Spring Newsletter 2026

NEWSLETTER, SPRING 2026

From Syllabus to Spotlight: A Masterclass in Exam Excellence

This term, the Performing Arts faculty hasn’t just been bus - it has been a whirlwind of creative fire and professional grit. From the haunting, blood-soaked echoes of Macbeth to the mind-bending absurdism of The Bald Soprano, our GCSE Drama pupils delivered performances that traversed the entire emotional spectrum.

The intensity only scaled upward at A-Level; pupils pivoted from the visceral, terrifying reality of domestic violence in Girls and Boys to the stylized, macabre farce of French Grand Guignol. Meanwhile, our Lower Sixth pupils showcased their prowess as creators, devising original work inspired by Ariel Dorfman’s Widows. By infusing the piece with the high-octane physicality of the Frantic Assembly style, they brilliantly reimagined Dorfman’s themes within the context of 21st-century warfare.

Not to be outdone by the seniors, our First Year pupils made a stellar debut with their “SPACE” plays. These inventive pieces were more than just a first bow; they were a masterful fusion of Science and Art, successfully fulfilling the STEM curriculum through the power of performance.

The rhythm didn’t stop at the stage door. In the Music department, the air has been electric with the energy of live recordings and collaborative genius. A definitive highlight was our “Come and Sing Day,” where a transformative workshop by Dan Ludford Thomas reminded us all of the soul-stirring power of collective harmony.

We also opened our doors for a spectacularly organised Orchestral Day, immersing and welcoming over 100 Prep pupils in music through a blend of instrumental performance, activities which included cookery, a visit to the school zoo and a specialised radio play workshop in Drama. The very next day we welcomed Uckfield

College and Cardinal Newman Schools for a band workshop led by one of our drum teachers, Mr Jacob Booth. The term’s momentum culminated in a packed house for our Ensembles’ Concert: a true festival of talent where pupils channeled the iconic legends of Stevie Wonder, Blur, and Prince. Amidst the high-energy programme, the 11-boy Barbershop group emerged as a sensation, delivering a polished, charismatic performance of Sh’boom that became the talk of the night alongside the refined elegance of our earlier Scholars’ Concert in January. The term culminated in a visit to the Brighton Dome concert hall, given by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, in a programme of works which included Mendelssohn, Mozart, Debussy and Stravinsky.

Our dancers matched this frantic pace with a relentless display of athleticism. The Solo Awards evening was a particular standout, floor-ing the audience with original choreography and a competitive edge that gave pupils a genuine taste of the professional “cut and thrust.”

We were honuored to welcome the renowned Arielle Smith to judge the evening. Facing an unenviable task given the sheer calibre of talent, she noted that while the technique was flawless, it was the undeniable camaraderie amongst the dancers that truly shone. Beyond the applause, the technical rigors of RAD and Rambert exams demanded immense resilience, while our youngest dancers built their foundations in ATAP tap exams. With our Dance Captain also achieving her ASTA (Assistant Teaching Award), this term has been nothing short of a masterclass in teamwork and tenacity. We wish Legat all the very best as they perform at MOVE IT at the very end of term on the main, showcase and highly impressive championship stage!

Tutoring

At Bede’s, academic excellence is not just delivered from the front of the classroom; it is woven into the very fabric of our community through a culture of peer-to-peer mentorship. Our expansive co-curricular landscape features a programme of over 100 weekly academic academies, designed to stretch ambitions and ignite passions beyond the standard syllabus.

Recently, three Lower Sixth pupils - Ralph, Harrison and Harry stepped up to lead the STEM tutoring charge. This pupil-led initiative embodies our commitment to collaborative learning. The trio sat down to tell us all about it…

Tell me about your tutoring initiative?

Ralph: We host weekly tutoring sessions every Wednesday evening. While the programme is open to all Junior years, our primary focus is supporting Upper Fifth pupils during their GCSE exam season. Attendance typically ranges from 7 to 15 pupils per session.

Harrison: We are currently working to increase pupil turnout even further. Our sessions cover all STEM subjects that we are studying at A Levelbut most pupils want to focus on Maths. We mainly focus on practice exam papers and work through them together with younger pupils.

What made you decide to start these sessions?

Ralph: The three of us are guests of the academic committee - a group of Upper Sixth pupils who initially envisioned these tutoring sessions. Due to their busy schedules, they are transitioning the leadership of this project to us in the Lower Sixth. Our ultimate ambition is to scale the programme so that multiple subject-specific sessions can run simultaneously across several rooms.

Harry: We coordinate with teachers to select relevant topics and past exam papers. While a staff member is always present to supervise, they allow us full control to lead the sessions. Currently, the programme is exclusive to boarders, though we are exploring the possibility of including day pupils in the future.

How have you found the role of becoming teachers? Has it changed the way you see your own teachers?

Ralph: We have a lot more sympathy for them!

Harry: I now see that it can be a challenge to convince even the most confident pupils that they could be working on something but once everyone gets going, it’s a really nice, productive atmosphere.

What has the feedback been like for these sessions?

Ralph: The feedback has been positive; everyone usually leaves the sessions feeling more confident and happier.

Harrison: I recently spoke to a pupil who had been along to one of our sessions. We had worked through a specific maths paper provided by his teacher, and he was thrilled to find a nearly identical question on his actual exam. Some pupils are truly benefiting from the sessions which is great to see.

Harry: I think pupils are enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of these sessions, where they can work at their own pace, which helps them to process the information effectively.

How are you managing your own workloads alongside the prep and delivery of these sessions?

Ralph: The sessions are designed to be low-prep but high-impact! We primarily ensure that a variety of past exam papers are available. The three of us study different STEM subjects at A Level but we can be pretty adaptable to support almost any GCSE pupil who needs STEM subject support. If the sessions expand, then we anticipate that there may be more organisational admin needed!

Harry: We offer a flexible approach where pupils can tackle past papers, get help with tricky homework, or address specific areas of where they would like a bit more support. An added bonus is that teaching these topics reinforces our own core knowledge, which is incredibly beneficial for our A-Level studies.

Harrison: Much of the GCSE curriculum forms the foundation for our current A-Level courses. Revisiting these fundamental concepts serves as a refresher for us while helping the younger pupils progress

Do you feel you have developed any skills by running these after school sessions?

Ralph: Patience! I’ve learned that maintaining a pupil’s focus requires a tailored approach, so I’ve practiced slowing down the material to match the individual learner’s pace.

Harrison: Adaptability has been my biggest takeaway. I’ve learned to pivot my teaching style based on a pupil’s specific goals and knowledge. I’ve realised that pupils make the most progress when they are genuinely engaged and can feel their own improvement.

Harry: This experience has significantly sharpened my communication and empathy. By looking at a problem through a younger pupil’s eyes, I’ve actually discovered new ways to understand the material myself. Building a rapport with the pupils is key; once you have that friendship, the work becomes much more effective and enjoyable for them.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a younger pupil who is worried about their upcoming maths exams?

Harrison: Come to our tutoring sessions! If you want a different result, you have to be willing to change your approach.

Ralph: Everyone is in the same boat. There’s no reason to hold back now - you’ll feel a massive sense of relief and pride just by putting in that extra bit of effort.

Harry: Preparation is key! When you know you’ve put yourself in the best possible position, those exam nerves actually turn into excitement!

Launching the South-East Asian Society

It was a joy to see so many pupils come together to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse, marking our Lunar New Year celebration as a resounding success and the official launch of the South-East Asian Society. For many of us, being away from home during such a significant festival can be challenging, but the evening was filled with so much laughter and connection that it truly felt like being among family. From sharing traditional snacks to forging new friendships, the atmosphere was exceptionally warm and welcoming

The feedback from the pupil body reflected the night’s vibrant energy. One attendee noted that the event was “really well-organised” with “really good food,” while another shared how much they enjoyed the simple pleasure of having dinner and watching a movie together, noting that “it’s great having this kind of event once in a while.” Beyond the entertainment, the evening served as a vital social bridge; pupils commented on how the “great vibes and music” provided a genuine opportunity to engage with peers they had never spoken to before or hadn’t seen around the school.

Ultimately, the highlight of the night was witnessing everyone bonding and building a true sense of belonging. This event was about more than just a celebration; it was about creating a community where everyone feels at home, no matter how far they have travelled to be here.

A massive thank you to everyone who attended and made the night so special.

The Circle of Creativity: From First Sketches to University Success

At Bede’s, creativity isn’t just a subject; it’s a journey that spans generations. This term, we have been witnessing a “circle of creativity” as our youngest artists and our departing Upper Sixth both reach incredible milestones.

These creative pupils are building the foundations that our current exam cohorts are now standing upon. As practical exams begin, Bede’s Creative Arts Faculty is filled with the buzz of pupils creating their final masterpieces. The level of craftsmanship on display is a testament to the dedication they have shown throughout the year.

The Upper Sixth are currently celebrating a stellar university application cycle, with Bede’s pupils proving that creativity is a vibrant and soughtafter post-Bede’s destination. They have secured offers from world-renowned institutions, including Central Saint Martins, UCL, and Edinburgh.

The breadth of ambition this year is particularly impressive, including:

• Architecture: Our applicants are in high demand, securing prestigious spots at the Architectural Association.

• Photography & Interior Design: Unconditional offers are already rolling in from Kingston, Cardiff Met, and Bath Spa.

• Specialist Arts: From Marine Photography at Falmouth to Animation at Hertfordshire, our pupils are finding their unique niches in the global creative economy.

One of the most beautiful parts of this cycle is the return of our Alumni. This spring, our creative arts pupils were visited by a former pupil, Matt Moloney, who has built a successful career in Film and VFX Design. Seeing his journey from Bede’s to the professional screen provided a brilliant roadmap for our future innovators. Matt really inspired the pupils and gave great advice, including the importance of taking chances and learning from your mistakes, while saying “yes” to the opportunities that come your way.

Events like the recent talk by Matt Moloney have sparked a new wave of inspiration, proving that the support of the Bede’s community lasts long after graduation.

Leading the Way: Inspiring the Next Generation at our Women in Leadership Conferences

In March, Bede’s hosted a powerhouse of talent at our Women in Leadership Conference. This wasn’t just a career day; it was an unfiltered look at what it takes to reach the top. Our Lower Fifth, Pre-Sixth, and Lower Sixth girls engaged with inspiring women from the boardrooms of global finance to the operating theatre and the Venetian lagoon.

The expertise on display was vast. Sabine Patricia Haas shared twenty years of international marketing insights, while Katherine Hogbin (HSBC) and Clare Edwards (EMEA Risk & Compliance) discussed leading through global transformation. The power of entrepreneurship was equally present. Jane da Mosto spoke on her vital environmental work with We Are Here Venice, and Kate Prince shared her journey building the sustainable nutrition brand Ancient + Brave. Alumna Chloe Alberry showcased how design can transform traditional industries, while medical student and Platoon Commander Katy Anne Burr reminded pupils that leadership often involves balancing multiple high-pressure “hats.”

Beyond the panels, our ‘Her Voice’ initiative pupils enjoyed an intimate lunch with the speakers, focusing on amplifying female voices in professional landscapes. The day also featured individualized workshops and networking brunches where speakers offered honest, practical advice on resilience and innovation.

“We are so grateful for the time that our panelists gave, having parents and alumni involved in events such as these makes a huge impact on our pupils. This was a day which was truly empowering for our young women, the energy in the room was electric from the panel discussions to the workshops.” Charlotte Sutton, Director of the Foundation

“The event gave pupils the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the boardroom, through the inspiring workshops and panel discussions led by pioneering women in business. Our panelists didn’t just share their resumes; they shared their resilience, proving that leadership isn’t about a title, but about the courage to innovate and the persistence to overcome. Hearing from business entrepreneurs to sustainability experts, the day gave our pupils more than career advice - it provided a mirror for their own potential, and the insight to approach their future careers not just with dreams, but with the strategic mindset of the leaders they may become.” Deborah Franks, Head of Careers & Employability

Bede’s Universities and Careers Fair: A Hub of Future Exploration

Our annual Universities and Careers Fair was once again a highlight of our Spring term, proving to be a successful and engaging event. Attended by all Bede’s pupils over the course of an afternoon, there was a palpable hub of activity, to inspire careers curiosity and provide the opportunity to research a vast range of future pathways and professions.

Pupils also eagerly explored university options both within the UK and globally, alongside options for apprenticeships, gap years, paid work and volunteering.

We were delighted to host over 55 organisations and professional experts to the event, who provided a wealth of information, interaction and guidance. These included representatives from top universities (such as Exeter, Bath, Sheffield, York, and Cardiff) alongside specialist institutions for subjects such as Sport, Film, Media and the Arts). A diverse range of industries covering sectors such as Architecture, Engineering, Law, Insurance, Accountancy, Hospitality and Public Sector roles were also showcased. We were especially grateful for the support of parents and alumni who offered their time and professional expertise to support our school.

These events aim to spark our pupils’ curiosity about careers and inspire them to explore their futures in an informed and supportive environment. Mrs Franks, Head of Careers, Employability and University Applications said, “The vibrant energy and professional engagement at our fair demonstrated just how invested our pupils are in exploring the wealth of opportunities and potential future pathways available for their bright futures. Their professional inquisitiveness was as ever, a delight to see”.

A Snapshot of Diverse Pathways

At this point in the year many of our Upper Sixth pupils are firming up university offers and a clear picture of this year’s further educational pathways is beginning to emerge. One of the things that marks Bede’s out, is the remarkable diversity of career and further education pathways pursued by our pupils and whilst the choices of this year’s cohort provides a fascinating mirror to national trends in Higher Education they also evidence the diversity that is so special.

From the high-stakes world of Medicine and Law to the rapidly evolving fields of Sport Management and Computing and AI, the list of offers reflects a group that is both academically rigorous and keenly aware of where the 21st-century job market is heading.

One of the most striking features of this year group is the high volume of pupils pursuing Sport Management and Sport and Exercise Science. Nationally, Sport Science has seen a huge surge in popularity, consistently ranking in the top 10 most applied-for subjects in the UK. Universities like Loughborough, Bath and Nottingham have become the “gold standard” for this, offering “dual career” pathways.

More broadly for a number of our pupils, choosing a university is not just about studying a subject such as Finance or Computer Science, but about the elite football programmes on offer. At universities such as Nottingham and Loughborough, players will often have access to professional-grade coaching, performance analysis and physiotherapy at a standard which mirrors a professional football academy, all while earning a degree from a top-tier Russell Group institution. Similarly the option of pursuing elite level sport through highly sought after scholarships within the US university system is also evident this year.

There is also a clear leaning towards “vocational prestige” within this group - subjects which offer clear, stable and often lucrative career paths. Once more this year we see the prevalence of subjects including Economics, Accounting, Banking and Finance, reflecting a 12% increase nationally in demand for these subjects gravitating towards perceived “recession-proof” careers in a volatile global economy. The universities favoured by Bede’s pupils, including Bath, Warwick and Nottingham for Finance degrees also have reputations for having aggressively integrated AI into their course content.

Degrees in Medicine and Allied Healthcare subjects such as Physiotherapy, Nutritional Sciences and Osteopathy are also well represented in this group. These degrees are highly sought after, offering hands-on experience and excellent employment opportunities. In line with previous years, we also have a number of pupils waiting on offers for Medicine. The impact of Bede’s on-site zoo is also evidenced by the success for one of its pupils in gaining a place to study Veterinary Science.

Another popular subject this year is Law reflecting a wider national trend. Bede’s pupils have already gained offers from a number of highly competitive universities including Exeter, Warwick and Sheffield.

This year’s cohort is also part of a burgeoning national shift toward apprenticeships. By choosing this “best of both worlds” route, several Bede’s pupils are entering high-demand sectors such as accounting, engineering, and insurance brokerage, where they will earn a professional salary while the sponsoring employer covers their full tuition fees. This trend reflects a growing recognition that the technical rigour of an apprenticeship - often leading to Chartered status in finance or specialised certifications in engineering - offers a competitive edge and a debt-free start in a rapidly evolving 2026 job market.

Each year up to a third of our pupils progress on to prestigious arts-related degrees at world renowned universities including Central Saint Martins, UCL and Edinburgh. This year’s cohort continues that tradition of excellence, with Architecture applicants securing offers from Central Saint Martins and the Architectural Association. The diversity of talent is further reflected in a range of specialist pathways including Interior Design, Marine Photography alongside Animation and Photography.

Finally, the performing arts remain a cornerstone of the Bede’s experience, with this year’s cohort continuing to excel in the highly competitive world of professional dance and musical theatre. Our pupils have successfully secured places at some of the most prestigious conservatoires and dance schools globally, reflecting the rigorous technical training and artistic mentorship provided here.

This year, pupils are considering offers from renowned institutions such as AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in New York and Los Angeles, alongside leading UK colleges including Bird College, Performers College, and Wilkes Academy. We also celebrate successes for those heading to the London Studio Centre and Italia Conti, institutions famous for producing West End and industry leaders. These pathways highlight that for many Bede’s pupils, the stage is the ultimate destination, requiring a unique blend of athleticism, discipline, and creative flair.

New Table Tennis Academy

Bede’s Table Tennis Academy will be launched in Summer Term, with pupils training under the tutelage of Cedric Srivani, a former French national player and experienced junior coach. The Academy will train three evenings per week in the balcony overlooking the MPH, with players from Bede’s sparring with some of the best young talent across East Sussex.

The Academy has been sponsored by Holroyd Howe and Bribar Table Tennis; and it will operate as a Premier Club under the Table Tennis England national structure. The Academy already has four players who train within the England squad structure, including the brothers Gabriel and Raphael Church from Bede’s Prep. There will be opportunities for Bede’s pupils to join these sessions where they can demonstrate a passion for Table Tennis and natural ability to develop their game.

If you would like further information, please contact Dr Peter Church, our CFOO and Chair of the Academy, at peter.church@ bedes.org.

Jake’s England Debut

Lower Sixth pupil and Sussex spinner Jake, has officially made cricket history!

Jake has become the youngest-ever disabled cricketer to represent England. In January/February, he represented the England Men’s Mixed Disability team in their overseas tour against India.

While the team faced a tough seven-wicket defeat in the series opener, the team beat India Men’s Mixed Disability in the following four games. Congratulations, Jake!

Bede’s Announced as ‘School of the Year’ at the Tennis Sussex LTA Awards

Bede’s are celebrating success after winning big at the Tennis Sussex LTA Awards, held on Saturday 7 February at the Amex Stadium. In a ceremony celebrating the very best of Sussex tennis, Bede’s secured the coveted ‘School of the Year’ award.

The evening saw 12 LTA Awards and 22 Tennis Sussex Awards presented to the region’s top athletes, coaches and institutions. Bede’s was recognised for its commitment to tennis in the county. From hosting all tournaments for the Sussex Schools Championships to sponsoring the County Championships, Bede’s has continuously demonstrated its dedication to nurturing tennis talent at both local and regional levels.

The ‘School of the Year’ accolade follows a landmark year for the Bede’s Tennis Academy. Most notably, Bede’s was one of only four schools in the entire country to successfully qualify both its Boys’ and Girls’ teams for the National Finals. This rare achievement underscores the incredible depth of talent at the school and its ability to compete at the highest possible level across the board.

Upper Sixth pupil Jack Ford won the Brian Edwards Award for the second consecutive year, a testament to his consistent dedication and rising profile in the sport. Bede’s alumnus and Wimbledon Men’s Doubles Champion 2025, Julian Cash, was named Player of the Year following an extraordinary season.

Bede’s provides a comprehensive, year-round tennis programme designed to cater to players of all skill levels. With state-of-the-art facilities and a professional coaching team, Bede’s ensures every pupil has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Francesca Byrne, Head of Tennis at Bede’s, comments, “We are thrilled to receive the School of the Year award. This recognition reflects the hard work of our players, the expertise of our coaching staff and the support from the Bede’s community. Our mission has always been to nurture talent at every level, and these awards validate that vision. We hope to keep working closely with Tennis Sussex to continue to promote the growth of tennis within the county.”

Football Bede’s U15: A Superb Season

This term, the Bede’s U15 team, made up of 18 boys from across the globe, have seen an outstanding season of success.

In February, the team won 3-1 the ISFA Cup Semi-Final against Epsom College. Kenji, a Lower Fifth pupil from Japan, showed incredible composure to net two goals. The win was sealed by fellow Lower Fifth pupil Angus, from the USA, scoring the third.

Leading the charge is Team Captain: Aidan, who has been part of the Bede’s community since Reception. Now in the Lower Fifth, Aidan is the definition of an all-rounder - not only a star for the 1st team in football, cricket, and hockey, but a top-tier academic.

Cameron, our goalkeeper from Bermuda, has been a wall at the back. His calm presence and leadership have been vital in navigating the pressure of the games.

On 12 March, they won the ISFA Cup at Burton Albion, in a close contest against Whitgift that finished 1-0. It was a game that ebbed and flowed throughout with both sides defending resolutely to keep the score at 0-0 going into the break.

A rain-sodden second half saw a lot of midfield battles, with chances few and far between - it was a moment of brilliance from Bede’s that saw a magnificent lobbed finish drop into the net with just a few minutes to go to secure victory.

Alongside their ISFA Cup success, the boys have fought their way into the Elgin League Final and the County Cup later stages. On 17 March, the boys headed into the Elgin League Final against Forest School. After a hard-fought match, the game went to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

Thanks to successful strikes from Rume and Kenji, Bede’s triumphed 5-4 on penalties, adding another trophy to their cabinet.

We are incredibly proud of how they’ve represented the school - well done U15 Boys!

Dajari

Congratulations to Upper Sixth pupil Dajari on his selection for the Antigua and Barbuda squad in the U20 World Cup Qualifiers!

He was also nominated for Junior Sportsman of the Year in the Antigua and Barbuda National Sports Awards!

Charlotte

Congratulations to First Year pupil Charlotte who captained Brighton & Hove Albion U14s in the JPL PGA Champions Cup Quarter-Finals.

The team won 4-2 in a tough battle against West Ham. The team also won 2-0 against Newport and Isle of White where she had an assist.

She will be playing in the JPL PGA Champions Cup Semi-Final against Arsenal in the coming weeks - good luck!

Swimming

The School’s Swimming Super League concluded its 2025/26 season with an outstanding performance at the Finals held at the K2 Crawley. Our athletes displayed remarkable skill and determination, securing a massive haul of medals, setting a 50m fly pool record by Captain Alfie and clinching the Men’s Senior team trophy for the second year in succession.

Our swimmers dominated the lanes bringing home 23 medals across various age groups: 14 of them Gold, a testament to the hard work put into the year’s training plan, 6 silver medals of excellence podium finishes and 3 bronze medals of strong performance that rounded out a highly successful competition.

The highlight of the event was the Senior Men’s team who emerged victorious to win the Men’s competition. Their swims in both individual and high-stakes relays was a masterclass in teamwork and speed, solidifying their position as the top Senior male squad in the league.

I must give a special mention to our dedicated Captains Alfie, whose encouragement was pivotal in guiding the entire squad through the 4 rounds and final; and Brooke who did a marvellous job motivating the girls’ team, ensuring high spirits and bringing out the best in all.

THIMUN A Journey in Diplomacy and Justice

At the 58th The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference, Bede’s pupils moved beyond the classroom to tackle the world’s most pressing challengeby representing Greece and Ireland with such distinction, they did not just simulate diplomacy; they showcased the very skills that define our future leaders.

On 26 January, 15 pupils traveled to The Hague for the 58th annual THIMUN conference. Representing Greece among 160 schools from over 100 countries, the delegation was supported by Joseph and Emily (representing Ireland in the Historic Security Council) and Pippa (acting as a judge in the International Criminal Court).

The trip began with a cultural visit to the Mauritshuis Museum, home to masterpieces like the Girl with the Pearl Earring. However, the focus quickly shifted to diplomacy. The conference theme, ‘Culture & Heritage: Embracing Diversity’, was inaugurated with a powerful message from UN Secretary General António Guterres, who stressed the vital importance of global cooperation and compromise.

In their respective committees, the delegates excelled. Lilian opened for GA3 on artefact restitution, while Mysha successfully passed an amendment in the Environment Commission to enforce legal processes in conservation. In the Security Council, Immy and Noa tackled the Iran missile crisis, with Immy later successfully blocking a controversial clause regarding international troops in Gaza.

The Historic Security Council (HSC) provided a unique educational moment when Joseph and Emily received a visit from Dr. Dren Doli, Kosovo’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, who shared first hand accounts of the ethnic tensions in the former Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, in the ICC, Pippa deliberated on high-stakes cases involving Al Mahdi and Joseph Kony, questioning witness testimonies to establish legal intent.

The conference concluded with a powerful closing ceremony. As Ambassador, Lilian carried the Greek flag on stage - a symbol of the unity achieved through a week of intensive debate. This unique experience provided the pupils with invaluable skills in public speaking and negotiation, leaving them inspired by the professional world of international justice.

“A profound highlight was our visit to the real International Court of Justice. Witnessing the Myanmar v. The Gambia case and speaking with victims of alleged genocide provided a moving, firsthand look at the realities of international law.”Pupil, Noa

Mapping the Future: How Geography is Reshaping the Global Mining Industry

In late January, Bede’s was delighted to host a speech made by Simon Cutler, where he spoke about the company he works for and how they are leading the charge of environmental awareness in the mining and refining industry.

Throughout the session, he focused mainly on how his company is attempting to balance environmental responsibility with the reality that a business is always aiming to make profit. He was very open about the economic incentives behind their actions and showed the class, via statistics, that investing in green technologies is both beneficial for the environment as well as helpful in ensuring long-term financial success for the business.

Mr Cutler also discussed the political challenges that the company has faced in recent years, such as the impact of the United States withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement.

He explained how the reduction in subsidies provided by the American government caused struggles for the business and so they were unable to carry on investing into their American based projects. This highlighted the strong relationship between industry as well as politics.

Another key part of the speech was the future of the company and what they are doing next. Simon showed the class a photo of their hydrogen powered extraction process, which would revolutionise the environmental impact of refining by largely cutting down on the emissions within the refining process. He explained that although this technology is still developing, especially due to the complex methods needed to obtain and transport hydrogen, it represents the next steps to creating a more sustainable method of material extraction.

In addition, Mr Cutler spoke about the company’s current investments into environmentally friendly methods of transportation, specifically electric vehicles. He showed us that the research they have done has already allowed them to obtain clear development towards their goal, most notably through the development of several large-scale electric vehicles such as huge mining trucks and extremely long trains, all powered by eco-friendly energy sources such as wind and solar farms. He also mentioned that the company has recently released a prototype of a hybrid shipping boat, and although it is on a much smaller scale, it showed us how they are continuing to expand the possibilities of how they can reduce their carbon footprint.

An interesting aspect of the Masterclass involved a discussion on the expansion of the company in terms of electrically powered transportation, demonstrating how renewable energy can be applied on a much larger scale, across multiple sectors. It was particularly fascinating to see how technological innovation is being used to lessen the environmental impact whilst still trying to maintain the efficiency of more common sources of energy.

“This masterclass gave me some fascinating insights into how environmental awareness is increasingly shaping business decisions, and showed how companies are exploring new technologies to reduce their reliance on the diminishing fossil fuels.”

Harrison, Pupil

German Unity Day

To honour German Unity Day, our Lower Fifth class enjoyed cooking the hearty, comforting soul food of Central Europe. The kitchen was transformed into a traditional Gasthof, as the pupils meticulously prepared a feast that was as disciplined in technique as it was rich in flavour.

The menu was a masterclass in balance and precision:

Wiener Schnitzel: Perfectly tenderised veal, breaded and fried until the coating puffed into golden, “wavy” perfection.

Authentic Sauerkraut: Slow-simmered with caraway seeds and juniper berries to achieve that quintessential tangy crunch.

Apfelkuchen: A rustic German apple cake, delicately spiced and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, providing a sweet, autumnal finish.

The atmosphere was one of industrious focus, led by a talented group of pupils who tackled the art of the fleischklopfer (meat tenderiser) with impressive rhythm. They navigated the complexities of fermentation and pastry-making with professional ease, ensuring the schnitzels were crisp and the cake was moist.

The result was a deeply satisfying, communal meal that felt like a warm embrace on a plate. Just as before, the plates were returned polished, and the only thing more impressive than the pupils’ appetites was their efficiency; the kitchen was restored to a mirrorshine before the final bell rang.

This German celebration marks the next successful chapter in our global gastronomic tour. Having already mastered the bold heat of Mexico and the savoury depths of Germany, our sights are now set on the Mediterranean sun. Up next, we head to Spain, where the aroma of saffron and the sizzle of paella pans await.

One pupil commented, “I always thought of German food as just ‘meat and potatoes,’ but making it from scratch changed everything.I now realise that there is much more to their cuisine”

Economics Silent Read

The Business & Economics Department is embracing the National Year of Reading 2026 to integrate subject-specific literature into the curriculum and deepen pupils’ conceptual understanding.

What better time for pupils to develop a habit of reading than in the National Year of Reading 2026. And in the Business and Economics Department, that is exactly what we are doing. By choosing a book centred around our subjects each term, we are creating the opportunity for pupils to read widely about Business and Economics so that they gain a deeper understanding of concepts they are taught in lessons. This Spring, some pupils have been reading the book ‘Talking to My Daughter’ by Yanis Varoufakis. Moon (Lower Sixth Economics), who described herself as a squirrel when it comes to reading, collecting books but not always making the time to read, describes reading in community in the Department as helping her develop a habit of reading. She was particularly fascinated about the history and causes of currency as told in Chapter 1 of the book and described it as unexpected that the history of currency can trace its way back to agriculture and agricultural surpluses. Louis (Lower Sixth Business and Economics) described himself as a deer, a skittish reader for whom reading can feel scary, yet he challenged himself and attended a relaxed Silent Reading Event held in the Department, where we sat and attempted some reading together. Reading habits are not built in a term, they are developed by being consistent and creating a reading culture and this is certainly what we are aiming for as a Department.

Do look out for our Summer Book Choice which has been selected from our carefully curated annual reading list.

BTEC Applied Science

Following the completion of their BTEC Applied Science examination in February, our Upper Fifth pupils have transitioned into an intensive and enthusiastic period of Chemistry coursework. This phase of the curriculum prioritises the development of practical scientific skills through a series of hands-on experiments.

A primary focus has been the kinetics of chemical reactions, where pupils explore the various factor; such as temperature, concentration, and catalyst, that dictate how we can accelerate chemical processes. By bridging theory and practice, they are discovering how these principles are vital to global industries, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to the efficiency of automotive catalytic converters. Looking ahead to next term, the cohort will shift their focus to Environmental Chemistry. This unit will challenge them to examine the “Chemistry of the Planet,” prompting a critical look at human responsibility and the innovative scientific solutions required to build a more sustainable world.

Pupils excel in a diverse range of STEM competitions

Our pupils have excelled on the national stage this term, securing impressive results across a range of STEM competitions.

Mrs Morton-Freeman commented it is always a joy to work with talented pupils who will be the UK’s future biologists and scientists, and this year Freya, a Lower Sixth Biologist, achieved a world wide Bronze award in the British Biology Olympiad - a year early too - competing against 18800 16-19 year olds pupils from 1,132 schools around the world. An incredible performance by Freya and it bodes well for her in next year’s competition as well as the Intermediate British Biology later this summer.

In Maths, our pupils have continued to demonstrate extraordinary analytical skills. Pupils achieved Bronze and Silver certificates, but we would specifically like to highlight three of our most enthusiastic mathematicians - Callum, Nithil (both in the Lower Fifth) and Rohan (First Year). They have achieved prestigious Gold certificates in the recent United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Challenge. The UKMT papers are notoriously difficult, designed to test logical reasoning, precision of thought, and

the ability to apply mathematical concepts to intricate puzzles Securing a Gold award places these three pupils in the top tier of young mathematicians nationwide, a true testament to their hard work and numerical agility, and they will go on to compete in the further ‘Kangaroo’ rounds of the competition.

Our Chemistry pupils were not to be left out, with Miss Toma’s Lower Fifth chemists participating in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Chemistry Olympiad. She commented ‘We are still waiting for the results of this challenge to be published, and for the announcements of any advancements to round two to be revealed, but the pupils worked incredibly hard on them and we are very proud, especially as they will be some of the youngest participants.’

One pupil commented, “The UKMT was really hard but really satisfying when you figure it out and get it right. A lot of it is about technique and sometimes it’s better to work out which answers it can’t be instead”

Round the Houses

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury has had a wonderful spring term, celebrating many successes from the merits, of which there are so many every day, to the ovations, laudations, distinctions and wins in house competitions. We have also celebrated being a house with our House Formal and Evensong this term, welcoming Poppy, an ex Bloomsbury Bedian back to talk to the girls about our theme Growth. We also heard from Jodie, our other guest speaker about the charity we are supporting this year, Hayley’s Heroes. The girls have embraced opportunities, taking part in house competitions, Women in Leadership conferences and the career’s fair. I am so proud of the house and everyone in it; the girls and staff make it a wonderful place to be.

Dorter

Spring Term has been a hive of activity in Dorter House. We carried on our annual tradition of Galentine’s night and we enjoyed making arts and crafts plus celebrating friendship and being part of our Dorter Family. We also ate a plethora of goodies including the chocolate fountain.

challenges such as poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources for vulnerable women and children. The week was organised by Ife our Head of Charities and we raised money in a variety of ways - raffles; selling of tuck; non-uniform day and hosting a boarding- wide evening of Just Dance.

Dorter also shone in the House Comps and every pupil joined in and showed their Dorter House Spirit no matter what competition they were taking part in.

This was another fabulous term where the girls continue to impress with their kindness, passion and generosity of spirit.

Camberlot

It has been an action-packed term for the boys of Camberlot House, filled with tradition, academic triumphs, and sporting glory. From the solemnity of the Chapel to the high energy of our house socials, our young men continue to represent the House perfectly.

The highlight of this term was the Dorter House formal, where we were treated to an incredible meal and inspirational speeches by Mrs Emma Maynard and our Head of House, Frankie on the theme of empowerment. We were also treated to many performances from Dorter pupils which reminded everyone how talented our young ladies are.

We also held our Dorter Charity Week and this year we were raising money for the Eko Movement. The Eko Movement is a youth-led organisation founded in 2024 by Gabrielle Isicheli, a youth advocate based in Lagos, Nigeria. The organisation focuses on tackling socio-economic

Our annual Formal was a night to remember! Dressed in 80s-themed attire, the evening began with a moving Evensong in the Chapel, featuring readings from Liam, Jeremiah, and Abdullah. Back at the House, the atmosphere shifted to pure nostalgia, thanks to our wonderful Matron team. Between a guest appearance by Mr Richards and a final address from our Head of House, Monty, the night was a brilliant blend of reflection and fun. We concluded the festivities with our cherished tradition: a housewide rendition of “Sweet Caroline.”

Our House has been buzzing with energy this term! From the highoctane fun of our silent disco and FIFA tournaments to relaxing Starbucks trips, there’s been something for everyone. To beat the January blues, our ‘Wellbeing Fortnight’ focused on rejuvenation with yoga, tea tasting, and face masks. While the year-group outings to bowling and golf were hits, the absolute crowd favorite was - without a doubt - our guest hot tub, which proved to be the ultimate winter spirit-lifter. We even had clay model making, battled it out in a Nerf war, the camaraderie in the House is stronger than ever.

Dorms

It has been an exceptionally vibrant term, filled with moments that have truly strengthened our House spirit. We kicked off our major social calendar on Monday 9 February, with our house formal. It was a wonderful evening of celebration, providing a fantastic opportunity for pupils across all year groups to come together in style. It was quite emotional to hear from our 2025 leavers, and it really helped our 2026 leavers understand the community that we have here.

Beyond formal events, we focused on fostering connections through unique experiences. Our Upper Sixth and Pre-Sixth pupils had the privilege of visiting Saffrons for an evening of Padel. It was brilliant to see the older and younger years bonding over some friendly competition on the courts.

Back at the House, our “in-house” socials proved to be a major hit. From the hands-on fun of our sushi evening to the refined relaxation of afternoon tea, there has been no shortage of highlights. The term’s energy reached a literal high note on Saturday 7 March, with our house karaoke night. The enthusiasm and talent on display were the perfect way to cap off a successful few months. It has been a term defined by laughter and community, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s involvement. We have also had the privilege of welcoming in our new prefects who will be taking over after the Easter holidays.

Charleston

As we conclude another vibrant term, it is a pleasure to reflect on the energy and enterprise that defined Charleston House. From philanthropy to “culinary experiments,” the girls have truly embodied our community spirit.

Our Charity Week in aid of Ufulu saw Lower Sixth girls leading hot dog and tuck sales with incredible stamina. This philanthropic energy transitioned into a competitive streak during

the Charleston Bake-Off, followed by a raucous, high-energy Charleston’s Got Talent show. To foster wider connections, we launched Bridge Building Breakfasts, hosting pupils from other Houses for team-building games and morning chats.

We celebrated academic milestones, including the Upper Fifth mock results, with a pizza lunch served by Mr. Manos. The House also engaged with global themes through International Women’s Day celebrations and Neurodiversity Week discussions. On the competitive front, our Senior Debaters, Short Tennis players, and Junior Netballers all secured 1st place finishes, while our Senior Netball and Engineering teams took impressive runner-up spots.

It is a privilege to see the girls supporting one another through every milestone. I hope the coming break provides ample rest before we return for the summer term.

Stud

This term has been a jam-packed one with Year group trips, House comps, and the wonderful Stud House Evensong and Formal dinner. The theme for the evening was ‘Honesty’ and because of the proximity in date to St David’s Day, the boys were spectacularly decked out in their Welsh finest, from the odd discrete Welsh Dragon to the full Daffodil!

The Lower Fifth, Upper Fifth, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth had their year group trips to the metropolis of Hailsham for bowling, and the English Riviera (Eastbourne) for golf driving range. Each evening was followed by a sumptuous meal at the Golden Arches Restaurant (McDonald’s!). Please do check out our Facebook page (Stud Facebook page) and our Instagram (Stud instagram) as all of the events are photographed and uploaded.

We are in the process of getting some of the most artistically gifted boys to help out with our House Dance this year. ‘Just the Way You Are’ by Bruno Mars promises to be an interesting song to choreograph for the boys but, with the help of our resident dance expert, Louise Lister, we are sure we can sort something out. The good thing is that, if one of the boys gets a little too strenuous in their plié or arabesque, Louise can administer first aid!

We at Stud wish all who are associated with the House a Happy Easter break and we look forward to the possibility of less rain in the coming months.

Knights

It has been a term of formidable spirit and diverse success for Knights House, showcasing excellence across intellectual, creative, and athletic disciplines.The House secured a brilliant win in the “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” drama competition, led by the improvisational skills of Beau, Tom, and Jasper. Our intellectual reputation was further bolstered by the Debating team (Oli, Daniel, and Monty) and the design skills of Henry and Seb in the Engineering challenge. Alex and Freddie also added a spark of inventive flair during the Taskmaster event.

Senior and junior Hockey teams excelled, with special mentions to Charley, Harry, and “superstar” Sam, Joshua and keeper Ashton. Lawson proved to be the “glue” of the Basketball team, while Zac and Morgan led us to Volleyball success. Ben and Saul “smashed” the Run and Row, while our Aquatics team (Ted, Gabe, Nithil, and George) showed great prowess.

We celebrate our top merit winners (awarded Amazon vouchers) and the delightful Arlo for his peer leadership. A massive thank you also goes to our outgoing prefects.

Dicker

The Easter term is always a bit of a whirlwind, having so much packed into a short space of time. March was a particularly busy month for us: first, we had the Dicker 24 Hour Football Challenge in support of Prostate Cancer UK. It is always inspiring to see the boys step up in this event and to enter into the spirit of raising

money for a good cause. And as always, we are incredibly grateful to those Dickerites who made the commitment to stay the night in the MPH and do the full 24 hours. We are hoping in the final analysis to raise over £2,000. We have also had the Dicker Creative Challenge this term, in which each Dickerite chose to perfect a certain skill or to create something and then presented it to the rest of the house. Cakes and Baking were the most popular skill on display this term, with each of the bakers showing us their baking skills with a time-lapse video presentation. We also enjoyed some fantastic IT projects, sporting challenges and also some card tricks. This year, to align with the International Year of Reading our Creative Challenge options also included the opportunity to read a book and to talk about it to the house. In sports, we once again excelled. On the football field we continued to provide a significant proportion of the 1st XI Football side and four of the U15A national cup winning squad. In the House Reading Challenge, we are currently vying for the top spot. And then of course all Dickerites have successfully completed assessments this term. Congratulations to Toby and Joseph for gaining straight ‘exceptionals’ in their effort grades. Lastly, we thanked the Upper Sixth prefects who stepped down from their roles. They have done a great job as a team.

Lastly, Dicker set up its inaugural community outreach project, with Dickerites going to our local care home to play music and chat to residents. It has been lovely to see. Great stuff Dicker! Another super term!

Crossways

When we say that by the end of the term the nights will be longer and the sunshine out, everyone in Crossways does not believe us! But lo and behold, Spring has sprung the dancing daffodils are out and the nights are light... it is a beautiful time of year in Upper Dicker.

We feel like we have blinked and suddenly reached this point of the year because Crossways has been so busy this term. The initial focus was mocks which were early this year, giving those sitting exams in the summer plenty of time to absorb their feedback and act upon it. Once the mocks were done the fun really started!

The annual Crossways 24 Hour Disco raised nearly £2,000 for our chosen charity ‘Sanyu Babies’ the orphanage in Uganda. The charity has an Instagram page which shows the children laughing and smiling which makes our efforts at the disco all that more significant. They truly are such happy kids so it is a privilege to be dancing our Crossways socks off for 24 hours to support them. We all then went home for half term to recover!

This half of term Crossways has logged hours of reading in the quest to be the best-read House in Bede’s. We were in the lead and this week will find out if our hours were enough to be top of the reading table - great work Crossways and also great to see that you find that precious time to read. It was lovely to hear about tutors book recommendations as well. Later in the term the tutors also shared inspirational women with the House for International Women’s Day. We heard from Eileen Gu about how she has become a 22 year old her 8 year old self would be proud of, using the power of neuroplasticity to work out how to achieve her goals. Inspirational.

And then , in our final week, we had the most fabulous evening at our Crossways Formal. The theme this year was based around one of our Crossways values: Making Brave Decisions. MS Hopkins transformed the Recital Room into a place of Starlight, later revealed to be inspired by our Head of House Flo, who knows that stars in the sky are always present no matter how far away and this is just like the people she has had the privilege to work and live with at Bede’s, a message we can all relate to Mr Collier’s inspiring and entertaining speech encouraged us all to ‘let the wind take us’ and to go with it... have courage to try new things and overcome our fear. It was such a super evening, showing the wonderful community that Crossways is.

Deis

This term, we have enjoyed co-ed lunches, breakfasts and pool games with some of our sister houses, encouraging more socialising.

Yet another round of our general competitions went on with multiple first, second and third place wins, from Drama to Debating to Hockey to Darts, everyone making a fantastic effort to build up the house. Only time will tell what difference we have made to our total score…

More house competitions have been ongoing in the background: the reading competition and House Dance (on the theme of treasure).

Our pool tournament final looms where the mighty Mr Trenaman will be taking on our pupil champion, who will receive a coveted Deis pool trophy. Thanks to our prefects who ran this and the funds will be going to Chailey Heritage in our ongoing effort to support our local charity.

The new prefects have also been busy getting into the role and taking on the full duties of the house and have been doing a sterling job.