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The News 24 April 2026

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The News 24 April 2026

College

St Bede's

St DO's

St Aidan's

St CT's

Junior House

St Hugh's

St John's

St Margaret's

St Margaret's

Message from the Headmaster

Dear Parents, I hope you all had a very happy Easter and enjoyed the holidays with your children. With the Valley bathed in glorious sunshine this week, I see the pupils have returned in an array of splendid summer fashion! This wonderful weather is great for our cricketers and tennis players but not so enjoyable for those who are busy revising for internal or public examinations. We wish them the best of luck. We had pupils back in school early for Tennis and Cricket pre-season. The boys 1st XI have made a positive start which bodes well for an exciting season ahead - the first where we are in partnership with Yorkshire County Cricket Club. We look forward to this weekend's Y7 and Y8 Parents Day, being able to showcase the many talents within Y7 and Y8 and providing feedback on their academic progress. We are gearing up for Exhibition and, as ever, are praying that the warm weather continues for the end of this half-term. It was uplifting to discern the interest in Ampleforth at events for prospective parents in London, Vienna, Munich and Paris at the end of last term. I look forward to going to Barcelona (Tuesday 28th April) and Madrid (Wednesday 29th April) next week to meet more families who would like to hear about our life in the Valley. With best wishes, Jon

Cricket Season Underway

Cricket season has begun in the Valley, and the Boys’ 1st XI have made an exciting start with two closely contested fixtures. Pre-season opened with a strong performance against the Forty Club, where Ampleforth secured an eight-wicket victory after a seven-wicket win the day before. Highlights included B. Morgan’s 3–37, A. Welford’s first half-century for the College, and an unbeaten 51 from H. Zakrzewski. The match went down to the final over, showcasing the team’s composure under pressure. Rollo (13CT) was also awarded his 1st XI Full Colours for cricket — a well-earned achievement. The momentum continued against the Emeriti Cricket Club in a thrilling, high-scoring game. With over 520 runs scored across 60 overs, the match came down to the final ball and ended in a tie. Archie (12DO) impressed with an outstanding 99*, supported by Joshua (12DO) (47) and Rollo (13CT) (43). With one win and one tie - both decided in the final over - the Boys’ 1st XI have set the tone for an exciting season ahead.

Earth Day

To mark Earth Day, our Headmaster and Head Groundsman planted a tree in our grounds - a small but practical way of recognising the importance of our environment. Earth Day began in 1970 and now mobilises over a billion people each year working to protect our planet. It serves as a reminder that we should be responsible caretakers of the earth and adopt everyday habits that respect nature. At Ampleforth, one of our values is Stewardship, which means cultivating a sense of responsibility and care for the world around us. We do this in a number of ways, including through a CAFOD intiative which encourages communities to live more simply and sustainably. A group of LiveSimply students work on ideas to put this into practice. For example, later this term there is a mass clothes swap planned - a highly sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe!

William (12CT) at the North Countries Ponies Association Show

William H (12CT) had a successful trip to the Lincolnshire Show Ground over the Easter break, taking part in the Northern Counties Ponies Association show. William a member of the Schools Equestrian Team. Was recently awarded the Christopher Bartle Masterclass at Ampleforth College, enabling him the opportunity to train alongside Christopher Bartle, (British Eventing’s High Performance Coach), qualified for the Royal International Horse Show in both the Small Hunter and Amateur Hunter Showing Classes. We wish William the very best of luck at the Royal International Horse Show finals at Hickstead in July.

Scotland U20 Lacrosse Cap

Many congratulations to Celia (12A), who proudly received her Scotland U20s cap over the Easter break - a fantastic achievement and a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. Representing Scotland in the Home Internationals, Celia will compete against strong opposition including England and Wales, as well as international sides from Japan and Czechia. The tournament provided an excellent platform to perform at a high level and gain valuable experience on the international stage. Earning a national cap is a significant milestone, and the whole College is delighted to see Celia recognised in this way. We look forward to following her continued progress in the game. Well done, Celia! 🏑

Volunteering in Kolkata (Part 4)

In his final letter from Kolkata, Emil (DO25), reflects on his six months volunteering with Future Hope, a charity that helps street children escape poverty through education, medical care, and providing homes. We hope some of our 2026 leavers might be inspired to follow his path if taking a gap year. Emil has contributed so much to Future Hope and has learnt even more from his time there. Click the photos to the right to read more!

Message from Mrs Dent

Welcoming the girls back at the start of a new term is always a great moment and the return this week has been made all the better by some glorious sunshine - real taste of the joys of the Summer Term. Of course, the big theme of this term is examinations, be it public or internal and Year 12 have kicked started proceedings this week with their end of year exams, with Year 10 to follow next week. Public examinations are just around the corner now and there is a real sense of 'locking in' to the final stages of revision and preparation for Year 11 and 13. Our job as a house team will be to provide a steady ship and calm waters in support of their efforts. The longer days and warmer weather bring about new opportunities for enrichment and activity; it's already lovely to see the girls heading off for a game of tennis in their free time. Sixth Form are looking forward to the Friendship Ball this weekend and we have Year 9 out on their Bronze assessed DofE expedition. With inter-house debating and althletics on the horizon there's plenty for all to get involved with. Wishing everyone the best for the week ahead.

Meet 'Giles' (given name from the store he came from), a new 'mascot' and 'emotional support bear' for St Aidan's. Thank you to the donor - you know who you are! All that is perhaps needed is a new scarf in more appropriate house colours. The date embroidered on his paw just happens to be the opening year of St Aidan's as the first purpose built girls' house at the college on our current site.

Ceri Dent, Housemistress St Aidan's House

Lacrosse Success

We are thrilled for Celia (Yr12), who represented U20 Scotland lacrosse at the recent Home Internationals. As a member of the young and talented Scottish squad, Celia proudly represented her country and played wonderful lacrosse throughout the tournament earning her first international caps. Many of you will be aware that Lacrosse has this year been reintroduced as a sport at Ampleforth and Celia is one of our students leading the way in showing what an exciting sport it is to take part in. Uptake has been strong among girls wishing to try something new and this term, opportunities for recreational lacrosse are being provided in addition to the games option. We very much look forward to seeing how the sport grows over the coming years. With ambassadors like Celia at the fore, I've no doubt that more Aidan's girls will want to give lacrosse a try.

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.

Welcome Back to All

Final Term and final big push with Exam Season

Earth Day

To mark Earth Day, our Headmaster and Head Groundsman, along with our Dariia, planted a tree in our grounds - a small but practical way of recognising the importance of our environment.

Year 10 Examinations:

Monday 27th April - Friday 1st May with Saturday 2nd May if needed.

Live Simply

As advertised previously Live Simply are organising a clothes swap. This promotes reusing, reducing, and recycling. Any clothes left over after the swap will be donated to charity. If you have clothes to swap, please bring them to the Matthew's Room TOMORROW any time between 4 and 6pm. The LiveSimply team will sort the clothes, and we will run the actual swap NEXT Friday (1st). Anyone with clothes to swap will be given a ticket to use to exchange for another item; those without clothes to swap but wishing to choose something new will be able to do so via a small donation (to CAFOD). Thank you very much in advance for your support of this initiative. The LiveSimply Team

EXHIBITION 2026

Friday 22 & Saturday 23 May - Book accommodation if required. Please join us for Exhibition, our Annual Whole School Celebration and gathering. On Friday evening there is Mass (7pm), and supper for all parents & pupils (6pm for Y7&8; 8.15pm for everyone else). On Saturday morning we have Senior Prizegiving (10.30am) while Junior House families play cricket (10am), followed by BBQ lunch, entertainment, exhibitions of students’ work, sports competitions for parents & pupils, a concert, and a performance of the Exhibition Play. The day finishes at 5pm. Year 13 & their parents return for the Leavers’ Ball at 7pm. We recommend booking accommodation early.

Dates for the Diary May 2026

Sunday 3: RC Confirmation Weekend Saturday 23: Exhibition - students may depart from 4pm. Exhibition finishes by 5pm. Year 13 & Parents Leavers Ball from 7pm Sunday 24: Half-Term - all departures on 23 May Sunday 3 June: Boarders return between 6-10pm

Dates for the Diary June 2026

Sunday 14: Church of England Confirmation Service Monday 15: YEAR 9 Exams begin - revision work will be set over May half-term Friday 26: Junior House Sports Day & Prize Giving Saturday 27: End of Term: departures between 7-10am inc School Travel services Those collected by parents/guardians or on escorted School Travel may leave from 5pm on Friday 26 June.

Public Exams this summer: Please keep 24 June free Students taking public exams this year are required to keep 24 June 2026 free as a contingency day in case there are any major national or local disruptions which force exams to be postponed.

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St Bede's House, Ampleforth College

@stbedeshouseampleforth

The Summer Term

A brief newsletter to welcome everyone back! I hope you all had a lovely Easter break and look forward to seeing the results of the revision that many of the boys will have done. Cricket and summer sports now firmly on the agenda. I will be contacting parents in the coming weeks to arrange online year group meetings with Jonathan Waldburger, as a way of introduction before he takes over in September.

Good Luck and Farewell Javier and Bart!

Good Luck and Farewell Javier and Bart!

Happy Birthday Freddie H

Cricket is back!

William H has qualified for the Nationals!

Pupdate - Holiday Fun

Pupdate - Tired Out!

Follow us on social media for updates!

Message from the Housemaster

Now the boys are back and the sun is shining in the valley, we are looking forward to the summer term. Next week, we will be competing in the inter house athletics and after that we will already be entering the public examination phase. Confirmation Sunday will bring another highlight, and Exhibition (22nd/23rd May)will round up a busy but hopefully enjoyable half term.

Vale!

For the summer term, we have welcomed Paul into our year 10 cohort. He is a keen footballer, a very able academic and has a great sense of humour. What's not to like?

Sporting Success

At the beginning of the last week of term, our boys took part in the annual inter house cross country competition.

Sporting Success

Charles was in charge of leading the warm up.

Sporting Success

Sporting Success

Freddie, Oliver, Dom, Alvaro and Freddie ready to go.

Sporting Success

After the juniors, it was the seniors' turn.

Sporting Success

We had a small number of "invalids".

Weekend activity

Our juniors in years 9 and 10 enjoyed a bouncy castle in the sports hall on Saturday evening.

Weekend activity

The boys are back in town

One of my favourites "sights" is the boys using the great weather to come together and kick a ball around in the evening.

Last but not least

Yesterday, Mr and Mrs Pheasant were paying a visit to our house, blissfully unaware that we have some of the keenest hunters in DO's.

Welcome back

It's been a beautiful start to the term in the Valley. Even the boys with trial exams and public exams this week and over the coming weeks have been noticeably buoyed up by the sunshine. It has been particularly nice to see some of the boys making the most of the warmer weather and studying outside in the afternoon. We started the term with pre-season cricket, which was a lovely way to begin the term. All the boys have now had a chance to do Games and Activities outside and it has been a real joy to see them using the open spaces. The Year 12 boys have now completed their trial exams. The experience has been useful for all of them, even when it has been challenging for some. Year 11 and Year 13 boys have begun the term with real purpose and I have been pleased that prep is being used effectively for revision. I have been telling the boys that they are in the home straight now and that every effort they put into their work will contribute towards their future success.

Cricket

Dear Parents Welcome back to all our girls and parents as we begin what we hope will be a happy and successful Summer Term. A particularly warm welcome goes to our new girls in Year 9 we are delighted to have you join St Margaret’s House and look forward to seeing you settle in quickly. The start of term has brought a wonderfully studious atmosphere to the House as exams approach. That said, the girls have still found time to enjoy themselves, including making good use of the new volleyball net already very popular! We also share some important news this term. Ms Buckley has been promoted to Housemistress at Harrogate Ladies' College. I wrote earlier this week to share this news, and I know many of you have already sent your congratulations. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and wish her every success in her new role when she takes it up in September. There has been plenty of activity across year groups. Many of our Year 9 pupils are currently out completing their Duke of Edinburgh expeditionsan exciting and rewarding challenge. Meanwhile, the tennis and cricket seasons are now underway, and we look forward to cheering on our teams in the weeks ahead. For Year 11, exam season has already begun, with some girls having completed their first GCSE papers alongside ongoing assessments. We wish them all the very best of luck and encourage them to stay focused and confident throughout this busy period. Looking ahead, we are excited for this Sunday’s Interhouse Debate sure to be a highlight of the term. We hope to see lots of enthusiasm and spirited participation! Wishing everyone a positive and productive Summer Term. Warm regards, Rebecca

Message from Ms Paterson

Volleyball Is Back!

Junior House Newsletter 24/04/26

See what our Junior House has been up to this week...

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Housemasters message

The summer term has begun with bright sunshine and an equally bright buzz of energy in Junior House. The children have returned full of enthusiasm, throwing themselves into every activity with smiles, curiosity, and a real sense of excitement. It has been a joy to see such positive starts to the term, both in the classroom and around the House.We are very much looking forward to Parents’ Weekend this weekend and are excited to welcome so many of you back to the College. It promises to be a lovely opportunity to share the children’s progress and celebrate all that makes Junior House such a special place. We have also been delighted to welcome three new starters into the House this term. They have settled in wonderfully already, and it has been heartening to see how warmly they have been embraced by their peers. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic summer term ahead.

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Tennis 🎾

On Wednesday night the boarders played Tennis as the sun set over the valley. It was a wonderful atmosphere and everyone enjoyed practising their skills and competing with each other.

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In the classroom

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In physics this week Year 8 have been investigating reflections of light.

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Upcoming Events

Saturday night social The boarders will be having a fun sports night outside. Saturday Sport Girls Cricket - Selected girls are playing in the U15A team playing at home vs Dame Allan's Schools. The match starts at 14:00. Boys Tennis - Selected boys are playing in the U14A team playing at home vs Sedbergh. The match starts at 13:00. Girls Tennis - Selected girls are playing in the U14B team playing at Sedbergh. The match starts at 13:15 and they will return by 18:00. Upcoming dinners 2nd May - Schola dinner. 9th May - Hockey & Netball dinners

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