The Three Arches Issue 6

ISSUE 6 TRINITY 2026

the

Three Arches Old Withamians’ Newsletter

Welcome from the Headmaster It has been another busy, fun-filled and highly successful year at Witham. We have celebrated notable successes across so many different areas of school life: scholarships to some of the finest schools in the country, our girls’ hockey team performing brilliantly at the National Finals, a senior production of The Sound of Music that was quite remarkable, and many other instances of our exceptional pupils excelling on a national level. We may be a small school, but we are not afraid to dream big!

But a great school is not defined simply by its results, its facilities, or even the opportunities it offers - important though all those things are. It is defined by the kind of people it helps to shape: young people who are confident yet grounded, ambitious yet

Save the Date

kind, and ready to make a positive difference in the world around them.

Christmas Drinks at Witham Friday 27th November 2026

That is what we strive for at Witham.

Looking at the pupils in the school today, I am quietly confident that the future is in very good hands indeed.

I very much hope to see many of you back at Witham for our Christmas Drinks on Friday, 27th November. All former pupils, parents, staff and friends of the school are warmly welcome.

In the meantime, wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer break.

William Austen Headmaster

I

Old Withamians, former and current parents and staff are warmly invited to join us again for Christmas Drinks at Witham Hall on Friday, 27th November. Invitations will be sent by email in the Michaelmas term and tickets should be reserved in advance. Please spread the word!

For enquiries, please email community@withamhall.com.

The Witham Effect:

How Small Moments Shape Big Futures Class of 2026

As they prepare to move on to their senior schools, they leave behind countless memories of life at Witham Hall. For some, those memories stretch back almost a decade; for others, they may span only a year or two. Yet every pupil has played a part in the life of the school and has contributed to the spirit of the Witham community.

Witham celebrated outstanding success at the IAPS Clay Shooting National Finals.

The U12 team won the West London Shooting School competition, the U13 team finished third, while George placed fourth (U13) and Freddie was runner-up in the U12 category.

As our leavers take their next steps, we hope they leave with happy memories, lifelong friendships and the confidence to embrace all that lies ahead. We are immensely proud of each and every one of them and wish them every success in the exciting new chapter that awaits.

Scholarship News We have celebrated another outstanding year of scholarship success, with this year’s leavers securing an impressive 17 scholarships and awards to leading senior schools including Eton College, Oakham School, Oundle School, Rugby School, Stamford School and Uppingham School.

The breadth of achievement was as impressive as the number of awards, with scholarships gained across academics, sport and the arts. We were particularly delighted to see another scholarship awarded to Eton College. This is the second consecutive year that it has been awarded to a Witham pupil.

As we come to the end of another academic year, there are a number of standout performances from Withamians in 2026 which deserve a special mention.

The U13 1st VII girls reached the IAPS National Netball Finals at Rugby School.

After finishing fourth in their pool, they qualified for the Plate competition, where they secured silver medals and were crowned the 2026 Plate Runners-up!

For our Year 8 leavers, the end of term marks more than the end of a school year - it marks the beginning of a new adventure.

It is often the small moments that matter most: scoring a first goal, performing on stage, conquering a challenge, sharing a laugh with friends, or simply finding the confidence to be yourself. These moments may seem ordinary at the time, but together they help shape character, build resilience and create the foundations for future success.

Proud to be a Wi thamian

Special congratulations go to Archie, who was awarded the prestigious Annah Shaw Scholarship for Classics, recognising the strongest performance in Latin and Greek among candidates not elected as King’s Scholars.

Many congratulations to all our scholarship recipients on their remarkable achievements.

Old Withamian News

Many congratulations to Uppingham School’s 1st XI Boys’ Hockey team who recently won the T2 England U18 Plate at the Lee Valley Hockey Stadium.

We were thrilled to see that three Old Withamians were in the squad of 15! It is great to see Angus, Alfie and Thomas (OW22) still enjoying their hockey - well done boys!

Congratulations to our UKMT Junior Maths Challenge award winners; an outstanding achievement in a national competition.

We are incredibly proud that five pupils reached Paper 2 of the prestigious Townsend-Warner History Competition, one of the oldest and most respected prep school academic competitions, now in its

135th year. Competing against over 1,000 entrants, Archie, Tristan, Will, Xander and Chloe achieved outstanding success at a national level.

Saddle up with Witham’s Equestrian Team The Witham Equestrian Team has enjoyed another successful season, with impressive performances at NSEA qualifiers, Brooke Priory Festival and the Spratton Hall Show.

A particular highlight was qualification for the NSEA Championships at Hickstead, where Benjamin, Silva and Lottie competed against hundreds of riders from across the country. Silva achieved a superb 8th out of 180 riders in the 85cm Eventer’s Challenge Championship.

There was further success at the Burghley Pony Club 80cm One Day Event, where Etta finished 2nd overall, winning both Best Burghley Rider and Best Dressage Test, with Silva placed 5th.

At Spratton Hall, Spike impressed on a borrowed pony, winning one class and finishing second in another.

Congratulations to all our riders on a fantastic year!

Friends of Witham -

Headmaster’s

Summer Ball - A Night to Remember

For the first time, the Headmaster’s Summer Drinks Reception moved beyond the school grounds and into one of Leicestershire’s most special settings - Nevill Holt Festival. And what an evening it turned out to be.

Communi ty in Action

The Friends of Witham once again delivered a spectacular Summer Ball, raising funds for this year’s school charity, the Willoughby Foundation. Based in Bourne, Willoughby Academy is a specialist school supporting pupils aged 2 to 19 with a diverse range of highly complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of dinner, dancing and live music, with the raffle and live auction generating great excitement throughout the night. The prize of a private dinner party catered by the much-loved Steph the Chef had hands flying - but perhaps the most spirited bidding was reserved for something altogether more practical: a personalised parking space in the school car park. It certainly caused a stir.

The evening was a wonderful reflection of the Witham community at its very best. Heartfelt thanks go to the Friends of Witham Committee for their tireless organisation, to every donor and volunteer, and to all the guests who made it such a special night.

Clay Shoot Competition a cracking day at Grimsthorpe

Old Withamians and their guests gathered at Grimsthorpe Estate Shooting Ground for our annual Friends of Witham Clay Shoot.

Friendly rivalry, impressive shooting and plenty of laughter made for a wonderfully convivial day. Congratulations to our winning team, to Kit who claimed the High Gun title with a standout performance, and to the flush competition winners who held their nerve when it counted.

A fantastic occasion, we hope to see you all back on the stands next year!

n u R n u F m a h t i W

Wet, Wild & Wonderful Witham Hall’s much-loved annual Fun Run returned this term in spectacular fashion, delivering everything we have come to expect from this wonderful event - sunshine, laughter, soaking-wet pupils, and an extraordinary show of community spirit.

Organised by the ever-dedicated Friends of Witham, the afternoon saw pupils, staff, and families pour onto the school grounds, accompanied by an energetic DJ soundtrack that kept spirits and legs moving throughout.

Runners faced a delightfully important choice at the finish line: a wet or dry finish - though, as many discovered, the distinction proved rather academic once the spectators’ water pistols came into play!

Drinks at Nevill Hol t

Parents, alumni, governors and staff came together on a beautiful summer’s evening, drinks in hand to catch up against the most extraordinary backdrop. Nevill Holt has earned its reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive summer arts festivals, and it’s easy to understand why. The gardens are stunning, the awardwinning theatre is unlike anything else in the region, and the sculpture collection dotted throughout the grounds gives the whole place a sense of surprise and discovery at every turn. Add a vibrant programme of music, performance and conversation, and the atmosphere is simply unlike anywhere else.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the evening.

Occasions like this are a reminder that what makes Witham Hall special isn’t just what happens inside the classroom!

We will be back next year and very much hope to see you there.

More than a school

Weddings & Events at Witham Hall

It has been a busy and exciting season for Weddings and Events at Witham Hall. We have welcomed many couples searching for the perfect setting for their special day, and are delighted to share that we have accepted wedding bookings for 2027.

But it’s not just about weddings - our Lyons Sports Centre is also available to hire.

This bright, modern space is ideal for conferences, training days, or meetings, offering a flexible venue solution for professional and community events alike. So please spread the word!

To find out more or to book a viewing, please contact events@withamhall.com.

We are also pleased to offer our alumni an exclusive discounted rate.

Many of our readers are Old Withamians who boarded here themselves, perhaps decades ago. What would surprise them most about boarding life today, and what would feel instantly familiar?

“Oh I love this question! I think what would surprise them most is probably just how much there is now. The sheer range of activities - Flip Out, bowling, karaoke, inflatables night - I’m not sure any of that existed when they were here!

And 93 children on an inflatable night with their suitcases all lined up outside the dorms... it’s quite a sight.”

“But I think what would feel instantly familiar, is the feeling of warmth. The sense that it is a home - childen still pile into dorms together, still stay up whispering and playing games when they probably should be asleep, still build those friendships that you genuinely cannot replicate anywhere else.

Behind the

Boarding House

Door

With nearly two decades in boarding education, Mrs Lucy Meadows is the warm , beating heart of Witham Hall’s boarding community. We sat down with her to find out what life is really like behind the boarding house doors - and why so many children and their families never look back.

You’ve been in boarding for 18 years - what do you like about it?

Lucy laughs without hesitation. “I absolutely love it.” And spending just five minutes with her, you believe every word.

Having started out as a placement student in her third year of university, she knew she wanted to follow a career in education.

She has spent the last eight years here at Witham.

Walk us through a typical evening in the boarding house...

Far from the quiet, regimented affair some might imagine boarding life to be, evenings at Witham are anything but dull.

Children gather for tea at 5.15pm, before a full programme of activities runs from 6 to 7pm. Then comes the moment that every boarder waits for. “Hot chocolate and cake at 7 o’clock - that is their absolute favourite,” Lucy smiles. Sign-up slots are staggered so the younger ones settle in first, heading back to their houses to get ready for bed, play games, watch TV and enjoy time with their friends, before quiet reading and lights out. “All very standard, but all very special,” she says.

“I just love being with them and being like a mum to them. That’s everything, really.”

How are the children looked after day to day?

Pastoral care at Witham is genuine and hands-on. There is always at least one matron on duty, and the residential team including Mrs Meadows, Mr Meadows and Miss Harrison as resident matron are here overnight, every night. Evening duty staff are drawn from across the prep school, and the gap year students - the “gappies” - are a much-loved presence. “They feel like brothers and sisters to the children,” Lucy says warmly.

The surgery, is a true hub: a place children can come if they’re unwell, have an injury, or simply need someone to talk to.

What is the ‘Boarding Family’ all about?

One of the most distinctive features of life at Witham is the Boarding Family system. Each child belongs to a family group that spans Years 4 through to 8, giving them a natural network of older and younger friends.

“You get the best of everything as a boarder!”

And what is your favourite part of the role?

“I just love spending time with the children. Being out of the classroom, off the sports field, and just being with them. Being like a mum to them - that’s everything, really.”

What about the older children - what role to the Year 8s play?

The Year 8s are trusted with responsibility. After hot chocolate and cake, they help clear and tidy the communal spaces. In return, they enjoy some well-earned privileges: toast in the evenings, their own Netflix account, access to 12-rated films (most of them are twelve, after all), and occasionally, a later bedtime for special events.

“We let them stay up to watch the World Cup with the gappies,” Lucy recalls with a grin.

Is there a favourite term?

Many children, Lucy says, love Trinity Term - and it’s easy to see why. Long evenings in the Walled Garden, water fights, and the legendary Boarders’ Inflatables Night (strictly for boarders only) make it unforgettable.

But Lucy’s heart belongs to Michaelmas.

“I love Christmas,” she says. “I love the build-up. We have Christmas tree decorating night, gingerbread house decorating night, carols around the Christmas tree... I just love all of that excitement. You really get the best of everything.

If you had to describe the boarding house as a biscuit, what would it be?

Without missing a beat: “A Jammy Dodger.” She grins.

“It looks a little plain from the outside, there’s a little bit of fun on show, but if you dig a bit deeper, there is so much more to it. People think boarding means fun activities, and yes, that’s huge. But there’s so much more than that: the friendships you build, the independence you gain - that’s what boarding really is.”

Finally - what does boarding give a child that day school simply cannot?

Lucy pauces thoughtfully. “The activities and the fun are huge, of course they are. But I think the greatest thing boarding gives a child is preparation. For senior school, for life. Even just one night a week builds their independence, their organisation, their ability to socialise with children from different year groups. Those are skills that stay with them for life.”

Wi tham in the Woods

Our brand-new Forest School for toddlers and preschoolers.

Something special is taking root at Witham Hall. This

summer, we opened our doors - and our woodland - to the very youngest explorers. Witham in the Woods is a new Forest School morning for toddlers and preschool children, welcoming both Witham families and those from the wider community.

These engaging sessions offer a wonderful opportunity for young children and their grown-ups to explore, discover, and enjoy the great outdoors together in the beautiful surroundings of Witham Hall.

Designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, each session is led by an experienced Outdoor Education practitioner and includes activities such as campfire cooking, den building, seasonal crafts, storytelling, singing and much more.

Visit www.withamhall.com for further details.

Highlights From The Walled Garden

Yr 8 Reading with Pre-Prep

Year 5 Lea Green Residential

The Bramble Patch

Adventure Playground

U13 1st VII Girls IAPS Netball

U8 Netball

Adventurous Games Club

Year 6 Residential to Chester

Senior Girls Cricket Year 4 Caythorpe Residential

Breaktime Fun

Year 8 Leavers’ Trip to Wales Year 1 Pirate Day

Springtime at Witham

The Sound of Music

Year 6 Chester Zoo

World Book Day

Lea Green Residential

St. Anton Ski Trip

Year 3 Easter Bonnets

Year 2 on The Cedars

Science Week

Highlights From The Walled Garden

The Curve Theatre - Leicester

The Sound of Music

Year 5 Tudor History Day

Red Nose Day St. Andrew’s Spring Service

Year 8 Rutland Water Cycle Ride

CE Results Day Year 3 Cross Country

Cheerleading

Zoolab with Reception

Bedford Athletics Competition Witham Fun Run

Whole School Photo

Archaelogy Club

Year 8 Prince of Wales Barracks

Putting Green

Year 4 Caythorpe Residential

Oakham School Music Day

World Book Day

Performing Arts Supper

Boarders’ Summer Dog Walk

Pre-Prep Talent Show

Witham Easter Egg Hunt

Senior Boys Cricket

From the Archive

Performing Arts have always played an important role in life at Witham. Looking back at photographs of productions such as The Pirates of Penzance, we can see how much has changed over the years. At that time, performances were held in the carriage house, where facilities for both audiences and performers were much more limited than they are today.

Then

Witham Hits the Slopes!

St. Anton

After such a successful first visit, this year’s return to St Anton, Austria, certainly didn’t disappoint. Thirty-three pupils from Years 6 to 8 spent an unforgettable week exploring the vast Arlberg ski area, enjoying superb snow conditions, glorious sunshine and plenty of time to develop their skiing skills.

Away from the slopes, the fun continued with lively evenings of games, table tennis, karaoke and plenty of laughs.

It was another fantastic trip, full of adventure and made memories that will stay with us for years to come. Roll on next year’s ski trip!

Everything changed with the building of the Stimson Hall. Officially opened in 2006 by double Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson, the hall quickly became the centre of creative arts within the School. With seating for over 200 people arranged in tiers the hall is also equipped with professional audio and stage lighting, creating a high-quality performance space.

Today, productions such as The Lion King, Shrek, and The Sound of Music demonstrate the strength of drama at Witham.

The Lion King, 2024

and now

Pupils can take individual lessons and achieve excellent results in LAMDA examinations. Every year group performs in an annual theatre production, while the School Choir and Band regularly entertain family and friends in concerts held in the Stimson Hall.

The hall is also used for assemblies, boarding events and many other school occasions.

Witham Trivia

How many years has ‘Vonnie’ worked at Witham?

Please email community@withamhall.com if you think you know the answer. The first Old Withamian to reply with the correct answer will win a Witham Hall travel mug.

N THIS!

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Preparatory School w w w.w i t h a m h a l l . c o m

Stay in touch

Don’t miss out on the latest news and updates from Witham Hall. We love to stay in touch with our alumni.

Our newsletter, website, and social media is one way to let you know what is happening at Witham Hall and what our Old Withamians are up to.

Please encourage any of your old school friends to provide us with their contact details too.

Website:

withamhall.com/keepintouch Telephone:

01778 590 222

Email: community@withamhall.com

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