The News 2 May 2025
School News
St Aidan's
St DO's
St Bede's
St CT's
St John's
St Margaret's
St EW's
St Hugh's
Update from the Head of Games
Ampleforth College is delighted to welcome two accomplished cricketers to our coaching team. South African all-rounder Courtney Gounden, 23, an overseas professional at Sessay Cricket Club and former South Africa Women's U19 and Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies player, will coach across the week and lead the Girls' 1st XI. Courtney's coaching emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and a love for the game. Also joining the coaching team is Sri Lankan cricketer Madawa Warnapura, 36, a right-handed batter and off-break bowler, and an overseas professional at Sessay Cricket Club. Madawa, who represented Sri Lanka A and boasts over 6,000 first-class runs, will coach throughout the week, focusing on similar principles to nurture young cricketers' passion and skills. Ampleforth College anticipates a significant positive impact from both coaches on the cricket programme and student development.
Exhibition Play 2025
Book tickets now
Message from Mrs Dent
It has been great to have the girls back with us this term and to catch up over holiday adventures. Of course, a big theme for our exam years is revision and preparations for the forthcoming public examinations now firmly on the horizon. The warm weather has been very welcome indeed and the valley is full of sounds of summer. The house garden is coming into it's own and we are all enjoying the sense of freedom that comes with being able to comfortably spend more time outside. We're looking forward to this weekend's Confirmation Service in Sunday, with eight of our girls being confirmed. A very warm welcome to families, friends and godparents attending. With Inter-house Athletics on Monday, it's shaping up to be a good weekend Year 12 have been focused all week on their internal exams and it's the turn of Year 10 now, timed early in the term to allow quality feedback and a good stretch of time before the summer break to see improvements. It won't be long now before Exhibition and with public examinations beginning in earnest in just 10 days time, we'll be planning in plenty of well-timed treats to help the girls through. Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, whatever you're doing. Ceri Dent, Housemistress St Aidan's House
A reminder that if you'd like to keep up with the goings on of the House and girls, then do find us on social media. Please do also feel free to drop me line with news or pictures of interesting or note-worthy things the girls have been up to in the holidays. It's always nice to share their experience more widely on these pages to celebrate the many gifts and achievements of the girls.
Things are Warming Up...
Literally and figuratively we return to the College this term with an increased “temperature”. As the sun beats down on the valley and the boys increasingly enjoy more and more time outside, things are also warming up academically. Year 12 trial assessments have quickly become Year 10 assessments and the first external examination is approximately a week away. This term will be a fast-paced one with many challenges but I know the boys are capable of taking them on and succeeding.
It has been a while (due to technical issues) since my last newsletter, so this will be a bumper one, covering many events. Do keep up to date via instagram and facebook too – as photographs are uploaded in real time.
The excitement is building for next week’s House Athletics, can we go one better than last year and win it on the last race rather than being pipped to the post?
Exhibition is just around the corner, please check the school newsletter for details and do, please, join us for a wonderful celebration of life in the valley and the successes of our wonderful boys.
St Benedict's Day Celebrations
Weekend Social - Games and Food!
Weekend Social - Games and Food!
Weekend Social - Games and Food!
OA Weekend Sport
OA Weekend Sport
Sunday BBQ - Weather ot Not!
Sunday BBQ - Weather ot Not!
St. John Passion - Schola
St. John Passion - Schola
St. John Passion - Schola
House Music
Mr Davison got involved...
End of term firepit
Y13 Retreat
Y13 Retreat
George won a handmade Monk!
First cricket match - a WIN!
First cricket match - a WIN!
First House Mass - with St Margarets
St. CTs 5 - St Js 1
St. CTs 5 - St Js 1
First Sunday Mass of Term
BBQ with St Bedes
House Photographs - Sneak Peek
Recharging of Batteries for Y12
Work Hard, Play Hard?
Pupdate - a busy Easter
Pupdate - a busy Easter
Pupdate - a busy Easter
Our very own Mrs Cook, St Bede's Tutor, entertains the King & Queen at Durham Cathedral
Her husband Mr Daniel Cook, is Organist and Master of Choristers at the Cathedral
Victoria's big walk to Westminster starts from Ampleforth Abbey
Victoria's arrival in Westminster Abbey
Work Ethic- Exams Books Mindmaps and Flashcards Rule !
Two new girls in yr 10, Matilda and Jeanne
Life on Bede's Hill !
Even the staff in St Bede's have been working hard over the Easter break!
Study Study Study
So many books and so many flashcards and so many mindmaps!
House Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Keep up to date with House events on:
Message from the Housemaster
It was a joy to welcome the boys back into the house last Wednesday. All of them arrived back in good spirits; most of the boys in Remove and Upper Sixth had been working very hard during the holidays to be best prepared for their GCSE and A level examinations. In this short half term, we are looking forward to the Inter House Athletics, our year 10 celebrating their confirmation and of course Exhibition.
Vale!
We welcome our new addition from France, Arthur. He is joining our year 10 cohort but will continue in year 12 in September. He is a talented footballer and a serious academic. What's not to like?
Pope Francis RIP
On Thursday morning, the school community gathered in the Abbey Church to pray for the repose of Pope Francis. In the evening, we celebrated a Requiem Mass in the house chapel.
Happy birthday Finbar and Freddie
On Thursday night, we celebrated Finbar's and Freddie's belated 18th birthday with a little party in the Study.
Happy birthday Finbar and Freddie
Happy birthday Benny and Jonty
Not to be outdone by the Upper Sixth, Benny and Jonty had their belated birthday celebrations during the next evening. Sweet 17...
BBQ season has arrived
On Sunday, after mass, the boys of DO's enjoyed their first BBQ lunch of the season. Weather allowing, there will be many more to follow.
BBQ season has arrived
This also means that the house pitch is coming into its full use again.
BBQ season has arrived
However, for some of us, a Sunday is a day of work, especially for those aiming at the top grades as Ollie and Alex are proving.
Sporting Success
5 Ampleforth boys, among them Cassius and Javier, were part of the Malton Rugby team who won the Yorkshire Cup at the weekend. In all, 30 clubs were competing and they played 5 rounds of games. What an achievement!
Sunday night is Deli Night
The boys tucked into our Deli Night delights to celebrate the end of the first week of the Summer term.
Sunday night is Deli Night
Sunday night is Deli Night
As ever, Fr Henry joined us and was delighted when listening to a recording of Tuesday's LBC radio programme with OA James O'Brien who is usually not a big fan of our institution but who had very warm words for Fr Henry when talking about the renewed appeal of Catholicism thanks to the late Pope Francis.
Sunday night is Deli Night
Late night snacks to celebrate the end of the Lower Sixth's exams week. In (declining) culinary order: Teddy: pasta with pesto and egg, Richard: pasta with pesto, Caspar: Cup Noodles.
The Three Musceteers
Lasting friendships: Javier, Pablo, Ollie
Last but not least
View from my balcony on Wednesday afternoon
Message from the Housemaster
Dear Parents and Guardians, We have welcomed the boys back with open arms; our only new starter this term has been Mr William Bunce who joins the House as Year 9 tutor. He teaches Classics and has already planned his Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in which he will be joined by many of our Year 10 Silver adventurers. Cricket, Tennis and Track and Field seasons are upon us; do keep a look out for fixtures that your boys will be participating in. GCSE modern languages exams have begun; Year 12 examinations start next week and A Levels are just around the corner. As is Exhibition and Confirmation. It is a busy term and a short one. I look forward to seeing you all at some stage during the term. Dan Housemaster, St Hugh's House
Message from Ms Paterson
Dear Parents We look forward to this weekend with the Bishop coming to the Confirmation Mass where five St Margaret's girls will be confirmed. We hope to see many famillies in the valley celebrating this special occasion! This week has brought glorious sunshine, and the girls have made the most of it! The lovely weather set the perfect scene for outdoor volleyball matches—there’s been a joyful and lively atmosphere all around. Despite the summery spirit, our students have remained impressively focused. Year 11 and Year 13 girls have been working diligently in preparation for their upcoming exams, while others have been revising for their mock exams. The dorms have been buzzing with quiet determination and a shared sense of purpose. On Sunday, we gathered for a delightful BBQ, enjoying great food and even better company under the warm spring skies. It was a wonderful chance to unwind and celebrate the community spirit that’s so strong here. In a more reflective moment, we also came together each day to pray the Novemdiales—a traditional nine days of prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. It has been a meaningful time of unity, remembrance, and faith. Here’s to another week of sunshine, study, and support! Rebecca
House Punch
House Punch
Enjoying the warm weather
Happy Birthday Bay, Mollie and Lulu!!!!
Follow us on social media for updates!
Junior House Newsletter 2/5/25
See what our Junior House has been up to this week...
Start!
Message from the Housemaster
What a fantastic start to the term it's been here in Junior House! The energy and enthusiasm of the children has been truly brilliant, perfectly complementing the glorious sunshine we've been so lucky to enjoy. It feels like we jumped straight into a busy schedule, and the students have embraced every opportunity with gusto.
A huge highlight from the past week was our Parents' Weekend, which was a resounding success! It was wonderful to welcome so many of you to Junior House and showcase the children's achievements and the vibrant life of our community. Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a special occasion.
Another highlight was the Junior Maths Challenge. It was fantastic to see so many of our budding mathematicians putting their problem-solving skills to the test. We eagerly await the results and will celebrate their efforts in due course. Well done to everyone who participated!
The sound of leather on willow has also been a familiar one as our cricket fixtures got underway. It's been brilliant to see the boys and girls representing the school with such enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Win or lose, the camaraderie and team spirit on display have been truly commendable. Keep up the great work, cricketers!
Amidst all the busy activity, we've also had some special birthdays to celebrate! A big "Happy Birthday" to all the children who have marked another year. We hope you had fantastic days filled with fun and laughter.
And finally, what better way to soak up this incredible weather than with a BBQ! The sizzling sausages and burgers were a huge hit, and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.
It's been a truly buzzing start to the term, and we're so proud of how the boys and girls have settled back in. Long may this energy and sunshine continue!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Best, Mike
Start!
Next
Parents' Weekend
What a truly lovely atmosphere we shared during Parents' Weekend! A huge thank you to all of you who were able to join us. From the warm and welcoming parents' meal on Friday evening, setting a lovely tone for the weekend, to the vibrant music and sporting events on Saturday, the energy was fantastic. A particular highlight was the thoughtful delivery of the readings during Mass by Ellie and Bart on Sunday, which offered such meaningful reflections. It truly was a very special and enjoyable weekend for us all. Thank you for making it so memorable
Start!
Next
Music
What a joyful occasion the Junior House recital was during Parents' Weekend! It was truly wonderful to see every single member of Junior House involved in some way, demonstrating the collective spirit and enthusiasm we have here. From the more formal performances showcasing the dedicated practice of our talented musicians across a range of instruments, to the rousing, and at times rather enthusiastic, rendition of Bastille's "Pompeii," the morning was a vibrant celebration of the diverse musical talents within our house. It was a fantastic opportunity to witness the confidence and skill of all our performers, and we were incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
Start!
Next
Music
Start!
Next
Cricket
Excellent matches both girls and boys against Terrrington, Hymers and Yarm
Start!
Next
Follow us....
Sports Fixtures Please follow this link to keep up to date with all our fixtures.
Password - Benedictine 1802
Next
05.02 - The News
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The News 2 May 2025
School News
St Aidan's
St DO's
St Bede's
St CT's
St John's
St Margaret's
St EW's
St Hugh's
Update from the Head of Games
Ampleforth College is delighted to welcome two accomplished cricketers to our coaching team. South African all-rounder Courtney Gounden, 23, an overseas professional at Sessay Cricket Club and former South Africa Women's U19 and Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies player, will coach across the week and lead the Girls' 1st XI. Courtney's coaching emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and a love for the game. Also joining the coaching team is Sri Lankan cricketer Madawa Warnapura, 36, a right-handed batter and off-break bowler, and an overseas professional at Sessay Cricket Club. Madawa, who represented Sri Lanka A and boasts over 6,000 first-class runs, will coach throughout the week, focusing on similar principles to nurture young cricketers' passion and skills. Ampleforth College anticipates a significant positive impact from both coaches on the cricket programme and student development.
Exhibition Play 2025
Book tickets now
Message from Mrs Dent
It has been great to have the girls back with us this term and to catch up over holiday adventures. Of course, a big theme for our exam years is revision and preparations for the forthcoming public examinations now firmly on the horizon. The warm weather has been very welcome indeed and the valley is full of sounds of summer. The house garden is coming into it's own and we are all enjoying the sense of freedom that comes with being able to comfortably spend more time outside. We're looking forward to this weekend's Confirmation Service in Sunday, with eight of our girls being confirmed. A very warm welcome to families, friends and godparents attending. With Inter-house Athletics on Monday, it's shaping up to be a good weekend Year 12 have been focused all week on their internal exams and it's the turn of Year 10 now, timed early in the term to allow quality feedback and a good stretch of time before the summer break to see improvements. It won't be long now before Exhibition and with public examinations beginning in earnest in just 10 days time, we'll be planning in plenty of well-timed treats to help the girls through. Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, whatever you're doing. Ceri Dent, Housemistress St Aidan's House
A reminder that if you'd like to keep up with the goings on of the House and girls, then do find us on social media. Please do also feel free to drop me line with news or pictures of interesting or note-worthy things the girls have been up to in the holidays. It's always nice to share their experience more widely on these pages to celebrate the many gifts and achievements of the girls.
Things are Warming Up...
Literally and figuratively we return to the College this term with an increased “temperature”. As the sun beats down on the valley and the boys increasingly enjoy more and more time outside, things are also warming up academically. Year 12 trial assessments have quickly become Year 10 assessments and the first external examination is approximately a week away. This term will be a fast-paced one with many challenges but I know the boys are capable of taking them on and succeeding. It has been a while (due to technical issues) since my last newsletter, so this will be a bumper one, covering many events. Do keep up to date via instagram and facebook too – as photographs are uploaded in real time. The excitement is building for next week’s House Athletics, can we go one better than last year and win it on the last race rather than being pipped to the post? Exhibition is just around the corner, please check the school newsletter for details and do, please, join us for a wonderful celebration of life in the valley and the successes of our wonderful boys.
St Benedict's Day Celebrations
Weekend Social - Games and Food!
Weekend Social - Games and Food!
Weekend Social - Games and Food!
OA Weekend Sport
OA Weekend Sport
Sunday BBQ - Weather ot Not!
Sunday BBQ - Weather ot Not!
St. John Passion - Schola
St. John Passion - Schola
St. John Passion - Schola
House Music
Mr Davison got involved...
End of term firepit
Y13 Retreat
Y13 Retreat
George won a handmade Monk!
First cricket match - a WIN!
First cricket match - a WIN!
First House Mass - with St Margarets
St. CTs 5 - St Js 1
St. CTs 5 - St Js 1
First Sunday Mass of Term
BBQ with St Bedes
House Photographs - Sneak Peek
Recharging of Batteries for Y12
Work Hard, Play Hard?
Pupdate - a busy Easter
Pupdate - a busy Easter
Pupdate - a busy Easter
Our very own Mrs Cook, St Bede's Tutor, entertains the King & Queen at Durham Cathedral
Her husband Mr Daniel Cook, is Organist and Master of Choristers at the Cathedral
Victoria's big walk to Westminster starts from Ampleforth Abbey
Victoria's arrival in Westminster Abbey
Work Ethic- Exams Books Mindmaps and Flashcards Rule !
Two new girls in yr 10, Matilda and Jeanne
Life on Bede's Hill !
Even the staff in St Bede's have been working hard over the Easter break!
Study Study Study
So many books and so many flashcards and so many mindmaps!
House Requiem Mass for Pope Francis
Keep up to date with House events on:
Message from the Housemaster
It was a joy to welcome the boys back into the house last Wednesday. All of them arrived back in good spirits; most of the boys in Remove and Upper Sixth had been working very hard during the holidays to be best prepared for their GCSE and A level examinations. In this short half term, we are looking forward to the Inter House Athletics, our year 10 celebrating their confirmation and of course Exhibition.
Vale!
We welcome our new addition from France, Arthur. He is joining our year 10 cohort but will continue in year 12 in September. He is a talented footballer and a serious academic. What's not to like?
Pope Francis RIP
On Thursday morning, the school community gathered in the Abbey Church to pray for the repose of Pope Francis. In the evening, we celebrated a Requiem Mass in the house chapel.
Happy birthday Finbar and Freddie
On Thursday night, we celebrated Finbar's and Freddie's belated 18th birthday with a little party in the Study.
Happy birthday Finbar and Freddie
Happy birthday Benny and Jonty
Not to be outdone by the Upper Sixth, Benny and Jonty had their belated birthday celebrations during the next evening. Sweet 17...
BBQ season has arrived
On Sunday, after mass, the boys of DO's enjoyed their first BBQ lunch of the season. Weather allowing, there will be many more to follow.
BBQ season has arrived
This also means that the house pitch is coming into its full use again.
BBQ season has arrived
However, for some of us, a Sunday is a day of work, especially for those aiming at the top grades as Ollie and Alex are proving.
Sporting Success
5 Ampleforth boys, among them Cassius and Javier, were part of the Malton Rugby team who won the Yorkshire Cup at the weekend. In all, 30 clubs were competing and they played 5 rounds of games. What an achievement!
Sunday night is Deli Night
The boys tucked into our Deli Night delights to celebrate the end of the first week of the Summer term.
Sunday night is Deli Night
Sunday night is Deli Night
As ever, Fr Henry joined us and was delighted when listening to a recording of Tuesday's LBC radio programme with OA James O'Brien who is usually not a big fan of our institution but who had very warm words for Fr Henry when talking about the renewed appeal of Catholicism thanks to the late Pope Francis.
Sunday night is Deli Night
Late night snacks to celebrate the end of the Lower Sixth's exams week. In (declining) culinary order: Teddy: pasta with pesto and egg, Richard: pasta with pesto, Caspar: Cup Noodles.
The Three Musceteers
Lasting friendships: Javier, Pablo, Ollie
Last but not least
View from my balcony on Wednesday afternoon
Message from the Housemaster
Dear Parents and Guardians, We have welcomed the boys back with open arms; our only new starter this term has been Mr William Bunce who joins the House as Year 9 tutor. He teaches Classics and has already planned his Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in which he will be joined by many of our Year 10 Silver adventurers. Cricket, Tennis and Track and Field seasons are upon us; do keep a look out for fixtures that your boys will be participating in. GCSE modern languages exams have begun; Year 12 examinations start next week and A Levels are just around the corner. As is Exhibition and Confirmation. It is a busy term and a short one. I look forward to seeing you all at some stage during the term. Dan Housemaster, St Hugh's House
Message from Ms Paterson
Dear Parents We look forward to this weekend with the Bishop coming to the Confirmation Mass where five St Margaret's girls will be confirmed. We hope to see many famillies in the valley celebrating this special occasion! This week has brought glorious sunshine, and the girls have made the most of it! The lovely weather set the perfect scene for outdoor volleyball matches—there’s been a joyful and lively atmosphere all around. Despite the summery spirit, our students have remained impressively focused. Year 11 and Year 13 girls have been working diligently in preparation for their upcoming exams, while others have been revising for their mock exams. The dorms have been buzzing with quiet determination and a shared sense of purpose. On Sunday, we gathered for a delightful BBQ, enjoying great food and even better company under the warm spring skies. It was a wonderful chance to unwind and celebrate the community spirit that’s so strong here. In a more reflective moment, we also came together each day to pray the Novemdiales—a traditional nine days of prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. It has been a meaningful time of unity, remembrance, and faith. Here’s to another week of sunshine, study, and support! Rebecca
House Punch
House Punch
Enjoying the warm weather
Happy Birthday Bay, Mollie and Lulu!!!!
Follow us on social media for updates!
Junior House Newsletter 2/5/25
See what our Junior House has been up to this week...
Start!
Message from the Housemaster
What a fantastic start to the term it's been here in Junior House! The energy and enthusiasm of the children has been truly brilliant, perfectly complementing the glorious sunshine we've been so lucky to enjoy. It feels like we jumped straight into a busy schedule, and the students have embraced every opportunity with gusto. A huge highlight from the past week was our Parents' Weekend, which was a resounding success! It was wonderful to welcome so many of you to Junior House and showcase the children's achievements and the vibrant life of our community. Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a special occasion. Another highlight was the Junior Maths Challenge. It was fantastic to see so many of our budding mathematicians putting their problem-solving skills to the test. We eagerly await the results and will celebrate their efforts in due course. Well done to everyone who participated! The sound of leather on willow has also been a familiar one as our cricket fixtures got underway. It's been brilliant to see the boys and girls representing the school with such enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Win or lose, the camaraderie and team spirit on display have been truly commendable. Keep up the great work, cricketers! Amidst all the busy activity, we've also had some special birthdays to celebrate! A big "Happy Birthday" to all the children who have marked another year. We hope you had fantastic days filled with fun and laughter. And finally, what better way to soak up this incredible weather than with a BBQ! The sizzling sausages and burgers were a huge hit, and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying the sunshine and each other's company. It's been a truly buzzing start to the term, and we're so proud of how the boys and girls have settled back in. Long may this energy and sunshine continue! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Best, Mike
Start!
Next
Parents' Weekend
What a truly lovely atmosphere we shared during Parents' Weekend! A huge thank you to all of you who were able to join us. From the warm and welcoming parents' meal on Friday evening, setting a lovely tone for the weekend, to the vibrant music and sporting events on Saturday, the energy was fantastic. A particular highlight was the thoughtful delivery of the readings during Mass by Ellie and Bart on Sunday, which offered such meaningful reflections. It truly was a very special and enjoyable weekend for us all. Thank you for making it so memorable
Start!
Next
Music
What a joyful occasion the Junior House recital was during Parents' Weekend! It was truly wonderful to see every single member of Junior House involved in some way, demonstrating the collective spirit and enthusiasm we have here. From the more formal performances showcasing the dedicated practice of our talented musicians across a range of instruments, to the rousing, and at times rather enthusiastic, rendition of Bastille's "Pompeii," the morning was a vibrant celebration of the diverse musical talents within our house. It was a fantastic opportunity to witness the confidence and skill of all our performers, and we were incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
Start!
Next
Music
Start!
Next
Cricket
Excellent matches both girls and boys against Terrrington, Hymers and Yarm
Start!
Next
Follow us....
Sports Fixtures Please follow this link to keep up to date with all our fixtures.
Password - Benedictine 1802
Next