St Benedict's News - Trinity 2026

HEADMASTERS’ INTRODUCTIONS

I write this brief introduction to the Trinity Term 2026 edition of St Benedict’s News in the middle of a heatwave, with the sun blazing down on Ealing. While the temperatures may be excessive, sunshine may not be an inappropriate metaphor for the achievements and overriding atmosphere of joy that have pervaded the school this term.

While the thought of snow seems far distant, the term began happily with a very successful ski trip in the Easter holidays. Since then there have been innumerable achievements across the school – academically and beyond the classroom. As I type, the Junior School Form 2 children are busily rehearsing their summer show in the Orchard Hall.

Our summer sports have been extremely successful this term, and we will be celebrating our sportswomen and men’s achievements at our Sports Gala evening before the end of term, which is sure to be a joyful occasion. The summer concert was a highlight of superb musicianship. There have been excellent trips to Molveno in Italy and various Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Our Combined Cadet Force – such an enriching activity for those students involved – had an extremely successful biennial inspection in May. We enjoyed a wonderful Science Fair and a stimulating Art Show: the creative brilliance of our young people never fails to bowl me over.

The school’s amazing Society of Parents and Friends organised an extremely successful quiz, the most successful ever, and are beginning planning a 125th anniversary ball for winter 2027!

As well as Mr Luke Ramsden (Senior Deputy Head) and Ms Fiona Allen (Deputy Head Academic), at the end of term we also say a sad farewell to two very long-serving colleagues: Mr Stefan Scicinski (35 years) and Mr Dicky Thomas (44 years).

We thank all these colleagues for their incredible service to our wonderful school.

I wish you a wonderful summer!

Joe Smith Headmaster

I hope that you enjoy the latest edition of St Benedict’s News. Yet another academic year has flown by, and the children have certainly had much to enjoy during the Trinity Term.

There have been many academic and co-curricular highlights during this term. I thoroughly enjoyed the assorted music concerts and the fabulous Alice in Wonderland performances. You will also get an insight into the annual residentials to Cadiz and the Lake District, respectively.

I for one will not forget the buzz amongst the children as they arrived at school on Citizenship Day, dressed in their terrific outfits. The local constabulary, the Fire Brigade, and the NHS were well represented, and indeed there was a frisson of excitement when a fire engine from the local fire station paid a visit to the Black Pitch.

Thank you to the many parents and colleagues who supported the Citizenship Day activities. Well done to Ms Flint for having coordinated what was a splendid day.

I wish you and your children a wonderful remainder of the summer.

Thank you for your support and encouragement.

Take good care.

Rob Simmons Junior School Headmaster

The Senior Sports Awards Gala on 3 July provided a fitting celebration of another outstanding year of sport at St Benedict’s, recognising the dedication, commitment and achievements of our senior athletes. Hosted by Senior Master, Dicky Thomas, the evening honoured both individuals and teams who have represented the School with pride and ambition throughout the year.

We were delighted to welcome former Irish Rugby International player Rob Henderson as our Guest of Honour. In his inspiring address, he encouraged students to follow their dreams, reminding them that, with the support of their families and those around them, they can achieve great things both on and off the field.

The gala was a wonderful occasion, celebrating not only sporting success but also the values of teamwork, resilience, humility and respect that define sport at St Benedict’s. Congratulations to all of our award winners and to every student who has contributed to another memorable year of sporting achievement

MOLVENO MAGIC

The annual Lower Fourth trip to Lake Molveno in the Italian Dolomites is a much-loved St Benedict’s tradition and a true rite of passage. This year’s students enjoyed an unforgettable week of adventure, taking in the sights of Venice, hiking in the spectacular Dolomites and playing the traditional football match against the local team. Along the way, they built new friendships and created memories that will stay with them for years to come.

This year’s trip was especially significant as it marked the final Molveno visit led by Mr Dicky Thomas,

who has organised and accompanied the trip for an incredible 37 years. His dedication has helped make Molveno a defining experience for generations of St Benedict’s students.

“The trip made me realise how much good friendships are worth and I made so many special memories with my friends.” Alexa J (L4)

“It has been an honour to have led the Molveno trip for the past 37 years. I will cherish the memories of every visit, especially Molveno 2026 as my final farewell.” Dicky Thomas, Senior Master

SKI TRIP 2026

Our thanks go to Ian Parker for leading the trip and all the staff whose hard work and dedication made the week possible and here’s to next year’s skiing adventure!

“The Ski Trip was amazing. The snow was spectacular and the whole trip was fantastic. The activities planned in the evening were fabulous and I had the best time ever.” Harry E (L5)

♥ Alice in Wonderland

To mark the end of their Junior School journey, our Form 2 pupils transported audiences down the rabbit hole with a magical performance of Alice in Wonderland. From Alice’s curious encounter with the White Rabbit to the eccentric charm of the Mad Hatter’s tea party and the commanding presence of the Queen of Hearts, the production was brought to life with colour, energy and imagination.

With vibrant costumes and engaging musical moments, they captured the whimsical and often unpredictable world of Wonderland with real confidence and flair, showcasing how much they have grown during their time at St Benedict’s.

It was a fittingly imaginative farewell for Form 2, celebrating their time in the Junior School before they step through the looking glass into their new Senior School chapters.

As they prepare to transition to senior school, our Form 2 pupils enjoyed an unforgettable Outward Bound experience in the Lake District. Across the week, they went hiking, lake plunging and tackled a range of adventurous activities including scrambling, tunnelling and cliff jumping, supporting one another throughout.

A real highlight was the overnight camp, where they carried equipment, set up camp independently, cooked meals, and rowed across the lake as part of their journey.

It was a perfect way to mark the end of their Junior School journey and take with them lasting memories, new skills, and growing confidence to embrace future challenges.

“What a fabulous week! The girls and boys (and adults) were pushed beyond their comfort zone and gained so much confidence in the breathtakingly beautiful surrounds of the Lake District. The damp weather made not a jot of difference, and the Outward Bound instructors are superb.”

Rob Simmonds, Junior School Headmaster

LAKE DISTRICT

ART SHOW 2026

This year’s Senior St Benedict’s Art Show showcased the outstanding talent of our A level and GCSE Art & Design students, with a truly impressive range of work. From fine art, portraiture and graphic design to sculpture, architecture and 3D design, their creativity displayed the true breadth of their skill.

Senior School Summer Concert

This year’s Summer Concert was a joyful and memorable evening, as we bade farewell to our Upper Sixth leavers in their final concert at St Benedict’s. Their speeches of thanks to teachers and mentors were a touching highlight of the night.

“The concert celebrated the significant contribution of our leavers to the musical life of the school, whose commitment and enthusiasm have inspired younger musicians.”

Chris Eastwood – Director of Music

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Eastwood for his many years of exceptional leadership in music at St Benedict’s as this marked his final Summer Concert in his role of Director of Music.

A Celebration of Music at the Junior School Summer Concerts

Over two weeks in June, our annual Lower Prep, Upper Prep, PP2 and PP3 Summer Concerts provided a wonderful opportunity for parents, families and friends to enjoy performances from our talented Junior School musicians.

Since half term, pupils had been busy practicing a varied programme of vocal and instrumental pieces. Each concert showcased not only their musical skills, but also the enthusiasm, confidence and dedication they have developed throughout the year.

We were delighted to see how much progress the pupils have made, and their outstanding performances were a fitting celebration of all their hard work and commitment.

HOLA FROM SPAIN!

In May, our Form 1 pupils enjoyed a memorable trip to Cádiz and Seville, where they experienced Spanish language and culture first-hand.

Highlights included visits to Cádiz Cathedral and La Giralda, a flamenco dancing lesson, and a visit to the famous dancing horses of Jerez. Pupils also had plenty of opportunities to practise their Spanish in real-life situations, from ordering ice creams to completing a market scavenger hunt.

The trip was a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, deepen their understanding of Spanish culture and create lasting memories with friends.

“I learnt more Spanish because we were given opportunities to practise real life Spanish with locals.” Form 1 pupil

CITIZENSHIP DAY

On Thursday 18 June, our Junior School pupils enjoyed an inspiring Citizenship Day, learning about the people and organisations that help keep our communities safe, healthy and thriving.

Dressed as ‘responsible citizens,’ pupils took part in talks and workshops covering road, water and home safety, caring for the environment, staying healthy and what to do in an emergency.

Special guests included representatives from the Fire Service, RNLI, Metropolitan Police, Ealing Food Bank, Ranger Stu and the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Faduma Mohamed.

A highlight for our Nursery and Reception pupils was a visit from firefighters from Ealing Fire Station. They loved exploring a real fire engine, meeting the crew and having a go with the fire hose!

On Friday 26 June, the Lower Fifth and Middle School community came together to celebrate the hard work, talent and achievements of our students at this year’s Prize Giving ceremony.

We were delighted to welcome Anna Savage, Governor of St Benedict’s School, as our Guest of Honour, who presented the awards to this year’s deserving recipients.

Head Girl Krisha P and Deputy Head Boy Deen H opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and opening prayer, before a beautiful vocal duet by Coco F and Ria P (L5) provided a fitting musical prelude to the celebrations.

In his address, Headmaster Joe Smith praised the dedication and commitment of both students and staff, while thanking parents for their continued support throughout the year. Congratulating the prize winners

on their achievements, he also reminded everyone that the occasion was about celebrating the whole school community.

“It might feel like we are celebrating individual successes, but in my eyes, you are all winners,”

he said, encouraging students to take pride not only in their own achievements but also in celebrating those of their peers.

Following the presentation of prizes, Ms Savage reflected on her own experiences at school, speaking movingly about the teachers who had shaped and inspired her. She encouraged students to value the relationships they build with their teachers, reminding them that the guidance and encouragement of teachers can have a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.

Addressing the audience, she concluded with a powerful message: “Remember, success is not about what we know; it’s about who we become. And who we become is shaped by the relationships we build along the way.”

It was a memorable afternoon celebrating achievement along with the values of community, encouragement and personal growth that lie at the heart of a St Benedict’s education.

SCIENCE FAIR

2026

This year’s Science Fair was another outstanding success, showcasing the curiosity, creativity and scientific thinking of our Lower Fourth students.

Following months of research and experimentation, students presented an impressive range of projects to more than 250 visitors, including children from local primary schools and Form 1 pupils from St Benedict’s Junior School. From measuring the speed of Nerf gun projectiles and investigating colour-changing chemical reactions to exploring how different foods affect reaction times, each project demonstrated enthusiasm, innovation and a genuine passion for discovery.

The morning concluded with an exciting interactive science show led by our Science Department and Sixth Form science students. Visitors were captivated by a series of spectacular demonstrations, including expanding ‘elephant’s toothpaste,’ the squeaky pop test, dry ice candles and, to finish with a bang, the ever-popular hydrogen explosion.

It was an inspiring morning that truly brought science to life.

“I really liked how interactive it was and fun.”

Form 1 pupil

“My favourite experiment was the one that looked at AI and identifying the real image.”

Form 1 pupil

Winners

Benjamin W, Wajih K and Elliot C: Does the type of nerf gun affect how far the bullet travels?

Runners-Up

Reuben A, Anthony S: Do different categories of food impact your speed and heartrate?

Highly commended

Alessia MV, Freya H: Does the appearance of sweets affect people’s reaction to how they taste?

Lisa K, Kitty H, Jasmine T, Alexa J: Does sugar concentration affect popping boba flavour intensity?

Neve B, Darcy A, Regina B: How does music impact memory in revision?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

It has been another outstanding year for the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award at St Benedict’s, with students demonstrating resilience, determination and a spirit of adventure. Since September 2025, 72 students have achieved their Bronze Award, 30 their Silver Award and 13 have earned the prestigious Gold Award.

Gold Awards at Buckingham Palace

In May, 13 students received their Gold Award at a special ceremony in Buckingham Palace presented by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh himself. The occasion was made even more memorable when he took the time to speak with one of our students, Isabel M.

everyone on receiving their

DofE CCF

CCF Annual Review 2026

On Saturday 9 May, more than 150 guests attended our annual CCF Review Parade, celebrating the passing-out of the 2025 recruits as they officially became Cadets. The presentation of berets marked the successful completion of their initial training and a significant milestone in their CCF journey.

The event also included the CCF’s Biennial Army Inspection, during which inspectors praised St Benedict’s as one of the best and busiest Cadet units in London. The contingent was described as “vibrant”, with particular recognition given to Head of CCF, Hannah Dormann, for her outstanding leadership.

Congratulations to all the Cadets recognised for their service, character and contribution throughout the year.

Bronze, Silver & Gold Expeditions

This year’s expedition programme saw Bronze students complete their assessment in the Chiltern Hills, while Silver participants tackled the Dorset coastline in Swanage during June’s heatwave. Despite the demanding conditions, they showed impressive resilience and teamwork to successfully complete their three-day expedition. Gold students will complete their qualifying expedition in Snowdonia later this summer.

Reflecting on another successful year, DofE Manager Linda Brown said:“Thank you to our dedicated staff volunteers, whose support makes these expeditions possible. We look forward to welcoming even more students to the Award next year.”

Nursery, Pre-Prep and Junior School

SPORTS DAYS

June brought record-breaking temperatures, but this did little to dampen the spirit of our pupils in Junior School.

At Junior School Sports Day, children showed remarkable determination as they rose to the challenge of the heat, competing with great energy, enthusiasm and outstanding team spirit throughout the event.

The following week, conditions proved too hot for our youngest pupils, and the Nursery and Pre-Prep Sports Day was moved indoors to the cooler surroundings of the Sports Hall. The children embraced the change of venue and took part with great excitement and enthusiasm in a joyful celebration of teamwork and participation.

Across both days, our pupils demonstrated resilience, sportsmanship and a real sense of enjoyment!

CRICKET

SPORT

It has been a remarkable season for St Benedict’s cricket, with outstanding performances across all age groups. The U15 team made history by becoming the first St Benedict’s side to be crowned Middlesex Rawlings Cup Champions – an unforgettable achievement. The U13A enjoyed an exceptional campaign, winning 16 of their 17 fixtures before narrowly missing out on the Middlesex Cup title in a thrilling final. Meanwhile, the U17A reached the last 16 of the National Plate, and the U12 progressed to the Middlesex Cup semi-finals.

1st XI

The 1st XI enjoyed another exceptional season, recording 13 wins from their opening 18 fixtures and finishing sixth in the national SOCS school cricket rankings. The team also retained the prestigious Emeriti Schools Festival title for a second consecutive year.

St Benedict’s Crowned Emeriti Schools Champions 2026

Our cricket teams achieved outstanding success at the prestigious three-day Emeriti Schools Festival, hosted by Ampleforth College.

The 1st XI successfully defended their title to become champions for the second consecutive year, while the U13 boys were also crowned tournament champions. The U15 girls completed an impressive campaign by reaching the semifinals against strong opposition, rounding off an excellent festival for St Benedict’s cricket.

Girls’ Cricket

Girls’ cricket continues to go from strength to strength at St Benedict’s. This season saw the School field its first-ever Girls’ 1st XI, alongside regular hardball fixtures and entries into county and national competitions.

With cricket now available from U12 to U15, participation continues to grow, and the season culminated in an excellent run to the semi-finals of the U19 Middlesex Cup.

Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac 2026

Congratulations also go to Harry H (L6) and Thomas K (U6), who were recognised in the 2026 edition of the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. Harry finished as the leading wicket-taker in UK school cricket in 2025, while Thomas was the second-highest wicket-taker and fifthhighest run scorer in the country. Their achievements place them among the very best young cricketers in the UK.

Head of Cricket, Juan Henri, praised both players,

“Finishing as the highest wickettaker in school cricket in 2025 is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Harry’s dedication. First XI captain Thomas K produced another outstanding all-round campaign. Both players have shown exceptional commitment, and there is great excitement for what lies ahead.”

Pathway Success

Representative honours continue to grow, with seven students involved in the Middlesex Cricket Player Pathway.

• Aaryan D (U13) representing Middlesex County

• Six students: Logan F (U15) Faizan E (U14), Christo K (U14), Zack H (U12), Wajih K (U13) and Felix F (U13) represented the Middlesex Junior Cricket Association (MJCA) Central Zone

Partnerships

This season also welcomed the introduction of Frogbox live-streaming, in partnership with Ikon Dental, while our continued collaboration with Ealing Trailfinders Cricket Club has enhanced our facilities with improved pitches, a new astroturf wicket and upgraded infrastructure.

These all go towards further strengthening our cricket provision.

ATHLETICS

The 2025–26 athletics season has been one of the most successful in the school’s history, with students achieving success at every level while maintaining an outstanding commitment to participation. This season saw 100% involvement in athletics across Form 1 through to Sixth Form, reflecting the inclusive nature of the programme and ensuring every pupil had the opportunity to compete and develop their skills.

Our athletes enjoyed an exceptional season of competition, winning five medals at the Achilles Relays, securing qualification for the national round of the English Schools Track and Field Cup in all four age groups, and claiming

JUNIOR SPORT

TENNIS

Junior School pupils have enjoyed a fantastic year of tennis, developing their skills in a fun and inclusive coeducational environment. Players of all abilities made excellent progress, from building confidence and consistency in rallying to refining tactical awareness in competitive match play.

A particular highlight was the three ladder competitions held throughout the year, which encouraged pupils to challenge one another, think strategically and embrace healthy competition. It was wonderful to see so many students demonstrating determination, resilience and a real enthusiasm for improving their game.

ATHLETICS

It has been another excellent year of athletics for our Junior School pupils with a wide range of opportunities to develop their skills, confidence and teamwork. Regular fixtures against Highgate and St Augustine’s provided valuable competitive experience, as

further gold medals at the Radley Relays and Radley Combined Events Championships. The girls’ team also recorded its highest-ever finish at the St Mary’s Open Meeting.

Athletics achievements

Individual performances were equally impressive, with 14 pupils representing Ealing, six progressing to represent Middlesex athletics clubs, one student selected to represent England, and Rawdon C (L4) qualifying to represent Middlesex in the Junior Boys’ Long Jump at the English Schools Championships.

These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our athletes, the expertise of our coaching staff and the strength of the school’s athletics programme to the transition of our students into high-performance pathways beyond school sport.

our young athletes demonstrated determination, resilience and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the season.

Many pupils achieved personal bests, reflecting the commitment and enthusiasm they brought to both training and competition. Above all, the season was characterised by a strong sense of camaraderie, with pupils encouraging one another, celebrating each other’s successes and embracing the enjoyment of taking part. Thank you to our families and staff for their continued support in making this such a positive and rewarding season for all.

CRICKET

This summer has seen a fantastic summer of cricket for Junior School, with regular training sessions and fixtures against St John’s, UCS and St Paul’s providing plenty of opportunities to develop their skills and confidence. Throughout the season, pupils demonstrated excellent progress, teamwork and sportsmanship.

A highlight of the term was the inaugural Bennies Bash, an exciting internal competition that saw four teams compete across three rounds of matches. The tournament gave every pupil the chance to experience competitive cricket in a fun and supportive environment.

The season ended in memorable fashion as our U10 team were crowned champions of the Reigate 6s tournament. Their impressive performances throughout the competition were a well-deserved reward for their commitment, determination and teamwork, providing the perfect finish to a successful summer of cricket.

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

NEWS

Dear Parents,

As another successful academic year draws to a close, we would like to thank our parents, alumni, staff and friends for their continued support of St Benedict’s.

Supporting bursaries remains a key priority, and we are delighted that more than £100,000 has been raised this year through Giving Day, the Annual Fund, Leavers’ Deposits Fund and other fundraising initiatives including our Ealing Half Marathon Run with Isabel campaign. These funds will help ensure that talented young people can benefit from a St Benedict’s education, regardless of their financial circumstances.

We are also grateful to those who have supported the Annual Fund’s Where the School Needs It Most programme.

SPF

(Society of Parents and Friends)

The SPF held its annual Quiz Night on Friday 5 June, which attracted a record number of attendees and proved to be a tremendous success. Guests enjoyed an excellent quiz, a delicious meal, and the opportunity to socialise throughout the evening. With plenty of fun, friendly competition and great company, the event was a wonderful example of the strong sense of community that exists at St Benedict’s.

This year, donations will provide new football, basketball and netball equipment for the playground, enhancing opportunities for students to be active and engaged throughout the school day.

It has also been a wonderful year for community engagement, with events including the annual Fireworks Display, The Richard Baker Science Lecture, OPA Golf Day and OPA Reunion Dinner bringing together members of the St Benedict’s family.

Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate several important milestones, including 70 Years of Girls at St Benedict’s in October 2026, recognising the generations of women who have shaped the life of the School.

Thank you to everyone who has supported St Benedict’s this year through donations, event attendance, volunteering or advocacy. Your generosity and commitment help ensure the School continues to thrive for future generations.

Best wishes,

Tara George Director of Communications

Dates for your Diary 2026

• Saturday 12 September

SPF Summer Festival

• Friday 25 September

Macmillan Coffee Morning

• Monday 28 September

SPF AGM & General Meeting

• Friday 16 October

Annual Fireworks Celebration hosted at our Sports Fields in Perivale

Macmillan Coffee Morning

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL