Welcome to our weekly update, where we celebrate the breadth of school life at Westonbirt. Each edition offers a snapshot of the learning, achievements and wider opportunities that define our community. We hope you enjoy reading this week’s highlights.
This week, we were delighted to welcome pupils from Fujimigaoka High School into our classrooms for lessons across Science, English, Drama and Maths. One PSHE session, in particular, gave pupils the chance to explore what matters most to them and connect across cultures through shared interests and experiences.
During the lesson, Westonbirt Year 7 pupils and visiting Fujimigaoka pupils created personality shields to get to know one another. Through drawings and discussion, they shared details about their families, hobbies and what is most important to them, discovering both common ground and new perspectives.
‘We did a lot of activities with them, including getting to know them by making a shield with our hobbies, our family, goals and something important to us. We went around the classroom collecting all the information. We had a fun time and learned a lot about their culture and hobbies.’ (Sadie, Year 7)
More on this brilliant international visit below!
As we welcome the arrival of spring and brighter evenings, this week we are shining a spotlight on our Conservation Club! The club encourages pupils to explore local wildlife through hands-on activities such as pond dipping and sweep netting, while also learning about conservation on a global scale.
Making the most of the lighter evenings, pupils have been heading out to the ponds, which are teeming with life. Highlights have included sightings of Great Crested Newts in the Italian Garden’s pond.
Earlier this year, the club carried out a project researching examples of successful conservation, resulting in a beautiful display showcasing Pine Martens and Red Squirrels. Pupils have also explored owl pellets to identify their contents and discussed an Attenborough documentary focusing on climate change, combining practical fieldwork with wider environmental awareness.
This week, our Year 12 pupils travelled to Exeter to attend a UCAS exhibition fair. These events play a crucial role in supporting pupils as they make informed decisions about their future university or career paths.
With over 150 universities, employers and expert advisers in attendance, it was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 12s to explore a wide range of courses and apprenticeships, receive personalised guidance, and gain practical tips on how to make their applications stand out.
Following the exhibition, we received a guided tour around Exeter University’s main campus, giving an opportunity to see an institution in the flesh, and to hear from student ambassadors about their experience at university.
The visit offered valuable insights and inspiration as pupils take the next steps towards their post-18 ambitions.
On Tuesday, we were delighted to welcome pupils and teachers from Fujimigaoka High School as part of our ongoing partnership. The visit offered a fantastic opportunity to strengthen international links and celebrate cultural diversity. Visitors experienced life at our school through lessons in Science, English, Drama and Languages, gaining insight into classroom learning in the UK.
Dr Narutoshi Yoshida, Principal, said: ‘We would like to thank Westonbirt School once again for providing such a wonderful experience for our students. Westonbirt will always hold a special place for them.’
Elizabeth Holman, Head of Languages, added: ‘Opportunities like this help build confidence, global awareness, and lasting friendships. It was inspiring to see students so engaged and open-minded.’
Continuing the Mid-Somerset success from last week’s newsletter, here is the full list of festival achievements – well done to all pupils involved!
We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of pupil Bluebell in the world of musical theatre!
Within school, Bluebell has once again progressed to the ISA Musical Theatre Final, having impressively secured second place last year. This marks her second successive year reaching the Final!
Beyond school, Bluebell has also made waves nationally. She successfully advanced through the Regional Heats of the West End Calling National Musical Theatre Competition in Bristol on 7th March and will now perform in the Semi-Final in London.
We wish Bluebell the very best in her upcoming performances and look forward to celebrating her continued success!
Our Westonbirt Combined Cadet Force has been incredibly busy over the past few months! All cadets have completed the RAFAC Space Studies Modules, gaining an introduction to space and its military and civilian applications, alongside the first part of their radio communication training, applying practical techniques and using official procedures and terminology.
On 7th March, three cadets visited RAF Little Rissington for gliding. Although the weather unfortunately prevented them from taking to the skies, they completed the RAFAC Ground School syllabus.
Today, Westonbirt CCF underwent its Biannual Review, conducted by Wg Cmdr R Hall and assisted by Lt Col E Goldsmith. The contingent demonstrated both sides of the RAF, including a lesson on Airfield Operations delivered by Cdt Cpl Alex Suarez, followed by a fieldcraft demonstration. Cadets also took part in a parade on Piccadilly and a stretcher race.
Fg Off C Clemow, Westonbirt’s School Staff Instructor, said, “I am incredibly proud of every cadet who turned out today. They showed the Reviewing Officer their best effort from marching onto the parade square to keeping moving throughout the stretcher race.”
This Friday, our Agriculture pupils visited Savernake Park Farm to learn about and help with tree planting.
During a productive few hours, pupils discovered the difference between pot-grown and bare-root saplings, how to use rooting hormone to encourage growth, and techniques for backfilling and mulching around newly planted trees.
They also practised staking and tying, and using metal cages to protect the trees from deer – which were very much in evidence during the visit!
The trip offered a fascinating insight into the work involved in planting the new orchards at Park Farm and concluded with a talk on King Charles’s Harmony Project. What might school curriculums look like in two years’ time? We’ll wait and see!
There was plenty of energy and house spirit on display at this year’s House Swimming Competition, with pupils diving in and giving their all in a series of exciting races. There were fast-paced relays and closely contested individual events – it was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and teamwork from everyone involved.
A huge congratulations to all who took part, and especially to our winning houses:
Girls’ results: Maple – 1st, Oak – 2nd, Beech – 3rd, Cedar – 4th
Boys’ results: Maple – 1st, Oak – 2nd, Beech – 3rd, Cedar – 4th
Individual highlights include Alexis S and Alfie M, who placed first with strong technique in the 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, and 100m individual medley.
Well done to Maple for a fantastic performance across both competitions!
On Thursday evening, we were delighted to welcome our incoming Year 7 pupils for 2026 to An Evening at Westonbirt. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for pupils transitioning from our prep school and beyond to come together with their parents and meet Westonbirt senior staff and pupils.
Guests enjoyed supper and refreshments, took part in a STEM Lego activity where groups competed to build wonders of the world, and listened to an insightful presentation from our Deputy Head Academic, Mr Travis, outlining what to expect from the KS3 curriculum.
The evening concluded with plenty of fun in the photo booth, where families raided our costume cupboard for some memorable shots!
It’s been another action-packed week in sport at Westonbirt, with fixtures across a range of teams. You can view the full set of fixtures and results here.
It’s been another busy week in boarding, with plenty of birthdays and even more birthday cake!
Evenings have included tense games of Battleships, badminton in the leisure centre, rounds of goal in the sunshine, and a birthday celebration at Holford House, complete with karaoke and pizza.
We always love to hear about achievements and moments of teamwork or collaboration. If you would like to share something, please email marketing@westonbirtschool.uk.
