The News 05 September 2025
College
St Bede's
St DO's
St Aidan's
St CT's
Junior House
St John's
St Hugh's
St Margaret's
Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents,
I hope that you have all enjoyed a lovely summer holiday with your children. Our pupils who travelled to South Africa on the sports tour had the most fantastic time and I hope you have seen their adventures on our social media and website. After the quietness of the summer holidays the campus has been resounding with the return of our pupils; it was lovely to witness friends reunited and, of course, lots of new friendships being made. This certainly seemed the case in the Year 9 BBQ on Thursday evening where it was lovely to see all of the boys and girls interacting so well. Despite some autumnal weather, there has been a real sense of joy and positive momentum.
I hope that you have heard from your daughter's or son's tutor already; please do run any queries by them with regards to academic or co-curricular activities. On a related note, it was lovely to see the range of activities on offer at our co-curricular sign-up this afternoon; please do ask your children which activities they are trying out this term.
We had our first school Mass of the year on Thursday with Fr Abbot presiding. Abbey Mass is always so special and the Schola cantorum were in fine voice.
I wish the boys good luck in their rugby fixtures against Ashville College and the girls good luck against Giggleswick School this Saturday afternoon. We very much also look forward to the annual inter-house tug of war event on Sunday afternoon; always a lively occasion and the House flags will be flying!
Thank you, as ever, for your support, Jon
First Assembly of the Year
A lovely welcome to all of our students and staff from our Heads of School, Headmaster and Fr Ambrose in the Abbey in our first Assembly of the new academic year.
First Games Session of the Year
Our students braved the wind, rain, and shine on Wednesday for their first Games session of the new academic year. It was great to see the Hockey, Rugby, and Cross-Country teams training in the valley, filling it with energy, life and the Ampleforth colours once again.
First School Mass of the Year
Message from Mrs Dent
We have had a wonderful week welcoming our new starters into St Aidan’s House. It has been great to hear about the summer adventures of our returning girls and to see the joy they have in catching up with friends. We look forward to sharing news of our busy house life in the weeks ahead. Ceri Dent, Housemistress St Aidan's House
The First Week in Our House
The first week of term is now behind us, and what a wonderful start it has been. We want to say a heartfelt well done to all our pupils and staff. The girls have been outstanding in helping our new members settle in, and it has been lovely to see how warmly they have been welcomed. We know this year has brought a change with a new houseparent, and we are so grateful for the kindness, encouragement, and support everyone has shown. The spirit of community has truly shone through. Our week began with the excitement of arrivals. Beads and smiles lit up the entrance hall, which has already become a favourite spot—especially the beautiful mirror where the girls can check that they are both elegantly and correctly dressed before heading out. The buddy programme got underway as new students were introduced to their older counterparts, sharing stories and learning about life in the house. It was wonderful to see the laughter and friendships forming so quickly. Returning girls were just as delighted to be back together after the holidays, with the house filled with chatter and joy. There have already been some memorable moments: Year 9 enjoyed a lively barbecue (with the weather very kindly on our side), and our Mentors and Y13’s showing real leadership in setting the tone for the year ahead. Spirits are high as we look forward to the weekend’s tug of war and the first social event of the term. This Saturday, the focus shifts from house bonding to the wider school community, with an opportunity for all the houses to come together. After a week of settling in, it will be a wonderful chance for the students to connect with old friends and make new ones across the school. We are so proud of how the term has begun, and we cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds. Mrs Du Randt St Bede's Housemistress
A Video Message from Mrs Du Randt
Socialising on an evening
First Games Session
House lunch
Prep Time!
St Cuthbert's and St Thomas'
The house has been a happy and vibrant place since the boys returned. The new pupils have settled well and are getting used to the routines and the sprawling site! Ice creams to celebrate the Feast of St Cuthbert were definitely a highlight this week! Mr Rudsdale Housemaster of St Cuthbert's and St Thomas'
St Dunstan's and St Oswald's
In St Dunstan’s and St Oswald’s we have welcomed 17 new students into our boarding house. They have all been settling in extremely well and are have enjoyed the many events in DO’s and in school in the last few days: Morning runs, birthdays parties, sausage parties, chaplaincy, school assembly, school mass, pool competitions, deaneries, tutorials, dorm cricket, to name a few.
We are now looking forward to one of the highlights of the year, the inter house tug o’ war competition on Sunday.
I could not be happier with the way our seniors (under the excellent guidance of Head of House Benny and Deputy Head of House Ambrose) have already been shaping life in house and I am sure DO’s will go from strength to strength as a result of their leadership.
Mr Steinebach Housemaster St Dunstan's and St Oswalds's
Head of House and Deputy Head of House enjoying a cooked breakfast by their housemaster before the arrival of the new boys
St Hugh's
A welcome from Mr Viesel, just before the boys returned from their summer.
BBQ on Wednesday night during sunset
So impressed with the St Hugh's Year 9 boys. They're confidently making the most of life at Ampleforth
Dawn and the Hugh's House Monitors getting ready to welcome everyone!
St John's
Friday's Breakfast - Smoked salmon, bagels, and scrambled eggs
Wednesday Night - Year 9 BBQ!
Monday night - Meeting new friends by the fire
St Margaret's
Our lovely Y9's enjoying a BBQ after their first full day of lessons on Wednesday evening.
Year 9's were also busy with induction day on Tuesday!
Some action shots of Minnie and Molly at their first Games session of the year.
Junior House Newsletter 5/9/25
See what our Junior House has been up to this week...
Start!
Message from the Housemaster
A Fantastic Start in Junior House
What a brilliant first week back! It was lovely to welcome so many parents on Monday, and the children have settled in quickly, making new friends and embracing school life.
Induction day gave students a chance to meet tutors, attend a whole-school assembly in the Abbey, and prepare for lessons. The week was packed with activities — from Mr James’s lively badminton club to a competitive science challenge led by Miss Newbould and Miss Leggett.
Thursday’s Mass in the Abbey was a special moment to mark the start of term, followed by our first games session in true British weather! We ended the week with Cinema Club, enjoying Dolittle together.
With fixtures, house competitions, and games ahead, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic term!
Start!
Next
Badminton Club
After a full day of induction activities, what better way to burn off some energy than a lively badminton session? Mr James’s club was full of fast rallies, flying shuttlecocks, and plenty of laughter. Whether they were seasoned players or first-time smashers, the children threw themselves into the game with great spirit — and maybe a little friendly competition too!
Start!
Next
Science Challenege
This week’s science challenge was all about building bridges — both literally and metaphorically! It was fantastic to see the children working together with such enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork. From planning to construction, they embraced the task with energy and determination, showing just how strong their connections — and their bridges — can be.
Start!
Next
Cinema Club
Cinema Club returned this week in the Performing Arts Centre, and it remains one of the children’s favourite times of the week. This week’s film was Dolittle, which brought plenty of laughs and excitement. It’s a lovely way for the children to unwind and enjoy time together after a busy few days.
Start!
Next
Reading
Reading is a big focus for us this year, and it’s been wonderful to see such a positive start. The children enjoyed a trip to the library to choose a book that suits them, and have already begun building good habits — reading quietly before prayers and bedtime. A great foundation for a year of growing imaginations and literacy!
Start!
Next
Upcoming Events
Friday 5th September – Activities Fair: A chance for students to explore clubs, sports, and enrichment opportunities across the school. Saturday 6th September – Match Day Excitement: Girls’ Hockey U13 A/B vs Giggleswick – Home fixture, 12:30pm pushback. Boys’ Rugby vs Ashville – Home fixture, 2:30pm kick-off. BBQ for all on Saturday night (free boarding) Sunday 7th September – House Tug of War on the Bounds: Expect cheers, teamwork, and a bit of friendly rivalry!
Start!
Next
Follow us....
Sports Fixtures Please follow this link to keep up to date with all our fixtures.
Password - Benedictine 1802
Next
The News 05 September 2025
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The News 05 September 2025
College
St Bede's
St DO's
St Aidan's
St CT's
Junior House
St John's
St Hugh's
St Margaret's
Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents, I hope that you have all enjoyed a lovely summer holiday with your children. Our pupils who travelled to South Africa on the sports tour had the most fantastic time and I hope you have seen their adventures on our social media and website. After the quietness of the summer holidays the campus has been resounding with the return of our pupils; it was lovely to witness friends reunited and, of course, lots of new friendships being made. This certainly seemed the case in the Year 9 BBQ on Thursday evening where it was lovely to see all of the boys and girls interacting so well. Despite some autumnal weather, there has been a real sense of joy and positive momentum. I hope that you have heard from your daughter's or son's tutor already; please do run any queries by them with regards to academic or co-curricular activities. On a related note, it was lovely to see the range of activities on offer at our co-curricular sign-up this afternoon; please do ask your children which activities they are trying out this term. We had our first school Mass of the year on Thursday with Fr Abbot presiding. Abbey Mass is always so special and the Schola cantorum were in fine voice. I wish the boys good luck in their rugby fixtures against Ashville College and the girls good luck against Giggleswick School this Saturday afternoon. We very much also look forward to the annual inter-house tug of war event on Sunday afternoon; always a lively occasion and the House flags will be flying! Thank you, as ever, for your support, Jon
First Assembly of the Year
A lovely welcome to all of our students and staff from our Heads of School, Headmaster and Fr Ambrose in the Abbey in our first Assembly of the new academic year.
First Games Session of the Year
Our students braved the wind, rain, and shine on Wednesday for their first Games session of the new academic year. It was great to see the Hockey, Rugby, and Cross-Country teams training in the valley, filling it with energy, life and the Ampleforth colours once again.
First School Mass of the Year
Message from Mrs Dent
We have had a wonderful week welcoming our new starters into St Aidan’s House. It has been great to hear about the summer adventures of our returning girls and to see the joy they have in catching up with friends. We look forward to sharing news of our busy house life in the weeks ahead. Ceri Dent, Housemistress St Aidan's House
The First Week in Our House
The first week of term is now behind us, and what a wonderful start it has been. We want to say a heartfelt well done to all our pupils and staff. The girls have been outstanding in helping our new members settle in, and it has been lovely to see how warmly they have been welcomed. We know this year has brought a change with a new houseparent, and we are so grateful for the kindness, encouragement, and support everyone has shown. The spirit of community has truly shone through. Our week began with the excitement of arrivals. Beads and smiles lit up the entrance hall, which has already become a favourite spot—especially the beautiful mirror where the girls can check that they are both elegantly and correctly dressed before heading out. The buddy programme got underway as new students were introduced to their older counterparts, sharing stories and learning about life in the house. It was wonderful to see the laughter and friendships forming so quickly. Returning girls were just as delighted to be back together after the holidays, with the house filled with chatter and joy. There have already been some memorable moments: Year 9 enjoyed a lively barbecue (with the weather very kindly on our side), and our Mentors and Y13’s showing real leadership in setting the tone for the year ahead. Spirits are high as we look forward to the weekend’s tug of war and the first social event of the term. This Saturday, the focus shifts from house bonding to the wider school community, with an opportunity for all the houses to come together. After a week of settling in, it will be a wonderful chance for the students to connect with old friends and make new ones across the school. We are so proud of how the term has begun, and we cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds. Mrs Du Randt St Bede's Housemistress
A Video Message from Mrs Du Randt
Socialising on an evening
First Games Session
House lunch
Prep Time!
St Cuthbert's and St Thomas'
The house has been a happy and vibrant place since the boys returned. The new pupils have settled well and are getting used to the routines and the sprawling site! Ice creams to celebrate the Feast of St Cuthbert were definitely a highlight this week! Mr Rudsdale Housemaster of St Cuthbert's and St Thomas'
St Dunstan's and St Oswald's
In St Dunstan’s and St Oswald’s we have welcomed 17 new students into our boarding house. They have all been settling in extremely well and are have enjoyed the many events in DO’s and in school in the last few days: Morning runs, birthdays parties, sausage parties, chaplaincy, school assembly, school mass, pool competitions, deaneries, tutorials, dorm cricket, to name a few. We are now looking forward to one of the highlights of the year, the inter house tug o’ war competition on Sunday. I could not be happier with the way our seniors (under the excellent guidance of Head of House Benny and Deputy Head of House Ambrose) have already been shaping life in house and I am sure DO’s will go from strength to strength as a result of their leadership. Mr Steinebach Housemaster St Dunstan's and St Oswalds's
Head of House and Deputy Head of House enjoying a cooked breakfast by their housemaster before the arrival of the new boys
St Hugh's
A welcome from Mr Viesel, just before the boys returned from their summer.
BBQ on Wednesday night during sunset
So impressed with the St Hugh's Year 9 boys. They're confidently making the most of life at Ampleforth
Dawn and the Hugh's House Monitors getting ready to welcome everyone!
St John's
Friday's Breakfast - Smoked salmon, bagels, and scrambled eggs
Wednesday Night - Year 9 BBQ!
Monday night - Meeting new friends by the fire
St Margaret's
Our lovely Y9's enjoying a BBQ after their first full day of lessons on Wednesday evening.
Year 9's were also busy with induction day on Tuesday!
Some action shots of Minnie and Molly at their first Games session of the year.
Junior House Newsletter 5/9/25
See what our Junior House has been up to this week...
Start!
Message from the Housemaster
A Fantastic Start in Junior House What a brilliant first week back! It was lovely to welcome so many parents on Monday, and the children have settled in quickly, making new friends and embracing school life. Induction day gave students a chance to meet tutors, attend a whole-school assembly in the Abbey, and prepare for lessons. The week was packed with activities — from Mr James’s lively badminton club to a competitive science challenge led by Miss Newbould and Miss Leggett. Thursday’s Mass in the Abbey was a special moment to mark the start of term, followed by our first games session in true British weather! We ended the week with Cinema Club, enjoying Dolittle together. With fixtures, house competitions, and games ahead, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic term!
Start!
Next
Badminton Club
After a full day of induction activities, what better way to burn off some energy than a lively badminton session? Mr James’s club was full of fast rallies, flying shuttlecocks, and plenty of laughter. Whether they were seasoned players or first-time smashers, the children threw themselves into the game with great spirit — and maybe a little friendly competition too!
Start!
Next
Science Challenege
This week’s science challenge was all about building bridges — both literally and metaphorically! It was fantastic to see the children working together with such enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork. From planning to construction, they embraced the task with energy and determination, showing just how strong their connections — and their bridges — can be.
Start!
Next
Cinema Club
Cinema Club returned this week in the Performing Arts Centre, and it remains one of the children’s favourite times of the week. This week’s film was Dolittle, which brought plenty of laughs and excitement. It’s a lovely way for the children to unwind and enjoy time together after a busy few days.
Start!
Next
Reading
Reading is a big focus for us this year, and it’s been wonderful to see such a positive start. The children enjoyed a trip to the library to choose a book that suits them, and have already begun building good habits — reading quietly before prayers and bedtime. A great foundation for a year of growing imaginations and literacy!
Start!
Next
Upcoming Events
Friday 5th September – Activities Fair: A chance for students to explore clubs, sports, and enrichment opportunities across the school. Saturday 6th September – Match Day Excitement: Girls’ Hockey U13 A/B vs Giggleswick – Home fixture, 12:30pm pushback. Boys’ Rugby vs Ashville – Home fixture, 2:30pm kick-off. BBQ for all on Saturday night (free boarding) Sunday 7th September – House Tug of War on the Bounds: Expect cheers, teamwork, and a bit of friendly rivalry!
Start!
Next
Follow us....
Sports Fixtures Please follow this link to keep up to date with all our fixtures.
Password - Benedictine 1802
Next