Head’s Welcome – Mrs Owen, Head of Prep
As we rapidly approach the half-term point of this academic year, we are already looking ahead to the next one and have a number of events coming up for both current and prospective families.
The first of these is for current Year 6 parents. On Wednesday 4th February, from 8.30am to 9.30am, there is an opportunity to come into Senior School and join the Headmaster and senior members of the SLT for a coffee and a chat. Please use this link if you are able to join them; they very much look forward to meeting you.
Next, just before half term on Friday 13th February from 9.30am to 10.30am, we are holding a Stay and Play session for prospective children who are of Nursery or Reception age (2+) and their parents. The theme is ‘Love to Learn’, and it will be a super opportunity for them to experience our Early Years setting and speak to our staff while their children get involved in a whole range of activities. If you know of any families looking for a Nursery or Reception place in September, I would be very grateful if you could pass on this link so that they can book their place.
Slightly further ahead, we are looking forward to the Whole School Open Day on Saturday 7th March. You will have received an email this week asking for Prep School pupils to attend on that day – Year 6 pupils as tour guides and pupils in all other year groups to take part in activities in the Prep School. This is our opportunity for prospective families to see the whole site, and I would encourage you to complete the form to indicate your child’s availability to assist us on that day to showcase what a wonderful school we have. Additionally, if you are aware of families looking for school places in September, please ask them to use this link.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend as we finally move out of January, which I know, to many, has seemed like the longest month of the year!
Reception Update – Katie Mason, Reception Teacher
The children have worked incredibly hard since we returned to school after the Christmas holidays. They have been tasked with a variety of new challenges that have been added in to their daily routines. For example, the children have started to read in small groups as part of their morning challenge or complete a short written task which encourages them to apply their phonics skills. The children’s handwriting has improved so much, and they have been working on their pencil grip too.
Our topic this term is ‘Our Bodies’, and we have covered a wide range of concepts such as labelling parts of the body, exploring our 5 senses, healthy eating habits and the importance of sleep on our bodies too. The children have all been very knowledgeable, and we have been impressed with their ideas and ability to learn new information.
The children have completed Phase 3 in phonics and are now able to read a variety of words using the taught sounds as well as lots of tricky words too. In literacy, we have continued our teaching during Drawing Club sessions, and it has been fascinating to watch the children as their writing confidence grows. Many of the children have started to write phrases, including some tricky words, and some have even started to use some punctuation. In Maths, we have looked at some key elements of measure, including mass and capacity, and have also explored the composition of larger numbers.
Mrs Mason, Miss Herbert, Miss Pentalow and Mrs Hill continue to feel proud of the children as they have accepted new challenges with excitement and confidence.
DT in Prep: A New Chapter Begins – Emily Whitmore, Head of Prep DT
This term really is one for the history books—at least for the DT Department! We are thrilled to announce that we have officially moved into the brand-new Gateway building, and the excitement is buzzing already.
Our much-loved machinery, tools, and resources have all settled into their new home. It’s been a bit like moving house—only instead of debating where the sofa should go, we’ve been deciding the perfect spot for the laser cutter. A challenge? Absolutely. But problem-solving is what we do best. New routines, new spaces, new possibilities—we’re embracing it all.
Now that the dust has settled (almost literally!), we cannot wait to welcome pupils into this incredible facility and inspire them to design, make, and create in style.
Meanwhile, the creative buzz continues in the classroom as we dive into exciting IPC topics and hands-on projects:
Year 1
Year 1 are bringing stories to life with their very own puppet theatres—because nothing beats a show where the actors are made by the audience!
Year 2
It’s all about The Earth Our Home and Green Fingers. The children will be making nesting boxes for bees (because even bees deserve luxury accommodation), experimenting with different media to craft bees and flowers, and tasting edible plants. Yes, tasting—don’t worry, we’ve checked they’re safe!
Year 3
The On Tap topic continues with pneumatic monsters—because nothing says “science” like a monster that moves thanks to air pressure. Then we’ll take off with Gateway to the World, designing paper aeroplanes, branding them like professionals, and turning prototypes into laser-cut models. To top it off, pupils will create an in-flight entertainment pack. Move over, British Airways.
Year 4
Explorers and adventurers unite! Pupils will design and build bug hotels (five-star accommodation for insects), study Evelyn Cheesman through her inspiring biography, and create detailed insect fact sheets. It’s a project that combines science, design, and a dash of entomology chic.
Year 5
Going global in style, Year 5 will design and create laser-cut lanterns using CAD CAM techniques. They’ll learn how to manipulate original drawings into repeat patterns and integrate computer packages to bring their ideas to life. Its creativity meets technology—illuminating in every sense.
Year 6
Our oldest pupils are tackling Climate Control by crafting wooden pencil pots with an endangered animal twist. They’ll research, design, and create merchandise and advertising to raise awareness, all while mastering resistant materials and workshop skills. Saving the planet, one pencil pot at a time.
We’ll share more updates once we’re fully settled into the new building—expect photos, stories, and maybe even a few tales of misplaced screwdrivers. Until then, thank you for supporting our journey into this exciting new chapter!
Working Together to Keep Young People Safe
Many children are talking about ‘Brainrot’ games on Roblox—a term that refers to a group of viral, user-created experiences inspired by the online ‘brainrot’ meme. As a parent or carer, it’s helpful to understand what these games are, why they’re popular, and how you can help your child play safely.
This month’s newsletter addresses concerns around ‘Brainrot’ games and provides guidance for parents on how to respond to child-on-parent violence situations.
Read the full safeguarding newsletter for this month here.
Prep Sports Results – Alistair Palfrey, Prep Head of Sport
It has been a busy opening two weeks of fixtures for the prep school teams, with 40 matches played in just 14 days.
We hosted the first of three Year 4 festivals this term on Friday 23rd January, and Year 3 can look forward to their first festival at BMS on 6th February. I am really proud of all the pupils who have been translating their hard work on the training pitches into strong performances in matches. A huge thank you to all the parents who have spectated matches both home and away so far this term; your support for the prep school teams is greatly appreciated.
Wednesday 14th January
Football vs Akeley Wood
- U10A won 10-3
- U10B won 3-1
Netball vs Akeley Wood
- U11C won 11-3 vs Akeley Wood A
- U11D lost 0-17 vs Akeley Wood A
Wednesday 21st January
Football vs Bedford Modern
- U10A won 7-2
- U10B lost 0-9
U11 BMS Football Festival Results
U11A
- Drew 0-0 vs BMS
- Drew 0-0 vs Akeley Wood
- Won 1-0 vs Bromsgrove
- Drew 0-0 vs BGI
- Drew 0-0 vs MKPS.
U11B
- Lost 0-2 vs BMS B
- Drew 0-0 vs Akeley Wood
- Won 3-0 vs BGI
- Won 1-0 vs BMS C
- Lost 0-2 vs MKPS
Netball
- U11A Won 7-3 vs Kimbolton
- U11B Won 7-4 vs Kimbolton.
Friday Festival 23rd January 2026
Football
- U9A Lost 0-2 vs MKPS
- U9A Drew 0-0 vs BGI
- U9A Drew 1-1 vs BMPS
- U9A Lost 0-4 vs BMS
- U9B Won 2-1 vs BGI
- U9B Lost 0-1 vs BMS
Netball
- U9A Lost 0-4 vs MKPS
- U9A Won 3-0 vs BMPS
- U9A Lost 1-6 vs BMS
- U9B Lost 1-2 vs BGI
- U9B Lost 0-3 vs BMS
Wednesday 28th February
Football
- U11A Won 2-0 vs Beachborough
- U11A Won 1-0 vs Ashfold
- U10A Won 9-0 vs Beachborough U11B
- U11B Won 3-2 vs Beachborough U11C
- U10B Won 3-2 vs Beachboough U11D
Netball
- U11A Won 8-2 vs Beachborough
- U11A Drew 2-2 vs Swanbourne
- U11B Lost 0-5 vs Swanbourne
- U11B Lost 4-8 vs Beachborough
- U11C Won 10-4 vs Beachbrough E
- U11D Lost 2-12 vs Beachborough F
Key Calendared Events for the Next Two Weeks
Tuesday 3rd February
- Years 1-6 Charity Cake Sale (Cakes donated by Charity Committee and Year 5)
- Year 3 Sponsored Water Walk (14:25-15:25)
Friday 6th February
- 6RC Assembly (Parents invited) (08:25-08:45)
Tuesday 10th February
- Year 1 Play (Parents invited) (09:30-10:00)
Wednesday 11th February
- Year 1 Play (Parents invited) (09:30-10:00)
Thursday 12th February
- Year 4 Explorers and Adventurers Exit Point (Parents invited) (14:30-15:45)
Friday 13th February
- Year 6 LEGO STEM Workshop
- End of half term (16:10) ASC/Late Prep and Co-Curricular Activities as normal
To view the most up-to-date calendar information, please log onto Firefly – click here.
Spring Concert – Save the Date!
We are delighted to be returning to the Castle Theatre again this year for our Spring Concert, on Monday 16th March. This event will showcase our Prep and Senior music groups, a number of solo items from our final-year musicians, and a selection of Prep dance performances.
Details about how to book your tickets will be available soon, but in the meantime, please save the date in your diary!
Junior Star Easter Camp – Book Now!
Join us at Wellingborough School this Easter for an action-packed holiday camp that your kids will love!
- Mon 30th March – Thu 2nd April 2026
- Children in Reception to Year 6.
- £40 per day, with a 5% sibling discount and an additional 5% early booking discount if you book before half term.
Click here for more information.
To book your place, click here.
Sporty Scholars Championship Week Camp – Book Now!
Sporty Scholars will be running their February Half-Term Holiday Camp here at Wellingborough School from Monday 16th February until Friday 20th February, for children aged from 4 to 14.
Your child will participate in 5 days of sports, wellness, and activities that will help them gain confidence and face new challenges.
Places cost £23.50 per day, but you can currently get the early bird discount of 12.5% off by using the code WEARECHAMPS. Please note that this offer will end on Friday, 6th February.
For more information, click here.
To book your place please visit: Sporty Scholars at Wellingborough School
Whole School Open Day – Book Now
Join us on Saturday, 7th March, from 9am, to explore Wellingborough Prep, Senior and Sixth Form.
You will be able to meet with our specialist subject teachers and explore our facilities and nurturing environment. While gaining a better understanding of what makes a Wellingborough education so special.
Click here for more information and to book your place.
Love to Learn – Nursery and Reception Stay and Play
Join us on Friday, 13th February, 9:30 to 10:30am, for fun and engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity, while you experience our warm and nurturing Early Years environment.
Our Stay and Play sessions are for Nursery and Reception-aged children (aged 2+) and their parent or guardian.
Come meet our dedicated team and explore how Wellingborough School provides the ideal start to your child’s learning journey.
Click here to book your place.
Informal Coffee Mornings/Afternoons with Mr Hawkes – Year 6 pupils
An opportunity for current Year 6 pupils and their families to speak directly to Mr Hawkes, and other senior members of staff, about their queries towards transitioning to Senior School.
Please see below the upcoming dates:
- Wednesday 4th February 2026, 8:30am – 9:30am
- Wednesday 4th March 2026, 8:30am – 9:30am
- Wednesday 18th March 2026, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Click here to RSVP your place.
Stay Connected
To see more of what’s happening at Wellingborough School, follow us on social media here.
You can also explore upcoming events and activities on our Events Page here.
Wellingborough School Business Directory
Please find the Business Directory at the following link: https://wellingboroughschool.org/community/business-directory/
