variety of excursions.

Pupils immersed themselves into the local community through an outreach at the Pebbles Project, before enjoying a thrilling game drive in a wildlife sanctuary.

Other highlights of the trip included iconic sights like Table Mountain and Boulders Beach and a surf lesson.

The tour also included a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Show and Gold Reef City, offering a glimpse into South African heritage.

With activities including a Magaliesberg canopy tour and visits to Sun City, the tour was a perfect mix of sport, adventure and cultural enrichment, creating memories for years to come.

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Cricket in Barbados The RGS Worcester Senior Cricket Tour to Barbados was a resounding success, giving our players the chance to experience competitive overseas Cricket while embracing the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. The Tour struck the perfect balance between challenging fixtures, team bonding, and memorable offfield experiences.

The team played five competitive matches, including three 30-over games and two thrilling T20s under floodlights. RGS secured two victories, with several close finishes decided in the final overs. The fixture against the Franklyn Stephenson Academy, featuring Barbados Under 19 players, proved especially challenging but offered valuable learning opportunities.

There were several standout performances.

Year Eleven pupil George Heywood led with the bat, scoring three superb half-centuries, while Upper Sixth student and Captain Tom Odell impressed with his leadership and match-winning bowling spells. Squad rotation ensured every player gained experience in both formats, contributing to a well-rounded development experience.

Off the field, pupils enjoyed a host of unforgettable experiences, from a catamaran tour and snorkelling with manta rays to exploring shipwrecks and visiting the Harbour Lights entertainment venue. An evening at Oistins Fish Fry and a tour of the iconic Kensington Oval and Cricket Legends Museum offered further insight into Bajan culture and the proud history of West Indian Cricket.

The pupils were a credit to RGS Worcester, demonstrating professionalism, respect, and enthusiasm throughout. Their teamwork and positive attitude were central to the Tour’s success.

Sincere thanks go to the players for their commitment, and to 1st XI Coach Mr Newport and Director of Sport Mr Fowles for their dedication and leadership, which ensured an unforgettable experience for all involved.

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CAREERS The annual Careers and Higher Education EXPO at RGS continues to be a standout event, offering pupils the invaluable opportunity to explore a wide range of post-18 pathways. This year’s event was designed with a clear goal in mind: to expose pupils to a broad and evolving selection of universities, employers and training providers, some familiar, others entirely new, to support informed career planning.

In a significant development this year, a number of employers attended with a focus on Apprenticeship pathways, including the increasingly popular Degree Apprenticeships. Among the high-profile organisations represented were the British Army, NHS, RSM, Kendall Wadley, Harrison Clark Rickerby, Crowe, Handelsbanken, Glazzards Architects, Waterstones, WSP Environmental, Thales, Speller Metcalfe, QinetiQ, Mazak and Savills. These employers showcased opportunities in diverse sectors, from Architecture to Surveying, Engineering and Healthcare to Finance, Environmental careers and Law. Complementing the employer presence, leading local Training Providers such as the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association and Worcestershire Apprenticeships were on hand to provide pupils with a broader understanding of the Apprenticeship route. Their guidance covered qualification levels ranging from Level 2 through to Level 7, giving pupils a clear picture of how academic and vocational training can be combined with employment.

This year we have seen Upper Sixth pupils secure Degree Apprenticeship offers across a broad spectrum of professional areas, including Infrastructure Surveying, Accountancy, Law, and Engineering.

With places already confirmed, these pupils have been able to focus on their Sixth Form courses with the confidence of knowing what lies ahead. Degree Apprenticeships allow pupils to work towards a Level 6 degree qualification while gaining hands-on industry experience and earning a salary while the employer covers the university fees, a compelling alternative to the traditional University route.

The Careers EXPO also welcomed alternative pathway providers. Among them was The Orchards Cookery School, based in Evesham, which offers intensive and highly regarded short cookery courses, ideal for students looking to gain practical skills during a Gap Year. In addition, the Oxford Media and Business School presented their suite of short business and professional courses, a compelling alternative for pupils who may choose not to attend University but still wish to enter the workplace with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. As a partner school, we were delighted to welcome Investin to attend EXPO to talk to pupils about their fantastic work experience programmes on offer.

Emphasising the importance of real-world experience, the Careers team continues to encourage Year Eleven and Lower Sixth pupils to seek out work placements.

These crucial stages in career planning offer invaluable insights into the working world, helping pupils to develop skills and make informed decisions. We also promote networking within our community, with many parents generously offering work placements to fellow pupils, a true strength of the RGS network.

Throughout the academic year, a diverse programme of monthly Careers Seminars has been delivered by a variety of industry professionals. This year speakers have included representatives from Legal professions, Architecture, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Environmental Science, and talks on other Science-based careers.

These lunchtime seminars provide pupils with first hand insight into a wide range of careers, and it has been especially encouraging to see enthusiastic engagement from Lower School pupils eager to ask questions and learn.

All Year Eleven pupils are offered personalised Careers Guidance interviews, supported by an individual Careers Action Plan that records their aspirations and outlines steps to help them develop these ideas.

Following our Higher Education Evening, all Lower Sixth pupils are offered 1 to 1 support preparing for their post-18 pathways with Mrs Williams.

This year, the Higher Education Evening was scheduled in the Lent term to precede the Careers and Higher Education EXPO. This timing gave pupils the valuable opportunity to engage with a wide range of universities and employers early, helping them to identify what factors are most important to them when making university choices, essential preparation before narrowing down their shortlist.

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The Future Ready programme offered in the Sixth Form, allowed Lower Sixth students to design their own CVs using Unifrog, then participate in a mock interview day with a number of volunteer representatives.

Feedback from both volunteers and students was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the students’ confident presentation skills and thoughtful articulation of their career ideas. The recent Future Skills report identified leadership as one of the top three core skills required by global employers. Upper Sixth explored leadership by attending a workshop to help recognise their own leadership skills which will be key in their future career development.

In line with recognition of our Careers provision, we have successfully completed the Investor in Careers Quality in Careers Standard. At the start of April 2025, 860 schools were actively engaged with the national Standard, which demonstrates the quality of CEIAG provision.

The Careers Department has also actively supported a variety of trips throughout the year, including visits to Morgan Cars in Malvern with Design Technology pupils, a visit to Bath University’s Sports Science Faculty for pupils studying BTEC Sports or A Level PE. In conjunction with other departments, trips to Williams F1 offered fascinating insights into the roles and responsibilities within a major organisation and expanded pupils’ awareness of careers involving STEM.

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ENRICHMENT (EPQ) The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides students with the opportunity to independently research a topic of their choice and produce either an artefact or a 5000-word essay. Thirty students successfully completed an EPQ this year, exploring a wide range of impressive topics; these included complicity in Attwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and the impacts of the Glencoe Massacre. Several students embraced the challenge of creating an artefact, such as an innovative image recognition photo-sorting app and a highly informative documentary on the Battle of Gheluvelt. All students also delivered live presentations on their projects; these were consistently engaging and demonstrated the high level of specialist knowledge gained throughout this process.

Completing an EPQ allows students to pursue their interests and talents while also developing key research, writing and presentation skills; the qualification is increasingly valued by universities in recognition of this. Seeing the process through also requires resilience and strong time management; all those who completed this qualification should be immensely proud of their achievements.

LEARNING DEVELOPMENT As the national need for support among children and young people continues to grow, our School has welcomed more staff to meet these demands. We pride ourselves on being a truly welcoming and inclusive environment. As our team has expanded, we have been able to work more closely with academic staff to enhance our provision and support systems, as well as supporting trainee teachers learning the ropes here at RGS. We are especially proud of our academic outcomes. Pupils with identified Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) perform as well as, if not better than, their nonSEND peers, bucking national trends. This success is a testament not only to the high-quality teaching across RGS Schools but also to our detailed, personalised approach to identifying and supporting every pupil’s individual needs.

Our success has led local schools to seek our support and training to develop their own screening programmes.

Highlighting the strength of our work, Hannah Clarke

recently published a book for teachers detailing our screening and SEND support programmes, showcasing the dedication of colleagues across our Schools. The book entitled, ‘No Child is Missed, No Child Misses Out’ aims to empower all SENCOs and SEND teams to better identify and support the needs of children and young people in schools today, a highly pertinent and important topic for the UK currently. It is testament to the additional opportunities that an independent education allows, to be able to pioneer such approaches to get the best out of its pupils.

This year, however, has seen several valued team members move on to new opportunities. Nevertheless, whilst we have said goodbye to wonderful colleagues, we are delighted to welcome new, highly experienced colleagues and we are confident that our high standards of provision will continue, ensuring every pupil receives the support they deserve.

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DEBATING This year’s co-Presidents, Annabelle Howarth and K McCabe, have led the Society in every respect. Having debated themselves throughout the School, they have proved an adept debating pair, qualifying for Oxford Schools as Year Elevens. They were also heavily involved in previous years through their coaching of the Middle Society. This has meant Mr Pardoe and Mrs Harrison as well as other staff judges and our coach, Lizzie McCabe, have been ably supported at every stage.

The Senior Society has been particularly successful with over 50 students taking part in training sessions and debates. The season started slowly with the Warwick Schools competition in October proving very challenging and attracting over 50 entries, including teams from Ukraine and Asia. Hannah Agoston and Sasha Penlington did exceptionally well to come 10th. The South West round of Cambridge Schools in January proved similarly successful but ultimately a little frustrating: the top three teams qualified for finals day – and RGS teams came fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh!

In February, however, our fortunes started to change. At Nottingham Schools the Lower Sixth pair of Isabelle Jones and Joseph Kington not only topped the table after four rounds, progressing to the final, but were also crowned overall Champions. This was a notable achievement at a national competition against 51 other pairs. Three days later, RGS Worcester hosted the Midlands round of the prestigious Oxford Schools competition, at which only the top four from 32 teams would proceed to the Finals Day. After two rounds, RGS had double success with Hannah Agoston and Sasha Penlington qualifying first, and Annabelle Howarth and K McCabe in third. The Finals Day at the Oxford Union included teams from Asia, India, Canada and Europe. 115 teams took part in four debates each, with both RGS teams winning at least one debate: the eventual overall victory went to Eunoia Junior College from Singapore.

The Senior Debating year came to a glorious close with the annual black tie Dinner in April attended by over 40 debaters. Dr Chris Monaghan, Principal Law lecturer at the University of Worcester, discussed the nature of the UK’s constitution and the arguments around whether the UK should have a written constitution. He also talked about the importance of confidence, resilience and humility when facing challenges in a legal or any future career.

After this inspirational and thought-provoking talk, the outgoing co-Presidents of the Society shared their memories of debating, looking back to their early days in Years Seven and Eight.

As well as the Upper Sixth, we also say goodbye to our amazing coach, Lizzie McCabe, as she leaves Oxford University. The torch has been passed to the younger years. Based on their success and enthusiasm this year, this would appear to be in safe hands. Hannah and Sasha, our new Presidents, have already been coaching the Middles, who just missed out on a place at the International Competition for Young Debaters this year. With a strong Senior Society, over 30 junior debaters working with Mrs Davis and similar numbers in the Middle Society with Mr Hawking, the future looks promising.

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BILLINGHAM SOCIETY The Billingham Society has enjoyed a brilliant year, marked by a diverse and thought-provoking range of talks that captivated and challenged pupils across the School. Attendance remained consistently strong, and it was clear that the programme continued to inspire intellectual curiosity and lively discussion.

This year’s topics spanned the sciences, the humanities and beyond. Highlights in Michaelmas term included ‘The Power of Magnets’ (Dr Rowlinson) and TS Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land’ and ‘Cultural Degradation’ (Mr Farmiloe).

Pupils explored complex concepts and tried their hand at ciphers during ‘How to Keep a Secret: The Mathematics behind Cryptography’ (Mr Alexander), and pondered the evolving relevance of ‘The Silk Road – Ancient and Modern?’ (Mrs Harrison). A particular standout was our external speaker who presented on ‘The 15-Minute City – Using Data to Solve Engineering Problems’ (Ian FaddyWidmann, MEng), showing how real-world issues can be addressed through analytical thinking, a presentation which had pupils simulating the traffic flow in a busy city.

In Lent term, we were also treated to deeply impactful talks such as ‘Save A Life – A Day in A&E’ (Miss Gill) and ‘The Psychology of Visual Perception’ (Mrs Gold). Mrs Newport introduced the intricate patterns of William Morris and had pupils design their own layered prints. Dr Rowlinson returned to explore the mysteries of Black Holes, and other talks included ‘William of Ockham and His Razor’

(Miss Smith), ‘The Neuroscience of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation’ (another engaging external contribution by Dr Thomas Marshall from the University of Birmingham), and a poignant journey through ‘Trouble – A Short History of Northern Ireland’ (Mrs Soman). Collaborating with the Literary Society, we also hosted ‘The Literary Graveyard’ (Mrs Bond) offering a unique interdisciplinary experience.

We closed the year with a grounding and timely session on ‘Yoga to Calm Your Mind’ (Miss Ashford) – a welcome moment of peace amidst exam pressures.

This year also saw the exciting launch of ‘Little Billingham’, a new initiative that invites Sixth Form Academic Scholars to present to pupils in the Lower School. It has been a resounding success, giving younger pupils a glimpse into high-level academic thinking while providing Sixth Formers with the opportunity to develop their presentation skills.

Topics in ‘Little Billingham’ were as broad as they were fascinating: from ‘An Introduction to Stoicism’ and ‘The Wonderful World of the Moebius Strip’, to ‘Should Wolves Be Reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park?’, Fermat’s Last Theorem, The Psychology of Conformity’, and ‘How A Sandwich Started World War I’. Talks such as ‘The Uniqueness of Human Language’, ‘Developments in Artificial Intelligence’, and ‘CRISPR Gene Editing’ reflected cutting-edge developments in both science and philosophy.

Our thanks go to all the speakers both staff and external as well as the Sixth Form scholars who helped make ‘Little Billingham’ such a success. Most importantly, thank you to the pupils whose enthusiasm, curiosity and thoughtful questions continue to bring the society to life each term.

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EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Following the success of last year’s award-winning Partnerships Programme, we have continued to grow our offering to the local community. This year, we delivered over 40 events reaching 4,000 local pupils, including assemblies, workshops, sports tournaments and training sessions across The RGS Worcester Family of Schools and the wider Worcestershire area, helping to enrich local learning and share our specialist teaching and facilities.

Our diverse programme included a ‘Play in a Day’ written by Director of Drama, Mrs Witcomb, our annual ‘Let’s Sing’ event with over 170 pupils in attendance, as well as The Modern Foreign Languages and Sports Departments leading outreach sessions in local Primary Schools, giving our pupils valuable leadership experience.

Annual favourites such as the Eggstravaganza, Faraday Science Challenges, Netball and Cricket Tournaments returned with great success. We also hosted Maths and Science challenges, English Ghost writing workshops and a Debating masterclass. We collaborated with a local Primary School to integrate a curriculum theme into our Year Ten Drama GCSE devising project, which concluded with a Drama workshop and performance to encapsulate the theme.

We also hosted the annual Worcester Competitive Arts Festival welcoming hundreds of talented young people in a celebration of Music, Drama, Singing and Poetry.

Our Digital Learning Programme continued to support both local schools and trainee teachers, reinforcing our commitment to shared learning.

These events not only benefit the community but also offer our pupils rich, real-world experiences that develop confidence, collaboration and a strong sense of social responsibility.

The RGS Worcester Family of Schools is proud to have received the prestigious award for ‘Outstanding Educational Partnerships’ at the Independent School of the Year Awards 2024.

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HOUSE REPORTS The 2024–25 academic year has been another outstanding one for the RGS Worcester House system, filled with energy, enthusiasm and spirited competition across every year group. From the first whistle of the RGS Run to the final cheers on Sports Day, pupils have embraced every opportunity to represent their Houses with pride and determination.

The wide range of events – spanning sport, music, debating, dance, creative challenges and community initiatives – has once again showcased the impressive breadth of talent within our school and the enthusiasm of pupils to take part.

Each term has offered new opportunities for teamwork, creativity and leadership. Whether competing on the field, performing on stage or contributing to community projects, pupils have demonstrated resilience, collaboration and a strong sense of belonging. House Captains and staff have played a vital role in inspiring participation and ensuring that every pupil feels part of something larger, creating a sense of camaraderie that has strengthened the bonds across all year groups.

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As the following reports highlight, this has been a year of exceptional performances, collective effort and memorable achievements for Elgar, Ottley, Whiteladies and Wylde.

Each House has brought its own distinctive character to the competitions, contributing to an atmosphere of fun, friendship and shared pride that continues to make the House system such an integral and valued part of life at RGS Worcester.

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ELGAR HOUSE Under the leadership of Annabelle Howarth and Savannah Mugadzaweta, Elgar House enjoyed a year full of energy, teamwork and success. Annabelle’s sporting drive and Savannah’s organisational skill inspired everyone to get involved, setting a strong example across all year groups. Early wins in the Senior Girls’ Run, Pétanque and Rugby reflected the House’s competitive spirit and determination.

Elgar’s creativity and community focus were just as impressive. Victories in the Junior Anti-Bullying Poster and Christmas Jumper competitions brought fun and purpose to the year, while pupils such as Aayush Nilak and Yousery Masood stood out for their continued dedication across multiple events. The House’s enthusiasm and togetherness were evident in every competition.

The Lent term saw further success in Rowing, Netball, Football and Debating, with House Music proving a real highlight. A science-themed performance involving pupils from all years earned a well-deserved win and perfectly captured Elgar’s unity and flair. These achievements strengthened the sense of pride shared throughout the House.

The Trinity term brought a busy calendar of events, from the Maths Rubik’s Cube Challenge to the Food Bank appeal. Sports Day was a fitting finale, with standout wins from Tom Bunyan in the 100m and Oscar Hewitt setting a new school record in the 300m. Elgar finished third overall but could take great pride in a year defined by passion, teamwork and House spirit.

WHITELADIES HOUSE Whiteladies House enjoyed a remarkable year, full of teamwork, energy and pride.

After finishing just behind the leaders in Michaelmas, the House went on to win the Lent term trophy, setting up a strong position for the overall competition. Every event was approached with enthusiasm and determination.

Junior pupils made a big impact, especially Year Seven, who claimed wins in Badminton, Chess and Hockey. Seniors also impressed, with victories in Netball and Football showcasing teamwork across the year groups. The House’s efforts were supported by staff, whose participation helped secure several key results.

Miss Morris played an important part in Whiteladies’ staff successes, while Toby Alexander led the musicians to a well-earned second place in the House Music competition. Creativity flourished beyond term time too, with wins in the Pumpkin Carving and Bird Feeder challenges, reflecting the House’s strong sense of spirit.

The year ended in style with victory in House Shooting and an impressive contribution to the Food Bank appeal. Sports Day brought everyone together, with Whiteladies earning the most points overall. Crowned House Champions for 2024–25, Whiteladies finished ten points clear—an outstanding achievement for a united and spirited team.

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OTTLEY HOUSE Ottley House began the year slowly but soon found its rhythm. Wins in Pumpkin Carving, House Poetry and Junior Rugby boosted early momentum, followed by success in the Lower School Cipher Challenge. The Michaelmas term ended on a high with a lively 90s-inspired Senior Dance performance that won first place and secured the trophy by just half a point.

Momentum continued into the Lent term, with solid results in E-sports, Junior Board Games and Rowing. Victories in Junior and Senior categories, alongside a second-place finish for the Inters, showcased the House’s consistency. Wins in the Maths Pi Challenge, Table Tennis and Junior Netball added to an already impressive points tally.

In the Trinity term, Ottley pupils remained determined and positive. A strong performance in the Spelling Bee brought welcome points, and the Junior Dance competition closed the year with another victory thanks to an energetic ABBA medley that delighted the audience. The House’s creative and joyful spirit shone through every event.

Captains Matthew and Sophie played a key role in Ottley’s success, leading with enthusiasm and teamwork. Their commitment inspired pupils across all years to take part and give their best. Finishing second overall was a fantastic result, reflecting Ottley’s energy, resilience and unity throughout the year.

WYLDE HOUSE Wylde House approached the 2024–25 year with enthusiasm and teamwork, led by Captains Jessica Lowe and Oliver Shelton. They set the tone early by competing in the RGS Run and encouraging participation across all events. The House achieved strong results in Pétanque, winning the Junior and Inters competitions and narrowly missing first place in the Seniors.

Wylde also impressed in Senior Badminton, with pairs Ozzy Beswick and Sihan Fu, and Molly and Jack Powner, securing convincing wins. The House continued to shine in e-Sports, taking victories across multiple age groups and showing great skill and adaptability. These results built confidence early in the year.

The arrival of new Year Sevens added fresh energy, helping Wylde achieve second place in Junior Rugby, Netball and Badminton, and first place in Junior Football.

Their enthusiasm carried into Junior Dance, where a brilliant performance earned second place and demonstrated great creativity.

Sports Day brought the perfect opportunity to showcase Wylde’s spirit. With entrants in every event and several standout performances, the House displayed determination and unity. Though challenges came along the way, the year ended with pride in what was achieved and optimism for the future.

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THE COMBINED CADET FORCE The CCF continues to evolve, with national efforts focused on expanding Cadet numbers, as the CCF is now present in over 500 schools nationwide. According to the University of Northampton’s 2025 report, Cadet programmes significantly boost young people’s confidence, leadership, resilience and sense of belonging: benefits we see reflected in our own Cadets every day.

The Worcesterian Report serves as a time-stamped record of the activities that have taken place over the year. It is always interesting to compare articles with previous years to observe how activities have changed over time. An excerpt from a report in the 1960s made me smile and wonder whether we would still be allowed to do that today.….

“Field days have coincided with examinations, but those not concerned rigged the usual Death Slide or Jackstay across the canal.” - Maj Smith

ROYAL NAVY If last year was a hard-working but enjoyable year, then this year has been incredible. Senior Rate, CPO Cutler-Tucker has carried the burden of responsibility extremely well, consistently leading by example. He has given tremendous support to the section over the past 4 years, and we all wish him well with his application to join the Royal Navy.

Changing of the Guard – Royal Navy Section Cdr Shorrocks retired from teaching and CCF duties after an illustrious career in both; however, when the Royal Navy Section needed a caring and steady hand, the School was fortunate to bring him out of “mothballs” to lead once again. Originally agreeing to take the helm on a temporary basis, he went on to lead the Section for a further five years.

The Contingent and the School remain deeply grateful for his expertise, passion and drive - qualities that have ensured Cadets receive an A1 experience. While Cdr Shorrocks is stepping down from his leadership role, we are delighted that he is not leaving the Section entirely. As he passes the reins to S/Lt Morris, we thank him for his outstanding service and look forward to his continued presence and support within the Contingent.

Expeditions The October Field Day visit to The Lakeside Campus was low-key, but still enjoyable with Archery and the Leap of Faith being the highlights. For the April Field day, we joined with the Army Section and ventured to the Isle of Man for adventurous training. For our activities in the Summer, the section had a very successful sailing adventure and climbing at Aztec, whilst the trip to the HMS Belfast was also valuable from an educational perspective.

It was pleasing to see two new officers join the Section, and they bring with them a vast range of RN experiences that will only benefit the Cadets. S/Lt Morris and S/Lt Griffin have already been heavily involved: S/Lt. Griffin ran a triservice trip to RNAS Yeovilton where Cadets learnt the inner works of a Royal Naval Air Base, and S/Lt Morris will be taking over the leadership of the Section in September.

Our thanks also go to CPO Stroud for helping the Section develop drill and dress over the year. Thanks too must go to S/Lt Stuart for her enthusiasm and commitment.

Cdr Shorrocks

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ARMY The past year has been an excellent one for the Army Section, marked by strong leadership, teamwork and a great sense of adventure. From their first Field Training Exercise in October through to the summer camp, Cadets have demonstrated determination, discipline and enthusiasm in every challenge. Whether navigating through woodland in darkness or leading tactical exercises under pressure, the section has continued to embody the spirit and standards of the CCF.

Expeditions The year began with the October Field Training Exercise at Nesscliff Training Area, where Cadets learned key skills including map reading, camouflage and concealment, and night movement techniques. The exercise culminated in a successful night reconnaissance mission that tested both teamwork and fieldcraft.

In March, the Army joined the Navy Section for a joint expedition to the Isle of Man, taking part in adventurous activities such as coasteering, high ropes and archery. This was an enjoyable opportunity for Cadets to strengthen teamwork and leadership across both sections.

The summer camp brought the year to a close with an exciting and varied programme. Highlights included range shooting, urban operations training, and the demanding Altcar Challenge, alongside Close Quarter Battle exercises and a final day of kayaking and water-based activities at Liverpool’s Albert Docks. Each expedition offered new experiences and challenges, helping Cadets develop valuable skills in resilience, leadership and cooperation.

Maj Smith

ROYAL AIR FORCE This year has been an outstanding one for the RAF Section, offering Cadets a range of exciting opportunities both in the air and on the ground. Through flight experiences, technical workshops and field trips, Cadets have built on their understanding of aviation, leadership and teamwork, while gaining valuable insight into life within the Royal Air Force.

Expeditions In October, Cadets had the unforgettable experience of taking to the skies at RAF Cosford. For many, it was their first flight, and the opportunity to take control of a Grob Tutor M1 and perform aerobatic manoeuvres was a highlight of the year.

The Section returned to RAF Cosford in April for their Spring Field Trip, which focused on STEM learning and professional development.

Cadets took part in a cyber communication workshop, toured the Mechanical Training School to explore aircraft maintenance processes, and completed a qualification in space science as part of the Space Studies programme. The weekend concluded with a formal parade inspection and a visit to the Cold War Exhibition at the Midlands Museum.

Pilot Officer Rowlinson

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REMEMBRANCE This year marked the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day. As we grow older, it is ever more important that we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The Night of Remembrance Day I walk back home from high school on that cold Remembrance Day, I have my music lesson and then go about my way.

Almost without knowing, it's half-past nine at night, And lying on my bed, I suddenly catch sight.

Of my poppy. On the lapel of my blazer hanging there.

It shines so bright that for a moment I just sit and stare.

For every year we take our poppies from our coats and hats, This symbol of remembrance gets one day, and that's that.

It lies forgotten, dusty in some ancient, cluttered drawer When it really represents all of past and present wars, And the blood and toil and shock and sweat that every soldier faced, All these battle terrors on a floral badge are placed.

Yet we see fit to chuck it out like some discarded pin, To ‘keep it safe’ ‘til next year or just throw it in the bin, When they really died for all, no matter where or when, So wear your poppy one more day…just to remember them.

- Rachel Crookall (Year Eleven pupil)

The Dead “These laid the world away; poured out the red Sweet wine of youth; gave up the years to be Of work and joy, and that unhoped serene, That men call age; and those who would have been, Their sons, they gave their immortality” - Rupert Brooke

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THE FALLEN WWI F. Addison, 28

F. Hickling, 21

A. Stephens, 30

J. Archer, 21

E. Hillard, 30

R. Sudbury, 25

A. Baird, 25

F. Hodgkins, 20

J. Tarran, 21

F. Baker, 20

C. Humphries, 31

R. Taylor, unknown

A. Band, 19

C. Inch, 28

E. Thomas, 23

D. Berrisford, 19

A. Jones, 19

D. Tustin, 21

D. Carter, 29

E. Jones, 19

G. Twitty, 20

G. Chadney, 24

A. Kennagh, 30

H. Tyler, 42

C. Child, 20

V. Kings, 29

A. Vinnicombe, 20

A. Church, 27

B. Klee, 20

P. Walker, 21

A. Coldicott, 23

D. Leatherland, 28

G. Whitty, 23

C. Colwill, 19

V. Lloyd, 21

N. Wilcock, 30

D. Corcoran, 21

H. Longden, 34

A. Williams, 22

P. Cuthbertson, 24

K. McCall, 24

W. Williams, 49

F. Doodey, 26

A. Marshall, 29

S. Woodhouse, 25

W. Evans, 34

L. Marshall, unknown

J. Woolley, 26

I. Faulk, 29

S. Masham, 25

R. Young, 27

J. Fennell, 21

P. Millington, unknown

G. Finch, 27

F. Millington, 24

J. George, 21

T. Mitchell, 32

A. Gibbins, 28

H. Morris, 35

E. Goodwin, 26

F. Mucklow, 26

S. Greeves, 22

J. Neilson, 25

W. Gregory, 26

R. Owen, 20

A. Groves, 22

P. Phipps, 25

A. Gulliver, unknown

G. Piers, 21

J. Hall, 20

J. Probert, 28

N. Hall, 21

E. Pugh, 32

R. Hall, 30

T. Pye, 35

C. Hanson, 23

H. Rolfe, 20

R. Harris, 35

S. Rollason, 29

J. Harrison, 19

A. Sorrie, 23

B. Heeks, 22

E. Sparks, unknown

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THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD The early expedition season in September started in earnest with training taking place for Gold near Anglesey and Snowdonia, North Wales and for Silver in the Long Mynd in Shropshire. The weekend provided vital knowledge, experience and confidence to all participants as they prepared for greater challenges ahead.

All sections continued with their weekly training programme as well as continuing to enrich themselves through a wide range of sectional activities. As ever, there has been an eclectic mix of different service, skills and physical activities including: monitoring penguin numbers in Argentina, signing, sports officiating, environmental stewardship, supporting children’s faith groups, children’s liturgy, volunteering in charity shops, care homes and community village stores, mentoring siblings, learning to play a variety of musical instruments, ballet, cooking, new languages, drama, caring for animals and a wide range of sports.

Practice expeditions continued in Lent and Trinity terms. The weather conditions were more favourable, which enhanced the pupils’ enjoyment of each trip. The large Silver group conquered a significant area of the Black Mountains, and the Gold canoe group returned to North Wales to further refine their skills. A Year Nine cohort of nearly 100 pupils applied their training very effectively in the countryside South East of Malvern, which also included cooking independently and camping overnight for the first time.

The expedition season was completed successfully with our Year Ten Silver groups beginning and completing their journeys in the picturesque grounds of Chatsworth House and the area between Bakewell and Hartington in Derbyshire. Parents and guardians were invited to watch the pupils deliver presentations on a range of expedition goals, including tracking team spirit, analysing flora and fauna, monitoring changing roles within the group and learning about historical landmarks. It was a wonderfully informative evening and moment of celebration, giving the pupils a chance to share more of their expedition experiences.

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The Gold cohort completed the School’s first hybrid expedition, walking and kayaking for two days each across and around the rugged landscape of the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Despite some challenging weather, which included very high winds and unwelcome swarms of midges, the expedition was a success and everyone acquitted themselves admirably. Finally, in the last week of Trinity term, Year Nine completed their Bronze assessment in and around Malvern and the south Worcestershire countryside.

Many thanks to all our staff and volunteers who happily continue to support and encourage all pupils to embrace the adventurous activities provided.

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THE FOUNDATION RGS Worcester alumni are known as Old Elizabethans (OEs) in honour of the Charter granted to the School in 1561 by Queen Elizabeth. OEs remain connected with the School through the Foundation Office’s annual programme of events and reunions.

The annual OE Reunion Weekend held in September was the largest yet. Former pupils whose time at RGS spanned across an incredible 70 years, gathered to celebrate their shared bond along with some of the staff who taught.

The OE Reunion Dinner in Perrins Hall was the highlight of the Weekend and 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of the first cohort of girls graduating from RGS. It was wonderful to see this aspect of the School’s history celebrated with members of the Class of 2004 reuniting for an evening of reminiscing and laughter.

Once again, the annual RGS Careers Expo was the destination for a number of alumni who were keen to share their professional knowledge and expertise with current RGS pupils, as well as with pupils from other local schools. In addition, former pupils delivered Careers talks and seminars during the year and assisted with mock interviews.

A highlight of the alumni sporting year was The Cricketer Trophy, a tournament open to independent schools across the country. The RGS OEs ‘Old Boys’ team competed strongly and reached the final where they faced none other than their Old Vigornian counterparts. The game was played on Flagge Meadow and it was a worthy final that saw the OEs prove too much for the OVs. Worcester really was Green, once again.

The decision not to hold a Giving Day during 2025 recognised the impact of VAT on school fees for the School community.

However, the need to increase Bursary Awards at RGS did not diminish and it meant that fundraising remained a key activity for the Foundation Office. Philanthrophy as a 1291 Donor was launched and RGS Honorary Patron and OE, Fasha Mahjoor (1967-72), sponsored a fundraising dinner at his London Club.

OEs in attendance responded to the Headmaster’s call for them to support the local community by donating generously to Bursary Awards. Separately, the families of the Class of 2025 made the largest gift of refundable joiner deposits to the Foundation’s Bursary Fund.

Alumnae from the Alice Ottley School also celebrated their deep connection to the School when over 90 gathered for their annual Summer Gathering in June. Old friendships were renewed, stories told, laughter shared and the singing of the AO school song on the apse in Main Hall demonstrated how what is learned at school remains embedded for life!

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CHARITY The total raised for this academic year was £14,647.51, a considerable increase over last year’s total, which was very pleasing.

The Sixth Form’s chosen charity was The Myriad Centre, a local charity which provides specialist, personalised day respite services for adults over 18 with profound learning disabilities.

This was also the charity to benefit from the Christmas Carol service retiring collection in the cathedral, when a total of £2,312.38 was raised. The Centre also benefitted from the proceeds of a Christmas Jumper Competition and some St Valentine’s Day-themed fundraising. Members of the Charity Committee were able to visit The Myriad Centre to see for themselves the wonderful work done there.

Mr Breffit bravely had his beard shaved off in November to raise money for Movember, Worcester Street Café and Maggs Day Centre. Mr Scanlon was the very enthusiastic barber! A total of £359.25 was raised, to be split equally between the three charities.

Mr Brownley, who runs Joe’s Café for the Sixth Form, organised an Easter Raffle to raise money for Worcester Snoezelen, a local charity which provides sensory therapy for people with disabilities and additional needs. He raised an incredible £900, with all the prizes comprising large amounts of chocolate!

Our two non-uniform days for BBC Children in Need in November and Comic Relief in March raised a total of £4,895.74.

Undeterred by their experiences last year, huge thanks go to members of the teaching staff who again took part in a Staff Karaoke to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

After last year’s inaugural charity production, the Drama Department once again took to the stage. Mrs Witcomb, Head of Drama, Mr Garrity, Drama teacher and Frances Broadbent, Drama Admin Assistant, produced and performed the hilarious, but thought-provoking, ‘Teechers’ by John Godber. They raised £1,536.30, to be divided between Young Epilepsy, Betel UK and Diabetes UK. Other charities supported this year by RGS Worcester included St Richard’s Hospice, Acorns Children’s Hospice, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, Worcester Food Bank, Wooden Spoon, Maggs Day Centre and the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

None of our charity fundraising would be possible without the invaluable support of pupils, parents, teachers and support staff.

Thank you all for everything you do. It is appreciated very much indeed.

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A WARM WELCOME TO NEW STAFF RGS welcomed new members of Teaching and Coaching staff for this Academic year.

SARAH ACTON This year we welcomed Miss Sarah Acton to the Classics Department. Sarah completed her PGCE at Cambridge, and moved to RGS Worcester from Southend High School for Girls, where she taught Classics alongside History. Since joining the Classics Department here, she has made a significant impact, establishing very positive relationships with her pupils and bringing her experience and expertise to bear on the A Level and Latin options. She has also played an important role in School Netball, aiding the coaching staff and supporting the students at fixtures. Sarah has additionally been very actively involved in Duke of Edinburgh scheme, supporting lots of pupils through their expedition weekends. We are delighted to have welcomed her to School this year.

SHANNON BAKER We are delighted to welcome Miss Shannon Baker to the Mathematics Department at RGS. Born and raised in Worcester, Shannon began her educational journey at St Mary’s Convent before going on to study at the University of East Anglia. She is an avid traveller and has also managed outdoor education sites in both the Forest of Dean and the Isle of Wight. Her time as a House Assistant at a boarding school in Devon confirmed her desire to pursue a career in teaching. Since then, she has trained and worked in schools in Solihull and Pershore, gaining valuable experience before joining us at RGS. Shannon is excited to combine her enthusiasm for Maths with her love of the outdoors, having already helped on various Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and the Borneo trip in her first year at RGS.

ANDREW BAKER The Physics Department is delighted to welcome Mr Andrew Baker to RGS Worcester. Mr Baker joins us from Cayman Prep and High School in the Cayman Islands, bringing with him a wealth of experience in teaching Physics both in the UK and internationally. He studied Engineering Physics at Loughborough University before completing his PGCE and has developed a strong reputation for his subject knowledge and passion for Physics and engineering-related pursuits. Mr Baker is a fantastic addition to both the Department and the wider School community.

NAOMI BERRY Ms Naomi Berry began her journey as a full-time classroom teacher here in September, having worked for a decade as a professional singer, music workshop leader and singing teacher (including at RGS Dodderhill). Her musical experience and passion shone through to all, from the A Level and GCSE Music lessons she taught to our school choirs to whom she gave valuable expert guidance. We wished Naomi well as she went on Maternity leave in January to welcome baby Gabriel to the world, keenly awaiting her return to RGS Worcester in September when she will follow her other passion and move to the LD department.

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ALISON DA COSTA In January, we welcomed Mrs Alison Da Costa to RGS. She has been a teacher for 16 years and was previously Assistant Head and Head of Boarding at Ratcliffe College, as well as Assistant Head and House Master at Holyport College. Before that, she taught English at Halliford School and was Head of Year at South Bromsgrove High School. Alison has also been an examiner for AQA. Outside the classroom, Mrs Da Costa has a range of hobbies: she was a snowboarding instructor for many years and is also a keen sailor – particularly in fair weather. She also has a passion for all things crafty, from sewing and pottery to building Lego.

NATALIE DAVIS

At the start of the year, we welcomed Mrs Natalie Davis back to the English Department. This is Mrs Davis’s third spell of teaching at RGS. Her second spell began on the day the School went into Covid Lockdown, so this year has been a little less eventful in some respects! Natalie is a hugely popular, experienced and successful teacher: she has previously taught at Cheltenham College as well as Pershore High School. Natalie is also an A Level and GCSE examiner. At RGS she runs Junior Debating and the Cookery Club.

CHRIS GEMMELL Mr Christopher Gemmell, a professional rugby coach, combines elite playing experience with a proven track record in coaching. A former England U18 international with Premiership-level experience, Chris has competed and trained at the highest levels of the sport. He now brings that expertise to coaching, with a strong emphasis on individual skill development, tactical understanding, and encouraging a unified team culture. His ability to inspire, mentor, and connect with young athletes makes him a key asset to the ongoing success of the Rugby Programme.

JOHN KELLY Mr John Kelly joined the Learning Development team in April 2025, joining from RGS Springfield where he had been teaching Year One. John brings many qualities to the Learning Development team, having had a varied career both in the UK and teaching abroad. Previously John has also worked as an Assistant Clinical Psychologist, which means he offers knowledge and experience of primary teaching to underpin any gaps as they emerge at secondary school, and also experience of allied professional practice with external specialists. He has become a highly valued Learning Development teacher.

OLIVIA MORRIS Miss Olivia Morris joined the PE department this year from The Royal School Wolverhampton. A passionate advocate for inclusive sport and participation for all, she has brought energy and warmth to the team. Her enthusiasm for rugby is well known, and she has even returned to playing hockey to support the school’s provision. Olivia has taken on a range of leadership roles including Head of Swimming, Head of CCF (Navy), and Head of Whiteladies. She has also supported the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on several occasions and has quickly become a valued and fully embedded member of RGS life.

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AARON PARDOE-DAVIES Mr Aaron Pardoe-Davies joined the History and Politics Department this year from the Paddington Academy in London. Although a historian, having completed a degree at Birmingham, Aaron had previously specialised in Politics teaching alongside his History. He had even worked for six months as a speech-writer and researcher for an MP. Aaron has proved a huge asset to the Department and School, leading our recent Year Eight project on the English Civil War, taking over the leadership of the School’s Debating Society and helping with the Duke of Edinburgh Award trips. In 2025-26, he will also be a House Leader.

MEGAN POWER Miss Megan Power joined the Sports Department in January as a Professional Cricket Coach following five years at Loughborough University, where she gained a BSc in Sport & Exercise Psychology and an MSc in Sport Management, Politics and International Development. Meg is a keen cricketer herself, having represented Worcestershire Women throughout the county age group pathway and later combining her studies with playing on the performance pathway at Loughborough. As a coach, Meg has a passion for developing Girls’ Cricket and hopes to create more opportunities for all pupils at the School, from participation right through to performance.

SAMUEL ROBERTS We are delighted to welcome Mr Sam Roberts to the Geography Department. A former pupil at RGS and a Loughborough University alumnus, Sam joins us from Shire Oak Academy in Walsall, where he held roles as Head of Year 13 and Head of Geography. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in post-16 education and a real passion for his subject. Beyond the classroom, Sam’s sporting background shines through; he has already proved a fantastic asset to our Games programme, especially in Cricket and Rugby. A keen Parkrunner and enthusiastic traveller, Sam is already making a strong impression within the School community.

KATE STOREY We are delighted to welcome Mrs Kate Storey, our new Head of Business and Economics to RGS Worcester this year. Kate brings a wealth of experience from respected schools in Worcestershire and an international boarding school, and she is passionate about connecting classroom learning to real-world events and global trends. Committed to making her subjects engaging and thought-provoking, Kate encourages students to think critically and stay curious. She has already launched an Enterprise Skills Club to foster entrepreneurial thinking in Lower School pupils and supported the thriving Economics Society, where Sixth Form students confidently debate pressing economic issues. Outside of school, Kate enjoys exploring the Worcestershire countryside with her dog and navigating the busy world of family life.

ADAM WITT

Mr Adam Witt joined the Sports Department as a Professional Cricket Coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both academic and professional settings. Prior to joining RGS, Adam spent three years working in the Sports Department at the University of Birmingham, following his completion of a degree in Cricket Coaching and Sports Management at the University of Worcester. Alongside his school responsibilities, Adam also serves as the Lead Coach for Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s Under 11 Boys Pathway Programme, helping to nurture the next generation of county cricketers.

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A FOND FAREWELL RGS would like to thank the following staff for their contribution to the school and wish them well for the future.

REBEKAH AIREY Miss Rebekah Airey is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional who has consistently brought positivity, energy, and warmth to our workplace. Her active involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly Netball, reflects her strong sense of teamwork, commitment and leadership. Rebekah is widely respected for her approachable manner and her ability to build strong, genuine relationships with both colleagues and students. Her natural communication skills and vibrant personality have contributed greatly to developing an inclusive and supportive environment within our School community.

LI APPLEBY Before arriving at RGS, Miss Li Appleby brought expertise in printmaking also a boundless creative energy. Never afraid to get her hands dirty, literally, Li took the helm of the Gardening Club and led pupils to interpret themes with imagination for the RHS Spring Garden Show. But Li isn’t just a brilliant artist, she is also a Sixth Form tutor and participant in CCF. She is known for her sensitivity, understanding and a great ability to connect with pupils. Li has been a vital creative sounding-board for the Art Department, and we wish her every success as she leaves the classroom to return to her own studio practice.

TERESA BAKER

Mrs Teresa Baker joined the Learning Development team as a Learning Development teacher. A dyslexia specialist, she supported many pupils to achieve grades in English GCSE that they may never have thought possible. Particularly skilled in teaching Maths to those experiencing barriers with numeracy, she later undertook and completed a qualification to assess for dyscalculia, as well. Over her eight years, she became a firm favourite for many.

LAURA BOND Mrs Laura Bond joined RGS in 2016, becoming Second in Department the following year and Assistant Head of Sixth Form in 2022. As Second in Department, Laura has made an enormous contribution to English at RGS. In particular, she has led the A Level course at a time of unprecedented academic success. Alongside Mrs Vincent, Laura ran the popular Lit Soc. Famed for its abundance of tea, coffee and cake, Lit Soc has helped pupils develop their interest in and love for books and writing. The range of events and trips Mrs Bond has organised during her time at RGS is truly remarkable. Particular mention must be made of the annual London Gothic Tour, a three-day trip around London’s theatres, galleries, bookshops and graveyards!

ERIN CAMERON

Miss Erin Cameron has been an outstanding member of the PE department over the past two years and we will be incredibly sad to see her go. Throughout her time at RGS Worcester, she has brought enthusiasm, professionalismn and warmth to both her teaching and co-curricular involvement.

Alongside her work here, she impressively balanced the demands of an MSc in Sports Performance Coaching.

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Wo rc e s t e r i a n I 2024/25 HANNAH CLARKE Mrs Hannah Clarke leaves RGS Worcester having made an indelible mark as Director of Learning Development. A passionate advocate for every pupil, she championed the support of SEND across the Family of Schools, instrumental in introducing vital screening processes to ensure no individual is overlooked. Hannah’s dedication extends beyond her role; her extensive personal research into holistic pupil support, culminating in a book due this summer, exemplifies her commitment to helping all students exceed. She has cultivated an outstanding Learning Development team and provided invaluable support to the exams department, embodying a collaborative and forward-thinking spirit.

JONATHON DOWNE Mr Jonathon Downe joined in 2020, and brought a wealth of experience and a calm presence during the challenging landscape of Covid-19. As a seasoned educator and A Level examiner, his expertise was invaluable, particularly in guiding our Sixth Form students to success. Mr Downe consistently shared his deep knowledge, enriching the learning experience for all and significantly contributing to their achievements. Beyond the classroom, he generously supported our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participants, demonstrating his commitment to broader student development. As Mr Downe retires, we wish him immense joy and relaxation. We are sure he will thoroughly enjoy those well-deserved long walks along our beautiful coastlines. He leaves with our sincerest thanks and best wishes for a fulfilling retirement. He will most certainly be missed by the Chemistry department.

DEBORAH GOLD After eight years in the Physics Department at RGS, Mrs Deborah Gold is retiring from teaching. Her enthusiasm, exactitude, and commitment to pupil success have left a lasting impact. Drawing on her previous engineering career, she offered valuable guidance to aspiring engineers and inspired many.

As STEAM Coordinator, she successfully led the stimulating Faraday Challenge—an outreach event preparing pupils from RGS and local schools to tackle real-world problems. She also founded the STEAM Café, promoting leadership among Sixth Formers by encouraging them to mentor younger pupils. Deborah’s passion, vision and dedication will be deeply missed by colleagues and pupils alike.

KATE HYNDMAN We celebrate Mrs Kate Hyndman as she leaves RGS after an exceptional tenure in the English department since 2017. Known for her meticulous organisation and excellent lessons, Kate has been a passionate advocate for reading, both in the classroom and through her engaging clinic sessions and Litsoc involvement. Kate also co-led the Environment Committee, launching successful initiatives such as a clothes swap, food waste awareness day and reusable RGS-branded water bottles. As a colleague, Kate’s kindness and consideration will be greatly missed. We thank her for her many contributions and wish her all the best as she focuses on raising her young family, hoping to see her return in the future.

JO HUNT Mrs Jo Hunt joined RGS in 2014, taking the helm as Head of Department in 2019, transforming the Department, championing greater diversity in mediums, including impressive 3D work and printmaking.

Jo’s guidance has seen GCSE and A Level artist develop technical brilliance in portraits, landscapes and sculptures, helping them become the artists they aspire to be. Beyond the classroom, Jo has enriched our school life with annual art trips, stunning Cathedral exhibitions and poignant Holocaust Day projects. She personally produced every single charming RGS elephant, giraffe and penguin for St Richard’s Hospice in each of their animal parades! Jo has truly cultivated a culture where creativity thrives and our pupils have grown immeasurably under her wing.

JOSHUA JOYNER Mr Joshua Joyner joined in 2020 as an Early Career Teacher and quickly demonstrated remarkable adaptability, navigating the complexities of online lessons and limited practicals during the COVID-19 pandemic. He went from strength to strength, excelling across all Year groups. An exemplary colleague, Mr Joyner was always ready to support the Department, embodying a selfless and collaborative spirit.

His talents were quickly recognised: he was appointed Head of Whiteladies House after just two years, and after four years, he became Assistant Head of Year in addition to his House responsibilities. He has also served as a Football coach, ran the Badminton club, and assisted on CCF trips. Mr Joyner’s commitment and positive impact will be greatly missed by the Chemistry Department and the wider School community.

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REBECCA ROBERTS-GAWEN As Academic Deputy Head, Ms Rebecca Roberts-Gawen has worked tirelessly over the past six years to raise attainment, champion teaching and learning, and strengthen the academic profile of RGS Worcester. Alongside her academic leadership, she has made invaluable contributions to pastoral care, co-curricular activities, and the wider Senior Leadership Team. Her support for staff, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, was instrumental in the rapid move to online teaching and the success of the Digital Learning Programme. Rebecca has taught History across various Year groups, mentored pupils, served in the RAF Section of the CCF, and overseen staff development and cover, playing a vital role in shaping the careers of many teachers. She has also led academic initiatives across all four RGS Schools, including the development of the Years Five to Eight Curriculum to ensure continuity in pupils’ learning. We thank Rebecca for her outstanding service and dedication to the RGS community and wish her, her husband Andy, and their daughter Alyssah every happiness in the future.

KATE SEWELL Mrs Kate Sewell joined the Learning Development team as Assistant Learning Development CoOrdinator, bringing a rare combination of skills which immediately added value to the team. Her genuine enthusiasm for pupils and for inspiring them to believe in themselves has been evident from the moment she stepped into the role. Kate’s impact has included enabling our Ukrainian pupils to achieve phenomenal successes at GCSE and A Level; researching and facilitating access arrangements for pupils, especially those with complex needs; and even providing consultancy for an external exam board to improve accessibility of their papers for colour blind pupils. She has also introduced Sociology A Level to RGS Worcester, further extending the Sixth Form provision.

JONATHAN SOMAN With sadness but deep gratitude, we say farewell to Mr Jonathan Soman, who leaves RGS Worcester after six transformative years as Director of Music. Through his passion, dedication and vision, Jonathan has expanded the musical programme, inspiring pupils of all abilities and delivering memorable performances both in school and at prestigious external venues. His leadership has united The RGS Family of Schools through collaborative concerts and helped individual pupils achieve exceptional success. Jonathan’s legacy is one of creativity, inclusivity and excellence, and we wish him every success as he begins a new chapter as a Pastor within his church community.

JOSHUA WALL Mr Joshua Wall was asked to “hit the ground running”, beginning as our Football Professional coach immediately before the Lent Half term. He has come with a range and depth of coaching experience which has seen him deliver detailed, technical sessions as well as adding depth to the pupil’s knowledge of the game throughout his coaching sessions and interactions with all pupils during games, clubs and fixtures. Josh has worked well as part of the team and he has also contributed valuably to the day to day running of a very busy Department.

ANDREW WEBSTER Mr Andrew Webster, is leaving RGS Worcester for a new role as Director of IT at Arrow Vale High School in Redditch. Andy joined RGS in April 2019 and he quickly became an integral part of the School community, serving as Head of Computer Science and as Senior House Leader. His commitment extended across many areas of School life; he was Officer i/c RAF Section in the CCF, a regular at Friday Football and was instrumental in developing our Digital Learning Programme, running CPD sessions and establishing E-Sports. A huge Aston Villa and England fan, he shared countless football highs and lows, alongside many a quip from The Office.

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Best Ever A Level Results At RGS Worcester Upper Sixth students marked an exceptional set of Public Examination results.

Pupils secured superb results across A Levels, BTECs and CTECs enabling them to take up offers at leading universities, degree apprenticeships and pursue a wide range of exciting future pathways.

Upper Sixth students at RGS Worcester celebrated after achieving the School’s best ever results which saw almost one third of all Grades at the top level of A* or equivalent and two thirds of all Grades at A* or A Grade. 98.5% of all Grades were A* to C. Congratulations to RGS Worcester students Daniel Foster, Samuel Taylor and former student Joshua Fisher for securing places at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, continuing the School’s tradition of academic excellence. Daniel will study Classics with Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Magdalen College, Oxford; Samuel will pursue Natural Sciences at Trinity College, Cambridge; and Joshua will read Theology at Oriel College, Oxford.

Degree Apprenticeships Talented Fencer, Zara Martin-Green has secured a Degree Apprenticeship to become a Chartered Surveyor with top firm Carter Jonas.

Amongst those celebrating were Jaimie Lee and Sophie Gebhardt, Jaimie a finalist in the Oxford University essay competition secured 3 A*s at A Level and a place at University College London to read Psychology.

96% of students achieved their first choice University or Apprenticeship place.

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Deputy School Captain, Toby Alexander, achieved 4 A* grades at A Level and will read Engineering at University of Sheffield.

Amongst those celebrating were Keira Higgins, Matthew Ferris, Henry Welsby and Tom Bowditch. Arkwright Scholar Keira will continue with their success in Engineering and has accepted a place at University of Southampton to read Aeronautics and Astronautics after achieving A*A*A in their A Levels.

BTEC Success Headmaster’s daughter Katy Pitt has secured a place to study Architecture at Loughborough University.

Alongside their A Level successes, RGS Worcester students who studied BTEC qualifications - either exclusively or in combination with A Levels - also achieved outstanding results. An impressive 95% were awarded the top grades of Distinction* or Distinction, reflecting their dedication, practical expertise, and academic ability. Georgia Houston achieved 3 Distinction* grades in her BTEC.

Olivia Hodgson who last year rowed for GB, has a deferred place to study Sport and Exercise Science at University of Bath, Olivia received A*, A and A in her A Levels. She will spend part of her gap year working at RGS Worcester.

Cricket Captain Tom Odell and fellow Cricketers Freddie Ammonds and George Hallam are all travelling to Australia for their gap years to play Cricket in Melbourne.

Twins and talented Hockey players Ana and Lottie Nicholls achieved excellent results between them. Ana will read Sociology at University of Exeter. Lottie will read Geography at University of Nottingham.

The curriculum builds yearon-year to support pupils’ foundational knowledge, ensuring that they are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

This curriculum leads to a range of qualifications and accreditations for pupils by the end of Years 11 and 13.

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Excellent GCSE Examination Results

RGS Worcester pupils have achieved superb success in their GCSEs this year, including the School’s best-ever results with 98.7% of all Grades this year at 9-4 (A*- C) which was another school record, 62.1% were at top Grades 9-7 (A*/A) and over 70 pupils achieved Grades 9-7 in seven or more subjects.

I am delighted for our Year Eleven pupils who have achieved such excellent results and can now look forward with confidence to the next stage of their education in the Sixth Form at RGS Worcester. These results are a real credit to their hard work and commitment and I would like to congratulate them and their families. My thanks also go to our teachers, whose expertise and dedication have supported the pupils so successfully.

John Pitt, Headmaster

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With such strong GCSE results at RGS Worcester, amongst those celebrating were: Rachel Crookall achieved 11 GCSEs with 10 Grade 9s and 1 Grade 8. Rachel is a superb musician who plays the harp and sings in the Chamber Choir.

Fellow leading musician, Sihan Fu (piano) also achieved 10 Grade 9s and 1 Grade 8. Both musicians will be studying A Levels in the Sixth Form at RGS.

Anna Hryhorian, who joined RGS Worcester from Ukraine on a full Bursary, achieved 10 Grade 9s. She will remain at the School to study five A Levels, following in the footsteps of other Ukrainian pupils supported by RGS who have since progressed to leading universities.

Footballer Theo Houston had to book a day away from training at Aston Villa to collect his results at RGS. Theo adapted his GCSE programme in order to incorporate his Football training as a goalkeeper. He was delighted with his results, achieving 3 Grade 9s, 2 Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7 while also playing for Aston Villa and the ISFA international Football team. He leaves RGS to join Aston Villa on a full scholarship contract.

Fellow goalkeeper Maxwell Moses also collected his GCSE results, celebrating alongside his peers. Maxwell has combined his studies with training at West Bromwich Albion, where he signed a scholarship contract earlier this year. He now looks forward to the exciting opportunities ahead with the Club.

International Fencer, Issy Pottinger was celebrating having achieved 11 GCSEs with 9 at Grade 9, 1 at Grade 8 and 1 at Grade 7. She is looking forward to the Sixth Form at RGS and the opportunity to continue to compete in Fencing.

Poppy Parker who plays for the RGS 1st teams in Hockey and Netball, achieved 11 GCSEs with 10 Grade 9s and 1 Grade 8. She enjoyed the RGS Hockey and Netball tour to South Africa over the summer and is looking forward to studying her A Levels and continuing to develop in her Sport at RGS in the Sixth Form.

The Goold family were delighted with daughter Isla’s GCSE results of 9 Grade 9s and 1 Grade 8, after celebrating older sister Niamh’s A Level results of 3A*/A Grades. Their younger sister, Maia, is looking forward to following her sisters by joining RGS Worcester in Year Seven this year. All three girls are superb Hockey players and Maia was part of the RGS The Grange Hockey team that became National Champions this year.

Zac Johnson, a keen debater and rower, secured 10 GCSEs at the highest Grade 9 and is going on to study 4 A Levels at RGS Worcester: History, Politics, Economics and RS.

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ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRIZES YEAR SEVEN ACADEMIC PRIZES Mary Adegbite Charles Baynon Ella Bedford George Blackbourn Eleanor Broadhurst Jimmy Levi Bullock Niamh Casey Henry Chase Christian Corley Grace Cutler Matthew Diver Pola Dworak

Alex Eccles Annabelle Flanaghan Frederick Firth Ellie Gutteridge Scarlett Hay Daniel Hutchinson Jasper Jones Em Kendrick Rupert Lawton-Smith Kate Leonova Julia McKenna Noah Morgan

Eliza Morris Isobel Nourse Noah Noakes Ollie Oates Ben Pech Katelyn Rasiah Barney Ross Peter Stephen Hazel Strauss Josh Tansley Monae Van Vliet Jacob Vincent

James Walter Jack Watts Alexandra Wilson-Thomas Harry Woodall Kate Woodford

Tilly Mann Charlie McKenna Sabreen Mohamed William Morrissey Tilly Nicol Eshaan Nilak Oliver Phillips Ranjodh Singh Seb Steadman Leo Stoodley Moin Sultan

Daisy Swatton Daisy Williams Ben Williams Aidan Williamson Sean Yang Kate Yurchenko Andrei Zota

Amy Higgins Fleur Higgs Ethan Jennings Elsa Kenkre Mia Lilley Savannah Lister-Faulkner Izzy Livesey Sophie Maggs Michael McCabe Edie Nichols

Lilia Parker Nicole Penlington James Pitt Jay Reddy Scarlett Sinclair Lexie Small Xavier Veasey Jack Vickers Immy Warne Oliver White

Arthur Hasling Cameron Henry Ciaran Hession-Wilson Katie Hodgkins Mirin Hutchings Henry Jarvis Jack Johnson Jack Keating Shyla Minhas Lily Morton

Jemima Noble Anya Peddareddy Lucas Pullen Alfie Ross Anna Wardle Grifoll Audrey Wise Oliver Wyatt-Wright

YEAR EIGHT ACADEMIC PRIZES Joshua Andrews Isaac Bishop Sam Booth Emily De Bono Carolina De Fano Anwyn Drury Harry Edwards Hannes Farmer Oscar Greenwood Rose Gregory Jonny Hancock

Isabelle Harber Lila Harper-Lee Chloe Hartwright Natasha Johnson George Jones Luka Kendrick Will Kent Harry Krick Daniel Laugharne Harriet Lester Ruby Li

YEAR NINE ACADEMIC PRIZES Esme Ammonds Thomas Barker Will Battle-Welch Naomi Bayo-Oshunkoya Molly Bedford Alice Benbow Simon Bharath Freddie Bookham Xanthe Carrington-Abraham Rafferty Coleman

Dylan Cornacchia Eva Davies Arabella Davies Maya Dworak Hamish Ebbage Maisie Fackrell Grace Farmer Isabella Gabriel Harry Groves Phoebe Hall

YEAR TEN ACADEMIC PRIZES Joseph Agoston Lexi Agoston Mick Ashton Nicola Aston Eloise Austin Ginger James Bellingham Maneesh Bhaskar Verity Bond Evans Ridhima Canchi Grace Challinor

Joe Cowling Poppy Crawford Arthur Farrow Olly Flanaghan Roxanna Freely Pru Goodison Denis Goodwillie- Green Liv Goodwin Eric Gregory Isabelle Hardiman

Wo rc e s t e r i a n I 2024/25 YEAR ELEVEN ACADEMIC PRIZES Phoebe Anstey Maisie Chase Cooper Collins Rachel Crookall Amber Day Isla Farmer Sophie Fisher Sihan Fu Amelia Godwin Isla Goold Drew Hankins

Sofia Harris-Potts Sienna Heath Cerys Hickman Anna Hryhorian Holly Hughes Emily Jackson Zac Johnson Oliver Jukes Liv Knight Oliver Maggs Catherine Maragos

Callum Munday Henry Ng-Zeederberg Grace Norris Albert Padmore Poppy Parker Annika Potter Issy Pottinger Thomas Pound Toby Prendergast Holly Prudence Noah Raven

Jai Sanehi Rose Savory Immi Sharp Sam Sinnott Lily Smart Lydia Stallard Mati Stendall James Symonds Maisie Whittall Anya Wood

Isabelle Jones Mary Laney Ellen McGettigan Faheem Mohamed Harry Moore Keira Mountford Harry Muir Arun Mungur Arran Niccol Stella Pallett

Archie Palmer Aryan Peddareddy Sasha Penlington Natascha Perry Leyla Rashid Ella Wain Ed Young

LOWER SIXTH ACADEMIC PRIZES Hannah Agoston Dominic Beeny Lottie Boeckx Kian Brennan Ben Brierley Martha Colclough Will Cowley Libby Cox Jessie Dancox Noah Dunnett

Aeryn Egginton Isabelle Fawcett Rosie French Louis Gaston Amelia Godfrey Harry Green Jacob Hartley Hollyanna Hopkins Grace Horrocks Hamish Johnston

INDIVIDUAL AND NAMED PRIZES THE LOWER SCHOOL ART CUP Tilly Mann THE LOWER SCHOOL DRAMA CUP Daisy Swatton THE LOWER SCHOOL MUSIC PRIZE Harry Edwards THE LOWER SCHOOL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY PRIZE FOR TEXTILES Ruby Li THE LOWER SCHOOL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY PRIZE Orla Roundell THE LOWER SCHOOL KATHRYN NICHOLLS CREATIVE WRITING PRIZE Anwyn Drury THE LOWER SCHOOL FUNDRAISING CUP Katelyn Rasiah

THE LOWER SCHOOL PRIZE FOR KINDNESS IN THE COMMUNITY Immy Raxter

THE YEAR SEVEN COMMENDATIONS PRIZE Freya Murphy

THE DANIEL SULLIVAN PRIZE FOR ICT Sean Yang

THE YEAR EIGHT COMMENDATIONS PRIZE Sean Yang

THE ANDREW WRIGHT MEMORIAL CUP FOR EXTENDED LEARNING INITIATIVE Kate Woodford

THE W D WILLIAMS PRIZE FOR ALL ROUND CONTRIBUTION TO LOWER SCHOOL Seb Steadman

THE TIM CURTIS CUP FOR OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE Daniel Hutchinson THE GREENPOWER PRIZE Ben Bean JUNIOR YOUNG FASHION DESIGNER AWARDS Ruby Li & Benicia Ntivunwa

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UPPER SIXTH NAMED AWARDS THE ACADEMIC DRAMA PRIZE Bella Gray

THE J AND M BURTON HISTORY PRIZE Jessica Lowe

THE ACADEMIC MUSIC PRIZE Ivan Innocent

THE JAMES KIMBERLEY PRIZE Ben Fisher

THE ALICE OTTLEY MILLENNIUM PRIZE FOR THE HEAD GIRL Bella Gray

THE JANET PEARSON PRIZE FOR HISTORY Zac Jew

THE BENJAMIN LEADER PRIZE FOR ART Chrissy Cullen

THE KIRSTY CUBBERLEY ROSEBOWL FOR BEST ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE Izzy Hadley

THE BEVERE ART AWARD Bethany Atherton THE BREWER PRIZE FOR CREATIVITY Millie Young THE CARTER-DOWNS MEDICAL PRIZE Simone Laird THE CATHERINE COWTON PRIZE FOR STRINGS Lucas Reid

THE LEA AND PERRINS INTERNATIONAL PRIZE FOR BUSINESS Georgia Houston THE MALCOLM YOUNG PRIZE FOR GEOGRAPHY Edith Wise THE MARGARET MOORE PRIZE FOR LATIN Darcey Parry-Jones

THE CECIL DUCKWORTH PRIZE Simone Laird

THE MARGARET SPURLING PRIZE FOR PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION Rowan Towers

THE CHARLES MYTTON SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE Elizabeth Crookall & Jaimie Lee

THE MAYOR’S PRIZE FOR ALL-ROUND CONTRIBUTION Mya Walford

THE CLAINES PRIZE FOR APPLIED PHYSICS Henry Welsby

THE MISS CORMACK PRIZE FOR MODERN LANGUAGES Lottie Hutchings

THE DEBATING CUP Annabelle Howarth & Catherine McCabe THE EDYNBURY CUP FOR BEST ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE Michal Jarecki THE EMILY JORDAN PRIZE FOR ECONOMICS Thomas Suttling THE ERIC ORTON PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT Annabelle Howarth THE HILLARD PRIZE FOR PHYSICS Theo Mason

THE OLD ELIZABETHANS’ ARTS PRIZE Bethany Atherton THE OLD ELIZABETHANS’ AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL LIFE Katie Reynolds THE OLD ELIZABETHANS’ AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL LIFE Sophie Jackson THE OLD ELIZABETHANS’ PRIZE FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY Niamh Goold

Wo rc e s t e r i a n I 2024/25

THE OLD ELIZABETHANS’ PRIZE FOR GENER AL MERIT OR ACHIEVEMENT Katy Pitt

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING OVERALL CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC Ivan Innocent

THE OLD ELIZABETHANS’ SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE Henry Welsby

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION Olivia Hodgson

THE PULLINGER PRIZE FOR MATHEMATICS Samuel Taylor

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR POLITICS Thomas Suttling

THE SCHOOL AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL LIFE Charlotte Abbotts Amelia Bentley-Hughes William Edgehill Matthew Fallows Matthew Ferris Sophie Gebhardt Amélie Johnson Charlotte Lamb Lucas Reid

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR PSYCHOLOGY Jaimie Lee

THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTION Sydney Blanchenot Abigail Crabbe Matilda Haughton Lucy Sinnott Vikassh Vijithan James Walklett Grace Williams THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR BIOLOGY Elizabeth Crookall THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR CHEMISTRY Matthew Fallows THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR CLASSICS Daniel Foster THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR COMPUTING AND IT Connor Bowers THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR JAZZ Theo Mason THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN EPQ Jaimie Lee THE WITCOMBE RAF TROPHY Sophia Stolt

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THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR TEXTILES Frankie Reed THE SEAMANSHIP CUP Alexander Cutler Tucker THE STALLARD PRIZE FOR ENGLISH LITERATURE Amelia Clarke THE STANLEY WILLIS PRIZE FOR THE PAST HEAD BOY Samuel Taylor THE STEFAN PORTER PRIZE FOR VOCAL SOLOIST Daniel Foster THE THOMAS BLASSON PRIZE Toby Alexander & Samuel Taylor THE VICTORIA WRIGHT PRIZE FOR SCIENCE Samuel Taylor THE W D WILLIAMS PRIZE FOR ALL-ROUND CONTRIBUTION Jessica Lowe THE WAREING CUP FOR OVERCOMING ADVERSITY John Drysdale Arya Govin Bella Heath James Ralph THE WILDE PRIZE FOR DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Thomas Odell

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DESTINATIONS FOR LEAVERS Destinations listed by course in alphabetical order Studying

University

Accounting and Finance

Newcastle University

Aeronautics and Astronautics

University of Southampton

Aerospace Engineering with Foundation Year

Nottingham Trent University, University of Sheffield

Applied Golf Management Studies

University of Birmingham

Archaeology and Heritage

University of York

Architecture

Loughborough University, University of Sheffield

Biochemistry

University of Birmingham

Biomedical Science

King’s College London, University of London

Business

Nottingham Trent University, University of Toronto

Business and Management

Cardiff University, University of Exeter

Business and Management with a Year Abroad

University of Reading

Business Economics

University of Liverpool

Business Management

University of Reading, Manchester Metropolitan University

Business Management with a Professional Placement Year

Cardiff University (2)

Business Management with a Year in Industry

University of Liverpool

Business Management with Marketing

University of Birmingham

Business with Digital Marketing

Liverpool John Moores University

Chemistry

University of York

Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment with a Year Abroad

University of York

Classics

The University of Edinburgh

Classics with Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

University of Oxford

Computer Science

Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Warwick

Computer Science with Professional Placement or Year Abroad

University of Bath

Costume

Arts University Bournemouth

Criminology and Psychology

University of Southampton

Dentistry

University of Birmingham

Drama and Film & Television Studies with Employment Experience

University of Exeter

Ecology and Conservation

University of St Andrews

Economics

University of Birmingham, University of Warwick

Economics and Econometrics

University of Nottingham

Education and Psychology

University of Southampton, University of Manchester

Engineering and Physical Sciences with Foundation Year

University of Nottingham

Engineering with Industrial Placement Year

University of Sheffield

English

University of Bristol (2)

Exercise and Sports Sciences

University of Exeter

Fashion Design

Nottingham Trent University

Fashion Marketing

Manchester Metropolitan University (2)

Foundation Art

Oxford Brookes

French and Spanish

University College London

Geography

University of Nottingham

Wo rc e s t e r i a n I 2024/25

Studying

University

Geography and Planning

University of Sheffield

Geography with Business

University of Nottingham

Hispanic Studies

University of Warwick

History

University of Manchester, University of Plymouth

History and Politics

University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham

History of Art with Foundation Year

Oxford Brookes University

International Relations

University of Liverpool

Law

University of Exeter

Liberal Arts

Durham University (2)

Marine Biology

Newcastle University

Marketing

Manchester Metropolitan University

Mathematics

University of York

Mathematics (MORSE)

University of Warwick

Mathematics and Computer Science

University of Birmingham

Mathematics with Study Abroad

University of Bath

Mechanical Engineering

Swansea University, University of Southampton

Mechanical Engineering - Aerospace with Industrial Placement Year

University of Southampton

Medicine

University of Birmingham (2), University of Nottingham, University of Sheffield

Medicine and Surgery

Lancaster University

Natural Sciences

University of Cambridge, University of Leeds

Natural Sciences with a Placement Year

Loughborough University

Nursing (Mental Health)

University of Nottingham

Paramedic Science

University of Worcester

Philosophy

University of Bristol

Physics

University of Birmingham

Physics with Astrophysics

University of Aberdeen

Politics

Durham University

Politics and International Relations

University of Birmingham

Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad

University of Exeter

Psychology

Oxford Brookes University, University College London, University of Birmingham, University of Exeter, University of Warwick

Psychology with a Professional Placement Year

Cardiff University

Rural Enterprise and Land Management

Harper Adams University

Sociology

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, University of Exeter

Sport and Exercise Science

Cardiff Metropolitan University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Bath

Sport Management

Cardiff Metropolitan University (2)

Sport Management with a Placement Year

Loughborough University

Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science

University of Birmingham

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Studying

University

Veterinary Bioscience with Access to Veterinary Medicine

Harper and Keele Veterinary School

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

University of Nottingham

Zoology

University of Reading

Degree Apprenticeship (4)

Professional Services Accounting with Deloitte, Accountancy with RSM, Primary Teacher with Hallow Primary School, Infrastructure Surveying with Carter Jonas

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Paralegal with Irwin Mitchell, Marketing with Prime Mix

Gap Year (9) Employment - Events Management Total: 128

Wo rc e s t e r i a n I 2024/25

SCHOOL CAPTAINS & FOCUS SPORT CAPTAINS 2024-25

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UPPER SIXTH LEAVERS 2024-25

RGS Worcester, Upper Tything Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 1HP T 01905 613391 www.rgsw.org.uk