This Week at Edge Grove

It was wonderful to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day as a Junior Department family. We used bunting and flags to decorate our building, and there was a definite buzz of excitement as the children arrived to see all the Union Jacks on display. We embraced Screen Free Week by dedicating our special assembly to reading Ruby in the Ruins which is a poignant story that beautifully captures the spirit of the 1945 celebrations.

It was a treat to visit Nursery and see how well the children are embracing their phonics lessons. They really are very good when it comes to recognising different phonemes. My favourite part was playing ‘detective’ as we searched for ‘O’ in the sandpit.

Reception and I had a great time reading a special signed copy of Michael Rosen’s Chocolate Cake. Thank you to Mrs Broadis for having the book signed and dedicated to us. We were very hungry after reading the story! I look forward to sharing this with Nursery pupils next week. 

I had the pleasure of joining a fantastic carousel-style English lesson in Year 1. It was a joy to see the children so engaged and focused as they moved through handwriting, comprehension, and creative writing tasks with each one offering plenty of opportunity for stretch and challenge.

I was treated to another fabulous afternoon of science in Year 2, where we explored the topic of animals and their offspring. I was so impressed by our young scientists and their growing ability to classify animals with confidence.

Mrs Wynne
Assistant Head (Junior)

Nursery

Nursery have been continuing their learning about ‘People Who Help Us, exploring the important roles these individuals play in our community.  We were incredibly lucky to have visits from a dentist, Dr Sumaria, and a pharmacist, Mrs Patel.The children learnt all about how to care for their teeth and how to look after their health. They asked some excellent questions too. A huge thank you to both these parents for giving up their valuable time to come in – the children absolutely loved it! We also explored the role of a police officer and became detectives ourselves as we hunted for the sound of the week: ‘O’. The children had great fun taking their own fingerprints and examining the different shapes they could see. Another fantastic week, Nursery. We absolutely love how enthusiastic the children have been about the importance of helping one another!

Reception News

We have been butterfly crazy this week! The children have loved learning about the lifecycle of a butterfly and understanding how a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. We have created butterflies in a range of creative and artistic ways and developed our painting skills to create a whole kaleidoscope of butterflies to grace our classroom displays and your fridges at home! 

We have been especially impressed with the children’s phonics learning this week. We focused on the ‘tch’ digraph and the children were able to read and write many words with this sound. They challenged themselves to write funny sentences which included ‘tch’ words and highlight their trigraph. 

As a very special treat we were invited to watch High School Musical performed by the older children. The children were in awe watching such a sensational performance. They sang and danced along and many came out wishing that one day they will be on the stage performing just like the older children!

Year 1 News

The Year 1 teachers and children have fully embraced the idea of Screen Free Week, making it another fun-filled week in Year 1. A special well done to all the children who also managed to stay screen-free at home—what an achievement!

In Maths, learning has been wonderfully practical as the children explored the topic of Money. They’ve learnt to recognise coins and notes, understand their value, add different amounts together, and calculate change. A highlight of the week was when the children used their skills to buy their own snacks by making the correct total—great real-world learning!

In English, ‘ I want my hat back’ by Jon Klassen had the children giggling! The story of a bear searching for his lost hat and a cheeky rabbit captured everyone’s imagination, inspiring some fantastic writing about how they would help the bear.

Computing took us outdoors this week! The children enjoyed coding their Beebots to move across a grid and reach specific destinations. It was lovely to see such enthusiasm and teamwork in the sunshine.

Well done, Year 1—another brilliant week!

Year 2 News

**Screen Free Week Success!**

This week, the school buzzed with excitement as we embraced Screen Free Week. It was delightful to see the children engage in a variety of activities that did not involve screens, encouraging creativity and interaction.

**Upcoming Author Visit – Exploring Mary Anning’s World**

We are eagerly preparing for an exciting visit from an author next week. We hope this event will inspire our students and fuel their love for reading and storytelling. Our author ‘Amy Atwater’ has inspired our humanities topic of palaeontology. In our lessons, we’ve been learning about Mary Anning and her remarkable fossil adventures in Lyme Regis. The children have been intrigued by the mysteries of fossils and how they are formed, which has sparked fascinating discussions and questions.

**English Skills Development**

In our English lessons, we’ve been focusing on strengthening comprehension skills and practising inference to gain a deeper understanding of the texts we read. We are also expanding our vocabulary by learning to decode unfamiliar words using etymology. We kindly ask for your support at home to encourage this practice by utilising dictionaries and a thesaurus.

Dear Parents,

This week, Edge Grove School embarked on an invigorating journey back to basics with a highly successful Screen Free Week. Classrooms and corridors buzzed not with the glow of screens, but with conversation, creativity, and collaboration. Pupils and staff alike embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, and the result was a school community that felt more connected – face to face.

In Year 5, we hosted a three-day Debating Dojo for our English lessons, focusing on the dialectical and rhetorical skills when forming an argument. Pupils tackled thoughtful topics with impressive poise and passion, developing their critical thinking and public speaking skills in a screen-free setting that demanded focus and presence. The lively debates not only showcased their intellect but also demonstrated the value of attentive, real-time interaction.

As we prepare to reintroduce screens into our academic routines, we do so with clearer eyes and more balanced minds. The past week has reminded us that while technology is a powerful tool, stepping away from it can unlock a deeper appreciation for the world – and people – around us. Our return to digital learning will be grounded in this refreshed understanding of when to disconnect in order to truly connect.

Mr Thorne
Assistant Head (Middle Department)

Mrs Fox writes…

What does ‘screen free’ look like in 3F?
It looks like a classroom centred around two large whiteboards, alive with sketches, diagrams, and ideas—no large screen in sight. It looks like pupils drawing intricate mazes and giving precise coding instructions in Computing. It looks like creating Frankenstein poems in English, reading a storybook aloud as a class, and playing timeless games like Wink Murder.

Please do not misunderstand me—I do not rely on a screen or on ‘ed-tech’ to teach. However, this week has been a refreshing reminder of the value of direct connection and hands-on learning. For the children, it has been a joy to spend more time with their families and to immerse themselves in imaginative, screen-free projects at home.

As a teacher, I do still require a screen for emails, and historically I have found that sharing images or videos can support multi-sensory learning. Nevertheless, this week the children have thrived. Their energy, creativity, and enthusiasm have made this a memorable and enriching week—one that I am sure they will remember as a highlight of their Prep School experience.

Miss Corin writes…

What a week it has been during Screen Free Week! While we all enjoy the benefits of technology in our daily lives, it has been both rejuvenating and invigorating to take a step back from the screens. The children truly embraced the experience, taking ownership of their learning in remarkable ways.

Throughout the week, we delved straight into our curriculum with renewed enthusiasm. In English, the students crafted imaginative seasonal poems, allowing their creativity to shine. Meanwhile, in Maths, they engaged with tally charts, gaining invaluable skills in data collection and interpretation.

Our geography lesson was particularly exciting, as we embarked on a project to explore the various biomes of our planet. The children eagerly gathered information from fact files and collaborated to create an informative booklet detailing each biome. This not only enhanced their understanding of environmental diversity but also fostered skills in research and presentation.

Overall, the absence of screens has enabled our students to connect more deeply with their peers and their work. I am immensely proud of their engagement and the vibrant community spirit that has flourished this week. 

Mrs Senghani writes…

It has been a busy 4 days during Screen Free Week.

In English this week we have been working on poetry and how there is not necessarily one correct answer. Different people interpret poetry differently and use their imagination in many different ways to explore the poem. The students are currently working on writing their own poems to do with the seasons, and I look forward to seeing the finished work.

It was lovely for me to take a Year 3 match this week, allowing me to see Kush and Leah shine on the cricket field and the classroom. They both bowled brilliantly getting a wicket each, and batter very well, with both of them hitting a 4 too. 

As a form we have worked extremely well together to stay screen free, not only in school but at home, with over half of the form staying screen free at home this week too. A huge thank you to parents for supporting the school and children for making incredible things like this possible.

The Year 4 Team writes…

This week’s English curriculum focused on developing a strong understanding of direct and indirect speech through interactive exercises. Complementing this, students have been developing their news report writing skills across various subjects. We’re delighted to share some excellent examples from 4F, who creatively applied these skills in Drama by producing their own news reports, complete with anchoring and interviewing segments.

Students in 4F created some fabulous fictional stories using direct and indirect speech based on the stimulus of pirates discovering a forgotten island. Juan tried hard to include some of the tricky vocabulary from the lesson and indirect speech when he wrote: “ Captain Juan manoeuvred the ship so that everyone could disembark and told everyone to explore the lush island.”

Year 4 students embraced their inner detectives this week, tackling a series of intriguing classroom “crimes.” They delved into the concepts of evidence, opinion, hearsay, witnesses, and statements, crucial elements of any investigation and links to our History topic this term of Crime and Punishment. These activities also provided a practical application of their grammar skills, as they skillfully converted information into both direct and indirect speech.

Tamsin: “It’s been a really exciting week because we’ve had some lessons and assemblies outside. I loved the maths lesson where we went outside to draw shapes and clocks. I also enjoyed Screen Free Week at home because mum taught me how to cook scrambled eggs. Now, I can be more independent in the mornings and cook my own breakfast!”. 

Iyanu: “I loved the cooking challenge for Screen Free Week. I made a cake with my family, and it was really fun.”

Lily: “I loved the English lessons this week. We had to use direct and indirect speech within a creative writing task about pirates discovering a lost island.” 

Rayan: “I really enjoyed the Investigation Lesson when Mrs Futerill gave us a mystery to solve! She hid all our bags and we had to solve the crime. It was really exciting.”

Alice: “I like Screen Free Week, the days feel shorter! Our English lessons this week have been fun.” 

Alexa: The challenge is not to just watch whatever you want to because it suits a lesson. Teachers learnt things without screens and I see the teachers know a lot and it shows that they can teach us without us having to watch something. 

Adam: I really like it because I think we sometimes spend too much time on screens but this week we had more chance to go outside. 

Mr Russell writes…

This week, we embraced the spirit of Screen Free Week during our form times, and it’s been wonderful to see the children engage in different ways.

On Tuesday, in honour of National Cartoonist Day, we delved into the fascinating world of cartooning – completely screen-free! The class read informative articles about the history and impact of cartoons, followed by a lively paper-based quiz to test their recall. It was a great way to learn and engage with the topic in a hands-on manner.

Wednesday saw the return of our popular 1% Club. Working together in their table groups, the children tackled a series of riddle-like puzzles, sparking some excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills. The buzz of collaborative thinking filled the classroom!

A particular highlight of the week was our visit to our link form down in Reception. The children thoroughly enjoyed spending time reading with the younger children, fostering a lovely connection between the year groups. We are already looking forward to our next visit and continuing to build this special relationship.

Beyond our form time activities, the children have also shared their personal highlights from the week. Riley enthusiastically recounted learning the incredibly important life skill of CPR in his Science lessons. 

Our English lessons this week were alive with the sound of debate! Asayoma, Lucy, Cooper, and Hunter particularly enjoyed developing their oracy skills through lively debates. The whole class had great fun putting their opinions across on a range of subjects, providing clear and reasoned explanations for their viewpoints. The debates spanned all sorts of topics, from the age-old question of whether pineapple belongs on pizza to the more imaginative scenario of what item would be most useful during a zombie apocalypse!

Tommy found this week’s screen free experience particularly insightful. He commented on how interesting it was to adapt to life without his Chromebook and the different ways he engaged with learning and activities. Arhaan agreed with this, sharing that he felt the week allowed his imagination to flourish even more.

It’s been fantastic to hear their positive reflections on stepping away from screens!

Have a great weekend.

Mrs Toniolo writes…

This week in 5T, we have embraced Screen-Free Week with enthusiasm, imagination, and plenty of laughter. During form time, we have put aside screens and enjoyed a wide range of creative activities, including teaching each other card games and inventing our own.

A special mention goes to Harry, Nico, and Ved for designing a brilliant flick football game, complete with a paper pitch, a ball made from scrunched-up paper, and some simple but very effective rules. It has been a big hit with the class.

We also enjoyed collaborative story-writing, creating a fairy tale titled ‘The Adventures of Johnny the Penguin and the Evil Bob the Goldfish’. It was a fantastic example of teamwork and imagination.

On Wednesday, we had a wonderful time helping Reception Davies with their sound blending. It was a joy to support the younger pupils in their learning, and here are a few photographs of us in action.

Mrs Allen writes…

On Wednesday morning, we had the opportunity to link form with Reception Noorali for a special session. Year 5 pupils led by example, heading down to the Reception classroom to play games, complete puzzles, enjoy time outside, and most importantly, be excellent role models to their new ‘Little Friends.’

I’ve heard wonderful things about how much the Reception children enjoyed it, and I know they’re already looking forward to their next visit from their new, older friends. It was also lovely for the Year 5s to reconnect with Miss Noorali and Mrs Wright.

What better way to spend a screen-free Form Time than collaborating with peers, communicating, and helping to build confidence in others? The power of childhood really shone through.

Collaborations like this truly show how special the sense of community is at Edge Grove, and I’m excited to keep building on these connections. I’m so proud of all of 5A!

The Top Forms took their fortnightly assembly outside to the walled garden this Thursday, and put their ideas on our value of ‘Confidence’ into practice.  

Last week, each Form created a ‘Confidence Tree’, with pupils writing pledges on how they will be more confident.  Pupils began their activity today by reflecting on how they’ve put this into practise.  A special shout-out to Zach who had pledged to have the confidence to try new foods to great success!  And to Keavy who certainly met her pledge of reading aloud more, and had the confidence to volunteer to read Romeo’s poetic soliloquy in front of the class in English!

On the walled garden, the Forms followed a carousel structure, visiting dynamic stations run by Mrs. Wright and their Form Teachers to consider a different aspect of confidence at each station.  At the ‘strike a power move’ station, where pupils created freeze-frames of themselves standing with confidence, Miss Senior was especially moved by Ishaq’s stance and words: “I am standing like I have the confidence to know what I’m doing, but I have been sure to look humble and considerate too.”

A message: Please could we ask for your support in ensuring your child’s pencil cases are stocked up and ready for all they need for the day.  

We have really enjoyed Screen Free week and thank you for supporting your children at home with it.

Linking forms with the Junior Department

This week, the Year 6s from each Top Form had the opportunity to go and read to the Year 1 and 2s. The Year 6s in Top Ni’Man mentioned how much they enjoyed reading to the younger children and were able to read to them a variety of books that the Year 1s chose. We look forward to being able to link forms again this term.

English

You may have seen the Year 8s coming into School with lightsabers and swords (what a collection, Ben…) – and wondered if we’ve all gone mad: no, we haven’t – we have just been utterly engrossed and excited by Romeo and Juliet!   The Year 8s have made an absolutely stellar start to this study of Shakespeare, and much fun was had as delved into the Elizabethan concept of conflict and honour: we duelled, ”bit the thumb”, shouted and “disturbed the peace” of the streets of Verona!  Fortunately, the Prince of Verona (Samuel) was on hand to blow his whistle and demand that the House of Montague and Capulet stop fighting immediately, lest they be banished forever. 

We then gate-crashed Lord Capulet’s party to the beat of disco music (have a look at the grooving Montagues below!), where Romeo first set eyes on Juliet, and spoke his sonnet of ethereal love, which we analysed together to good effect.  A huge shout-out and five House Points to our Head Boy, Robert for reading this so beautifully.

We could not have been more impressed with the manner in which Year 8 has approached this unit – well done.  The cohort have split in half to pledge their allegiance to either the Montagues or the Capulets.  Every House Point they earn will go to their team…whose side are you on?

Year 8 then carefully analysed the star-crossed lovers’ sonnets (laden with religious imagery and tempestuous foreshadowing) during the famous balcony scene of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.  Head Boy Robert, and House Captain Alex were wonderful as the impulsive Romeo and the blushing Juliet in the picture above, using their initiative to make hilarious use of the Jubilee staircase!  What stellar engagement from the whole of Year 8, and a particular congratulations is also to be extended to Harry & Samuel, and Kaelan & Timi, also pictured performing their scenes.  Will this hubris and impulsivity be Romeo and Juliet’s hamartia?  Year 8 is looking forward to discovering more.

Year 6 is fully immersed in their poetry unit.  Here are some photos from Miss Senior’s class, who, after analysing the effect of the homophones and homonyms in Coelho’s ‘The Duelling Duo’, went outside to perform them!  All pupils earnt a House Point, and a particular congratulations is to be extended to Aydin, Natty and Ishaq for their outstanding use of expression and intonation which earned them a well deserved 5 House Points each!  Whilst putting the books away, Aydin even happened to flick through the anthology and spot a kenning poem, the poetry focus of last week! 

Computing

Year 6 have been learning how the internet works. They have been using the Chromebook’s development window (CROSH) to ‘ping’ internet servers around the world and trace the hops their data takes to websites.

Year 7 have worked with Canva this week to produce presentations on hot IT topics, including the impacts of AI, and ethical considerations when using technology.

Year 8 have been working with Microbits this week and learning how to use the short-range radio system to send short messages. Two of the pupils were able to pre-record voice messages and trigger them from 20 metres away!

MFL

In Spanish, this week Year 7 practised using the ‘immediate future’ to talk about their plans for the weekend.

Year 8 also explored the future tense using the ‘simple future’. They enjoyed talking about plans for next year and they all learned to answer the question : ¿Qué harás en el futuro?

Science

We are excited to announce that our pupils from Year 5 to Year 8 embarked on their First Aid training during our screen-free week. The goal of this training is to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to respond with confidence in emergency situations. The curriculum encompasses essential techniques such as conducting an effective primary survey, understanding the recovery position, and performing CPR. It also guides students on the appropriate next steps for managing minor cuts, bleeding, burns, asthma or allergy reactions,  and using an EpiPen, particularly for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils. 

This training emphasises the fundamentals of CPR, the recovery position, and the safest, most effective responses to incidents. We encourage parents to take a moment to review the training outline; it presents a valuable opportunity to refresh your skills. Being prepared is essential, as we never know when these skills might be called upon in our lives.

Singing Platform

On Tuesday morning we held our Singing Platform in the Apthorp Hall for friends and family.  Our audience heard 10 stunning singers performing a range of musical (and dance) numbers from ABRSM Musical Theatre, to modern pop and rock songs.  They should all be very proud of their performances and dedication to practice.  It was truly a wonderful little concert, and not a screen in sight… shhh!

Purcell School Trip

Also on Tuesday, our Chamber Choir visited the Purcell School to attend a lunchtime concert.  The piece they heard was composed and performed by one of the Purcell School students, entitled Five Golden Songs.  Each song was based on a poem about the subject of grief, and our pupils were astounded by both the virtuosic pianist composer, and the incredibly impressive baritone vocalist.  Our pupils left the concert inspired to achieve the quality they witnessed in the concert.  All eyes are on Speech Day…

Keavy, Orly and Sienna = terrific, teaching assistants!

Last week, Year 2 had the pleasure of working with three excellent teaching assistants during their summer showcase rehearsals who had very familiar faces…Our senior pupils Keavy, Orly, and Sienna led by example, teaching choreography to the Year 2 children in preparation for their upcoming performance. We love seeing our oldest students collaborate so positively with our youngest. Well done, Keavy, Orly, and Sienna!

Fun Run Success and Exciting Sports Deliveries!

What a fantastic turnout Edge Grove had for Monday’s Fun Run at Tabard Rugby Club on Monday 5th May! It was truly heart-warming to see so many children and parents taking part, enjoying the fresh air, live music, and of course, the ever-popular Keen Bean bouncy castle. Thank you to everyone who went along and made it such a joyful and energetic event — your enthusiasm really made the day special.

We’re also thrilled to share that the Sports Department received two very exciting deliveries this week, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Friends of Edge Grove (FOEG). We now have brand-new swimming pool lane ropes and beautifully personalised Edge Grove backstroke flag lines. A huge thank you to FOEG for these wonderful additions — we’re certain they’ll add a brilliant splash of colour and spirit around the pool. We’ll be sharing photos of them in action very soon!

1st XI Cricket Match Report

Edge Grove v Aldenham School – Saturday Fixture

On a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning, Edge Grove travelled to Aldenham School for a keenly anticipated 1st XI fixture. The hosts won the toss and chose to field first on a freshly prepared wicket in ideal batting conditions.

Kaelan and Isaac opened the innings for Edge Grove. Isaac looked composed early on, timing the ball well and driving confidently down the ground. However, both openers fell cheaply, placing early pressure on the middle and lower order.

Noah and Arav steadied the innings with a smart and patient partnership. Noah rotated the strike well, picking out gaps in the covers for singles and contributing a valuable 10 runs. Arav batted with control and confidence, punishing the loose deliveries and finding the gaps regularly on his way to a top score of 23.

Max and Eashan showed glimpses of solidity but were unable to build on their starts. The final few overs saw a composed and intelligent rear-guard partnership between Thomas and Harry B. The pair ran smartly, exploited fielding gaps, and built pressure with sharp strike rotation. Their partnership added a vital 35 runs, including a notable boundary from Thomas to the longest part of the ground. Edge Grove posted a competitive 101 runs.

With a clear game plan to take early wickets and bowl tightly, the team began the defence with intensity. Kaelan struck in his first over, clean bowling Aldenham’s opening batsman. Max bowled economically from the other end, offering no width and building early pressure.

Behind the stumps, Isaac improved throughout the match, growing in confidence and delivering a series of sharp stumpings. Arav bowled with excellent control, maintaining a consistent line and length. Eashan’s spell was particularly impactful, combining with Isaac for a superb stumping. A clinical run-out and two further stumpings swung the momentum in Edge Grove’s favour after Aldenham had looked comfortable at the crease.

Noah marshalled the field expertly in conjunction with acting captain Arav, adjusting placements and rotating the bowlers to good effect. With Aldenham needing six runs per over in the final 10, Edge Grove increased the pressure with quick wickets and tight bowling. Thomas bowled with great control and created multiple chances, while Harry B showed clear progression with each delivery.

The spinners, Noah and Max, were outstanding;  varying their flight, turn, and pace to keep the batsmen guessing. Robert also delivered a standout moment, bowling a delivery that turned half a foot to dismantle the stumps in style. His change of pace made it impossible to hit the ball and it was a very clever spell that turned the match for us. 

The fielding effort was commendable overall. While eight catches were unfortunately put down — an area identified for improvement;  the ground fielding was exceptional. Alex, Daniel, and Samuel chased down everything with determination and pace, allowing just a single boundary all innings. Fielding off our own bowling was particularly sharp, regularly denying Aldenham quick singles and frustrating their batters.

In the end, Aldenham finished on 92 runs, falling short of the target. This was a well-earned and spirited win for Edge Grove against a long-standing rival, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and moments of real individual brilliance.

Edge Grove 1st XI v Westbrook Hay

Edge Grove 150 – 108 Westbrook Hay

On a chilly afternoon in Westbrook Hay, Edge Grove’s 1st XI delivered a commanding performance, securing a well-deserved victory against the home side. Winning the toss, Edge Grove captain Noah made the shrewd decision to bat first, aiming to set a challenging target and then unleash their disciplined bowling attack.

The innings began with Kaelan and Isaac at the crease. Unfortunately, Kaelan’s aggressive intent saw him depart early, caught after a swing across the line. However, Isaac and Noah then forged a crucial partnership, demonstrating excellent composure and technique to steady the ship. Their sensible approach laid a solid foundation for the innings.

Isaac eventually fell for a valuable 18 runs, but Noah continued to dominate the Westbrook Hay bowling attack. Displaying attacking and powerful strokeplay, he sent the ball to all corners of the field, much to the delight of the Edge Grove supporters. His magnificent innings culminated in a well-deserved retirement upon reaching a brilliant 50, earning him a standing ovation from those in attendance.

The momentum was maintained by Max and Arav, who batted with great maturity and intent. Arav contributed a solid 9 runs before falling, while Max remained unbeaten on a crucial 26 runs. His innings was characterised by positive intent, as he took the attack to the bowlers and expertly found the gaps in the field. A final flourish came from Eashqan, who struck a valuable boundary off the last ball, propelling Edge Grove to an impressive total of 150 runs – their highest score in over two years.

With a defendable total on the board, Edge Grove took to the field with Kaelan and Noah opening the bowling. Their accuracy and early wickets immediately put the Westbrook Hay batsmen under pressure. A sharp stumping from Isaac, lightning-quick behind the stumps off Noah’s bowling, accounted for their key number one batsman, a significant early breakthrough.

Max then introduced his spin, turning the ball sharply and creating considerable problems for the Westbrook Hay batters with his flight and guile. Arav bowled with excellent line and length, consistently threatening the opposition’s batsmen. Kaelan also extracted sharp bounce from the pitch, adding to the discomfort of the batting side.

Harry was a picture of solidity with his bowling and proved inspirational in the field, keeping Edge Grove focused and motivated despite the cold conditions. Robert was equally impressive in the field, proving difficult to get past and also bowling accurately with a clever change of pace. Max continued his excellent all-round performance with sharp fielding and a couple of near misses for run-outs, while Kaelan was consistent and reliable in his fielding efforts.

Timi utilised his speed effectively to patrol the boundary and also enjoyed an over with the ball. Imeth was quick and energetic in the field and bowled with pace and intensity. Thomas demonstrated his sharpness throughout the game and stepped up to bowl when needed, showcasing both pace and variety. Eashqan capped off a fine team bowling display with excellent flight and accuracy, keeping the Westbrook Hay batsmen guessing.

Ultimately, Westbrook Hay struggled to build partnerships against the disciplined Edge Grove bowling attack and fell short of the target. Noah was deservedly named Man of the Match for his outstanding all-round contribution as captain, highest scorer, and a key bowler.

Edge Grove 2nd XI v St Margarets

Edge Grove 100 – 102 St Margarets

Edge Grove 2nd XI Narrowly Defeated by St Margarets in Thrilling Encounter

Edge Grove 2nd XI experienced a close defeat in their opening match of the season on Wednesday, succumbing to a 2-run loss against a spirited St Margarets side. Despite the setback, there were plenty of encouraging signs for the Edge Grove boys.

Having lost the toss and put into bat, Edge Grove found themselves in early trouble as the St Margarets opening bowlers proved challenging. A flurry of early wickets put the pressure on the middle order. However, Alex and Samuel stepped up admirably, forging a crucial 62-run partnership that injected much-needed momentum into the innings. Their stand featured some well-struck boundaries and intelligent running between the wickets, effectively steadying the ship.

Unfortunately, both Alex and Samuel were eventually dismissed towards the latter stages of the innings. Tio and Ayaan then showed resilience and composure to see Edge Grove through to the end of their allotted 20 overs, finishing on a respectable total of 100 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

St Margarets began their chase strongly, with their opening batsmen proving difficult to dislodge. The Edge Grove bowlers toiled hard but initially struggled to break the partnership. The breakthrough finally came courtesy of Grayson, who claimed the first wicket. This was quickly followed by Bolu, who made an immediate impact by taking a wicket in his very first over.

Despite these successes, St Margarets continued to accumulate runs at a good pace, demonstrating aggressive running between the wickets. Tio then joined the wicket-takers’ list, providing another moment of hope for Edge Grove. The highlight of the bowling performance came when Ayaan delivered a truly exceptional delivery that bamboozled the batsman and resulted in the fourth St Margarets wicket. Grayson later added a second scalp to his tally.

Ultimately, however, St Margarets managed to surpass the required total in the 17th over, securing a narrow victory by just 2 runs. Well done, boys, for a hard-fought and exciting contest!

Edge Grove 3rds v Westbrook Hay

Edge Grove 84 – 40 St Margarets

An excellent effort from the EG team this week. EG opened the game by batting first, Aiden and Zach worked effortlessly to hit the ball past the boundary a few times – even losing the ball over the hedge! Sienna and Keavy had excellent communication which led to scoring a high amount of runs. Only one wicket was hit in the 12 overs played. In the second innings, EG continued to work hard with some excellent bowling and were able to hit Westbrook Hay’s wickets 6 times – both during bowling and fielding. Joseph made an excellent effort with his bowling with very few runs coming off the bat. Orly and Harry communicated well on the field and were able to pass the ball quickly, resulting in Westbrook Hay’s wickets being hit out.

Overall, an impressive afternoon of cricket. Well done!

Colts A

Edge Grove 127 for 8 in 20 overs

Westbrook Hay 112 for 6 in 20 overs

Edge Grove batted first and were in real trouble early on with some very fast bowling from the opposition and a very quick and bouncy pitch causing trouble. Christopher came in and scored a quick 15 runs with 3 boundaries before another flurry of wickets saw us at 52 for 6. Daniel G and Alex GR steadied the ship with an excellent 71 run partnership with Alex scoring 19 runs. The hero of the day was Daniel who scored his first ever half century and the first of the season for Edge Grove, scoring an impressive 53 not out in 49 balls. Some very accurate bowling by all our bowlers made scoring difficult and created pressure for the opposition with Alex taking two wickets and Aksh, Daniel and Ved S all taking a wicket. Ved S took a good catch and Christopher an excellent run out to seal a great win by 15 runs.

Colts Bs:

The Colts B cricket match against Westbrook Hay proved to be a genuine examination of Edge Grove’s abilities. After Westbrook Hay batted first and posted a total of 77 runs, Edge Grove’s bowling attack, spearheaded by a masterclass from Ollie and Atlas, put the opposition under significant pressure. They claimed multiple wickets and executed numerous run-outs, restricting Westbrook Hay to 12 wickets down. This set Edge Grove a challenging chase against some strong bowlers. Tommaso then delivered a great display of batting, scoring several boundaries and taking calculated risks with quick singles to apply pressure back onto Westbrook Hay. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory, but the team gained valuable insights into areas for development that will undoubtedly help them strive for wins in the next cricket season. 

Week 2 Match Report: Edge Grove Colts C  vs Manor Lodge Colts C 

The clash between Edge Grove and Manor Lodge was nothing short of exhilarating, showcasing the very essence of cricket – batting, bowling, and fielding – in a captivating display that had parents on the edge of their seats.

Hunter continued his impressive form, striking several key boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking over. Josh held his ground solidly with the bat and was exceptional in the field, while Sami delivered some tight, disciplined bowling that kept the opposition in check. Tommy Larkins was strong all round, hammering 23 runs and also claiming a vital wicket, setting the tone for the team.

Ian batted with immense focus and composure, while also showing his class with some exceptional fielding. Syon proved to be a reliable all-rounder, contributing solidly in every department. Luke threw himself into every moment of the match, playing with relentless energy and commitment.

The highlight in the field was a spectacular maiden over from Hridhaan, which included a crucial wicket that swung momentum Edge Grove’s way. Hunter and Jack also pulled off some stunning diving catches, with Cole providing outstanding support in the field.

The team’s collective effort led to a superb total of 106 runs, along with collecting constant wickets, sealing a well-deserved victory against Manor Lodge.

An eye-opening performance from the Edge Grove boys – one that showcased skill, teamwork, and sheer determination.

Colts C

Edge Grove 150 – 147 Westbrook Hay

Edge Grove delivered an outstanding afternoon of cricket, showcasing excellent teamwork and discipline. The team started strong in the field, effectively covering all areas of the pitch to restrict the opposition’s runs. As the first 15 overs progressed, the accuracy of our bowlers improved significantly, resulting in several key dismissals and a few well-aimed deliveries hitting the stumps.

The team worked cohesively throughout the match, with Ayush, Tommy, Josh, Shadmehr, Hridhaan, Ben, Luke, Jack, Itai, and Hunter all playing their part in a well-rounded performance. Whether in the field or at the crease, each player demonstrated focus, determination, and a growing confidence in their game.

When it was our turn to bat, the team remained composed, working well in pairs and steadily accumulating runs. In the final over, Edge Grove capitalised on key opportunities, securing a few crucial extra runs that ultimately clinched the victory.

A fantastic effort from all players; well done to everyone involved for a commendable performance.

Boys Colts D Cricket 

Edge Grove 246 –  Westbrook Hay 303

A tough start for the Edge Grove Colts C team as they faced a strong Westbrook Hay side, ultimately falling short by a score of 303 runs to 246. While the scoreboard might show a significant difference, there were definitely some bright spots for the Edge Grove side.

With the ball, Robert put in a particularly impressive spell. His first over was a textbook maiden, and he followed it up in his second by claiming a crucial wicket. Joshua also started strongly, conceding only a single run in his opening over before also picking up a well-deserved wicket in his second. Aman also contributed to the wicket column, showing promise with his bowling. Behind the stumps, Garv was noted for his good work as wicket-keeper.

When it came to the chase, the Edge Grove batters faced a challenging total. The most productive partnership came from Robert and Ian, who managed to put together a valuable 17 runs. Joshua and Aydin also showed resilience at the crease, combining for 14 runs across three overs. John and Cole chipped in with a further 11 runs as a pair.

Despite the loss, there are certainly positives for the Edge Grove Colts C to take away from this match, particularly the strong bowling performances from Robert, Joshua, and Aman, as well as the battling efforts of Robert and Ian with the bat. They’ll no doubt look to build on these individual performances in their next fixture.

Boys Colts E Cricket 

Edge Grove 270 Westbrook Hay 299

Edge Grove took to the crease first and posted a competitive total of 270 runs. The innings was anchored by a series of standout batting performances.

• Harry displayed good timing and shot selection to keep the fielders on the back foot
• Riley followed up with a fluent innings, rotating the strike well and finding the boundary when needed.
• Aiwa brought composure to the middle overs, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
• Avi finished strongly, accelerating the run rate in the final overs with some positive stroke play.

The batting unit displayed excellent teamwork and awareness, keeping the pressure on the Westbrook Hay fielders throughout the innings. In response, Westbrook Hay took on the challenge with confidence and chased down the target, finishing on 299 runs to claim victory.

Despite the outcome, Edge Grove’s bowling unit put in a tremendous effort:

• Tom A led the attack with disciplined line and length, troubling the top order.
• Louis bowled with accuracy and discipline, claiming crucial wickets and keeping the batters in check.
• Aarin demonstrated control and variation, building pressure through tight overs.
• Pranay bowled superbly at key moments to help his team stay on the front foot

All four bowlers deserve special praise for their commitment, energy, and skill, keeping Edge Grove in the match until the very end. Well done to all involved!

Boys Colts F Cricket

Edge Grove 89 Westbrook Hay

What a fantastic afternoon of cricket for our Colts F team! Batting first, Edge Grove posted a brilliant 289 runs, thanks to some superb hitting and positive running from Aahil, Adam, and Nico.

Then, our bowlers took centre stage! Aahil had a truly memorable moment, taking an incredible hatrick! He was excellently supported by Chenlang, Toran, and Joshua, who all bowled with great skill and control.

Overall, it was a superb display with many moments of learning and sportsmanship. Well done to all involved and we look forward to the next fixture!

Edge Grove U10A vs U10A York House

Edge Grove 302 vs 279 York House

A brilliant afternoon of girls cricket, with great scores all round. Ther girls won the toss and elected to bowl. Ayomipo opened the bowling with a brilliant over, giving only 3 runs off the bat, and a brilliant clean bowled wicket. Tippi, Ivy and Amber followed with more great bowling, with Amber also clean bowling the stumps. Edith, Jasmine, Lyra and Jemima all had a good first innings with the ball, with Jasmine getting a wicket in her over, with a beautiful run out from Edith. The girls were able to restrict York house to 240 off their overs.

Ayomipo and Edith opened the pairs batting and scored an incredible. Edith hit a phenomenal ball over the wall, followed by a combined score of 20 off the first over. The second over too did not disappoint, with another 16 runs off it, with beautiful rotation of the strike between the girls.Jasmine and Lyra came to the crease next, and put on an impressive 23 runs from 2 overs, taking Edge Grove into the lead before the second innings. Amber and Jemima gave batting a great go, and worked incredibly well together. Ivy and Tippi were the last to come to the crease scoring a brilliant 10 runs off 2 overs taking Edge Grove to 260 at the end of the first innings. 

The girls got off to an even better start in the second innings with Ayomipo, Tippi and Ivy only giving away a total of 9 runs in 3 overs. The girls were able to restrict York House to 279 runs at the end of the second innings. 

Lyra and Jasmine took to the crease, scoring an impressive 23 runs off 2 overs, rotating the strike really well, as well as communicating with each other. All the girls batted extremely well, but a big shout out to Edith who was coach and York House’s MVP.

U9A Boys Cricket vs Westbrook Hay

Edge Grove 241 – Westbrook Hay 242

Our U9A team was involved in a thrilling match against Westbrook Hay today! Batting first, Edge Grove put on a strong performance against some scintillating bowling, reaching 241 runs. Special mentions go to Raphael, Harry, and Daniel for their positive approach and some fantastic boundaries!

Bowling second, the boys showed incredible determination to restrict Westbrook Hay’s scoring. Teddy, Juan, and Rayan bowled superbly, making it a very tight contest that went right down to the final over.

In a tense final over bowled by Raphael, the team fought valiantly and even took a wicket with the last ball! Unfortunately, despite this effort, we fell just 1 run short.

The boys should be incredibly proud of their performance today. They gave it their all and played with great spirit. We look forward to their next match!

U9B Cricket vs Westbrook Hay

This U9s cricket match, played with a reduced team of just six, presented a significant fielding challenge due to the larger gaps on the pitch. Edge Grove made a confident start to their batting innings, with Raphy hitting several boundaries to take the score to 17 runs within the first two overs. Westbrook responded by introducing their most effective bowlers, which resulted in Edge Grove losing a few wickets and incurring run deductions. However, Seb then played a crucial innings, demonstrating excellent communication and intelligent placement of shots to score multiple boundaries and ultimately bring a positive conclusion to Edge Grove’s batting. 

Edge Grove’s bowling attack began strongly, with Monty delivering some impressively fast balls that put the Westbrook batsmen under pressure. Unfortunately, in the later overs, Westbrook mounted a successful counter-attack, scoring multiple boundaries and effectively protecting their wickets to surpass Edge Grove’s total and secure the win. 

Despite the loss, the boys gained valuable insights into areas for improvement and will undoubtedly use this experience to their benefit in future matches.

U9C Cricket vs Westbrook Hay

On a lovely afternoon, the U9C cricket team engaged in a keenly contested and spirited match against Westbrook Hay. Batting first, Edge Grove saw some valuable contributions throughout their innings.

Wolf proved to be a standout performer, demonstrating accuracy with the ball and exceptional fielding prowess. He also contributed crucial boundaries with the bat, adding vital runs to the total. Oscar also batted well and maintained excellent alertness in the field, preventing crucial runs. Torin impressed with his powerful leg-side shots, scoring some significant boundaries, and matched his batting with earnest fielding efforts. Kevin contributed well with the bat and bowled with a consistent line and length, keeping the Westbrook Hay batsmen in check.

However, it was Hamza’s excellent fielding and tight bowling that ultimately proved decisive. Bowling with great control throughout his overs, his final over yielded a key wicket that secured a hard-fought victory for Edge Grove.

In the end, Edge Grove emerged victorious with a final score of 43 runs, narrowly defeating Westbrook Hay who finished on 31 runs. The match was a testament to the team’s resilience and the excellent spirit in which it was played.

U9D Cricket vs Westbrook Hay

On a pleasant afternoon, the U9D cricket team faced a determined Westbrook Hay side in a closely fought match. Edge Grove began by bowling first, with Kwabena continuing his impressive progress, delivering balls with noticeable pace and accuracy. He later showcased his batting talent, striking several significant boundaries for the team and demonstrating excellent communication while running between the wickets.

Denis was a lively presence throughout the game, displaying great enthusiasm in the field. He also bowled well and made a valuable contribution with the bat. Adam proved to be a key batsman, scoring some excellent runs and running intelligently between the wickets. His fielding was also solid, making him a valuable all-round contributor to the team’s efforts. Wyatt played some well-executed shots during his innings and showed great determination with his bowling, working hard to keep the Westbrook Hay batsmen contained. Alexander enjoyed a fine afternoon, making good contributions with both bat and ball, and complementing this with some excellent fielding.

Despite a spirited effort and strong individual performances across the team, Edge Grove ultimately fell just short, losing a tight match with Westbrook Hay scoring 57 runs to Edge Grove’s 49. The closeness of the contest highlights the team’s competitiveness and the positive strides they are making.

U8 Mr McManus

Edge Grove 265 – Heath Mount 241

Edge Grove won by 24 runs

Edge Grove batted first and found scoring runs difficult. The bowling was slower than we have been used to and the boys found it difficult to adapt, however some good running between the wickets saw us score 90 runs for the loss of only 5 wickets. It was in the field where we excelled with our boys all bowling very well, not giving away many wides and being very accurate. We were alert and kept the scoring of Heath Mount down to a minimum. Ari was again a standout performer when bowling, taking 2 wickets and taking a great catch off his own bowling. Danny also bowled well and was rewarded with 2 wickets and Ray and Riyan also took a wicket each. Niam bowled extremely well and was unlucky to only take one wicket as his pace and accuracy really unsettled the batsmen. Neevan and Veer were the leaders in the field, setting a good example and always encouraging the team and looking to back up and contribute to the team effort. Arav, Matthew and James all bowled well and were unlucky not to take a wicket. Heath Mount finished with 81 runs for the loss of 8 wickets resulting in a win for Edge Grove by 24 runs.

U8 Miss Evan’s Team 1

Edge Grove 273-259 Heath Mount

Miss Evans’ U8 team played brilliantly to win their match against Heath Mount, finishing with a score of 273 runs to Heath Mount’s 259.

Edge Grove’s bowling was on great form. Eila bowled beautifully and took a well-deserved wicket, while Arjun impressed with two key wickets to help slow down the opposition’s scoring.

The team also batted confidently, showing good technique and teamwork. A highlight was Arjun’s excellent batting, where he struck two powerful fours to add to the team’s total.

It was a fantastic team performance, with both bat and ball. Well done to everyone involved!

Miss Evans’ Team 2

Edge Grove 251-276 Heath Mount 

Miss Evans’ U8 Team 2 put in a strong effort in their latest match, showing great determination and teamwork. The team batted well, with Maximilian and Aiden both hitting two excellent fours. Toby also made some good runs, helping Edge Grove to a solid total.

The players worked hard during their batting innings, showing good focus and teamwork to score plenty of runs. However, the bowling and fielding side of the game proved more challenging, with the team finding it difficult to stay focused in the field allowing Heath Mount to score multiple runs and 4’s.

There were lots of positives to take from the batting performance, and with a bit more concentration in the field, the team will continue to improve. Well done to all the players for their efforts!

U8 Mrs Emm’s team

Edge Grove 302 – 256 Heath Mount

What a brilliant afternoon of cricket in the sunshine for our U8s! Zachary and Savannah opened the bowling and got us off to a great start by taking two wickets. With excellent teamwork and sharp fielding all around, we managed to restrict the opposition to a total of 256 runs.

When it was our turn to bat, the team showed real confidence and skill. Thiago and Amirtaha led the charge with some powerful hitting, racking up an impressive number of 4s and 6s. Their efforts helped us finish with a strong total of 302.

Well done to all the players for a fantastic performance and great sportsmanship throughout. Go U8s!

U8 Mrs Senghani’s Team

Edge Grove 236 – 181 Heath Mount

An impressive afternoon of cricket from the year 3’s this week. Heath Mount elected to bat, which put Kush in to open the bowling, and what an over it was. Kush bowled a maiden over, with a brilliant run out from Harrison, not only in the first over, but the 2nd over too. Harrison and Shreyas also bowled impressively, with run outs from Shreyas and Noah. Alessandra bowled an excellent over, only giving away 1 run, followed by Leah how clean bowled the batman. Kush and Toyosi filled with brilliant wickets, bowling the opposition out. Big shout out to Harrison for his energy and excellent fielding and backing up.They were able to restrict Heath Mount to 181 with a total of 11 wickets in the innings.

Leah and Noah opened the batting, working really well to rotate the strike, with both Leah and Noah hitting a 4. Maximo and Montunrayo followed with excellent rotation of the strike, allowing them to score 18 runs off 15 balls. Tireni and Kush were the 3rd batting pair, and worked really well to strike the ball into space, and communicated really well as a pair. Toyosi and Harrison demonstrated great team work and energy at the crease. Shreyas and Alessandra were the final batting pair in scoring a brilliant 20 runs off 15 balls. They continually roasted the strike and both hit a 4.

Excellent work team. Keep up the hard work.

Hello!

Well that was Screen Free Week… back to reality!  Oh computer, how I’ve missed you.  Your warming glow.  Your internet access.  Your connectivity issues.  Your lack of any form of speed.  The blue wheel of death… ok maybe tech isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!

Congratulations to all those who tried to avoid the dreaded screen all week, even outside of school.  I got to 9:01am on Tuesday, but wow that one minute was hard.  I’m incredibly impressed with anyone who managed to keep it up for the week.  It highlights how much technology has progressed and especially how integrated into our lives it has become.  With a little moderation, it is an incredibly powerful tool.

This week’s House Assembly featured a series of games preparing our Houses for Sports Day and building key teamwork skills.  Every student was out on the Paddock, running, leap-frogging, crawling, jumping and laughing their way through multiple activities.  So much fun was had as you can see in the photos below!

Now onto our joke of the week.  Please keep sending them to me on the Google Form here.  All entries receive one House Point, with the winner receiving ten!  Our winner this week is our very own Head Pupil Robert with this banger of a joke:

Someone once told me I had to walk a mile in their shoes.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now that I’m a mile away and I’ve got their shoes.

Congratulations to Robert, and I’m looking forward to seeing what you all come up with for this week!  You can see all of this week’s entries below.

Welcome to Screen Celebration Week!

Mr Evans
Head of Houses
Director of Music
Absolute Legend

Other entries:

I used to be a baker but I couldn’t make enough dough.

What did the police say to the belly button? You’re under a vest.

A man was wondering how long it would take to throw a frisbee around the world, but then one day it hit him!

Why Iron-man Not FE-male

What’s Oliver Twist’s favourite snack? S’more

My dad’s colour blind. He had some shocking news today: it really came out of the purple.

What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? A stick!

What do you get when you cross a bear with a maths teacher? I don’t know but I would run.

Why did Mr Evans bring a ladder to assembly? He needed help hitting the high notes.

Who’s the best underwater agent. James Pond.

Why did the cookie go to the doctor? Because it felt crummy.

Why did the ostrich cross the road? Because it was the chicken’s day off.

What kind of fish do you catch at night? Starfish.

What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.

Why did the students eat their homework? Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake.

What do you get if you cross an angry sheep with an angry cow? Two animals in a baaaaaaad mooooood.

As our Year 6 pupils move into the final phases of their chosen senior schools’ admissions processes, parents with pupils in lower year groups may be starting to think more about the journey that they and their child will be embarking on in the not too distant future. If your child is in Year 5 or below and you would like to meet to discuss their academic profile and next steps, please book an appointment via Mrs Thomas, Head’s PA on futureschools@edgegrove.com 

The Future Schools Presentation to Parents is now available to view on the Future School Documents section of the app.

INFORMATION FROM SENIOR SCHOOLS

ABINGDON SCHOOL

Abingdon Senior School will start to welcome girls to our First Year (Year 7) and Sixth Form from September 2026. We will therefore welcome girls at the 13+ stage in 2028.  

We have a number of events for prospective families running throughout the course of this term and next – all of which can be booked online via this link.

ABBOT’S HILL SCHOOL

13+ Scholarship Opportunities

We have recently launched some new Scholarship opportunities. Scholarships will be available in the following areas:

Sport
Music
Drama
Art+Design

Enquiries to  https://www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk/scholarships/ or email admissions@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE

Our next Open Morning is on Saturday 10th May 2025 10am – 1:30pm. Registration for this event can be found here.

BISHOPS STORTFORD COLLEGE

Whole School Open Event – Saturday 20th September

11+ entry in September 2026. 

Application Deadline for entry to the College in September 2026: 

Monday 3 November 2025

Scholarship Assessment Days:

Tuesday 11 November 2025 (11+ art and music) 

Wednesday 12 November 2025 (11+ sport)

11+ Entry Testing Day:  

Saturday 15 November 2025

Outcomes sent to parents:

Friday 28 November 2025

CHANNING SCHOOL

Summer Term “school-in-action” Open Mornings – Attendance is by booking tickets in advance, at the following links:

Thursday 24 April (9am – 11am)

Tuesday 24 June (9am – 11am)

Here are the Channing 11+ (2026) key dates for your diary:

11+ Application Deadline: Friday 7 November 2025

Bursary and Music Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday 7 November 2025

Channing offers both bursaries and Scholarships for Year 7.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at admissions@channing.co.uk if we can be of further assistance.

CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

11+ Admissions Brochure

 For more information and to book, visit www.clsg.org.uk

HAILEYBURY

We are always happy to welcome any interested families to come and visit us; this can be done in a number of ways:

• Families can book onto one of our Open Events. Please encourage prospective families to book their place via the School’s website. 
• Contact the Admissions department (admissions7to9@haileybury.com / 01992 706353 ) to arrange an individual family visit during term time.

Once a family has decided to proceed with an application to Haileybury, we encourage them to register with us by completing our online Registration Form.

JOHN LYON SCHOOL

Admissions Brochure

To book a School in Action Open Morning please contact admissions@johnlyon.org

KING’S CANTERBURY

Open Morning Saturday 17 May

There will be displays and exhibitions of life at King’s all around the school.

The link to sign up is:

https://www.kings-school.co.uk/admissions/senior-kings/register-for-an-open-morning/

THE LEYS

Information on small group visits can be found here and, in addition, we’re always pleased to discuss the possibility of a private visit with families too.

LONDON 11+ CONSORTIUM

Information regarding the Consortium can be found on our website.

These are the key dates:

Closing date for registrations: Friday 7 November 2025

Consortium Assessment dates: Friday 28 November, Tuesday 2 December and Thursday 4

December 2025

Offer date: Friday 13 February 2026

Deadline to accept: Wednesday 4 March 2026 – 12 noon

MILL HILL

Visit Our School | Senior Admissions North London | Mill Hill

MILL HILL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

APTITUDE TEST DATES FOR YEAR 7 ENTRY FROM SEPTEMBER 2026

Registrations for Aptitude Tests will open on Friday 21st March 2025 and close at 3pm on Friday 9th May 2025. Registrations for Aptitude Tests are to be made online via the Mill Hill County High School website

https://www.mhchs.org.uk/1763/apply-for-aptitude-tests-4

QUEENSWOOD 

We are holding our final Open Morning of this academic year on Saturday 10 May. Please use this  booking link.

Families will have the chance to tour Queenswood, hear from our Principal, meet pupils and staff, ask any admissions questions and take part in lots of fun educational activities. Of course, no visit to ‘Q’ would be complete without sampling our legendary food – brunch will be served in the Dining Room from 11.30am.

RADLEY COLLEGE – 2026 ENTRY INFORMATION

All the details of our Open Days can be found on our website here. 

All 2028 entrants, regardless of their route of entry, will need to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Tests by 28 November 2025 .Parents need to register their children directly with the ISEB to sit the Common Pre-Tests via the ISEB Parent Portal. Parent Registration will open on 10 June 2025. 

Boys who have been shortlisted following receipt of the ISEB Common Pre-Tests results and Head’s report, will be asked to attend one of the following Assessment Days:

13, 15, 20, 22, 27 January & 3, 5 February 2026.

RMS – PRIVATE TOUR OF RMS FOR GIRLS – Contact Admissions to book a tour

 Do not hesitate to contact our friendly Admissions Team who will happily arrange a private tour of the School at a time convenient for you.
Please contact admissions@rmsforgirls.com 

ROEDEAN SCHOOL

13+ Open Afternoon – 9 May 2025

Roedean is hosting an Open Afternoon on 9 May for students starting their admissions journey for 2028. This event is tailored for families with girls in Year 5, but will also be helpful for children in older year groups who are still deciding on their Senior School.

SHREWSBURY SCHOOL

We are always delighted to welcome families to our Open Days, when they can get a sense of our beautiful campus site.  Each Open Day starts with a presentation from the Headmaster and other senior staff, followed by a Q&A session with pupils.  Families visit one of our houses and then enjoy a school tour with pupils, followed by lunch.  Open Days & School Tours | Shrewsbury School

The Director of Admissions, Martin Cropper (mc@shrewsbury.org.uk), is always pleased to talk to parents and to offer advice on our Admissions process.  We welcome applications for September 2026 onwards, and a small number of places for September 2025 have recently become available.

SOUTH WEST HERTS CONSORTIUM – Secondary Transfer 2026

This year, registration for the tests spans a period of almost ten weeks, from Tuesday 1st April to Friday 6th June 2025. As previously, no late registrations will be accepted. If a parent has extenuating circumstances for failing to register for the tests, this may be cited as part of an appeal to an independent panel at a secondary transfer appeal hearing.

The Test Administration Team can be contacted via email only at info@swhertsschools.org.uk. There is no facility to telephone.

Key testing dates can be found in the image at the bottom of this section.

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL

The School has numerous Open Mornings taking place. These are a great opportunity for families to discover what a Tonbridge education can offer their son, as well as the chance to meet boys and staff.

Come along and find out what makes us the top boys’ boarding school in the country as well as the best boys’ school in the South-East, as ranked by The Sunday Times’ Parent Power table.

Book your place using this link.

UPPINGHAM SCHOOL

Uppingham’s Visiting Days Families can sign up to attend via our website or contact Sarah Heading (sch@uppingham.co.uk). 

This term is such a busy one with so much organising going on behind the scenes!

We are excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for Edge Fest, a treat of a weekend on 7/8 June including a night under the stars on our beautiful grounds. Tickets can be purchased here

Ticket sales will close on Friday 23rd May so make sure you get in there early!

We are also busy selling Edge Grove branded hoodies and torches. Perfect for camping trips, enrichment week and forest school! The deadline for the hoodies to be here in time for enrichment week is 13 May so please get ordering soon!

The second hand uniform shop is looking very empty right now! We are especially short of PE kit and cricket whites, so please drop any unwanted items to the main or junior receptions so they can be used by someone else!

Don’t forget FOEG coffee mornings will take place on 14 May, 13 June and the AGM will be on 1 July. It would be great to see you there. Anyone who would like to help us out next year please do get in touch!

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend.

Mrs Carr
Chair of the Friends of Edge Grove

With summer approaching, and outdoor spaces becoming more and more tempting, many children and teens will be excited about throwing themselves into sports!

They won’t be alone either as there are many upcoming sporting events in the calendar this year, including the Women’s Euro Football Championship and the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Participation in sport offers numerous benefits. Parents recognise that engaging in physical activity can promote not only better health but also emotional well-being, giving children the opportunity to connect with others.

Whatever sports your child enjoys, use these Tooled Up resources to help support them to reach their potential.

For children doing organised or competitive sport, it’s important for them to get the right nutritional help at home. Our resource Nutrition for Young Athletes has all the information you need and plenty of tips for a healthier diet for all children.

2025 might not be an Olympic year, but older children and teens will enjoy the inspirational stories in our downloadable resource on Olympic Values. It encourages reflection and discussion on key Olympic and Paralympic values including respect, excellence and determination.

The reality of sport is that at some point, we all lose. Losing is one of life’s most important lessons as it helps to build resilience. Developing Resilience to Losing provides a host of tips to help children foster this important skill.