HEADMASTER’S WELCOME
It is always a pleasure to share the many wonderful goings on at Elstree with you, and I am delighted to say that the school continues to thrive. With record pupil numbers and significant investment in our facilities this year, we are well placed to deliver a first-class education for generations to come. I am immensely proud that Elstree’s success is ours alone; our independence remains a beacon in today’s Prep School landscape.
Aspiration, ambition and excellence define an Elstree education. I hope these pages capture the breadth of opportunity that the children embrace here, as well as the warmth, kindness and fun that characterise our community. For our Old Boys and Girls, I trust Echo keeps you closely connected to friends and contemporaries as they flourish at Senior School and beyond.
It was a particular pleasure to welcome so many alumni to celebrate Steve Bates’ 70th birthday last year. Beaufort House was filled with over 150 former pupils, Governors and staff - both past and present. All were gathered to honour Steve’s remarkable 45+ years of dedicated service to Elstree. It was a great fun occasion, with tremendous speeches and many happy memories shared - a fitting tribute to someone who continues to give so much to Elstree.
Since the last edition of Echo, we have bid farewell to our 2025 Leavers as they have moved on to an impressive range of Senior Schools including Bradfield, Downe House, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Radley, Wellington and Winchester. They achieved outstanding Common Entrance results and secured an exceptional array of Scholarships across Academic, Sport, Drama, Music and Art. It is heartening to hear how they are flourishing, and I have greatly enjoyed catching up with many of them at various Senior School events.
This year also saw the opening of our superb new Art Centre - a bright, modern space that has already transformed creative life at Elstree. We were honoured to welcome Mouth
Artist, Author and Speaker, Henry Fraser to perform the official opening; his remarkable story of resilience and creativity left a profound impression on the children. It has been wonderful to see their artistic talents flourish in such an exceptional environment, and we look forward to many more masterpieces in the years ahead!
On the sports field, Elstree teams have excelled. Girls’ sport in particular has entered an exciting new chapter with the resurfacing and upgrade of the AWP. Now proudly resplendent in pink and blue, it provides a fitting stage for the many matches and tournaments that showcase Elstree’s unique energy and spirit.
Drama continues to go from strength to strength. From Electric Dreams and Shakespeare Rocks to a Roald Dahl Extravaganza and Queen Victoria’s Nickers, the Elstree stage has been alive with talent. Our pupils’ enthusiasm is matched only by the passion and commitment of the staff who make these productions possible.
I cannot let this edition of Echo pass without mentioning Mr Schuman. Following major surgery to donate a kidney to his brother, he has shown extraordinary courage, generosity and good humour. His selflessness has deeply moved us all, and we are delighted to have him back at school - continuing to inspire in more ways than one. Finally, I would like to pass on my thanks to you all. We achieved an astonishing 99% satisfaction rate in the pupil, parent and staff surveys that were completed as part of our recent ISI Inspection. When I look through these pages, I am compelled to agree with the Inspector who kindly commented, “Elstree is a very happy ship” – thank you for being on board.
Once again, I do hope you enjoy this edition of Echo
Sid Inglis Headmaster
BOARDING
What an adventure the Elstree boarders continue to have! There is no doubt that the children who board at Elstree have the fullest possible experience of our wonderful school – and they certainly throw themselves into every opportunity.
Here’s recap on what we’ve been up to over the last year. Our Boarding ‘Socials’ got off to a flying start with Downe House hosting our Year 8 boys and girls for a lively ‘Race Night’, complete with pizza, ice-cream ad plenty of chatter. Before long, it was Elstree’s time to host, and the Downe House girls joined us for a ‘Casino Royale’ evening.
After DIY hotdogs, the children readied themselves for glitz and glamour, in black-tie attire they welcomed our guests to an evening of mocktails and casino games. The children were wonderfully polite and hospitable to their guests; great fun was had by all and the evening fully lived up to expectations!
Big Weekends have once again been exactly that – BIG! Year 8s danced through a Silent Disco in the Long Room before gathering around a campfire for S’mores and hot chocolate.
Year 7 impressed with their ‘Master Chef’ creations and then tackled a ‘Mission Impossible’ themed weekend. Year 6 went “Wet, Wild and Wacky” with water balloons and technicolour chaos, before showing resilience and independence during their Bushcraft adventure and overnight campout on the school grounds.
Of course, no Big Weekend would be complete without the traditional full English breakfast and a Sunday morning packed with activities - from Rounders and Laser Tag to Dodgeball, Flag Football and Archery Tag.
The full Boarding community of over 150 pupils, staff and parents joined us for some memorable evenings. The ‘Murder Mystery Night’ remain a firm favourite with costume, drama and the meticulous piecing together of clues. ‘Family Fortunes’ was a brilliantly competitive evening of quizzing and laughter, with Team Fawcett proudly claiming the trophy!
The Great Escape, expertly led by Mr Prichard saw over 90 boarders taking part in this Elstree tradition. Dressed in everything from camouflage to neon, the children plotted their routes to Plantation under cover of darkness. With only 18 successful escapees (boarders!), the guards (staff) were certainly kept busy!
Each term brings its own special moments. The Autumn Term ended with festive magic, from the Boarders’ Christmas Party to fireside Readings and Carols by the tree.
In the Lent Term the children hunted for Easter eggs and enjoyed a celebratory Easter Party, and in the Summer Term
golden evenings were spent splashing in the pool, honing bowls in the cricket nets, laughter on the slippy slide or enjoying a peaceful stroll around the grounds with friends. The Summer Party - complete with BBQ, garden games and a surprise ice-cream was a perfect finale to the year.
Beyond the fun, something deeper is always happening when it comes to boarding at Elstree. The children are learning about organisation, time management and responsibility as they build confidence, resilience and independence. The children learn to live alongside others with tolerance, kindness and respect and it is wonderful to see how they support one another, celebrate successes and navigate challenges together - creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
My sincere thanks go to the dedicated staff who make it all possible: to Mel and her team for keeping everyone so well fed, to our superb Matronal team, to the staff and gappers who give their energy so generously, and especially to Mrs Morris for the endless cookies, warm drinks and unwavering support.
With a team like this, it is no wonder our boarders love being here.
ELSTREE ALUMNI
Old Boys and their Children
We are delighted that 32 of our current boys and girls are the children of Elstree Alumni, currently representing almost 11% of our entire pupil body. We are thrilled that so many Elstree Alumni wish to share memories of childhood and learning at Elstree with their own children – and look forward to welcoming Old Girls back into the photo in years to come!
Old Boys’ Football Tournament
On Sunday 25th October 2025, we hosted the Annual Elstree Old Boys’ Football Match –always a huge success. Mr Bates and Mr Prichard had galvanised three Elstree Old Boy Teams, and there was a good mix of wise heads, young legs and plenty of skill on display!
In the end the victors were the eldest (pink and blue) team who graced Lower with some wonderful skill, impressive levels of fitness and wisdom to match their age! Lunch around the pizza oven (courtesy of Mr and Mrs Attwood) was a lovely way to conclude a happy morning. Many thanks to all the spectators that came to support too.
Old Boys (left to right): William Davies, Charles Richardson, Nicholas Sydney-Smith, Jonathan Drury, Alec Kingham, Ed Brims, Jamie Rollo, Richard Lloyd, Michael Bevan, Alastair Yarrow, Archie Duckworth, Oli Blackwell, Toby Eldridge, Will Blackwell, James Elvery, Ben Williams, Francis Long.
Children (left to right): Oscar Sydney-Smith, Jake Sydney-Smith, Bertie Davies, Margaux Richardson, Freddie Le Flufy, Alice Drury, Eliza Drury, Oscar Kingham, Olivia Le Flufy, Iris Brims, Felix Brims, George Rollo, Thomas Bevan, Ned Rollo, Harry Long, Oliver Eldridge, William Yarrow, Henry Yarrow, Honour Yarrow, Bertie Duckworth, Violet Duckworth, Bertie Long, Carrie Blackwell, Tristan Anderson Wheeler, Charlie Anderson Wheeler, Oliver Lloyd, Bruce Blackwell, Lochie Williams, Albie Williams, Raife Williams, Sam Blackwell, Hugo Eldridge.
2021 and 2023 Leavers George and Hamish
Fawcett enjoying St Andrew’s Day at Eton; Hamish also performed in the Eton Pipe Band.
Mr and Mrs Inglis joined Arabella Pannell, Bella Tryon, Mila Tryon, Akintunji Akinola, Willem Loader, Jack Hedley, Hector Crosthwaite, Wilf Foulds, Sebastian Fowler for a Prep School Heads’ Dinner at Marlborough College.
Congratulations to 2022 Leaver, Josh Chan, who was awarded an Academic Scholarship at Wellington with 12 Grade 9s in his GCSEs.
We are so proud that 2024 Leavers Mofe Adeyinka and Lachie McGeoch were awarded Sports Scholarships at Wellington in 2025.
2023 Leaver, Gabriel Islam has been awarded a Music Exhibition at Eton, where he is a chorister and plays the Trombone in Senior Jazz Band and Big Band.
2021 Leaver Alfie Johnstone now Head of Marines and Head of House at the Winchester College Remembrance Parade.
2015 Leaver Tom Houston graduated from Manchester Uni with a Masters MSc in Neuroscience and awarded prize for the top score in Life Sciences. He also plays sax in band Meko.
2023 Leaver, Seb Francis on duty at The Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Congratulations to George Fawcett, 2021 Leaver, on playing the lead role, Jim Hawkins, in Treasure Island at Eton.
Our thanks to 2011 Leaver and son of Sister Cook, Hugo D. Cook who visited Elstree to discuss his book ‘Tales of Ancient Egypt’.
Mr Inglis was delighted to join Ben Perkins, 2020 Leaver for a tour at Eton.
Mr Inglis was delighted to see 2024 Leaver, James Morris-Weston, Music Scholar at Winchester College.
achieved 4 A stars in Maths Further Maths Physics Chemistry and going on to study Physics at Imperial College with an additional 1 Year Masters.
2023 Leaver Laurie Moore, now at Lord Wandsworth College, represented Bath U16s.
Mr and Mrs Inglis joined 2025 Scholars, Valentina Ridley-Day and Dariya Maximova at the Downe House Enrolment of Scholars Dinner.
Rain Tian, 2020 Leaver,
Mrs Inglis, Mrs Kidson and Mr Prichard joined former Head Boy and 2025 Leaver, Leonardo Raphael at the Bradfield College Admission of Scholars’ Service.
2025 Leavers Leonardo Raphael, Archie Hindley and Oliver Duffield representing Bradfield U14A with Alfie Burles and Otis Pearey supporting from the sidelines.
2025 Leavers, Sat Li, Toby Bi, Dew Sakamoto, Leonardo Raphael, Archie Hindley and Oliver Duffield now at Eton and Bradfield met as opposing sides on the football pitch.
Steve Bates’ 70th Birthday
What a wonderful time we had celebrating Steve Bates’ 70th birthday!
150 Old Boys, Old Girls, Governors, and both past and present staff met at Beaufort House in London to reminisce over Prep School years and recount stories of the legend that is Mr Bates. There can be no doubting Steve’s loyalty and dedication to Elstree. It was a rare and special evening to celebrate someone so loved and respected by generations of former pupils.
In a fitting tribute for his 70th birthday, Tatler Schools also nominated Mr Bates not just for the first time, but with a SECOND nomination for a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award!’
It is an accolade we all know that Steve truly deserves; his service at Elstree spans over 45 years and we are so lucky he continues to give us such energetic and welcome support today.
ELSTREE COMMUNITY
Welcome Back Drinks
The Elstree Welcome Back Drinks is always a wonderful way to start the new academic year. A sub-station power failure threw us into early darkness (!), but the McMullen Hall was glowing with candle-light and the warmth of chatter and laughter from all who were there.
We truly lived up to the spirit of the Elstree motto, ‘Clarior ex Obscuro’ - ‘Out of the darkness, into the light’! Our huge thanks to the fantastic Friends of Elstree Committee for giving such a warm welcome to all the Elstree families – both new and old!
Mr Schuman
Year 3 Form Tutor and all-round Elstree Legend, Mr Schuman has had a very busy time!
In January 2026, Lily Bryant nominated Mr Schuman for ‘Teacher of the Week’ in The Week Junior –and accolade he wholly deserved, not least because he donated a kidney to his older brother.
You can read the full account of Mr Schuman’s ‘My Kidney Donation Experience’ in the ‘Latest News’ section of the Elstree website. It is a fascinating read and we are thrilled that Mr Schuman is as fit as a fiddle and back at Elstree with his Year 3 Form, who he now fondly refers to as his ‘kidney class’.
Our thanks to Mr Schuman for
bringing the organ donation programme to our attention and inspiring us with your life-changing kindness.
Bonfire Night
What fun it was to bring the Elstree community together for an evening of explosive entertainment - our Friends of Elstree Committee pulled out all the stops!
With stalls of neon beanies, homemade snoods and headbands, home grown produce, hot chocolate, sweets, popcorn, hot dogs and a very well stocked bar… everyone was in great spirits before the fireworks even started – and once again, they were incredible.
With thanks to our Grounds, Maintenance and Catering Teams and our brilliant Year 8 pupils for helping to run the stalls – and of course to all the families who joined and made it such a cracking evening!
New Art Centre
In January 2026 we officially opened our wonderful new Art Centre!
Under the creative and thoughtful stewardship of Mrs Syckelmoore, Elstree boys and girls have already begun to create masterpieces. From large canvases and paints to fine art materials including 3D modules, clay, wire and recycled or natural materials, the opportunities are endless!
It was a pleasure to welcome Mouth Artist, Author and Speaker Henry Fraser, and his brother Will, to open the Art Centre. The children sat in captivated silence as they listened to Henry’s talk - they were gripped by his powerful words. His message was overwhelmingly inspiring and to see all that Henry has gone on to achieve, is deeply humbling. His story will have a lasting impact on Elstree boys and girls, and we hope it inspires resilience, positivity and creativity.
Our thanks also to Mark Tugwell at Cowleaze Project Management for overseeing the development of the Art Centre so efficiently and especially to our wonderful governors, parents and community who supported this project with such enthusiasm and generosity.
We can’t wait to see the work of Elstree pupils for generations to come!
ELSTREE COMMUNITY
The Harry Shapland Adventure Playground
With HUGE excitement, we opened the new Harry Shapland Adventure Playground at the start of the academic year. The tireless fundraising efforts of our incredibly loyal and supportive parents have enabled this much-loved playground, originally built in memory of former pupil Harry Shapland, to have a major refurbishment. It was an honour that former Elstree pupils, Freddie Smiley (2015 Leaver) at Castles Cary, aided by Louis Giffard-Moore (2015 Leaver) came back to Elstree to redesign and build it.
Enormous thanks to our Friends of Elstree and Gift Fair Committees. To say the children love it is an understatement - they are having the most wonderful adventures!
Johnny Vincent Leaving
At the end of the Autumn Term, we wished a fond farewell to Johnny Vincent, former parent and one of Elstree’s longest-serving Governors.
Johnny has been a voice of wisdom and strength for almost ten years, constantly challenging and supporting us to be the very best version of ourselves. He has helped to guide the school through significant change, including the Covid years and our move to co-education. He leaves us on a high, in the certainty that Elstree is thriving, our leadership is as strong as ever and our pupils are enjoying a childhood and education second to none.
Thank you Johnny, you have given freely and kindly of your advice, time and invaluable guidance, you will be missed – but we know we will still see lots of you!
Carol Concerts
The Elstree Chapel Choir had a busy run up to Christmas! They first performed at The Charlie Waller Trust Carol Service at Bradfield College before going on to The Rainbow Trust Carol Service at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge and then bringing the Autumn Term to a close at Douai Abbey.
Under the meticulous direction of Mr Coppack, the Chapel Choir sung carols like never before and their rendition of O Holy Night! brought the congregation to their feet in applause at our own Carol Service.
Rob Pickering
After 32 years of loyal service as a visiting music teacher, Rob Pickering left Elstree in September 2025. He has a hugely longstanding association with the school and we know so many families will feel lucky to have had their children taught by him.
Wishing Rob all the very best in his retirement and hoping that he will come back to see us again soon!
PREP NEWS
ACADEMIC Declamations
In January, thirty-eight of Elstree’s finest performers took to the stage in the McMullen Hall to declaim an incredible array of poetry and prose in front of a huge audience of pupils, parents and staff.
There were poems filled with rhyme and humour to speeches that rallied nations to war; we heard works from classics including Roald Dahl, Michael Rosen and A.A. Milne to weightier masters such as Shakespeare, Lewis Carol and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Mr Haroon Shirwani, Housemaster and Language Teacher at Eton adjudicated the competition and praised the children on the outstanding delivery of their poems. Well done to all who took part and congratulations to our winners Olivia (Year 4), Fawn (Year 6) and Florence (Year 8).
ART AND MUSIC
Summer Concert
The Summer Concert was a fabulous showcase of the musical talent of our pupils – and staff and parents.
Our audience took their seats in the warm sunshine of Elstree’s Rose Garden and listened to incredible performances from the Year 8 band, the middle school choir and the Chapel Choir. South performed their winning House Song, ‘I’m Still Standing’, and there were duets and solos from Year 8 girls. The flute and string ensembles took to the stage ahead of the full school orchestra and then we heard from the latest musical edition at Elstree… our Community Choir, a wonderful assembly of Elstree staff and parents, who performed brilliantly!
LIBRARY
Elstree Book Week
This week’s theme was ‘Myths and Legends’ and with costumes, parties and author talks, there were so many books brought to life.
From Aphrodite to Medusa and Robin Hood to King Arthur, pupils and staff donned fabulous costumes for the Book Week parade. Iris Yao from 7AL commented “There was a huge range of costumes and the teachers were really, really funny.”
Later in the week, eighty-three pupils were welcomed into the library to celebrate their Summer Holiday reading. With hot chocolates and tasty treats there was a cosy atmosphere as everyone shared their favourite books.
Courtesy of the fabulous Henley Literature Festival, we also tuned in to some exciting online author talks. Author and rapper MC Grammar entertained the Juniors with his fun and energetic session of Rap Kid. At the end of this talk, Mr. Schuman gave his verdict: “He’s got to be the coolest teacher on the planet!” This was followed by CBBC presenter and author Andy Day, who excited Year 4 with funny activities and excerpts from his popular Dino Dad series.
Elstree Book Week was a brilliant reminder of the power of books to inspire, connect, and entertain. Our thanks to our wonderful Head of Library, Mrs Walker, for inspiring us to enjoy so many adventures in books!
PREP NEWS
TRIPS
Warwick Castle
In the Autumn Term, the Year 5 pupils spent a day being awed by the history of Warwick Castle.
With wide eyes and eager footsteps, the boys and girls explored the wonders of medieval life – from towering turrets and the chilling oubliette to the mighty trebuchet, gleaming suits of armour and fantastic displays from birds of prey.
A hands-on workshop brought battle tactics to life, while breathtaking views revealed why this castle stood strong through the ages.
This is always a fantastic trip and great fun was had by all!
ENRICHMENT
The Headmaster’s Project
This inspiring initiative challenged pupils to explore their creativity, curiosity and independence. In choosing a topic or idea that sparked their interest, the Year 6 children embarked on a journey that included research, planning, testing and execution – essential skills for both within the classroom and beyond.
The process deepened their knowledge and built their confidence in working autonomously, managing time effectively and presenting findings to others. The standard of the projects produced was exceptionally high, with a working horse jump, Elstree boardgame, and an AI robot standing out.
We are immensely proud of all the children who took part in the Headmaster’s Project 2025. Their work is a testament to what young people can achieve when they are trusted with responsibility and inspired to follow their interests.
DRAMA
Electric Dreams
An incredible cast of Year 7 and 8 girls and boys sang, danced and acted their socks off to bring us a fantastic story of joy and hope. They showcased the imagination and resilience of the young, inspiring in us all a desire to believe in our own ‘electric dreams’.
Written and directed by the everenergetic and inimitable Mr Pugsley, the show was a tour-de-force of 80s classics. It shone a disco ball of light on the incredible talent of our pupils, the generosity of our kind parent helpers and the support of the Elstree community who were tapping, clapping and cheering with delight as they were taken back in time.
SPORT
AWP & Girls’ Sport
The Elstree All-Weather Pitches have been given a new lease of life!
The two full size netball and three tennis courts have been fully refurbished and are now proudly resplendent in the Elstree pink and blue colours. This fantastic facility provides a new space for clubs and activities for all Elstree children, from Pre-Prep through to Boarders.
In particular, the Girls’ netball teams have benefitted enormously. It has been a pleasure to welcome other Prep Schools to Elstree for our matches during the Lent Term – they have certainly brightened things up on cold, wet days!
The girls have had a superb season and the AWP is now a fitting stage for hosting matches and tournaments for years to come.
PRE-PREP NEWS
ACADEMIC
Outdoor Learning
The children in Pre-Prep love spending days in the Elstree Woods. Working together, with the older children helping the younger ones, they build dens or bug hotels and create leaf kebabs or beautiful artwork from nature.
Not only is being outside fantastic for building their strength, resilience and ability to work together as a team, they find wonderful ways to build their vocabulary and explore science and maths in the woods.
Best of all, lasting friendships and happy memories are made!
DAYS OUT
Story Museum
Elstree’s little explorers from Nursery had a magical adventure at The Story Museum in Oxford. Whether it was stepping into enchanted story worlds or bringing their favourite tales to life, the children were completely immersed in the joy of storytelling.
This was a day out that will help to build a love for books that will last a lifetime – but undoubtedly, it was jumping on the enormous bed (before settling down for a cosy story) that was everyone’s favourite moment!
SPORT
Mini-Olympics
Children from Nursery and Reception children were very excited to take part in this year’s Mini-Olympics. We couldn’t have asked for more glorious weather, and we loved welcoming Woolhampton and Brimpton Primary Schools to join the fun.
The boys and girls waved with pride at all the special guests who had come to watch. Mr Bates masterminded the afternoon with the support Year 8 helpers, who were running the activities as part of their Elstree Award.
The children enjoyed a carousel of different sporting events including relay, hurdles, javelin, ribbon dancing, throwing and catching and a firm favourite, beat the goalie! There was stacks of enthusiasm and the children loved high-fiving the Year 8 children with thanks and appreciation.
ART
Rainforests
As part of their topic on Rainforests, the boys and girls in Year 2 made some fantastically exotic insects.
Using shoe boxes, they worked with a range of materials to build up a 3D body, identifying the head, thorax and abdomen as part of the insect’s anatomy. With brightly coloured paper, glitter, felt tips and cotton buds for legs, the insects were certainly a wonder to behold. Soon, they will be off to The Living Rainforest and we hope the creatures they find there will look half as captivating!
FAMILY
Den Building Day
It is wonderful for the children in Reception to welcome special guests for a day of den building and mini-beast hunting.
Celebrating the end of their Early Years learning, this is a great fun day for the girls and boys to show off their much-loved Elstree woods and newly acquired outdoor skills. Carefully constructed dens were brought to life with a little extra help from family members armed with bunting, pom-poms and fairy lights!
Everyone enjoyed a quiet story in their dens before regrouping for a sing-along and scavenger hunt – there were lots of jumping grasshoppers, millipedes and fluffy caterpillars to be found. It was lovely to see everyone enjoying a peaceful, happy time!
DRAMA
Nativity Play
Angels, stars, wise men, sheep, in-keepers and of course, a comedy donkey took to the stage for a special moment of Pre-Prep Christmas magic. With wonderfully loud and clear voices, beautifully choreographed actions and an array of colourful and tinselled costumes, the children told the story of Mary and Joseph seeking refuge in a stable to bring their baby Jesus into the world.
The play came to a close with the entire Pre-Prep singing Jingle Bells using Makaton - a wonderful ending to a play that brought huge joy to the proud parents and grandparents gathered in the McMullen Hall.
