Headmaster’s Welcome – Mr Hawkes, Headmaster
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I’m writing this letter having just returned from a morning with Year 7 at Box End Water Park – Wakeboarding and Stand-Up Paddle were the order of the day, and much fun was had by all (including me!). This was a great bonding opportunity for the youngest pupils in the Senior School, and I’ll look forward to hearing more about how they’ve settled in over biscuits and hot chocolate as I welcome each form group to my office at break over the coming weeks.
The highlight of my week was, without a doubt, yesterday’s superb House Singing competition. This is hardly a surprise – all week long I’ve been told how much fun it would be, and the event certainly didn’t disappoint. As expert judge (and Wellingborough singing teacher) Philip Slane noted, the standard was high, but it took more than just great singing for Marsh to be crowned this year’s champions. Their excellent rendition of ‘Somebody To You’ by The Vamps was made all the more entertaining with great costumes, some fun choreography, and a great deal of positive energy; well done to Marsh! It’s also worth noting how much fun was had by everyone in the audience throughout the entire event, all within an atmosphere of supportive mutual respect. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Wellingborough pupils.
We will soon be starting the process of building the pupils’ excitement about the opening of the Technology Centre, and about the amazing opportunities that await them in what will be the most inspiring of learning spaces. We want all our students to develop crucial creative thinking skills, to work collaboratively, and to enjoy the thrill of innovation and discovery. Wellingborough already offers all of this, but there’s no doubt that the much-anticipated new building will turbo-charge our offer in these areas, for the benefit of all. And I can confirm… we will be teaching in the new building early in Lent – how exciting!
I hope you and your families enjoy this blast of late summer weather, and that it holds out for tomorrow’s fixtures. Have a great weekend.
My Hopes for Sixth Form – Year 12 pupil Oscar looks forward to embracing all that Sixth Form has to offer.
GCSEs are done, ‘Headstart’ week was enlightening, and South Africa has been toured. Since then, I’ve been looking forward to starting year 12. Getting stuck into sixth form is not just about ‘A’ Levels, but all the enrichments that Sixth Form offers.
I’ve chosen to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science because I enjoy logical thinking, problem solving and understanding how things around us work. Fewer subjects mean an increased depth of learning in chosen subjects, alongside a higher level of independence in study — something I’m genuinely looking forward to – and the potential to represent the school in national events and competitions.
Beyond the classroom, I’m looking forward to making the most of the enrichment opportunities on offer. I’m planning to take part in the CyberEPQ, which will allow me to explore cybersecurity in more depth and hoping to benefit further from the Aspire group, finding out how to make such learning relevant to life after ‘A’ Levels.
With regards to sports, I hope to gain a spot in the rugby 1st XV and the football second XI this year. I have played these sports all my life and I have a great passion for both.
Sixth Form will bring with it more opportunities for skills and qualifications i.e. via Gold DofE and the Marines section of the CCF. An important skill is leadership, i.e. supporting younger cadets. I’d like to apply those leadership skills academically as well, learning how to tutor others and by year 13 I would like to be a prefect.
Whilst the academic subjects of sixth form are the initial focus, I think what my hopes reflect are that there are many other important aspects of school life, which also link to activities outside of school, as well as future hopes, such as getting work and business experience in relevant roles (even though I’m not really sure what I want to do yet!).
Overall, sixth form feels like a space where I can push myself further — academically and personally — and take steps toward shaping my future. There are a lot of opportunities and whilst I sadly can’t take up all of them, I won’t be bored.
English Department – Harriet Tierney, Head of English
We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our students in this summer’s A Level and GCSE English Language and Literature examinations. Their results are a testament to their hard work, intellectual curiosity, and the high standards we uphold across the department. We are incredibly proud of each and every student, and grateful to our passionate teaching team whose dedication continues to inspire excellence.
As we begin a new academic year, we encourage current students to make full use of our English clinics. These sessions are designed to offer personalised support and guidance. Whether students want feedback on a practice essay, need help understanding a specific poem they missed, or are struggling with particular assessment objectives, clinics are the perfect space to ask questions and build confidence. Coming prepared with clear goals will help students get the most out of each session — and teachers are always happy to help push students’ thinking further.
We’re also excited to offer a rich programme of co-curricular opportunities this year. A Level Literature students will have the chance to attend live theatre productions that bring their set texts to life, as well as English Magazine conferences that explore contemporary literary and linguistic debates. Some of our GCSE students will enjoy trips to see To Kill a Mockingbird and The Woman in Black, deepening their understanding of these powerful texts. And for our younger readers, Year 7 will be heading to the Cheltenham Literary Festival — a wonderful opportunity to discover new authors and ignite a lifelong love of reading. As part of the BookBuzz programme, Year 7 students will also be able to select a book of their own to keep from a curated list of 15 exciting titles — a fantastic way to encourage independent reading and personal choice.
Here’s to another year of literary exploration, creative thinking, and academic success!
New Beginnings with Familiar Faces in the Art Department – Charlotte Woodward, Head of Art and Photography
We waved a sad farewell to our Year 13 Class of 2025 last term but are looking forward to being able to share some of their fabulous artwork with you next week. I hope you’ll agree it was worth waiting for. We were delighted to welcome Miss Drakeford back from Maternity Leave and Mrs Roberts back into Senior Art this term. They both have a wealth of experience of teaching up to A Level and I know the students have already enjoyed learning with them again. All of us are looking forward to the new academic year with plans for some exciting new projects, plus trips and visiting artists to inspire and enrich our students’ learning. Y7-9 Art Club will start again next week, as will a new Y10-13 Art Club and pupil Olivia has masterminded a local interschools Art competition, which will be a showcase for local young and talented artists. Our students can obviously enter, and shortlisted works will be exhibited here in December.
Curriculum Overview:
Y7 will develop key drawing, mark-making, and colour theory skills through a creative and structured exploration of ‘Animals’. By observing and drawing animals, students learn to refine their drawing abilities, focusing on proportion, form, and texture. Y8 will gain inspiration from the ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ from Alice in Wonderland, and will initially investigate two dimensional recreations of afternoon tea items, followed by making their own three dimensional hats which will be covered with fabrics that are coloured using textile dying techniques. Y9’s theme is ‘Shelf Life’ and they are focussing on traditional and contemporary ‘Vanitas’, which is all about reminding people that life is short, and that things like beauty, money, and power don’t last forever. Following initial skull drawings, students will explore photograms, lino printing and watercolour techniques before visiting the Wayne Thiebaud exhibition in London in December.
At GCSE, our students can specialise in Art or Photography. Y10 have all started the year by exploring the theme of ‘Portraiture’ through their chosen medium. Artists will develop their drawing, painting and printmaking technical skills and photographers will learn to use their digital cameras, understand exposure, work with studio and natural lighting and use Photoshop to edit and enhance their own images. They will go on a London galleries visit in the summer, as our current Y11 students did last term. They are now in the final term of their coursework projects and have all chosen a subtheme based on ‘Structures’ following their trip to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the National Portrait Gallery in June, and are honing the technical skills they learnt throughout Y10. They will work with Heidi Street-Ward, a local felt maker and Liam Biswell, an Oxfordshire based printmaker, to create development and final pieces for their coursework in November. This will also give them a golden opportunity to discuss career opportunities with practising artists.
Our Sixth Form Artists & Photographers are looking forward to drawing inspiration from The Affordable Art Fair in Battersea, and the greatly anticipated Lee Miller photography exhibition at the Tate Britain in October. For now, Y12 are working through a series of skill-building workshops based on a range of themes or starting points. These include oil painting, paper cutting, lino printing, cinematic lighting, experimental darkroom photography and mixed media image transfer to name a few. After Christmas, they will begin their chosen ‘Personal Investigation’ for coursework in earnest. Y13 are experimenting with ideas and developing final piece plans for their ‘Personal Investigation projects which are due to be completed by 31st January 2026. This sounds a long way off but with the ambitious plans we are currently discussing, this will be upon us before we know it!
Auditions and Rehearsals – Liz Burleigh, Music School Administrator
Blues Band Auditions
During the next two weeks, Senior pupils are invited to come along and audition for a place in this year’s Blues Band. The band plays at all the main musical events of the year, including Christmas and Spring Concerts, Rock Pop & Blues and the Summer Ball. Anyone interested should come along anytime between 1.00pm and 1.50pm on either Thursday 25th Sept or Thursday 2nd Oct, with a piece ready to perform on any of the following instruments:
- Singers
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Saxophone
- Piano/keyboard
- Drums/percussion
- Bass guitar
- Electric guitar
Band members from last year must reaudition for their place. The line-up for the band will be announced shortly after the second set of auditions. Good luck!
Music Ensemble Rehearsals Begin
With the conclusion of the House Singing competition, all Senior music ensemble rehearsals will start up next week:
*Audition/invitation only
Venue abbreviations
EE: Edward Elgar Room, Music
JW: Judith Weir Room, Music
We look forward to players and singers returning from last year, and to welcoming new musicians.
House News, Weymouth – Joanne James, House Mistress of Weymouth
What a fantastic start to term it has been; Year 8 and 9 have settled so well and it feels like they’ve always been in House. We started the year with our first assembly which included showing the girls the House Sheild which we have won for last two consecutive years; it is important that they realise that all their hard work, not only in House events, pays off. On a weekly basis, House points come flooding in because of their diligence in lessons and their general behaviour towards their peers, staff and all those in our school community; these valuable House points are what eventually helps them to secure the coveted shield.
The Year 13 Weymouth girls have well and truly shone over the past two weeks; their commitment and effort in preparing the girls for House singing has been truly admirable. The calm and collected way in which they have encouraged the younger members of the House is a credit to them. The House performance was exceptional, and although third place was lower than we anticipated, the girls can hold their head up high.
After House singing, Year 7 joined us for our annual House picnic. This was a relaxed event, and a great introduction for Year 7 into Weymouth; a few very kind Year 12 Weymouth girls offered to look after them and make them feel welcome. Another few additions to Weymouth this term have been some of our tutors; Mrs Hayes, Mrs Chiremba, Miss Costello and returning after maternity leave, Miss Drakeford. With all their experience and teachers in different subject areas, the girls are certainly going to be well looked after.
A special mention to Freya who has been selected for the ISFA England U16s football squad; we look forward to hearing about her successes. In addition, Isobel who recently ran the Northampton half-marathon; a huge well done!
I look forward to meeting parents on Tuesday 23rd September in Weymouth when there will be an opportunity to meet your daughter’s tutor and myself and at our Chapel Service on Sunday 28th September at 10am. Occasions to meet as a House are special and it’s always lovely to meet the parents of Weymouth girls.
Careers Weekly – Careers Newsletter
Welcome to the New-Look Careers Newsletter
Click HERE to view this week’s edition.
Rugby – Lester Williams, Housemaster of Garne’s, Head of Rugby
Rugby Results – Saturday 13th September
v Ratcliffe College
1st won 5-31
U15A lost 38-7
U14A won 31-14
U13A lost 25-40
U13B won 60-45
U12A won 30-15
We had our first senior block of rugby fixtures this weekend against Ratcliffe College. There were some excellent performances from our boys, with wins for our 1st XV, U14A, U13B and U12A teams. Some great rugby played, with also plenty to work on for the coming weeks. Well done to everyone.
Safeguarding Update
As the new school year gets underway, many families find it helpful to re-establish routines around sleep, screen time, curfews and home life. While the summer holidays are a chance to relax, the return to structure can be a welcome reset – not just for learning, but for your child’s overall wellbeing and safety.
Why routines matter for well-being
Routines offer young people a sense of stability, predictability and control, all of which are important for good mental health, particularly during the teenage years. Adolescence is a time of rapid change, emotionally and physically. Having regular daily habits can help reduce anxiety, improve focus and create a stronger sense of security.
Read the full safeguarding newsletter for this month HERE.
Sporty Scholars Camp at Wellingborough School – Book Now!
Sporty Scholars will be running a multi-activity and sport camp here at Wellingborough School from Monday 27th October until Friday 31st October. This camp is for children aged 4-14.
For more information, click HERE.
To book your place please visit: Sporty Scholars at Wellingborough School
October Tech Camps Are On – Join the Adventure – Book Now!
Next Thing Education’s Tech Camps are bursting with creativity, hands-on learning, and fun — plus children take home a STEM invention every day!
The October half term Tech & STEM Camp will run from Monday 27th to Friday 31st October at Wellingborough School and is open to children aged 5–11.
For more information, click HERE.
To book your place, please visit: Wellingborough School Tech & STEM Camp.
Macmillan Coffee Morning – Carlie Woodard, Housemistress of Nevill
Stay Connected
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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/
