College Life Spring 2025 by St Edmund's College and Prep

College Life

Fiddler on the Roof

This fantastic story is set in a Jewish village in Czarist Russia in the early nineteenth century, both funny and poignant and, by the end, heart wrenching - read the full report inside...

Pupils Excel at Model United Nations Conference

A group of dedicated St Edmund’s College pupils showcased their exceptional debating and diplomatic talents at a recent Model United Nations (MUN) conference.

The HPL Annual Global Conference

Ater two years of hard work, we attended this year’s conference to collect the certificate for our HPL World Class School status.

RAF Fly Time

Nine of the RAF Section took to the skies in the RAF Grob Tutor, with many of them taking the controls and undertaking aerobatics.

A warm welcome to the Spring edition of College Life.

I have in front of me a copy of the St Edmund’s College prospectus of 1956. There were eighteen members of staff, twelve of whom were priests; the College phone number was ‘Puckeridge 4’; there were only two official sports – cricket and rugby – and musical options were limited to piano lessons and membership of the choir. Oh, and the fees? £255 per annum.

I wonder what 1950’s pupils and parents would make of all the various activities our pupils get up to at school these days – activities which are once again showcased so perfectly in this latest edition of College Life. As always, I am grateful to Megan Roberts for putting this together; to all of the staff who make these activities happen; to you, the parents, who do so much to support us and, above all, to your children, who throw themselves into life here with such enthusiasm and good humour.

Headmaster’s Book

Congratulations to all of the pupils listed below who were invited to sign the Headmaster’s Book as recognition for their outstanding work during the past term:

Liam S (9 Pole)

Teni K-S (10 Talbot)

Zak J (12 Talbot)

Patrick M (12 Challoner)

Tavonga K (12 Challoner)

James M (12 Challoner)

Viktoria M (12 Challoner)

Matilde R (12 Challoner)

Aidan C (12 Challoner)

Anastasiia B (12 Challoner)

Teagan R (12 Challoner)

Olivia Z (12 Challoner)

Isabelle L (13 Douglass)

Tristan O-F (8 Challoner)

Leah M (8 Talbot)

Harry E (8 Talbot)

Abigail W (8 Talbot)

Willow H (8 Poynter)

Fabio L (11 Douglass)

Devon G (12 Challoner)

Finn V (7 Pole)

Scarlett G (13 Poynter)

Nikol H (13 Poynter)

Amelia H (13 Challoner)

Charlie B (9 Challoner)

Guy O (12 Talbot)

William Sa (8 Poynter)

Leo C (8 Poynter)

Stanley W (8 Poynter)

John R (9 Talbot)

Christian S-l (9 Talbot)

Jamie R (9 Talbot)

Monty C (9 Talbot)

Daisy B (9 Talbot)

Singing solo in the Carol Concerts

Religious Education

Contribution to music

Singing solo in Fauré's Requiem

Contribution to morning Chapel

Edmundian Spirit, walking 20 miles on

virtual pilgrimage

Morning Chapel

Research for morning Chapel

Achieving B2 Level in Cambridge English

Contribution to morning chapel

Chapel prayers

Research for morning Chapel

Contributing to morning prayers

The Boarders' Christmas dinner

Food technology

Geography

Food technology

Science

Geography

Morning prayers in Chapel

Achieving C1 Level in Cambridge English

Reading in Morning Prayer

Art

English Literature

Biology

Chemistry

Morning prayers in Chapel

Chapel prayers

M.U.N.

Chapel prayers

Zoe C (9 Talbot)

Andreas E (9 Talbot)

Ellena K (9 Talbot)

Priya P (9 Talbot)

Finn C (9 Talbot)

Florence Bl (7 Talbot)

Ava P (7 Pole)

Akuchi J-N (7 Challoner)

Luna H (12 Talbot)

Megan S (11 Douglass)

Jessica B (11 Douglass)

Millie L (11 Douglass)

Pippa W (11 Douglass)

Huxley G (8 Rudiments)

Beau G (7 Poynter)

Joseph B (8 Challoner)

Zoe C (9 Talbot)

Sofia K-D (7 Douglass)

Andreas E (9 Talbot)

Zavier S (9 Pole)

Abisah P (13 Talbot)

Nikol H (13 Poynter)

Malachi K (10 Douglass)

Uzochukwu E (11 Pole)

Noah O'B (13 Poynter)

Tsz H (K) W (13 Challoner)

Thomas Bs (13 Talbot)

Hao J (11 Poynter)

Mia Š (12 Talbot)

Caspar D (10 Challoner)

Thomas S (7 Challoner)

Daniel D (7 Poynter)

Cosimo C (11 Pole)

Ciaran G (11 Talbot)

Marcus K (11 Talbot)

Isabelle L (13 Douglass)

Fernando A G-P (7 Pole)

Chapel prayers

Spanish

Art

Creating a book in a jar

IELTS

Assembly (International Women's Day)

Organising charity week football

Assembly (International Women's Day)

Organising charity week football

Assembly (International Women's Day)

Winning an Arkwright Scholarship

Science

Creating a book in a jar

Science

Geography

Spanish

English

Creating a Shakespeare poster

M.U.N.

The Science fair Project

English

The Arkwright Scholarship application

Flute playing in the Production

The Flute Diploma Commitment to sport

Matthew Mostyn, Headmaster

Robotics Success

Four talented students from Elements and Rudiments recently showcased their skills at the 'Rapid Relay' competition hosted by Bedford School. Harrison, Sebastian, Samuel, and Finn represented St Edmund's College with remarkable perseverance and resilience throughout the event.

The competition challenged teams to design, build, test, and modify their robots, requiring both technical prowess and strategic thinking. Despite fierce competition, our Elements team distinguished themselves by securing an impressive second place!

Congratulations to Harrison, Sebastian, Samuel, Finn, and all involved, for their dedication and outstanding achievement in the Vex IQ Robotics competition. Your hard work and determination have truly paid off, reflecting the spirit of excellence at St Edmund's College. Well done!

An unforgettable trip to New York...

Rhetoric pupils had the best time on their unforgettable trip to New York! From visiting some of the city’s most iconic landmarks to attending fascinating talks and tours at the Hershey’s Store, Madison Square Garden and the United Nations Headquarters, the itinerary was packed with exciting experiences.

Adding an extra bit of fun to the adventure, the group even brought along the school rabbit, who got to pose in front of famous sights across the city! It was a truly memorable trip, and the photos say it all - take a look at the fantastic moments they captured!

A Delightful Collaboration: Celebrating Reading

The Pre-Prep department was delighted to welcome pupils from Grammar for a special shared reading session. Organised by our Heads of English in both the Prep and the College, this magical moment was a shining example of collaboration across the school. It was heartwarming to see our older pupils inspiring the younger generation with their enthusiasm for literature. Every page turned was met with wonder and delight, reminding us of the powerful impact stories can have when shared across ages.

The celebrations continued with a lively lunchtime book quiz in the College library, where pupils put their knowledge of authors, novels, and literary facts to the test. The atmosphere was buzzing with friendly competition and a shared love for reading.

World Book Day at St Edmund’s is always a special occasion, and this year’s events truly captured the spirit of our whole-school community. We look forward to more opportunities that spark imagination and nurture a lifelong love of books.

Talbot House Dinner

Talbot House recently came together for a wonderful evening to celebrate their House spirit and achievements.

Pupils enjoyed a delicious dinner in great company, joined by their Housemaster, Mr Adams, for an enjoyable night with friends and fellow House members.

For International Women’s Day, pupils in Rhetoric were asked which women at St Edmund’s inspire them the most.

Their responses were put together in a short video reel, which was shared on social media— and quickly gained over 13,000 views. Scan the QR code to take a look.

Combined Cadet Force

RAF – Fly time

An exciting term has been had by all in the RAF Section, with us lucky enough to secure two flying opportunities for our cadets. Nine of them took to the skies in the RAF Grob Tutor, with many of them taking the controls and undertaking aerobatics. Others simply enjoyed the incredible views and the experience!

A group of our senior cadets completed their First Aid at Work qualification, attending a weekend’s training at Bassingbourn Cadet Training Centre with cadets from the Beds and Herts ACF. As always, our cadets conducted themselves in an exemplary fashion and were a credit to both the College and the CCF.

All have now achieved their Blue Space badge, and some of our senior cadets have also completed their ‘Instructor Cadet’ qualification and have been awarded the prestigious Yellow Lanyard, which they are wearing with pride.

We look forward this term to more flying and gliding opportunities, as well as our summer camp at Bassingbourn Barracks, and further ahead to our October Camp at RAF Valley.

The RSM

It is with great sadness that we said goodbye at the end of the Lent term to our SSI – RSM Leighton Wilks.

Joining us on his retirement as RSM with the Welsh Guards, it is hard to put in to words the positivity and professionalism he has brought to the contingent. It is equally hard to believe he leaves after only two years given what he has achieved. He has been a huge support to staff and students alike and challenged all to push their boundaries. He leaves the contingent in great shape and we are indebted to his time with us. He will be missed and we wish him all the very best in his new role.

Army Section – Gold Medals all round

The Army section has had a particularly full programme over the Lent term. The primary focus was to train a team to compete in the regional military skills competition.

Ably led by SSgt Archer, the cadets trained hard throughout the term, including several weekends. In February the team combined with The John Warner School CCF to focus on Skill at Arms and then completed a full practice weekend of fieldcraft training over our annual Ex Spring Forward. Based at Bassingbourn Training Camp this included Section Attacks, Ambushes, Harbour Areas, Casualty Evacuation and more.

The competition itself took place over the first weekend of the Easter Holidays. Competing against 18 other teams, the team of 8 were put through their paces through scenarios and assessments across fieldcraft, first aid, navigation and fitness. All were designed to test their military knowledge and physical and mental stamina. It was a gruelling weekend but the team performed admirably and were awarded Gold Medals finishing amongst the very top teams. Many congratulations to Devon G, Rowan H, Pippa W, Millie L, Ben W, Leo C, Luke S and Sonny (Goffs)

Barcelona trip

Over the February half term 40 students from Syntax and Poetry joined us on a Business Studies trip to Barcelona. The 4-day trip included a tour around the world-famous Nou Camp stadium to begin with where the students were able to experience behind the scenes of one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

After a well-deserved rest on Friday evening, we spent Saturday at Barcelona Zoo, enjoying the wildlife and scenery whilst also learning about the importance of ethical considerations in businesses such as a Zoo. We started Sunday off with a mass in the majestic Sagrada Familia, a beautiful service with hundreds of people. The rest of the day was divided up between a choice of free time on Las Ramblas or a trip out to the RCD Espanyol stadium to watch a La Liga fixture between Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao before an authentic Spanish evening meal.

The trip ended with a trip to a chocolate factory to see how Simon Coll make their chocolate and of course get our hands on some delicious free samples!

The HPL Annual Global Conference

It was especially rewarding to attend the conference this year, held at Warwick University, with my colleague Rebecca Colley – HPL Lead at the prep school. We were due to collect the certificate for our HPL World Class School status. This took two years to achieve and helped give us a clear vision in educational philosophy and practice; one fully aligned with our position as a Catholic School.

The title of the conference was Leading High Performance for Tomorrow, and the speakers were a real highlight. We heard from Professor Dame Alison Peacock who talked about her research into Learning without Limits and life experience as an educator; particularly powerful for those in Prep School and Early Years Education.

It was great to attend the Gala Dinner and receive our award from Professor Deborah Eyre. It was an opportunity to continue to network with other schools from across the world as well as other Catholic Schools interested in our work.

In attending the many lectures and workshops, I was particularly proud to reflect on the teachers and leaders we have at St Edmund’s College who understand that we are working for every pupil to engage in the tools and thinking behind High Performance. In the work they do we are fostering students who are optimistic about what they can achieve, engaging in their own learning and positive about the opportunities they can create for themselves. This is just one of the things that makes HPL schools different.

Pupils Excel at Model United Nations Conference

A group of dedicated St Edmund’s College pupils showcased their exceptional debating and diplomatic talents at a recent Model United Nations (MUN) conference.

Immersed in the roles of UN delegates, they engaged in rigorous research, lobbying, and debating to tackle pressing global issues. Their efforts culminated in a series of remarkable accolades.

Drug awareness

Pupils recently had the opportunity to hear a powerful and hard-hitting talk from Paul Hannaford, a former drug addict turned motivational speaker and author. Paul visited the College to speak candidly about his personal experiences with addiction, gang violence, and the criminal world, aiming to educate young people on the harsh realities of substance abuse.

Drawing on the harrowing events detailed in his book The Unconscious Kid, Paul gave an unfiltered account of his past, from early experimentation with drugs to the lifethreatening consequences of addiction. His story, though difficult to hear at times, was delivered with honesty and authenticity — leaving a lasting impact on everyone.

Through his talk, Paul emphasised the importance of making positive life choices and recognising the early warning signs of risky behaviour. He encouraged pupils to seek support when needed and to understand the long-term effects of drug misuse not only on individuals, but on families and communities. The session formed part of the College’s wider pastoral and wellbeing programme, aimed at equipping pupils with the knowledge and resilience to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Stay up-to-date

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Zavier S emerged as a standout, clinching the prestigious ‘Distinguished Delegate’ award, an honour bestowed upon only three delegates per committee. Thomas B was recognised with a ‘Highly Commended Delegate’ award, celebrating his impactful contributions, another distinction awarded to just three individuals per committee.

Adding to the accolades, Mia S earned the esteemed ‘Richard Haslam Memorial Resolution Prize.’ Her resolution, noted for its strength and impact, was among the top three resolutions honoured over the weekend.

Beyond individual achievements, St Edmund’s pupils actively shaped the proceedings with:

•11 resolutions approved

•21 speeches delivered

•37 points of information raised

•37 amendments proposed

Casper D was also recognised with the informal ‘People’s Choice Award’ for best speaker, a testament to his outstanding oratory skills acknowledged by fellow committee members.

The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for pupils to build their confidence, sharpen their public speaking skills, and engage meaningfully with complex global issues. Their achievements reflect the energy, intellect, and leadership of the St Edmund’s community.

Congratulations to all who took part!

Taking on Fiddler on the Roof as our college production this year was certainly an ambitious decision. Firstly, it is over two and a half hours long, secondly the music, although fantastic, can be difficult, with complicated dance sequences. Thirdly, with the story set in a Jewish village in Czarist Russia in the early nineteenth century, the cast would need to work on accents and immerse themselves in a culture very different to their own.

The students began learning the music right from the beginning of the Michaelmas term and had a rigorous audition process. As well as being strong singers, the principal roles demanded emotion, strong characterisation and very well-timed dialogue. Casting is always my least favourite part of the whole process as there is so much talent and hard decisions must be made. Mr O’Brien (our MD) and I had a lot of additional eyes who were immensely helpful including our LAMDA teacher Mrs Underwood and other teachers from the Music Department. Once the casting was complete, we began the process of bringing this incredible story to life. We had forty-eight students who came on this journey and what a fantastic cast they were.

We rehearsed twice a week for nearly three hours each time. Sometimes the ensemble students would only be needed for Period 7, but the principals often stayed after school, travelling home on the late bus and by February the whole cast were there all the time. Mr O’Brien rehearsed the music, along with Mrs Hodgson and Mr Hope who both teach voice at St Edmund’s. I blocked and worked the scenes with the principals, coaching them to lose those Essex and London accents. I love to use the Ensemble as much as possible, so the full cast had to master

choreography – both Jewish and Russian style dance for the bigger numbers - and as the show got closer, drilling the movement of the set and props for each scene. Mr Hounsell, our irreplaceable stage manager was there at every rehearsal and performance, dealing with communications and crowd control, filming the dances for the VLE, ordering hoodies. You name it he does it, and all with his dry sense of humour. He came into his own with the Wedding Dance - trying to help students to keep in time and go under arches at the right moment. I can’t tell you how many hours we spent rehearsing the dance numbers with additional lunchtime calls. The cast excelled themselves and to see their joy as they danced in the performances was wonderful.

There are so many parts to putting on the Production, not least the costumes and Mrs Inman coordinated this marvellously. Perhaps her greatest achievement was the dress worn by the ghost of Fruma Sarah in The Dream – converted from a wedding dress and covered in leaves as she appears high on the platform, complete with crazy wig. We all loved that moment and indeed the whole number with its frantic dancing and ghostly figures.

The transformation of the Douay Hall into a theatre space with flooring, wings, scaffolding, giant screen, a high-rise platform and sloping ramp was done by a fantastic tech team – WLX productions. They brought in multiple lights, forty head-set mikes and a large sound and lighting desk. By the time we had our two weekends of rehearsals before show week, the space was unrecognisable. The technician stays the whole of show week operating the sound, but the lights were operated masterfully by Ben who is in Year 10.

Early on in the process I was delighted to have Anastasiia, a Ukrainian Rhetoric 1 student approach me to offer her immense artistic skills as she painted designs for the projections and programmes. This show was particularly close to her heart as it is set in her homeland and she was a

great source of knowledge about the look of the village. I ended up all over Hertfordshire and beyond sourcing props with the help of friends and generous members of staff. Mr Lee’s mother in law borrowed genuine prayer shawls from her synagogue and I managed to track down genuine Challah bread in a Waitrose in north London!

It is always so exciting when the cast sing with the orchestra for the first time during the sitzprobe rehearsal. This year we had eight live musicians conducted seven feet up on the platform by Mr O’Brien, including Isabelle, our Rhetoric 2 flautist who held her own marvellously with the other professionals.

It was an emotional show – not least due to the subject matter. The script is beautifully written – both funny and poignant and, by the end, heart wrenching as we watch the Jewish villagers forced from their homes. There were some wonderful performances from our principals, including five Rhetoric 2 students for whom this was their final production and the culmination of many years of performance at St Edmund’s.

It was a true labour of love but as I watched the cast perform and delight their audiences, I was filled with such pride at what we had achieved together and how they had embraced this beautiful story and told it so well. I hope its message will stay with them all their lives.

Jenny Boot College Production Director and Producer

(For those of you who have never seen Fiddler on the Roof, there is a fantastic production which has transferred from a sold out run at the Regents Park Theatre last summer. It plays at the Barbican for eight weeks from 24th May before going on tour. You will not be disappointed!)

Charity week 2025

Charity Week was, once again, a great success at St Edmund’s. This year, our fundraising efforts were in support of Mary’s Meals, a charity that provides meals for children in some of the world’s poorest communities. On 10th March, pupils had the opportunity to hear from a representative of the charity, who shared that just £19.15 is enough to feed a child for an entire year - an inspiring message that motivated our school community to get involved.

A wide range of pupil-led activities took place throughout the week to raise funds. Highlights included the everpopular Boys vs Girls netball match, with the girls emerging as champions, and a fiercely contested Teachers vs Students hockey game, where staff secured a 3–1 win. There was also a Teacher vs Teacher football match, splat the teacher, car washes, and plenty of sweet treats on sale during break and lunch. This year also saw our first ever splat the Prefect which provided an opportunity for some siblings to seek revenge. Nastja in Rhetoric 1 sold copies of her book “One year, 2 months and 7 days: Diary of a Ukrainian refugee in the UK. Within days we sold 100 copies of her beautifully illustrated diary with all profits going to Mary’s Meals

Well done to everyone who contributed—your energy and enthusiasm made a real difference. We raised an incredible £13,450, enough to feed 702 children for a whole year!

Ash Wednesday

We had a whole school Mass with the blessing and imposition of ashes. Staff and students were invited each Friday to pray the Stations of the Cross together. Faith In Action students led these services.

All students were invited to add a leaf to the Prayer Tree so we could especially remember in our prayers certain people and situations. The prayer tree was then placed in the Chapel. All who took part were invited to take a bracelet containing a quote from Scripture.

Holocaust Memorial Day

The College marked Holocaust memorial day. FIA students organised a display and students were able to commit to working towards a better future for all people. It is 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and therefore we had 80 purple candles for the students to light and spend a few moments in prayer.

Other news...

Rudiments Retreat

Rudiments had a day retreat run by RISE. Its theme was what gives us true happiness. It was a successful day, and I received positive feedback from students and staff.

Bibles

The Good News for Everyone Organisation visited Elements and Rudiments to talk about the Bible. Each student was offered a small copy of the New Testament.

Tenebrae service

Our annual Tenebrae service, reflecting on Jesus’ final journey, was a very reflective service. Everyone appreciated the chance to stop and reflect on Holy Week.

Read to Feed

We held a 10-hour continuous reading of the Gospels and Acts. Staff and students signed up for 15-minute slots and students and families were encouraged to donate via Just Giving.

Annual Sleepout

In January we held our 11th annual sleepout for the homeless. 67 students took part in a variety of activities throughout the evening. Some thoughtful reflections and prayers were written by the students and £1200 was raised for “Vinnie Packs”.

In March a group of students and staff attended Flame which is held every two years. It is a Catholic Youth event which attracted 10,600 young people from all over the country. The theme was unstoppable and the students were reminded that with God they can make changes to the world.

The day included the much-loved rapper Guvna B, World Youth Day Dance Crew, Isaac Harvey a disability campaigner, Cafod, The founder of the app Hallow and various musicians. Bear Grylls spoke about his faith and everyone was given a copy of his new book not out until June “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. He said “Faith isn’t part of the adventure, it is the adventure”

The day ended with adoration and benediction led by the Cardinal supported by a large number. All in all, a good day and very fitting in our jubilee year.

Music St Edmund’s... at

Fauré Requiem

Amelia performed the solo in Fauré’s sublime Requiem with East Herts Church Choirs Association at St Mary’s Cheshunt. Conductor Derek Harrison (former Director of Hertford Choral) said: “Amelia sang the Pie Jesu solo beautifully, demonstrating a great feeling for the music as well as communicating that confidently to us all. It was a pleasure to work with Amelia as she was very calm and in command of what was required. I was pleased and grateful that she also sang with the choir throughout the service.”

Bach’s St Matthew Passion

Students from the Prep and College took part in a full performance of Bach’s sublime St Matthew Passion in German. The piece is regarded as one of the greatest choral works ever composed and it is renowned for its technical mastery and spiritual depth. With a double orchestra, a choral society of 90 singers and a lineup of six outstanding soloists (one of whom featured as a soloist on Gareth Malone’s BBC Messiah programme) they performed to a packed house. Pupils from the Prep and Cantores led the Ripieno Choir whilst Patrick M and Isaac B performed the roles of the High Priests.

String project – Prep School

Mrs Slade and Mrs Lund have been inspiring the younger members of the school, and the results have been remarkable.

Mrs Slade wrote: “The Lent term in St Edmund’s Prep School this year has seen the beginning of an exciting string project. Fifteen Year 2 students have been using the violin to develop their musical skills over the course of 10 weeks. Starting with pulse and beat, they have explored making sounds, with their voices, by plucking the violin and then with the bow, and they are beginning to play pieces along with a piano accompaniment.

There are many very good reasons for learning to play a musical instrument. Studies have long shown that there is a clear link between musical training and academic success; it stimulates the brain and improves memory, reasoning skills, decoding ability and pattern recognition. Playing in a musical ensemble strengthens social skills, promotes teamwork, teaches leadership skills and encourages responsibility.

Other benefits, which perhaps are even more important, are those of great fun, of creativity, a sense of achievement, an increase in confidence, stress reduction and the joys of communication and self-expression.”

She has also got through to the final in the Buntingford Live Music Competition.

Scholars’ Concert

The second recital in our Scholars’ series took place on the 5th March in the beautiful surroundings of the Myers Room. The scholars demonstrated confidence and determination throughout some extensive and difficult repertoire; both parents and staff were immensely moved by the hard work they put into preparing their pieces. We appreciate all they do and look forward to the next!

Congratulations to Isabelle on achieving a merit in her ABRSM music diploma. Isabelle is an outstanding flautist and performed a complex programme, lasting around 35mins. We are very proud of her achievement!

Isabelle has also been awarded a scholarship by the University of Nottingham. She has been an amazing ambassador for music and a committed scholar. Aside from her skills as a flautist, Isabelle is a skilled drummer and pianist.

Rush Hour Concerts

Gold medal winners...

Isabelle L (flute) and Amelia J (voice) entered the prestigious UK Schools Music Competition and won gold medals in their respective categories. The judges feedback was impressive and both received glowing reports.

After a rigorous audition process with Mimic Theatre Company and Stage School, Megan C was selected take the lead role of Fiona in their production of Shrek. She will be performing at Hertford's recently renovated Beam Theatre on the weekend of the 12th of July. Megan is an outstanding music theatre singer, and we wish her the very best with this production.

There have been six Rush Hour Concerts this term, and the pupils have continued to excel and grow through this opportunity for regular playing.

The concerts this term have truly been exceptional, highlighting the many talents that our students possess. The performances have displayed a diverse range of skills and musical styles, captivated our audiences and demonstrated the dedication and passion of our young musicians.

It is the perfect way to end the day for all who witnessed these events.

Young Musician of the Year

Congratulations to Adrian Y who not only won the Junior Woodwind Section, he went on to be selected as Overall Junior Champion 2025! Adrian, who is in Elements is currently working towards his grade 8 on the clarinet.

St Mary’s Church, Standon

It was truly wonderful to perform to a packed church and our pupils thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity. Thank you to Patrick M, Issac B, Isabelle L, Amelia J and Emilia-Jane N for a beautiful recital. Michael Smith (Director of Music) said it was once again a pleasure to host the pupils of St Ed’s, and he looks forward to welcoming us again later in the year.

College Sport Play more, play better

What a term of sport we have had! The lent term was action packed with over 73% of all students representing the college in a competitive sporting fixture. Our students competed in 13 different sports including Badminton, Basketball, Golf, Cross Country, and Fencing all with the goal of ‘playing more, and playing better.’

Football

Our Football programme led by Mr Bowers has had some real highlights!

None more impressive than our U15s who capped off a remarkable season with a string of brilliant performances, culminating in their triumph in the ISFA Shield Final against LVS Ascot. Over the course of the year, the team showcased their prowess with a commanding record of 17 wins from 26 matches, underscoring their dominance on the pitch.

In the ISFA Shield Final we played LVS Ascot at Burnham FC. We started the match with intent, dictating play from the outset and capitalising on early opportunities to lead 1-0 at halftime. A spirited second-half effort saw them extend their lead, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory with goals from Daniel J and Ethan B.

Mr Evans managerial acumen and player dedication were evident throughout. The triumph in the ISFA Shield Final not only signifies a crowning achievement but also sets a promising trajectory for those players transitioning to senior football in the coming academic year.

The U13 Boys Football team were also a fantastic example of what we are building at St Ed’s through sport. Grit, talent, and a belief that never wavered – even when the odds did. From the first whistle to the final kick of a penalty shootout in the ISFA Shield semi-final, this team played with heart and identity.

Throughout the season, this team attacked with style, defended with resolve, and worked for each other. They’ve set a standard – and they’re only just getting started.

Our U18s doesn’t do intimidation. What they do is respond. Ruthlessly. With lots of whispers at the start of every match about academy players, and predictions of a mismatch, our boys consistently performed and made it to the County Plate Final.

But football can be cruel. The County Plate Final saw them fall 2–1 to a strong Merchant Taylors’ side. It all began so brightly – Cameron Hunt opened the scoring within minutes, and for a spell, it looked like the trophy was coming to St Ed’s. But Taylors rallied, and despite a brave effort, the boys couldn’t turn the tide.

Still, this season will be remembered for resilience, versatility, and a group that left everything on the pitch. A team to be proud of.

Badminton

This year marked a historic step forward for St Ed’s as our badminton teams made their competitive debuts at both district and county level – and what a start it was.

U16 Boys

The district tournament was a fantastic opportunity for our boys to test themselves in their first official school meet. Fielding two singles players and a doubles pair, they competed in five tightly contested matches against strong opposition. The boys showed real grit, often coming from behind to clinch crucial wins. Their resilience and shotmaking under pressure saw them finish an impressive 2nd overall, a result that sets a high benchmark for future teams. The County Finals raised the level again. In a pool of four tough opponents, the boys battled through four matches (each made up of five games to 11 points). Highlights included a narrow 4–1 win over St George’s and several matches going down to the wire – many finishing 11–9 or 11–10. Despite falling just short in key fixtures, they played with determination and tactical awareness, ultimately finishing 4th in their group.

U16 Girls

The girls' team – comprising two singles and one doubles pair – delivered one of the standout performances of the season. Competing with confidence, they consistently won two out of the three games per match on average, showing composure in tight moments and adapting their shot selection. Against high-quality opposition, they showed skill, resilience, and teamwork.

Their reward? Winners of the County Finals – an outstanding achievement in their debut season. The girls have not only put St Ed’s on the badminton map but raised the bar for the future.

Netball

Netball continues to be a pillar of our sporting programme, with over 100 fixtures played this term across multiple age groups—a testament to the depth, commitment and competitive drive within our squads led by Mrs Robinson.

From the precision and resilience of the U13s to the fire and flair of the U14s, our players have showcased tactical intelligence, technical skill, and an unrelenting desire to compete. Each team has embraced challenges, delivered standout performances, and demonstrated that St Ed’s netball is not just about results, but about character, teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The U13s had an impressive season winning over 90% of their games. The team showed dominance across the court. Set plays, positional switches, and tactical rotation like a senior side. Every quarter was a lesson in smart netball. Even when starts were slow, this group never panicked. Once they found their rhythm, they moved the ball end-to-end with ruthless efficiency. Shooters were tracking back, defenders were pushing up, and the midfield? They ran the show.

Of course, it wasn’t all plain sailing. The semi-final against Queenswood? A reality check. Caught cold at the start, always chasing. But even then, no sulking, no folding. They kept playing. Kept believing, even though they came up just short. That’s why this team will go far. Not just because they can win – but because they know how to lose. And more importantly, how to come back stronger.

From the opening clash against Presdales, you knew this U14 team wasn’t here to make up the numbers, winning two quarters, and only losing by a single goal. But you don’t judge this team on the scoreboard alone. You judge them on how they respond. And respond they did.

Led by sharp shooters Isabelle and Alice, and with Frankie orchestrating the attack, St Ed’s began to turn heads. The ball zipped through hands, the court opened up, and the goals rained in. Willow and Emily added composure, while the defence shut down anything that came their way. Even in tough matches, when the game slipped late on, this team showed flashes of top-tier netball. Draws turned into wins. Sluggish starts were met with fierce comebacks. It is exciting to see the depth of talent across all age groups for netball.

Basketball

Basketball at St Edmund’s has taken confident strides forward this season, with six wins from fourteen matches. The squad has shown growing cohesion, tactical awareness, and competitive grit, evidenced by some memorable contests. None more so than the encounter against Westcliff, where Jacahri D held his nerve at the free throw line to send the game to overtime, and Marti C took a trio of clutch three-pointers to seal the victory. The team’s evolving identity as a tough, smart and resilient unit has allowed them to compete with some of the top schools in the country.

The attacking fluency has also developed impressively, with the team increasingly hitting their 60-point target. Players like Aydin, James and Isaac have offered physical presence and scoring threat inside, while Marti’s growing reputation as a sharpshooter has helped open up the floor. While the trip to Northfleet in the National Cup exposed the dangers of a slow start, the team’s responsewinning each of the last three quartersshowed their character. The County Cup defeat to Beaumont, had positives to draw from, including the emergence of new scorers. This has been a season of learning, belief, and building - one that sets a solid platform for the future.

Rugby

Our U15 rugby sevens squad delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Northampton Saints 7s Series, clinching the Plate title in a fiercely contested tournament at Cambridge Rugby Club. The event brought together top regional talent from across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Suffolk. Demonstrating tactical discipline and relentless energy, the team navigated the group stages with determination. Their resilience and cohesive play culminated in a well-deserved victory in the Plate final against Felsted, marking a significant achievement in the school's rugby programme.

CAREERS FAIR 2025

In February, the College hosted our Annual Careers Fair in the Butler Hall. We are extremely grateful to our parents, alumni and employers that gave up their time to support us at this event, some coming a long way to exhibit.

During the afternoon, the students asked some good questions, highlighting their innate inquisitiveness and thirst for finding out more about their possible career next steps.

The exhibitors shared their expert knowledge and advice, and it was great to see so many of our students making the most of this career opportunity. A brochure was also created for the students to assist them around the event; it included a floorplan, possible questions to ask and how to set up a LinkedIn Profile.

Exhibitors handed out leaflets and other marketing material which will allow the students a chance to reflect on their conversations at another time.

Grammar, Syntax and Poetry students were also able to attend, and we were pleased that so many students made the most of this opportunity.

Throughout the whole afternoon, the exhibitors found the students conducted themselves maturely and confidently and were a pleasure to speak to. A great event all round!

Should you wish to be part of our Careers Database where we will notify you of any future events, please contact Emily Thomas, our Careers Officer on ethomas@stedmundscollege.org

Public Schools’ Fencing Championships

At the 2025 Public Schools’ Fencing Championships, held at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre in March, our Leonardo N competed in the U18 competition and delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 8th overall in a field of hundreds - a remarkable achievement in the UK’s largest school fencing competition. Competing in both the foil and sabre across the three-day event, he demonstrated exceptional versatility and endurance. In the foil, he navigated the poule stages with tactical precision, securing a strong seeding for the direct elimination rounds. His sabre bouts were marked by aggressive attacks and swift footwork, reflecting his adaptability across weapons.

The Championships, which attract over 500 fencers aged 11–18, are known for their high level of competition and rigorous schedule. Our fencer’s ability to maintain focus and performance throughout the event is a testament to his dedication and skill.

Finishing 8th nationally is not only a personal milestone but also brings distinction to our school’s fencing program that is a part of our Period 7 rotations on Wednesday’s.