Principal's 11-18 Newsletter - Edition 29 - July 2026

A Final Word from the Principal

As I write this final contribution to the Principal’s Newsletter, I do so with a mixture of pride, gratitude and, inevitably, some sadness. School life is measured in terms, assemblies, productions, fixtures, expeditions, examination seasons and leavers’ services; but, looking back over my time at Stephen Perse, what endures most powerfully is not any single event or initiative, but the character of the community itself.

This edition of the newsletter captures, in miniature, so much of what makes the school distinctive. It tells of pupils travelling to Iceland and encountering waterfalls, lava tunnels, glaciers and the Northern Lights; of Gold Duke of Edinburgh participants developing resilience, self-reliance and quiet determination; of artists exhibiting work, visiting the Botanic Garden, and seeing creative ambition recognised beyond school; of linguists travelling, translating and discovering wider cultural worlds; of philosophers finding Hobbes and Machiavelli in a stage adaptation of The Hunger Games; of young scientists, coders and engineers testing ideas through TeenTech, Computer Science Club and the Cambridge Physics Experience; of historians, geographers, musicians, actors, debaters and mathematicians pursuing their interests with seriousness and joy.

It is a remarkable list, but it is not remarkable because it is unusual. Rather, it is remarkable because it is so typical of Stephen Perse. The school has always been at its best when scholarship is understood broadly: not merely as examination success, important though that is, but as intellectual curiosity, creative courage and the confidence to make connections across disciplines. The same young person who learns a language, argues a case at Model United Nations, performs on stage, codes a project, climbs a mountain or competes on the sports field is learning something profound about themselves: that ability grows through effort; that confidence is built through participation; that character is shaped through challenge.

The sporting stories in this edition make that point particularly vividly. Whether in archery, ice dance, football, rugby or other disciplines,our pupils’ achievements speak not only of talent, but of discipline, humility and perseverance. I was especially struck by the account of the Eastern Counties Cup victory: a team transformed by hard work, belief and the refusal to be defined by earlier defeats. That is an education in itself.

So too is the example of our alumni. To read of Elisha Jhoti’s work in planetary science at UCLA and on NASA missions is to be reminded that a Stephen Perse education does not end at the school gate. Its influence travels with our pupils into universities, laboratories, studios, communities, professions and causes all over the world. The same is true, in different ways, of every student who leaves us with sharper questions, stronger values and a deeper sense of possibility.

As I prepare to leave Stephen Perse, I am conscious of the privilege it has been to serve this community. I have seen pupils flourish in ways they did not initially imagine possible. I have worked alongside colleagues of exceptional dedication, wisdom and care. I have been sustained by governors, parents, alumni and friends of the Foundation who understand that a great school is not simply an institution, but a shared endeavour across generations.

I also leave with great confidence in the future. Stephen Perse is fortunate to have in Mr Ward a leader of deep educational conviction, integrity and humanity. He knows the school, understands its values and will be supported by colleagues whose commitment to pupils is, quite simply, outstanding. The challenges facing independent education are real, but so too are the strengths of this Foundation: its academic ambition, its breadth, its compassion, its creativity, its openness to the world, and its belief that young people should be prepared not only to succeed, but to contribute.

Thank you for the trust, support, challenge and kindness I have received during my time as Principal. It has been an honour to play a part in the story of Stephen Perse. I leave proud of what we have together achieved, grateful for what I have learned from so many incredible people, and confident that the school’s next chapter will be written with the same energy, intelligence and moral purpose that have defined it for so long.

Warmest wishes,

Richard Girvan Principal

Announcing Our New Principal as We Celebrate Our 145th Anniversary

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Principal at Stephen Perse Cambridge. Stephen Ward, our current Vice Principal and Head of Senior School and Sixth Form, will take on the role from September 2026.

Stephen Ward, who joined the senior leadership team at Stephen Perse Cambridge in 2018, has been instrumental in enhancing the educational experience of all of its students. He has made a sustained and transformative contribution to the school’s success throughout his tenure, raising academic outcomes and overseeing a record number of Oxbridge placements in recent years.

As an established author and educator, Stephen Ward has also created mathematics resources for Cambridge Assessment and has co-authored more than 20 A Level and International Baccalaureate mathematics textbooks. He holds Masters degrees in both mathematics and mathematics education from Trinity College, Cambridge.

Commenting on his new role, Stephen Ward said: “For 145 years, Stephen Perse Cambridge has been synonymous with academic ambition, innovation and intellectual discovery. I look forward to leading our community as we build on the best of our traditions whilst embracing new opportunities to help our young people achieve the best possible outcomes and develop the skills and personal character to change the world for the better when they leave us.”

Michael Windmill, Chair of Governors, said: “Following a rigorous and comprehensive recruitment process, which attracted an exceptionally strong field of candidates, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Ward as Principal. Not only did he stand out during the recruitment process for his clarity of vision, but he also has a strong understanding of what makes our schools and nurseries distinctive and an inspiring and thoughtful perspective on how we should continue to develop. This is an exciting moment for our community and I am confident that under Stephen’s leadership, the Foundation will continue to deliver an education of enduring quality and value to all of its students.”

Current Principal, Richard Girvan, will leave for his new role at Fettes College, Scotland, at the end of the summer term. He said: “It has been my privilege to serve the Stephen Perse community alongside Stephen Ward over the last six years. He has been closely involved in every major strategic and operational decision over that time, while leading the senior school superbly as Head and more recently as Vice Principal. I am delighted he has agreed to take on the role of Principal - Stephen Perse is in the very best of hands, as it looks to an exciting future as the leading schools group in Cambridge.”

Stephen Perse Cambridge Welcomes Acclaimed Presidential Speechwriter Terry Szuplat

Our students gained valuable insight into international relations and geopolitics during a recent visit from Terry Szuplat, who served as a speechwriter to President Obama from 2009-2017, and was also the Deputy Director for the White House Speechwriting Office from 2013 to 2017.

Szuplat previously served as the Director of Speechwriting for U.S. Secretary of Defense, William S. Cohen, and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Speechwriting. He has also advised prominent leaders, including President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, former President, Joe Biden, Senator Daniel Moynihan, and former Secretary of State John Kerry.

Discussing his role and experience of American and global politics through the lens of communications, the event forms part of the school’s commitment to building responsible, globally-minded citizens. Students in Years 10 to 13 benefited from Szuplat’s advice on public speaking, speechwriting and responding to evolving international affairs.

Iayat Riaz, Head Librarian (11-18), Stephen Perse Cambridge, said: “Terry’s visit inspired reflective and meaningful conversations among our students and staff long after his visit ended. His message on the importance of sharing our stories with courage and honesty resonated deeply with many of our students. Terry’s experiences crafting speeches for a President, his work on Air Force One, and his belief that carefully shaped ideas can genuinely move people reminded our school community that character and kindness are at the heart of building meaningful connections.”

Year 11 Stephen Perse Cambridge student, Maria said: “I loved how Terry Szuplat engaged the audience and made it a memorable experience for all of us. I learnt some key tips on public speaking and speech writing, the most important being: stay true to yourself and use your individual story to connect with the audience.”

Latest News

Year 10 Geography Students

Embark on Spectacular Iceland Trip

Time Pegler, Head of Geography

This year’s Year 10 Geography trip to Iceland was a truly spectacular event. Despite a cold and snowy start the sun soon came out and shone on the dazzling Icelandic landscape, lighting up the rainbows in front of the 60 metre high waterfalls and the sapphire waters of the Atlantic.

The students visited lava tunnels thickly hung with icicles and the pure white snows atop the mountain glaciers. The icy landscapes were interspersed with bowls of hot tomato soup grown in geothermally powered greenhouses and the naturally heated thermal springs at the Secret Lagoon.

Another unforgettable moment was being introduced to the Icelandic custom of breaking apart an Easter Egg to reveal a treasure trove of chocolate and sweet treats. Perhaps most fortunate of all, the Northern Lights materialised late one night just as the students were preparing for bed! A fantastic trip and a thoroughly memorable experience.

Year 9 Trip to Bedford Girls’ School MUN Conference

By Frau Dr Walton-Jordan, Teacher of German

Nine Year 9 members of the Young MUN Club set out to participate and contribute to another successful conference with the motto ‘Nostalgia is not a Strategy’. It was their first MUN conference, and preparation had been stringent via research and position papers.

Representing China, France and Albania in various committees throughout a full and rewarding day, they made the most of their first conference and came away with a Best Delegate certificate for Rohan A, representing China in UNICEF on the topic of ‘What can we do to minimise the use of social media for under 16 year olds?’ and an Honourable Mention for Aarya P who spoke up impressively on behalf of France in her committee of UNSCTD on the topic of ‘To what extent should we prioritise the environment over scientific development?’.

All delegates were successful in their committees and earned the all-round respect of their peers and all teachers present.

German Heritage Club Schnitzeljagd 2026

By Frau Dr Walton-Jordan, Teacher of German

The members of the German Heritage Club brought some guests along to take part in an (almost) school-wide scavenger hunt for German cultural icons and information: from a letter of the very first German teacher at Perse Girls, Frau Noeh (true name) to Miss Street, written in 1881 (and hidden in L28) to finding Maximilian the Bavarian Bear in the library, together with an authentic ‘Lebkuchenherz’ greeting hidden in the hub.

They succeeded impressively, too, in naming all the German fairy tales depicted as murals in l35, translated the word ‘Donaudampfschiffahrtsgesellschaftskapitänsuniformknop’, knew the score of Germany’s first world cup match, and rounded everything off with naming our favourite boardgame in the club: ‘Mensch ärgere Dich nicht’. Es war wunderbar!

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Gold DofE CelebrationBuckingham Palace

Millie Hunt, Assistant Head of Outdoor Education

We are immensely proud to celebrate Rohan A, Tilly O, Charlotte W, Conor G, Nicholas BW, and Grace P as they head to Buckingham Palace to collect their prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award is the pinnacle of youth achievement, requiring a demanding 12 to 18 month commitment. To earn this prestigious award, participants must push their limits across five core sections: giving a year of service through volunteering, dedicating 6 to 12 months to a physical activity, mastering a personal skill, conquering a gruelling four day, three night wild country expedition, and completing a unique five day residential project away from home. This unmatched personal growth makes this award highly respected by global employers and universities.

Achieving the Gold Award is an exceptional milestone that requires a profound level of dedication, personal sacrifice, and resilience. These six remarkable individuals have demonstrated unparalleled drive

and determination. Watching them receive this royal recognition is a testament to their unwavering work ethic, and we could not be more thrilled to honour their incredible character and success.

To everyone currently working hard on your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards: remember that every single step you take is building a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. When the volunteering hours feel long, the skills feel difficult to master, or the expedition pack feels heavy on your shoulders, push through.

The determination and grit you are developing right now are the exact qualities that turn challenges into triumphs. Your effort is paving the way to incredible personal growth, unforgettable memories, and the immense pride of proving what you are truly capable of achieving. Keep focusing on your goals, support your teammates, and keep moving forward then your own moment of celebration will be waiting for you at the finish line.

Rope making workshop with Alumna Gem Bowes from Tightrope Knots

We were delighted to welcome alumna Gem Bowes (2009) to a backstage club session. Gem originally trained in theatre set construction but more recently she has turned her creative skills to making rope, using traditional heritage craft techniques.

She brought in the rope-making machine which she built herself and following a brief demonstration, she taught our backstage club members how to use it to make rope from yarn.

The blue and white rope that we made during the session was spliced into cord belts which were worn by our Year 8 cast in our recent production of ‘The Labyrinth’.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden Trip - Year 9 Ecology

On Thursday 4 June 2026, two groups of Year 9 students went on a research trip to Cambridge University Botanic Garden as part of their Sustainability and Ecology Art projects.

This gave them an opportunity to take photographs and make drawings of flowers, plants and landscape scenes to include in their mixed media artworks. They learned about how Cambridge University Botanic Garden supports endangered plants and provides solutions to the climate crisis.

Cricket History & Culture: Tim Wigmore Visits Senior School

By Iayat Riaz, Head Librarian (11-18), Charlotte Wells, Director of Sport (11-18) and Ray Mordini, Head of Cricket (11-18)

As part of our celebrations marking the start of the cricket season, we were delighted to welcome acclaimed cricket writer and broadcaster Tim Wigmore to the Senior School.

Tim spoke to more than 180 students about the rich history, evolution, and enduring legacy of Test cricket, tracing its journey from the first official Test match in 1877 to the present day and inspiring lively discussion among students throughout the talk.

It was fantastic to see so many students engaging with Tim’s award-winning book, Test Cricket: A History, which was named Sports Book of the Year by The Sunday Times in 2025 and was praised by the eminent historian David Kynaston as being ‘unfailingly readable and laced with passages of insightful analysis’. Alongside his role as cricket correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, Tim has contributed to global publications including The Economist and The New York Times, writing not only about cricket itself but also the wider business, politics, and culture that surround the sport.

Tim’s reflections on storytelling, historical research, and journalism provided valuable insights for the many aspiring writers, historians, and sporting enthusiasts in the audience. These reflections prompted a wide range of thoughtful questions, exploring everything from the changing nature of Test cricket to the process of researching and writing a major work of sporting history.

Tim’s insights into the business of cricket proved particularly fascinating for students interested in journalism and the wider world of professional sport. When asked what advice he would give to young people hoping to follow a similar career path,

Tim reflected on the importance of intellectual curiosity, resilience, and strong writing skills, noting that the best sports journalists are those who continually seek to understand the people, stories, and wider contexts behind the game. He also reflected on some of the many places his work has taken him, naming Sydney and Bangalore among his favourite places to watch cricket and conduct interviews with the likes of Pat Cummins, Kevin Pietersen, Michael Holding, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar.

One of the highlights of the session came towards the end of the talk, when students and staff worked together to identify the five cricketers featured on the cover of Test Cricket: A History. The conversation continued long after the talk had concluded, with many of our students walking away with signed copies of the book, reflecting the enthusiasm and engagement that characterised their time at the talk.

We are grateful to Tim for sharing his expertise, experiences, and passion for cricket, and to our Sports Department for their support in making the event such a success. Most of all, a huge thank you to our students whose enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent questions helped make the talk so memorable.

Visual Art Exhibition

Rachel Bloomfield-Proud, Head of Visual Art

The Visual Art Exhibition represents the culmination of two years of dedication, hard work, and inspiring creative growth. Enjoy this showcase of a selection of our students' work.

ALPS Ski Trip Years 8 & 9 Claviere 2026

By Millie Hunt, Assistant Head of Outdoor Education

Year 8 and Year 9 students went on an unforgettable alpine adventure in Claviere, Italy.

The group was blessed with pristine conditions from the moment they hit the slopes. Over six actionpacked days of skiing, the students enjoyed beautiful, sun-drenched weather and clear blue skies every single day. These perfect conditions allowed everyone to make rapid progress, with beginners confidently tackling their first runs and advanced skiers carving through the fresh Italian snow with impressive skill.

Beyond the slopes, the evenings were packed with memorable activities that brought everyone closer together. The students indulged in a delicious, authentic Italian pizza night and enjoyed a cozy evening of warm crepes and rich hot chocolate.

A major highlight of the week was a special dinner hosted in a remote mountain cabin, which the group reached via a thrilling snowcat/snowmobile ride through the snow. The trip even had a mid week disco, where students celebrated their achievements on the mountain and danced the night away.

An adventure of this scale would not be possible without an incredible team. A massive thank you goes out to all of our fantastic students, who represented the school brilliantly with their excellent behaviour, resilience, and enthusiasm. I also extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff members who gave up their time and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a safe, successful, and truly amazing trip.

Ready, Set, Snow! Ski Trips for the Next Academic YearY

Years 11-13 Ski trip to Les Deux Alpes, France 12-19 December

Years 8-9 Ski trip to Voss, Norway 27 March - 3 April

Spaces on both ski trips are strictly limited. Secure your place now to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

ALPS Mini-Adventure: Students Conquer Peak District

By Russ McAlinden, Head of Outdoor Education

Over a weekend in May, 12 of our adventurous students traded the classroom for the great outdoors, heading to the Peak District for our latest ALPS Mini-Adventure Climbing Weekend. It was a privilege to lead this trip and watch our students tackle the legendary, rugged gritstone at Yarncliffe Quarry and Birchen Edge.

Mastering the Essentials of the Great Outdoors Outdoor Education is about far more than just physical exercise; it is about calculated risk management, responsibility, and teamwork. Over the course of the weekend, the students worked hard to learn the vital techniques and skills required to climb safely in a natural environment. They practiced:

• Assessing outdoor terrain and managing real-world safety factors.

• Mastering complex knot-tying and advanced peer-to-peer belaying.

• Trusting their equipment and, crucially, trusting each other.

Stepping Up and Stepping Over the Edge

What makes these trips so rewarding is watching students step well outside their comfort zones. We presented them with some incredibly technical, challenging climbs, and the determination on display was exemplary.

The ultimate test of nerves came with a daunting 60-foot abseil. Standing at the top of a cliff and taking that first step backward into mid-air requires immense mental strength. It was incredibly inspiring to hear the roar of support from the bottom of the crag as each student conquered their fears and made the descent.

"I was terrified at the top of the 60ft drop, but my team cheered me on. Leaning back over the edge was the hardest part, but arriving at the bottom felt amazing!" ALPS Participant

Looking Forward

As Head of Outdoor Education, I am immensely proud of these 12 students. They represented our school with distinction, showing incredible resilience, empathy for their peers, and an admirable work ethic. They returned tired and dusty, but with a profound sense of achievement and a boosted confidence that I know they will carry back into their academic studies.

A huge thank you to the staff who gave up their weekend to support this trip, and well done to all our climbers! Keep an eye out for announcements regarding our next ALPS adventure coming soon!

Sixth Form Sustainability Team Steps Up for Wildlife

By Abigail PB, Year 12 student and Chair of the Student Sustainability Group

In the past few weeks, the sustainability committee has been working hard at the Latham Road nature reserve. Alongside projects including the ‘potato tower’ and growing heritage veg, two moth trapping sessions (so far) have been organised and run by the staff and sixth form sustainability team, with the help of two experts from the local community.

Moth trapping begins in the evening, by setting up light boxes containing fillings like egg boxes and pieces of cardboard, that are left outside overnight. In the morning, the boxes are unpacked while each species we see is carefully identified and noted down to compare to previous datasets.

Before beginning the project, we didn’t have any idea how many moths we would get, or which species we would encounter. But the sessions so far have proved that we should look forward to discovering the incredibly diverse population on the reserve in future sessions.

The aim of the project going forward is to audit the regular species we see, hoping to find patterns of which moths we find in different habitats across the reserve. The data we collect will also help us to identify any changes in species abundance. Which could therefore prompt us to respond by, for example, introducing a specific plant to aid survival and diversity.

We, the sustainability team, hope that this project continues to develop and grow into something that will introduce new ideas and possibilities to the community, and encourage students at Stephen Perse Cambridge to enjoy the unique aspects of nature as much as they can.

The aim of the project going forward is to audit the regular species we see, hoping to find patterns of which moths we find in different habitats across the reserve.

Year 8 Visit to Cambridge Central Mosque

By Will Frost, Head of Humanities

This half term, Year 8 pupils enjoyed a series of visits to Cambridge Central Mosque as part of their study of Islam in Religious Studies.

Led by Mr Frost, Dr Hunt and Mrs Lake, and supported by a number of teaching colleagues, students walked from the Senior School to the mosque on Mill Road. Fortunately, the weather was kind to us, with plenty of sunshine accompanying our journey. Opened in 2019, Cambridge Central Mosque is often described as Europe's first eco-mosque and was designed to be a ‘21st-century British mosque’.

During our visit, volunteers from the mosque's community generously guided us through the building and grounds, explaining both its religious significance and its distinctive architecture. Students explored the community garden, learning how their design draws upon both Islamic traditions and Britain's rich gardening heritage.

We also discovered the mosque's many connections to Cambridge itself. The brickwork reflects local building traditions, while the striking timber ceiling was inspired by the fan vaulting found in King's College Chapel.

Throughout the visit, students encountered how many aspects of Islam's Five Pillars, which they had learned about in class; are put into practice; from the zakat (charitable giving) collection points to the six-faced prayer clock that helps worshippers keep track of daily prayer times.

Many students were particularly impressed by the beauty and tranquillity of the prayer hall beneath its soaring dome. The opportunity to ask thoughtful questions of the mosque's volunteers was also greatly appreciated, making this a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.

Many students were particularly impressed by the beauty and tranquillity of the prayer hall beneath its soaring dome.

What made this residential truly fantastic wasn't just the activities themselves, but the attitude of our Year 8 students

Adventure, Courage, and Resilience: Year 8 Conquer Danbury Outdoors!

By Russ McAlinden, Head of Outdoor Education

In June our Year 8 students traded their classrooms for the great outdoors, embarking on an unforgettable ALPS Adventure Residential to Danbury Outdoors. It was a jam-packed three days defined by laughter, teamwork, and an incredible willingness to step outside of comfort zones.

From the moment the buses arrived, the energy was electric. The goal of the residential was simple: challenge yourself, support your peers, and try something new. Safe to say, Year 8 delivered on all fronts.

Reaching New Heights

Many of this year’s activities pushed students to confront a fear of heights, and the bravery on display was nothing short of inspiring.

• The High Ropes and Zip Wire: Students navigated wobbling obstacles high above the ground before cheering each other down the exhilarating zip wire.

• Climbing Tower and Jacob’s Ladder: These elements required not just personal grit, but serious teamwork. Climbing Jacob’s Ladder proved impossible without giant heaves and strategy sessions between partners.

• The Leap of Faith: Perhaps the ultimate test of nerves! Watching students summon the courage to jump for the trapeze and hearing the roars of applause from their classmates below was an absolute highlight of the trip.

Masterminds on Mud and Water

The adventure wasn't just limited to the skies. Back on solid ground (and water), students tackled a brilliant variety of skill-based and physical challenges:

• Canoeing: Teams took to the water, mastering the art of synchronised paddling, though a few wound up testing how splash-resistant they were!

• Mountain Biking and Assault Course: Energy levels peaked as students raced through rugged bike trails and scrambled, crawled, and climbed their way through the muddy obstacle course.

• Archery and Bushcraft: Students channelled their inner survivalists, learning the patient art of hitting a bullseye and the essential skills of fire-lighting in the woods.

A Triumph of Character

What made this residential truly fantastic wasn't just the activities themselves, but the attitude of our Year 8 students. Every single student fully participated, throwing themselves into every challenge with a smile (even when covered in mud or dripping wet).

They showed immense empathy, encouraging those who were nervous, celebrating each other's victories, and bonding as a year group in ways that just can't be replicated in a standard school day.

A Huge Thank You!

An outdoor adventure like this wouldn't be possible without the fantastic staff at Danbury Outdoors, and, of course, our dedicated school staff who accompanied the trip.

Teen Tech success

Kari Law, Teacher of Physics

Two talented groups of students will travel to London to compete in the prestigious TeenTech Finals at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) this year.

The national TeenTech Awards celebrate the UK's brightest young innovators. Throughout the school year, both teams worked tirelessly on detailed innovation logs to document their research, prototype development, and problem-solving strategies.

By collaborating with industry experts, they successfully refined their concepts to secure their places in the final, an event previously attended by science champions like James May and Brian Cox.

Representing Year 7, Lizzy L and Jasmine H created 'Kool Katz', a sustainable, cat-safe ice lolly designed to keep pets cool and hydrated during hot summer months. Their innovative recipe utilises chicken legs, a common food byproduct, making the treat both eco-friendly and nutritious.

Representing Year 10, Jamie B, Darius K, and Mohan D developed 'Chlorify'. Their sophisticated project investigates methods to increase plant carbon fixation by boosting chloroplast counts, alongside exploring long-term biomass storage solutions to prevent decomposition.

Philosophy Students Explore The Hunger Games

By Year 13 Student, Emily W

On Friday 20 March, Year 12 and 13

RS and Philosophy students went to see The Hunger Games on stage in Canary Wharf.

As the production was staged in a purpose-built theatre, the visual effects were spectacular. The stage was designed as the arena, featuring moving seats, numerous trapdoors, pyrotechnics, and floor-to-ceiling screens. It was mind-blowing to watch, and we were all in disbelief at what we were seeing (and wondering what might happen if there were a technical issue!). The play followed the timeline of the first Hunger Games book, so as an avid fan of the series, it was exciting to see it brought to life in such detail in a stage adaptation. Throughout the day, we discussed a range of philosophical ideas relating to the Games and how they connected to our studies, making it both an enjoyable trip and a thought-provoking experience. Ideas such as Hobbes’ view of human nature and Machiavellian concepts of fear, love, and hope were explored. Overall, it was a fantastic day.

Gold DofE: Students Brave ‘All Four Seasons’ in the Yorkshire Dales

By Russ McAlinden, Head of Outdoor

Eighteen of our dedicated senior students took a massive step toward achieving the pinnacle of youth achievement: their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. The group headed to the beautiful, yet notoriously unforgiving, landscape of the Yorkshire Dales for their intensive four day Practice Expedition.

The Gold DofE expedition is a true test of selfsufficiency. Unlike previous levels, these students must operate completely independently, navigating remote terrain, carrying all their own food, tents, and equipment, and camping for four consecutive days. If the Yorkshire Dales is famous for one thing, it is its unpredictable weather and this trip truly gave our students the full experience. Over the course of the expedition, the groups faced some incredibly mixed and gruelling conditions.

In fact, on one memorable day, the Dales literally threw all four seasons at us at once. Within a matter of hours, our students marched through brilliant sunshine, driving rain, biting sleet, heavy hail, and howling winds.

Managing kit, keeping spirits high, and navigating via map and compass becomes exponentially harder when your fingers are cold and the rain is driving sideways. The sheer resilience required just to pitch a tent in those conditions cannot be overstated.

Leadership and Self-Reliance

Despite the elements, our 18 young people shone. Divided into teams, they demonstrated outstanding leadership, meticulous route planning, and flawless campcraft. What impressed the staff most was their camaraderie. When the weather was at its worst, teamwork was at its best. They shared loads,

motivated each other through the toughest ascents, and kept morale high with humour and determination.

"Trudging up a hill in the freezing sleet was brutal, but when the sun finally came out an hour later and we could see for miles, it made the whole experience worth it. We really proved to ourselves what we are capable of." Gold DofE Participant

The Road to the Palace

This practice expedition has provided the students with vital lessons that they will now carry forward to their final Qualifying Expedition in July. They have tested their kit, refined their navigation, and proven they have the mental fortitude to handle whatever the British weather throws at them.

I want to congratulate the students for an exceptional effort, and extend my gratitude to the staff team who braved the elements to ensure a safe and successful expedition. They are all one step closer to that welldeserved trip to the Buckingham Palace gardens!

Harvard Political Review Essay Competition Winners

Congratulations to Year 11 students

Tom K and Campbell L on their outstanding achievements in this year’s prestigious Harvard Political Review essay competition.

The competition encourages students to engage with issues ranging from global political dynamics and international institutions to youth activism and the impact of technology on politics. Tom’s essay was awarded first place nationally, while Campbell’s secured third place. Their combined efforts also earned the national team award and second place overall among entries from the UK, Europe, and Central Asia.

Thomas’s essay, ‘Barons to Ballots: The Arduous Task of Opening Overton’s Window’, responded to the prompt ‘The Power of Perseverance’. Discussing his approach, he explained: “Overton’s window is the theory that there is a range of policies and ideas that the general public finds politically acceptable at any given time and, by looking at various key movements in history, I explored how strategic engagement with this framework can facilitate more effective political progress.”

Campbell’s essay, ‘It’s the Economy, Stupid: The Sino-Mongolian Dependency – How Mongolia Has Survived in the Shadow of Its Neighbours’, examined the impact of Mongolia’s relationships with neighbouring powers. Commenting on his essay, he explained: “I argued that Mongolia's national identity has been profoundly changed because of historic and economic ties to its neighbours, particularly China.”

Tom and Campbell are to be congratulated for taking on the challenge of this competition alongside preparations for their GCSE examinations. Both spoke of how rewarding they found the experience and said that they would encourage any student looking to stretch themselves academically to consider entering similar competitions.

The independent research, critical thinking and essaywriting skills they developed through the process will undoubtedly serve them well as they continue their studies in the sixth form.

Philosothon Debating Competition

On 18 June, ten students from Years 9-12 took part in a philosophy debating competition at the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge

Throughout the day, students participated in four Communities of Inquiry, discussing philosophical thought experiments and working collaboratively to develop a critical understanding of different viewpoints and arguments.

It was a pleasure to see students from six schools and a range of year groups engaging in thoughtful and respectful discussion around questions such as: If an animal genuinely wants to be eaten, is it morally acceptable to eat it? Does observing something change what it is? If technology could remove the worst forms of emotional pain, should we use it?

Our students represented the school superbly, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, careful reasoning and excellent discussion skills. Their efforts were rewarded with a second-place finish overall, narrowly behind Highgate School.

Special congratulations go to those students who were named to the Honours Cohort for being among the highest-performing participants in their year-group categories: Laurence OS (Year 12), Campbell L and Tom K (Year 11), Safa S (Year 10), and Nico SD (Year 9). Particular praise goes to Amira S, who achieved the highest score of all Year 10 students taking part in the competition.

Very well done to all ten members of the team on an outstanding achievement.

Our students represented the school superbly, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, careful reasoning and excellent discussion skills.

TitlePortland Arms Rock School Gig

By Cherry Blanchard, Assistant Director of Music

This year’s Portland Arms gig was the seventh iteration of these fantastic opportunities for our Rock School bands to perform in one of Cambridge’s major live music venues.

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The atmosphere was electric, as friends and family filled up the space, to see some of our talented young people perform familiar covers and also some of their own songs. We had a spread of ages (Year 8 to 13) and genres - from A-ha to Radiohead, Blur, Franz Ferdinand and Nirvana and many more. Caito, Tilly, Layla and Linny treated us to an original song Title Track, and Tara’s Don’t Fall Just Yet show us that we have not just impressive performers but talented composers in our midst. Our Year 9 bands were bravely making their debut, performing with style and swagger. The Year 10 6-piece band Dreadnought made this their first of many commanding performances, I’m sure. The Year 11 bands have experienced this stage before and were enjoying every minute of it, but sadly, some of them performed with us for the last time that night.

Finally, our talented sixth formers really topped off the event, showing the younger players what can be achieved with commitment, time and energy. Paranoid Android by Radiohead, at over six minutes long, is a fearsome cover song for a teenage band to attempt.

But Jack B, Clara, Maya, Eric and Rachel not only did this classic track justice, but performed it with such attention to detail and sense of style that it will be hard to top in future years. Now there’s a challenge!

Jake, a bassist and singer and Jack, a drummer, whose six-piece band As of Now played here for the last three years, returned this year as a duo, to perform two exceptionally difficult and impressive songs by Kasabian and Royal Blood.

What a privilege it is to watch these multi-faceted musicians grow and confidently command the stage with such flair. For the students themselves it is the stuff that dreams and memories are made of.

Year 12 and Year 13 Spanish A Level Study Day at the BFI

By Veronica Escudero, Head of Spanish

Our Year 12 and Year 13 Spanish students recently visited the BFI Southbank for a specialist study day focused on the history of dictatorship in the Spanish-speaking world.

This event was specifically designed to support the A Level curriculum, linking directly to the sociopolitical themes studied within the AQA, Edexcel, and Eduqas specifications.The day centred on the dictatorships of Francisco Franco in Spain and Augusto Pinochet in Chile. Students attended a screening of the award-winning documentary ‘The Silence of Others’, which explores the long-term struggle for justice following decades of political repression. Conducted largely in Spanish, the session challenged our students to expand their academic vocabulary and develop the high-level film analysis skills required for their Paper 2 exams.

A particular highlight was a clip-based presentation that examined the representation of the "disappeared" and the impact of these regimes on modern society. The day concluded with an exclusive Q&A session featuring individuals from the documentary, giving our students a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the history they study in class.

This was an invaluable experience for our senior linguists, providing them with the cultural and historical depth needed to excel in their Spanish A Level.

Year 13 student, Lydia said: “This trip was especially informative and educational, as it gave me the opportunity to truly understand the horrors of the Franco and Pinochet dictatorships through the eyes of their victims. This trip will remain special, because it taught me more than any text book could.”

Year 13 student, Tristan said: “This trip was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed learning more about the reality of the Franco dictatorship and how it still affects people today. I especially enjoyed the film ‘The Silence of Others’ showing us the remnants of the dictatorship and how key figures of that are still here today.”

Year 13 student, Raph said: “The trip was useful as it gave us a nuanced insight and further in-depth understanding of the Franco dictatorship and the effects its remnants have recently had on those who seek justice for their lost relatives.”

Year 7 Spelling Bee - buzzing about modern languages!

By Frau Freeman & Mme Parente

Year 7s have been participating in the National Spelling Bee competition run by Routes in Languages. Over the past three terms, students have been buzzing with learning their words in French, German and Spanish.

The first two stages were in school and there was fierce competition! Under the pressure of 60 seconds and counting, students were expected to deliver as many correctly spelled words as possible. Not only was spelling important but also a solid knowledge of the alphabet in their respective languages.

Three of our top linguists made it to Stage 3, which was a regional level. Congratulations go to Matthew (French), Louie (German) and Marcus (Spanish) for participating. Essentially, they were within the last 49 competitors out of the 3706 students who took part regionally.

The rapid-fire format was not for the faint-hearted and even the audience members were gripped by the stress and pressure of this competition.

Our students sadly didn’t make it to the next stage, however they all gave an excellent performance, demonstrating superb knowledge and pronunciation. We are incredibly proud of them.

It has certainly given them a taste for competition and next year’s Year 8 National Translation Bee has piqued their interest. Watch this space!

Essentially, our students were within the last 49 competitors out of the 3706 students who took part regionally.

House Update Spring Term: A Term of Triumphs and Transitions!

Louise Cresswell, Head of Houses

Since our last newsletter, students across all year groups have been incredibly busy earning vital points for their respective houses. It has been a packed few weeks with a fantastic variety of events, proving that talent in our school spans every subject!

Street Claims the Crown (Again!)

A massive well done to Street, who have once again taken the ultimate crown of winning the overall House Trophy for the spring term! As a reward for their incredible hard work and consistent effort, Street students enjoyed a well-deserved ice cream treat.

The big question now is: Can Street make it a double victory next term, or will another house step up and steal the top spot? The race is officially on!

Brainpower & Creativity on Display

We’ve seen fantastic participation and friendly rivalry across several major competitions this term:

• The Maths Challenge and Computing House Hackathon: Bringing out our finest logical thinkers and tech innovators.

• The Geography Photo Competition: Showcasing some incredible creative talent and unique perspectives.

• The Junior Logo Quiz: A huge congratulations to Kennett, who took the top spot in this fierce Year 7-9 clash!

The Ultimate House Quiz

At the end of the spring term, students from Years 7 to 13 joined forces for our massive House Quiz to see who would be crowned the ultimate Quiz Masters.

It was an incredibly close battle, but Clark absolutely dominated the field, placing 1st or 2nd in four out of the five year groups to take the overall quiz crown!

A special thank you: A massive thank you to Ms Ashton for being our fantastic Quiz Master and setting such brilliant, challenging questions for everyone

Passing the Baton: House Leadership

This time of year brings a bittersweet transition for our student leadership teams:

• Thank You, Year 13: We want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to our departing Year 13 Heads of House. You have done an amazing job over the last two years, leading by example and keeping house spirit high. We wish you the absolute best in your upcoming exams and future steps!

• Welcome, Year 12: A warm welcome to our new Year 12 leadership team, who are already eager to get to work, build on the fantastic efforts of the Year 13s, and take our houses to new heights next term.

Keep up the incredible work, every point counts!

"I've been very fortunate with the career path I've travelled so far, and it really started with an amazing education at the school."

Jen Ellis

Alumna Jen Ellis Awarded MBE, for services to cyber security, in King’s Birthday Honours List 2026

By Helen Cornish, Director of Development

We are delighted to celebrate alumna, Jen Ellis (AG78), who has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026, for her outstanding services to cyber policy.

Jen, who credits her foundational years at Perse School for Girls with shaping her approach to complex problem-solving, has dedicated her career to reducing cyber risk across society, the economy, and national security. As the founder of NextJenSecurity, she works at the intersection of government, technology providers, and civil society to build a safer, more resilient digital world.

Reflecting on the recognition and her time at the school, Jen shared: "It's amazing to see the importance of cyber policy being acknowledged... With connected technologies underpinning literally every part of our lives and critical infrastructure now, cyber policy really shouldn't be niche anymore.

I've been very fortunate with the career path I've travelled so far, and it really started with an amazing education at the school, which taught me to question and seek better answers, as well as trying to consider all the sides of an argument or problem. These are skills I now use every day in policy and research conversations."

Stephen Perse Foundation Principal, Richard Girvan, extended his warmest congratulations on behalf of the entire school community, noting how perfectly Jen’s career aligns with the values at the centre of our ethos: "This is a wonderful and thoroughly deserved recognition of Jen’s work in a field of immense contemporary importance. We are always proud to hear of the achievements of former students, but it

is especially heartening when those achievements reflect such a strong sense of public purpose. Jen’s work speaks to qualities we continue to prize deeply at Stephen Perse: intellectual independence, creativity, conviction, and a commitment to making a positive difference beyond oneself."

Alongside running NextJenSecurity, Jen serves on various UK government groups, including the Government Cyber Advisory Board. She is an associate fellow of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), an adjunct senior policy advisor for the Institute for Security and Technology, and a co-chair of IST’s Ransomware Task Force. She serves on the boards of the Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law, the CVE Program, and the Security Research Legal Defense Fund, as well as serving on the board of advisors for various other nonprofits.

Additionally, Jen is the lead organiser of Hackers in the House and the Cybersecurity Policy Working Group, and leads or supports many other initiatives to drive collaboration between the cybersecurity, technology, and cyber policy communities.

Jen says that she is also “the over-excited co-host of the Distilling Cyber Policy podcast”. She cites her career highlights as testifying before the U.S. Congress, opening NASDAQ with Rapid7’s IPO, and being awarded an MBE for services to cyber policy in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026.

We congratulate Jen on this prestigious and richly deserved honour!

Year 12 UCAS Discovery London Excel Trip

Earlier this year our Year 12 attended the UCAS Discovery event at the London Excel to support exploring post-18 options, including university study, apprenticeships, and alternative career pathways. It followed on from our successful university day.

With over 150 universities, colleges, and organisations exhibiting there was ample time to speak to a whole range of post 18 options as well as acquire many of the free tote bags, pens and other merchandise being given away! The event welcomed more than 10,000 students across the day, making it one of the largest higher education and careers events in the UK.

The exhibition showcased an impressive range of institutions with a strong presence of prestigious Russell Group universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL, King’s, Bristol to name a few. These were balanced by a broad variety of academic institutions and specialist providers, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available beyond traditional university routes.

Creative arts colleges and conservatoires were also well represented, including institutions such as the University of the Arts London, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Royal Academy of Music, again to name a few. Furthermore, there were a number of apprenticeship providers and employers present including PwC, the BBC, the NHS, and the Civil Service.

In addition to the exhibition stands, there was a full programme of talks and workshops which included sessions on personal statement writing, student finance, choosing the right course and discussions comparing university and apprenticeship pathways. A UCAS cinema area showed short films about different courses and careers.

Overall, the trip was highly successful and provided significant educational value. Even the traffic was on our side with the journey there and back! Students commented on a clearer understanding of the wide range of pathways available after sixth form.

Rodin’s Poem Selected for The Elemental Project Anthology

By Helen Kedie, Head of English

In recent years, budding poets from Stephen Perse Cambridge have taken part in The Elemental Project; a series of poetry workshops, in and around Cambridge, led by experienced writers. Their aim is to encourage people of all ages to consider the planet’s environmental condition and express their feelings through poetry.

Poets pondering the complex relationship between humanity and nature is nothing new. In Lines Written in Early Spring, William Wordsworth captured the joy of a simple walk whilst also despairing about the impact of industrialisation. His poem concludes with a question that still resonates today:

‘Have I not reason to lament. What man has made of man?’

Earlier this year workshop participants were invited to submit their poetry, ideally work that had started life in their groups, for possible publication in the first of a series of themed anthologies. We were delighted to learn that Rodin’s poem, Water’s Many Faces, had been selected.

When Rodin stood up to read his poem at the anthology launch, in Pembroke College’s auditorium, he was the youngest writer on stage. His poem sat alongside work by esteemed poets such as Ireland’s Vona Groarke.

Huge congratulations to Rodin on such an exceptional achievement. We look forward to enabling more students to benefit from poetry workshops next academic year.

Earlier this year workshop participants were invited to submit their poetry, ideally work that had started life in their groups, for possible publication.

Year 7 Production of ‘If You Go Into the Woods Tonight’

Taken from Carol Ann Duffy’s retelling of ‘Grimm Tales’

Directed by Becky Jones

By Helene Barrell, Head of Drama

Our fabulous Year 7 cast performed two grizzly stories from Carol Ann Duffy’s collection of tales. Hansel and Gretel, followed a young brother and sister as they journeyed, lost and abandoned, through the deep dark forest, encountering along the way a red-eyed, childeating Witch and her sinister minions, the Grizzle Witches. And in Ashputtel, we heard the tale of a motherless girl who is mistreated relentlessly under the cruel authority of her wicked stepmother and selfish stepsisters, until a dramatic change of fortune (and a little help from her feathered friends) lead her to a pivotal encounter with the Royal Prince.

The students rehearsed entirely as two separate casts, coming together for the first time only a few days before the final performance. They worked extremely hard to bring these stories and characters to life, embracing an array of challenging ensemble storytelling skills, including physical theatre, choreography, multi-roling and puppetry, handling it all with energy, enthusiasm and maturity.

Behind the scenes, Drama and Theatre backstage students created the wonderful set and props. Highlights include the Witch’s oven, complete with smoke machine and flaming chimney and the delectably delicious-looking gingerbread house, assembled by sixth formers and decorated with giant sweets by students in Year 9.

We are very grateful to Karen Revill of The Maple Academy of Performing Arts for taking on the role of movement director for this production.

Innovators Hub: Where Tech Leaders Are Made

By Year 12 students Hayden and Kseniia

We’re Hayden and Kseniia, keen computer scientists in Year 12. Exciting things are happening in the Computer Science club we’ve started, and we think you should be part of it!

Innovators Hub is a collaborative space where students invent and build tech projects in teams, week by week. Not worksheets. Not theory. Creation.

Here’s what our future ‘startuppers’ and engineers are currently working on:

• Colour-changing lights that respond to hand gestures using AI detection.

• An AI agent that runs on a computer, monitors its status, shuts it down, and manages files.

• A top-down, realistic action game built from scratch in Unity.

• A fully functional computer (with RAM, CPU, and memory) constructed inside Minecraft.

• A car driven by a PS4 controller, moving freely in any direction on command.

Every session, teams share progress, run demos, and take part in mini pitch competitions. We crosspollinate too, our affectionate term for when members challenge each other's ideas, spot what's missing, and offer fresh perspectives. It's called a Hub because collaboration is key for fun and productive work.

Sixth Form mentors are here to support, encourage, and celebrate great work. The results speak for themselves! Whether you have a project ready to be built, an idea itching to exist, or simply the drive to innovate, you are very warmly welcome here, at any stage, no experience required.

Join us to build a tech future together.

Computer Science Club

Open to Years 9–11

IT4 Fridays 15:35-16:30

Weekly Sessions since March ‘26

Introducing the World of Indo-European: A Talk with Dr Danny Bate

By Year 12 Student and Aspiring Linguist, Ellis U

Linguist, writer, public speaker and broadcaster Dr Danny Bate visited Stephen Perse Cambridge on Friday 8 May to give Senior School and Sixth Form students a talk titled, “Linking languages from India to Ireland: An Introduction to the World of Indo-European.”

Danny has published a debut bestselling book, Why Q Needs U, copies of which are available in the school library. Along with running his own podcast called A Language I Love Is…, he has been a guest on several other popular linguistics podcasts such as Lingthusiasm and Words Unravelled.

In the talk he introduced us to the novel realm of academic linguistics, with a focus on his specialism, historical linguistics. In particular, he opened our eyes to the power of the linguistic method to not only allow us to group languages together into families, but to even resurrect their long-lost ancient ancestors through linguistic reconstruction.

The turnout was fantastic, from both students and teachers, who were overflowing with questions on various aspects of language, and I thought Danny made for an incredibly engaging speaker who we were very lucky to have.

Having previously been in contact with Danny to discuss university applications and linguistic study more generally, I jumped at the opportunity presented by joining our 1881 Society to invite him as a speaker. He graciously accepted, for which I’m extremely grateful. I’d also like to give special thanks to Ms Cornish for her assistance.

Seeing the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding the event only reinforced my belief that, as Danny himself expressed on the day, there is a real hunger to learn about language - a hunger which, in my opinion, isn’t being satisfied in many academic environments as both linguistics and languages are frequently overlooked.

As I see it, language is an unfathomably complex and beautiful phenomenon that is often taken for granted, so there’s no wonder that communicators like Danny are able to instil such curiosity. After all, in many ways language is what truly makes us human. Therefore, I’m immensely proud to have been involved in spreading awareness and enthusiasm for a subject so dear to me.

We are incredibly proud to see a Stephen Perse Guild member playing such a pivotal role in the future of space exploration.

Stephen Perse Guild Member Elisha Jhoti helping NASA’s Next Generation reach the Moon

As we celebrate our 145th anniversary here at Stephen Perse Cambridge, we are constantly inspired by the incredible paths our alumni take. In this edition, we are delighted to share a fascinating update from Stephen Perse Guild member, Elisha Jhoti, now a PhD candidate in Planetary Science at UCLA, who is literally helping NASA reach for the stars.

Recreating the Moon in Arizona

In the past 18 months, Elisha has worked with the NASA ARDVARC team (Augmented Reality Data Visualization Analog Research Campaign) on two major field expeditions in Flagstaff, Arizona. The location is steeped in history; the field site was originally created in the 1960s for the Apollo programme. By burying explosives to create craters that perfectly mirror a particular part of the Moon’s surface, NASA gave the original Apollo astronauts a place to learn how to drive their Lunar Roving Vehicle, affectionately known as the Moon Buggy. In a historic move, this was the first time the site had been used for fieldwork since the Apollo era.

Midnight Missions and Artificial Sun

To make the experience as realistic as possible, the team worked through the night under the glare of a massive stadium light. This simulated the unique, low angle ‘at which sunlight shines on the Moon’s South Pole, creating the long, disorienting shadows that Artemis astronauts will face.

The mission was split into two key phases:

• Phase One: The team deployed a rover equipped with LiDAR and cameras, controlled remotely from a Mission Control at the University of Texas, El Paso, to create a high-resolution 3D map of the terrain.

• Phase Two: Elisha and the team acted as ‘analog astronauts.’ They tested how high-tech gear, specifically the Apple Vision Pro headset, could help explorers navigate. By projecting 3D paths directly onto the astronauts' field of vision, the team looked at whether augmented reality could reduce cognitive load, allowing astronauts to focus more on science and less on where to step.

Elisha’s Vital Contribution

Beyond the team goals, Elisha led her own specific research project. She measured the brightness levels of the simulated ‘Sun’ to see how closely the Arizona setup matched the actual conditions at the Lunar South Pole. Since this site is used to train future Artemis astronauts, Elisha’s data is crucial for ensuring their training is as accurate as possible before they leave Earth.

A Stellar Career in Progress

In addition to her work in Arizona, Elisha works on NASA missions including the Perseverance rover and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Her PhD research uses temperature data to predict where water ice might be hidden on the Moon. She also serves as the Workforce Chair of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group, supporting the next wave of space explorers.

We are incredibly proud to see a Stephen Perse Guild member playing such a pivotal role in the future of space exploration. We look forward to following Elisha’s career as she helps pave the way for the next ‘giant leap’ for humankind!

Year 8 Burghley House History Trip

By Year 8 Students, Seetha V and Scarlett G

Year 8 and Year 12 Historians visited Burghley House with its huge gardens and beautiful artwork, it is one of the largest and grandest houses of the Elizabethan era. It was built by Sir William Cecil, First Baron Burghley.

We began the day with a talk about Sir William Cecil’s life and family, including how he established a reputation for himself and his family across generations. William Cecil was born in 1520, into a family in the gentry class, which was just below the nobility. His father was a lawyer, land owner and member of the King’s Royal Court. Whilst at school, Cecil discovered a talent for debate, which led him to study law at Cambridge University at the age of 14. He started at 14 because that was the ordinary age to start university - not because he was a child prodigy.

His success at university prepared him for government work. He later married Mildred Cooke, whose family had connections to influential figures in court. His wife’s connections and his own connections later helped him to become Queen Elizabeth’s advisor. Over the years, Cecil proved himself to the Queen through his work for her as Lord High Treasurer, eventually being promoted to her Chief advisor and being made Lord Burghley.

William Cecil designed Burghley House to look like a town, building the front in an 'E' shape to honour Queen Elizabeth. Outside the house there is a ditch which is called a ha ha, which stops animals from entering the property of William Cecil.

The Portraits, on the other hand, wouldn’t just be people like the Queens or Kings, they could be of anything, for example animals. Though portraits usually contain specific things in them which include, what they are wearing, which is dependent on how rich they are or how important they are (big ruffled clothing etc.) what accessories they have, and their position and expression they are in can say how powerful they are.

The house was originally built as an Elizabethan prodigy house for Queen Elizabeth to stay in, whilst travelling the country. However, the Queen never ended up staying there due to an outbreak of smallpox, when she planned to visit.

Lord Burghley spent 30 years building the house as a country home for his descendants and used Burghley House as a chance to show off his wealth and power. It was even designed so that when the autumn sun hit at a certain angle, the windows looked like they were made of gold.

Anthea Bell Translation Competition 2026 success

By Frau Freeman, Head of Modern Languages

Linguists throughout the school got involved with The Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators which is a free UK-wide creative translation competition for secondary school students aged 11-18. Run by the Translation Exchange at The Queen's College, Oxford, it encourages students to translate poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, promoting language learning and literary creativity.

Many students picked up this linguistic gauntlet and to our delight, we received the news that Jamie B (Year 10) had received “commended” in our part of the country. He translated into English from German the poem ‘Bescheidene Anfrage’ which was written in 1934 by Mascha Kaléko (1907-1975). Jamie’s translation of this poem will go through to the next round which is UK-wide.

This is a fantastic achievement given the number and standard of entries they received this year. A team of undergraduates and professional translators have judged entries to the competition.

Jamie has translated the poem beautifully and originally, showing a superb understanding of the German version and conveying it into English so well, including the rhymes and rhythms. Well done all young translators and especially Jamie!

“Modest request”

Does my picture really still stand on your desk?

Do my letters still sometimes catch your eye? Is the little cottage with the high Wooden roof, still so picturesque?

Does the doorbell still ring so shrill And then fade away as if in panic?

Does Julius, your dachshund, still bark hoarse and manic?

Are the evenings silent still?

Do you still not have a telephone?

Are there still hammocks on the balcony?

Does Schubert sometimes still play On the decrepit old gramophone?

With tea do you still have a Chelsea bun?

Does Johanna still say “Methorn”?

Are you still not allowed on the fancy lawn To stretch your legs for fun?

Does the morning sea-wind still blow so brisk?

Does the moon still have a sheepish grin in the darkness?

Do you sometimes come to meet me off the express?

Does my picture really still stand on your desk?

Does my picture…? - I tore it up myself!

Don’t think for a second that I missed you!

But sometimes one wants to know something When one feels so alone…

Munich Exchange 2026

By Frau Freeman, Head of Modern Languages

Readers will be pleased to hear that the annual German Exchange to Munich is alive and well! In April students flew out to Munich for nine days in Germany. The vast majority took part in a traditional school exchange and we had a Year 12 Germanist taking on the challenge of a work experience placement in a hotel.

Broadening Minds

The exchange with Theresia Gerhardinger Gymnasium am Anger has been running for over 30 years and every year students enjoy the opportunity to spend time with another young person, exchanging aspects of their daily lives, deepening their understanding of other cultural contexts as well as improving their linguistic skills.

Arbeitspraktikum

Laurence in Year 12 worked in a hotel for the week in the centre of Munich, getting the chance to practise his German in an authentic work context. He was involved in every dimension of the hotel business, both on the front desk, in the restaurant, in the bedrooms and behind the scenes in the office.

We are very grateful to Frank Saller, the Hotel Concorde manager for offering the placement and to Blue Stamp Travel for setting it up.

Ein volles Programm!

The Year 10 students enjoyed a packed programme, attending lessons in school with their German partners, excursions with their teachers and outings with their host families.

They experienced the full range of cultural activities which Munich has to offer, including Europe’s largest science and technology museum, Deutsches Museum; modern art and design at the Pinakothek der Moderne; history at the Wittelsbach’s summer residence Schloss Nymphenburg; a walking tour of architectural interest as well as the essential non-alcoholic refreshment at the Hofbräuhaus accompanied by Bavarian pub music.

Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit

The host families were warm and welcoming. They rolled out the red carpet, or should we say blue and white, the Bavarian colours - and were very generous with their hospitality. Students were taken to all sorts of wonderful places such as the BMW museum, up the TV tower in the Olympia Park, some even got to see Bayern-Munich in action as well as visiting King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale castle, Schloss Neuschwanstein.

Mozart und Rutschen

One of the highlights was the group day trip to Salzburg and then to the Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden. The morning was spent on a musical trail, taking in the beauty of the Mirabellgarten, Mozart’s Geburtshaus and the beautiful Gassen of Salzburg. In the afternoon we dived or rather whizzed down the steep slides underground on the trail of ‘white gold’, namely salt. Fast trains in the tunnels, speedy slides, a boat trip over an underground lake, along with a tour through the miner’s daily life over

the years, ended in a coachload of tired but happy students, who nevertheless managed to belt out a variety of German hits in the disco-lit coach on the way back - including the classic megahit by Großstadtengel “gute Laune”.

Meanwhile in Cambridge

All had a super time and have forged friendships for life! Here are a couple of students’ thoughts about the German exchange:

We had the pleasure of hosting our German partners at the end of June, taking them to school as well as on a group excursion to Sandringham House and Gardens, where we learnt more about King Charles III’s plans for reshaping his grounds sustainably.

The afternoon was spent at ‘Sunny Hunny’, aka Hunstanton, where our Bavarian landlocked visitors got a chance to experience the British seaside with fish and chips accompanied by a flock of seagulls. On the way back to Cambridge, we dropped by the Lavender Centre at Heacham. The German students also had trips with their teachers and host families, and enjoyed generous hospitality provided by the hosts.

“The German exchange was really fun and meaningful. I enjoyed spending time with my partner and my host family, such as having traditional meals and watching football together. If you are taking German, I would definitely recommend you to go on this trip. Not only can you meet new people, but you can also improve your German skills and broaden your horizons!”

“The exchange was a nice way to immerse ourselves into the German language. Talking to the family members of the exchange was also a great opportunity to participate in colloquial conversations, and enrich my understanding of German.”

Year 8 Production of ‘The Labyrinth’ by David Calcutt

Directed by Adam Francis

"The nightmare fell like a shadow upon our lives, across the whole country... a horned shadow"

This one act, fast-paced story of cruelty, deceit and human sacrifice was brought to shocking life by our talented Year 8 cast, all of whom remained on stage throughout the performance, guiding the audience through the storms, the fights and the actions of heroes and villains by using a range of theatrical techniques - songs, silhouettes, physical theatre, mask-work, choral chanting and choreographed combat.

Our Year 8 performers demonstrated excellent commitment to the project, rehearsing with maturity and mutual respect to create a polished piece of ensemble theatre they can be very proud of.

Behind the scenes, some of our Year 9 backstage students designed and made giant papier mâché bull masks to represent the Minotaur and crown for some of the key characters. Costumes and accessories were assembled and created by Helene Barrell, with assistance from Year 12 backstage theatre enrichment students and members of backstage clubs whilst enrichment tech students assisted theatre technical manager Charlotte Cooper with set, sound and lighting design, all of which contributed to a highly atmospheric and thoroughly engaging piece of performance.

Seville 2026

By Ms Patterson, Teacher of Spanish

A group of 30 Year 10 and Year 12 students participated in a study trip to Seville. Accompanied by Ms de la Vega, Ms Patterson and Ms McKenzie, students flew out to spend a week in the heart of Andalucía with its rich history and stunning architecture.

Students stayed with local host families where they spent evenings immersed in Spanish culture and language. They attended Spanish lessons in the morning in small groups, where they had intensive language practice with friendly Spanish teachers who focused on building confidence in speaking.

Students then spent afternoons on organised trips including visits to the famous and breathtaking Catedral, Giralda and Alcázar - examples of how Muslim and Christian culture shaped this beautiful city.

The group attended a live flamenco show and they were also able to enjoy the town’s many gorgeous parks, squares and shopping streets. From the sunshine to the orange trees, students experienced life in southern Spain and returned enriched and more confident in communicating in Spanish.

“I really enjoyed the Year 10 Seville trip as I got to try so many new dishes and stayed with an amazing host family who made us feel very welcome. Living with my host parents also helped me improve my Spanish and speak a lot more complex language than before the trip.”

Year 10 Student, Bella

“I particularly enjoyed the trip because we got to experience what Spanish culture is like and visit a lot of parts of the city. Living with a host that spoke only Spanish was particularly fun as I really developed my Spanish and we loved all her Spanish meals!”

Year 10 Student, Eleanor

Victoria & Albert Museum Trip

By Mme Parente, Head of French

A memorable cultural highlight for our students was a recent visit to the Marie-Antoinette exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

A group of Year 12 and Year 13 French students, accompanied by Mme Parente and Mme Mamouni, had the opportunity to explore this outstanding exhibition, which brought to life the history, style, and legacy of one of France’s most iconic queens. Students were particularly struck by the richness of the displays, from exquisite costumes to personal artefacts, and enjoyed discovering new aspects of French history and culture. It was an inspiring experience that sparked curiosity and lively discussion.

Also, some of our Year 10 students who are part of the Heritage Learners Club also visited the exhibition independently with their families and really enjoyed it. Year 10 French Heritage Learners, Anna P and Amandine T, said: “The Marie Antoinette exhibition in London is an amazing experience to see both things the queen may have experienced and things that were inspired by her and how she influenced fashion today. Examples of those she had influenced were a 1930 exhibition from Dior, displaying a beautiful green dress inspired by her unique style.

As well as Dior, some other more contemporary fashion designers decided to make dresses that look like cakes with interesting cuts drawing inspiration from Marie Antoinettes’ famous line “let them eat cake” (though it was probable she never said these words).

In addition to seeing all the inspiration Marie Antoinette has provided to the modern world, the exhibition was also a valuable opportunity to learn more about life in her time, and there were many of her original dresses and jewellery, as well as one of her prison rags and a guillotine from the era.

Overall, the trip was very successful and gave students a valuable insight into French heritage.

Sports Update

By Charlotte Wells, Director of Sport

Welcome to the final sports roundup of the school year! What an absolutely actionpacked term it has been. Our students have thrown themselves into every challenge, showcasing not only their fierce competitive spirit but also an outstanding level of dedication and sportsmanship.

Over the following pages, you’ll find exciting writeups detailing our fantastic progress in various cricket cups and matches, alongside some amazing individual performances. From the athletics track to the ice rink, our students continue to prove just how talented they are across a diverse array of sports, with achievements in athletics, tennis, ice dance, archery, football, and rugby.

Looking Ahead... At the time of going to press, excitement is building as we look forward to our Year 7 and 8 mini cricket tour and the ultimate highlight of the summer term: our annual Sports Days! Because these events are taking place right at the tail end of the term, we will have full, detailed reports and all the action shots ready for you in our very first newsletter of the new school year.

Athletics

County Schools Track & Field Championships 2026, Peterborough

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent Cambridge County at the ESAA Schools Athletics Championships. Competing against some of the region's strongest athletes, all produced outstanding performances.

Their results were as follows:

• Fran B: 1st, inter girls shot put

• Toby R: 2nd, inter boys long jump 4th, Inter boys 100m

• Jamie B: 3rd, inter boys 1500m

• Ollie M: 5th, junior boys 200m

Special congratulations to Fran and Toby, who have both qualified for the Anglian Schools Championships. We wish them every success in the next stage of competition.

East Area Prep Schools Athletics Championships, Bedford

A small contingent of athletes qualified for the East Area Prep Schools Athletics Championships, a highly competitive event that brings together some of the strongest young athletes from across the region. All should be proud of their achievement in reaching this level of competition: Josh M, Marcus G, Holly S, Isaac S, Ryan F, Sophie L, Elizabeth K and Hanna W.

Particular congratulations go to Hanna W, who achieved an excellent 4th place in the U13 Girls 800m, narrowly missing out on qualification for the National Championships.

Olympic Cup Athletics Competition

Congratulations to the 68 students who represented the school at the Olympic Cup Athletics Competition at Wilberforce Road on Thursday 18 June. Competing against a strong field of schools, our athletes produced an outstanding team performance to secure third place overall. A special congratulations goes to our Year 7 team, who were crowned overall champions in their age group.

We were also delighted to celebrate a number of individual event winners:

• Max S Shot Put

• Thea K Long Jump

• Rowan A Long Jump

• Eray F 1500m

• Daphne B Discus

• Priscilla T 200m and Shot Put

• Grace K 1500m

• Sofia P 300m

• Holly S Hurdles

• Hanna W 800m

• Eddie RJ 200m

Congratulations also to our victorious Year 8 Girls' Relay Team: Sophie, Elizabeth, Sofia and Eleanor. Well done to all students who competed. Their commitment, determination and support for one another throughout the day were exemplary and contributed to a fantastic team result.

Cricket

Girls’ Cricket End of Term Round-Up

What a sensational term of cricket it has been for our girls' programme! Across all age groups, the progress, enthusiasm, and competitive spirit on display have been nothing short of exemplary. From individual record-breaking performances to unbeaten team streaks, the future of cricket at Stephen Perse Cambridge is incredibly bright.

Here is how our teams fared this term: Our Year 7 students made a brilliant start to their cricket journey. Demonstrating an abundance of natural potential and a fantastic willingness to learn, they have developed rapidly over the last few weeks. This growth was reflected in some superb match results, with consistent improvement seen across the A, B, and C sides. This is a highly exciting group of players, and we cannot wait to see how they develop in the seasons to come.

Our Year 8 students have been a model of consistency this season, winning four out of their six fixtures. A major highlight of the term was an incredibly high-scoring thriller against The Perse. While the team narrowly missed out on the win, Aditi T made school history by smashing 85 not out, the highest individual score ever recorded by a female Stephen Perse Cambridge student! Beyond this headline achievement, the entire squad showed a tremendous desire to learn, with several players rightfully earning well-deserved call-ups to older age groups. With bundles of energy and enthusiasm, this group has a very bright future.

It has been a slightly frustrating season for Year 9, with the unpredictable British weather causing a number of cancellations. However, when they did take to the field, their intensity and team camaraderie were unmatched. They pushed hard in incredibly

close fixtures against Culford and Kimbolton, and celebrated fantastic victories over Bedford and St Mary’s. Packed full of natural athletes, this team has shown immense resilience and the potential to come back even stronger next year.

Year 10 & U15s: An Unbeaten Season

The Year 10 team enjoyed a truly magnificent campaign, playing 7 fixtures and winning them all to finish the season 100% unbeaten!

• Record-Breaking Batting: Aoife CW led the charge with an astonishing, record-breaking season with the bat, averaging over 60.

• National Cup Heartbreak: Sadly, after consecutive weather washouts in the Last 16 of the National Cup, the girls' cup run was cruelly ended by a ‘virtual coin toss’. Despite this frustrating conclusion, many of these players also excelled at county level and were instrumental in driving the U17 side to the quarter finals of the Smile National Plate.

• Squad Depth: Special mention must also go to the U15 B side, who progressed beautifully, winning their fixtures and pushing the overall standards of the year group to new heights.

A massive congratulations to all the girls who represented the school this term, and a huge thank you to the coaches and parents for their unwavering support. Enjoy the summer break, and we look forward to hitting the nets again next year!

Boys 2026 Cricket Season Round-Up

It has been another very encouraging cricket season across the school, with strong participation, notable successes and plenty of promise for the future.

Our U12s are an enthusiastic and talented group who have shown great commitment throughout the season. Several of their fixtures were disrupted by the weather, limiting opportunities for competitive cricket, but the squad has continued to develop well and has made encouraging progress with each outing.

The U13s experienced a difficult start to their campaign, suffering a narrow defeat in their opening cup fixture. However, they responded impressively, recording several encouraging victories and demonstrating growing confidence and resilience as the season progressed.

For the U14s, the season has provided a number of valuable learning opportunities. Their county cup campaign came to an early conclusion in a rainaffected T10 contest, but there have been positive performances elsewhere and plenty of individual and collective development throughout the term.

The standout achievement this season belongs to our U15s, who were crowned Cambridgeshire County Champions for the second consecutive year. A convincing victory over The Leys School secured the title and underlined the strength of this talented group. They now progress to the regional final against Ipswich School, and we look forward to following their progress with great anticipation.

At senior level, the 1st XI began the season with a closely fought encounter against Royal Hospital School, ultimately falling just seven runs short. They then faced a strong Gresham's side in the cup before turning their attention to two highlights later this term: the annual XL Club Match and the inaugural Old Scholars fixture, both of which promise to be memorable occasions.

Overall, it has been a very pleasing season across the age groups. Progress made by our players and teams has been particularly rewarding, providing a strong platform for future success.

Individual Sporting Successes

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students across a diverse range of sports over the recent weeks. From local pitches to international arenas, these athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Ice Dance Success in Europe

Year 9 student Izzy recently travelled to Ghent for the Ice Crystal Trophy, marking her very first international competition. Competing against elite teams from across Europe, Izzy and her team delivered an incredible performance, achieving a season’s best skate and securing a magnificent silver medal. What a fantastic debut on the world stage!

GLL sports Foundation ceremony in Cambridge

Huge congratulations to Aarya P and Caterina MN who were invited to the GLL Sports Foundation ceremony in Cambridge to receive the GLL Training Award this year. This was awarded to them in recognition of their outstanding performances in solo ice dance and free skating national competitions during the last season. Thoroughly deserved as they have undertaken so many hours of training.

National Gold for Archery

Year 9 student Eva hit the bullseye at the National Junior Archery competition in York, capturing the gold medal in the U18 category. This is a great achievement, especially as Eva was competing against many older archers. This event marks the first of five competitions in the prestigious National Junior Archery Series this year, and we wish Eva the best of luck for the remaining rounds!

Football: International Experience & National Selection

Our footballers have been shining both at home and abroad:

Year 9 student Ellie has achieved the immense honour of being selected for the ISFA U14 National Representative Squad. Ellie recently donned the national kit to play against the Welsh National Team, celebrating an emphatic 7-1 victory! Ellie said: "It was an amazing experience. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming camp in the summer!"

Trinity Shines on the International Stage with Cambridge United

Year 7 student Trinity travelled to the Netherlands to compete in the international Easter Open Football Tournament. Playing a year up to represent the Cambridge United U13 girls team, Trinity went headto-head with top European talent. Her team performed brilliantly, finishing third in their group. Trinity is now looking forward to a thrilling upcoming fixture against Chelsea FC!

Stop Press!

Once again Sophie, Year 12, has achieved an incredible set of results in tennis, as if being crowned Welsh Junior Open Champion is not enough, Sophie recently competed in the Junior LTA 60 Lexus Junior International Edinburgh Tennis Competition. Performing to the best of her ability, not only did she win the singles competition, she and her partner also won the doubles. What an outstanding achievement! As this newsletter goes to press, we have just found out that due to her excellent results, Sophie has received a wildcard to play in the Wimbledon Junior tournament! More to follow on this in our next newsletter. We are so proud of you Sophie!

Charlotte Wells

58 Rugby: Eastern Counties Cup

Congratulations to Year 11 students Fran and Orla who co-captained the Shelford Rugby Club , The Peacocks, to a thrilling victory in the U16 Eastern Counties Cup!

After a gruelling season that included a nail-biting 78th-minute semi-final win against Crusaders, the girls faced their ultimate rivals, Braintree, in the grand final at Wymondham Rugby Club on 19 April. Having suffered two heavy defeats to Braintree earlier in the season, Shelford knew they were the underdogs, but entered the pitch with an ‘improbable feeling of hope’.

What followed was a masterclass in resilience. In a breathless, end-to-end match, the scores were locked at 15-15 in the final minutes. A superb, try-saving cover tackle from Shelford in the final play of the game brought the match to an end. Because the score remained level and no conversions were made, RFU rules dictated the trophy went to the team who scored the opening try, Shelford! The opposition coach paid Shelford the ultimate compliment, expressing disbelief that they were the same team from the start of the season, a testament to the squad's immense hard work and transformation.

Fran said: "This victory means a tremendous amount to me... Facing what some labelled an insurmountable challenge proved that as a team, we are not defined by our losses or our opponents, but how we choose to rise up and face them.”

Orla said: "To win this cup for the third year running brings me immense pride. Not just winning, but to see the team adapt and improve together on and off the pitch... to come away with a win is a feeling that I cannot put into words."

What followed was a masterclass in resilience. In a breathless, end-to-end match, the scores were locked at 15-15.