THOMASINA MIERS New recipes from Mexico • STAR MAN inside the new David Bowie centre • BAKE OFF What's your favourite bakery?
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David Lloyd Colliers Wood is opening its doors in November. Located in the Merton Abbey area of southwest London, the Club will offer a wide range of state-of-the-art health, fitness and spa facilities for families and adults of all ages.
If you’re looking to improve your health and wellness, learn a new skill, spend time with family and friends, or simply relax, then look no further than the brand new David Lloyd Colliers Wood.
Get those endorphins flowing - The centrepiece of the Club will be the 100+ station gym, which will house David Lloyd Clubs’ cutting-edge gym concept. With personal trainers on hand to give expert advice and help you to reach goals you never thought possible.
The group exercise studios will host more than 100 classes each week including the David Lloyd Clubs’ exclusive Signature Classes Collection. Members will be able to take part in highenergy workouts such as IGN1TE, find balance in Mind and Body classes including Reformer Pilates, SPIRIT or yoga, pedal through exhilarating RHYTHM and CYCLONE group cycling classes, and experience the adrenaline rush from the exclusive HIIT class BLAZE.
Unwind time - The luxurious indoor Spa Retreat will be a place to escape the rigours of everyday life. Complete with a Himalayan salt sauna, rainforest experience shower, Crystal Steam Room, ice cave and plunge pool, all in a stunning space designed to aid relaxation and rejuvenation.
Plus, for swimmers, the indoor pool and hydro pool will give members an energy boost from the water. Picture yourself gliding through the water, the cares of the day fading away with each length.
Family Fun together - Family sits at the heart of David Lloyd Clubs. With structured, progressive swim coaching and DL Kids activities including after-school and holiday Clubs, there’s always something to keep the youngest members entertained while learning new skills. For little ones aged 8 and over, the David Lloyd Clubs ‘Rebels’ classes will offer kids a chance to enhance their fitness and wellbeing.
Clubroom - The stylish Clubroom is the heart of the Club and will offer the ideal place to unwind with friends and family and grab a delicious bite. The whole family is sure to love the dedicated family area with a playframe for our smallest members.
An adults-only business lounge will provide a comfortable alternative to working from home, where you can take advantage of refreshments being brought directly to your table - and then even squeeze in a quick class between work calls!
It’s all coming to the new David Lloyd Colliers Wood. There are limited introductory memberships available before the Club opens this winter, so hurry to secure your space. Book a virtual tour or join online
EDITOR IN CHIEF
PENDLE HARTE
MAMA EDITOR
CARLY GLENDINNING
ART DIRECTOR
PAWEL KUBA
SENIOR DESIGNER
SUZETTE SCOBLE
MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER
CARMEN GRAHAM
DESIGNER
MARIANA SUZUKI
PRODUCTION MANAGER
DANICA BRODIE
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
GEMMA GRAY
SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT STELLA ADAMS
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
JERRIE KOLECI
CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER
ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS
CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO
MANAGING DIRECTOR
SHERIF SHALTOUT
ABSOLUTELY’S
September issue highlights
The start of the new school year can make a person feel nervous. Even if we're not actually putting on new shoes and packing a book bag, there's something about September, with its end-of-summer chill in the air, that signifies a new beginning. So with school on everybody's minds, this issue is dedicated to all things education-related. We meet some impressive headteachers and consider issues ranging from the backto-school blues (it's real) to the benefits of extra-curricular activitites along with a fresh look at phonics, some thoughts about phones and a serious investigation into the long-term importance of early years education.
School aside, we've had some fun this month too, including a Murder Mystery train journey, lots of visits to bakeries and a longawaited look at the V&A's new David Bowie archive. We hope you enjoy the issue.
Head of Fashion at The Telegraph, Lisa Armstrong has curated a capsule collection for Jigsaw. This is her Future Botanic linen two-piece, a breezy wear for late summer days.
jigsaw.com
Laura Green's made-to-order service reduces overproduction and ensures every piece is made to exacting standards. Everything has a lead time of 4-6 weeks; we are ordering this Lilly Green print shirt now. lauragreen.com
The endlessly practical and stylish Hokan bowls have countless uses and are safe for oven, microwave and freezer too. Plus they stack for easy storage and the new Green Jade colourway is a delight. hokanbowls.com
home accessories and the new corkscrew is a fun addition to the
Is this raffi a bucket hat the cutest thing ever? We think so. Loeffl er Randall's Jocelyn hat comes in green or brown. £80 net-a-porter.com
This shoe combines the must-have colour of the season with style and ultimate comfort. Featuring Easy-on laces and a cushioned ankle collar, the Wally in stretch canvas is the perfect shoe for any autumn day. £59.99 heydude.co.uk
Tired of underwear that doesn't fit? Book a one0to-one appointment at Battersea's Amelie's Follies and you'll come away with something comfortable as well as stylish. ameliesfollies.co.uk
Artist Takashi Murakami has launched a visionary new footwear brand. Ohana Hatake, meaning “fi eld of fl owers,” blends Murakami’s signature visual universe with Japanese tradition and experimental product design. ohanahatake.com
Reis has a huge array of stylish jewellery designed to suit all ages and tastes. This emerald and diamond ring is an impresive showstopper. reisjewellery.com
Wes Anderson has partnerd with luxury Maison Montblanc to create a limited writing instrument inspired by the Montblanc archive. montblanc.com
THEATRE EVENTS NOT TO MISS IN LONDON Witness for the Prosecution
FROM 18 SEPTEMBER, TATE MODERN
This major exhibition marks the centenary of Picasso’s painting The Three Dancers 1925, exploring how he imbued his work with a sense of theatricality. Coinciding with Tate Modern’s 25th anniversary year, Theatre Picasso continues the gallery’s history of presenting foundational figures from art history in fresh ways.
tate.org.uk
ongoing
COUNTY HALL
2025 marks 100 years since Agatha Christie’s story Witness for the Prosecution – originally titled Traitor Hands – was first published. The acclaimed stage production directed by Lucy Bailey continues to thrill audiences at the historic London County Hall where it is now in its 8th year and more popular than ever. witnesscountyhall.com
THEATRE Till the Stars Come Down
To 27 September
THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET
Till the Stars Come Down is a passionate, heartbreaking and hilarious portrayal of a larger-than-life family. Written by former National Theatre writer-in-residence, Beth Steel, this critically acclaimed production fizzes with sharp comic observation. tillthestarscomedown.com
Until June 2026
TATE BRITAIN
Recommended by Lisa Baker
Tate has received the gift of a major recent painting by Bridget Riley (b.1931), one of the most influential artists of our time. Premiering as part of a new display of Riley’s paintings, Concerto I 2024 has been generously donated by the artist and joins Tate’s holdings of her work spanning a remarkable six-decade working life. tate.org.uk
13-21 September
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
London Open House Festival features hundreds of free open days and tours across all 33 London boroughs. It offers an inclusive, exciting opportunity to explore London’s extraordinary built environment from new vantage points. Under the guidance of the Guest Curators’ Collections, visitors can experience the Festival through the eyes of activists and cultural custodians. openhouse.org.uk
Avibrant celebration honouring the life, legacy, and cultural influence of David Bowie will take place on 6 September. Ziggyfest takes over Ziggy Green, the Bowie-inspired restaurant on Heddon Street – the infamous spot where the album cover for The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was photographed. Expect music, talks, DJs and art— with a particular focus on the creative energy that defined Bowie’s world. daisygreenfood.com/ziggyfest 6 September 12pm-1am
FROM 20 SEPTEMBER, ROYAL ACADEMY
Marshall, who was named to President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 2013, makes powerful paintings that place the lives of Black Americans front and centre. Often grand in scale, they reference art history, celebrate everyday life, and imagine optimistic futures. This internationally acclaimed artist is one of the most important painters working right now. royalacademy.org.uk
A controversial exhibition of political cartoons that made international headlines when it was cancelled earlier this year finally goes on show at Colony Room Green. License To O end is sharp-edged dissent from a formidable roster of the UK’s most fearless political cartoonists — whose work has graced the pages of The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph, Private Eye, and beyond. Showing at Colony Room Green, Heddon Street from 15 September. The Art Car Boot Fair returns to King’s Cross on 20 September.
Described by Vogue as “The most stylish car boot sale imaginable” this year the theme is Comedy & the Comic! with 120 artists including Vic Reeves, Modern Toss, Mr Doodle and Dion Kitson taking part. It’s a riotous mix of art, performance, and playful encounters, served up with a sense of humour and a healthy dose of anarchy. artcarbootfair.com 20 September 12-6pm
By PENDLE HARTE
Wen I first took a trip on the British Pullman, admiring the beautiful finishes and fittings on the Art Deco train carriages, I felt something lacking. Wonderful as the surroundings are, they're slightly wasted on just lunch. The scene is set for something much more dramatic; what this train needs, I thought, is a murder. So when an invitation came in to what was billed as a Moving Murder Mystery Lunch on the very same train, I was sold. Not only would we be required to help solve a crime, but it was an opportunity to dress up, and of course, there would be lunch.
Arriving on the platform, we're immediately handed small cocktail glasses and warned, in a whisper, about a suspicious character trying to board the train. "You know where we're going, don't you?" we're asked – we think it's a round trip to Margate – but no, this is the train to Arcadia. What's Arcadia? It's not until we find our seats (our carriage, Gwen, was built in 1932 and once took H.M. Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, to Brighton; it's all walnut walls and beautiful upholstery) that we find our copies of The Arcadia Chronicle. While our champagne glasses are filled and refilled, we establish something of the situation: there has been a murder, an actress shot in her hotel room during a gala evening celebrating the launch of Arcadia. But wait: the man rushing through our carriage carrying a briefcase –could he be the suspicious character?
We are on high alert for clues. Soon we are rolling through the Kent countryside, enjoying our five course meal and
paying close attention to everything the characters tell us. A complex tale unfolds – without spoilers I can reveal that it involves agricultural trouble in Yorkshire, a dead racehorse, a Hollywood actress, a revolutionary energy source, and – of course – a Tory MP. Do we solve the mystery? Unfortunately not. But there are prizes for those who do.
A MOVING MURDER MYSTERY LUNCH
Tickets including a five course lunch with champagne, from £535. belmond.com
The Design Museum recreates the club that shaped the 80s
“THIS WEEKLY CLUB NIGHT DREW A DARING, RESTLESS NEW GENERATION”
The Design Museum is inviting visitors to discover — or rediscover — the nightclub where the culture of the 1980s began. This is the first ever major exhibition on the legendary Blitz club night, which despite running for just 18 months from 1979-1980, generated a creative scene that had an enormous global impact on popular culture in the decade that followed — from fashion and music, to film, art and design.
Developed in close collaboration with some of the Blitz Kids who were there, the exhibition features over 250 items, ranging from clothing and accessories, design sketches, musical instruments, flyers, magazines, furniture, artworks, photography, vinyl records and rare film footage. The scene launched the careers of many stars, including Spandau Ballet, Visage, Boy George and Marilyn as well as a long list of designers, artists, filmmakers and writers, from couture milliner Stephen Jones and Game of Thrones costume designer Michele Clapton to DJ and fashion writer Princess Julia and BBC broadcaster Robert Elms.
In 1979, at the tail end of Punk and at the start of Thatcher’s decade in power, a small but influential group of young creatives came
together every Tuesday at the Blitz wine bar in Covent Garden. Co-hosted by Steve Strange and Rusty Egan, this weekly club night drew a daring, restless new generation. They rejected the conformity of mainstream culture and the rigidity of existing subcultures, and instead pushed the boundaries of taste with their outrageous fashions and futuristic music. Coming down the stairs from London’s dour streets into the tiny club that could only hold 50 people were young creatives that would go on to invent a new wave of glamour. The house band was Spandau Ballet, the cloakroom attendant was Boy George and singer Marilyn was a regular. Founders Steve Strange and Rusty Egan formed Visage with fellow club goer Midge Ure. DJ Princess Julia, designer Philip Sallon, and Siobhan Fahey from Bananarama were all on the dancefloor. Broadcaster Robert Elms, Perry Haines of i-D magazine and Chris Sullivan of Blue Rondo à la Turk were spotted in the crowds, as were artists Cerith Wyn Evans and Christine Binnie, and filmmaker John Maybury. They were quickly dubbed by the media as the ‘Blitz Kids’ or ‘New Romantics.’ Some of these Blitz Kids became global charttopping celebrities, while many others would establish themselves as leading designers,
“THE HOUSE BAND WAS SPANDAU BALLET, THE CLOAKROOM ATTENDANT WAS BOY GEORGE AND MARILYN WAS A REGULAR”
writers, artists and filmmakers.
Their sources of inspiration were many: David Bowie, punk culture, the soul scene, Weimar-era Germany, film noir and European art-house cinema, as well as London’s art schools and much more. These club-goers were the brightest young talents of their generation, and they came together to revolutionise fashion, music and design in a way that would shape the following decade in Britain and beyond.
The exhibition features many striking, one-of-a-kind ensembles worn by Blitz kids, most of which have not been seen in public since they were worn to the club. Highlights include a blue tartan suit designed and worn by Chris Sullivan (later modelled by him on the front cover of The Face), leather garments owned by Steve Strange, and an early ensemble designed for Lesley Chilkes by David Holah, the co-founder of Bodymap. Alongside these will be early pieces by
London's most exciting new designers who emerged from the Blitz scene and from its legacy, including some of the very first hats created by celebrated milliner Stephen Jones, one-o pieces by jeweller Dinny Hall, and rare, avantgarde pieces by unsung designers such as exaggerated tailoring from Stephen Linard and the Roman-inspired garments of Melissa Caplan, as well as work by a young fashion design graduate who would go on to find fame in a completely di erent medium: the singer Sade.
The reach and extent of the Blitz Kids will also be demonstrated through objects which
highlight the relationship between the club scene and wider shifts in postmodern design and architecture throughout the 1980s. This will include furniture by Ron Arad, Jasper Morrison and Tom Dixon whose work with found objects and ‘Creative Salvage’ mirrored the Blitz Kids’ approach to style; and material from the radical architecture collective NATØ, which, like the Blitz Kids, regarded street culture as the ultimate source of cultural authority.
20 September 2025 – 29 March 2026 designmuseum.org @designmuseum
The Fashion and Textile Museum goes behind the scenes at north London costumier Cosprop
“COSPROP IS AN INDUSTRY NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH DRESSING ACTORS IN AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTIONS”
that has been dressing the stars since 1965 and has been credited for changing the way period costume is depicted on our screens. Costume Couture unravels the imaginative and skilful process of costume creation from start to finish, showing us the hidden and enchanting process by which we bring the past to life.
Costume Couture takes us behind the scenes of a world famous costume house for film, TV and stage to reveal the transformative and magical process of costume creation. The exhibition will showcase iconic and beautifully crafted period outfits from films such as A Room with a View, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride and Prejudice and Mrs Harris Goes to Paris as well as costumes from television classics from Agatha Christie’s Poirot to Downtown Abbey and Peaky Blinders. The exhibition brings to life the work of Cosprop, a world leading costumier based in North London
The exhibition features many costumes never seen in public before – costumes we immediately recognise as those worn by Helena Bonham Carter in A Room with a View, Meryl Streep in Out of Africa, Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey, Colin Firth as Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and Leslie Manville in Mrs Harris Goes to Paris.
Cosprop is an industry name synonymous with dressing actors in award-winning productions and this exhibition will bring the secrets of the costume house to life.
Costume can transform our experience of film, television and theatre, and costume houses exist all over the globe. However, Cosprop under the direction of its founder, Oscar and BAFTA-winning costume designer John Bright, was from its inception radically di erent. The costumes on display in Costume Couture are notable for their astonishing level of authenticity, inspired by actual historic clothing not just generalised
‘costumes’. Fabrics used are natural wools, silks, cottons, muslins and satins and in many cases the production of these clothes requires the costumier to use the same methods that the seamstresses and tailors of the day would have used. Cosprop costumes are breathtaking in their beauty, refinement and attention to detail. Even articles of clothing that are never seen like corsets, petticoats and bodices will help create historical veracity and Cosprop’s approach to period authenticity always begins with the construction of the correct silhouette. Once the silhouette is in place, the outer layers are built up. Underpinnings and corsetry are essential for true period clothing from the Victorian ballgown with its hoop and crinoline to the stays that create the elegant shape of the Regency era. The exhibition acts as a role call for the range of world-class film, television and stage productions that have benefited from the Cosprop signature style from the 1960s to the present day. Costumes on display include the belted wedding suit and embroidered silk hat worn by Meryl Streep in Out of Africa, the swashbuckling costumes of Pirates of the Caribbean, the sharp threepiece suits of Peaky Blinders and Cate Blanchett’s velvet robes from Elizabeth.
“EVEN THE SUBTLEST DETAILS IN COSTUME CAN SUBLIMINALLY FEED INTO THE NARRATIVE”
The exhibition will also highlight the role of costume in building narrative. In The Portrait of a Lady we see how Nicole Kidman as Isabel Archer changes from a young heiress to an oppressed aristocrat through her increasingly elaborate and restrictive clothing. Even the subtlest details in costume can subliminally feed into the narrative or create an atmosphere. In the Christmas shopping scene from Howards End, Vanessa Redgrave’s long pale coat is lined with a fabric in the pattern of ivy. Although only momentarily glimpsed, the ivy was an important inclusion as it references the character’s connection to the countryside, as well as symbolising Christmas. Whilst in Tess the final scene shows Tess (Nastassja Kinski) in a travelling dress of red plush grosgrain with silk and velvet, after murdering her lover Alec (Leigh Lawson). The rest of her costumes are deliberately muted in contrast to the final blood-red and highly symbolic dress. In A Room with a View Helena Bonham Carter as Lucy Honeychurch is clothed in light, informal dresses to symbolise her romantic and free-spirited nature in contrast to the more rigid outfits worn by Maggie Smith
who plays her older cousin, Charlotte. Both costumes mix original Edwardian pieces from the Cosprop historic collection with historically informed modern designs.
The upper Galleries describe the processes by which costumes are created. Here we see mood boards, swatch books, sketches, illustrations and final designs. We learn how fabrics are hand dyed in a dying room and then cut, draped, and finished in a work room. Cosprop production processes are like that of an atelier with clothing designed on mannequins and in most cases made by hand. All aspects of an ensemble are made by one person, adding to the human quality of Cosprop’s output. After the fabrics have been dyed in the dye room and cut and made in the workroom they may return to the dye room to be broken down. For 60 years Cosprop has worked alongside many Oscar and BAFTA winning costume designers from Anthony Powell to Jenny Beavan as well as a host of A list actors and this is evident throughout the exhibition.
Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop 26 September - Spring 2026 fashiontextilemuseum.org
Museum Depot in Acton Town 18-21 SEPTEMBER
London Transport Museum is opening the doors to its Museum Depot in Acton Town for one weekend this September – a rare chance to explore a transport treasure trove that’s only open to the public on special dates throughout the year.
Alongside a lively programme of talks, workshops and tours, visitors can get up close to an amazing collection of over 320,000 objects from London’s transport past not currently on display in the main Museum in Covent Garden. September’s event ‘A Journey of Art and Design’ will be a celebration of London transport’s rich art and design heritage – from Tube posters, logos, maps and signs to iconic vehicles.
Get stuck into art and design themed activities for all ages. For adults there will be not- to-be missed expert talks with historian Dr Emma Bastin, from the Art Deco Society UK, who will discuss how art deco revolutionised London Underground, and a talk with Fiona Orisini, curator at the Royal Institute of British Architects, Drawings & Archives Collections, based at the V&A, on architect Charles Holden. For families there will be equipment demos, a quiz, object handling and craft workshops, a miniature railway and other fun activities.
The Museum Depot is a two-minute walk from Acton Town underground station, which is served by the Piccadilly and District lines.
Book tickets at ltmuseum.co.uk/depot-open-days
Visit the Depot, step back in time to the 1920s and enjoy an immersive show
24 OCT-2 NOV
The interactive family theatre production returns to the Museum’s Cubic Theatre over half-term. This high-energy, interactive adventure for curious kids follows two trainee engineers as they journey through time to tackle transport challenges from London’s past, present and future. Expect live science experiments, comedy and plenty of audience participation that puts kids right in the middle of the action.
Tickets from £12.00. ltmuseum.co.uk/theatre
25 OCT-2 NOV
Families can step back in time to the ‘Roaring Twenties’ with a series of fun activities celebrating this iconic decade. Get stuck into arts and crafts, dance workshops and family-friendly tours. Find out more about vehicles from this decade, the stories of those who rode them and the influence of the Art Deco movement on London Transport.
Half-term family activities are included with Museum admission, and kids go free!.
Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. How far would you go to become someone else?
Tom Ripley is a nobody – scraping by in New York, forging signatures, telling little white lies – until a chance encounter changes everything. When a wealthy stranger o ers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf, Tom leaps at the opportunity.
But in the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, surrounded by shimmering waters and whispered secrets, Tom is seduced by the life Dickie leads - the freedom, the wealth, the e ortless charm. Fascination turns to obsession, and as his grip tightens on Dickie’s world, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur. What starts as an innocent opportunity spirals into a chilling game of lies, identity theft, and murder.
The ten-strong ensemble cast is led by Ed McVey as Tom Ripley. Ed was one of the stars of The Crown. Bruce HerbelinEarle from Netflix's Free Rein is Dickie
Greenleaf and EastEnders regular and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Maisie Smith stars as Marge Sherwood. This electrifying new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley brings Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller, which inspired the acclaimed movie and Netflix series, to life like never before. With razor-sharp dialogue, simmering tension, and a dangerously charismatic antihero, this gripping production will pull you into Ripley’s intoxicating world— where nothing is quite as it seems.
10 - 15 November, Richmond Theatre atgtickets.com/richmond
“In the sundrenched glamour of 1950s Italy, fascination turns to obsession”
The moment we first stepped inside Merchant Taylors’ Hall, we knew it was something extraordinary
Tucked away in the heart of the City of London, this hidden gem is more than a venue – it’s a journey through time. With over 700 years of history woven into its walls, the Hall carries with it a regal air, echoing centuries of banquets, celebrations, and royal occasions. Our day began in grandeur, as I slipped away to the Drawing Room, where handpainted wallpaper and soft light created the perfect sanctuary to get ready. There was a quiet magic in that space, as though the centuries themselves had
“The room seemed to embrace us with its magnifi cence”
paused to make room for my day.
Later, with a glass of champagne in hand, I stepped out into the King’s Gallery for photographs, I looked down over the Great Hall, watching as it was dressed for our celebration, and the anticipation grew.
Our story truly began as we walked the Great Staircase, seeing the faces of our loves ones smiling up at us framed by high ceilings, illuminated by the glowing chandeliers. And then – that moment. Turning into the Great Hall, we gasped. Before us unfolded soaring ceilings adorned with golden detailing, a room that seemed to embrace us with its magnificence. The space was not just impressive; it was breathtaking, a place where vows feel elevated by the weight of history itself.
The romance of the Hall lingers in its details – the grand oak walls and flooring, the oriel overflowing with centuries old gold and silver, the original Tudor stonework, leading us toward a sense of occasion few venues can match. As the sun beamed down on us, our guests spilled into The Courtyard Garden. Tucked behind high walls, this tranquil oasis became the backdrop to our most intimate moments, an escape into calm where laughter and champagne mingled beneath the open sky.
Merchant Taylors’ Hall is not only steeped in history, it is alive with it. For us, it was the perfect balance of majesty and intimacy – a place where heritage and romance entwine. Hidden in plain sight, at the very heart of London, it is a setting where every guest arrives curious, and every couple leaves with a story that feels like it has been centuries in the making.
1975
his month, a new door will open into David Bowie’s universe — a place where glitterstreaked stage costumes hang beside battered notebooks, where unrealised film scripts share space with platinum records, and where the lightning bolt of Aladdin Sane flickers just as brightly as the unmade dreams of a Diamond Dogs movie.
The David Bowie Centre, part of the V&A East Storehouse at East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is more than an exhibition. It is a living, breathing archive of more than 90,000 items that chart the creative life of one of the most fearless artists of the last century. Visitors will be able to explore constantly changing displays,
and even book private one-on-one appointments to handle and study the objects that shaped Bowie’s career.
Opening day will see the launch of an exclusive, guest-curated display by Nile Rodgers — the multi-award-winning producer, songwriter, guitarist, and Bowie collaborator — alongside Brit Award-winning indie rock band The Last Dinner Party. For Rodgers, whose work with Bowie includes the 1983 blockbuster Let’s Dance and 1993’s Black Tie White Noise, the choices are deeply personal: a Peter Hall suit from the Serious Moonlight tour, candid photographs from the Let’s Dance recording sessions with Stevie Ray Vaughan, and personal correspondence that reveals the warmth and trust between the two men. “Our bond was built on a love of the music that had both made and saved our lives,” Rodgers says.
Around them, nine rotating displays will peel back the layers of Bowie’s creative process. Some explore his best-known moments: Ziggy Stardust’s otherworldly persona, the lightning flash of Aladdin Sane, the ambition of the Glass Spider tour. Others reveal the roads not taken, from an unmade adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 to abandoned film projects for Young Americans and Diamond Dogs
The design of the Centre makes its dual purpose clear. Overhead, Tyvek bags cradle stage costumes — from Freddie Burretti’s glam-era designs to Bowie’s Thierry Mugler wedding suit — waiting to be brought down for closer viewing. Around 200 objects will be on display at any given moment, with the rest stored but visible, hinting at the archive’s scale. Films, interactive installations, and cultural maps trace Bowie’s influence far
beyond music, touching fashion, art, film, and even sitcoms like Friends. The collection itself is vast: hundreds of costumes, nearly 150 instruments, stage set models, awards, life masks, original lyrics, fan letters, and over 70,000 photographs. It’s an intimate anatomy of a creative life — messy, ambitious, and endlessly evolving. Cataloguing will continue until 2026, but the Centre’s ethos is to open the doors now and let people in.
Whether you’re a scholar, a musician, or a fan, the centre o ers something rare — the chance to sit with the real, tangible artefacts of an artist who never stopped reinventing himself. And just as Bowie transformed the material of his life into something dazzling, this new space invites visitors to pick up those same threads and imagine what comes next.
Opening Date: 13 September 2025
Location: V&A East Storehouse, East Bank, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
Access: Free, ticketed entry (tickets released closer to opening)
What’s Inside: Over 90,000 items from Bowie’s archive, including costumes, instruments, lyrics, photographs, stage designs, props, awards, and personal objects
Special Features: Guest-curated displays by Nile Rodgers and The Last Dinner Party; nine rotating themed displays; interactive installations; film screenings; visible costume storage; one-on-one object viewings via the V&A’s Order an Object service
Archive Highlights: Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane costumes, lyrics for “Fame”, “Heroes” and “Ashes to Ashes”, unrealised projects including 1984 adaptation and Diamond Dogs film, 70,000+ photographs
Booking: Private viewings require two weeks’ notice; up to five items per appointment
In celebration of the V&A’s hotly anticipated Marie Antoinette: Style exhibition, five-star London hotel The Kensington is introducing a brand-new afternoon tea: Let Us Eat Cake. Launching on 20th September, this quintessentially British experience pays tribute to the opulence, artistry and enduring style of one of history’s most iconic figures.
London’s food news and most exciting openings this month
By PENDLE HARTE
Wine recommendations for the month
By THE WINE SOCIETY
Château Thieuley 'Le Petit Courselle', Bordeaux Clairet 2023
£9.25 (The Wine Society)
Clairet is the light coloured style of Bordeaux red from which 'claret' first took its name. A lovely wine from the Courselle family, creamy and rounded yet fresh. This blend of 70% merlot and 30% cabernet sauvignon is perfect with barbecued food and best served straight from the fridge.
Navajas Blanco Crianza, Rioja 2021
£9.95 (The Wine Society)
An expressive, oaky white Rioja which is smooth and rich with nutty, floral fruit to balance the attractive vanilla notes. Navajas get their hands on some of the finest fruit from Rioja`s best vineyards.
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Cap Classique Brut 2023
£14.50 (The Wine Society)
The traditional Champagne varieties of chardonnay and pinots noir and meunier combine to make a rich, toasty traditional-method sparkling with impressive weight for the price. A great value alternative to champagne.
Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.
The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com
AKI LONDON
Opening this month in Cavendish Square is Aki London, a contemporary Japanese that draws inspiration from Kyoto’s farm-to-table culinary ethos. Expect dishes like Tuna Tartare with Japanese brown pu ed rice with caviar, served on a bed of ice, and Wagyu Tataki with tru e and enoki mushrooms. The restaurant will have 80 in-house ‘micro-farms’, allowing the kitchen to explore unique Japanese herbs and ingredients, and various fermentation methods . akilondon.com
FREAK SCENE
Scott Hallsworth's new project is a pop-up Freak Scene at 100 Wardour Street, featurng a menu of favourites, including chili crab wonton bombs, miso-grilled hispi cabbage and red curry duck donut buns alongside new dishes for the Soho crowd. Expect blasting hip-hop, gra ti on the toilet walls and funky artwork. freakscene100wardourst.com
KANPAI
Kanpai Classic brings the tradition of Japanese Yakiniku to life for the first time in London. As a new-style Japanese steakhouse, it introduces the philosophy of grilling the whole cow. The new menu celebrates Japanese A5 Grade Wagyu in all its forms, grilled individually at each table. kanpaiclassic.com
Our favourite burgers
TOMMI'S X DE NADAS
De Nadas Empanadas & Tommi’s Burger Joint have partnered to create the Burgernada - a special cheeseburger empanada and an Argentinian-style burger, the Tommi’s Tango Burger. denadas.co.uk
HANBAAGAASUUTEEKI
Hanbaagaasuuteeki is a new Asian smash burger concept in Victoria – and there is a top secret menu item, only available by request, the Szechuan fried chicken burger. @hanbaagaasuuteeki
THE SEAFOOD BAR
The Seafood Bar’s limited-edition Lobster & Prawn Burger features freshly prepared lobster and prawns, layered with creamy Gouda cheese and topped with a zesty sriracha lime mayo. theseafoodbar.com
RICK STEIN BARNES
On Thursday 18th September, experience an evening of storytelling and seafood at Rick Stein Barnes as Jack Stein joins forces with acclaimed Irish chef Anna Haugh, for the last chapter of his 2025 Seafood Odyssey Series. Set against a stunning riverside backdrop, this is a five-course feast inspired by the mythical tales of Ireland and the bountiful flavours of the Cornish coast. rickstein.com
YAUATCHA
The Clink Restaurant in HMP Brixton Prison is a working restaurant with a powerful purpose. It gives prisoners the chance to train in professional kitchens and front-of-house roles while serving their sentences, gaining the skills and confidence needed to build a new future after release. So when guests dine at The Clink, they’re not just enjoying a great meal, but also supporting a great cause. theclinkcharity.org
Order for home delivery or click & collect from one of our locations across the South East
A whole new lease of life for an old Portobello boozer
By PENDLE HARTE
Imagine a place that had all the design flair of Dishoom, plus lots of the menu highlights – but also had a huge cocktail list, a buzzy bar and even lodgings upstairs. And imagine it taking over a fabulous building – an old Victorian pub, say – on Portobello Road, with pavement tables. Sounds exciting, right?
Because that’s exactly what we have with Permit Room, a new addition to the Dishoom family that has taken over the old Ground Floor Bar/ First Floor restuarant on Portobello Road. This is a building with great bones – the first floor dining room has vast windows on two walls, while the long downstairs bar is a fine
specimen – and it’s been treated to a stylish makeover with tiled floors, rich woods, deep leathers, and walls decorated with original art from South Asian artists, plus lots of plants. There are Art Deco lamps with warm bulbs, carefully designed Indian fonts and all the detail you’d expect from the Dishoom design team. They have clearly had fun. It’s an all-day venture, starting with chai and bacon naan rolls in the morning, light chaats and small plates at lunch, and then cocktails and music as the evening rolls in. We’re here for dinner, starting with cocktails. The drinks menu is a highlight—creative concoctions like a smoky basmati margarita or
“All the detail you’d expect from the Dishoom design team”
a twist on a classic Paloma keep things interesting. My orange wine margarita comes in the prettiest glass I’ve ever seen, and it’s delicious: orange wine and its syrup, almond bitters, a touch of citrus and Altos Reposado tequila. Perfect with the house peanut masala, a mix of nuts with red onion, chilli, tomato and coriander that is an absolute revelation. We order half a tandoori chicken – juicy, spiced, blackened, along with alloo tikki chaat, chilli broccoli salad (a Dishoom favourite), prawn recheado (yes, we are fine with spice, thank you) and a rich lamb chettinad, along with the always excellent garlic naan with its charred yet soft texture. And then there’s a boozy pudding: essentially a nutty cake ball swimming in a measure of rum.
Adding to the fun, just above the bar sits Permit Room Lodgings, a twobedroom flat that doubles down on vintage charm. With record players, retro décor, and books lining the shelves, it o ers a stylish hideaway right in the heart of the market. permitroom.co.uk
Thomasina Miers spent a six-month sabbatical to Mexico. These recipes showcase the 12 everyday ingredients she used time and again
Serves 4 - 6 as a side
A beautifully simple side that will transform any dinner. Salsa macha is a chilli oil traditionally made with dried chillies (usually árbol) and nuts (usually peanuts and sesame). It is indecently delicious. Its dry, smoky heat and rich, complex, garlicky flavour is wonderful set against the sweetness of sweet potatoes. In the summer, I roast them whole in the embers of a barbecue, slash them open and fill them with butter, crumbled feta.
INGREDIENTS
• 3–4 sweet potatoes (about 1.2 kg/2 lb 13 oz total)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 4–5 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
• 80 g (3 oz) bacon lardons
• 120 ml (4 fl oz/1⁄2 cup) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 lime, 1⁄2 juiced and 1⁄2 sliced into wedges
• 50 g (13⁄4 oz) crumbled feta
• handful of coriander leaves
METHOD
1 Preheat the oven to 220°C fan (430°F/ gas 9) and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
2 Scrub the sweet potatoes and cut each one into long, generous wedges. Tip them into the prepared baking tray.
3 In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, soy sauce and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Pour this over the sweet potato wedges and scatter over the salt. Rub the wedges all over with the sticky glaze, ensuring each one is glistening. Scatter over the thyme leaves, then bake for 30–40 minutes, tossing the wedges halfway through cooking. At this stage, the potatoes should be smelling delicious and looking caramelised and beautifully blackened in places.
4 In the meantime, heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the lardons and sauté for a few minutes until their fat is released and they turn golden.
5 In a bowl, whisk the soured cream with the milk to thin down to a drizzleable consistency.
6 When the sweet potatoes are cooked, empty them into a shallow bowl and generously administer all the toppings: squeeze over the lime juice, then drizzle with sour cream. Crumble over the feta, then scatter over the crisp lardons and coriander. Tuck in wedges of lime all around and serve.
Grilled coconut spatchcocked chicken with coriander & mango salsa
Feeds 6
Spatchcocking a chicken is one of my favourite ways to cook a bird. Like chicken on a spit, it maximises the skin-to-grill contact, meaning more crispy chicken skin and more flavour. Here, the flavour comes from spicy, grassy jalapeño chillies, fiery ginger and garlic, tempered by sweet coconut and fresh coriander and made smoky and sticky on the grill. You will be le with a carcass and the sticky roast bits and pieces from the bottom of the pan, perfect to make a stock with. Deep, aromatic flavours li ed with that vibrant, juicy mango salsa.
• 1 large chicken (about 2 kg/4 lb 8 oz)
• 2 red onions, cut into wedges
For the marinade
• 200 ml (7 fl oz/scant 1 cup) coconut milk
• 25 g (1 oz) coriander (cilantro) leaves
• 3 teaspoons panela or soft brown sugar
• 1–3 fresh serrano, jalapeño or other green chillies
• 1 lime
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
For the salsa
• 3 mangoes, diced
• 1⁄2 cucumber, diced
• 1⁄2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño or serrano chilli, finely diced zest and juice of 1 lime
• handful of coriander (cilantro), stalks finely chopped, leaves roughly chopped
• Spatchcocking a bird means cutting out the backbone and pressing it flat – ask a friendly butcher or follow the instructions here.
1 If you’re spatchcocking the chicken yourself, turn the chicken so it is lying breast side down and cut along each side of the backbone with meat scissors or a strong knife, then remove the backbone. Turn over the bird and place your hands firmly across its middle, then bounce down on your hands firmly to flatten it.
2 Make the marinade by blitzing all the ingredients together in a blender.
3 Place the chicken and red onion wedges in a large bowl. Season with salt, then add the marinade and rub it all over both chicken and onions to coat generously. You can cook the chicken straight away but it will taste better if allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight.
4 To make the salsa, toss all the ingredients together in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper and allow to sit for half an hour to infuse.
5 When you’re ready to cook, light a barbecue or preheat the oven to 200°C fan (400°G/gas 7). Grill, roast or barbecue the chicken and onions for 30–35 minutes, regularly basting in the marinade until the chicken’s juices run clear and the skin is crispy and delicious-looking. Carve and serve with the salsa.
Feeds 4
One of my favourite regions in Mexico is Baja California, which has a stunning, rugged and snake-like coastline that hugs the Pacific Ocean, home to so much extraordinary sea life. The area is bursting with talented chefs, probably drawn by the first-rate produce. Diego Hernandez is one such cook, and many years ago, he came to cook a supper club at Wahaca. This bowl is inspired by him and that supper club: a light, rich, satisfying concoction of nutty brown lime-drenched rice, sticky roast tomatoes and harissa-spiked leeks. It makes a fine lunch or supper dish. The girls love it, we love it, everyone loves it.
• 5 garlic cloves, 2 left whole and 3 finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée (paste)
• 4–5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon soft brown sugar
• zest of 1 lime and juice of 2, plus lime wedges to serve
• 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) trimmed leeks, cut into rounds
• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) cherry tomatoes
• 300 g (101⁄2 oz/1⁄3) short-grain brown rice
• 700 ml (24 fl oz/scant 3 cups) chicken or vegetable stock, or water
• 75 g (21⁄2 oz) butter
• large bunch of coriander (cilantro), leaves roughly chopped
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (350°F/gas 6).
2 Using a pestle and mortar, crush the whole garlic cloves with the salt, cumin and fennel seeds to form a paste, then stir in the harissa, tomato purée, oil, sugar and lime zest. Combine the leeks and tomatoes in a roasting tray and add the paste, tossing to coat. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden.
3 Meanwhile, make the rice. Bring the stock or water to the boil in a saucepan, season generously, add the rice and simmer, covered, over a medium–low heat for 30 minutes without removing the lid.
4 While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium–high heat. Once melted, cook for 3–4 minutes more until foaming, darkening in colour and starting to smell deliciously nutty and toasted. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute or so until turning soft and golden, then take o the heat and stir through the lime juice and half the coriander.
5 Uncover the rice and pour over three quarters of the lime butter. Reduce the heat
to its lowest setting, cover once more and allow to steam-cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
6 When you are ready to eat, flu the rice with a fork and stir through the leeks and tomatoes, along with all their juices, and the rest of the chopped coriander. Check the seasoning, drizzle over the last of the lime butter and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
BREAD AHEAD
Borough Market
Bread Ahead has become a fixture of Borough Market, and while it attracts plenty of visitors, it still satisfies anyone who appreciates serious baking. The sourdough loaves have a chewy crust and open crumb, while the doughnuts — filled generously with vanilla custard or jam — remain the main draw. There’s a hands-on bakery school attached if you want to learn, but most people grab a box to go. While it does get crowded and sells out early, for a reliable loaf or indulgent sweet treat, it continues to earn its reputation.. RRP From £4.50. Mypura.com
Ta’mini's third outpost has just opened in Kensington, o ering creative bakes with clear Middle Eastern inspiration. Flaky pastries are layered with pistachio, rose or sesame, while savoury options such as spinach and feta brioche or za’atar buns sit alongside tahini brownies and honeydrenched cakes. It feels genuinely homemade rather than overly styled. Flavours are bold but well-balanced, especially if you prefer your sweet treats less sugary and more aromatic. taminilebanesebakery.com
Our favourite venues for pastries, bread and cakes
behind The Strand, has a clean, minimalist feel between bakery and dessert
but serves some of the city’s richest pastries. The almond croissant is especially good — flaky, crisp, and full of frangipane — while the olive oil cake is soft, scented and perfect with a mid-morning co ee. Savoury pies and quiches change frequently and to sell out fast. Regulars include nearby o ce workers and design-minded locals. It’s not flashy, but if you enjoy restrained style combined with confident baking, Toklas delivers. toklaslondon.com
shop, known for colourful cakes, delicate slices and its trademark “biskies” — a cross between cake, cookie and sandwich. Seasonal flavours appear often, but staples like Eton Mess cake and chocolate caramel biskies are always popular. Everything is sweet but balanced rather than overwhelming. They also host themed afternoon teas, which are playful without feeling childish. It isn’t the place for bread or savoury snacks; it excels at indulgent handmade sweets best enjoyed slowly. cutterandsquidge.com
Hackney
This stylish modern bakery in the V&A's new Storehouse building leans Nordic in look but keeps its focus firmly on comfort baking. Its cinnamon knots are consistently excellent — tightly twisted, properly spiced and not overly sweet — while sandwiches on house-made focaccia make it a strong lunch option. Co ee is very good and the space attracts laptop workers on weekdays. Seating is limited but well laid-out, with a calm atmosphere during mornings and more bustle at weekends.
e5bakehouse.com
EDITOR’S PICK
Queen's Park
Bakery by day, restaurant by night... Don't Tell Dad generates huge queues on weekends and they're known to sell out long before midday. The Bakery operates from a completely open kitchen, inviting customers to marvel at the making of goods such as Brown butter hazelnut croissants, Arthicoka, sage and Lancashire Poacher Pain Suisse, Bergamot and cardamom doughnuts and Chocolate and buckwheat cookies, as well as fresh loaves, sandwiches, and other treats. Keren Sternberg and her team of patissiéres certainly know their stu . donttelldad.co.uk
Camberwell
Hello Jojo's pastries are generous and well-filled: cinnamon rolls with miso caramel, matcha custard doughnuts, almond croissants with plenty of frangipane. There’s a short brunchy menu and good co ee appealing to a mixed local crowd. Vegan and gluten-free options are available and treated with care. The space is small but busy, especially at weekends when people queue cheerfully. It’s a place for relaxed treats rather than special-occasion patisserie, but quality is high and the sta are genuinely warm. Easy to love and return to.. hellojojo.co.uk
Various postcodes
Although this is a chain, the quality of the baking is consistently good: chewy sourdough, well-constructed sausage rolls, fruit-filled morning buns and solid co ee. Interiors vary but usually o er plenty of seating, making it a useful option for breakfast meetings, laptop work or quick lunches. Prices are a touch high, yet still feel fair for handmade goods. It’s not cutting-edge or particularly surprising, but as a reliable stop for bread and pastries, Gail’s serves its purpose well. A comfortable default when you want knowing consistency. gails.com
Chelsea
With its chic interiors and refined pastries, everything looks beautiful — glossy fruit tarts, perfectly laminated croissants, delicate cakes — but importantly also tastes excellent. The pistachio escargot is becoming a signature, as is the chocolatehazelnut croissant, both rich but precise. Bread, brioche and savoury bakes are also strong. Service is polished without being sti and packaging is elegant for gifting. Prices reflect the location, but quality is high. For when you want classic French-style baking done very well. birleybakery.com
Hackney/Islington
Popham’s specialises in beautifully laminated pastries with inventive flavour twists. The bacon-maple croissant is a long-standing favourite, with smoky, sweet and salty notes woven into flaky layers. There are savoury options too — the Marmite and cheese swirl polarises but has many fans. Interiors are airy and modern, and the quality of both pastry and bread makes it a destination worth detouring for. New limited-edition flavours keep things fresh. If you appreciate well-executed baking with imagination, Popham’s is hard to resist. pophamsbakery.com
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Stella Mccartney's new collection is an expressive and easy wardrobe of timeless classics for every facet of life. For living free, in the moment. For living on the wild side. A duality of feminine, feline elegance and masculine shapes. Stronger, sexier attitudes refocus house icons selected by Stella, reimagined in moulded outlines, sculptural draping and statement details. stellamccartney.com
If you have a tween or teenage daughter, you may be wondering if it is too early for her to have her first bra. Take advice from Amelie's Follies
First of all, there are no rules about age. Girls are not too young or too old for their first bra, it really depends on the development of their breasts. We are all di erent and puberty can start at any age. Having said that, it is not unusual for teenagers to want to start wearing bras because their friends are. So, when should you start thinking about it?
If your daughter has started developing budding nipples, she may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about the changes in her body. Have a chat with her and ask if she would like to start wearing bralettes or bras to protect but also support her growing breasts. If she is ready, book a fitting with a specialist. They will take the time to explain how to wear a bra, put it on and
“It’s important to make this first experience a positive and educational one”
ligaments. There are no muscles that you can exercise back to a pert bosom. Once those Cooper ligaments have stretched, there is no going back. Prevention is the only way to keep your breasts perky. You could introduce this sport bra as part of her new sports kit for the new school year if she is not quite ready for a ‘real’ bra.
ENSURE THAT HER FIRST BRA FITTING IS A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE
• PRIVACY FIRST: Your daughter won’t need to remove her bra or crop top in front of us
wash it but also bra sizing (which most people don’t understand), what makes a good-fitting bra and the di erent types that are available. As no one teaches us at school – or anywhere else – about bras, it’s important to make this first experience a positive and educational one.
The types of bras suitable for any woman of any age will depend on size, shape and daily activities. This is no di erent for teenagers, especially if they are quite developed already. We stock both wired and non-wired bras suitable for a wide size range and taste.
If your daughter is not ready for everyday bra wearing but she is quite sporty, specifically high impact sports, it is never too early for her to start wearing a good sports bra. Remember that breast tissue is mostly milk glands and ducts, fat tissue, lymph nodes and Cooper
• FOCUS ON YOUR DAUGHTER: Make the appointment all about your daughter. If you need a fitting, please make an appointment for another day
• AVOID COMPARISONS: Try not to compare your size, shape, or firmness with your daughter’s and please try not to comment on it. Her body is still developing and will continue to change.
• COST PER WEAR: Good bras can be expensive and the right fitting bra is essential for breast health and posture particularly for larger breasts.
15% o * Back to School promo at local lingerie specialist Amelie’s Follies
Running from Tuesday 26th August until the end of September 2025, Amelie's Follies has a 15% o back-to-school promotion for students under 25, teachers, teaching assistants and NHS workers. We have a lovely range of wired, non-wired, supportive bras from a 30 back upwards and all the way up to a K cup.
*ID required to claim discount
NOTES
By CARLY GLENDINNING
EVOLVE BEAUTY CLEANSING MILK
Skincare doesn’t get much kinder than this. Evolve’s new cleansing milk is 99.5% natural, fragrance-free and packed with skin-barrier heroes like ceramides, and prebiotics. A milky formula that calms as it cleanses. £18; evolvebeauty.co.uk
ZO SKIN HEALTH COMPLEXION RENEWAL PADS
These pre-soaked plant-based pads deliver a potent dose of glycolic and salicylic acids to help exfoliate, unclog pores, and refine skin texture. Ideal for oily or blemish-prone complexions in need of a quick refresh. £56; zoskinhealth.co.uk
SUNDAE COCKTAIL COLLECTION SHOWER FOAM
Bring a splash of fun to your daily routine with Sundae’s playful Cocktail Collection. These whipped shower foams come in mouthwatering scents like Pina Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri: light, flu y, and deliciously scented for a feel-good cleanse. £12.99 each; sundaebody.com
he Elleebana Lash Lift claims to be the world’s fastest lash lift. In about half an hour it lifts and curls natural lashes, making them appear longer and fuller. It promises natural and long-lasting results with minimal maintenance for stunning lashes. So what’s not to like?
I visit Finchley Road’s Everlasting Salon to experience it. Any doubts I have are quickly dispelled by the friendly, informative vibe. The process is surprisingly relaxing: I lie back with my eyes closed while the technician carefully curls and sets my lashes using a gentle perming solution. There’s s no discomfort at all, maybe just a slight tingling, but nothing bothersome.
The results are immediate and impressive. My lashes look longer, darker, and beautifully curled. As if I had just used an eyelash curler and a great mascara, but more natural and with no clumps. I can wake up, wash my face, and go, without needing to touch my lashes. They look polished all the time.
Five weeks in and my lashes are still holding their curl well. If you’re looking for a natural, long-lasting way to enhance your lashes without extensions or daily upkeep, I highly recommend trying a lash lift. It’s a small beauty investment that makes a big di erence. I feel more confident with minimal e ort—and honestly, who doesn’t want that?
ELLEEBANA LASH LIFT
@elleebanaeurope everlastingsalon-london.com
JANEIRO Cheirosa 48 Perfume Mist, £24 johnlewis.com
SISLEY Sunleÿa AntiAgeing Sun Care SPF50+, £223 sisley-paris.com
Prodigieuse Boost SelfTanning Serum, 30ml, £38 johnlewis.com
By PENDLE HARTE
Tackle back pain from the comfort of your own home
Just place the
MOBILISER on the floor, (folding couch optional) lie down and feel the results.
Had a Mobiliser for many years. Bought for my husband who had a bad back. I use it now to ease aches, migraines, it helps with sleep. We love it!
The Spine Reset Package includes a MOBILISER and personal guidance. Collect or have delivered. Mobilisers can be shared by the whole family at no extra cost. Try now... why wait?
If you've been searching for a hairstylist who combines decades of experience with genuine artistry, look no further than Anisa, our senior stylist and cutting specialist. With over 20 years in the hair industry, Anisa has built a reputation for delivering precision cuts, bespoke consultations, and a salon experience that keeps clients coming back time and time again.
This Autumn, Anisa is o ering an exclusive seasonal promotion: a professional haircut with a nourishing hair treatment for just £60—a significant saving from the usual price of £115. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your look and give your hair the care it deserves as we transition into the cooler months.
Anisa’s journey into hairstyling began over two decades ago, and throughout the years, she has continually refined her skills,
keeping up with trends while staying true to the timeless principles of precision and technique. Her passion lies in cutting, and it shows in every style she creates—whether it's a sharp bob, long layers, or a complete restyle. Anisa understands that a haircut is not just about removing length; it’s about enhancing the natural movement of the hair, complementing face shapes, and building a look that suits your lifestyle. Many of her loyal clients describe her as a "hair whisperer"—someone who listens, understands, and then crafts a cut that feels both e ortless and transformative. Her eye for detail and her intuitive approach make each appointment more than just a trip to the salon; it’s a confidence-boosting experience.
After all your summer holidays the sun damage and the chlorine and sea salt, the perfect antidote is the Revlon booster treatment , a wide range of solutions from sun damage to frizziness and curls theres something for every hair problem .
Revlon Eksperience™ Hair Treatments are redefining in-salon care with their highly targeted Boosters, designed to transform hair from the very first application. Each Booster is powered by professional-grade marine ingredients and advanced technology to address specific hair needs—whether it’s repairing damage, restoring hydration, adding volume, or enhancing shine. Applied in combination with a bespoke mask or treatment base, the Boosters allow stylists to create a truly customised formula for every client, delivering visible, touchable results that last.
After the wear and tear of summer—think sun exposure, heat, and holidays—autumn is the ideal time to restore your hair's health and shape. Anisa’s exclusive o er combines her signature haircut with a
deep conditioning treatment, designed to nourish and hydrate your strands, leaving them glossy, soft, and strong. Whether you're preparing for the festive season or simply looking to reset your look, this limited-time o er is not to be missed.
The treatment Anisa uses is carefully selected to suit your hair type and needs, whether you’re struggling with dryness, breakage, or a lack of volume. Paired with her expert cutting skills, it ensures you leave the salon not only looking your best but feeling refreshed and revitalised too.
This promotion is only available for a limited time and appointments with Anisa fill up fast—so we recommend booking early. Treat yourself to a salon experience that combines expert skill with luxurious care, and walk out feeling your absolute best.
Quote ABSOLUTELY to book a haircut worth £95 plus a booster treatment worth £20, all for £60 – a £55 pound saving. O er valid for appointments throughout September.
020 3475 6644
anthonylabanhome.com
Nestled in a tranquil private mews in Twickenham, Thames Skin Clinic is redefining aesthetic care with a focus on naturallooking skin restoration. Led by Dr. Anna Hemming, a highly experienced medical doctor with a career spanning over two decades, the clinic brings Harley Street expertise to a welcoming, boutique environment.
Dr. Anna’s journey in medicine began in 1996, with roles as a surgeon, anaesthetist, and acute medical doctor. Her tenure as GP for Buckingham Palace, where she cared for the royal family and sta , speaks to her exceptional clinical skill and professionalism. Today, she brings this wealth of experience to Thames Skin Clinic, ensuring every patient receives expert, personalised care.
At CQC registered Thames Skin Clinic, the philosophy is simple: confidence comes from healthy, natural-looking skin. The team takes a holistic, patient-focused approach, combining advanced medical skincare with cutting-edge laser technologies and premium injectables, including dermal filler and Cellenis PRP filler. From persistent acne to its side e ects—
redness, scarring, and pigmentation—the clinic o ers comprehensive solutions for patients of all ages. Teenagers, in particular, are welcomed with sensitivity and empathy, recognising the psychological impact skin concerns can have during formative years.
The clinic’s treatments include innovative solutions such as AviClear Acne Laser,
HydraFacial, Profhilo, premium brand dermal fillers, non-surgical facelifts, and advanced laser therapies for pigmentation, redness, and vascular concerns. Each treatment is tailored to the individual, guided by Dr. Anna’s thorough assessments, medical insight, and the clinic’s core values: confident, exceptional, genuine, natural, passionate and personal.
Dr. Anna Hemming and the team at Thames Skin Clinic have been recognised with some of the specialty’s highest honours: Best Medical Practitioner UK 2025, Best Injectable Results UK & Ireland 2025, Best Clinic Team, the Safety in Beauty Award for Best Clinic South, and Dr. Anna’s Cutera Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
These accolades reflect a clinic philosophy where expertise meets empathy, and every treatment is designed to restore healthy, natural-looking skin. A clinic with unwavering dedication to safe, exceptional care, innovation, and natural, patient-focused results.
Ultimately, what sets Thames Skin Clinic apart is the combination of expertise, empathy, and innovation. It’s not just about aesthetic enhancement—it’s about medically restoring skin health, confidence, and a sense of wellbeing. Discover how your skin can feel healthier, fresher, and more radiant. Contact Thames Skin Clinic today to start your journey toward naturally confident skin.
THAMES SKIN CLINIC thamesskin.co.uk
info@thamesskin.co.uk
020 8059 2196
“Back In Action sources designs that are both functional and beautiful”
Are you sitting comfortably? If not, Back in Action can help
That’s an intriguing question, isn’t it? Many would pay a small fortune if they knew for certain that a solution would finally work.
According to ergonomic experts at Back In Action, over 80% of their clients experience youthful movement again, with less pain, enabling them to continue with work and enjoy their favorite sports.
functional and beautiful. They believe that furniture should enhance any home or o ce without compromising style.
Over 80% is quite a claim, but customers have voted them Number One in the UK for four consecutive years. As a family business, they take immense pride in this achievement. If you su er from back pain, it’s time to visit their website or one of their stores.
Founder David Newbound notes that many clients arrive at Back In Action having lost hope of permanent relief.
“Most pain can be fixed by rest and skilled treatment,” David explains. “However, we often see clients who have been referred by practitioners when progress has stalled. They may have tried various treatments, painkillers, and even switched mattresses, yet they still su er pain and feel increasingly demoralised.”
Many clients find themselves surprised by the aesthetic appeal of Back In Action’s showrooms, resembling design-led furniture stores. This is intentional: Back In Action sources designs that are both
WHERE DO THE HEALTH BENEFITS COME FROM?
With a name like Back In Action, it’s no surprise they emphasise movement— getting your spine moving and getting you and your back back into action. The health benefits stem from promoting movement that keeps blood circulating, even while sitting. This can lead to a positive feedback loop of decreased pain and increased activity.
Think your spine is beyond help? Back In Action has developed an innovative method to rejuvenate spinal movement: The Mobiliser. It has gained MOD medical approval and received accolades from thousands who claim it has transformed their lives. A test session is free, and they o er “Spine Reset Packages” for home that are a ordable for most people.
backinaction.co.uk
At CHD Living, we know that care is more than meeting needs, it’s about creating moments that matter.
For over 40 years, our family-owned group has been reimagining what good care looks like across Surrey, South West London and neighbouring areas of the South East.
Our philosophy is simple yet powerful: Creating Happiness Daily. It’s not just a strapline, it’s a promise that underpins every service, every interaction, and every outcome we deliver.
What makes us di erent is the breadth and depth of what we o er. From welcoming residential homes to pioneering neurorehabilitation centres, and from flexible home care to specialist
complex care in the community, we support people through every stage of their health and wellbeing journey. Families don’t need to look elsewhere - with CHD Living, they find a trusted partner who can adapt as life changes.
We pride ourselves on combining clinical expertise with genuine compassion. Our rehabilitation teams help people regain independence after life-changing events. Our dementia specialists provide security and reassurance while cherishing the individual’s sense of self. And our home care services empower people to remain where they feel happiest - at homewithout compromising safety or quality.
For us, the greatest validation comes not from awards, but from the
words of the families we support. As one daughter recently shared:
“My husband and I had looked around many care homes and also asked around our friends. Having been given the name of Abbey Chase, we visited. Immediately, we loved the amazingly friendly and caring sta and feel of the home. The rooms and grounds are so pretty. My mother has been in there a couple of weeks now and she is incredibly well cared for. The relief is massive and we cannot be more grateful and pleased. Lastly (and more importantly) the lovely manager at the home has been so wonderfully supportive, helpful and kind which led us to trust in her expertise. She has shown us great empathy at this time and generously given of her time. Thank you.”
Her words reflect what we hear time and again - that CHD Living o ers not only excellent care, but also reassurance, empathy, and a sense of home.
Above all, CHD Living is about people. Our residents, their families, and our teams form a community defined by respect, trust and joy. Whether it’s celebrating a milestone birthday, supporting someone to take their first steps after rehabilitation, or simply sharing a laugh over afternoon tea, our purpose is clear: to help people live well, every single day.
That’s the CHD Living di erence: care that inspires, care that transforms, and care that creates happiness daily.
chdliving.co.uk
01428 772 469
Set in 18 acres of beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, Bartlett’s is the South East’s number one rated care home. Opening Summer 2025, our new Garden Lodges offer premium, personalised care alongside exclusive amenities including a café, gallery, and private gardens. With only 12 bedrooms available, now is the perfect time to learn more about our unique approach to care.
Contact u s t oday
01296 747 000 • info@bartlettscare.co.uk
Bartlett’s Residential Home, Portway Road, Stone, Aylesbury, HP17 8RP peverelcourtcare.co.uk
At LifeCare Residences, we understand that retirement should be a time of unparalleled freedom and personal enrichment. This is precisely why our villages were established, to take care of everyday tasks, provide outstanding service and peace of mind, so our residents can spend their time doing what they love.
Battersea Place, London’s premier luxury retirement village, redefines independent living for those who seek an exceptional and vibrant lifestyle. Situated in an enviable position directly opposite the verdant expanse of Battersea Park, our residents enjoy the serenity of this beautiful green space alongside the cultural richness and excitement of central London. The elegant streets of Chelsea and Knightsbridge are a short, pleasant stroll across London’s most attractive bridge, o ering a world of fine dining, high-end boutiques, and renowned galleries.
Our contemporary one, two, and threebedroom apartments and penthouses are
designed to the highest standard, o ering a private sanctuary for each resident. We provide an exquisite lifestyle where you can immerse yourself in the pursuits you are most passionate about, surrounded by a community of like-minded people. Our commitment to a life of ease is perhaps best exemplified by the vibrant and varied lifestyle calendar we curate each week. We are proud to have a dedicated activities team whose sole focus is to create a diverse programme of events and sessions that cater to a wide range of interests. From engaging talks by visiting experts and live musical performances to invigorating fitness classes in the gym or pool, there is always something to pique one's curiosity. Residents are empowered to pursue their passions, whether it's through our regular art and craft workshops, book clubs, or social gatherings.
The team also organises a regular schedule of excursions, enabling residents to rediscover London’s cultural treasures, from visits to world-class museums and galleries to leisurely afternoons at local landmarks and hidden gems.
Residents have exclusive access to a serene indoor swimming pool, a state-ofthe-art gymnasium, and a cinema room for communal screenings. Our exquisite on-site restaurant provides a delightful culinary experience, while the cosy café and bar o ers the perfect setting for a casual co ee with friends or a celebratory cocktail. A dedicated craft room and library provide quiet spaces for hobbies and reading, and a private courtyard garden o ers a tranquil oasis amidst the city buzz.
Battersea Place provides a dedicated concierge service 24/7. Peace of mind is further enhanced with the reassurance of 24-hour on-site emergency response and care, should you need it. This provides our residents and their loved ones with the knowledge that dedicated support is always on hand.
Visit lifecareresidences.co.uk/ villages/battersea-place/ or contact Ina Betsi on 020 7924 8641
ESPRESSO DESIGN
Espresso Design is an award-winning design studio with showrooms in Wandsworth and Chelsea, known for crafting kitchens that blend innovation, elegance, and function. Celebrated for visionary design and meticulous attention to detail, Espresso delivers world-class projects that feel effortlessly personal. Clients value both the striking aesthetics and the exemplary customer service from concept to completion.. espressodesign.co.uk
By PENDLE HARTE
Wallpaper brand Mini Moderns have launched a fabric collection. The linen/cotton blend prints are designed for use across upholstery, curtains and blinds, to complement the celebrated wallpapers.
minimoderns.com
Known for their brilliant linen bundles, Bedthreads has launched a new cotton collection. The weave is percale, a crisp, breathable, and pilling-resistant construction that feels cool and fresh – and like their linen, it will only improve with age. bedthreads.co.uk
PAPPELINA
Pappelina is a female-led company cra ing rugs in wooden mills in the north of Sweden. Made from non-toxic PVC, the texture is quite unique and they can be used both indoors and outdoors, and washed in the machine. The new collection includes the Criss Pop, pictured. pappelina.com
Wine glasses
BUNGALOW OF DENMARK
Wine Glass Leopold Peach, £30 curatedliving.co.uk
ELEANOR BOWMER
Set of two wine glasses, £40 puretabletop.com
MAISON CHERIE
Bee wine glass olive green, £8 maisoncherie.shop
HK LIVING
Set of four wine glasses, £55 roseandgrey.co.uk
HENRY HOLLAND
ROSE & GREY
2 Dotty Blue Wine Glasses, £52 roseandgrey.co.uk
The Salad Project x Holland Studio range of handcra ed ceramics includes Salad Bowls, Pasta Bowls, Medium Shorty Chalices and High Sided Bowls, all made by hand in Hackney, using Henry’s signature Japanese Nerikomi technique in a fresh, custom Salad Project colourway. saladproject.co.uk
BERGS POTTER
Originally designed by Steffen Berg, the Københavner Pot is inspired by pottery made for the Royal Danish Palace of Fredensborg in 1860. Sapphire Blue is a rich new addition to the glazed collection inspired by timeless charm. bergspotter.com
ROSE & GREY
Marrakesh blue Side Plate 13, £13, roseandgrey.co.uk
GISELA
GRAHAM
White Stoneware Flower Plate, £7.49 giselagraham.co.uk
ABODE LIVING
Patterned mini plates, £11.50 abodeliving.co.uk
SUSANNAH WEILAND COLLECTIONS
Peacock Bone China Plate , £75 handmadeinbritain.co.uk
CASA BY JJ
Glorious Green Scalloped Dinner Plate Set of 4, £99 casabyjj.com
ROCKETT ST GEORGE La Dolce Vita Plate, £19.95 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
By PENDLE HARTE
PRETTY TIFFIN Hand Painted Divider Plate Set, £64.99 prettytiffi n.co.uk
ROCKETT ST GEORGE Cherry Print Ceramic Serving Plate, £18 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
CASA BY JJ
Springtime Meadow
Oval Serving Plate, £65 casabyjj.com
Inside the stylish new development on the site that was once Mirabelle
Tthe former site of famed Mayfair restaurant, Mirabelle, once frequented by notable figures such as JFK and Winston Churchill, has been transformed. 60 Curzon is now a boutique collection of 32 private residences and its show apartment, designed by interior design studio Elicyon, exhibits a blend of Art Deco influence with a contemporary twist. Within the first and only private residential building in Europe designed by legendary French architect Thierry Despont - renowned for his Art Deco interiors and distinguished projects including Claridge’s and Ritz Paris - the Elicyon designed apartment pays reverence to the building’s stylised glamour and linear geometrical façade.
“The spacious home is defined by soft curves and rounded silhouettes"
Through thoughtful curation of vintage and contemporary details, Elicyon has crafted an inviting four-bedroom apartment with a natural flow that radiates warmth. The spacious home is defined by soft curves and rounded silhouettes, with subtle motifs identifiable in the textured wallpaper, bespoke cabinetry, and rounded furniture seen throughout. Elicyon’s meticulous layering of unique antique pieces, including original Art Deco walnut side tables and a checkered oak cabinet in the guest bedroom, alongside a bold pair of reupholstered powder blue ground-hugging armchairs in the principal bedroom, creates a gallery-like atmosphere. Building on this aesthetic, statement vintage pieces such as
"Statement vintage pieces include a 1936 maple wood grand piano and a 300kg 19th century marble urn"
a 1936 maple wood grand piano and a 300kg 19th century marble urn, not only pay homage to the site’s heritage but also serve as striking focal points, anchoring the apartment’s design in history and craftsmanship. An Art Deco scalloped dressing table chair from Marylebone Antiques, a bespoke shelving unit crafted by Rochford Joinery, and olive-green glazed tile bedside cabinets by British ceramicist Matthew Raw, further reinforce the apartment’s Art Deco feel.
Echoing 60 Curzon’s history as a fine dining destination, and in anticipation of a new restaurant that will soon be welcomed on the development’s ground floor, Elicyon has expertly shaped an environment that blends the art of entertaining with the appeal of personal retreat. Welcoming communal areas are enriched with intimate details, striking the perfect balance between social vibrancy and reserved comfort. In the dining room, a bespoke Tamu Ash Veneer, antique mirrored drinks cabinet, an antique bar trolley, and the Chappell Baby Grand Piano all honour 60 Curzon’s culinary legacy, establishing the ideal setting for hosting. Recognising 60 Curzon as Mayfair’s newest residential landmark, Elicyon mirrors the elegance and cosmopolitan flair of this iconic London neighbourhood through the apartment’s curated mix of global furnishing and art. Mirroring Mayfair’s blend of history with modern luxury,
Bang & Olufsen of Ealing
17 Bond Street | Ealing | London | W5 5AP
Phone & WhatsApp: 020 8840 1010
Elicyon has blended vintage pieces with contemporary furniture, reflecting the style of a well-travelled resident who values both historical and modern design. Designed to serve as a natural extension of the apartment’s elegant interior, an expansive terrace has been styled with playful outdoor furniture, oversized antique planters, and verdant greenery, bringing a sense of whimsy to this rare outdoor sanctuary in the heart of prime central London.
Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director of Elicyon said: “Collaborating on the inaugural show apartment for 60 Curzon has been a unique opportunity to capture Mayfair's storied elegance within a contemporary setting. We drew inspiration from the building’s architectural heritage and crafted a space that seamlessly balances Art Deco influences with modern comforts. Every detail, from the restored vintage pieces to the custom furnishings, was selected to create an atmosphere that feels timeless yet fresh – a perfect reflection of the vibrant and historic character of this iconic address.” Beyond the sophisticated interiors, the future resident of the apartment will also enjoy exclusive access to 60 Curzon’s state-of-the-art amenities, including a pool, gym and treatment rooms. The building’s club lounge and temperature-controlled storage will also be available for the storage of personal items like fine wines, whiskies, and cigars.
The apartment is on the market for £24,750,000
As a family company, we know exactly what goes into our paints. We make eco-friendly paints in our own factory tucked away in the foothills of Snowdonia, using only the very highest quality ingredients. These are blended by our dedicated team who have been creating lovely paints in wonderful colours for generations.
Showrooms – Marylebone | Chelsea | Notting Hill | Islington | Richmond
New Capsule Collection ‘Sweet Treats’ | Available Now
Colour consultancy & home delivery available nationwide and online
Order free colour cards or find your nearest stockist on our website
of the piece and make it that much more rewarding. Art fairs are fantastic places because they bring together multiple galleries and artists in one place. Don’t be afraid to ask questions around the artist’s inspiration, their journey with the work, the medium and the techniques.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first artwork or want to add to your collection, Hugo Barclay shares his top tips on how to find something unique and personal to you.
1 DO YOUR RESEARCH
The first step is to ask yourself: what kind of art do you love? To help answer this question, why not fill your social feeds with artists and styles that resonate with you. Follow artists you like – but then get out there and see it for yourself. When going to an art fair, you can research the galleries and artists ahead of time, but viewing online can only give you a limited sense of the work. You’ll need to stand in front of the artwork and see the texture, the scale, and understand how it makes you feel.
2 ASK THE EXPERTS
Understanding the story and the process behind a work can deepen your appreciation
3 SET A BUDGET
Before the fair, think about what you’re comfortable with spending. At A ordable Art Fair, we ensure there are plenty of works under £500 and £1,000. You can also split the costs; many galleries o er instalment plans, and schemes like Own Art allow you to pay via manageable monthly payments, which is a great option if you’re considering a larger piece.
4 ENJOY THE PROCESS –AND THE DAY!
Take your time at the fair. Pick up a fair guide and do a loop, making notes of the galleries you like (don't forget the stand number to help you find your way back again!) - and make sure to take lots of photos... It can be overwhelming with so many things to see, so take a break halfway and look through what you’ve seen so far. Then go back and have a closer look at the pieces you’re drawn to.
5 TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
If there’s an art piece you can’t stop thinking about, it’s probably for a reason.
Affordable Art Fair’s Autumn edition takes place 15 – 19 October 2025, at Battersea Park, London.
Absolutely readers can enjoy 2 for 1 tickets* with code R-ABSOLUTELY
*Offer does not include the Private View on 15 October. Book tickets at affordableartfair.com
OUR BATHROOM SHOWROOM HAS DOUBLED IN SIZE
2
The excellent Padova Reserve collection of pans with a healthy ceramic non-stick coating and comfortable gold-coated stainless steel handles now includes stylish blue and cream pieces. Set of two, £95. greenpan.co.uk
The new Elite Tri-Ply Signature comprises 14 separate pieces of cookware, from frying pans to stock pots, and casserole dishes to sauté pans. The range showcases modern design and advanced culinary engineering. From £50 procook.co.uk
Staub's stackable cocottes are a clever storage solution, making these substantial cast iron casserole dishes an option for even the smallest kitchens. Cocotte, saute pan and frying pan plus lid, £379 boroughkitchen.com
The new rotary fine blade grater - grates more, in less time, quickly, cleanly and effortlessly. Its lightweight yet robust construction makes it quick to assemble, easy to clean, and reliable for everyday use. £39.95 johnlewis.com 1 3 4 5 2
These vacuum storage boxes, bowls and bags can be used for everything from packed lunches, picnics to barbecues and le overs thanks to the vacuum sealed storage that keeps food fresh and flavourful for up to five times longer. zwilling.com
How you can improve your sleep comfort with Jensen Beds
“There is every chance your bed will become your new favourite place”
Jensen Beds’ adjustable models are an increasingly popular choice – and it’s easy to understand why. As a Norwegian brand renowned for craftsmanship and exceptional sleep comfort, Jensen Beds brings quality to every detail. Once you’ve experienced the freedom and flexibility that adjustability provides, there’s every chance your bed will become your new favourite place – even in the middle of the day.
With a double adjustable bed, you can adjust your head and foot ends separately from your partner’s. Or you can connect both sides and adjust them synchronized with one remote control. The Jensen SplitTopper is a mattress topper developed especially for their double adjustable beds. From the middle down to the foot end it o ers a seamless surface with no gap between you and
your partner. The head end is split in two, allowing for full individual adjustment.
Despite the advanced technology, Jensen’s adjustable beds still look a lot like a regular bed. The mechanical parts are hidden in the bed frame, giving the appearance of a continental bed when not adjusted.
Whether you appreciate breakfast in bed, watching TV on a lazy morning or reading a book before sleep – all these are situations where the adjustable bed is brilliant. Instead of piling up pillows to form a back support that needs tweaking every other minute, a simple push of a button (either on the remote control or your smartphone) will adjust the bed to your liking. And when you find a perfect setting, save it with the memory function to easily return to it later.
For over 75 years, their purpose has been to help people improve their sleep. The team developing their beds has expertise in physiology and sleep science. Innovations such as Jensen Exact Comfort Adjustment, their unique zone system and the Aloy® spring system all contribute to better sleep comfort, limiting the need to wake and change your sleeping position. Because the less disruption you experience during sleep, the more rested you will be in the morning. Jensen began in 1947, at a time when resources were scarce and ingenuity was key. Their very first mattresses were
made using horsehair and cotton wool – natural materials that were readily available. While much has evolved since those early days, one thing has remained unchanged: their dedication to delivering outstanding sleep comfort. They remain firmly rooted in their heritage, with every Jensen bed still crafted in the picturesque town of Svelvik, in Norway’s Vestfold county.
“Made in Norway” is more than a label – it’s a promise of exceptional quality, precision, and care.
With a strong heritage and carefully selected quality materials, Jensen creates beds that are built to last – in both comfort and durability. Every Jensen bed comes with a 5-year full warranty and a 25-year warranty on the frame and springs. At Jensen, they understand that choosing a bed is a personal investment. Whether you’re replacing an existing model or selecting your first, their team o ers discreet, expert guidance every step of the way. If you’re based in the UK and considering a Jensen bed, they invite you to contact them or visit their showroom at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre for a personalised consultation.
Visit Jensen during Focus 25 from 15th September until 16th October, special terms in the period with 15% o on all beds. For more information call 020 3914 1262 or email jensenbeds. chelseaharbour@hildinganders.com
Control these colour-changing solar-powered festoon lights via a simple app on your phone. So whether you're a er a subtle warm white or a bright party vibe – it's up to you, £66. thesolarcentre.co.uk
Add romance to the garden with these pretty accent lights. Hung in festoons around your outdoor space, the pretty faux rattan shade around each light adds a welcoming boho atmosphere come nightfall. coxandcox.co.uk
The Antheia collection combines high-quality design and durability with the energy-saving effi ciencies of solar lighting. The range is made to withstand the elements and is suitable for all-year round use. 4liteuk.com
Intono B, Luce&Light's newest outdoor LED bollard, has excellent optical performance and a so , pared-back design, that allows it to light up walkways, avenues and small squares precisely and sensitively. lucelight.it
This stylish industrial wall light is available in either galvanised cast iron or sandblasted bronze, with a canted or right angle arm. Glass is clear or frosted. originalbtc.com
Mandarin
hen it comes to creating timeless, elegant interiors, the surfaces you choose play a defining role. From kitchen floors to bathroom walls, tiles are no longer a purely functional detail, they are a key element of your home’s design narrative.
Established over 35 years ago, Mandarin Stone has become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of natural stone, porcelain, and decorative tiles, with a reputation for quality, style and innovation. With 16 showrooms across the UK, including beautifully designed spaces on Fulham Road and Primrose Hill, the brand has become a go-to resource for homeowners, interior designers and architects alike.
At the heart of Mandarin Stone’s o ering is a carefully curated collection of materials, ranging from limestone, marble, and slate, to terrazzo, patterned tiles and large-format porcelain tiles. Whether you’re renovating a period townhouse or designing a sleek modern apartment, Mandarin Stone’s extensive range ensures there’s something to suit every aesthetic.
Natural stone remains a core part of their identity. Each is unique, o ering an organic texture and warmth that cannot be replicated. Their limestones and marbles come in a variety of finishes – from honed and polished to
“At the heart of the o ering is a carefully curated collection of materials”
tumbled and brushed – allowing for both rustic and refined interiors. Stone’s durability also makes it a long-term investment, adding value to your space as it ages gracefully over time.
The porcelain tile range includes hyperrealistic stone and wood-e ect tiles as well as bold, modern designs that bring colour and pattern into the home. Porcelain is favoured not only for its beauty, but also for its practicality – it’s low-maintenance, hardwearing, and ideal for underfloor heating systems.
What sets Mandarin Stone apart is their expertise and service. Each showroom is sta ed by knowledgeable consultants who can advise on everything from grout selection to laying patterns and technical requirements. Their website also o ers a wealth of inspiration, with room galleries, trend guides and sample ordering options to make the decision-making process seamless.
Sustainability is also increasingly central to the Mandarin Stone ethos. The company is committed to responsible sourcing, working only with suppliers who meet high standards for environmental and ethical practices. Their porcelain tiles are manufactured with low water usage and energy-e cient processes, and their natural stones are sourced with care to minimise environmental impact.
Ultimately, Mandarin Stone o ers more than just tiles, they o er a foundation for exceptional design. mandarinstone.com
When it comes to home improvements, few spaces o er the same daily return on investment as a welldesigned, high-quality bathroom. More than just a functional room, a beautiful bathroom adds comfort, luxury, and value to a property - and that’s where Alternative Bathrooms comes in.
With four London showrooms, in Ealing, Fulham, Battersea, and Queens Park, Alternative Bathrooms has been helping homeowners, developers and design professionals create outstanding bathroom spaces for over 15 years. Their experienced team knows what works, what lasts, and what’s truly worth investing in.
Unlike budget products that often end up costing more in the long run, the premium bathroom brands available at Alternative Bathrooms come with long warranties, dependable aftercare, and easy access to replacement parts. Many people discover too late that cheaper fittings can’t be repaired or sourced again. As the saying goes: buy cheap, buy twice.
Alternative Bathrooms o ers a carefully chosen range of products from leading European and UK manufacturers. That means customers benefit from excellent design, durable materials, and fixtures that are made to perform day after day - not just look good for now.
To help bring each project to life, the company also provides a professional 3D bathroom design service. This gives customers the chance to see exactly how their new bathroom will look and work before installation begins - so there are no
surprises. It’s a practical and reassuring way to fine-tune layouts, choose finishes, and make decisions with confidence.
The team at Alternative Bathrooms are with you every step of the way, from helping you choose the right products to o ering design advice and practical support throughout your project. Their depth of experience means customers get expert guidance, honest answers, and a smooth, stress-free process.
"A beautiful bathroom adds comfort, luxury, and value to a property"
In today’s world, it makes sense to do things properly the first time. A bathroom built with quality products, supported by expert design and advice, doesn’t just improve your day-to-day life - it can also add real value to your home.
To get started, find your nearest Alternative Bathrooms showroom at alternativebathrooms.com or call 020 3375 9000 to speak to the team today.
DESIGN:
EXPLORE BESPOKE
Transform your home for the season with our new beautifully cra ed waterproof wall panels
DESIGN:
Transform your home for the season with our new beautifully cra ed waterproof wall panels
Carefully curated collections of more than 15,000 exceptional quality tiles for oors & walls inside & out, engineered wood ooring & luxury vinyl tiles & planks at a ordable prices
Explore every design possibility online or visit our dedicated Ascot showroom
H HOTELS
On Rhodes' scenic southeast coast, H Hotels' Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa is a thoroughly modern take on Greek hospitality. It's cleverly designed to catch the sun and sea breezes and deliver stunning views of the Mediterranean from almost every location. hhotels.gr/mayia/
With stunning sea views and superb dining options, Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa o ers Rhodes hospitality and high style, as Libby Norman discovers
“WE LEAN IN TO THE STRESS-FREE LIFE. THERE'S EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT HERE ON RESORT”
Tucked away on Rhodes' scenic southeast coast, H Hotels' Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa is a thoroughly modern take on Greek hospitality. It's cleverly designed to catch the sun and sea breezes and deliver stunning views of the Mediterranean from almost every location. The resort sweeps down the hill to the sea in a bold and futuristic design, although with clever nods to classical Greek architecture. As soon as we arrive in the lofty lobby with shimmering marble floor and lavish arches framing the blue sky and
even bluer ocean we can see the attention to detail. It's cool, calm and incredibly restful. Our Deluxe Room is designed on similar lines, with a muted palate, large and comfortable bed, luxurious bathroom and soft drapes to provide shade from the dazzling sun. Step outside and we are on our own sundeck with views down to the ocean below and a long pool – shared with a select group of neighbours – where we can start the day with an invigorating lap or sip sundowners after a hard day's sunbathing. While our private spot is delightful, the enormous freshwater twin pools a level below are something else. There's plenty of space if you're a serious swimmer, and with no shortage of loungers and umbrellas if your style is more sedentary. You can walk all the way down the hill
to the ocean and private beach from here or ride the super-e cient lift. This is an adults (16+) super all-inclusive resort, and that means minimal stress and maximum temptation to indulge. And we do. Daytimes are spent lounging by the pool with lunches at either the pool restaurant (superb pizza) or Street Food Corner. There, we tuck in to healthy sandwiches, delicious kebabs and sweet treats from the gelateria and patisserie. It's hard to resist popping back for a mid-afternoon snack. The pool bar is a popular spot for lunchtime drinks and sundowners but then there are nine watering holes to choose from – ranging from the laidback beach bar to the fantastic Del Mar with its panoramic views of sea and sky – so you will find more than one favourite spot. The bar sta here are fantastic and no cocktail, however obscure, seems too big an ask.
Indulgence continues at evening meals, with five restaurants (three à la carte) to choose from. We love the herb-rich Greek dishes at Thymari and the classic trattoria fare at Al Dente. While we don't get round to making a reservation to the highly rated Wasabi, we do sample the chefs' prowess at the Waterfront main restaurant, where sushi and sashimi are perfectly presented. Far Eastern sits alongside a tempting range of other culinary specialities – from hearty Greek-style roast lamb to pasta and the catch of the day. There's also an excellent selection of international cheeses and a dizzying display of pastries and puddings – including my favourite, morsels of honeyed Baklava. We lean in to the stress-free life. There's everything you could want here on resort, including a superb spa, and plenty to do in the local area. You can snorkel straight o the beach or book a boat trip from there to the rugged island of Symi. Mayia is within
“THERE ARE NINE WATERING HOLES – FROM THE LAIDBACK BEACH BAR TO THE DEL MAR WITH ITS PANORAMIC VIEWS”
walking distance of Kiotari's main resort area and larger beach and a short taxi ride from the island's most celebrated village, Lindos. Its hilltop acropolis is a climb best done early or late in the day, but you are rewarded with superb views. Lindos' maze of narrow streets are perfect for browsing for crafts and souvenirs and with delightful rooftop cafés and restaurants.
We love our evenings alfresco on resort, enjoying cooling sea breezes and excellent service and entertainment.
Forget cheesy resort singers, we're treated to great sets by young artists in both the main bar and pool bar – one band plays to us and a loyal local following. There's also live entertainment in an open-air amphitheatre and a night club if you want to keep partying into the small hours. Towards the end of our trip, we're treated to a VIP floating tray breakfast in our room. A tray of table-like proportions is set sail in our pool. Bathers and shades on, and still groggy from sleep, we slide into the water to feast on fresh pastries, local honey, strong Greek co ee, yoghurt and fruit. With the thoughtfully provided champagne, we make a toast to marvellous Mayia – our utterly indulgent Rhodes retreat guaranteed to restore both body and soul.
Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa hhotels.gr/mayia/
7 NIGHTS FROM £2,999†
irect ights, 5 beach resort, breakfast and transfers
• Set above dramatic cliffs
• Understated luxury and contemporary charm • Capri’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant
• Capri’s only beach club
• Two pools • Award-winning spa
• Five restaurants & bars
7 NIGHTS FROM £1,849
irect ights, 5 beach resort, breakfast and private transfers
• Spectacular views of the mountains and sea • Exceptional service and an excellent range of facilities for adults
• Restaurants serving fresh produce directly from the Mediterranean Sea
• Three pools including an infinity pool for adults only • Spa • Kids’ club & pool • Five restaurants & bars
Autumn indulgence awaits at Devon's Gara Rock, a refined coastal escape
Pusing local produce and herbs from the kitchen garden, all served with stunning panoramic views as the backdrop.
Wellness seekers can escape to the Wild Rock Spa. With private treatment rooms, a sauna, indoor pool, and Jacuzzi, it’s a tranquil space to reset. The outdoor pool remains open through late September –subject to the Great British weather.
erched above the sea near Salcombe, Gara Rock is your secret coastal retreat - where the untamed beauty of the Devon coastline meets understated luxury. As the bustle of summer fades, autumn brings a quieter, more atmospheric charm to this cli -top hideaway.
Step into a world of calm and comfort.
Gara Rock boasts 33 rooms, suites and residences that blend natural textures with laid-back elegance. Whether you choose a sea-facing suite, a cosy selfcatering cottage, or their luxury Out of the Ordinary accommodation - you’ll wake to the sound of the waves and uninterrupted views of the coastline. Autumn is the perfect season to indulge in the hotel’s evolving culinary scene. Under the direction of Executive Head Chef Paul Hegley, the restaurant serves beautifully crafted, seasonal dishes
Beyond the hotel, the South West Coast Path invites exploration with crisp coastal walks, pristine beaches and sweeping views. Enjoy the delights of Salcombe, a short walk and ferry ride from the hotel, the charming harbour town boasts boutique shops, waterfront cafés, and artisanal spirit, all set against a backdrop of sparkling estuary views. Immerse yourself in the charm of South Devon.
Gara Rock’s recent updates, including refreshed interiors and curated autumn menus, have elevated its status among the UK’s top boutique hotels. Its recognition with a Devon Tourism Award further a rms what returning guests already know—this is a destination where luxury feels e ortless and nature is always at the forefront.
As summer slips into autumn, Gara Rock o ers a slower rhythm and space to breathe. Whether it’s cosy evenings in your suite, spa afternoons, long lunches overlooking the sea, or movie time in the private cinema room - every detail is designed to help you switch o and savour the moment.
gararock.com | 01548 845946 | East Portlemouth, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8FA
Chase the winter sun to Abu Dhabi - where turquoise waters, thrilling adventures and cultural treasures await the whole family. With Away Holiday' low deposits and exible payment options, luxury escapes have never been easier to book or enjoy!
Absolutely enjoys a charming escape at the Jack Russell Inn, Andover
Nestled on the outskirts of the picturesque market town of Andover, the Jack Russell Inn o ers a quintessential British countryside experience combined with warm hospitality and cosy comforts. My recent stay at this delightful inn proved to be an unforgettable getaway, blending rustic charm with modern amenities, all wrapped in an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Driving through the winding country roads, the Jack Russell Inn beckons with its inviting façade – a traditional stone building with a welcoming pub sign featuring a mischievous Jack Russell. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the friendly sta , whose genuine welcome immediately set
the tone for my stay. The reception area exuded warmth, decorated with vintage photographs and local memorabilia that spoke of the inn’s rich history and deep roots within the community.
My room was a delightful blend of country charm and contemporary comfort. A cosy double bed with crisp, high-quality linens promised a restful night, while the spacious area and traditional furnishings created an authentic countryside ambiance. The room was spotlessly clean, with thoughtful touches like dog beds, bowls, a well-stocked hospitality tray, and a flat-screen TV for entertainment. The en-suite bathroom featured modern fixtures, a powerful shower, and plush towels that added to the overall sense of comfort, with the main feature being a deep roll-top bath.
The inn’s restaurant is a stand out feature, o ering a menu that beautifully showcases local produce and traditional British fare. I started my evening with a hearty steak and all the accompaniments. My companion opted for the classic Cornwall Catch of The Day Fish & Chips – lightly battered and fresh – along with mushy peas and an avocado salad.
For dessert, we shared the Iced Pate-A-Bombe that came with hazelnut praline, honeycomb, chocolate sauce and raspberries – an absolute revelation that we washed down with a couple of specialty house cocktails that the rather marvellous Italian mixologist crafted for us.
Breakfast was also superb – a lovely bu et of pastries, fruit, homemade smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. This was the starter to our cooked breakfast – perfectly poached eggs on sourdough bread with locally sourced sausages and bacon – and a side of avocado.
The inn boasts an extensive selection of ales, wines, and spirits. Their local ales, in particular, are worth trying, offering a taste of the region’s brewing tradition. The bar area exudes a cosy, convivial atmosphere and, on the outside, crackling fires dotted around the beautifully landscaped gardens. Special mention has to be made of the beautiful fire snug – a large roaring island fireplace, surrounded by carved wooden seating, laced in furs and blankets, the perfect place to end a day at the Jack Russell Inn, with a cigar and a whiskey.
Throughout my stay, the sta demonstrated genuine warmth and professionalism. From the warm welcome at check-in to the helpful advice on local attractions, their attentiveness made a notable di erence. They were eager to share recommendations for exploring Andover and the surrounding countryside, which I appreciated immensely.
My stay at the Jack Russell Inn was nothing short of delightful. It strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation, good food, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple looking for a romantic escape, or a family exploring the Hampshire countryside, this inn o ers a welcoming haven.
If you’re planning a visit to Andover, I highly recommend the Jack Russell Inn. Its blend of traditional British inn atmosphere with contemporary amenities ensures a comfortable, memorable stay. The sta ’s warmth, the delicious locally-sourced cuisine, and the peaceful setting make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a cosy countryside escape. I left feeling refreshed, well-fed, and looking forward to my next visit – which we have already booked.
thejackrussellinn.com
ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL
Whether it’s the warm and ambitious atmosphere, the passionate teaching or the rich variety of experiences offered to pupils from Nursery through to Year 6, St Christopher’s The Hall is a school that speaks softly but achieves loudly. Read about their glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate on page 154. stchristophersthehall.org.uk
Hurtwood House has cemented its position as ‘best school for Media Studies’ for the second year, with student Evie achieving the top mark in the world. Evie, who is off to IE Business School, Madrid, was presented with a certifi cate by her teacher Stuart Butcher. In all, 23 of this year’s Media A-level students earned A* grades.
“Evie is top in the world for Media Studies A level –and 22 Hurtwood classmates also earned an A* grade”
Moor Park School staged a large-scale production of Shrek the Musical JR . for students in Years 6-8, bringing the characters of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and others to life with enthusiasm and professionalism. “The energy and enthusiasm from everyone – on and off the stage – was simply amazing,” says Moor Park Head of Performing Arts Toby Dunham.
Dulwich College hosted the national round for the international physics challenge, the Weizmann Safecracking Competition, with its own team achieving fi h in this tough event. With 21 safes entered by students from 16 different schools, the competition tested creativity, engineering skills and problem-solving abilities – also requiring exceptional teamwork.
James Pater, Upper Sixth pupil at The Leys, has signed his fi rst professional contract with the Northampton Saints. This milestone comes a er representing England U18 in the Six Nations this year, earning caps for England U19 and leading The Leys to victory in the Uppingham Sevens tournament. “It is a dream come true,” he says.
Eleven Eltham College students and staff travelled to the Chinese province of Shandong to take part in a 600km relay race, joining local runners in a week-long, peace-themed cultural initiative commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the sad death of one of Eltham’s most famous former pupils, Eric Liddell, the Olympic gold medallist and missionary celebrated in the fi lm Chariots of Fire.
“The human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings and thoughts through language”
JAMES EARL JONES
Feltonfl eet’s Digital Prefects confi dently demonstrated the school’s own AI-powered learning assistant, RileyBot, at a recent meeting of Pre Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) schools to discuss Artifi cial Intelligence in education. Leading discussion and answering complex questions, the Year 8 pupils showcased how pupil voice and digital leadership are shaping the future of education.
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate has a new driver for the CityCar Cup Championship, incorporating the Student Motorsport challenge 2025. Emilia Vincent, an ex-Motorsport Engineering student from Wiltshire College, brings a wealth of experience. The Collegiate launched this as an extracurricular option in 2022 – you can follow the team at @qemotorsports.
Mill on the Brue activity centre off ers lots of fun adventures, but it’s also celebrating its Zero Heroes food waste policy (no food waste a er meals), now running for over a decade at the site. It’s one of many green initiatives, including ongoing tree planting and a coach escort from London to Somerset for Summer Camps.
From September, the International School of London will offer secondary students (11+) a Japanese language acquisition option, alongside French, Spanish and Mandarin. ISL Head Richard Parker (pictured with teacher Tamako Matsukuma) says it sits alongside 24 home languages already at the Chiswick school.
Wellington student Momo X has won a host of awards for his photography, featured in his book, The Art of Small His passion for ‘ultra-macro’ photography started young, and at 15 he became the youngest Chinese photographer to appear in National Geographic
“How very little can be done under the spirit of fear”
“THE MOST DIFFICULT THING IS THE DECISION TO ACT, THE REST IS MERELY TENACITY”
AMELIA EARHART
King Alfred is an informal, co-educational day school in Hampstead for students from Reception to Sixth Form which focusses on academic & personal success through its innovative curriculum & child centred approach.
Malvern School teenagers braved soaring temperatures to race some 200 miles against the sun with no technology or navigation aids. The pupils, all aged 14 and 15, participated in the fi rst ‘Race the Sun’ from Kent back to the Malvern Hills, collecting for charity along the way. The top three teams were all female.
St Benedict’s School in Ealing has announced that pupils in the Junior School will no longer sit the 11+ entrance exam for transferring to its Senior School from September 2025. It says this allows students to maintain momentum in learning and ensures a smooth, confident transition. The decision followed a consultation with parents, who were overwhelmingly in favour.
Bedford School Sixth Form student Alex Lamb reached the fi nals of the Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Awards (PLAA). The award celebrates pupil librarians across the UK and he was nominated by the school’s Library and Information Manager Lauren Chatley. “It is testament to Alex that he fi nds himself on this year’s list,” she says.
Moulsford Prep in Oxfordshire has brought forward the next phase of its co-ed plans and will begin welcoming girls into Year 3 (age 7) from September, a year ahead of schedule. The school has been busy preparing facilities, curriculum and training in readiness for the new cohort. Moulsford Pre-Prep has already moved to co-education.
Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools raised £190,000 for bursary and hardship schemes during a giving day in April. This year’s focus was on helping current students. There were fun runs, including the GivingDash to run 3.5km and unlock extra donor funds. Further MiniDash and TinyDash events took place for the youngest pupils.
Blackheath Prep achieved exceptional senior school transfer results for its 2025 Year 6 leavers, with a total of 149 senior school place offers from leading independent schools in London and Kent. 70% of the year group received scholarship offers.These superb results are testament to the highly successful 5-year tenure for outgoing Head, Alex Matthews, who is succeeded by Vikki Lloyd, joining this term from Eltham College Juniors.
Parents in the British Army, Navy, Marines and RAF will pay just ten per cent of school fees for their children boarding at Felsted School from September. With one of the oldest CCF contingents in the country, the Essex school has a long tradition of welcoming Forces families and those in receipt of CEA will be eligible.
SOMETHING THEY SAID
“THE MORE YOU DO SOMETHING, THE LESS FRIGHTENING IT BECOMES BECAUSE YOU START TO REALISE THE OUTCOME IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS YOU THINK”
HUGH JACKMAN
Benoit Gouttenoire, Head of Student Wellbeing & Head of Drama at on how the IB teaches students to lead themselves so they can also lead others
In my years at ISL, I’ve realised that education encompasses more than just academic success. It’s about preparing young individuals to lead meaningful lives. Ever since I began teaching the IB Diploma in 2007, I’ve seen it as a framework supporting this philosophy. It fosters leadership, resilience and lifelong learning – which are all crucial traits for students to develop.
One of the tenets of our role as educators is modelling for our students how to become leaders – not just leading others but leading themselves. Leadership starts with selfawareness, emotional intelligence and the ability to reflect on our actions and choices. The IB presents daily challenges but also inspires students to look inward and envisage their potential as leaders through, for example, the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) elements of the programme.
As Head of Drama, I see how the arts provide an ideal platform to develop leadership qualities. Drama focuses on core values such as communication, empathy, self-confidence and resilience – essential for leadership in all areas of life. Supporting a drama student to take risks and find their voice while collaborating with others fosters critical thinking and creates a safe environment of respect and inclusion.
However, leadership cannot exist in a vacuum. It needs a foundation of wellbeing, an essential nurturing ‘umbrella’ above each student. It’s not merely about addressing emotional struggles, but about making each student feel safe, heard, valued and protected until they gain the confidence to carry their own umbrella. E ective wellbeing does not stop the rain falling,
“The IB inspires students to look inward and envisage their potential as leaders”
but it does keep us dry. A personalised approach to pastoral care is vital because every student has unique strengths and challenges. Educators must explore and support this individuality to help students navigate the complexities of life.
My own journey as a lifelong learner, enriched by my studies in systemic and psychodynamic psychology at the Tavistock and Portman, has shaped my understanding of how to nurture curiosity and growth in students. My grandfather Charles once gave me advice: “keep your ears in the direction you are walking”. This simple statement is a reminder to stay focused and grounded in values while remaining open and mindful.
Educators should help students develop this kind of awareness, showing young people how to cultivate purpose and direction while also being realistic about challenges.
The IB’s principle of lifelong learning encapsulates this beautifully. Our responsibility as educators is to help students realise that learning continues beyond graduation. We must help them recognise that learning is a continuous
journey. It’s often the company along this journey – those around us who o er support and understanding – which makes a significant di erence. A culture of care is essential to create a learning environment where students feel secure enough to take risks and grow.
Ultimately, our shared educational goal extends beyond producing high-achieving students. We aim to nurture well-rounded, thoughtful individuals who lead with purpose and empathy. And, by placing wellbeing and lifelong learning at the core of education, we also equip them with the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
What is it like boarding at an independent school? We hear from a Year 13 pupil at Taunton School
At Taunton School, we have been welcoming boarders to our campus in Somerset’s county town for more than 175 years, and we are proud of the fantastic facilities, pastoral care, and academic support we o er. We are home to more than 400 boarders aged 7-18 alongside 600+ day students. Our boarders enjoy fun house activities, weekend trips, more than 150 co-curricular clubs, academic support, and much more. Hear what Tom, a boarder in Year 13, has to say about his experience... Hi, I’m Tom, I’ve been boarding at Taunton School since 2023 and I’m studying
A-Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry. My favourite thing about being a boarder is living with my friends and having all the school facilities at my fingertips. I am a keen hockey player, being the goalie in our 1st team, so I love that I’m able to train multiple times per week. I also play games in the pool with my housemates every Friday, go to the gym and take part in the Amnesty International Club. There is always lots of delicious food available, whether that’s snacks in my boarding house, a sweet treat from the school shop, cooked breakfasts, or the varied lunch and dinners. I chose to come to Taunton School because of the level of sport on o er. We play at a very high level here, as shown by
the fact that we are currently in the quarter finals of the hockey national cup. I also love being surrounded by fantastic teachers who always want the best for you and people that want to do well in everything they do, whether that’s academically or in their chosen co-curricular activities – that was a big surprise for me to see when I first joined. Taunton School feels like home to me now and I have made lots of amazing friends here. It’s always very easy to arrange to see my family at the weekend and I spend all the school holidays with them. I would not hesitate to recommend boarding at Taunton School or coming here as a day student.
Visit www.tauntonschool.co.uk to find out more about our exceptional day and boarding provisions for children aged 6 months to 18 years. Applications are now open for 2026 scholarships in academic, sport, art, music, dance, drama, DT, and the International Baccalaureate
With admissions season underway, families and young people are getting to know schools and preparing for visits, tests and interviews.
Every school knows how emotional this experience can be and works really hard to make it as positive as possible for prospective pupils and their families.
The most important point to keep in mind is that these admissions experiences are not about measuring someone’s value or talent, but everyone working together to feel confident that a young person will be happy and thrive at school over the coming years. It is made harder because decisions are made at a specific age for each child and there is no failsafe way to truly know how they may develop in the coming years. Time and again, I am amazed, in a good way, by the strides a young person makes over time, given the right environment. By this I mean, a place
Robert Milne, Master of Dulwich College, gives timely pointers on managing the complexities of the school admissions process
where they feel they truly belong, are known, well-taught, encouraged and looked after. However, there are some key points to keep in mind during the admissions process and, regardless of the final outcomes, I hope that they prove useful.
• While it is hard to avoid looking at a school through the lens of your child’s age now, try to consider how a school might suit them in the years ahead. School years may well be the most concentrated period of positive development in their lives. Their needs alter, just like their character, year to year.
• Get beyond the publicity material, ask your questions and really listen to what senior leaders and teachers are saying. Connected to this point is the importance of shared values – what schools stand for, how they act, what they celebrate. If a school's qualities and values align with your family's, that is a good way to start a positive relationship. Also think carefully about how you are
made to feel during the process. Above all: do you feel welcomed, valued and heard?
• Speak to other families with pupils in the school. Of course, everyone’s views are shaped by personal experience, so getting a range of thoughts, often from those who may not naturally wish to ‘post’ but who you believe will o er a measured and clear perspective, is advised. Some schools o er a chance to chat with current families – I strongly recommend this opportunity if it arises.
• Discuss scholarships and funded places. There are usually opportunities to help young people gain entry and schools really do want to o er support if they can. Many schools, Dulwich College included, have social mobility embedded in their values and operations, so asking about funded places is always sensible.
• Finally, listen to current pupils, and – if the chance arises – those who have been through the school. In my experience, pupils are disarmingly honest in what they say.
Wetherby Pembridge draws on the established rigour and academic traditions of Wetherby and Pembridge Hall, blending time-honoured values with an innovative, forward-looking education. Students are prepared to lead—not just in the classroom, but to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around them.
The Director of Sport at St George's Ascot on its enhanced swimming programme and increased provision in traditionally 'male' games
Swimming is one of the most demanding sports a young person can pursue. It requires precision, power, time management and grit. That’s why, this year, we’ve taken our swimming provision to the next level.
Our Performance Swimming Programme o ers talented young swimmers a highperformance coaching environment while ensuring they continue to thrive in the classroom. This September we will welcome the first group of girls onto our elite swim programme with training sessions integrated into the school day and throughout the week, enabling the girls to strike a good balance between academic focus and athletic ambition
I am excited to welcome Nicky Matthews as Head Coach for our Performance Swimming Programme. Nicky has extensive experience developing young swimmers to a national level – her approach is purposeful and professional, but also incredibly supportive. She coaches with drive, challenging and championing young athletes to take their next steps with confidence.
In parallel with our swimming development, we’ve also expanded opportunities in cricket and football, giving girls a chance to explore sports they may not have considered their own. Cricket is now a key part of our summer and winter calendars, following the installation of our indoor hardball cricket nets last May. We are
“A favourite part of my job is seeing a girl realise what she is capable of – these are the moments that build character, not just athleticism”
supported by a coaching partnership with Royal Ascot Cricket Club.
Our girls are thriving in matches, developing technical skills, tactical understanding and loving the camaraderie that cricket brings. We have embedded specialist coaching, competitive fixtures and a pathway for those who want to pursue the game seriously. The same is true for football, which has seen a sharp rise in interest and talent. With growing national visibility in the women’s game, it felt essential to give St George’s girls the chance to be part of that movement.
While our Performance Swimming Programme, football and cricket may be the latest additions to feature in our rich and diverse sports programme, we are continually evolving our provision to ensure every girl finds her space to shine. From netball to tennis, dance to badminton, athletics and beyond, our girls have the chance to enjoy, lead and inspire.
A favourite part of my job is seeing a girl realise what she is capable of.
Sometimes that moment happens in a fixture, sometimes it’s in a training session, sometimes it’s just the quiet pride of
knowing she kept going when something felt hard. These are the moments that build character, not just athleticism.
I have experienced time and time again that when girls are given the opportunity to lead, to fail safely and try again, they discover they are capable of more than they ever imagined – and that is what sport in schools should be about. I want every girl to leave us knowing they can stay in sport in whatever form they choose, whether that is through competition, coaching, volunteering or simply for personal enjoyment.
I am so proud to be part of a school that is investing in the future, and doing so with purpose.
From observing the seasons to growing and tending plants, outdoor crafts and creating wildlife habitats, school gardens are a place for learning, contemplation and fun. We speak to three schools about how they manage garden time
Set within 23 acres of Su olk countryside, Framlingham College Prep School o ers its pupils plenty of freedom to play, explore and learn. The ‘hands, heart, head’ learning approach here recognises how children learn best. Connections are made first through their hands, via play and exploration. Then they make an emotional connection with their discoveries. After that, they use their heads to think creatively and critically. This approach enables children to explore independently and start to make links in their learning.
Throughout the academic year, the curriculum supports learning outside – no matter what subject or age group. From the Year 6 to 8 sessions learning camping skills and woodland crafts in Forest School to biology lessons at the College beehives for Year 4 and 5 pupils. Meanwhile, Early Years children begin their outdoor learning journey with insect counts and pond dipping. Framlingham College Prep believes that giving children the opportunity to appreciate nature helps them to
grow in confidence and independence and also develop a greater respect and understanding of the world around us.
The school’s Junior Duke programme – described as ‘rather like a mini DofE’ –o ers opportunities to develop di erent skills and nurture essential qualities. Skills learnt range from bushcraft and den building to gardening and mapping. Sustainability is a critical element and, since 2021, Framlingham Prep pupils have planted 420 trees across the school grounds in partnership with the Woodland Trust, also creating hedgerows to support habitats for native wildlife – these then become study zones.
The popular gardening club works to support insect and bee populations, and each year young gardeners take a selection of their green-fingered creations to the Su olk Show, last year winning Highly Commended in the school garden display class. The benefits of gardening and outdoor learning are critical for this age group, says the school, and range from improved motor skills to physical and mental health.
For some young children, outdoor learning can be daunting at first, but most pupils show
curiosity rather than fear. Being outside brings a feeling of freedom – to ask questions and speak openly without anxiety. Activities such as tending beehives or campfire lighting may bring some apprehension initially, but the school’s approach fosters open-mindedness and risk awareness while embedding valuable academic and life skills.
The school garden at St Chrisopher’s The Hall is a happy and tranquil space created by pupils themselves as part of a lunchtime gardening club and in celebration of the Beckenham, south London school’s 130th anniversary. It’s a small but much-loved corner of the school, nurtured by children who have taken real ownership of its upkeep. Over time, it has become not only a place of planting but a calm retreat where pupils go to sit and read, reflect or simply enjoy nature during class breaks. While the school has access to many beautiful outdoor spaces nearby for nature walks, play and exploration, the garden is unique as a space designed by and for the children learning here.
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October11,9:30a.m.
October11,9:30a.m.
St Christopher’s views outdoor time as o ering a valuable place to decompress, and the garden is especially valuable for pupils with SEN and those younger children who sometimes become overwhelmed in classroom settings. The sensory experiences of gardening – touching earth, smelling herbs, hearing birdsong – create a calming and grounded environment and pupils report that it helps them feel more focused and relaxed for the rest of the day.
The school’s most exciting recent project has been lavender planting across the garden. The children are learning how to care for and nurture the plants throughout the seasons, with the purpose of harvesting the lavender beds to create handmade lavender bags. These will then be sold at the school’s summer fair as part of an enterprise project, helping children learn about sustainability, small business skills and the full growing cycle from seedling to sale. It’s a practical, purposeful project that has sparked enormous enthusiasm.
Pupils are generally very positive about gardening – especially when they see real results, such as a flower they planted themselves start to bloom. For new gardeners, there may be initial reservations about worms and mud, but those vanish quickly once they get stuck in and start to have fun. The gardening club helps to model curiosity and resilience, and children support each other in overcoming initial hesitation or squeamishness.
St Christopher’s The Hall school garden has become a natural extension of the curriculum. From understanding plant biology and lifecycles in science to measurement and data collection in maths and storytelling inspired by nature for English, the outdoor setting provides learning opportunities. In particular, the
lavender project ties into both science and enterprise learning, encouraging children to think critically about where things come from, how they grow, and the environmental impact of choices we make every day.
Set within 25 acres of green space in Cobham, Surrey, Feltonfleet has an expansive campus. This enables learning to spill naturally from classroom into the great outdoors.
Outdoor education is woven into the fabric of daily life. From sowing seeds in gardening club to harvesting vegetables in Forest School, pupils learn how to nurture plants and also care for themselves, each another and the world around. “The natural environment is a living classroom,” says Forest School teacher Anne Mossop. “It sparks creativity, builds resilience and cultivates a deep respect for nature.”
Weekly Forest School sessions take place for Pre-Prep pupils in all seasons. Pupils learn how to climb trees, cook over an open fire and develop craft skills. A recent Year 2 session saw pupils using the Japanese art of Hapa Zome, or leaf bashing, to create colourful mirrored prints. The conversations that followed about symmetry and colour change gave a snapshot of how outdoor learning helps to build core academic understanding.
Gardening club o ers a deeply sensory experience. Pupils dig, plant, water, and
wait. In doing so, they develop patience, responsibility and persistence. Feltonfleet finds that tending to plants encourages empathy and collaboration – and there’s the joy of tasting a tomato or strawberry they’ve helped grow at the end of it all.
All pupils benefit from daily access to outdoor space, with the majority of classrooms opening directly onto gardens and play areas. Regular engagement with the outdoors supports gross and fine motor skills development, nurtures confidence, and encourages independence. Whether it’s threading cereal hoops for bird feeders or creating homes for woodland creatures, younger pupils learn through purposeful play. For older pupils, outdoor time o ers valuable space to unwind and connect, be it in playing energetic ball games or tackling adventure play areas.
The wider school site is designed to provide outdoor variety, with quiet reading gardens, treehouse hideaways, wildlife ponds and woodland trails among the areas to be explored and enjoyed. This variety means every child can find their favourite spaces and spend valuable time there in activity or quiet reflection. In 2024, Feltonfleet’s ‘Roots for Tomorrow’ tree restoration project was launched to protect and regenerate the school’s green boundary, strengthen biodiversity, and deepen pupils’ environmental awareness. It reflects the school’s belief in sustainability and responsibility – not just for today’s learners, but for future generations.
Andrew Copeman, Head of Lower Sixth at Latymer Upper School, on the silent crisis of boys leaving literature behind
The diminishing popularity of English has coincided with a dramatic surge of pupils taking Maths
A level. This pattern is most noticeable among boys, who are gravitating more and more towards STEM subjects. On almost every educational metric girls outperform boys, with the exception of Maths and Science. Although positive in addressing boys’ underachievement, STEM success is increasingly coming at the expense of English.
At Latymer Upper School, the number of boys taking A-level English remains healthy, but in all-boys’ schools there has been a sharp fall in take-up of the subject. At a nearby single-sex school with a cohort of 215 Lower Sixth pupils, 201 boys take Maths, compared to just 13 studying English. The picture at another all-boys’ school in south London is even starker, where only three boys from a year group of 145 take English. This growing disconnect between boys and literature reflects a worrying national trend.
The reasons for this shift are numerous and certainly helped by successive governments’ focus on promoting STEM subjects in schools. University tuition fees and the economic climate have made pupils more transactional in their choices, often choosing subjects that lead to tangible financial rewards.
There has also been a cultural shift – teen icons are no longer anti-establishment figures but tech billionaires and ‘finance bros’. Studying a subject for pure interest and enjoyment, without obvious future riches, is seen as a luxury pursuit.
In a post-truth, fake news world, it is more important than ever that pupils
“English lessons are a natural space to challenge harmful attitudes”
are equipped with the ability to think critically, sift fact from fiction, challenge misleading narratives and communicate clearly. Usually developing more slowly than girls, boys are already in need of direction when it comes to addressing their own emotions. The study of English Literature, especially with the exploration of character motivations, attunes boys to nuances of behaviour, helping them to understand their own feelings and those of others.
This is especially important when considering malign online influencers, such as Andrew Tate, who spread messages of male superiority and female submission. Netflix’s drama, Adolescence, presented this very real danger but real-life examples of male aggression by school-age children are increasingly making the news agenda.
Four in five pupils in England study the AQA English GCSE qualification. Astonishingly, 75% of these teenagers are taught the text combination of A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls and the ‘Power and Conflict’ anthology. Only 2% of this large cohort explore texts by females and just 0.1% study texts by women of colour. This lack of diversity is one reason why Latymer is reforming its Middle School
curriculum. Carefully selecting rich and varied texts helps drive boys’ personal expression and self-awareness. It can promote healthy relations between men and women by exploring strong female characters and male brutality. English lessons are a natural space to challenge harmful attitudes – often resulting in better outcomes than scripted PSHE lessons.
Making English more interesting and appealing to boys won’t solve the problem of toxic masculinity but it will make a meaningful di erence. Making sense of literature helps alienated young men find connection and to feel a sense of belonging. As C.S Lewis recognised: ‘we read to know we are not alone’.
ANDREW COPEMAN
Head of Lower Sixth Latymer Upper School
For a school to support young people to fulfil their potential, it has to o er more than just academic excellence. By placing equal value on those lessons taught outside the classroom, The King Alfred School delivers a deeper learning experience.
At this North London school, what might traditionally be described as ‘extra’ curricular activities are an intrinsic part of the learning experience.
Encompassing real-world experiences, outdoor learning, clubs, camps and trips, the school’s programme gives young people the opportunity to develop character and transferable skills, helping to better prepare them for our ever-changing world. Friday afternoons are dedicated to personal interests and passions. With wide-ranging options including quilting, blacksmithing, filmmaking, cooking, basketball, yoga, money matters and Japanese language,
these sessions give students a chance to explore something new or get more involved in a hobby they already love.
A range of activities before, during and after school includes music and drama lessons, sports clubs, bands, choirs and performance opportunities.
Throughout school, camps o er meaningful opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and a sense of responsibility. Year 3 students visit a trusted outdoor adventure centre, while Year 8 students create a community on school grounds as part of The Village Project, sleeping in self-constructed shelters and cooking over open fires.
A wide variety of curriculum-linked trips take place every year. In Lower School, students venture o -site for guided visits linked to classroom enquiry topics, while Upper School o ers many opportunities to participate in educational excursions, at home and abroad. An annual ski trip is available and the Duke
of Edinburgh Award programme runs from Year 9 onwards. Students engage in fundraising initiatives and volunteering from an early age, fostering a strong sense of community and care for others. Students benefit from a wide range of visiting experts who enrich their learning through practical workshops, specialist insights and tailored advice. Lower School guests have included authors, scientists, Shakespearian performers and adventurers. In Upper School, the PSHE curriculum invites speakers on everything from financial management and mental wellbeing to drugs education and sexual health. By embedding progression opportunities firmly in the core curriculum, The King Alfred School provides a fully-rounded learning experience that enables its students to thrive at school and beyond.
Come and see the joyful learning in action at one of The King Alfred School’s open days: kingalfred.org.uk/admissions/open-days/
MARYMOUNT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LONDON
Q How long have you been at Marymount, and what first drew you to the school?
A Marymount London is a leading all-girls IB school in London, part of a global network under the umbrella of the RSHM. I’m now in my fifth year as Head, and I still feel as inspired today as when I first arrived. From the beginning, I was drawn to Marymount’s vision, mission, and ethos, rooted in the charism of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, which speaks to educating the whole person: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Much of my career has been in all-girls’ education, and I’ve seen first-hand how these environments empower young women to grow into confident, capable, and compassionate global citizens. While academic excellence is at the heart of what we do, our mission is just as much about nurturing each student’s unique gifts, sparking their passions, and helping them shape a future filled with purpose, joy, and fulfilment.
Q Can you share a little about the recent Heads’ Retreat—its purpose,
structure, and significance?
A The Heads’ Retreat brings together school leaders from across our international Marymount network every two years. It’s a rare and precious chance to pause, reflect, plan, and recharge spiritually. This year’s retreat felt especially meaningful, built around the theme Pilgrims of Hope in keeping with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. Through workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, and moments of quiet contemplation, we worked together on shaping our shared vision for the next five years keeping our schools forwardlooking and globally connected. It was a powerful reminder that we are part of a global family united by mission and purpose.
Q What does the retreat mean to you personally as a Headteacher?
A For me, the retreat is both grounding and energising. It o ers the gift of stepping away from the everyday busyness of school life and making space for reflection. But just as valuable is the sense of community, spending time with fellow Heads, sharing ideas, challenges, and hopes, and drawing strength from our shared experiences. It’s nourishment for both mind and spirit.
Q How does this benefit Marymount London specifically?
A The retreat strengthens our connections with other Marymount schools around the world, creating new opportunities for collaboration, whether through sta exchanges, student partnerships, or shared projects. It also helps guide our strategic direction, ensuring that we remain in step with our international network while honouring the unique context and character of Marymount London.
Q How do you see the outcomes shaping the future of the school?
A The ideas and strategies we developed will guide us in the years ahead, helping us to seize new opportunities, adapt with agility, and remain true to the vision of the RSHM. It’s about honouring our roots while embracing innovation.
Q Any final thoughts?
A I’m constantly inspired by the strength of our shared mission and by the incredible potential within our community. The RSHM vision “That all may have life and have it to the full” is a daily call to act with hope, purpose, and compassion. The Heads’ Retreat rea rmed my belief in the life-changing power of education. I’m truly grateful to work in a place where we strive for excellence, support each other
CHURCHER’S COLLEGE JUNIOR SCHOOL & NURSERY churcherscollege.com
Q What was your first Headship role and what would you say you learnt from it?
A My first Headship was at Lady Eleanor Holles (LEH) Juniors in South-West London, a selective all-girls through school where I led pupils aged 7–11. It was both exciting and humbling to step into Headship for the first time. I quickly learned that leadership is as much about listening and relationships as it is about strategy. One of the biggest lessons was the importance of building trust with sta and parents—change only happens through collaboration. That experience reinforced my passion for people development and for creating a culture where everyone feels supported to thrive.
Q How long have you been at Churcher's and what attracted you to working there?
A I joined Churcher’s College Junior School and Nursery in September 2016 and will soon begin my ninth year. From my very first visit, I felt the warmth of the community. Relationships truly matter here, and there is a lovely balance of ambition, opportunity and genuine childhood in a
countryside setting. The facilities and close link with the Senior School give real freedom to shape the curriculum, within a high-performing and trusting team.
Q How would you describe your leadership style?
A My leadership style is collaborative and a liative. I believe in empowering sta , encouraging ownership, and fostering trust. My coaching training has strengthened this approach, deepening my ability to listen and support colleagues in finding their own solutions. At the same time, I’m clear and decisive when needed, setting high expectations and clarity of vision.
Q What is your vision for the future of the school?
A My vision is to sustain and strengthen our ambitious yet down-to-earth community. I want pupils to leave confident, resilient, and comfortable in their own skin, having enjoyed a wide range of opportunities that help them discover their strengths. Seeing children grow in confidence and pride is incredibly rewarding, and knowing that we all play a part in that journey makes the role deeply fulfilling. Ultimately, my goal is simple: to ensure every child flourishes.
KEW COLLEGE PREP kewcollegeprep.com
Q What was your first Headship role and what would you say you learnt from it?
A My first Headship is my current one at Kew College Prep. The main thing I have learnt from it is to always, whatever the topic, put the children first in all decision making. It is easy to get side tracked with commercial decisions, but keeping the children at the heart of all decisions means that the outcome is invariably the right one and comes about for the right reasons.
Q How long have you been at Kew College Prep and what attracted you to working there?
A I have just entered my fifth year. The school has a great family feel. It is warm, happy and welcoming which absolutely made me want to join.
Q How would you describe your leadership style?
A I choose a practical and
matter-of-fact style which sta respond to positively. It is also a style based on consultation with stakeholders and mutual respect. I value school sta members’ experience and ideas and want them to have a say in how the school runs, performs and grows.
Q What is your vision for the future of your school?
A I hope that it continues to grow in the same direction – a welcoming, warm and busy school with excellent academic results, producing children who are proud of themselves and of their school.
Q Looking a little closer to the present, what excites you about the remaining months of the academic year?
A We are looking forward to accepting nursery children as soon as they turn three this year, for the first time. This will broaden our nursery cohort and will ensure that our youngest children enjoy a thorough grounding in high quality early years education before moving up the school.
FRANCIS HOLLAND
REGENT'S PARK
s-nw1.org.uk
Q What was your first Headship role and what would you say you learnt from it?
A I joined Sydenham High School as Head in 2017. Leading there highlighted the importance of balancing ambition with empathy, creating a culture where pupils feel challenged and supported, and sta feel valued and recognised. It reinforced the importance of championing girls’ education and the power of a clear, shared vision to drive meaningful change.
Q How long have you been at your current school and what attracted you to working there?
A I joined Francis Holland Regent’s Park in September 2022. The combination of its heritage, central London location and forward-thinking approach was hugely appealing. Its ethoswhere compassion, perseverance, knowledge and spirit underpin everything - deeply resonated. It is also a happy school which balances academic rigour with outstanding
pastoral care. Being part of a group of schools, collaborating with our sister school in Sloane Square, was also a big draw. It was, however, the girls who clinched it for me. They have a zest for life, a strength of character, and an empowered voice. I was drawn to leading a school where young women are encouraged to think independently, speak up, and be true to themselves.
Q How would you describe your leadership style?
A I lead with experience and a genuine passion for girls’ education, supporting the growth of every pupil and colleague. My approach is collegiate, people-focused and values driven; I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of a thriving school. Humility is also key; I am always learning from colleagues, pupils and experience. My role is to create the conditions for every girl here to flourishacademically and personally.
Q What is your vision for the future of your school?
A Looking ahead to 2028, our 150th year of educating girls, our
vision is to remain at the forefront of girls’ education. Through an engaging and relevant curriculum, we are future-proofing pupils not only with knowledge, but also with the skills to adapt and cope with an ever-changing global landscape. Creativity, curiosity, dexterity and a lifelong love of learning are essential, supported by a co-curricular programme that complements classroom learning. We are also committed to celebrating diversity, fostering environmental and social responsibility and expanding opportunities for leadership. We want our pupils to work hard, play hard, make lasting friendships, gain life skills and be happy.
Q Looking a little closer to the present, what excites you about the remaining months of the academic year?
A I am excited to see our renovated library come into full use - a dynamic learning space that reflects our commitment to investing in facilities that enhance teaching and learning. Another focus is our STEM programme. Having won a national award in 2024, been a finalist for
the TES Best Use of Education Technology Award 2025 and hosted a Women in Tech event, we are continuing to develop our innovative STEM programmes, fundamental to preparing pupils for the future. I also look forward to the many wonderful events that bring our community together, each showing our values in action. Lastly, I remain energised by the daily joy of working with such talented young women and colleagues. What a wonderful job I have!
Pembridge Hall is an independent girls’ preparatory school providing an exceptional education that equips children for an ever-evolving world.
www.pembridgehall.co.uk
Early years specialist Sophie David is on a mission to demystify phonics with her latest book – and ensure children and parents have fun together
Mention phonics to many parents and their eyes glaze over. It’s something Sophie David saw as a teacher and specialist in earlyyears – the parent confused about what they actually were or worried about saying sounds wrong. It’s one reason she’s on a mission. “We need to change the narrative with learning to read and write,” she says. “Let’s try and embed as much play into our learning as possible.”
This is the approach that underpins Read, Write, Play – a comprehensive guide to phonics, but delivered in a way that’s accessible, practical and engaging for children and parents. It’s structured by age and phonics phase. The projects are simple, and come with excellent visual and written instructions – a lot of thought has gone in to creating such clarity. Ask how long she took to devise it and there are two answers. “The book has been in development for years, since I became a teacher! To write it has taken about a year.” It is a brilliant distillation of tested approaches – ones she’s used in her work and at home. In fact, the children in the photos are her young sons and daughter.
Read, Write, Play may have been created by a teacher, but it feels nothing like a school day. Usefully, it starts at beginning with Phase 1 phonics (age 2) and goes all the way up to Phase 6 (age 7). Phase 1 is all about games to support listening – the foundation of understanding how letters sound and being able to replicate them. By Phase 6, there are activities to help with reading practice, comprehension and spelling.
Originally, Sophie David’s publishers suggested the book should leave out Phase 1, but she argued the case. “Phase 1 phonics encompasses everything. It encompasses speaking and listening. It encompasses opportunities for sharing, opportunities for really exploring sounds,”
she says. “We need to start where that process begins for children.”
The other reason Sophie David wanted Phase 1 in is because not every child develops at the same rate. Always so, but right now it’s recognised that there’s increased incidence of speech and language delay. The jury’s out on why – a Covid after-e ect, screen time or multiple factors – but more children need some support. “I want every child to be able to access this, not just the neurotypical child,” she says. That’s also why there’s a set of images at the back, modelled by her daughter and showing the way our mouth should look when we make di erent sounds – extra expertise was provided here by a speech and language therapist.
While parents who would like guidance can dig deeper, the main body of the book delivers fun ways to help make phonics stick, so a great dip-in resource for those parents who just want some projects to try with their child. “One thing I wanted to get across is encompassing all parents, especially working parents. I just wanted to make the ideas
“If you’ve got a pack of plastic cups in your cupboard you can do at least 20 of the activities in the book”
accessible,” says Sophie David. “If you’ve got a pack of plastic cups in your cupboard you can do at least 20 of the activities in the book.”
The mix of ideas is varied to suit di erent timescales, ages and moods – and with lots of quick activities. Usefully, many of them, such as a treasure hunt in search of objects around the house, also burn o energy. “Sitting at desks and writing in a book is not the best way to learn, so I wanted to incorporate as much movement as possible.”
And, for the many parents who worry that their child is incapable of sitting still at all, Sophie David has welcome reassurance. “Typically, a child’s attention span is two minutes for every year of their life. So, if they are four, on average they should be able to concentrate for, say, six to eight minutes.” She’s keen to stress that this really does vary from child to child and also, importantly, children don’t just magically transform into beings who sit down and focus when you ask them to.
“Parents need to know that this attention span and the time that they’re giving their children, it doesn’t just start,” she says. “What we have to start doing is building these little windows of fun and attention with games and listening activities so that it builds their attention span over time.”
Read, Write, Play is the perfect way to start building that attention span with activities that children will enjoy. Best of all, they won’t think of them as learning because they are interacting and playing with you.
Sophie David is a great fan of homebased play – she reckons it’s often more memorable for a child than an expensive day trip or carefully planned activity. “One thing your child wants is your time. The entire premise of what I do is trying to build these moments of connection.”
* Read, Write, Play by Sophie David is out now (Robinson, £22). For more of her play-based learning ideas, visit littlehappylearners.co.uk
Toni Tasić,
, on why cycling is proving to be a perfect enrichment activity for all involved
Back in the day, physical education was about 'building character' –usually some combination of running, endurance and inclement weather. Thankfully, these days, we have a much better understanding of how physical wellbeing can support general wellbeing. This is one of the reasons schools are considering more outdoor enrichment.
LPS Mayfair has no shortage of exciting activities on its doorstep, but there is a shortage of readily available outdoor activities in the immediate vicinity. This contextual problem is a daily reality for our student population, many of whom are very active, but work hard to seek out opportunities for sport and recreation.
So, when I was asked to lead a weekly enrichment activity, a colleague and I had a brainwave. As keen cyclists ourselves, we headed straight to the Stratford VeloPark, originally built for the 2012 Olympics and still o ering world-class sporting provision. Many parents and schools may see the
“Sharing the learning journey with students makes an activity all the more meaningful”
red flags already – cycling is a high-risk activity; the venue is ten miles away by public transport; the pool of keen and available students is relatively small. All of these issues required initial e ort to mitigate, but we knew the power of VeloPark, and we wanted to promote our sport, its social and personal aspects and its relevance to ecology and urbanism. Best of all for enrichment variety, the VeloPark o ers four di erent disciplines of cycling on safe, separated courses. There's road, BMX and mountain biking plus, of course, track cycling on the indoor velodrome itself.
Between us, having (touch wood) completed almost three years of this activity without a serious issue, my colleague and I suggest the following for any school planning something new, fun and stimulating for an extracurricular o ering.
First, choose an activity you personally enjoy and can enjoy personal development in, too (not something you're already expert in). Sharing the learning journey with students makes the activity all the more meaningful. It goes without saying you need all risk assessment paperwork and parental
communications in place. Make it self-sustaining and portable. If you can substitute sta at an hour’s notice, that’s the gold standard of a successful enrichment activity. Then publicise, advertise and promote. Get as much momentum behind it as possible, as enthusiasm will spread and you will all get to keep doing something you enjoy.
Refine and perfect the enrichment activity until it is providing just as much mental boost to you as your students. I’ll never forget a Tuesday afternoon last term when we were joined by a colleague new to VeloPark who simply said: ‘I can’t believe you get paid to do this.’ Not every day is in beautiful sunshine and there will be times in the winter when we’re knee deep in the mud on the mountain course. But the same smiles will be seen on the faces of the students – that’s the power of enrichment.
TONI TASIĆ Head of Year 9 London Park Schools
Extracurricular elements of school life – including CCF and DofE –o er adventure but also deliver skills and qualities that are invaluable for future life and career. We ask three schools how they develop young people through a culture of service
At Malvern College, service is not simply an extracurricular o ering but a defining element of the educational ethos. As a full boarding school and home-away-from-home for pupils aged 13 to 18, the Worcestershire school works to create a supportive environment where young people can explore, commit to, and grow through service at a pivotal stage in their development. The diverse community includes pupils from around the world – many are from services families – and this global perspective enriches community engagement and adds depth and resonance to programmes.
From the moment they reach Remove (Year 10), every Malvern pupil participates in either the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) or the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), with many choosing both to get a breadth of challenges and experiences. The DofE programme, led by Head of Outdoor Pursuits Jay Watts, includes both Silver and Gold awards and o ers opportunities for physical challenge, community volunteering and expedition-based learning.
The CCF at Malvern provides a structured, skills-based environment
encompassing the Army, RAF and Royal Marines sections. This programme supports character development through leadership tasks, outdoor training and teamwork. And it’s exciting, too: recent introductions include flight simulator technology for RAF cadets, laser rifle training on the neighbouring Nine Acres grounds and a Bronze Award at the 2025 Cambrian Patrol. For two consecutive years, a Malvern CCF pupil has also held the prestigious title of Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire’s cadet.
Malvern College says these experiences o er lasting value. Pupils build confidence, develop initiative and learn to lead and support one another – qualities that serve them well in further education and future careers and help them stand out from other applicants. Parents frequently speak to the transformative impact of these service opportunities, recognising their role in shaping mature, capable young adults.
Beyond DofE and CCF, Malvern’s broader culture of service is embedded in weekly routines. Each Wednesday afternoon is dedicated to partnerships and volunteering, all of which are entirely pupil led. College pupils assist in local schools, lead digital safety initiatives and take music and performance into care homes. They
also engage in longstanding international partnerships, such as the OSCAR Foundation in Mumbai and sustainable farming initiatives in Peru.
Charity work is a vibrant part of house life, with fundraising events supporting causes ranging from Cancer Research UK and Mind to the local Malvern Hills Foodbank. These elements of service and giving back often stem from personal connections. Recognising the scope of this work, the school is currently appointing a Head of Community Partnerships and Service to coordinate and further develop opportunities.
At Wellington, hands-on service is central to its Global Citizenship character development programme. Every Wednesday afternoon, all students take part in community-based activities – from CCF and DofE to supporting the work of care homes. These projects are led by a dedicated team of specialist teachers and embedded into the timetable.
Every Fourth Form pupil participates in CCF via weekly activities centred around the Salamanca Shield, an interhouse competition based on military and adventurous training skills and culminating in a five-day training camp. Many Fifth and Sixth Form pupils then continue on with CCF. Large numbers also participate in DofE – right up to Gold in the Lower Sixth. This year, 196 students are taking DofE Bronze in Third Form, 24 are doing Silver in Fourth Form and 18 are completing Gold in Lower Sixth.
“Our inbuilt service culture develops empathy, leadership and a sense of global responsibility,” says Head of Global Citizenship and CAS Coordinator Rebecca Parks. “Many alumni go on to take up volunteering roles as a result of their experiences.” Wellington is mindful of University of Northampton research indicating the significant positive impact of CCF on young people – both in improving school performance and in boosting future career prospects.
“ We listen to pupil voices and empower them to take action on causes close to their hearts”
Wellington’s history – it was founded as a school for the orphaned sons of army o cers – means the spirit of service is embedded in its culture. Both parents and the school see huge value in helping young people to build strengths through service. Community initiatives and service leadership roles also provide an opportunity to build networking skills, uncover interests and skills and get a taste of di erent roles and types of work. Students regularly draw on these real-world experiences when applying for work experience, university places and first jobs. Being active through service also develops crucial transferable skills – including resilience, adaptability, leadership and communicating with people from di erent backgrounds.
The school’s long-running partnership with local LAN special needs school Carwarden House has built both friendships and a vibrant activities programme, with pupils fundraising to deliver treats such as a Thorpe Park trip. Many such community initiatives are pupil led. For instance, there was a recent toy drive to support Afghan refugees. “We listen to pupil voices and empower them to take action on causes close to their hearts,” says Rebecca Parks. “This includes the Cerebral Palsy Trust, which was established by pupil David Loftus and his school peers. Pupil members recently organised a Christmas Inspire Day to celebrate the enormous progress they have made.”
Wellington’s Peace and Conflict Institute supports the charity Care4Calais and 27 pupils recently travelled to France to spend two days supporting their work in refugee camps. Other initiatives include pupils and sta teaching Latin to students at nearby Edgebarrow School, and outdoor activity sessions for local primary school children.
At Oakham School, service is embedded into the school calendar, with extracurricular activities included as part of the weekly timetable, plus weekends of activity, residentials and expeditions. With these regular opportunities beyond the academic sphere, Oakham aims to deliver the holistic education that prepares pupils for life beyond school. “Our service options of DofE, CCF, and Voluntary Action cultivate not just well-rounded students, but compassionate and capable young people prepared to serve and lead in a complex world,” says Oakham Director of Adventure, Matty Powell, The Rutland school’s Connected Curriculum weaves together academic,
“These moments of challenge help our pupils grow personally and face obstacles with greater confidence”
pastoral and co-curricular experiences, with pupils actively encouraged to develop five essential life skills – Communication, Social, Self-management, Research, and Thinking. Service options o er the perfect place to develop all five. A team supports Matty Powell in delivering the service and adventurous learning programme, with qualified coordinators across DofE, CCF and VA, plus a specialist Adventurous Learning Co-ordinator.
Pupils in Years 7 and 8 are introduced early to the values and benefits of service and adventure through charity initiatives such as the Harvest Challenge, bake sales, charity bike ride and annual adventure camps. In Year 9, all pupils have a formal introduction to CCF, DofE and VA via a carousel of activities and experiences across the three terms. At the end of the year, they also experience an expedition, which they can count as their Bronze DofE Expedition.
From Year 10, pupils can choose whether to progress through the Silver and Gold Awards – with canoeing, cycling, and sailing, in addition to walking. They also have the flexibility to continue with CCF and VA by choosing all three service options during their weekly Activities sessions. This flexible pathway continues in Year 12. Even if pupils have never done DofE at Silver or Bronze levels, they can choose to complete their Gold DofE during this year, with an option to complete a CCF-organised expedition to Norway.
At each stage of the DofE awards journey, pupils are mentored by trained sta and older pupils who develop their leadership skills through its Young Leaders programme. CCF is an equally popular
option from Year 10 onwards, with pupils participating in its programme of training and adventure via real-world challenges and unforgettable experiences – from fieldcraft exercises to annual camps.
Voluntary Action has seen a big growth in popularity, with pupils participating in an invigorated programme of volunteering. “We lead initiatives that nurture a culture of service, teamwork and emotional intelligence. Our projects range from intergenerational storytelling with dementia patients to sustainability e orts like uniform recycling,” says Head of Voluntary Action Monica Fernandez.
The Oakham School Foundation Project adds an entrepreneurial edge to service culture. Every Sixth Former is challenged to pitch, fundraise, and deliver projects that make a tangible di erence to school life, working in connection with the Development O ce. From installing solar lighting and restoring the local canal path to creating a time capsule legacy, the winning teams develop enterprise, collaboration and leadership skills to enrich school life and leave a legacy.
Oakham sees the encouragement of service activities as bringing a wide range of benefits. “These moments of challenge help our pupils grow personally and face obstacles with greater confidence,” says Matty Powell. “Leadership opportunities also play a crucial role in strengthening communication skills and self-assurance.” Parent feedback on the many service elements of school life is overwhelmingly positive, he adds. “Parents frequently highlight the character-building aspects of these programmes, especially their impact on resilience, leadership and responsibility.”
Meet the new Master
Meet the new Master
Mr Robert Milne
Mr Robert Milne
Entry into Years 3 and 5 (ages 7 and 9)
Entry into Years 3 and 5 (ages 7 and 9)
Entry into Year 7 and Year 9 (ages 11 and 13)
Entry into Year 7 and Year 9 (ages 11 and 13)
Book your place dulwich.org.uk/admissions
Book your place dulwich.org.uk/admissions
Dr Martina Geromin, Co-founder of School Beyond Limitations, gives advice on helping children overcome the back-to-school blues
As the final weeks of the summer holidays draw to a close, many children experience a surge of anxiety in anticipation of returning to school. It’s perfectly natural to feel uneasy about the changes a new year brings – new teachers, a di erent school and classmates and unfamiliar routines can all heighten feelings of uncertainty. As a parent, you can play a crucial role in helping your child to navigate these anxieties while supporting their mental wellbeing and laying the groundwork for positive learning habits. Children thrive on routine because it provides stability and predictability. This is why any disruption to that routine can be di cult to navigate, especially as the prospect of back to school draws closer. Establishing some form of routine during the long summer weeks is advisable. During the last two weeks of the summer holidays, gently transition your child into a more structured routine that mirrors more closely what they will experience during the school year. For example, dinner, bed and wake-up schedules may have gone a little o -piste during the break, so bringing back
more regular times will help them adjust ahead of the new school year. Consistency helps ease anxiety, as children will feel more in control of their feelings if they have a pattern to follow.
Creating time for open and honest conversations is an important part of supporting your child’s wellbeing as they prepare for the new school year. Rather than avoiding the topic during the final weeks, make time to talk about returning to school but in a relaxed, unpressurised environment. This might be during a walk, while eating dinner or driving somewhere. Keep the conversation light and upbeat – ask your child how they feel about going back, what they are excited about and what they are worried about. Encouraging your child to talk little and often can really help – simply being heard and having their feelings listened to can alleviate stress and anxiety. It
also helps you to prepare ahead for any potential hurdles September may bring.
Once you start to pick up on the things your child might be concerned about, you can work on encouraging a positive mindset by reframing any negative thoughts or fears. For example, if they express worries about fitting in, making new friends, being unfamiliar with school buildings or coping academically, acknowledge these as real fears that many children have. Help them to recognise their own strengths and previous successes by reminding them of other times they felt worried where there was a positive outcome. Sharing stories of your own school experiences – both good and bad – will help to remind them that we all go through this and further normalise their feelings. Discussing the various challenges of school life will help your child to view the upcoming year as an opportunity for growth rather than something to dread.
Where feasible, take physical steps to support your child, too. For instance, if they are worried about making friends, could you reach out via the local community to find other children who are joining the school and perhaps arrange a meet up? Maybe you could look at the school’s website together and familiarise yourselves with the site layout. If your child is simply moving up a school year, get them together with existing friends periodically during the summer weeks to strengthen ties and maintain friendships.
“Discussing the various challenges and experiences of school life helps your child to view the upcoming year as an opportunity”
Take the opportunity to involve your child in fun learning activities during the final weeks of the holidays. Visiting museums, sharing books or creating fun science experiments at home is a reminder that learning can be enjoyable and takes place everywhere. Getting outdoors also does wonders for maintaining a positive mind and body. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters and reduce anxiety while preparing children for the energy levels they will need when they get back to school.
The new school year is a period of transition, so helping your child to set realistic and achievable goals ahead of the return will make it feel more manageable. For example, focus on dealing with first-day nerves rather than what the whole term will bring. Discuss their hopes, whether academic, social, or personal, and how they will achieve them. This helps instil a sense of purpose and motivation, providing the positive focus they need as they embark on this new stage in their school journey.
As the big day approaches, remember that the goal isn’t to eliminate all nerves but to equip your child with the tools and mindset to navigate change with confidence. By fostering open communication, re-establishing structure, encouraging a love for learning, and o ering both emotional and practical support, you help lay the foundation for a smooth transition back to school.
Every new school year presents a fresh opportunity – not just for academic achievement, but for growth in resilience, independence and self-belief. With your guidance and encouragement, your child can start the year not just ready, but excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
ethos of Love • Care • Excellence, which encapsulates our commitment to excellence and our belief that love and care are prerequisites for a top-quality education; our amazing, expert sta , who live out this philosophy on a daily basis; our vast natural spaces, which enable extensive outdoor learning possibilities; and the fact that our children can become the oldest at the school at 7+, which provides unique opportunities to develop advanced leadership skills at a strong sense of social responsibility.”
During the course of this new academic year 202526, which just started on 1 September, Herne Hill School in South London will be turning 50 years old. It was founded in 1976 as a nursery school and expanded ten years later, upon parents’ demand, to become a pre-preparatory school. For the past 40 years it has focused exclusively on developing 2-7 year-old girls and boys to their best potential and launching them on a trajectory of happy, healthy and successful lives.
Uniquely in England, the age range of Herne Hill School’s provision coincides with the educational period known worldwide as “Early Childhood Education & Development” (ECED) – the phase science has over the past 20-30 years unequivocally established to be the most formative in a child’s life and requiring a specialist pedagogical approach. Indeed, with its approximately 300 pupils, Herne Hill School is the largest standalone independent school in the country specialising in ECED. Thanks to its focus and cumulative experience, and by integrating research findings and best practices from other
successful ECED programmes from around the world, Herne Hill School has devised its own, cutting-edge continuous five-year curriculum. One of its key hallmarks is to develop the ‘whole child’ as research has shown that all domains of the human brain’s development are highly interrelated and mutually supportive.
“Like other Early Years settings, we have always paid great heed to the traditionally emphasised cognitive and physical domains”, says Ngaire Telford, Headteacher since 2016. “However”, she continues, “we have over the past decade made a particular e ort to ensure that we also develop to the maximum the children’s social, emotional and selfregulatory (executive function) domains, as these skills in particular will most help our children seize the opportunities and surmount the challenges they will face in a future world marked by AI.” With AI already having an impact in schools and workplace and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) being only a few years away, we simply owe it to this generation of children to equip them with high Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and a very complete human skillset.”
Asked what else sets Herne Hill School apart, Mrs Telford does not hesitate: “Our
She adds: “We look ahead to the school’s next 50 years full of excitement because we see parents and society at large are increasingly recognising the value of these di erentiating factors, the importance of the Early Years and therefore our raison d’être. The introduction of VAT on independent school fees seems to have triggered some discussions in families as to when is the best time to invest in a high-quality independent education if this can’t be a orded for the duration of a child’s schooling, and we see more and more families choosing the Early Years to give their child a head start, which we know from science has a lasting e ect.”
hernehillschool.co.uk
Beckenham’s best kept secret, St Christopher’s The Hall shines in an exceptional ISI Report
Nestled in the heart of Beckenham, St Christopher’s The Hall has long been a hidden gem - a school quietly delivering excellence, without fanfare. Now, following a glowing inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the secret is well and truly out.
In its most recent ISI inspection, conducted in March 2025 under the new and more rigorous framework, St Christopher’s was recognised for its exceptional leadership, inspiring curriculum, and outstanding pupil development. Most notably, the school was awarded the ISI’s highest possible commendation: a ‘significant strength’ for its leadership of teaching and learning and continuous improvement in the quality of education, a rare honour within the prep school sector.
‘Leaders’ strategic focus and action to ensure continuous improvement in
the quality of education is a significant strength,’ the report stated. ‘Through this approach, leaders strive for excellence in pupils’ experience of their curriculum.’
Reflecting on the report, Head Tom Carter explained: ‘This report is a powerful a rmation of everything we stand for at St Christopher’s. It reflects the dedication of our sta , the joyful engagement of our pupils, and the strength of our community. We are thrilled that the inspectors saw what makes our school so special.’
The inspectors praised the school’s inspiring curriculum, inclusive ethos, and vibrant co-curricular programme. They noted how pupils are supported as individuals, encouraged to aim high, and nurtured in a warm and ambitious environment that promotes both academic success and personal growth.
‘Pupils develop a thorough understanding of the importance of mutual respect for those who have di erent values, beliefs, faiths and cultures,’ the report
explained. ‘This is provided through the curriculum and reinforced through assemblies, visiting speakers, trips and visits. The school fosters an inclusive environment where all pupils feel valued.’
The inspectors also praised the Early Years’ provision and the support given to the pupils: ‘Teachers provide carefully planned activities for children in the Nursery and Reception classes. They have embedded an appropriate phonics programme and structured reading scheme to develop early literacy skills.
‘Children’s language and communication are strengthened through planned activities and playbased learning. Adults develop children’s co-ordination and control, including pencil grip and early letter formation, building strong foundations for children to move onto Year 1.’
This moment of recognition comes at an exciting time for the school. Earlier this year, St Christopher’s joined the prestigious St Dunstan’s Education
Group, a move that builds on its existing strengths while o ering new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Group CEO Nick Hewlett added: ‘To be awarded a significant strength is still rare within the prep sector and is an endorsement of the inspiring education Tom and his team provide.
St Christopher’s may have been Beckenham’s best kept secret – but this report shines a spotlight on everything that makes it exceptional.’
Whether it’s the warm and ambitious atmosphere, the passionate teaching, or the rich variety of experiences o ered to pupils from Nursery through to Year 6, St Christopher’s The Hall is a school that speaks softly but achieves loudly. With this outstanding inspection report, it’s clear the secret is out and it’s one worth sharing.
Find out more about St Christopher’s The Hall at its upcoming Discovery Morning on Saturday 11 October 2025. Book at www.stchristophersthehall.org.uk
Our experts answer your questions on summer tutoring for Common Entrance and extra support for a child struggling to focus at school
Nathaniel McCullagh
Managing Director, Simply Learning Tuition
QWe’re considering hiring a tutor during the long summer break to help our son, 12, keep on track with learning so he’s confident about forthcoming senior school entrance tests. Can you advise?
AFor families, the long summer holidays are a welcome opportunity to rest and reconnect. While this is great for wellbeing, concerns can naturally arise around the balance of rest alongside keeping children intellectually engaged. This is particularly true as your son is
“Students can lose up to two months of academic progress over the holidays”
preparing for an entrance assessment. Senior school tests are so important that you could be forgiven for skipping summer entirely. However, I would caution against this. There is so much that can be done to help improve attainment and, if your son is being put forward for the right schools, he should only need a small amount of ‘keeping up’ over the summer.
That said, summer learning loss is a recognised problem. According to the Education Endowment Foundation, students can lose up to two months of academic progress, particularly in literacy and maths. There are some simple ways to ensure that children remain stimulated. Approached with a sense of lightness, activities can be integrated into holiday time.
Reading widely is the key to success. Encourage your son to choose his own books. Talk to him about the books he’s read. Asking him about characters, plot and what he did or didn’t like will hone his analytical skills. Not all children are willing readers and, if this is the case, try playing story CDs on car journeys – audio books also require deep listening skills and concentration.
Working on platforms such as Atom Learning is fine, but I would also recommend something more
human. You aren’t just trying to pass an online test but to instil a love for learning. At some point there will be an interview and your son needs to have something interesting to say. Boys are notoriously reluctant readers and often dislike including more than the bare minimum detail in written work. With a little support, they can write and analyse material much more e ectively. Past papers from ISEB (available from Galore Park) will help hone composition and comprehension. As a parent, you can read, give comment and – most importantly – spend time with your son to build his confidence.
Back to the question of a tutor. Quite often families build in time with a private tutor over the summer. If you are already preparing for the assessments with your regular tutor, you might be able to book additional sessions. Or you can hire someone for a light-touch summer programme to keep momentum going.
A small amount of structure (2-3 sessions per week for a month, for example) could help your son return to school feeling enthusiastic and ready for the entrance tests. The right plan would o er time to plug gaps, refine exam technique and revisit tricky topics.
simplylearningtuition.co.uk
Founder, Quester Therapies
QMy young daughter is having some problems settling down to learn at school and I’ve heard that specialist therapy may be a beneficial addition to the extra help she’s now receiving from her teachers and school support sta . Can you explain more?
AIt can be very worrying when a child seems to be falling behind at school, especially when they’re already receiving extra help but still struggling. If your daughter is easily
distracted and her reading and writing skills aren’t progressing as expected, there could be underlying factors making learning more di cult than it needs to be. Specialist therapy can be a powerful complement to the support she’s already receiving by looking more deeply into the root causes and not just the symptoms.
Often, emotional and learning challenges stem from deeper neurological or physiological imbalances. These can include retained primitive reflexes (earlylife movement patterns that haven’t fully integrated), auditory processing di culties, nutritional imbalances, or even inherited genetic predispositions that a ect mood, energy, and focus.
nutrition. This is combined with kinesiology techniques to design a personalised plan that supports emotional balance, cognitive function and overall wellbeing.
Nutrition plays a big part. Many children with focus issues or low mood have underlying deficiencies or sensitivities that a ect their brain function. By working with families, we are able to explore these factors and then make gentle but e ective changes.
“Nutrition plays a big part. Many children with focus issues or low mood have underlying sensitivities that a ect brain function”
Our approach is holistic and child-centred, combining multiple therapies to support the whole child. For example, our neurodevelopmental therapy works to integrate primitive reflexes that can interfere with attention and learning. Auditory retraining, based on Dr. Guy Berard’s method, helps improve how a child processes sound – which is essential for concentration and communication.
For more complex or persistent challenges, we o er Blueprint Kinesiology, which uses non-invasive genetic understanding to identify how a child’s system is uniquely wired. This gives us powerful insight into how their brain and body respond to stress, stimulation and
Ultimately, the goal is to empower children by addressing the root causes of their challenges, rather than masking symptoms. Families often tell us they’ve tried many routes before finding us and it’s the combination of therapies, tailored to each individual child, that finally makes a di erence.
Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, trouble focusing, low confidence, or has a diagnosis such as ADHD or sensory processing disorder, integrative therapy can be a valuable complement to classroom support. We work closely with families, teachers, and also schools to ensure everyone is part of the journey. Flexible in-person and online programmes, plus an app, ensure we can be where families are, and we o er initial consultations to help discover the best next step for each child.
questertherapies.com
Saturday 15th November – 9.30am
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The Head of Pangbourne College Oliver Knight on why exposing children to failure and setbacks is a way to build self-confidence and agency
The modern world seems to teach us that success is easy and talented people can achieve great things with relatively little e ort. It also seems to teach us that the individual is at the centre of their own life and their needs should come above all others.
The reality, as we know, is profoundly di erent. Success is the result of hard work and dedication, while happiness comes from being in the service of others. Our children should not be afraid of di cult things and being in situations where they think they won’t succeed. They should be able to embrace failure and see it as the bridge to future success.
We want Pangbournians to thrive in uncertain situations, to face unknown outcomes and to embrace novel experiences. The adventurous experiences at Pangbourne, driven through our adventure curriculum, don’t just mean going out into the wilderness, they mean approaching life with a set of values: Freedom, Self-reliance, Responsibility.
In the words of one of the great educational disrupters, Seymour Papert: “There is only one 21st Century skill, and that is the ability to act intelligently when faced with a situation for which you have not been specially prepared”. Or, to put it another way, what do you do when you do not know what to do? This is the true measure of a person’s character and what we aim to foster at Pangbourne through our adventure curriculum.
We also know that we seem to be in the midst of an adolescent crisis and that this appears to be a ecting girls disproportionately. While no one fully understands the reasons for this and the debate is a polarising one, our view at Pangbourne is that developing resilience and the ability to bounce back from short-term failure is protective against some of these issues.
Emotions are part of the human
"Placing students in uncomfortable situations and seeing them succeed and fail is a way of helping them build a positive self-narrative"
experience and feeling sad is a normal response. As Professor Andrea Danese, general secretary for the European Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, said recently: "Facing challenges and distress is normal and important in terms of individual growth. That's how young people develop emotional resilience – they learn coping skills in
the face of many small challenges and build self-confidence about their ability to cope. The narratives we build matter".
Our adventure curriculum, placing students in uncomfortable situations and seeing them succeed and fail, are part of Pangbourne’s response to this and our way of helping all our students build a positive self-narrative. That narrative is not based solely on success, but on errors and mistakes and on seeing how we come through these setbacks over time.
This is as true for receiving a detention as it is for falling o a high ropes course. Failure matters and is a normal part of the process of growing and learning. It is how we talk through and deal with failure that creates the narrative we hold of ourselves and our agency in the world. Our role as parents and educators is to help our children navigate through setbacks, not protect them from failing.
How this year's Year 13 at St Dunstan's College have achieved the best results in the school's 137 year history...
Excellence. Di erently. – St Dunstan’s College celebrates record-breaking results St Dunstan’s College, Catford, south London, is delighted to reveal Year 13 students have achieved the best A Level results in the school’s 137-year history.
This year, 89% of all grades achieved were A*- B with an outstanding 62% being A - A*. It is expected that these grades will position St Dunstan’s once again within the best performing independent schools in the country.
Speaking about the record-breaking results, Jade McLellan, Head of Senior School at St Dunstan’s College, said: ‘We are immensely proud of our Year 13 students for achieving our best ever A Level results for a third consecutive year. These outstanding grades are a testament to their hard work, intellectual curiosity and determination, as well as the dedication and expertise of our teaching sta .
‘We were particularly delighted to see boys and girls performing equally strongly, a clear demonstration of how co-education thrives at St Dunstan’s. Our students
leave us ready to make a meaningful di erence in the world, and we could not be prouder of all they have achieved.’
Following these historic results, 96% of students will progress to their preferred universities, with more than two-thirds securing places at institutions ranked in the Complete University Guide’s Top 25. This year’s destinations reflect our commitment to supporting students’ individual journeys at St Dunstan’s, with eight students reading engineering, four entering drama schools, two reading Medicine and two taking up places to study Law. Three students have also received o ers from prestigious music conservatoires.
Alex Brewer, Head of Sixth Form, added: ‘This year’s leavers have been an exceptional group to work with - driven, supportive and eager to make the most of every opportunity. Their record-breaking results are richly deserved and reflect the dedication they have shown both in and beyond the classroom. The success across such a wide range of subjectsfrom medicine and engineering to music and the arts - highlights the breadth and balance of a St Dunstan’s education. I am especially proud of the way they have
supported one another and embraced all that our co-educational community o ers. As they take their next steps, I have no doubt they will continue to live out the values of St Dunstan’s and make a positive impact in whatever paths they choose."
Speaking about her results Mei Lin, who will be reading medicine at Manchester, said: ‘I’m really pleased with my results and very excited to be starting university next month. I will really miss the community spirit and my friends at St Dunstan’s. The teachers here have also been so helpful preparing me for this next step.’
Outgoing Head of School, Yasmin, who will be taking up a place reading Modern Languages and Arabic at the University of Edinburgh after a year abroad in Paris, also said: ‘I’m so happy with my results, and so proud of our year group. Everyone has worked so hard and all deserve this moment. I will miss the Sixth Form and seeing everyone every day.’
Prospective families can find out more about St Dunstan’s College at their upcoming Open Day on Saturday 20 September or Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 2 October 2025. Book at stdunstans.org.uk.
The Head of Digital Learning at Downe House on why an under-16 phone ban would help safeguard young people
Perhaps Australia has got it right? The country’s recent decision to ban phones for under 16s feels, increasingly, like the right move. For years as a teacher, I have championed the idea that we should be supporting young people in managing their social media use – the idea being to educate rather than restrict.
Although I still believe in the power of education to create change for the better, I have more recently veered towards accepting that that it may not be enough to protect our young people. The algorithms are simply too powerful. If adults struggle to resist the pull
of endless phone scrolling, what chance do teenagers have? In short, I believe that 16 and over is the right age to own a phone.
By this point, our young people have had the chance to discover passions beyond the screen. They have likely begun to develop deeper focus and a growing engagement with books, ideas and culture. And they will have developed awareness that social media is often a curated façade. Most importantly, they have started to form a stronger sense of self – in terms of who they are, what they value and how they want to spend their time. That level of confidence, I believe, is the foundation teenagers need before stepping into the hyper-connected world of social media.
The media often resorts to clickbait tactics to drive tra c – relying on portrayals of the very worst of society and social media.The Netflix drama Adolescence managed to avoid this. Instead, it appears to have set out to raise awareness of the issues facing young people today. While its storyline may not reflect every teenager’s experience, the drama was rooted in actual cases from the UK, lending authenticity and emotional weight.
That said, in steering away from sensationalism, the show also largely overlooked the more positive aspects of
“If fully grown adults struggle to resist the pull of endless phone scrolling, what chance do teenagers have?”
social media. And we shouldn’t forget that they do exist. Social media can be a creative outlet – a place to connect with others, to learn, explore identity and find community. There is light in the digital world, too. Ultimately, the media often gets the dangers right, but the balance wrong. What is needed is a layered portrayal – one that acknowledges both the risksandthe agency of young people, and which invites adults to engage. To its credit, Adolescence prompted parents to pay attention. What it hasn’t quite achieved is an acknowledgement around the positive potential of social media. However, an important conversation has begun. What is needed now to realise that positive potential is a return to basic but essential tenets:education,wellbeing andcollaboration. Education, so that young people understand the digital world they are growing up in. Platforms could incorporate regular reflective prompts to help young people to manage social media pressure. Wellbeing, so that platforms are held accountable and focus ondesign for health, not just engagement, and with younger users’ perspective at the forefront. On that basis, developers should perhaps scrap the ‘like’ button, get rid of the endless scroll features, and remove algorithmic promotion of harmful content.
JANE BASNETT Director of Digital Learning Downe House School
workspace than a traditional classroom. It’s inspiring to see our senior pupils engage confidently in this innovative environment.
As Head of Hazelwood School, I’m deeply committed to the formative years of education. These early years not only shape what children know, but who they become. At Hazelwood, our mission goes beyond academic excellence; we focus on developing empathetic, adaptable, collaborative, and curious young people. In an ever-changing world, children must be equipped with both knowledge and essential human skills—such as the ability to listen, problem-solve, and apply their learning creatively to real-world situations.
Hazelwood is a coeducational Nursery and Prep School for children aged 9 months to 13 years, set in 25 acres of woodland on the Surrey-Kent border. We pride ourselves on o ering a dynamic curriculum, outstanding facilities, and a
forward-thinking approach to teaching.
A recent innovation at Hazelwood is our Flexible Classroom scheme
Initially a small trial, this has transformed the learning environment school-wide. Children now choose how they learn best— whether on comfy seating, floor seating, standing desks, or in quiet zones. There are designated areas for independent study, focused one-to-one support, or collaborative brainstorming at circular tables. This flexibility has fostered greater engagement, curiosity, and ownership over their learning. We’ve seen children thrive, whether sitting on wobble stools, working at standing desks, or sitting on the floor with a lap desk. The environment encourages exploration, fostering both personal and academic growth.
We’ve also recently opened our Upper School Learning Centre for Years 7&8. Designed for collaboration and independent thinking, it feels more like a creative
Additionally, the relocation of our Reception classes to the main campus has been a game-changer. Our youngest children are now fully integrated into the school community, enjoying new spaces for play, including a large all-weather awning for year-round outdoor play, a sandpit and a dedicated Forest School development area. It’s already proving to be a magical space where our 4- and 5-year-olds are thriving—learning, playing, and growing with joy and confidence.
Wellbeing is central to our school philosophy. Our Wellbeing Hub, launched last year, provides a safe space for children needing calm, support, or extra help with learning. We know that happy children learn best, and we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child.
Hazelwood remains committed to innovation, academic excellence, and empowering children to grow, explore, and flourish. I’m truly privileged to lead such a forward-thinking school.
To arrange a visit or tour, please contact admissions@hazelwoodschool.com or visit hazelwoodschool.co.uk.
LINDIE LOUW
Wetherby Preparatory School in central London is an independent day school for boys aged 7 to 13. Known for its exceptional education and pastoral care, the school has a proven track record of instilling in students the leadership, confidence, and global perspectives they need to flourish in a changing world.
www.wetherbyprep.co.uk
Tucked away in the heart of Blackheath Village, Heath House Preparatory School is a hidden gem for families seeking more than just academic excellence.
It is a school where education is not only a pursuit of knowledge, but a carefully crafted journey of personal growth, character, and confidence.
From the very first day in Kindergarten, each child is welcomed into a learning environment that is both joyful and purposeful. Here, small class sizes are not just a benefit, they are a philosophy. Pupils are known as individuals, their interests understood, and their talents nurtured. The result is a deeply personalised educational experience where every child is supported to flourish, both in and out of the classroom.
Academic rigour remains a cornerstone of Heath House, and the outcomes speak volumes. Pupils consistently receive o ers and scholarships from highly selective independent and grammar schools, guided by a curriculum that fosters curiosity, independence, and critical thinking. Yet, it is the school’s warm, inclusive ethos that leaves the greatest impression. Parents often remark that they came for the reputation, but stayed for the sense of belonging.
This distinctive atmosphere is led by Headteacher, Mr Mark Pearce, whose
vision is rooted in the belief that excellence and empathy go hand in hand. “Our commitment to academic achievement is matched by our dedication to the personal development of each child,” he explains. “We want our pupils to leave not only as accomplished learners, but as confident, resilient and compassionate individuals.”
Heath House’s holistic approach is enriched by a broad co-curricular o ering, designed to stretch imaginations and strengthen character. Pupils benefit from specialist teaching, local cultural connections, and London itself as an extended classroom.
In a time of economic uncertainty, the school has also taken the bold step of absorbing VAT on tuition fees, a move that reflects a genuine commitment to stability and partnership with families. It is one
more way Heath House remains focused on what matters most: the children. If you are looking for a preparatory school where your child can grow, belong and succeed from their very first step to 11+, Heath House warmly invites you to discover more.
Scan the QR code to arrange your personal visit and experience the spirit of Heath House for yourself.
Alex Matthews, Head of Thomas's Kensington, on why this month marks a defining moment for the school
This September marks both a personal milestone and a defining moment for Thomas’s Kensington. As I prepare to take up the Headship, I have been struck by the warmth of the welcome, the energy in the classrooms and the deep-rooted kindness that binds this community together.
The dedication of the sta , the curiosity of the children and the strong partnership with parents make this school truly exceptional. It is also a time of transformation. This October, we open the doors to our new home on St Alban’s Grove, a state-of-the-art campus that reflects both the ambition and the values of Thomas’s. Light-filled classrooms, specialist teaching spaces and thoughtfully designed outdoor areas will inspire learning, encourage creativity, and support wellbeing.
Our pupils will also enjoy enhanced sporting provision at our Dukes Meadows grounds, where significant investment will deliver outstanding senior-school-level facilities, from a redeveloped pavilion to year-round match play. Shared with Thomas’s College, these grounds o er a seamless progression in sporting opportunities as children move through their educational journey.
At Thomas’s Kensington, academic excellence is at the heart of our approach. We provide a rigorous, challenging, and inspiring education that equips every pupil with the knowledge, skills, and intellectual confidence to excel at their first-choice senior schools. Our pupils consistently achieve outstanding results, securing scholarships and awards across a wide range of disciplines. Alongside this, our co-curricular programme o ers exceptional breadth, from performing arts to outdoor learning, adventurous expeditions, and competitive sport, ensuring children develop creativity, resilience, and a strong
“Children are inspired, challenged and supported to flourish as successful, compassionate and responsible citizens of the world”
sense of self alongside academic success.
We recognise that each child’s path is unique. That is why we place such emphasis on individual attention, exceptional pastoral care, and tailored guidance for families navigating the next stage at 11+ or 13+. Strong relationships with leading day and boarding schools in London and beyond allow us to o er well-informed, personalised advice.
With Thomas’s now o ering an all-through education from ages 2 to 18, we stand at a remarkable moment in our history. This September marks not only the start of my headship but the dawn of a new era, one in which our children are inspired, challenged and supported to flourish as successful, compassionate and responsible citizens of the world. Together, we will ensure they leave us ready not only for the next stage, but to shape the future with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.
Families are warmly welcome to join us on one of our tours.
Book your place by emailing our Registrar, Amy Boyer at aboyer@thomas-s.co.uk
Dulwich’s leading prep school celebrates a top award
This summer, Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, Dulwich, proudly celebrated being crowned Independent Prep School of the Year at the prestigious Tes Schools Awards 2025.
Often described as the Oscars of education, the Tes Awards honour the most outstanding schools and teachers across the UK, recognising excellence from early years through to secondary. The glittering ceremony took place on Friday 20 June at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London, where Rosemead was recognised among the UK’s very best schools and educators.
As Dulwich’s leading prep school, Rosemead is known for its nurturing community, creative curriculum and forward-looking approach to education. With a strong emphasis on wellbeing and a reputation for innovation, the school o ers families something truly distinctive in south London’s competitive prep landscape.
Since joining St Dunstan’s Education Group in February 2023, Rosemead has gone from strength to strength.
Commenting on the award, Nick Hewlett, CEO of the Group, said: ‘This is a phenomenal achievement for Rosemead and richly deserved. The school has been on an extraordinary journey, and I pay huge tribute to the leadership team who have transformed this school. The Good Schools Guide was absolutely right to call Rosemead the ‘one to watch’ in south London – and now the Tes Awards have confirmed it.’
The Tes accolade builds on a string of recent successes. Last year, Rosemead received national recognition for Excellence and Innovation in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards, as well as Best EDIB (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging) at the Education Choices Awards
2024. Most recently, the school has also been shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) at the upcoming Independent Schools of the Year Awards.
Rosemead is also establishing itself as a trailblazer in digital learning and artificial intelligence. The school is pioneering age-
appropriate ways to introduce pupils to AI as a tool for creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving – a powerful example of its ethos of Excellence. Di erently. By equipping children with the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world, Rosemead is preparing every child not only for academic success, but for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Rosemead was also one of the first prep schools in the country to receive a significant strength in its most recent ISI inspection.
‘A highly customised approach to every pupil’s academic progress is a significant strength of the school,’ the report explained. ‘A customised learning programme in mathematics, English and reasoning caters for pupils in Year 4 and above. This, supported by an extensive enrichment programme and much support for individuals, impacts on all groups of pupils, enabling them to make good and often rapid progress over time.’
Families interested in discovering more about Rosemead’s award-winning education are warmly invited to the next Open Morning on Saturday 4 October 2025. To book your place, visit rosemeadprep.org.uk.
A primary school experience laying the foundations for an exciting education
The Queen Ethelburga’s educational journey begins in Chapter House, a small school with a family atmosphere for children aged three months to 10 years. Safely nestled within the wider school estate which caters for students up to Year 13, Chapter House provides a home from home for children to begin their own learning journey through imaginative play and inspiring lessons, cared for by an expert team. In Chapter House, discoveries are not limited to the classroom. Playtimes and evenings are a time for fun with friends and the chance to learn new skills through enrichment activities like first aid, mindfulness, sign & sing, and newspaper club. Class teachers get to know each child in their care, tailoring their teaching to support and benefit every individual’s learning style.
At the school, all primary students study Spanish and Mandarin each week under the tutelage of native speakers from Year 1 and have regular swimming lessons in the on-site 25m swimming pool. They partake in cooking and baking classes in a specialist food technology room and have forest school lessons in a dedicated woodland area onsite, which are taught by a qualified forest school teacher. In addition, all pupils follow a sports programme under specialist coaches that focuses on multi-skills to keep every individual motivated and engaged in physical activity and sports. Each year they compete in the annual Sports Day in groups known as houses which creates a real sense of belonging and camaraderie, no matter their ability, and older students are involved in regular fixtures and workshops that develop their skills further. Every new starter is assessed so that an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) can be created for them, tailoring the support
they receive. This can mean helping bring them up through extra support sessions, individual tuition by learning support specialists or di erentiated learning plans. ILPs also identify gifted areas and help them to push children through accelerated learning clubs or talent-focused enrichment clubs.
Above all, Chapter House is a family feel school that keeps its class sizes small, so that children have up to 50% more teacher contact time than larger classes. They also pride themselves on parent communication through parent meetings and reports every half term, rather than the standard twice a year, and daily EYFS updates on Tapestry. Thinking of an independent education for your child? Go along to their Open Day on 27th September and find out more about their personalised approach to your child’s education.
Visit qe.org to book your place
FRANCIS HOLLAND SLOANE SQUARE
Leading Independent School for Girls aged 11-18
11+ Open Morning Thursday 18th September
11+ Open Evening Wednesday 8th October
Sixth Form Information Evening Wednesday 17th September
Scholarships available and bursaries up to 100%
Scan the QR to book your place
registrar@fhs-sw1.org.uk www.fhs-sw1.org.uk 020 7730 2971
FRANCIS HOLLAND REGENT’S PARK
Leading Independent School for Girls aged 11-18
11+ Open Morning Tuesday 16th September
11+ Open Evening Thursday 9th October
Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 18th September
Scholarships available and bursaries up to 100%
Scan the QR to book your place
registrar@fhs-nw1.org.uk www.fhs-nw1.org.uk 020 7723 0176
Co-educational school for girls & boys aged 3 - 18
Senior School Open Morning
Thursday 11 September 2025 Thursday 16 October 2025
Nursery & Junior School Open Morning Thursday 18 September 2025
Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 25 September 2025
Stay & Play (Nursery Taster Session)
Whole School Open Morning
Saturday 4 October 2025
“Excellent pastoral care, solid academics, outstanding sport, and a hugely rich extracurricular offering.”
- The Good Schools Guide 2025
Friday 26 September 2025 Friday 10 October 2025 www.stbenedicts.org.uk
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BUGGY GUIDE
This year’s best wheels BACK TO SCHOOL
Heading back to class in style
MAMA AWARDS
We announce the winners
FAMILY TRAVEL
Holidaying in Crete
Pip is the much-anticipated compact fold pushchair from iCandy. Lightweight at just 7kg and IATA cabin approved, it’s easy to store and transport. Designed with an incredibly spacious seat, large wheels and advanced suspension, it delivers an exceptionally smooth and agile ride for little ones and parents. icandyworld.com @icandyworlduk
Parenting essentials we can’t live without this autumn…
1. Bebello Washer
4-in-1 Baby Bottle Washer, Steriliser, Dryer & Protection
For the first time, Bebello allows parents to follow the NHS cleaning and sterilisation guidelines at the touch of a button. An essential part of parents’ daily feeding routine, the Bebello Washer automates the (often tedious!) process of cleaning, sterilising, and drying, avoiding bacteria-filled bottle brushes and drying racks. This makes it the safest and smartest way to prepare baby bottles for feeding whilst saving up to an hour per day. Once dried, parts are protected in a sterile environment for up to 72 hours. It works just as well on pump parts and dummies as it does on bottles – cleaning glass, silicone, and plastics perfectly. Bebello is a UK parent-tech startup, brought to you by the creators of Elvie Pump. £349 or planet-friendly rental from £38/month bebello.club
Stay-On Non-Slip Baby Booties
The Little Sock Company – proud winner at this year’s Absolutely Mama Awards – design products that make parents’ lives easier. These Stay-On Non-Slip Baby Booties feature a cosy plush lining, soft outer, and an elasticated cu with adjustable toggle for a snug fit that won’t fall o . A non-slip sole helps little ones take safe, confident steps, while the stay-on design is perfect for pram trips or sling snuggles. Beautifully gift-boxed, they’re as present-ready as they are practical. Pair with the brand’s award-winning socks for extra warmth and comfort – because baby shoes should be the last thing you worry about. From £16.95 thelittlesockcompany.com
With a focus on urban living and e ortless travel, the iCandy Pip is easy to store and transport, making joyful and hassle-free outings a reality. Designed with an incredibly spacious seat, large wheels and advanced suspension, it delivers an exceptionally smooth and agile ride on city streets. Lightweight yet sturdy, Pip is IATA cabin approved and weighs in at just 7kg. It also features a smooth one-hand fold mechanism, a tall and wide seat, and is available in a range of stylish colours. The handlebar height in this compact pushchair provides a comfortable and ergonomic experience for parents and carers of all heights. Suitable from birth thanks to a lie-flat seat and car seat compatible, Pip adapts to your child’s growth and various travel needs, making it a truly versatile pushchair. £429 (with seat liner, bumper bar, footrest, raincover and carry bag) icandyworld.com
“Blade & Rose’s collections are perfect for all-day playing, crawling, and fun times.”
families back to the countryside and
venturing into magical lands with the launch of three iconic collections: Rustic Farmyard, Meadow Farmyard Friends, and Teddy the Dragon. Each range’s playful characters are vibrantly displayed on the signature soft, sustainable cotton Blade & Rose collections, for all-day playing, crawling and fun-times. Pieces include longsleeved tops, leggings and matching socks along with a cosy hoodie. bladeandrose.co.uk
ICandy is thrilled to announce the launch of Pip, their much-anticipated compact fold pushchair. Designed for the modern family who refuse to compromise on convenience, style or functionality, Pip is the perfect solution. With a focus on urban living and e ortless travel, Pip is easy to store and transport, making joyful and hassle-free outings a reality. Designed with an incredibly spacious seat, large wheels and advanced suspension, it delivers an exceptionally smooth and agile ride on city streets. The iCandy Pip is IATA cabin approved, making it the ideal travel companion for jet-setting families. Weighing in at just 7kg, Pip is lightweight yet sturdy, featuring a smooth one-hand fold mechanism for e ortless use. Available in a range of stylish colours, the Pip ensures you can also travel in style:
• Limestone: A sophisticated, neutral grey
with an eye-catching pop of neon lime that perfectly complements any outfit and is perfect for urban adventures
• Black: A classic, sleek choice that exudes elegance and modernity, fitting seamlessly into any setting
• Sunset: A vibrant, warm orange that brings a burst of energy and positivity to your travels
• Latte: A soft, creamy beige that adds a touch of warmth and calmness to your outings
• Sage: A fresh, tranquil green that evokes a sense of relaxation, ideal through a busy airport terminal
Despite its super compact fold, Pip boasts both a tall and wide seat designed to ensure comfort for growing kids. The handlebar height in this compact pushchair provides a comfortable and ergonomic experience for parents and carers of all heights. Suitable from birth thanks to a lie-fl at seat and car seat compatible, Pip adapts to your child’s growth and various travel needs, making it a truly versatile pushchair. Pip’s UPF50+ canopy o ers excellent coverage, perfect for families travelling abroad who need reliable protection from the elements. The iCandy Pip arrives ready straight out of the box – simply attach the seat liner. Pip’s youthful and bold design caters to urban dwellers, grandparents looking for a practical pushchair purchase and families seeking a second stroller for holidays and days out. This compact pushchair is more than just a travel accessory; it’s a stylish and fun extension of your lifestyle
• IATA cabin approved for convenient travel (check with individual airlines before travel)
• Lightweight 7kg
• Small fold with a tall and wide seat designed for older children
• Exceptionally high handlebar height
• Excellent canopy coverage, ideal for travelling abroad
• Ready out of the box with minimal assembly required
• Reversible seat liner
• Removeable bumper bar
• One-handed fold
• Flip-flop friendly brake
• Lie-flat seat, suitable from birth up to 25kg
• Car seat compatible
• Matching carry handle
• Bumper bar and multi-position footrest included
iCandy Pip Pushchair: £429 (with seat liner, bumper bar, footrest, raincover and carry bag) icandyworld.com
Tried and tested by the Absolutely Mama team, we’ve rounded up all of this year’s best strollers, prams, and pushchairs.
The Aptica XT is the ultimate all-terrain stroller. Its carrycot features the breathable Welcome Pad® mattress (developed with neonatal experts), plus ventilated panels. Certified for overnight sleep, the Adaptive System allows parents to adjust wheel suspension, while high-grip wheels and shock absorbers ensure smooth rides. With a one-handed fold, an upright-standing chassis, adjustable handlebar, washable fabrics and a spacious basket, it’s built for everyday life. Compatible with the Darwin i-Size car seat and ISOFIX base, it meets the latest ECE R129/03 safety standards. £1,695. ingelsina.uk
BEST FOR growing families
The gorgeous Pecan is the newest colourway in the iconic iCandy Peach 7 EDITIONS collection. Featuring a warm pecan-brown chassis and ultra-luxe fabrics, it combines timeless style with unmatched functionality. Designed for modern parents, the Peach 7 o ers a spacious, Lullaby Trust approved carrycot suitable from birth and for permanent overnight sleep, soft knitted jersey fabrics and a seamless one-handed fold. It e ortlessly converts from single to double, supporting families as they grow. A true symbol of British craftsmanship, it blends innovation, safety and elegance. £1,598. icandyworld.com
BEST FOR family getaways
FOR city living
Ideal for city life, the Joolz Aer2 is now available with the world’s first foldable carrycot, making life with a newborn easier than ever. Ultracompact, lightweight and suitable from birth to 22kg, it features one-hand folding, steering and adjusting, plus an ergonomic lie-flat seat. The overnight sleep-approved carrycot folds flat and weighs just 8.5kg. Aeroplanecompatible and made from sustainable fabrics, the Aer2 o ers a 10-year transferable warranty and plants a tree for every stroller sold. From £439. joolz.com
Reach New Heights with the iCandy Pip. The highly anticipated compact fold pushchair designed for the modern family. Tailored for urban living and seamless travel, Pip is easy to store and transport, ensuring joyful, hassle-free outings. Suitable from birth with a a lie-flat seat and car seat compatible, Pip adapts to your child’s growth, making it a truly versatile pushchair. With an incredibly spacious seat, exceptionally high handlebar and advanced suspension, it delivers the smoothest, most agile ride imaginable. The iCandy Pip is IATA cabin-approved making it the ultimate travel companion for globetrotting families. Weighing just 7kg, Pip is lightweight yet robust, with a smooth one-hand fold mechanism for e ortless use. £429. icandyworld.com
Meet the new Mamas & Papas Ocarro 2. With dialled up performance and design to deliver optimum functionality, flexibility, and style. Now with an overnight sleepapproved carrycot and stand, plus upgraded wheels and brakes for greater o -road e ciency, plush fabrics for superior comfort, and compact fold and carry for easy transitions, Ocarro 2 is the multi-use pushchair. An innovative all-rounder, delivering the convenience parents need and the style they crave, with the guaranteed quality you’d expect. Suitable from birth to approx. 4 years old and available in a range of stylish colours. From £849. mamasandpapas.com
The Doona X transforms from car seat to stroller in seconds – no extra parts needed. Boasting three recline positions, a Soft Release System, shock-absorbing wheels, and a sleek design, it delivers comfort, safety, and style. Built for modern families, it includes a range of accessories like the Rain Cover, Summer Canopy, Footmu , and more. Trusted globally, Doona leads the way in baby gear innovation, making every journey smarter, safer, and easier. £549.
Introducing the new CYBEX PRIAM 10-piece bundle! Including the award-winning Cloud T i-Size Car Seat with ISOFIX rotating base, Luxury Carrycot, Pushchair Seat Unit and multiple accessories. Setting the standard for quality, manoeuvrability, and pure luxurious comfort, the PRIAM has all-wheel suspension, a one-pull harness and an extendable UPF50+ sun canopy. The Cloud T i-Size has innovative stretch & recline technology with a full-recline when used outside of the car including on the pushchair. 10-piece bundle from £1529.95. cybex-online.com
“A brilliant choice for travel, but also everyday family life”
The compact Joolz Aer2 is now suitable from birth with the world’s first foldable carry cot
deal for city life and families looking for a space-saving option from day one, the Joolz Aer2 , is now available to purchase with the world’s first foldable carry cot, making everything from cosy autumn walks to travel abroad with a newborn easier than ever before.
The new Joolz Aer2 is the ultra-compact and lightweight stroller that gives parents exactly what they need: an extra hand! Having reworked its most iconic stroller, the Joolz Aer+, the new Aer2 features a number of game changing functionalities that enable folding, steering, and adjusting—all with one hand. Suitable from birth up to 22 kg, it also features an ergonomic, fully lie-flat, reclinable seat. For those that want the complete set up, the Aer2 can now also be seamlessly paired with the totally unique, foldable carrycot, ideal for those looking for a more compact full travel system option. Uniquely lightweight, foldable and easy to use, the carrycot is also overnight sleep approved so can be a cosy, safe space for deep dreams as well as speedy snoozes. Ultra compact and lightweight for e ortless outings, the Aer2 with cot makes days of lugging heavy pushchairs in and out of the car a thing of
the past! Taking up little space, folding down flat and weighing just 8.5kg, little ones will be travelling in first class comfort, whilst parents will be delighted to lighten the load too!
When your baby is ready to explore the world, you can easily switch from the foldable carrycot to the seat to enjoy the ride even longer. What’s more, in stroller mode, the Aer2 is aeroplane compatible to fit in overhead lockers, so is ideal for the smallest of globe trotters! Known for its very impressive magic trick, the 1 second fold, the Aer2 has proven itself to be not only a brilliant choice for travel, but also everyday family life.
Available in 6 chic colours and made from sustainable fabrics (created from recycled PET bottles), we also love that the Aer2 has been designed to care for the planet and future generations too. It o ers a unique 10-year transferable warranty (which means it can be passed to another family in the future) and the promise to plant a tree for every Joolz Aer2 sold. A stroller with heart, that we have truly fallen for!
Joolz Aer2 with Cot - £668 joolz.com
Scandinavian style meets Liberty florals: The children’s fashion collaboration parents will love
Two design powerhouses, Polarn O. Pyret (PO.P) and Liberty Fabrics, have joined forces for an exclusive childrenswear collaboration that brings together Nordic practicality and British heritage style.
Timed to mark Liberty’s 150th anniversary, the new PO.P by Liberty Fabrics collection blends minimalistic Scandinavian design with the iconic florals Liberty is known for. Both brands have long championed quality, craftsmanship, and a sense of longevity – all of which feel very relevant in the world of children’s fashion right now.
“We’ve long admired Liberty Fabrics, and we’re incredibly proud to now weave their legacy together with ours – and it’s especially fun that it coincides with their anniversary year,” says Martina Wernermar, Chief Product and Sustainability O cer at PO.P.
Known for its hard-wearing, cleverly designed pieces, Swedish brand PO.P has always prioritised functionality. These are clothes that let children move, play and explore, with sustainability built in.
From quilted outerwear and cosy fleece layers to easy-to-wear jersey separates and soft sleepwear, the collection includes options for babies, children, and adults too.
Pieces to watch out for include the ‘Ciara’ print jacket and pramsuit, a neutral sherpa fleece with printed detailing, and a pretty ‘Spring Song’ floral across baby sleepsuits, and matching pyjama sets that o er a stylish take on family twinning.
This collaboration goes beyond aesthetic appeal. PO.P has long been a leader in
“These are clothes that let children move, play and explore.”
responsible design, advocating for clothing that’s built to last and crafted from more conscious materials. With this collection, the brand continues that mission, using organic cottons and recycled fibres, and staying true to its goal that every garment should be worn by at least three children or more.
Durability is also a key focus. Every piece is beautifully made and designed to withstand repeated washing and active daily wear. And with classic prints and a beautiful neutral colour palette, these are timeless wardrobe staples that can be easily handed down. We love all of the parent-pleasing details like soft linings, practical fastenings, and easy-wash fabrics.
This is a collaboration that ticks every box: design-led, sustainable, and genuinely wearable. We are big fans of the clever blend of Liberty’s timeless prints with PO.P’s commitment to durability and comfort – it looks good and lasts. From cosy layers to matching nightwear, every piece has been designed with real family life in mind.
The collection launches online and instore on Tuesday 9th September 2025. polarnopyret.com
Carly Glendinning rounds up the best gi s for mamas and mama
BANWOOD
This classic scooter makes the school run that little bit more fun. With its timeless design and childfriendly handling, it’s built for adventure while looking e ortlessly cool. banwood.com
TÖASTIE
Töastie jackets keep little ones cosy whatever the weather. Sustainable, durable, and beautifully made, they’re perfect for everyday exploring. toastiekids.com
CARRY ME
DJECO
The perfect little crossbody bag for school essentials (or treasures collected along the way). Djeco’s playful designs make practical accessories feel extra special. tickety-boo-toys.co.uk
ROCKAHULA KIDS
A playful set of hair clips to brighten up every day. From mini pencils to a teeny satchel, these accessories are a fun and easy way for kids to express their style and make a great fi rst day of school gift. rockahulakids.com
STAPLESTEIN
Staplestein’s clever stackable pieces encourage open-ended play while doubling up as furniture. Ideal for homework too, the stool’s gentle motion supports focus and makes sitting that bit more fun. staplestein.de
YOUNG SOLES
These beautifully crafted shoes balance nostalgic design with modern comfort. Ideal for busy school days, they’re made to last while adding style to any school uniform. youngsoles.london
Don’t forget to add these to your checklist...
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There’s something about Crete that draws families back again and again. This year we found ourselves returning for a second year on the trot to Elounda, a serene corner of the island that o ers everything you want from a Greek holiday, especially when you’re travelling with young children.
Our first stop was Candia Park Village, a resort that instantly transports you into the rhythm of relaxed, sun-drenched island life. With the feel of a traditional Cretan village, Candia Park is undeniably pretty: think cobbled paths, pastel-washed buildings, and a central square complete with a taverna and clock tower. It’s a place where little ones can safely roam, and where days stretch lazily between the pool, the beach, and long family
lunches under the shade of olive trees.
The accommodation here is spacious and self-catered, which worked well for us (especially with an early-rising little one in tow). Having a kitchenette gave us the flexibility to keep snacks on hand, and the layout with a separate sleeping space for our daughter made it easy to settle into a home-away-from-home routine. Our ‘Serenity Suite’ had a boho-luxe feel with woven rugs, basketweave lampshades, and mango wood furniture. With breathtaking views of the sea, we loved sitting on the balcony each evening watching the sun set on the water, glass of wine in hand. The main draw for families is the sense of ease. There’s a kids’ pool for splashing, the larger pool has plenty of space for older children, and there’s a sweet little playground and kids club nearby. For us, the biggest win was the private sandy beach, and rocky area where you could
"It felt like we were discovering a slice of secret Crete."
jump right into the sea. It felt like we were discovering a slice of secret Crete.
Dining is informal and family-friendly, with lots of delicious traditional Greek dishes. The bu et-style Agapi Restaurant meant we could keep mealtimes flexible, important when naps and moods shift with the sun. We also tried To Fili, the resort’s traditional taverna restaurant, which o ered à la carte options; and Kafenion, the resort’s traditional kafenio, a cute little terrace restaurant with beautiful sea views.
From Candia Park, it’s easy to explore the region. Elounda itself has a smalltown charm, and a boat trip to nearby Spinalonga island is well worth doing with older children. But we found that, more often than not, we were content just staying put. The slower pace, the freedom for little ones, the simple joys of Greek village life: it all added up to a deeply restorative first half of our trip.
“We were instantly impressed with how considered the resort was for families."
Our second stop, just a short drive along the coast, was Domes of Elounda – a resort that o ers the perfect balance of luxury and child-friendliness. Tucked into the hillside with dramatic mountainous views, we were instantly impressed by how considered the resort was for families, without compromising on parent-pleasing style.
The suite we stayed in was luxurious and spacious, with a private pool and outside kitchen area. Inside, there was a separate living area with a roomy sofa bed already made up for my daughter, a stylish bathroom (with double sinks, separate shower and bathtub), and thoughtful extras like a pillow menu, and even a tiny robe and slippers for our daughter.
Domes of Elounda is cleverly zoned, meaning there’s space for couples, multigenerational groups, and little ones without anyone feeling overlooked. The dedicated kids’ pool has shaded cabanas and plenty of shallow areas. There’s also a stylish kids’ club and a private sandy beach, making it easy to blend play and relaxation.
The food at Domes is a real highlight. There’s plenty of choice for families, from gourmet restaurants to relaxed street food trucks. One night, we ate at Vilebrequin, a fine dining spot set right on the dock jetty,
with dreamy sea views, fresh seafood, and delicious Cretan sharing dishes. Another night we had a relaxed dinner from the street food area at CORE, which o ered a whole plant-based menu. The breakfast bu et was a daily treat, with Greek pastries, fresh juices, cooked options, and plenty to keep fussy little eaters happy.
Having even just an hour to fully unwind as a parent on holiday is amazing, and the spa at Domes made that possible. Thanks to the kids club, we were able to book a couples massage while Cleo was happily entertained. Soma Spa is serene and beautifully designed. Treatments use Elemis® and Codage Paris products, and the therapists were exceptional.
Both of our bases in Elounda o ered something special. At Candia Park Village, we found the slow pace of traditional Greek family life in a stylish setting. At Domes of Elounda, we experienced elevated family travel: luxurious, serene, with careful attention to detail.
What tied the whole trip together was the timeless magic of Crete itself: the warm air, the sparkling sea, and the gentle rhythm of island life. For families looking for a Greek island escape that balances beauty, weather, and ease, Elounda quietly delivers. And for us, it’s a place we’d happily return to again and again.
candiapark.com domesresorts.com
PRICES FROM T
£895,000 TO £5 MILLION
he tallest residential tower in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea will take centre stage at one of the boroughs most refi ned new developments, 100 Kensington. With architecture inspired by the area’s rich heritage, 100 Kensington draws inspiration from its neighbourhood, refl ecting the lifestyle that homeowners can expect to enjoy.
Many new developments o er an element of the unique, as architects and designers combine their talents to create a visual language, but few extend that vision into the realm of the sensory, making a real connection and creating a unique sense of place.
Through their collaboration with Charles Farris, the developers of 100 Kensington have harnessed the power of scent in delivering their vision of a new vertical village in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
With an architectural masterplan by John McAslan & Partners and detailed design by Corstorphine & Wright, the new residential led development on West Cromwell Road showcases not only the tallest tower to date in the borough, but provides a new architectural gateway for Kensington.
Its striking buildings, designed around a central podium garden, incorporates 462 new homes. As well as o ering lush green spaces in gardens and terraces, 100 Kensington provides residents with screening and events spaces, a health club with gym and swimming pool, and concierge.
In celebration of this new residential neighbourhood, and understanding the inimitable power of scent to evoke a distinct sense of place, 100 Kensington’s developers have harnessed the skills of master chandlers and Royal Warrant holder Charles Farris to create a custom
scent. Drawing inspiration from the many green spaces throughout 100 Kensington, the scent of each, gently calming and evolving with the seasons, ‘Ambered Citrine’ features top notes of bergamot, lime and mandarin, heart notes of sa ron, amber and ylang-ylang, and base notes of moss, musk, vetiver and cashmere.
The signature scent provides an immediate soothing sensory connection for visitors to 100 Kensington’s marketing suite on Kensington High Street, subtly connecting with the brand new vertical village and gardens, as well as the iconic royal gardens and orangery of Kensington Palace Gardens beyond. A set of five custom, organically shaped, earth-toned ceramic vessels, designed by award-winning East London-based ceramic artist Louise Power, di uses the scent around the space.
‘Ambered Citrine’ further serves as a sensory bridge between its own royal history and that of the wider historic borough beyond. Charles Farris, whose story goes back to 1845, originally crafting candles for London’s most eminent churches, was granted a Royal Warrant in 1935 by King George V. Today, it retains the Royal Warrant for King Charles III.
Similarly, Kensington and Chelsea has long been synonymous with luxury, success, innovation and quality. 100 Kensington builds on this tradition, located on a 1.7 hectare site which in the 1850s formed part of Prince Albert’s ‘Albertopolis’ plan for a Victorian science park.
At 100 Kensington, cutting-edge contemporary architecture, modern luxury, British quality and craftsmanship tangibly define the new vertical village, while its signature scent creates indelible layers that build emotional connection to a new favoured place, distilling a unique sense of what we recognise as home.
Prices at 100 Kensington range from £895,000 to £5 million, with first completions expected 2027. The 100 Kensington Marketing Suite is located at 154-158 Kensington High Street, London, W8 7RL 100kensington.com +44 (0)20 8167 9648
One & two bedroom apartments starting from £375,000. Deposit contributions available*
Marketing suite open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm High Street, Barnet, London, EN5 5XP E lightfield@shanlyhomes.com T 020 8176 8258
*Terms and conditions apply. Selected plots only. Pricing correct at time of print. Ask our sales consultants for more information. shanlyhomes.com
Homes ready to move in now
One & two bedroom apartments and three & four bedroom houses available. Prices starting from £330,000*
Marketing suite open 7 days a week, 10am – 5pm Moor Lane, Staines upon Thames, Surrey, TW18 4YN E moorfieldmews@shanlyhomes.com T 01784 913037
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