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.
Our Year 12 geographers recently returned from a four-day residential fieldwork trip to Swanage, where they brought their classroom learning to life through hands-on investigations along the Jurassic Coast.
Based at Brenscombe Outdoor Centre, pupils explored coastal processes, changing places and contemporary urban environments, while developing the practical skills needed for their Non-Examined Assessment (NEA), which contributes 20% of their final A-level grade.
Beyond the academic experience, the trip provided a fantastic opportunity for pupils to work collaboratively, strengthen friendships and create lasting Sixth Form memories in one of the UK’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.
A huge thank you to the Geography team for organising such a valuable and memorable experience.
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Congratulations to Cedar House, who have been crowned this year’s House Cup winners. Â After an exceptional year of participation, teamwork and house spirit, they finished with an impressive 10,510-point lead. Throughout the year, pupils embraced every opportunity to represent their house with enthusiasm, determination and pride, taking part in House Shout, cross country, rugby, football, basketball, lacrosse, the House Quiz, Christmas tree decorating and Sports Day. Reflecting on the achievement, Head of Cedar House, Mrs Pegg, said, ‘I am absolutely delighted that in my first year as Head of Cedar, we have achieved such an incredible success, winning by an outstanding 10,510 points. All of the tree houses have competed brilliantly, demonstrating determination, teamwork and resilience throughout. However, I am incredibly proud to say that Cedar came out on top, a true reflection of the collective effort and spirit shown by everyone involved.’
Congratulations to Year 11 pupil Jude H (pictured right), who has qualified for the Under-18 Road to Wimbledon Doubles National Finals!
Jude and his doubles partner Leo secured their place at Wimbledon after winning the county finals on Sunday. They will now progress to the national finals at Wimbledon this August.
The Road to Wimbledon competition offers young players the phenomenal opportunity to compete on the same courts as the world’s top tennis professionals, making qualification a truly outstanding achievement.
We wish Jude and Leo the very best of luck as they prepare to represent their county on one of the most iconic stages in world tennis.
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Congratulations to Westonbirt School pupil and rising polo talent Ellenore B, who enjoyed a memorable weekend at Beaufort Polo Club. She helped Smiths Polo reach the Claire Tomlinson Trophy VX (12-16 Goal) Final before receiving a Beaufort award in recognition of her outstanding performance.
At just 15 years old, Ellenore made an immediate impact on the No. 1 Pitch, scoring in the opening chukka alongside some of the sport’s most accomplished players. Smiths Polo narrowly missed out on the title in a thrilling 7-6 final, but Ellenore’s impressive performance earned her an individual Beaufort award.
The competition showcased an exciting blend of emerging talent and established players, and Ellenore’s achievement is another proud moment for Westonbirt. Congratulations, Ellenore, on this fantastic recognition. We look forward to following your continued success.
Congratulations to Lucy, who delivered an outstanding performance at the Hawkesbury Upton 5K (HU5K) on Saturday 20 June, winning the Senior Under 18 Female category.
A brilliant achievement – congratulations, Lucy!
Choir Crowned Best in the UK
Congratulations to our Head of Music Laurie Jones, whose 65-strong City of Bath Male Choir has been crowned Best UK Male Choir and won the International Choral Competition for Choirs at the Cornwall International Male Choral Festival. The achievement was recently featured on ITV News, celebrating their success on the national stage.
Supporting Julia’s House
This July, our Head of Cedar House, Lindsey Pegg, will take on the Julia’s House Great Wiltshire Walk to raise funds for her local children’s hospice. Every mile will help support children with life-limiting and complex conditions and their families. If you would like to support Lindsey’s challenge, donations can be made via her JustGiving page.
Congratulations to Max, who has won the Under 18 Valley Fest DJ Competition and has been invited to perform at Valley Fest in Bristol this July.
This fantastic achievement recognises Max’s talent and creativity and will see him take to the stage at one of the South West’s most popular summer festivals.
If you’re attending Valley Fest, be sure to cheer Max on! Tickets here.Â
Congratulations to this week’s Year 7 Stars of the Week, recognised by Ms Porovic for their fantastic attitude, effort and contribution to school life.
This week’s pupils have been recognised for a wide range of achievements, including approaching their end of year assessments with maturity and positivity, showing exceptional commitment and focus throughout the assessment period, settling confidently into a new school, and demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication in all they do.
Well done to Antonia, Lara, Natalie, Molly, Freddie, Harry, Molly, Eliza, Dora and Scarlett. We are incredibly proud of you all. Keep up the fantastic work!
A warm Westonbirt welcome is generally more figurative than literal, but this year’s induction day took place in some of the hottest June temperatures on record.
Our newest colleagues, an exceptional group of educators and leaders, met the staff body, connected with one another and began their Westonbirt journey. We also caught them off guard by asking why every pupil should love their subject – you’ll be hearing more from them over the coming weeks.
Please join us in welcoming:
Bringing significant expertise and experience, this talented group will further strengthen Westonbirt’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.
The recent sunshine has brought with it plenty of opportunities for our boarders to enjoy everything that summer at Westonbirt has to offer.
Whether cooling off with water battles, challenging friends to board games in the Great Hall, unwinding with a book in the shade by the lake or getting creative with crafts in Sedgwick, pupils have been making the most of the warm weather while spending quality time together.
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.
