The News 20 November 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
I want to take this opportunity to wish your children a blessed exeat weekend. I hope that they are able to rest and come back refreshed for the last stretch before we break up for the Christmas holidays. Thank you to all of our Y9 parents for a lovely parents weekend; it was wonderful to underline our community approach to so many of our new parents. On Sunday, we very much enjoyed the St Cecilia concert in the Performing Arts Centre. There were performances from a number of ensembles including the Ampleforth Highlanders, the College String Orchestra, a Barbershop quartet, the Brass ensemble, the College Chamber Choir, and some pupils who have come together to form a group on Friday afternoons. It was truly splendid. On Monday evening, the boys of St Hugh's enjoyed their House Punch while on Tuesday evening Y13 pupils had their second Headmaster's Lecture of the year. This was given by Arek Hersh, a Holocaust survivor who gave his powerful testimony to a full Performing Arts Centre. Arek has been coming to Ampleforth to speak to our top year since 2008, the year many of our current Y13s were born, and it is a great privilege for our pupils to hear his experience of lived history. On Wednesday and Thursday we had the Headmaster of Farleigh prep school, Fr Simon Everson, and his wife Gail visiting the College. Their highlight was reuniting with Farleigh alumni who are now Ampleforth pupils over lunch in the Headmaster's Guestroom. We have 12 pupils from Farleigh in the College currently and it is important for us to celebrate our shared links and long history of Farleigh pupils joining us from Hampshire. Finally, thank you for your patience while we have had to change travel plans due to the snow. The valley was absolutely stunning today. Best wishes, Jon
St Cecilia Concert
Last Sunday our musicians gathered for a Saint Cecilia Concert, a celebration of the Patron Saint of Music and the rich musical life at Ampleforth.
After the beauty of last weekend’s Duruflé Requiem, this evening offered a different kind of atmosphere, with soloists, string and brass ensembles, the Ampleforth Highlanders Pipe Band, our Chamber Choir, and The Friday Afternoon Project Jazz Ensemble, all filling the Performing Arts Centre with a vibrant variety of sounds.
Arek Hersh Visit
We were deeply honoured to welcome Arek Hersh MBE, a survivor of the Holocaust, in his latest visit to speak to our Year 13 students.
Since 2008, Arek has spoken to over 1,500 Ampleforth students, sharing his story of unimaginable suffering and extraordinary resilience in ghettos and concentration camps from the age of 10, separated from his parents.
We are honoured to call Arek a friend. His unwavering commitment to peace, remembrance and reconciliation is an enduring gift to Ampleforth.
Hockey Yorkshire Finals Winners
Congratulations to our U16 Cup Hockey team, who secured a well deserved win at the Yorkshire Finals. This impressive result sees them progress to the North East and Yorkshire Finals T3 on Tuesday 2nd December. Well done to the entire squad for their commitment, teamwork, and performance throughout the competition.
Emil (DO25) Volunteering in Kolkata
One of last year's leavers, Emil (DO25), is spending the first half of his gap year in Kolkata volunteering with Future Hope School, a charity that supports street children through education, medical care, and safe homes.
A few weeks into his placement he sent us an update, and now that he is well settled he has written again to share more of his experiences. In recent weeks, he has joined the Future Hope rugby team at a national tournament in Mumbai, travelled to North Bengal to help run rugby sessions for children in remote villages, and launched regular music lessons and clubs at the school.
His latest update is a great insight into life at Future Hope. Visit our website (News and Events) to read the full story, and look out for more news from Kolkata soon.
Drama GCSE Exam
Our Year Eleven Drama students completed their IGCSE examination this week, and the performances offered a fascinating insight into their creativity and skill. One group explored the story of the Matchstick Girls and their place in the trade union movement of the eighteen hundreds, while the other brought to life the story of the Antwerp Diamond Heist, one of the most significant robberies in modern history.
Friendship Project Christmas Cards
Set A
Year 12 students taking part in the Ampleforth Friendship Project are currently raising funds for Oak Field School in Nottingham, a specialist school supporting children and young people with a range of physical and learning needs by selling Christmas Cards. If you would like to support the project, please email jes@ampleforth.org.uk with your order, confirming the number of packs you would like, along with your child’s name and house. Please specify whether you would like pack A or pack B. The cost will be added to your school bill, and orders will be delivered to your child in house to take home at the end of term.
Set B
Message from Mrs Dent
As we wave off the last of our girls travelling this evening, we are hoping every gets home safe and sound in this wintery weather and are looking forward to a good rest this weekend. It's been another packed quarter term and we look forward to sharing a few snippets of the last week in next week's newsletter. The Christmas elves will be busy over the weekend giving St Aidan's a bit of a festive makeover as we head towards the first Sunday of Advent next week. Over the Exeat weekend, we're reminding the girls to dig out their Christmas jumpers and party outfits, as both will be needed over the coming weeks. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend with your girls and looking forward to the final quarter of term.
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.
Snow Day!
Snow Day!
Trampoline Park - Year 9, 10 & 11
Trampoline Park - Year 9, 10 & 11
Henrietta doing her Drama GCSE Exam
Year 11 Pizza Night Social
Keep up to date:
Instagram
Facebook
St Bede's House, Ampleforth College
@stbedeshouseampleforth
Have a Lovely Exeat Weekend
I hope that the snow does not adversely impact your weekend plans and I look forward to seeing the boys in a few days. A short week - so a brief newsletter!
House Rugby
House Rugby
Sixth Form Pizza Party!
Winter Sun in the Valley
Happy Birthday Karol!
Happy Birthday Karol!
Snow Days!
Pupdate - relaxing
Pupdate - SNOW!
Message from the Housemaster
Dear parents, The House Newsletter will resume next Friday. I hope you will all have a lovely Exeat with your sons. They have been superb!
Follow us on social media for updates!
Hugh's Punch 2025
Inter-House Touch Rugby Winners!
Message from Ms Paterson
Dear Parents, As we head towards the well earned exeat, there is a wonderful sense of anticipation in St Margaret’s. The girls have worked incredibly hard this half term, and the prospect of a few days’ rest and recharging is very welcome indeed. Our Year 13s, in particular, are breathing a collective sigh of relief as they bring their exams to a close they can now enjoy a proper break without revision notes in hand! Of course, exeat also marks the start of our countdown to all the Christmas festivities that make this season so special in the house. The excitement is already beginning to build, and we are all looking forward to the traditions, celebrations, and joyful atmosphere that December always brings to St Margaret’s. We are also delighted to share that, after exeat, we will be announcing our chosen Christmas charity as part of our traditional Christmas Giving. This is always an important and meaningful aspect of the season, and we look forward to supporting a cause close to the heart of our community. A gentle reminder to all girls that they should return after exeat with their dresses/something suitable to wear for the Christmas Dinner. This is always a highlight of the year a fantastic occasion full of warmth, laughter, and Benedictine community spirit and we can’t wait to see everyone dressed up and ready to celebrate together. Wishing everyone a peaceful and refreshing exeat. We look forward to welcoming you back for all the festive fun ahead! Warm regards,
Rebecca
Message from the Housemaster
Another Busy Week in Junior House! This week brought plenty of excitement as the first snowfall arrived, creating a magical atmosphere around the House. The students were thrilled to see the grounds transformed and enjoyed every moment of it. On Wednesday evening, we all gathered to watch an exhilarating netball match together as a House a fantastic opportunity to share in the spirit of teamwork and fun. As we head into the break, I hope you all enjoy a wonderful time with your families. We look forward to welcoming the children back on Monday evening, ready for another great week ahead! Mr Slingsby
Start!
Next
How well does Mr Slingsby know Junior House?
Start!
Next
Back
Snow Day in the Valley
Start!
Next
Back
Snow Day in the Valley
Start!
Next
Back
Follow us....
Sports Fixtures Please follow this link to keep up to date with all our fixtures.
Password - Benedictine 1802
Next
Back
The News 20 November 2025
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Transcript
The News 20 November 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
I want to take this opportunity to wish your children a blessed exeat weekend. I hope that they are able to rest and come back refreshed for the last stretch before we break up for the Christmas holidays. Thank you to all of our Y9 parents for a lovely parents weekend; it was wonderful to underline our community approach to so many of our new parents. On Sunday, we very much enjoyed the St Cecilia concert in the Performing Arts Centre. There were performances from a number of ensembles including the Ampleforth Highlanders, the College String Orchestra, a Barbershop quartet, the Brass ensemble, the College Chamber Choir, and some pupils who have come together to form a group on Friday afternoons. It was truly splendid. On Monday evening, the boys of St Hugh's enjoyed their House Punch while on Tuesday evening Y13 pupils had their second Headmaster's Lecture of the year. This was given by Arek Hersh, a Holocaust survivor who gave his powerful testimony to a full Performing Arts Centre. Arek has been coming to Ampleforth to speak to our top year since 2008, the year many of our current Y13s were born, and it is a great privilege for our pupils to hear his experience of lived history. On Wednesday and Thursday we had the Headmaster of Farleigh prep school, Fr Simon Everson, and his wife Gail visiting the College. Their highlight was reuniting with Farleigh alumni who are now Ampleforth pupils over lunch in the Headmaster's Guestroom. We have 12 pupils from Farleigh in the College currently and it is important for us to celebrate our shared links and long history of Farleigh pupils joining us from Hampshire. Finally, thank you for your patience while we have had to change travel plans due to the snow. The valley was absolutely stunning today. Best wishes, Jon
St Cecilia Concert
Last Sunday our musicians gathered for a Saint Cecilia Concert, a celebration of the Patron Saint of Music and the rich musical life at Ampleforth. After the beauty of last weekend’s Duruflé Requiem, this evening offered a different kind of atmosphere, with soloists, string and brass ensembles, the Ampleforth Highlanders Pipe Band, our Chamber Choir, and The Friday Afternoon Project Jazz Ensemble, all filling the Performing Arts Centre with a vibrant variety of sounds.
Arek Hersh Visit
We were deeply honoured to welcome Arek Hersh MBE, a survivor of the Holocaust, in his latest visit to speak to our Year 13 students. Since 2008, Arek has spoken to over 1,500 Ampleforth students, sharing his story of unimaginable suffering and extraordinary resilience in ghettos and concentration camps from the age of 10, separated from his parents. We are honoured to call Arek a friend. His unwavering commitment to peace, remembrance and reconciliation is an enduring gift to Ampleforth.
Hockey Yorkshire Finals Winners
Congratulations to our U16 Cup Hockey team, who secured a well deserved win at the Yorkshire Finals. This impressive result sees them progress to the North East and Yorkshire Finals T3 on Tuesday 2nd December. Well done to the entire squad for their commitment, teamwork, and performance throughout the competition.
Emil (DO25) Volunteering in Kolkata
One of last year's leavers, Emil (DO25), is spending the first half of his gap year in Kolkata volunteering with Future Hope School, a charity that supports street children through education, medical care, and safe homes. A few weeks into his placement he sent us an update, and now that he is well settled he has written again to share more of his experiences. In recent weeks, he has joined the Future Hope rugby team at a national tournament in Mumbai, travelled to North Bengal to help run rugby sessions for children in remote villages, and launched regular music lessons and clubs at the school. His latest update is a great insight into life at Future Hope. Visit our website (News and Events) to read the full story, and look out for more news from Kolkata soon.
Drama GCSE Exam
Our Year Eleven Drama students completed their IGCSE examination this week, and the performances offered a fascinating insight into their creativity and skill. One group explored the story of the Matchstick Girls and their place in the trade union movement of the eighteen hundreds, while the other brought to life the story of the Antwerp Diamond Heist, one of the most significant robberies in modern history.
Friendship Project Christmas Cards
Set A
Year 12 students taking part in the Ampleforth Friendship Project are currently raising funds for Oak Field School in Nottingham, a specialist school supporting children and young people with a range of physical and learning needs by selling Christmas Cards. If you would like to support the project, please email jes@ampleforth.org.uk with your order, confirming the number of packs you would like, along with your child’s name and house. Please specify whether you would like pack A or pack B. The cost will be added to your school bill, and orders will be delivered to your child in house to take home at the end of term.
Set B
Message from Mrs Dent
As we wave off the last of our girls travelling this evening, we are hoping every gets home safe and sound in this wintery weather and are looking forward to a good rest this weekend. It's been another packed quarter term and we look forward to sharing a few snippets of the last week in next week's newsletter. The Christmas elves will be busy over the weekend giving St Aidan's a bit of a festive makeover as we head towards the first Sunday of Advent next week. Over the Exeat weekend, we're reminding the girls to dig out their Christmas jumpers and party outfits, as both will be needed over the coming weeks. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend with your girls and looking forward to the final quarter of term.
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.
Snow Day!
Snow Day!
Trampoline Park - Year 9, 10 & 11
Trampoline Park - Year 9, 10 & 11
Henrietta doing her Drama GCSE Exam
Year 11 Pizza Night Social
Keep up to date:
Instagram
Facebook
St Bede's House, Ampleforth College
@stbedeshouseampleforth
Have a Lovely Exeat Weekend
I hope that the snow does not adversely impact your weekend plans and I look forward to seeing the boys in a few days. A short week - so a brief newsletter!
House Rugby
House Rugby
Sixth Form Pizza Party!
Winter Sun in the Valley
Happy Birthday Karol!
Happy Birthday Karol!
Snow Days!
Pupdate - relaxing
Pupdate - SNOW!
Message from the Housemaster
Dear parents, The House Newsletter will resume next Friday. I hope you will all have a lovely Exeat with your sons. They have been superb!
Follow us on social media for updates!
Hugh's Punch 2025
Inter-House Touch Rugby Winners!
Message from Ms Paterson
Dear Parents, As we head towards the well earned exeat, there is a wonderful sense of anticipation in St Margaret’s. The girls have worked incredibly hard this half term, and the prospect of a few days’ rest and recharging is very welcome indeed. Our Year 13s, in particular, are breathing a collective sigh of relief as they bring their exams to a close they can now enjoy a proper break without revision notes in hand! Of course, exeat also marks the start of our countdown to all the Christmas festivities that make this season so special in the house. The excitement is already beginning to build, and we are all looking forward to the traditions, celebrations, and joyful atmosphere that December always brings to St Margaret’s. We are also delighted to share that, after exeat, we will be announcing our chosen Christmas charity as part of our traditional Christmas Giving. This is always an important and meaningful aspect of the season, and we look forward to supporting a cause close to the heart of our community. A gentle reminder to all girls that they should return after exeat with their dresses/something suitable to wear for the Christmas Dinner. This is always a highlight of the year a fantastic occasion full of warmth, laughter, and Benedictine community spirit and we can’t wait to see everyone dressed up and ready to celebrate together. Wishing everyone a peaceful and refreshing exeat. We look forward to welcoming you back for all the festive fun ahead! Warm regards, Rebecca
Message from the Housemaster
Another Busy Week in Junior House! This week brought plenty of excitement as the first snowfall arrived, creating a magical atmosphere around the House. The students were thrilled to see the grounds transformed and enjoyed every moment of it. On Wednesday evening, we all gathered to watch an exhilarating netball match together as a House a fantastic opportunity to share in the spirit of teamwork and fun. As we head into the break, I hope you all enjoy a wonderful time with your families. We look forward to welcoming the children back on Monday evening, ready for another great week ahead! Mr Slingsby
Start!
Next
How well does Mr Slingsby know Junior House?
Start!
Next
Back
Snow Day in the Valley
Start!
Next
Back
Snow Day in the Valley
Start!
Next
Back
Follow us....
Sports Fixtures Please follow this link to keep up to date with all our fixtures.
Password - Benedictine 1802
Next
Back