HEAD’S BULLETIN Summer 2026
HEAD’S MESSAGE As another wonderful summer term ends, I am incredibly moved by the dedication, resilience and remarkable achievements of our entire school community. This past year has truly highlighted our collective drive to learn, grow and thrive together. Our pupils have thrown themselves into every opportunity with boundless energy, achieving so many personal milestones while bringing kindness, curiosity and focus to everything they do. Whether shining on the sports fields, exploring creative arts or diving into academic and cocurricular challenges, their unique talents and steadfast spirit have been a joy to watch. Looking forward, we are absolutely thrilled about the developments on the horizon for our school: the expansion of our Eastbourne provision to Year 11, launching the boutique, streamlined Bede’s Upper School in September 2027 to offer a seamless, affordable path to GCSEs. In preparation, we are rolling out campus investments over the summer and throughout the coming year. We are incredibly excited for the year ahead as we prepare for this historic evolution, all while keeping the nurturing “Bede’s DNA” firmly at the heart of our Prep School. I want to say a huge thank you to our outstanding team of staff, who pour so much passion and care into making our school such an inspiring and welcoming place to learn. Equal thanks go to you, our parents; your constant enthusiasm, partnership and encouragement are invaluable to us, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.
I hope you all take some time to step away, enjoy the fresh air and soak up the beauty of nature. May your weeks ahead be packed with laughter, cherished moments and beautiful sunny days. Wishing you all a safe, happy, and enjoyable summer break. Mrs Morris, Head of the Prep School
ECO WEEK Our environmental work has reached new heights this year, with pupils across the school demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability and global citizenship. The school calendar remains packed with purposeful initiatives, most notably our vibrant Eco Week which featured the ever popular Blackout Day, a whole-school eco quiz, an educational visit to the Lewes Wildlife Reserve, competitions, and much more. To celebrate the centenary of Sir David Attenborough, every form from Reception to Year 8 engaged in bespoke projects to honour his conservation legacy, ensuring his message of stewardship resonates throughout the entire school community. Together with an ongoing battery recycling initiative and “arty” recycling competitions, these efforts strongly support our current EcoSchools Green Flag application, showcasing a curriculum that is environmentally conscious.
These diverse activities not only enrich our curriculum but actively empower our pupils to see themselves as global citizens capable of making a tangible difference. We look forward to sharing further updates as our Eco-Schools Green Flag application progresses. Miss McDonell, Year 4 Teacher
A standout achievement involved our Year 4 pupils, who integrated English and Topic studies to write persuasive letters regarding marine pollution and deforestation to influential figures, including the Prime Minister, Ambassadors, and various supermarket CEOs. The two replies received so far have served to validate their efforts and create a fantastic ‘buzz’ in the classroom, proving that our pupils can be powerful advocates for change. A new addition to our calendar this year was the very first Bede’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. The competition was a resounding success, attracting a breathtaking array of entries. Beyond the classroom, this initiative encouraged our pupils and their families to venture outside, engage with the natural world, and support a genuine, lifelong connection with nature.
YEAR 3, 4 AND 5 TRIP TO LEWES WILDLIFE RESERVE What a fabulous time Years 3, 4, and 5 had at Lewes Wildlife Reserve during our school Eco Week! Pupils enjoyed a full, gloriously sunny day of outdoor adventures, diving deep into the wonders of our local environment. The morning was a particular highlight as the children took part in a very popular pond dipping session, discovering a variety of aquatic life including stickleback fish, tadpoles, and mayfly larvae. After some peaceful time spent creating detailed field sketches of their finds, they headed into the woods for an afternoon of exploring food webs and wildlife spotting. Our young explorers kept their eyes peeled, successfully spotting a robin’s nest and a red kite, while “eagle-eyed” Thomas even identified a hooded crow! It was a wonderful way to bring our Eco Week studies to life through hands-on discovery and fresh air. Miss McDonell, Year 4 Teacher
YEAR 3 AND 4 RESIDENTIAL TRIP TO BUSHY WOOD Our residential trip to Bushy Wood with Years 3 and 4 was an outstanding success, filled with adventure, personal growth, and wonderful memories. From the moment we arrived, the children’s excitement was palpable, particularly as they eagerly took on the challenge of setting up their own camp beds. Our first evening was spent building team spirit through a series of energetic games, followed by a cosy movie night that set a perfect tone for the days ahead. The highlight of our second day was a trip to Princes Park Lake, reached in style aboard the ‘Big Lemon’ bus. The incredible team from Buzz Active expertly guided the children in learning to windsurf and sail. The water activities were a refreshing and welcome treat on such a warm day, and the staff were deeply impressed by the children’s courage in trying these new skills. Throughout these challenges, pupils demonstrated remarkable teamwork and a genuine sense of compassion, consistently cheering each other on and offering support. After returning to the campsite, the children enjoyed the natural freedom of the woods, spending time playing together and engaging in creative craft activities. The day also featured a special celebration for Theo’s birthday, which added a wonderful layer of excitement to our stay. As evening fell, we gathered around a campfire to enjoy toasted marshmallows before setting off on an adventurous night-time nature walk with our torches. We were also very well looked after, with the quality of the food provided throughout the trip being absolutely amazing. Our final morning was a lesson in responsibility as the children efficiently packed away their belongings and tidied the site. Before our departure, they enjoyed a fun visit to the campsite shop and one last lunch amidst the trees. It was an absolutely fantastic residential in every respect, and the staff couldn’t be prouder of how the children conducted themselves, showing such independence and community spirit throughout the entire trip. Mrs Barrett, Year 3 Teacher
YEAR 3 AND 4 PERFORMANCE, “GRIMM: ONCE UPON A MUSICAL” Our talented pupils in Years 2, 3, and 4 recently joined forces for a spectacular production of Grimm: The Musical, and what a tremendous success it was! The clever storyline subverted traditional fairy tales, opening at the annual Villains’ Convention where the famed Grimm brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm, assure the “baddies” that their wicked ways and nasty endings for the heroes are safely set in stone. Fed up with their constant misfortune, beloved characters like Cinderella, Hansel, Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood decide to rebel, banding together to fight for the happy resolution they deserve. The children clearly had a thrilling time bringing this witty story to life. We were incredibly impressed by the outstanding singing and the dedication shown by the entire cast; learning lines is no small feat, and several pupils conquered a hugely ambitious amount of script. Every single child worked remarkably hard to make the production shine, and we are immensely proud of their brilliant teamwork and creativity. Miss McDonell, Year 4 Teacher
CHORAL MORNING FOR YEARS 3 AND 4 On Thursday 21 May, our Year 3 and 4 pupils participated in a vibrant and high-energy Choral Morning, further strengthening the creative links between our Eastbourne and Upper Dicker campuses. We were delighted to work with Gillian Ramm, one of the expert vocal teachers from the Senior School, who led an inspiring workshop that focused on vocal technique, performance confidence, and the pure joy of singing together. The centrepiece of the morning was the catchy and characterful song, ‘Ed the Invisible Dragon’, composed by Donna Rhodenizer. This Juno-nominated piece, known for its jaunty swing feel, tells the humorous story of a mischievous dragon who creates chaos and leaves his young owners to take the blame. Our pupils were thoroughly enthralled by the narrative and threw themselves into learning the song’s signature actions with fantastic enthusiasm.
It was wonderful to see the children engage so positively with the workshop, developing their expressive storytelling skills through music. The experience not only allowed them to explore their vocal range but also provided a brilliant platform for them to work alongside a specialist from the Senior School. The morning was a superb showcase of our pupils’ curiosity and talent, and the room’s infectious energy served as a perfect reminder of how music brings our community together. Mr Farley, Head of Faculty for Performing and Creative Arts
STEM FAIR 2026 Our recent STEM Fair was a tremendous success, bringing together our own school community alongside 82 pupils from five local primary schools for an exciting day of discovery, exploration, and hands-on learning. The event was filled with engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage children to explore the world around them through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. One of the highlights of the day was the spectacular bubble show, which captivated pupils with incredible demonstrations and even gave them the unforgettable experience of standing inside a giant bubble. Children were also thrilled by the visit from the fire service, where they had the opportunity to explore a fire engine up close and learn more about the important role firefighters play within our community. Another memorable experience came through the astronomy activities, where pupils were able to safely observe the sun and explore other fascinating sights within our local environment. The STEM Fair also provided exciting opportunities for pupils to interact with a variety of animals, including snakes and frogs, helping to develop their understanding of wildlife and the natural world through hands-on experiences. Throughout the day, pupils demonstrated enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent teamwork as they engaged with the wide range of STEM activities on offer. It was wonderful to see pupils asking thoughtful questions, exploring new ideas, and embracing challenges with confidence and excitement. The event successfully showcased the importance of STEM education while creating memorable experiences that inspired pupils to think creatively and develop a deeper appreciation for science and discovery. We are incredibly grateful to the staff, visitors, and organisations who helped make the day such an enjoyable and enriching experience for all involved. Ms Brown, Head of Faculty for STEM
STEM SECTION PROJECT The pupils took part in our exciting STEM Fan-Powered Car Project and Race Event — the first project of its kind at the school. The project was a fantastic success and showcased the creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering skills of pupils across all Sections. Each Section worked collaboratively to design and build a fanpowered car. Teams were judged on several elements, including their engineering log, aesthetics and design of their car, the speed of the car, and how effectively the car could transport a load. It was an exciting afternoon as children enthusiastically cheered on their teams and watched the thrilling race-off competition unfold. The atmosphere was filled with energy, encouragement, and healthy competition throughout the event. Congratulations to Eagle, who were crowned STEM Project Champions and proudly took home the STEM trophy for their outstanding overall performance. Hawk finished in an impressive second place after a closely contested competition. The project provided pupils with a valuable opportunity to apply STEM skills in a practical and engaging way while developing resilience, communication, creativity, and teamwork. A huge thank you goes to all staff who supported the project and helped make the event such a memorable experience for the children. We look forward to building on the success of this project in the future. Ms Brown, Head of Faculty for STEM
RECEPTION WORKSHOP AT PIZZA EXPRESS Reception had a wonderful trip to Pizza Express, where the children became mini chefs for the morning! Dressed in their chef hats, the children learned all about where pizza ingredients come from and how pizzas are made. They discovered that the colours of the Italian flag are represented on a traditional pizza through the red tomato base, white mozzarella cheese and green basil. The children were fascinated to learn that the pizza oven cooks at over 500°C and can bake a pizza in less than three minutes! They also had the opportunity to taste toppings such as olives and were encouraged to be flavour explorers by trying new ingredients. Everyone enjoyed creating their own pizzas and asking lots of thoughtful questions throughout the visit. The staff at Pizza Express were very impressed with the children’s enthusiasm, curiosity and excellent behaviour. As a reward for all their hard work, the children took home their delicious homemade pizzas. We had a fantastic time and are so proud of how amazing the children were throughout the trip! Mrs Gallagher, Reception Teacher
ECO-WRITING COMPETITION Earlier this year, our annual Trust-wide Eco-writing competition took place. Both Senior and Prep pupils were invited to display their passion for the environment by crafting convincing pieces on a variety of ecological themes. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, and many of our Prep pupils submitted compositions, which were judged equally alongside all other year groups across the Trust. The judges ultimately selected three overall winners and six runners-up.
Yahal was presented with a certificate and prize money for his brilliant entry, which we hope will inspire and guide him toward a bright literary pathway ahead. Congratulations to Yahal and to everyone who took part! Mrs Wilson, Assistant Head: Head of Academics
We are absolutely delighted that Yahal’s writing was chosen as one of the six runners-up—a truly wonderful achievement for a Year 7 pupil!
MIND’S EYE MAGAZINE 2026 Mind’s Eye Prep is a yearly publication that showcases writing from top prep schools in the south-east. This is the fifth year running that it has featured articles from Year 7 pupils at Bede’s Prep! We are delighted that all five magazine articles submitted to Mind’s Eye were accepted for publication. Coco, Esther, Miron, Xanthe and Yahal wrote articles that articulately displayed curiosity and passion for their chosen subjects, researching areas ranging from the importance of arts in schools to our fear of sharks, with due reference to Spielberg’s iconic movie ‘Jaws’!
We are so proud of our talented writers and invite you to use the QR code below to read the online version of the magazine. Mrs Wilson, Assistant Head: Head of Academics
YEARS 7 AND 8 WATCH ANIMAL FARM On Thursday 14 May, our Year 7 and 8 pupils were treated to a truly captivating afternoon as they travelled to the Senior School to watch their ambitious and powerful production of George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’. From the moment the performance began, our pupils were completely enthralled, drawn into the high-intensity drama and the impressive performances. It was a particularly wonderful and proud moment to see so many former Prep pupils taking leading and supporting roles within the cast. Seeing these familiar faces transition so successfully to the Senior School stage provided a fantastic bridge between our two campuses and highlighted the incredible journey our performers take. Witnessing their older peers perform with such poise and talent was deeply inspiring for our current Year 7 and 8 pupils. We hope this experience ignites their own ambitions to join productions themselves, continuing the rich tradition of performing arts excellence and the unmistakable Bede’s spirit. Mr Farley, Head of Faculty for Performing and Creative Arts
PERFORMING SHAKESPEARE REGIONAL FINALS On Wednesday 20 May, Bede’s Prep were delighted to host the Regional Finals of the English Speaking Union’s Performing Shakespeare competition. The event was ably hosted by Alfie in Year 8, who introduced the performers and guided us through the evening. Eddie, also Year 8, had progressed through two previous rounds and performed fabulously, delivering a moving monologue from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and speaking about the scene with understanding and enthusiasm. Winners from the Regional Finals will go forward to the Grand Final held at The Globe. We are immensely proud of his achievement and dedication in reaching this stage of the competition. Mrs Jones, Curriculum Enrichment Projects Lead
YEAR 6 TRIP TO LEGOLAND WINDSOR Our Year 6 pupils recently traded the classroom for a day of brick-tastic adventure at Legoland, and it is safe to say the trip was a resounding success from start to finish. The highlight of the morning was the hands-on “Science of Rollercoasters” workshop. Our young engineers dived headfirst into the physics of thrills, showing incredible creativity and teamwork. The designs they pitched were so impressive and imaginative that we suspect a few pupils might genuinely have a future career in rollercoaster design! The rest of the day was spent putting that science into action. The pupils explored the park and tested out the rides firsthand, safely investigating gravity, momentum, and G-force (while engineering some very loud screams along the way). We were incredibly proud of how sensibly the pupils conducted themselves, perfectly balancing high energy fun with excellent behaviour. It was a fantastic, memorable day out and the perfect way to celebrate a wonderful year of hard work. A huge well done to Year 6 for being such brilliant ambassadors for the School! Mrs Turner, Science Subject Lead
‘YOUNG AT HEART’ VISITS TO CAMELOT HOUSE This summer term, our pupils have been shining examples of our school values during their weekly visits to Camelot House Nursing Home as part of our Activities programme. Demonstrating exemplary care, empathy, and compassion, they have truly been incredible ambassadors for our school. Each week, the home is filled with joy and smiles as pupils engage wholeheartedly with the residents—whether they are sharing stories, diving into creative art projects, playing board games, or bringing everyone together through music by playing the piano and singing. These afternoons have fostered beautiful, meaningful relationships, proving immensely rewarding for both the residents and our young people. We are immensely proud of the kindness and dedication our pupils have shown in bringing so much warmth to the local community. Miss McDonell, Year 4 Teacher
VISITING AUTHOR, KATE O’HEARN During the Summer term, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming highly successful children’s author Kate O’Hearn into school for a fantastic morning of writing workshops with pupils from Year 2 to Year 8. Kate, a Canadian-born but now local author, is famous for her fantasy and mythological adventure series and during the morning, she shared fascinating insights into the ‘Hero’s Journey’ storytelling pattern. Children were able to track this structure through well-known storylines such as Harry Potter, The Hobbit and even Star Wars! With wonderful charisma, Kate shared snippets of her stories and experiences as a professional author before inspiring pupils to craft and share their own creative stories. Mrs Wilson, Assistant Head: Head of Academics
ANCIENT GREEK DAY FOR YEAR 4 Year 4 immersed themselves in all things Greek with a spectacular, jam-packed Ancient Greek Day to celebrate our Summer term topic. The children arrived looking fantastic in an array of creative costumes—including a very convincing Minotaur! The morning was spent engaging in various cross-curricular classroom activities, including navigating complex labyrinths, designing mythology-based ‘Top Trumps’ cards, and crafting Greek nameplates using paper the children had carefully ‘aged’ earlier in the week. A particular highlight of the day was our epic Olympic Games, held in the beautiful surroundings of the Italian Gardens. Representing the historic city-states of Athens, Sparta, and Corinth, the pupils demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship across the discus, javelin, sprints, and a thrilling chariot race, with Corinth ultimately crowned the victors. To conclude their historic adventure, our young Olympians enjoyed a magnificent themed feast in the Dining Room. Our wonderful kitchen staff and chefs put so much thought and effort into preparing a delicious and memorable meal for the children. Miss McDonell, Year 4 Teacher
UPPER SIXTH VISIT THE PREP SCHOOL There is a unique kind of magic in returning to the place where it all began. Our Year 13 pupils took a nostalgic step back in time, returning to the Prep School to revisit the very classrooms where their Bede’s journeys first started. Welcomed back with open arms by Mrs Morris, the atmosphere was instantly charged with excitement and warmth. For some of these pupils, it had been five long years since they last walked these corridors. Listening to them eagerly recall fond memories of their early school days was nothing short of heartwarming.
Good luck, Class of 2026. No matter how far you go, you will always have a home here at Bede’s. Mrs Fitzgerald, Alumni Relations Officer
The visit was a beautiful trip down memory lane. Our soon-tobe graduates reunited with former teachers, shared laughs and toured their old classrooms. The biggest takeaway from the tour? The desks definitely felt (and looked) a lot smaller now! The day was punctuated by an incredibly special lunch, giving the leavers a chance to sit down and catch up with the mentors who helped shape and guide them during their formative years. One of the pupils remarked: “There’s something incredibly powerful about looking back at how far you’ve come before taking that next step in life.” This emotional homecoming proved to be more than just a trip down memory lane; it was the perfect way for the pupils to recharge their batteries. Reconnecting with their roots provided a well-timed boost of inspiration right before the final exam push. We are immensely proud of the resilient, accomplished and incredible young adults our Year 13s have become. They have grown from wide-eyed Prep pupils into confident leaders ready to take on the world. Their next step is tackling those final exams with focus and determination, before celebrating the absolute end of an era with a bang at the highly anticipated Leavers Ball.
SUPPORTING JAMAICA Over the past few weeks, our school community has come together with incredible energy and empathy to support those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. To kickstart our fundraising efforts, our vibrant Jamaica Colours Day, which saw the entire school come alive. Pupils and staff wore clothes representing the green, gold, and black of the Jamaican flag, creating a powerful and visible symbol of solidarity and global community spirit. The excitement continued with pupils beating the heat by purchasing ice lollies during their break. This proved to be a fantastic initiative, as a simple sweet treat turned into a meaningful contribution with all of the proceeds going directly toward the disaster relief fund. Because of your incredible support, we have raised £300 so far at the time of writing for the relief effort. These donations will go directly toward providing supplies and rebuilding efforts for the families impacted by the hurricane.
We want to extend a massive thank you to all of our pupils, staff, and to you, our parents and carers, for your continued generosity. Events like this remind us just how powerful our school community can be when we work together to make a difference in the world. Ms Brown, Head of Faculty for STEM
RAD BALLET EXAMS In March, our talented Year 6 to 8 dancers took part in their Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet exams, which were held in the beautiful studios at Legat Dance Academy at the Senior School. Pupils entered for their Grade 3 and Grade 4 Solo Performance Awards, an excellent assessment framework that allows them to hone their individual presentation skills by performing three distinct solos in front of a live examiner. Every single pupil worked incredibly hard, showcasing both their technical dedication and their passion on the day. I am extremely proud of their outstanding results, which included 3 Distinctions and 4 High Merits—a testament to their brilliant efforts and artistry. Mrs Emma Manes, Ballet Teacher
RAD MT EXAMINATIONS We are thrilled to celebrate our pupils’ success in the newly available Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Musical Theatre examinations. These prestigious qualifications are an ideal fit for our many talented pupils who possess a passion for the “triple threat” of singing, dancing, and acting. During our co-curricular activity sessions, candidates prepared for their assessments by rotating through an innovative carousel. This allowed them to receive specialist tuition from the heads of Drama, Dance, and Music, ensuring a comprehensive and highstandard approach to their training. It has been a pleasure to witness our pupils grow in confidence through this process, and they all performed wonderfully during their final examinations. The RAD syllabus is designed to develop technical proficiency while encouraging individual interpretation and creative expression. We are delighted to confirm that we aim to continue offering this fantastic activity in the next academic year. We thoroughly recommend it to any pupil who enjoys the full spectrum of the performing arts, as it provides a superb platform for creative growth and professional-level assessment. Mr Farley, Head of Faculty for Performing and Creative Arts
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY COMPETITION Just before half term we hosted our Yearly Dance Choreography Competition. Open to pupils from Years 3 to 8, the event was a spectacular showcase of talent, teamwork, and raw creativity from across the year groups. What makes this competition so incredibly special is that it is entirely pupil-led. Our teachers have absolutely nothing to do with the dances! It was a joy to step back and watch what the pupils could create entirely on their own. The competition offered a brilliant platform for them to channel their creativity and apply their dance skills in a completely fresh, independent way. The variety of performances this year was outstanding. Some brave dancers took to the stage for solo performances, while others teamed up for dynamic duets and small groups. It was heartwarming to witness our pupils working together so collaboratively, negotiating choreography and supporting one another. Equally inspiring was seeing individuals possess the confidence and courage to stand under the spotlight and perform entirely on their own. It takes a huge amount of bravery to create a piece of art from scratch and share it with an audience—every single participant should be immensely proud.
While every single dancer brought something unique to the stage, a special congratulations must go to our placed performers: Years 3 & 4: • 1st Place: Tui (Solo) • 2nd Place: Christabel (Solo) • 3rd Place: Tui & Mia (Duet) Years 5, 6, 7 & 8: • 1st Place: Scarlett (Solo) • 2nd Place: Eden, Katya & Bethany (Group) • 3rd Place: Lexi & Scarlett (Duet) Thank you to everyone who practiced so hard, to the parents for their ongoing encouragement, and to Miss Huggett for her expert judging. We already cannot wait to see what our choreographers come up with next year! Mrs Ullah, Head of Dance
We were absolutely thrilled to welcome back a very familiar face to help us mark the occasion. A huge thank you to our guest judge, Miss Huggett, who has previously taught at the school. It was wonderful to have her return to Bede’s, and she was thoroughly impressed by just how much the pupils’ technique, expression, and confidence have grown since she last saw them!
LEGAT DANCE SHOW AT THE CONGRESS THEATRE In June, our wonderful Bede’s Prep dancers took to the stage at The Congress Theatre for the Bede’s Legat Dance Academy performance of ‘One Night Only’. They performed brilliantly alongside our Legat Company members, Senior School Musical Theatre pupils, and Legat Pre-Associates and Associates. Our pupils’ professionalism throughout the day was outstanding. Behind the scenes, the dressing rooms were filled with excitement and camaraderie as they bonded over hair, make-up, and rehearsals on the impressive stage. This fantastic teamwork translated beautifully into a truly magnificent performance. We are incredibly proud of all our pupils for their hard work and success. A huge thank you also goes to our wonderful community of friends and family for filling the auditorium and showing such fantastic support! Mrs Manes, Principal of Legat Associates
A SUMMER OF TENNIS SUCCESS! hat a wonderful Summer Term we have had on the tennis W court! The sun has shone, and our tennis players have most definitely shone too! National IAPS Glory - T he Bede’s team struck Gold at the IAPS tournament in Bristol, with Fynn and Mason emerging victorious against all the prep schools in the UK! Our success didn’t stop there; Livvy and Eliza put in a fantastic performance to take home Bronze, while Matthew and Lake secured a brilliant Silver. Unstoppable Boys’ Teams - Our Under-13 Boys (Fynn, Mason, Matthew, and Lake) have had a sensational season. Not only are they the LTA Sussex Under-13 Champions, but they also played an age group higher to claim the Under-14 County Championship title! Furthermore, they have won the LTA National Youth Sussex League and we are eagerly waiting to find out whether we face Surrey or Middlesex in the next round. N ot to be outdone, our Under-11 Boys team (both Matthews, Lake, and Arthur) were just as successful, proudly lifting the Under-11 Sussex County Championship trophy. Outstanding Girls’ Results - O ur Girls’ teams have done equally brilliantly! Amelia, Lily, Tilly, Eliza, and Livvy are the LTA National Youth Tournament winners and are also waiting to hear who they play next. A special mention must go to Amelia and Lily, who won the Under-14 Sussex Championships. Amelia then played up in the Under-15 Sussex Championships and won that title as well—an incredible individual achievement! O ur Under-11 Girls (Maya, Alessia, Mimi, Maria, Delphi, and Solomia) also had a fantastic run, finishing as proud Sussex County Finalists. The Annual Mayfield Tournament also took place in June. This tournament has been running for 24 years and the schools entered are from a totally different area, mainly Kent. Amelia and Lily played some inspired tennis to take the victory in that event too! Junior Teams and Senior Triumphs - The future of Bede’s tennis looks incredibly bright with our Under-8 and Under-9 teams both becoming champions. Arthur, Gabe, Archie, Noah, and Raphael won Gold in the LTA Sussex Championships, a feat matched exactly by our talented girls’ team: Sophia, Libby, Christabel, and Olivia. F inally, the Bede’s 1st Team travelled to the prestigious Hurlingham Club in Putney for their annual cup fixture, winning convincingly this year! It was a fabulous day out filled with some truly fantastic tennis.
hat a spectacular term of tennis, with Lake, Matthew, Gabe, W Arthur, Maya and Alessia all being selected to represent Sussex in their respective age groups. Huge congratulations to every single one of our players. These outstanding achievements have made the entire Bede’s community incredibly proud! Mrs Nash, Prep Tennis Lead
FAMILY PAIRS TENNIS COMPETITIONS What a lovely display of tennis from our mums, dads and their children in our Annual Family Pairs Tournaments! In our Juniors tournament, a very tight final, saw Mr Read and Arthur narrowly beat Mr Charsley and Maya! It was brilliant to see all of our younger tennis players compete with their parents in such a wonderful, friendly manner. The Senior Family Pairs Tennis tournament was also a delight to watch. All standards competed amongst tea and cake! A great afternoon of tennis was had by all. Mrs Gisby and Logan won the final against Mr Porter and Eliza, congratulations! Mrs Nash, Prep Tennis Lead
SUMMER CRICKET It has been a very busy summer of cricket with a high number of fixtures being played across the Prep teams. Both the Boys and Girls Under-13A teams progressed to the latter stages of their cup competitions and at the time of writing the girls have just beaten Westbourne House in the last 16 of the IAPS Cup and will go to finals day at Stamford School - a fantastic achievement! The Under-13A boys, after an excellent senior final win over Cumnor House, reached the final of the Sussex Cup at Ardingly College. The after-school cricket activity sessions were well attended throughout the school year, and these sessions (particularly in the Autumn and Spring terms) are key to player development, as well as enjoyment for those attending. The introduction to “hard ball” cricket in both games lessons and matches was something which went well across the Summer term and bodes well for the future. There have been five Bede’s Prep boys representing Sussex Pathway teams, as well as Lolly playing for Hampshire and also being asked to train with the Southern Vipers. Lolly was also selected for the Under-15 and Under-18 Girls teams at Bede’s Senior School and six boys were selected for the Senior School’s Under-14 team at the end of the season. This is an excellent reflection of both the cricket opportunities and programme at Bede’s, plus their own hard work and commitment. Whilst it is a team game, I feel it is important to recognise some exceptional individual performances by Lolly and Fynn who captain the Prep School’s senior boys and girls teams.
In four consecutive cup matches for the U13 girls teams Lolly made scores of 143 not out, 66, 99 not out and 54 not out in the quarter final. She also took key wickets with her bowling and captained the team superbly. Fynn has led the team with tactical awareness beyond his years. He has also picked up many wickets, with his fast left arm bowling often setting the tone at the start of the innings or coming back to bowl the tough “end of innings” overs when the pressure is on. Well done to them both for representing Bede’s so positively on the field of play. Both of them have very bright futures ahead indeed. Thank you to all of the Prep and Senior School staff, catering and transport teams and minibus drivers who helped ensure that fixtures went smoothly this term (in spite of the changeable weather!) Mr Hall, Prep Cricket Lead
PRE-PREP TRIP TO HERSTMONCEUX OBSERVATORY AND SCIENCE CENTRE Our Pre-Prep children recently enjoyed an out-of-this-world day at Herstmonceux Observatory and Science Centre. The trip was packed with interactive learning, hands-on exploration, and exciting space-themed workshops. In the morning, the children dived straight into the interactive science exhibits, which involved touching, testing, and exploring various hands-on scientific concepts. In our first workshop, the children took on the challenge of helping to design the ultimate space suit. They helped determine the best materials for engineering such a suit showing great insight and learning exactly why certain materials can withstand the harsh environment of space while others cannot. After refuelling with a delicious packed lunch, everyone headed to more interactive exhibits both inside and outside in the sciencebased water play area. Our final workshop gave the children a glimpse into the daily lives of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. They discovered what space food tastes like and learned the dramatic science of what would happen to a human in space without a protective suit. It was a truly wonderful day, perfectly balancing big laughs with big learning! Mrs Glen-Roots, Assistant Head: Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery
PRE-PREP MUSIC CONCERT The theatre certainly was alive with the sound of music and dance during this year’s concert with the children rising to the challenge. A wonderful afternoon was spent in the theatre as the audience was treated to a delightful selection from our budding performing artists.
families all participated wholeheartedly with the singing, tapping and stamping led by Mrs Barrett. None of this would be possible without the contributions of our wonderful music and dance team and we really do appreciate their expertise.
Our ballerinas showed amazing poise and our tap dancers performed with careful attention to the beat, all whilst trying to stay in time with each other. Reception showed how well they could play their claves and drums whilst Year 1 and Year 2 played their recorders and, of course, not forgetting the boom whackers!
Mrs Glen-Roots, Assistant Head: Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery
We were also so proud of our individual singers, musicians and dancing duo who showed a remarkable level of confidence for their age. The grand finale meant everyone performed as one big band with the audience showing their appreciation. Finally, nobody left without their contribution to the proceedings as our
PRE-PREP FATHER’S DAY ASSEMBLY Families were invited to a tasty Father’s Day breakfast in the Dining Hall before making their way to the theatre for our special event. Our wonderful Pre-Prep children filled the theatre with joy and emotion during their special assembly. They delivered a wonderful performance, moving the audience with an uplifting rendition of “You’re my Hero,” followed later by heartfelt singing of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” They also captured everyone’s hearts with their wonderful storytelling as they retold the classic tale, ‘Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear?’ To top off a magical morning, every special person in attendance was gifted a lovely, handmade bird feeder as a token of appreciation. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make this celebration so memorable! Mrs Sue Glen-Roots, Assistant Head: Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery
PRE-SCHOOL GRADUATION Our Pre-School Graduation 2026 was an unforgettable celebration of growth, laughter, and bright futures. The afternoon started with some lovely refreshments in the Dining Hall before we embarked to the theatre, where the stage was set for an incredible lineup of performances. Our little stars took everyone on an emotional journey, from singing “Hello to the Children of the World!” to a heartwarming “Then and Now” video that showed just how much they have changed and grown during their time at Nursery. The children filled the room with harmony during their ensemble performance of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” and brought the house down sharing their future dreams during “When I Grow Up.” After a vibrant rendition of the beautiful Swahili song “Twaipenda Shule,” the moment everyone was waiting for arrived: the presentation of medals and scrolls. As our graduates proudly took the stage, we sent them off with the uplifting notes of “I’m on My Way,” capping off the day with a delicious ceremonial cake. To our wonderful graduates, as Paulo Coelho beautifully wrote: “If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” We are so proud of you all as you step into your next big adventure! Thank you to all the families who joined us to make this day so special. Mrs Marshall, Head of Nursery
SWIMMING: IAPS NATIONAL FINALS Standard-Setting Success at the IAPS National Swimming Finals! We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the spectacular achievements of three of our phenomenal Bede’s Prep pupils, who travelled to the prestigious London Aquatics Centre to compete in the 2026 IAPS National Swimming Finals. Competing on a national stage is the pinnacle of school sports, and our swimmers did us incredibly proud, delivering lifetime best performances when the pressure was at its absolute highest. Xanthe: Swam a magnificent race to secure a breathtaking 11th place in the country for the Under-11 50m Backstroke. Daegen: Delivered a powerhouse performance, smashing his personal best to rank an outstanding 14th in the country for the Under-11 50m Breaststroke. Tilly T: Showed elite grit and technique, placing a superb 14th in the country for the Under-11 50m Backstroke. What made these results truly special wasn’t just the numbers on the scoreboard, but the character our pupils displayed. Walking out into the iconic Olympic pool can be an overwhelming experience, yet Xanthe, Daegen, and Tilly all showed maturity well beyond their years.
PRE-PREP SWIMMING GALA What an absolutely phenomenal day at the pool! This year’s Key Stage 1 Swimming Gala for Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 was officially one of our best ever. The energy was electric, and every single child showed us what true champions look like. Our young swimmers blew us all away by demonstrating incredible courage, determination, and advanced skills in the water. We saw fantastic progress across all year groups. Children showed great focus and bravery while kicking beautifully on their froggie floats. Many demonstrated excellent core strength and control while balancing with their noodles. Amazingly, the vast majority of our Key Stage 1 children swam an entire length of the pool completely independently! The atmosphere poolside was incredible, filled with cheers, applause, and so much joy. An event this special wouldn’t be possible without our amazing community. A massive thank you to all the families who came along to support. Congratulations again to Reception, Year 1, and Year 2. You are all superstars, and we are so incredibly proud of you! Miss Danielle Maynard, Head of Prep Swimming
Every single one of them smashed their Personal Bests, demonstrating ultimate calm and fierce determination under extreme pressure. To have three athletes from Bede’s Prep ranking in the top 15 elite swimmers nationwide is a testament to their dedication, countless early mornings, and unwavering work ethic. Congratulations to Xanthe, Daegen, and Tilly. You have set the gold standard for Bede’s Prep sport! Miss Danielle Maynard, Head of Prep Swimming
SPAMALOT PERFORMANCE This summer, Bede’s Prep School achieved something truly remarkable. For the first time in our 131-year history, our Senior Years summer production moved from the familiar surroundings of our school to a professional local venue: the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne. Taking on a full-scale Broadway production is no small undertaking, and Spamalot— with its humour, heart, and sheer scale—has proved to be one of the most ambitious and rewarding productions in recent memory. At the centre of this extraordinary achievement are, of course, our pupils. Stepping into a working theatre environment and performing a full two-hour musical demanded an exceptional level of commitment, professionalism, and resilience. From rehearsing lines and songs to mastering choreography and navigating the complexities of a large-scale production, our pupils have risen magnificently to every challenge placed before them. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and determination have been nothing short of inspirational. The experience of performing in a professional theatre is an invaluable one. Pupils have immersed themselves in every aspect of theatrical life, experiencing the excitement and chaos of backstage dressing rooms, the transformation brought by lighting and costumes, and the thrill of performing on a full-scale set. These are memories and experiences that will stay with them for years to come. What has been particularly special about this production has been the way it has brought pupils together. Friendships have been formed across year groups and social circles, united by a shared purpose and passion. Productions like this have a unique ability to foster confidence, collaboration, and community, and Spamalot has done exactly that. Importantly, this achievement extends far beyond those seen under the stage lights. Pupils have played vital roles in the band, backstage crew, and technical aspects of the show, demonstrating that success in theatre depends on every contribution, whether centre stage or behind the scenes. This production has been a shining example of our school community coming together in pursuit of something truly special. A production of this scale is never possible without the dedication of many people. Heartfelt thanks must go to every member of staff who contributed their time, creativity, and expertise, from set building and painting to costume alterations, prop making, organisation, and encouragement. It truly takes a village to bring a production like this to life. Special thanks must go to Mrs Ullah and, of course, Mr Farley, whose tireless commitment, guidance, and vision made this historic production possible.
To every pupil involved: you should feel immensely proud of what you have achieved. You have embraced the challenge with courage, humour, and determination, and in doing so, have made a little piece of Bede’s history. Remember, in the immortal spirit of Spamalot: “Always look on the bright side of life!” Mr Garnham, Head of Drama
LEAVERS PROGRAMME 2026 Once again, the Year 8 Leavers Programme has been a wonderful experience, providing many opportunities for the children to interact, explore new activities and have fun! We hope that the activities offered celebrated their final few weeks here at the Prep School while preparing them for their transition to their next school, and also provided many, long lasting memories. Following a week of assessments, we began with our residential, two night camp at Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre. Despite the occasional downpour and colder-than-wished-for conditions, the Year 8 cohort had a fantastic time experiencing the great outdoors. Whether it was setting up their ‘bed’ in the bell tents, capsizing (often) from their kayaks into the lake, learning how to work together to solve problems or compete as a team, playing on the huge field or simply socialising with friends, this was an opportunity to simply relax, enjoy each other’s company and be away momentarily from the pressures of the modern world. Other trips included a hectic, hot and somewhat sweaty trip to Jumpin Fun, where the children bounced and chased each other until they desperately needed a break for a refuel and hydration, only for this whole process to begin once more! This trip was followed by some Ten Pin Bowling which brought much hilarity along with some dazzling skills and a competitive edge to the proceedings. And finally, the Leavers Prom was a joyous and glamorous evening of delicious food, tasty fruit drinks, outrageous dancing, along with plenty of posing for the photographer! It was a wonderful ‘send off’ for this incredible group of Year 8 children who will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. We wish them all the best for the future. Mr Allan, Head of Pastoral Care
A DAY OF BIG SMILES AND TINY TRIUMPHS: OUR ANNUAL SPORTS DAY FOR NURSERY AND PRE SCHOOL! What a spectacular day we had for our annual Nursery and Pre-School Sports Day! The sun was shining and the energy on the field was absolutely amazing. Sports Day is always one of our absolute favourite events of the year, but this year felt extra special. For many of our youngest children, it was their very first time participating in a structured sports event—they blew us all away with their enthusiasm, determination, and incredible team spirit. An event like this isn’t possible without an amazing community. A huge thank you to all the parents, grandparents, and carers who came out to cheer and provide the best encouragement our children could ask for. (And a special shout-out to the brave grown-ups who took part in the highly competitive Parents’ Race!) Finally, a giant thank you to our incredible staff team for organising the tracks, prepping the equipment, and making sure the day ran safely and smoothly. Miss Larkin, Sports Logistics Coordinator
SUN, SPRINTS, AND SUPERB SPORTSMANSHIP: SPORTS DAY 2026! What a day! The sun was shining, the tracks were ready, and the energy at Bede’s was absolutely electric for our annual Prep School Sports Day. From the very first whistle to the final, breath-taking relay, our participants gave it their absolute all. Whether they were sprinting for gold, throwing javelins, or cheering from the sidelines, the sense of community and team spirit was the real winner of the day. Thank you to all the catering, transport, teachers, assistants and, most importantly, our phenomenal athletes for making Sports Day 2026 a day to remember. Dust off your trainers, because the countdown to next year begins now! The final results were: 4th place: Eagle 3rd place: Raven 2nd place: Hawk 1st place: Falcon! Well done to everyone who took part, and congratulations to Falcon for taking home the gold! Miss Larkin, Sports Logistics Coordinator
PRIZE GIVING Saturday 27 June was a day of celebration, marking both our annual Prize Giving and the final day for our Year 8 pupils at Bede’s Prep School. Not even a sudden power cut in the Senior School sports hall could dampen the celebratory mood! Despite the logistical hurdles, our community rallied beautifully. Attendees were treated to wonderful performances by our accomplished musicians and dancers, featuring a brilliant solo by Year 8 pupil, Lolly. Our Heads of School, Alfie and Amelia, also took to the stage to deliver moving speeches about their journeys at Bede’s. The day concluded on a high note, with families gathering on the Lawn to enjoy a light lunch and refreshments ahead of a welldeserved summer break. Mrs Wilson, Assistant Head: Head of Academics
Bede’s Preparatory School Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7XL
T 01323 734222 prep.school@bedes.org bedes.org