Headmaster’s Welcome – Simon Hawkes, Headmaster
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week’s theme has been academic aspiration, epitomised by the frankly excellent Criminology Conference our Sixth Formers hosted for visiting speakers and schools on Tuesday. The level of discussion and debate was impressive, and potential solutions for prison overcrowding and understaffing were carefully analysed and assessed. The week ended with the buzz and excitement of GCSE Options Evening last night, which I’m sure generated much healthy family debate about the correct combination of subjects to study in Year 10 next year.
The discussion and debate around the access we give young people to devices and social media continues apace. You will be aware that we have already been reviewing our Policy and will no doubt have heard about the Government’s new guidance for schools that offers a robust framework aimed at making schools as phone-free as possible. Our own policy review will be completed and shared with you soon. The issue is complex, and I’m firmly of the view that the responsibility for supporting and protecting our pupils is shared – by policymakers at the national level, the School, parents, and also the pupils themselves.
And finally, on a somewhat different note, I wanted to highlight the opportunity for all parents (not just those of Year 13 leavers) to attend the Summer Ball. Our wonderful Parents’ Association has put a lot of effort into organising a brilliant celebration at the end of the school year, and I encourage you all to consider getting a table together and coming along!
Best wishes.
SLT Update – Samuel Medley, Director of Teaching and Learning
As with schools across the country, we are constantly aware that AI is changing how we all work, create and learn. It is visible to all our pupils on a daily basis, from large language models such as ChatGPT and Copilot to search engine results to Netflix recommendations.
Our approach is fundamentally to teach pupils how to use it in a thoughtful, safe and honest manner, whilst being absolutely clear about where its use is not allowed, especially in protecting academic integrity. We know AI can personalise learning, improve efficiency, and enhance accessibility in our day-to-day lives, including at school; however, we also want students to understand the risks, such as over-reliance, bias, and environmental, ethical, and privacy concerns.
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing these messages, as use is far more common at home, outside of lessons. The National Literacy Trust annual survey of 60,000 young people (aged 13-18) in 2025 reported that 45.6% use AI at least weekly, with homework the second most popular reason for its use. Concerningly, one in four survey respondents admitted to simply copying AI output when using it for homework.
My regular message to pupils is not to let AI steal the struggle.
Learning happens in that struggle – the act of thinking hard, making mistakes, refining ideas and grappling with difficult challenges are all actions that help build our understanding and embed knowledge. Using AI to produce the work quickly may be extremely tempting in the moment but shortcuts the thinking we want students to develop. AI should always support learning without replacing it – in some contexts it has the ability to help pupils organise ideas, experiment creatively or speed up tasks with lower cognitive demands. Whereas in other contexts its use is restricted or expressly forbidden, and if in doubt, pupils should always ask their teachers first.
It is also very important that pupils in exam year groups are fully cognisant of the rules set down by JCQ on behalf of all exam boards in regard to coursework, AI and plagiarism. Whilst depending on the specific task, there may be some permitted use, for example, in the development of ideas or for research (providing it is correctly and carefully referenced); the critical common rule is that “all coursework submitted for assessments must be the candidate’s own work.” Everything pupils submit must be their own work and not “copied, paraphrased, or heavily derived from another source, including content produced by AI tools.” Before the coursework is submitted, pupils have to sign a declaration saying that it is all their own work, and if any content is then detected after that declaration is signed, the sanction from the exam board is typically disqualification. A handy 1-page summary of the rules around AI use for students can be viewed here.
We know that AI will continue to develop at a rapid pace, and both our rules and guidance have to do likewise. At the heart of it, however, remains the educational belief that learning happens best when pupils do the thinking for themselves.
Parents may also find the following resources from Internet Matters useful:
Using Artificial Intelligence safely – Using artificial intelligence (AI) safely | Internet Matters
A Parent’s Guide to AI – A guide to artificial intelligence (AI) for parents | Internet Matters
Parker Steyne’s House Update – George Houghton, Parker Steyne’s Housemaster
It has been another busy half term in Parker Steyne’s House. Year 13 are in the midst of receiving university offers via UCAS, and hopefully this is providing them with additional motivation to get themselves over the finish line in just a couple of months’ time. We were especially delighted to celebrate the news of an Oxford University offer for Nathan W to study History, a fantastic achievement!
At the end of last term we held our inaugural House Table Tennis Championship, raising additional funds for our House Charity, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Congratulations to Maulik K on a well-deserved victory! We will soon be launching our main House fundraiser for 2026, following in the footsteps of the past two years, where we will look to once again spend a night sleeping out ‘rough’ under the stars, raising money for those less fortunate than ourselves, and we look forward to trying to smash the £5000 barrier for the first time…!! It is hoped that this will take place on Friday 13th March, but final details will be released shortly…
Just last week we celebrated success in House Music – a 2nd place finish, which is the highest placing in over a decade, and since a certain Dot Major of ‘London Grammar’ fame was at the helm of the House! It was also fantastic to have such a spread of ages representing the House and on a variety of instruments! Well done to Luke M, Demir, Sam J, Daniel M, Ian and Thomas R. A large number of pupils are looking forward to representing the House after half term in the Football competition and we once again look forward to full House participation in House Cross-Country – an event where we historically have had great success both individually and as a collective!
Year 12 continue to act as excellent role models as part of the peer mentor programme, supporting the younger members of the House pastorally, and a number of these senior pupils are about to embark on the gruelling prefect selection process, where we wish them every success.
And in recent news away from school, we were delighted to recognise the achievements of Ben D at the recent County Swimming Championships, where he secured a place in five different individual finals, with five personal bests along the way, securing two medals…phew! I always try to encourage pupils to let me know of their achievements both in and out of school. Perhaps it is a ‘boy thing’ where, for some unknown reason, they do not wish to be the centre of attention, but I urge and continue to welcome all pupils to keep letting me know of ALL of their achievements so that they can be celebrated as a House!
Music Update – Ian Runnells, Director of Music
Just a week ago, we held our annual House Music Competition in which seven Houses compete to be awarded the Beethoven Shield, a splendid trophy with engravings dating back to 1936. Very much a pupil-led event, each House compiled a programme of 15-20 minutes in which pupils of all ages performed as instrumentalists and vocalists in various combinations from soloists to full bands and choirs. Given the demanding timescales involved, with just over two weeks to prepare, we were treated to some outstanding music-making with great camaraderie on show and respectful and encouraging audiences in attendance. Congratulations to the winning House, Weymouth, for a programme that included performances from all year groups, very much in the spirit of such an event. It was good to see Parker Steyne’s secure second place too, their best position in the final line-up for some time. For the record, Cripps’ and Platt’s shared joint third place, scoring an equal number of points.
We hold another Teatime recital on Monday, 2nd February, where performers from both Prep and Senior Schools will take their place in the limelight after school. With the chapel offering almost perfect acoustics, pupils always enjoy the chance to play in a bigger venue, and pianists certainly enjoy playing the best piano in school! All are most welcome, beginning at 4:30pm, and we are usually finished by 5:30pm at the latest.
Further ahead, and just before half-term on Thursday 12th February, we will move to the Senior School Hall for the annual Rock, Pop and Blues concert, where the repertoire is simply anything other than classical! Vocalists, guitarists, pianists and a staff number will feature this year. Please do consider supporting the evening, with free admission. It is rather informal, with seating and tables, and a bar is available throughout the first half and short interval.
The Spring Concert is always a highlight of the year, and this year pupils will be performing on Monday 16th March at 7pm. Please save the date! Details of how to purchase tickets will shortly be available. As well as several larger ensembles taking to the stage, it is always most poignant as our Year 13 musicians are given the privilege of performing a solo item for the final time.
Finally, a reminder that all rehearsals are well underway this term. The success of all we do very much depends on regular and committed attendance, so I’d like to finish by thanking everyone for their contribution to the musical life of the school. It is very much appreciated.
Careers Weekly
This week’s newsletter spotlights careers in Law, exploring how you can enter the legal industry through apprenticeships or university, and outlining the different routes available.
Read this week’s Careers newsletter here.
Netball Results – Jess Costello, Head of Netball
Monday 19th vs Quinton
- 13As Won 15 – 8
Tuesday 20th vs Pitsford
- 2nds Won 23 – 12
- 3rds Loss 19 – 9
Thursday 22nd vs Pitsford
- U15B loss 22 – 8
- U14B won 20 – 9
Saturday 24th vs Princethorpe
- 12A loss 44 – 8
- 13A loss 44 -2
- 14A loss 26 – 24
- 14B loss 36 – 5
- 15A loss 48 – 12
- 15B loss 33 – 5
- 1sts loss 62 – 20
Football Results – Jonathan Dean, Head of Football
Please see the results below from our fixtures this weekend v St Edmunds College, ware:
- 1st XI lost 0-3 (JAD)
- 2nd XI lost 0-4 (GEH)
- 3rd XI cancelled by opposition
- U15A won 4-3 (LW)
- U15B won 7-0 (ARE)
- U14A lost 0-2 (CJH)
- U14B drew 1-1 (NPI)
- U13A won 3-2 (MAF)
- U13B lost 2-3 (MTW)
- U12A won 10-3 (APA)
Another great block fixture for our footballers. It is always a competitive block against St Edmunds, and this was no exception with 4 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats. With a couple of defeats only being by the odd goal. Many thanks to the pupils and their parents for their support on Saturday. In particular, I must thank those boys who arrived at school for 7.30am for our 3 away fixtures – a top effort.
Next weekend we have fixtures for our Seniors (1st-3rd) and A teams. With 14A & 15A in the morning and other fixtures at home in the afternoon.
Working Together to Keep Young People Safe
Recently, alarming reports have emerged about dangerous online networks sometimes called ‘com groups’ or ‘com networks’. While each group can be different, many share disturbing and coercive behaviour, encouraging or demanding self-harm, blackmail (including via intimate or personal data) and normalising violence, abuse or even suicidal behaviour.
This month’s newsletter explores how children can stay safe from ‘com groups’ and educates young people about the importance of consent.
Read the full safeguarding newsletter for this month 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!
Summer Ball 2026 – Booking Open
Dear Parents, Governors, OWs, Staff, Friends and Family,
Wellingborough Senior School Parents’ Association has great pleasure in inviting you to attend this year’s Wellingborough School Summer Ball on Saturday 4th July 2026. As in previous years, this very popular event will take place at the School and is open to parents across the whole school, former parents, OWs, staff, governors, friends, family and Year 13 leavers. Year 13 leaver parents are particularly encouraged to attend with their leaver to celebrate the end of their time at Wellingborough School together.
Dress Code: Black tie
Food & Drinks
The evening will start at 6.30pm with drinks on the lawn, followed by a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the Executive Chef, Kirstie, and her awesome catering team.
Wine is available to pre-order to save you queuing. It will also be available on the night along with a fully stocked bar for cocktails and beer.
Entertainment
The school Blues Band will start off the evening at 6.30pm with their cool summer vibes.
For the main event we have the magnificent Matt Potter, of Potter Group, returning, supporting the incredibly talented local band Six Feet Apart.
In typical Summer Ball fashion there will be the usual Heads and Tails game, an auction with some amazing prizes and a chance to win other prizes with a raffle.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased in any number, or you could purchase 10 tickets for a complete tale. We will also be collecting information about year groups so we can match similar year group parents where possible when creating tables. Please note that all communications regarding the evening will go to the person who books the tickets (Table Lead). You will be asked to make your meal choices when booking tickets (the menu can be viewed below) and let us know about any dietary requirements.
Click here to purchase your tickets.
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.
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
Current pupils: Informal Coffee Morning/Afternoon with the Head
An opportunity for current pupils and their families to speak directly with Mr Hawkes and other senior members of staff at Wellingborough School.
You will have the chance to hear about what the year has in store for their child’s year group and ask any questions you may have.
Please see below the upcoming dates for different year groups:
- Years 7-10: Tuesday 3rd March, 4:30-5:30pm
- Year 11: Tuesday 10th February, 4:30-5:30pm
We would love to get to know you better and hear how your child is finding life at Wellingborough School.
Click here to RSVP your place.
Prospective Families: Meet the Head
An opportunity for prospective pupils and their families to visit Wellingborough School to meet our Headmaster, Mr Hawkes, and other senior members of staff.
You will also have the chance to ask questions you may have about your child attending Wellingborough School and speak to other families that are also considering joining.
Please see below the upcoming dates for different year groups:
- Year 11 pupils looking at joining our Sixth Form: Tuesday 10th February, 4:30-5:30pm
- Years 8-10 pupils looking at joining our Senior School: Thursday 5th February, 4:30-5:30pm
- Year 6 pupils looking to join for Year 7: Thursday 12th February, 4:30-5:30pm
Please RSVP your place to admissions@wellingboroughschool.org.
If you can’t make these dates, but would like to have a chance to meet Mr Hawkes, click here to view the upcoming sessions until March.
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/
