Dance has leapt to centre-stage this term, with pupils from Years 7-10 debuting their hip-hop routine at a youth showcase.
Another performance is planned for the Founder’s Day Fete, so the whole Elizabethan community will soon have a chance to see the boys’ moves.
The group have also been invited to participate in a special workshop at the Royal Academy of Dance on 2 September.
Under a revised National Curriculum due to be implemented from September 2028, dance will become a core component of the PE curriculum, embedded alongside gymnastics and games. Clear links will be set out to progression and skills development.
QE Flourish tutor Brooke Farron has organised the weekly classes and intensive workshops, with external dance teacher Robbie Eloni instructing the boys.
The photos show, in white, lead dancer Aarav Abhijit Pathak , of Year 10, and the rest of the group in action.
All their hard work culminated in the five-minute routine as part of Step Around Town at Acland Burghley School in Camden – an annual regional dance event, co-presented by the Royal Academy of Dance and the Jack Petchey Foundation. It celebrates the achievements of secondary school pupils participating in the Step into Dance programme, to which QE now belongs.
Miss Farron said: “It was fantastic to see our pupils shine on stage. The Robert Dudley Studio provides a dedicated space for them to rehearse and develop their talents in dance, putting QE ahead of the game as we prepare for dance becoming part of the PE curriculum.”
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“Dance helps develop many transferable skills relevant to physical fitness and wellbeing, such as: co-ordination; core strength; flexibility and suppleness; agility; cardiovascular fitness; teamwork; and confidence. Hip-hop, in particular, requires stamina, explosive power, and significant amounts of body co-ordination.”
Director of Sport Jonathan Hart
“We had many rehearsals of our routine, and each session was extremely fun. At the showcase, we saw each group’s ‘tech’ rehearsal. It was a really great experience.”
Logan Le, Year 7
“ The showcase was an amazing chance to see some really high-level dances, and a great chance to perform ours. The people there were all very friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Youer Chen, Year 8
Setting their sights on Lord’s QE conquers county in new competition
QE’s U15s were this week crowned Middlesex county winners in the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup – a new MCC-run competition bringing together the strongest cricketing state schools from across the country.
The team now enters the national knockout rounds, with the ultimate target of victory at the main ground at Lord’s on Thursday 10th September.
Traditionally, school cricket competitions have been dominated by independent schools, which often have greater access to facilities and resources. Named after state-educated England cricketers Heather Knight and Ben Stokes, and open only to state schools, this new hardball competition aims to redress the balance.
QE made an encouraging start to their campaign, despatching Mill Hill County School by 9 wickets. Their next opponents, Whitefriars, Harrow, were also comfortably beaten, with QE recording an 8-wicket win. That left them with a regional final against Heston Community School at North Middlesex CC in Crouch End.
Head of Cricket Guy Ashby said: “Batting first, we posted a competitive total thanks to strong contributions from Akein Athukoralage [pictured], who finished unbeaten on 50, and Mayank Jagetia, whose well-made 32 provided valuable support. Their partnership laid the foundations for a commanding performance and gave the team a strong position at the change of innings. A disciplined bowling and fielding display then ensured a convincing victory.”
"Beyond results, participation in the Knight-Stokes Cup represents an important step in the continued growth of cricket within the School. It offers pupils the chance to experience high-level competition, build resilience, and take pride in representing their School on a broader stage."
Mr Ashby
QE now progresses to the knockout rounds, which include regional finals, national quarter-finals and semi-finals, all scheduled before the school holidays begin in late July.
“The national finals day at Lord’s provides a fantastic incentive for the team as they continue their impressive campaign,” added Mr Ashby.
Route to victory
Away, vs Mill Hill County High School
For: 32 for 1
Against: 30 all out
Result: won by 9 wickets
Home, vs Whitefriars School, Harrow
For: 45 for 2
Against: 44 all out
Result: won by 8 wickets
Neutral venue, vs Heston Comm School
For: 178 for 8
Against: 109 all out
Result: won by 69 runs
in one of the most successful seasons in years
The U15 cricket team has enjoyed a busy and highly successful season so far – with highlights including not only the Knight-Stokes Cup triumphs, but also an outstanding run in the Middlesex County Cup.
The Year 10 boys made it through to the final of the latter, held at Harrow School, where they came up against an in-form Merchant Taylors’ School, losing by 127 runs.
Led by captain Neil Bhabra, their victories to that point included: the 199-run trouncing of Acland Burghley School, a 2-wicket defeat of Richmond Park Academy, and a 167-run semi-final win against The Latymer School.
Team coach Richard Scally said: “The team performed superbly throughout the competition before eventually coming up against the very strong Merchant Taylors’ side. Reaching the final was a significant achievement and reflected the excellent standard of cricket played by the squad during the campaign.”
The wider fixture list has provided a wide range of challenges, with weekend matches taking the team across the country to face schools from Oxford to Cambridge, alongside competitive local fixtures.
After victory in the Knight-Stokes Cup county final, the squad headed west this week for a short tour to Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
Matches have been planned against: The King’s School, Worcester; Sir Thomas Rich’s School in Gloucester; and Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham.
“ The tour’s about building further momentum and creating memorable experiences together,” said Mr Scally.
“With strong performances, exciting opportunities and plenty of cricket still to come, the 2026 season is already proving to be one of the most successful and enjoyable in recent years.”
Mr Scally
FEATURE
Jonathan Collier
Jonathan Collier (OE 2006–2013) first represented England in 2023 in the Antrim Coast Half Marathon. He developed his love of running at QE, started training seriously while reading History at Sheffield University, and won a sports scholarship at a US university. He returns to QE as a trainee History teacher in September 2026.
Cross-country always felt a bit of a rite of passage at QE in the clumpy rugby boots through the infamous elephant dip. I could run distance relatively well, starting from primary school, although I never actually won any school cross-country competition.
I became heavily involved in the athletics club at Sheffield and was captain in my final year. Training built up to around 120-130k a week, and I started improving my times on the track.
US university coaches can access UK rankings, so often contact athletes. The coach at Butler University in Indianapolis messaged me with a standard, which I achieved by 0.56 secs over 3,000m. It was a tremendous opportunity, as several British Olympians had run there. The facilities are fantastic, including physio & treatment support, training locations, and team environment. Through the National Collegiate Athletic Association, you travel to competitions – I was fortunate to tick off 11 states. The scholarship included kit (plenty of shoes: I would go through a pair every 4– 6 weeks). Funding in the US is just so much higher than in the UK! Travelling for competitions meant I often had to write assignments during flights and coach trips. However, I found the academic side more straightforward than expected, thanks to my experiences at Sheffield and QE. Classes were often seminar-based, and US students tend to have less experience in critical debate.
My tips: some dos and don’ts
• Do pursue a sport or interest that genuinely excites you: to achieve at a high level you need intrinsic drive.
• Do find out if US universities offer scholarships in your sport, if you wish to pursue it at a high level. These are rare opportunities for a fully funded degree, with all your equipment covered, high-level support, the chance to travel, and opportunities to compete and train with the best.
• Don’t risk missing out on exciting opportunities: take them when they emerge.
• Lastly, do commit to something and be consistent – which holds true for running, academics and life. You can only reach the top if you are consistent; you can rest and recover, but there will be times when you need big blocks of hard work.
After graduating from Butler, I stopped running while working and starting a new Master’s degree (in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University). After I returned to the UK in 2021, I began training more seriously again. While preparing for the 2023 London Marathon (after overcoming a serious achilles issue), I ran 1:04:37 at the Barcelona Half Marathon, which got me selected for the England team, for Antrim. I never believed I would represent my country! I’m now part of a top-level training group in Battersea with many international athletes – all while working full-time [for the Asthma + Lung UK charity].
My first job in the US was as a teacher, so a career teaching in the UK felt right.
It is great to see how QE has changed and grown. Teacher-training can be demanding: being in a familiar environment surrounded by excellent professionals and students will make it as positive as possible.
A new system of trials that is helping the PE department identify the next group of Fives players culminated in an exciting day out at the famous birthplace of the game, Eton College.
The aspiring squad players from Year 8 enjoyed coaching from Ryan Perrie, Head of Fives at Eton, practised in the Berkshire boarding school’s 16 courts, and had their picture (right) taken at the original site where the game began. Together with a fixture there against The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School, it marked the climax of QE’s new trials system.
Director of Sport Jonathan Hart says: “Eton were very kind in offering their courts and providing a coaching element. It was a great day, enjoyed by all.
“In the past, we have held trials with Year 8 boys and then waited until September for the squad to start training and playing fixtures. I wanted to get the ball rolling, so that pupils had a head start before September.”
The new pathway into the squad has been carefully planned. Crucially, it is largely pupil-led, reflecting the distinctive self-governing nature of the game.
“The culture of self-governance is what truly sets Eton Fives apart,” says Mr Hart. “Unlike many modern sports, where officiating can become a source of frustration – think of football, with the frequent debates surrounding VAR – Eton Fives remains proudly self-refereed.
Players call their own decisions, request ‘lets’ if they feel impeded, and keep score themselves. Any disputes are resolved calmly and collaboratively on court, creating an environment built on trust, respect, and sportsmanship.
“We have brought this ethos of responsibility and ownership directly into the way our pupils are introduced to the sport. The new trial process provides a valuable opportunity for existing players in Year 10 to take on leadership roles and shape the future of the game within the School.”
“I love cricket, but I didn’t do too much in the winter, so I gave Eton Fives a go and now I love that as well. It's great to see the next groups come through whilst being part of the selection process myself. It is a great opportunity for pupils to learn a new sport.”
Year 10 player Pothan Bobba on his own experience and on the new pathway
ETON FIVES
How it works
The process begins with an open invitation for boys to attend trials across a two-week period.
These sessions are run and managed by members of the Year 10 squad, who take on the roles of organisers, demonstrators, and mentors. They lead warm-ups, showcase basic techniques, and integrate themselves into games with those trialling, offering guidance and encouragement throughout.
“Their involvement is both practical and evaluative. As well as helping younger pupils learn the fundamentals, they play a key role in identifying those who should progress to the next stage,” said Mr Hart.
This initial stage focuses less on prior knowledge and more on natural ability. Pupils are not expected to understand the rules; instead, emphasis is placed on hand–eye coordination, movement on court, and an instinctive feel for striking the ball. Those who excel often have experience in racket sports, may have played wall ball informally, or simply demonstrate an intuitive aptitude for the game.
Following this first phase, approximately 50 pupils progress to the second round. This stage allows Year 10 leaders to spend more time observing and working closely with the Year 8 cohort, gaining a deeper understanding of each pupil’s potential.
From the work in the second round, the group is then narrowed down to the 24 pupils who will form the foundation of next year’s squad.
The next step sees these shortlisted pupils taken beyond the QE environment. The visit to Eton allowed them to benefit both from expert coaching, while the sheer number of courts there meant QE’s players were able to maximise their playing time without the limitations of sharing, accelerating their development and confidence in the game.
The final key element of preparation comes through the boys experiencing competitive play. In collaboration with Natalie Lilienthal, the Eton Fives Association’s Development Officer, and through the generosity of Eton College, QE’s best-performing 16 pupils returned to Eton for a fixture shortly after their first visit.
Cardinal Vaughan is new to the sport and, since there are no courts at its site in Kensington, its pupils have been travelling to Westway Sports & Fitness Centre to receive coaching.
“Matches against schools such as Cardinal Vaughan provide a valuable introduction to the excitement and challenges of competition,” said Mr Hart. While allowing players from both schools – QE and Cardinal Vaughan, pictured together
here – to try out their skills, the fixture was a friendly, with no official scoring taking place.
“With the season beginning in September, our new, carefully structured, student-led process ensures that boys are not only technically prepared, but also fully immersed in the values that define Eton Fives. Whether it’s through self-officiating matches or opportunities to lead the next generation of players, Eton Fives at QE fosters independence, respect, and a genuine love of the game itself. In a sporting world increasingly reliant on external control and technology, the game stands out as a refreshing model of trust and responsibility – both on and off the court.”
“ This was a brilliant experience. To go through the trials and then play at Eton was very special. There is still a lot to learn, but I’m now really excited for September and our first match vs Berkhamsted School.”
Dhruv Srinath, Year 8
RUGBY
Hundreds of boys from across the whole School gathered in the Shearly Hall for the third annual QE Rugby Dinner.
Impressive as the figures behind QE’s Holland rugby adventure are, they tell only half the story, says Head of Rugby Oliver Di-Lieto
“It was an unforgettable tour, combining competitive fixtures and cultural experiences, so giving the boys a memorable blend of rugby development and shared adventure,” he says.
This year, the biennial Easter tour to the Amsterdam area began with warm-up fixtures against new opposition, RC Bulldogs of Almere.
The Bulldogs came out fighting, scoring early in their matches against both year groups, However, QE’s U14s and U15s fought hard, too, and emerged as top dogs, winning both matches convincingly.
The next day, it was time for the 27th Hilversum International Youth Rugby Festival – one of Europe’s largest such events, which this year featured 69 teams from six different nations
“The prestigious Hilversum festival provided a fantastic opportunity for the boys to test themselves against high-quality opposition,” says Mr Di-Lieto.
The U14s got off to a good start, first defeating a team from Latvia and then seeing off Hilversum, the host club.
The U15s had a tougher time, coming close in their first match, but ultimately losing out to four UK sides.
“Throughout the day, the QE squads showed resilience, discipline, and a growing maturity in their play,” says Mr Di-Lieto.
Activities enjoyed by the boys included bowling and This is Holland: the Ultimate 5D Flying Experience – a panoramic flight simulator – which “strengthened team bonding and made for memorable experiences,” as Mr Di-Lieto says.
The tour was organised by sports tour company Inspiresport, sponsors of the QE Barnet Rugby Sevens.
THE TOUR IN NUMBERS
46 players from Years 9 & 10
159 points scored for QE 10 games in two days 5 countries represented among QE’s opponents
The 2026 Holland rugby tour
Beat RC Bulldogs 45-5
Hilversum International Youth Rugby Festival
Beat Mapri Būve 10-0 (Latvia)
Beat Hilversum 15-10 (Holland)
Lost 25-5 against Barnstaple RFC (England)
Lost 12-5 against Ash RFC (England)
Awards, with coach’s notes
From Head of Rugby, Oliver Di-Lieto
U14 Player of the Tour: Andy Hasanaj
Led the team brilliantly in both attack and defence from fly half. His passing and kicking have improved this season and were highlighted on tour.
U14 Best Tourist: Aryaman Sharma
A revelation this season, moving from wing to flanker. Fantastic effort throughout the tour matches. He was positive, and his infectious energy made a real impact on other pupils’ enjoyment.
Beat RC Bulldogs 52-5
Hilversum International Youth Rugby Festival
Lost 19-17 against Bromley RFC (England)
Lost 10-5 against Bishop’s Stortford RFC (England)
Lost 10-5 against Highland RFC (Scotland)
Lost 15-0 against Birmingham Moseley RC (England)
U15 Player of the Tour: Abbas Rajvani
His scrum half passing was a real strength to the team’s attacking shape. His positional understanding has also improved this season, and it made a positive impact on performance during the tour.
U15 Best Tourist: Tianche Dong
Positive about every aspect of the tour. Has improved so much this year and has become a starter in the A team due to his powerful carries. A polite pupil who took every aspect of the tour in his stride.
“It was a great tour, and having the opportunity to play in such a big international tournament was brilliant. This experience will definitely make us stronger as a team, and we are looking forward to next season already.”
U15A captain Kevin Gajera
FUNDRAISING
Building better opportunities for all
High ball catching competition
A fast-paced and inclusive challenge, the inter-House catching competition began during PE lessons in May.
Pupils had to catch five balls launched high into the air in quick succession – a true test of reactions, coordination, and composure under pressure. Each House was set a fundraising target of £250, and pupils were encouraged to take the initiative by fundraising in advance.
In the lunchtime final, held last week after being postponed from earlier in the term, the top performers from each year group competed head-to-head in front of their peers in a celebration of both individual skill and House spirit.
Now the pressure was stepped up even more. Finalists had fewer chances to get it right – just three balls. And these were launched much higher than in the preliminary rounds.
Catching competition results
YEAR 7
1st Adhrit Chadha (Leicester)
2nd Saavir Dodhia (Leicester)
3rd Vihaan Pachori (Pearce)
YEAR 8
1st Aadit Shukla (Broughton)
2nd Kyan Shah (Underne)
3rd Vedant Sarkar (Harrisons’)
YEAR 9
1st Aarav Dhameliya (Pearce)
2nd Yaksh Patel (Pearce)
3rd Leon L. Kariuki (Harrisons’)
Founder’s Day cricket challenge
Now attention is turning to the cricket challenge, which is being held on the big day itself, Saturday 20th June
Staff members, led by their intrepid captain, Assistant Head (Co-curricular & Partnerships) Crispin Bonham-Carter, will step into the nets for 15-minute batting sessions. There they will be at the mercy of pupils, who can pay to bowl an over (six balls) at them.
With soft balls being used, the emphasis is firmly on fun. No prior cricket experience is required.
The cricket challenge thus provides an opportunity for pupils and staff to engage in a relaxed and supportive setting, strengthening the sense of community that underpins School life.
“ Together, these two events highlight the PE department’s commitment not only to developing sporting excellence, but also to fostering participation, leadership, and School spirit. Every pupil and member of staff has the opportunity to contribute and help to create even better opportunities for all, ensuring that sport at QE continues to thrive, inspire, and bring people together.”
