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Chiswick, West & Richmond SEPTEMBER 2026 / £3.95

PLUS HOT TICKET Excited about the Bayeux Tapestry?

SEPTEMBER 2026

• NINETIES NOSTALGIA Robinson Pelham's retro jewellery

• YINKA ILORI

Bold and bright new homewares

Case

S P ECIA L News and views from the county's best schools

STUDY JEWELS AND GEMS TAKE THE STAGE

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents SEPTEMBER 2026

104

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 63 IN THE NEWS

WHAT'S ON

INTERIORS 78 HOME INSPIRATIONS

10 things we’re coveting this month

Your diary for September

BAYEUX TAPESTRY

The UK unveiling

FOOD & DRINK 38 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

44 RECIPES

A Mexican kitchen

Updates from the industry

News and ideas

86 ART AND DESIGN

New homewares from Yinka Ilori

T R AV E L 104 THE BIG BLUE

Adventures in the Maldives

E D U C AT I O N 130 THE UPDATE

News, exam results and more

FA S H I O N 57 ON TREND

139 BACK TO SCHOOL

58 JEWEL STORY

166 SPORTING TALK

New necklaces

90s jewellery from Robinson Pelham

All the essential kit

Why Games are good for everyone

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes. O N T H E C OV E R robinsonpelham.com All jewellery by Robinson Pelham Creative: Formation Studio Production: Carley Bishop Production Photography: Buzz White DOP: Max Weston Model: Maria Konieczna HMU: Florencia Ricci

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA MAGAZINE DESIGNER MARIANA SUZUKI DESIGNERS ARTHUR JONAS, BRUNA FACCIN AND PAMELLA MORENO PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE PORTFOLIO MANAGER GEMMA GRAY SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT STELLA ADAMS SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS PAIGE COLE, CLAIRE CORNISH FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO, ABIGAIL GARDNER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Social icon

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Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

a b s o l u t e l y m a ga z i n e s . c o m

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S September issue highlights

She's a gem

Charms, pendants and more... this month is all about jewellery

Flat out

Stylish apartment living

ack to school again – and this time it's come round faster than ever. The scramble for school shoes and PE kit is on, outgrown uniform is piling up and nerves are mounting. So in this issue we're taking a long hard look at education. From a child's first days at Nursery, through secondary school and Sixth Form to university: these years are filled with excitement and apprehension, and that's just for the parents. There are so many decisions to be made, and the stakes seem so high – but our aim is to reassure. Looking for the right school for your child can be a tricky search, but we are lucky to have so many options in London and beyond. Our section kicks off on page 129. Enjoy September.

Roll with it

How decorative is your dressing table?

House style

Yinka Ilori's new collection

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Bayeux Tapestry

A return to the UK for this historic embroidery

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

WRAP PA R T Y Beach cover-ups, sarongs and kaftans are all part of the holiday wardrobe, and there's no better place for a fit-out than Battersea's Amelie's Follies, where you'll be measured up for the perfect fit. ameliesfollies.co.uk

COLOUR CODE Habitat's new collection is full of well-designed and colourful accessories. We love this striped vase, a snip at just £14. habitat.co.uk

MUSHROOM M AG I C Need a bit of extra clarity and motivation in the morning? Try Ancient Extracts' Morning Magic Mushroom Coffee. It's a low-caffeine blend of functional mushrooms, adaptogenic herbs and supportive nutrients that'll give you a little lift to last the day. ancientextracts.co.uk

HOLD ON The Alice cross body bag has been handmade from the highest quality Tuscan calfskin. Light and deceptively capacious, it's a keeper. £600 neo87100.com

I N T H E D E TA I L Jewellery designer Francesca Villa's collections feature a diverse range of motivs ranging from tomatoes to whales – and this adorable puffer fish ring is reverse painted on crystal backed with turquoise, with a bezel set in yellow gold. £5,870 francescavilla.it

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES EDITOR’S PICK

S U GA R G I R L North Londoner Little Simz is widely agreed to be one of the most exciting musical acts to emerge in the UK over the past years – and not only is she an accomplished actor as well as a rapper, but she has now been announced as the newest ambassador for Miu Miu Beauty, representing Fleur de Lait, Miu Miu’s fruity-solar scent. miumiu.com

TIED UP Avani Haus' collection of beautiful silk scarves are designed as wearable art. Tie them around your neck or wrist or wear them as tops. avanihaus.com

C R E AT U R E COMFORT Artist and print designer Emma Shipley has teamed up with Lulu Guinness for a limited-edition capsule collection of characterful bags. emmajshipley.com

CHARM SCHOOL Jeweller Tilly Sveaas is celebrating 10 years of her brand with a collection of charms inspired by the symbols and stories that have shaped her style. Mix and match the charms with the ‘Charm Builder’, or choose one of her curated necklaces. tillysveaas.co.uk

B OT T L ES U P For the ultimate fashion water bottle, make it Dior. This simple yet chic stainless steel bottle channels 18th-century rococo and will set you back £170. dior.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C U LT U R E

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW, ACRYLIC ON 230GM PAPER, 23.4 X 16.5”, 2024 © MURUGIAH

What's On 18 • The Bayeux Tapestry 21 • Chelsea Arts Festival 22 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

EV E N TS N OT TO M I S S I N LO N D O N A RT

Sense of Place 12-20 September AT E L I E R S E V E N T Y- S I X Experience design through all ﬁve senses with Sense of Place, an immersive exhibition curated by Emma Louise Payne. The exhibition explores how touch, smell, taste and sound can transform our experience of spaces, objects and everyday rituals. Emma Louise Payne will be launching a new ceramics collection called 'Wasted' featuring carafes, coupes, tumblers and dishes made her studio's reclaimed clay, and in collaboration with The Henley Distillery. emmalouisepayne.com

T H E AT R E

Murugiah... Ever Feel Like

FA S H I ON

The Burberry Trench

To 4 October QUENTIN BLAKE CENTRE F O R I L L U S T R AT I O N Murugiah’s work reflects on his life and identity, drawing on his Sri Lankan heritage and Welsh upbringing. His flower-, elephant- and skull-headed characters are influenced by a youth playing Nintendo, listening to pop punk and watching Saturday morning cartoons. qbcentre.org.uk

U NTI L 3 JA NUA RY, 2026, V&A

‘The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon’ is a free display at the V&A celebrating a fashion staple that has adapted and endured through the decades, marking Burberry’s 170th anniversary. Bringing together rare material from the Burberry Archive and the V&A collection, the display traces the history of the Burberry trench from its origins as practical outerwear and military attire to a world-renowned icon of fashion, rooted in a contemporary British sensibility and celebrated globally. vam.ac.uk

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CULTURE • DIARY

P H OTO GRA P H Y

World Press Photo Until 30 September MPB GALLERY The exhibition is the world’s most prestigious showcase of photojournalism and documentary photography and is the widestranging annual photo exhibition worldwide. The World Press Photo Contest recognises and celebrates the best visual journalism produced over the past year, with the winning images forming a powerful global touring exhibition. In 2025, the exhibition reached over 4 million visitors across more than 80 cities. mpb.com

A RT TO

watch Hynek Martinec's Applecore and Art Car Boot Fair

HELEN BEARD

A RT

A M A R K A N WA R

This Month’s Must See

FROM 23 SEPTEMBER, SERPENTINE GALLERY A major solo exhibition of new and existing works by New Delhi-based artist Amar Kanwar, one of the most prominent artists working in moving image today. Transforming the building of Serpentine North into a meditative visual and sonic environment, the exhibition will mark the premiere of a new seven-screen film installation titled The Charcoal Man. serpentinegalleries.org

TWO CENTURIES HERE

HYNEK MARTINEC: APPLECORE monumental live wall drawing by acclaimed painter Hynek Martinec can be seen at Hypha Studios South Bank this September, ahead of his new exhibition, APPLECORE, at Varvara Roza Galleries in St James’s. Created over six days, the drawing forms the prelude to Martinec’s debut exhibition with the gallery, featuring a new series of paintings inspired by one of art history’s most enduring symbols: the apple. Combining Old Master techniques with contemporary ideas, Martinec explores originality, authorship and human creativity in an age of AI, drawing on biblical imagery, still life and technology. A recipient of the BP Young Artist Award, Martinec has exhibited internationally, including at the Royal Academy of Arts and National Portrait Gallery. Hypha Studios South Bank: 29 August–1 October. Varvara Roza Galleries, St James’s: 30 September–20 October. ART CAR BOOT FAIR: PLAY FREE Art Car Boot Fair returns to Coal Drops Yard on 5 September with Play Free, bringing together more than 100 artists and 100 original artworks, each priced at just £100. A celebration of accessible, affordable and fun art collecting, highlights include Vic Reeves, Rankin, Helen Beard, Bob and Roberta Smith, Mr Bingo, Margo in Margate and GG the Illustrator. artcarbootfair.com

F RO M 17 SEPTEMBER, OCTAGON GALLERY

hrough photography, objects, paintings, artefacts, and storytelling, the exhibition invites visitors to explore 200 years of ground-breaking scientiﬁc research, historical discoveries, artistic innovation and educational impact at the capital’s ﬁrst university University College London (UCL). This includes curious and fascinating objects from The Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology and UCL Grant Museum of Zoology. ucl.ac.uk

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CULTURE • NEWS

Stitch in time

The Bayeux Tapestry arrives at the British Museum

he countdown is on to 10 September, when the British Museum unveils its exciting new display. In a historic partnership between the UK and France, the Bayeux Tapestry has returned to the UK for the first time in 1,000 years. It will open to the public on 10 September and run until 11 July 2027. The Bayeux Tapestry is a 70-metrelong masterpiece telling the story of the events leading to the Battle of Hastings (14 October 1066) and the Norman Conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. The embroidery in wool thread on linen cloth was likely produced in or near Canterbury and dates to 1072-77. Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, Director of the British Museum, calls it: “one of the most important surviving works from the medieval world and an extraordinary account of a defining moment in our history.” Through 58 scenes, 627 characters and 737 animals, the tapestry gives an account of the medieval period in Normandy and England like no other. It provides information about civil and military architecture, armour and seafaring, as well as precious details of everyday life. The Tapestry has been on display at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Normandy since 1983, and last year the museum closed for renovation. This provided the circumstances for the tapestry to come to the UK. Here, visitors will experience it as it has

never been seen before when it is displayed flat for the first time, in one continuous length in a specially made showcase. In previous permanent displays, the tapestry has been displayed vertically. From 1700 until 1842 it was usually rolled out for academics and important individuals to see. Displaying the tapestry flat allows audiences to fully appreciate the scale of this spectacular and oneof-a-kind medieval embroidery. It also enables the Museum to bring it to life in a new and imaginative way, with digital elements helping enhance understanding. The show will be supported by objects from the museum’s own collection, alongside significant loans from UK and European partners, putting the tapestry into the broader context of medieval England and the events surrounding the Norman Conquest.

“Displaying the tapestry ﬂat allows audiences to appreciate the scale of this spectacular embroidery”

In exploring the background to the Bayeux Tapestry, loans include a charter of Edward the Confessor of 1060 granting lands in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, to Westminster Abbey, from Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. The document, written in Latin and Old English, is witnessed by several individuals who appear in the tapestry, including King Edward ‘the Confessor’, Harold’s sister, Queen Edith, Archbishop Stigand, Earl Harold and his brother Gyrth; both shown in the tapestry being killed at the Battle of Hastings. An extensively illustrated manuscript known as Junius II will also feature from The Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford. It records biblical events and was likely borrowed by the tapestry’s creators for their depictions of clothing, ships and items of everyday life. Importantly, the manuscript was likely created in Canterbury, possibly at Christ Church, around AD 1000, so it would have been available to the tapestry’s designer. Tickets for the 40-minute experience will be released in phases and the first phase sold out immediately. Further releases are expected in October and January for dates between January and March, and April and July 2027 respectively. Visitors are advised to sign up to the British Museum newsletter to receive ticket updates. britishmuseum.org A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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What connects Susie Cave, Bernardine Evaristo, Bella Freud and John Pawson CBE? These are just some of the names involved with this year’s spectacular Chelsea Arts Festival

ARTS

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CULTURE • ARTS

CLUB

THIS IS RAMBERT, PHOTO TIM BRET-DAY, ARTISTIC DIRECTION BENOIT SWAN-POUFFER_ CONCEPT, CREATIVE DIRECTION AND STYLING SUSAN BENDER WHITFIELD_ DANCERS DYLAN TEDALDI AND HANNAH HERNANDEZ

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CULTURE • ARTS Letters Live, brings Diaries of Note: 366 Lives, One Day at a Time, to the stage. A cast of celebrated performers including actor and poet, Lucas Jones, will read from a remarkable collection of diary entries, spanning centuries and offering windows into lives both extraordinary and everyday. Acclaimed actors will fill the stage with poetry, to celebrate 10 years of Allie Esiri’s best-selling anthology A Poem for Every Night of the Year, which has inspired generations of poetry lovers. Iconic and ever innovative dance company Rambert brings work from its centenary programme ‘This Is Rambert’ to Cadogan Hall, in honour of their centenary year. Elsewhere, at Saatchi Gallery architect John Pawson CBE appears in conversation, Professor Daisy Fancourt will join Emma Gannon to talk about their respective publications ‘Art Cure’ and ‘A Creative Compass’. BookBar introduces an exciting line-up of debut authors, and Alison Jackson curates a panel of artists in conversation. At the festival’s new venue The Trafalgar, Michelle De Swarte has been announced for their comedy evenings. Johno Verity will talk about the power of storytelling and Jonnie Fielding, known for his Bowl of Chalk walking tours, will discuss his new book. 16-20 September chelseaartsfestival.com

NATURAL THEATRE COMPANY, CLOCK HEADS

"2026 marks 50 years since Punk exploded on the King's Road"

ondon’s most dynamic arts and culture festival returns, with a multidisciplinary lineup of artists, speakers, performers, and visionaries, outdoor performances, and bustling food and arts markets. This year marks 50 years since Punk exploded on the King’s Road in 1976. In memory of that, Saatchi Gallery will host ‘A Night of T/Reason’ featuring key voices from the time, plus a new generation influenced by Punk’s legacy, Speakers include renowned writer Chris Salewicz, designer and DJ Edie Ashley, fashion pioneer Lloyd Johnson, founder of the Fashion School Caroline Gration, founder of the Rock n Roll Public Library Lauren Jones and awardwinning filmmaker Celeste Bell, custodian of her mother Poly Styrene’s archive. Intimate portraits from the Punk era by photographer Jane Ashley will be displayed. At Cadogan Hall, visionary designer, muse and entrepreneur Susie Cave joins Bella Freud in conversation for a special event in collaboration with 5x15, centred around new book Susie, an exquisite visual and lyrical portrait of Susie Cave.

Susie unites the creative talents of four icons: celebrated writer and musician Nick Cave, renowned photographer Dominique Issermann, superstar designer Irma Boom and Susie Cave herself. Families can return to the magical world of the Glimourie Archipelago as bestselling author Katherine Rundell discusses her eagerly anticipated new novel The Neverfear, a thrilling adventure for readers of all ages. Blue Plaques Talk Back returns with broadcaster and author Mishal Husain reflecting on the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru through the lens of her memoir Broken Threads, while comedian and presenter Nish Kumar explores the enduring influence of his musical hero, Jimi Hendrix. Presented by the Women's Prize, An Evening with Bernardine Evaristo and Friends brings together exceptional writers including Jacqueline Crooks and Joelle Taylor, with readings and performances from acclaimed artists including Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Evaristo is one of the UK’s most celebrated literary figures, recipient of the Women’s Prize Outstanding Contribution Award, and a Booker Prize winner. Shaun Usher, bestselling author of Letters of Note and founder of cultural phenomenon,

BERNADINE EVARISTO CREDIT SUKI DHANA AUTIN DANCE THEATRE

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CULTURE • CINEMA

OH RI O RI O F

ounded in 1909, Hackney’s Rio Cinema is the UK’s longestrunning cinema. And this year marks 50 years of being run by and for its community, a major milestone that is subject of a six-month celebration season, dubbed Rio Forever. Running until November, Rio Forever celebrates the Rio and the communities that have shaped it over the past five decades. From family events to queer parties, to specially curated screenings, chosen and introduced by friends of the Rio including actor Ben Whishaw, Academy Awardwinning filmmaker Asif Kapadia, author and curator Ashley Clark, journalist Margeaux Labat and filmmaker and Rio patron Dionne Edwards, Rio Forever showcases what the Rio does best, honouring the cinema as a living part of Hackney. Kicking off the autumn season in September, the Rio celebrates its long history as ahome for queer cinema with a programme spanning landmark films, special guests and community celebrations. The Rio has been a cornerstone of queer film programming for 50 years, hosting the UK's first Pride Film Festival in 1980. As part of the season, the Rio will host a special party celebrating Pink Palace’s fourth birthday complete with DJs, conversation and a screening of Pink Palace’s most requested film ever: dazzling 90s comedy classic The Birdcage. Pink Palace x Contemporary Films will also present a special Q&A screening of The Times of Harvey Milk, welcoming the film’s director Rob Epstein to discuss this A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“Rio Forever honours the cinema as a living part of Hackney” Academy Award-winning documentary that charts the rise and tragically brief career of California’s first openly gay elected politician. Further highlights from the autumn programme celebrate the filmmakers, artists and communities that have helped shape the Rio's unique identity over the past 50 years.

Oscar-winning director Asif Kapadia returns to present Takashi Miike's cult horror masterpiece Audition on 35mm; local filmmaker and Rio patron Dionne Edwards joins Criterion Collection Curatorial Director Ashley Clark for a special presentation of Bill Gunn's visionary vampire classic

Ganja & Hess; actor Ben Whishaw introduces Tsai Ming-liang's acclaimed meditation on cinema itself, Goodbye, Dragon Inn; and Little White Lies presents A Celluloid Surprise - a mystery film presented on glorious 35mm. The season also celebrates the Rio 's long-standing reputation as a home for political and socially engaged filmmaking. Club des Femmes and Contemporary Films present a powerful double bill of Carry Greenham Home and March to Aldermaston, accompanied by an onstage discussion featuring filmmaker Beeban Kidron, Amanda Richardson, Selina Robertson and Guy Westwell, exploring the history of anti-nuclear protest and feminist activism on film. Elsewhere, Never Watching Movies celebrates the people who have kept the Rio running over the past five decades with a special screening of cult favourite Empire Records. Hosted by Tegan Chinogurei, the event will bring together Rio staff past and present for an on-stage conversation sharing behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable encounters and memories from life inside one of Britain's most beloved independent cinemas. Throughout the autumn, the celebrations continue beyond the screen with limited-edition Rio Forever merchandise, created by Ching-Li Chew and produced locally in Tottenham, alongside the launch of the bespoke Rio Forever IPA, brewed in collaboration with Five Points Brewing Co.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

SWA N L A K E Birmingham Royal Ballet’s spectacular production returns to London

irmingham Royal Ballet recently celebrated 100 years of their Founding Director Laureate Sir Peter Wright, one of ballet’s most influential directors and choreographers. And now the company is reviving his beloved and spectacular production of Swan Lake, which remains one of the company’s most popular productions. The 2026 Swan Lake UK tour will open at Birmingham Hippodrome from 23 September to 3 October 2026. The Company will then travel to London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre from 28 to 31 October. Birmingham Royal Ballet Director, Carlos Acosta said: “In this year where we celebrate 100 years of the magnificent contributions of our Founding Director Laureate, Sir Peter Wright, we couldn’t not bring his cherished and spectacular production of Swan Lake back to the stage. Not only one of the world’s favourite ballets, this specific production has been beloved for decades and over generations - bringing many to ballet for the very first time. We look forward to being back on the stage in Birmingham and London this autumn with this unmissable show.” Prince Siegfried is out hunting one night when he happens upon a flock of graceful swans. When one of them turns into a beautiful woman, the Prince is utterly smitten – but Odette explains that she has fallen under an evil spell cast by

“This speciﬁc production has been beloved for decades”

Baron von Rothbart, which keeps her in swan form from dawn to dusk. Can Siegfried’s love break the spell? Be swept up in this spectacular ballet with its sensational orchestral score played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, captivating costumes, and a thrilling story bursting with jaw-dropping moments. Perfect as a first ballet, and a must for all dance fans! Great family entertainment for ages 8+. Sadler's Wells Theatre, 28 - 31 October Book your tickets now at brb.org.uk/SwanLake

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

Friendship,

POWER and betrayal

Playwright Robert Khan on the real-life relationships behind The Gang of Three: Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey, and Tony Crosland

Q What makes this story relevant and attractive right now? A Because it's not about the 1970s. It's about three political friends who agreed on everything and still broke each other's hearts. We open with Andy Burnham having entered Number 10 unopposed, but a party closing ranks behind one leader doesn't mean rivalries have vanished. Labour is arguing all over again about what it stands for – and the real dramas tend to happen in private. These days, though, they're played out in WhatsApp groups rather than smoke-filled rooms. Q Does the union/government struggle shape the narrative? A The unions and economic crisis are always there in the background. The country feels ungovernable – inflation, strikes, the IMF at the door – and that pressure raises the stakes on every private conversation. Q Do you see the pressures of the 1970s reflected today? A The 1970s rhyme with now – inflation, unrest, a mood of decline. History repeats itself just enough to make us uncomfortable. Q What surprised you most

about the three men? A How funny and human they were. You expect monuments and find three men in carpet slippers: Healey's ferocity, Crosland's glamour, Jenkins's loneliness. What surprised me most was the tenderness, yet the competitiveness that never disappeared. Q Did you meet anyone while researching the play? A We spoke to people who knew all three. We spent a happy morning with Bill Rodgers, and Lord Owen generously gave notes after a performance – two members

of the original Gang of Four helping shape a play called The Gang of Three. Q Was there a eureka moment

in the writing process? A Realising that the most dramatic thing they ever did was stay in the same room. Three friends, all on the verge of betraying one another, and none willing to say it aloud. Q If you could have dinner with one of them, who would it be? A Healey, easily. He'd quiz you on Yeats, play the piano, and demolish your politics in a single sentence. Q Were the betrayals driven by selfinterest or political passion? A These men genuinely believed they could save the country – and believing

that is its own form of vanity. Q What do you think each of them would object to in the play, and what would they recognise as true? A Jenkins would object to the vowels, Crosland to the suggestion he squandered his gifts, and Healey to being remembered as the bruiser. But I hope all three would recognise the friendship. Q What do you hope audiences leave feeling? A Moved – and reminded that the people who lost the arguments often shaped the country as much as those who won them.

The Gang of Three is at Richmond Theatre 13-17 October. Book now atgtickets.com/richmond A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

Story

TELLER Five minutes with London tour guide Arabella Colclough of The Rose of London

connection to one of the Great 12 Livery Companies and can offer tours of one of the oldest guilds within the City of London. Q Who is your favourite historical London-based character? A There are so many to choose from. I am a big fan of Samuel Johnson and his house is absolutely worth visiting. I also love the story of the Ghost of Cock Lane — not the most salubrious of people involved, but a fantastic story of ordinary people. And I love the story of a murdered priest brutally slain on Cheapside in the 14th century. Q What inspired you to start running tours? A I always loved telling stories and bringing

history to life. I remember standing on Fleet Street, thinking about the arrival of the printing press there and how it quietly turned that one street into the birthplace of London's print trade — and realising that almost nobody walking past had any idea they were standing on that spot. We have the most extraordinary history in London and are lucky to be able to view 2,000 years of it within the City of London.

Q What is your favourite tour that you currently run? A I run a tour called Murder and Sanctuary which is all about sanctuary churches — where people used to hide to try and avoid being imprisoned — and tells the stories of medieval guilds and the violence of 14th century London. It is a fun tour that shows an entirely different side to an area often only seen as a financial heartland. Q What separates you from other tour providers in London? A I am a fully accredited Green Badge and City of London guide. I am able to weave together stories in a unique manner and am entirely flexible. I can offer any sort of tour, from an off-the-peg one to developing and creating a tour that is unique to the client. I also have a

Q Tell us about some of your upcoming tours I have a few coming up — one runs from Temple Church to the Royal Exchange, taking in Knights, the printing press, fire, and the growth of the City of London. It is a brilliant walk and shows you some of the most extraordinary churches and stories associated with the City of London. Q Is there a period of London's history you find yourself drawn back to again and again? A The years after 1666, without question — the rebuilding of the City from the ashes of the Great Fire. There's something extraordinary about that moment: Wren and Hooke redrawing the skyline, the Royal Society busy proving the world could be understood through observation rather than superstition, and in the middle of it all, Samuel Pepys — who happens to be a relative of mine — recording the whole disaster and its aftermath in his diary almost by accident. Q Does having Samuel Pepys as a relative change how you feel about that period? A It probably does, though I try not to let it turn into a party trick. There's something quite grounding about knowing a real, flawed, gossipy human being lived through all of it and wrote it down honestly. It

makes the 17th century feel less like a history lesson and more like a family story that happens to have a rather large cast. Q What is it about Pepys and his diary that you find so compelling? A Partly that he wrote it for no one but himself — it wasn't meant to be read, let alone by strangers three and a half centuries later, which is exactly why it feels so honest. He's vain, he's anxious about money, he's unfaithful and guilty about it, he panics about the plague and the fire in the most human, unheroic way. He gives us the best eyewitness account we have of the Great Fire — burying his parmesan cheese in the garden to save it is one of my favourite details.

theroseoflondon.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK

AW, SHUCKS B E N T L E Y ' S OYST E R B A R

Oyster season is here. Celebrate the return of the native oyster season and watch some of the country's leading chefs, oyster shuckers and seafood enthusiasts compete at the London Oster Championships at Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill on Friday 18 September. londonoysterchampionships.com

Food News 38 • Eating out 41 • Recipes 44 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month By PENDLE HARTE

Wine recommendations for the month By THE WINE SOCIETY

Premier Idylle Vouvray Brut, Famille Bougrier NV  £12.50 Refreshing, complex and energetic Vouvray traditional method sparkling with a fine, delicate mousse and flavours of baked apple, quince, lemon zest and a long, dry finish. This is a mouthwatering and affordable example of sparkling Vouvray and would make a perfect aperitif.

Undurraga Candelabro Reserva Chardonnay Leyda Valley 2024  £9.50 Chilean chardonnay with a fresh appley aroma and ﬂavour from the cool Leyda Valley. This has been tank fermented and aged brieﬂy on its yeast lees to confer some richness on the palate.

The Society's Exhibition Fleurie 2024  £12.95 Attractive, ﬂoral Fleurie, in keeping with its name, with vibrant red-fruit notes on the palate. Lovely crunchy fresh fruit with a long ﬁnish. Its crunchy vibrant fruit is a great match for chicken, whether chargrilled, stuffed, marinaded or spatchcocked. Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business. The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

Everyday Japanese TA R O

Taro, the much-loved Japanese restaurant group, has opened its 11th restaurant on the Holloway Road. Inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Taishu Shokudo’ (an everyday dining room) and comprising 62 covers, Taro will be serving up its popular bento boxes, handmade sushi and sashimi, comforting ramen and udon, amongst other tasty and traditional sides, rice dishes, noodles and more. tarorestaurants.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

TREAT TAKE YOURSELF THREE Indulge in these Where desserts to eat delicious oysters this month

M A R K E T

FORCE FULHAM RIVERSIDE

Top tacos BAR ARRIBA

Opened on the roof of the all-new Olympia is Bar Arriba, offering a blend of large plates, tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and hearty salad bowls. With a retractable roof and plenty of heaters, the space welcomes the sunshine in summer and creates a cosy atmosphere in autumn and winter. And don't miss the churros. bararriba.co.uk

X XFXEXNXCXHXUXRXCXHX X Treat yourself to the Fenchurch Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Champagne and Oyster Experience consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent at the top of London's Sky Garden. ut odio quis dui convallis tincidunt. For £39 per person, enjoy a glass Morbi efficitur malesuada convallis. of Ruinart Brut NV and two freshly Nulla maximus condimentum urna, shucked oysters topped with sed malesuada augue. Aenean cucumber and Vietnamese dressing. xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk skygarden.london

Riverside Market at Fulham Pier has relaunched with a fresh line-up of independent food vendors, bringing together everything from Middle Eastern wraps from Mashwi and tacos to smash burgers and riverside drinks seven days a week. fulhampier.com

XH X IXTXEXH XO XX TX HX E XW RX SE Lorem ipsum dolor amet, Get a taste of the sea sit in Parsons consectetur adipiscing Green with the oyster hourelit. at The ut odiopub-goers quis dui can WhitePraesent Horse, where convallis tincidunt. Morbi with efficitur enjoy a pint of Guinness an malesuada convallis. Nullato maximus oyster for £8, or upgrade a glass condimentum urna, of champagne for sed £15, malesuada available Monday augue. - FridayAenean from 3pm-5pm. xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk whitehorsesw6.com

O P E N

FIRE CORDELIAS

Spritz into September I L GAT TO PA D O

Does Il Gattopardo, the restaurant inspired by 1960s Italy, have Mayfair's best drinks menu? There's the signature Red Desert, a combination of Italian sparkling wine, Aperol, lemonade and orange granita, alongside other Italian classics including Aperol and Campari Spritz, Bellini and Rossini, designed for both aperitivo hour on the Terrazza, and late night digestivos. gattopardo.restaurant

XX XX XX XX OY S TXEXRX X SH ED Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, The Oyster Shed is the place consectetur Praesent to be foradipiscing a standoutelit. seafood ut odio quis duiwith convallis tincidunt. experience unbeatable Morbi efficitur malesuada convallis. riverside views. Championing the Nullaofmaximus condimentum urna, best British coastal fare, expect sed malesuada augue. Aenean oysters from £5 each and abundant xxxxxxxxxxx.co.uk seafood sharing platters. oystershed.co.uk

Just opened in Mayfair is Cordelia's, a contemporary steakhouse that brings together exceptional beef, open-ﬁre cooking and genuine hospitality. At its heart is an open theatre kitchen, where bespoke charcoal grills take centre stage.

cordeliasmayfair.com

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“An impossibly elegant curled black truffle shaving”

Pollini

One of London’s best Italians – and one of the most beautiful too

FOOD Clever, unusual versions of Italian classics

B y PENDLE HARTE

adbroke Hall is an impressive building with a fascinating history. Built in 1903 as the Clement-Talbot car factory and showroom, it went on to make military vehicles during the war, and ended up as the home of Thames Television in the 1980s before becoming a photographic studio and, now, a cultural centre. It’s home to Italian chef Emanuele Pollini’s eponymous restaurant, which counts easily as one of London’s best Italian eateries – and also one of the capital’s beautiful ones.

We’ve come to eat in the garden, which is spectacular. Large and shady with vast bamboo plants and cleverly planted decorative growth, it feels hidden and private, a sanctury from the city. Even midweek, it’s busy yet still feels quiet. It’s also home to an impressive sculpture collection, and the menu features a map; a small tour between courses is a good idea. We’re here for lunch on a hot day and are glad of the shade; a welcoming Campari spritz is in order. “Everything here is a work of art, even the tables,” says our server, and there’s visual interest

DECOR Inside is grand; the garden is a secret sanctuary

PRICE Sharing plates £7- £46

VERDICT An instant favourite

everywhere. The hand-painted plates are unique to Pollini, and each dish comes on a different one. We start with what is promised to be one of the most special dishes: mortadella e tartufo, which is a crisp and cheesy mouthful of truffle, presented with an impossibly elegant curled black truffle shaving. Next is sea bass carpaccio, which is sweet and citrussy, and prettily served (it looks like an underwater pizza, in a beautiful way). Datterini tomato and anchovy pizzette is fresh and lively, and we note that the toppings are raw. This is a small and tasty pizza, where only the base has been in the oven, and it’s a revelation. Spaghetti gembero rossa is served lukewarm, we are warned: this is an unusual dish of bright green pesto spaghetti with pink prawn carpaccio, served lukewarm so as not to cook the prawns. It’s sweet, rich and decadent. Chef Pollini’s creations have a signature twist and our pudding is a showstopper: pistachio fondant with salted caramel and pistachio ice cream is a dreamy mix of sweet and salty. What a treat this place is. 79 Barlby Road, W10 ladbrokehall.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • BAKING

On a

ROLL Absolutely tries a masterclass in making Pasteis de Nata at Santa Nata Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

s there anyone alive who doesn’t like Pasteis de Nata? A diet heavy in these little custard tarts is an integral part of any trip to Portugal, and the story goes that the original recipe was devised in Lisbon’s Belem district by monks who were left with a surplus of egg yolks after using the whites to starch their habits. It’s nice to think of monks creating something as decadent and frivolous as a custard tart, with its instant gratification and lack of morally improving qualities, and the zero-waste credentials are appealing too. Plus, of course, obviously, they are universally held to be delicious. And nata have taken off in London in recent years. You used to go to Golborne Road or Stockwell for them, but now several bakeries specialise in making trayfuls of tarts all day long, just like Lisbon’s many pastelarias. And at Santa Nata you can do more than just eat them. That’s why I have come here for a masterclass in learning to make my very own tarts. The first thing I learn from Chef Yum, who can easily knock out 350 tarts a day in her small kitchen, is that you really have to start yesterday. Today’s tarts aren’t made today, because the dough needs to chill for at least three hours several times, as does the filling. So we set about making dough for tomorrow. We’re looking at ingredients for about 25 tarts, so it’s 1kg of plain flour and 10g salt, plus 500ml of water, most of that in the form of ice cubes. Ice water is the key to crispness, apparently. All of that combines slowly in the mixer with a dough hook until the ice has melted, and then quickly until it’s a satisfying ball. That done, we roll it into a rectangle, and roll a slab of butter into a similar rectangle, roll them both together and then: chill. This will stay in the fridge until tomorrow. Happily, we’re able to continue with yesterday’s dough; and now begins a process of rolling and folding, rolling and folding, rolling and folding. This is the lamination technique, as anyone who’s ever made a

“Ice water is the key to crispness, apparently” croissant will know. Eventually we have a 5mm thin rectangle; this is rolled up one final time, cling-filmed and returned to the fridge. Next up: the filling. This is nothing like I imagined it. First we make a sugar syrup by boiling water and sugar with cinnamon sticks and lemon, and then leave it to cool. Again, we’re using the ‘here’s one I made earlier’ trick. And then it’s the custard, which starts by whisking milk and flour into a paste (make sure there are no lumps), to which we add a few whole eggs and lots of egg yolks, along with the cooled syrup, and then put the whole thing in the fridge, again, to cool. Finally, we assemble them. Slicing the pastry into small discs of about 15g each (Yum does this by eye, I need to use the precise scales and even then I’m not very accurate) is the first step; then we press each disc into a small metal form using our fingers and a clever spinning technique. At last we pipe the custard into the cases, and a tray of cases goes into a hot oven at about 240 degrees, for about 10 minutes. And that’s it. A box of tarts comes home with me – sadly not ones I actually made (those are for tomorrow, of course) - but I still feel proud. Pastel de nata masterclass, £49 per person; santanata.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Mexican

soul A new style of cooking from Santiago Lastra

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

BEETROOT TOSTADA Serves 4

Tostadas are traditionally made with crispy corn tortillas that are either baked or deepfried, a technique that was first invented in order to preserve the tortillas for longer. They’re commonly used to serve lean, light preparations, like ceviches, aguachiles and salsas. Here, I have used poppadoms to achieve a similar texture and starchiness. To make this even quicker, you could use ready-cooked poppadoms.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tsp sesame oil • 3 mixed colour beetroots • 5 g (1 teaspoon) sea salt ﬂakes • 10 uncooked poppadoms or Potato Masa • Tortillas • 1 ball of burrata • 1 bunch soft herb of your choice, such as oregano, parsley, chervil, mint, basil, etc. • Pink Mole sauce • Sesame Macha sauce • Vegetable oil, for drizzling and deep-frying

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C fan (425°F). 2 Place the beetroots on a sheet of foil, drizzle with oil, then bake in the oven for 1½ hours until soft. Remove from the oven and leave to cool until cool enough to handle, then peel (use gloves to avoid staining your hands). 3 Put the peeled beetroot in a mortar or bowl and roughly mash with a pestle, potato masher or fork. Season with a little of the salt. 4 Half-ﬁll a saucepan with oil and heat to 180°C (350°F), then deep-fry the poppadoms for 3 minutes until crisp and puffed up. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. If using potato masa tortillas to make tostadas, fry for 4–5 minutes at 180°C (360°F). 5 Place the burrata on a plate and dress it with the herbs. Sprinkle over a pinch of salt and drizzle with a little oil. Put the pink mole and sesame macha into small bowls. 6 Take everything to the table and build your tostadas with all the ingredients at the table to avoid the poppadom breaking.

CHORIQUESO Serv es 6

This pan of melted cheese and spicy chorizo is served hot with corn or flour tortillas to scoop up the delicious mixture. The most traditional cheeses used for choriqueso are fresh ones like Oaxaca, asadero or Manchego, which are good for melting and have a semi-aged flavour that marries well with the spicy, meaty flavour of the chorizo. I’ve used a mixture of Emmental cheese and mozzarella for depth and creaminess.

INGREDIENTS

• 20 ml (4 teaspoons) vegetable oil • 300 g (10½ oz) fresh cooking chorizo, roughly chopped and any casing removed • 200 g (7 oz) Emmental cheese • 150 g (5½ oz) fresh mozzarella • 200 g (7 oz) pre-grated mozzarella

• 6 large flour tortillas • ½ onion, finely chopped • 30 g (1 oz) coriander (cilantro) leaves, finely chopped

METHOD

1 Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat (you want to render the fat slowly) and fry the chorizo for 8–10 minutes until it starts to fall apart. 2 Remove from the heat. 3 Preheat the grill (broiler) to high or preheat the oven to 190°C fan (400°F). Combine all the cheeses and the chorizo with your hands and place on an ovenproof plate or in a baking dish. Place under the grill for 7 minutes or bake in the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese has melted and is caramelised on the top. 4 Heat a large dry frying pan over a high heat. Warm the tortillas by frying them for 10–30 seconds on each side until golden but without drying them out. 5 Wrap in a cloth to keep them warm. 6 Remove the choriqueso from the oven and ﬁnish with the onion and coriander, then serve hot with the warm tortillas.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

LAMB BIRRIA Se rves 6

Birria is essentially a piece of bone-in meat – usually lamb or goat – that is dressed in a mixture of chillies and spices, wrapped in agave leaves and then steamed or boiled. Here, we use cabbage leaves to replace the agave. The meat is tender and rich, with a mix of fat and spice – perfect served in tacos. Always finish this dish with lime or lemon to cut thought the richness of the lamb, and some herbs to freshen it up. In the centre of Mexico, birria is often served for breakfast and as a hangover cure, but it’s so universal that it can also be served for lunch or dinner. For this recipe, you will need a roasting tin with a rack to steam the lamb. Serve with potato or corn tortillas instead of cabbage leaves, if you prefer.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kg–1.5 kg (2 lb 4 oz to 3 lb 5 oz) lamb shoulder • 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 Savoy cabbage, leaves separated and blanched for 2–3 minutes • 2 onions, quartered • 1 bulb of garlic, halved widthways • 2 tomatoes, halved widthways • 3 bay leaves • 3 g (1 teaspoon) black peppercorns • sea salt flakes For the birria adobo • 20 g (¾ oz) chipotle in adobo (or equal parts smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, honey, cider vinegar and water) • 2 g (1 teaspoon) ground black pepper • 4 g (2 teaspoons) cayenne pepper • small pinch of dried oregano • 120 g (4¼ oz) sundried tomatoes • 1 small roasted onion • 4 roasted garlic cloves • 100 ml (3½ fl oz/scant ½ cup) tomato • 120 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) water • 10 g (2 teaspoons) sea salt flakes To serve • 2 hispi (sweetheart) cabbages, leaves separated and cut into circles • 2 limes, cut into wedges • 1 onion, finely chopped • 1 bunch of coriander (cilantro), finely chopped • 1 quantity Salsa Roja

METHOD

To make the birria adobo, put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Pass through a sieve, then chill until needed. 2 Preheat the oven to 120°C fan (275°F) and season the lamb with salt. 3 Place a large casserole dish (Dutch oven) over a medium-high heat, add the oil and then sear the lamb for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove from the heat. 4 Pour the birria adobo into a bowl large enough to ﬁt the lamb, then add the lamb and turn it over in the sauce, making sure it’s fully coated. 5 Next, lay out the cabbage leaves on a large board, place the lamb on top andwrap the lamb in the leaves, making sure it’s completely covered. Take the rack out of the roasting tin, then place the cabbage-wrapped lamb on the rack. 6 Put the vegetables, bay leaves and seasoning into the roasting tin, then ﬁll it two-thirds full with water. Place the rack with the lamb on top of the tin, cover it tightly with foil, then roast in the 1

oven for 8 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone. 7 To serve, take the lamb to the table, still wrapped in the cabbage leaves, and allow people to serve themselves, using the hispi cabbage leaves as a base to make tacos, followed by the lime, onion, coriander and salsa.

Extracted from Mexican Soul, Santiago Lastra (Quadrille, £30.00) Photography © Rebecca Dickson.

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FA S H I O N

NATURAL COMFORT PAUL JAMES KNITWEAR

Paul James Knitwear's At Home in Nature campaign celebrates the enduring appeal of natural fibres and timeless craftsmanship, showcasing versatile knitwear designed for life outdoors and everyday comfort. Crafted from premium wool, cotton and merino, the collection blends heritage-inspired style with modern functionality, encouraging a slower, more considered approach to dressing. pauljamesknitwear.com

The shoot: Maya Brenner 50 • On trend: necklaces 57 • Q&A: Robinson Pelham 58 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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woman Handmade in London by Californian Maya Brenner, this collection is colourful and fun M AYA B R E N N E R . C O . U K

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Chain reaction New necklaces for layering or wearing solo B y PENDLE HARTE

ROBINSON PELHAM Paragon diamond necklace, £18,900 robinsonpelham.com

FRANCESCA VILLA 18k Yellow & White Gold Diamonds, Blue & Yellow Sapphires, Enamel, Titanium Keep Dancing Sea Horse Pendant, £8,860 francescavilla.it

MAYA BRENNER Endless Summer Necklace Blue Lagoon £134 mayabrenner.co.uk

OTIUMBERG

TILLY SVEAAS

COEUR DE LION

Gold Vermeil Quartz Heart Necklace with Clear Quartz, £195 otiumberg.com

Wings of Peace necklace, £240 tillysveaas.co.uk

Signature collection Y-Style necklace in gold, £369 coeur-de-lyon.org

HEAVENLY LONDON

H.AZEEM LONDON

Axis Pendant with Green Cord £80 heavenlylondon.com

Gaia Oval Necklace, £70 hazeem.co.uk

Black & 18ct Gold Plated Silver White Topaz Green CZ Maya Necklace £195 lauravann.co.uk

LAURA VANN

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Meteor diamond ring, £8,990

Jupe pink sapphire necklace, £9,655

Meteor drop earrings, £20,980

90s

Bling back the

Robinson Pelham’s three founders, Vanessa Chilron, Zoe Benyon and Kate Pelham Burn, look back at 30 years of designing jewellery

Meteor diamond bangle, £8,390

Daystar small hoop diamond earrings, £4,450

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • Q&A

Kinetic emerald earrings, £7,900

Q Can you give us a sense of what customers

can expect from the new collections?

A VC Still bold, with a confidence that comes

of being 30 years old, our new collections are easy and multi-generational. The ingredients are the same as jewels we made in the 90s but we wear them in a different, casual way. Life is less formal, and so are the jewels.

Q Robinson Pelham started in a Pimlico mews house in 1996. When you look back at that beginning, what surprises you most about where the brand is today? A ZB We started as a bespoke brand and now we have three very clear channels. We still bespoke, a strong part of the business, but it has been joined by antiques and, most indulgently, ready-to- wear which sees us put our clever, vibrant, versatile designs into tangible form. Q Tell us about the new campaign

you are launching. A VC The anniversary campaign draws on the spirit of the 90s rather than nostalgia for it. We are highlighting the feeling of the 90s, but showing new collections alongside some of our 90s archive pieces which we have borrowed back from customers who trusted us at the very beginning of our journey as Robinson Pelham. In the 90s we didn’t think about tomorrow but now we have a responsibility to our brand and our amazing clients. Q What cultural cues from the 90s informed the campaign look and feel? A ZB The 90s is different things to different people but for us it was an era before smart phones, it was about having time, lighting

a fag and picking up a flip phone for a chat. Leaving behind the high drama of the 80s we instead embraced the dance music and culture of the decade. We worked to fill the time between parties, we shared a desktop computer, we shared an email address and we were carefree! For us in our 20s it was a culture of freedom, we took chances, we didn’t think about risk, we expressed ourselves and we were impulsively creative. Q You work with photographer Buzz White on the campaign. What made him the obvious choice for the campaign? A VC Summer of ’96 is about capturing the spirit of a 90s summer - effortless, sun-drenched and full of attitude - so Buzz felt like the natural choice for this campaign. His early experience assisting photographers such as Mario Testino and Alasdair McLellan helped shape a strong editorial eye, but it is his own work over the past years that really stood out to us: images with a beautiful sense of place, narrative and ease. His connection to the outdoors, sun and sea felt completely right for Robinson Pelham and this summer campaign. We wanted the imagery to feel confident and instinctive, with the jewellery central to each moment rather than simply placed within them, and Buzz captured that beautifully.

Q You have started incorporating materials like rock crystal, tiger's eye and enamel alongside traditional precious gemstones. What collections can we see these in and what do you like about working with these materials? A ZB Women choose jewellery that flatters them, that fits in with their life, that excites them and it is no longer about bragging jewellery. Reflective rock crystal can be found in the Daystar and Gloria collections, cut especially for us by precision lapidaries to maximise its lustre. Tiger’s Eye is a nod right back to the 60s and 70s and brings warmth and scale into the Rebel and Stereo collections. Enamel is an endless possibility of the colour palate; it is an exploration into bold colour at scale perfectly shown in the Nirvana and Arena collections. Q Your new campaign also features a selection of pieces designed over the last 30 years. Tell us more. A ZB We borrowed back a few pieces for this shoot, they needed to be pieces that we still loved, pieces that were still exceptional 30 years on and we were totally surprised at how they made us feel, like being reunited with old friends. Some of these pieces will be on show later this year for our customers to see as they help to tell our story over the last three decades. Q Thirty years in, what's the one thing you still want Robinson Pelham to do or become that it hasn't yet? A ZB Known for being experts in every field we have covered over the last 30 years. Every member of the team here really cares about every aspect of the business, that’s why we like to be fully immersed in every part of the jewellery business.

robinsonpelham.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Health is about more than the hours you spend exercising At Goodwood, movement, recovery, expert support and the restorative power of nature come together to help you live well for longer. Set within 11,000 acres of beautiful West Sussex countryside. Discover a healthier way to live. Only at Goodwood.

Explore membership

goodwood.com/healthclub

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

SKIN IN THE

LONG GAME NOAEM SKIN Skin has never had more attention. But the game is changing. Dr Christopher Vary and Iki Rhode – the husband-and-wife team behind Noaem Skin in East Sussex – are playing it differently: not reactive fixes, not short-term results, but a clinical approach to how your skin actually performs, looks and ages over a lifetime. On page 70, discover what skin longevity actually means, and what the long game looks like in practice.

noaemskin.co.uk

Beauty notes 63 • Health testing 65 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y PENDLE HARTE

DOUBLE ACTION

REVIEW

ROLLR

ILIA

Deodorant - but not as you know it

Is it skincare or is it makeup? Ilia’s award-winning Super Serum Skin Tint is the best of both worlds, combining light to medium coverage, powerful skincare, and mineral SPF into one easy step. Expect a dewy finish and all-day protection.

EDITOR’S PICK

iliabeauty.com

NEW CRUSH CHANEL

The new Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolut is an intense ambery composition, threaded with the sensuality of vetiver and vanilla, the vibrant radiance of grapefruit and lychee, the sensuality of rose and jasmine, and the enveloping depth of patchouli. It’s a reﬁned, audacious, singular trail.

chanel.com

SW I SS P OW E R LA PRAIRIE

La Prairie’s new Swiss Pristine products focus on modern fatigue. Using Swiss Glacial Minerals, patented biotechnology HyPower LP52™, and its iconic Exclusive Cellular Complex™, this is a new approach to healthylooking skin that strengthens the skin barrier and improves resilience.

s there anything less glamorous on your dressing table than a rollon deodorant? Finding a deodorant that not only works but also smells nice is not an easy task – and looking for a sustainable solution is even harder. And making it pretty is just an unrealistic expectation, right? Wrong. Rollr is a deodorant that ticks all these boxes, especially the looking good one. With its chic, Art Deco-esque ridged glass bottle and crystal ball (rose quartz, blue dumortierite or green aventurine), it’s a stylish addition to your inventory. Plus, the sweet-smelling reﬁlls (our favourite is Mandarin, though Juniper comes a close second, and Clary Sage is a more masculine option) are simply sachets that mix with water and last two months each. And best of all, it really works. They claim that their “all-natural formula works with your body’s microbiome rather than against it. Pre and postbiotics prevent the bacteria that cause odour from growing in the ﬁrst place, rather than just masking the result” – which sounds good to me and explains why this new brand has already won a host of awards. Granted, it’s more expensive at the start than most throwaway deodorants, but the investment will pay off quickly enough. Thank you Rollr. rollr.co.uk

laprairie.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

body early, understand individual risk factors and make informed decisions that support long-term health. That philosophy sits at the heart of Randox Health. With more than ten clinics across London, Randox Health continues to make advanced diagnostics more accessible with new locations at Westfield London, St John’s Wood and Hampstead. Whether fitting an appointment around work or family life, Londoners can access comprehensive blood testing without the need for a GP referral or lengthy waiting lists.

THE NEW

LUXURY? Understanding your health before symptoms appear

or years, we’ve invested in everything that helps us perform at our best – from personal trainers and nutritionists to wearable technology that tracks every step, heartbeat and hour of sleep. Yet many of the health conditions that have the greatest impact on our lives develop quietly, often without any obvious symptoms. Heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders and many other conditions can develop over years. By the time symptoms appear, opportunities for earlier intervention may already have been missed. A growing number of Londoners are changing that narrative. Rather than waiting for symptoms, they’re choosing to understand what their bodies are signalling today. It’s a shift from reactive to proactive healthcare – using advanced diagnostics to identify imbalances in the

MORE THAN A BLOOD TEST At the forefront of Randox Health’s offering is RanChip Insight 360, a health intelligence platform that delivers predictive health insights into 200 conditions. From simple blood and urine sample analyses hundreds of biomarkers are measured, providing insights across 200 health conditions including heart health, inflammation, nutrition, hormones, digestive health and more. Rather than reporting whether results sit within a reference range, the test looks at the bigger picture – identifying patterns and changes that may indicate your body is beginning to move away from optimal health. SMARTER CHOICES FOR LONG-TERM HEALTH By understanding how your body is functioning now, you can make smarter decisions around nutrition, exercise, sleep and lifestyle, while investigating areas that may require further attention. Results are delivered through the Randox Health app, where intuitive dashboards make complex health data easy to understand and allow you to monitor trends over time, creating a personalised picture of your health as it evolves. As London continues to embrace a more proactive approach, Randox Health is helping people move beyond treating illness towards protecting future health. Randox Health now has more than 10 clinics across London, including new locations at Westfield London, St John's Wood and Hampstead, alongside a network of more than 50 clinics across the UK and Ireland. Book your health check today at randoxhealth.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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anthonylabanhome.com

Photograph by Oladimeji Odunsi

Your experience at Home will always be incredible.

3 Bennet Court, 1 Bellevue Road, London, SW17 7EG

You can book an appointment using the QR code, online or by calling us on 020 3475 6644 or emailing us at info@anthonylabanhome.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROMOTION

“Collecting and storing eggs earlier in life can give women more options” FERTILITY SUPPLEMENTS CAN WORK JUST AS WELL AS EGG FREE ZING “While good nutrition can help support your overall health, no supplements can prevent the natural age-related decline in egg number or quality,” says Mr Salim. “While some supplements can help with your fertility and conception, they cannot preserve egg quality in the way egg freezing can.”

YOUR CHOICE Mr Rehan Salim, Medical Director of Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital, addresses some common misconceptions about egg freezing

s more women look for flexibility in how and when they build their families, egg freezing has become increasingly common. Although it doesn’t guarantee a future pregnancy, collecting and storing eggs earlier in life can give women more options when the time feels right to start a family. While awareness of egg freezing has grown significantly in recent years, there are still many misconceptions about what it can and can’t achieve. Here, HCA Healthcare UK’s Mr Rehan Salim, Medical Director of Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital, addresses some common myths surrounding egg freezing.

EGG FREEZING GUARANTEES A SUCCESSFUL PREGNANCY IN THE FUTURE “One of the biggest misconceptions is that egg freezing guarantees a baby in the future,” says Mr Salim. “While your eggs will retain the quality they had when they were frozen, egg freezing doesn’t guarantee a particular outcome — it’s best viewed as a way of preserving future options.” Your future pregnancy success will depend on a number of factors, including embryo development, uterine health and your overall health when you use your eggs. YOU ONLY NEED TO THINK ABOUT EGG FREEZING IF YOU’RE OVER 35 “While there’s no single right age to freeze eggs, many women choose to explore their options in their late 20s to early 30s, when egg quality is generally higher,” explains Mr Salim. “Choosing to freeze your eggs is a big decision, which is why Lister Fertility Clinic offers support at every step of the process.” YOU SHOULD ONLY FREE ZE YOUR EGGS IF YOU’RE SINGLE Egg freezing is about creating future options, regardless of relationship status. As Mr Salim explains: “People freeze eggs for many reasons. They might be focusing on their career, not feel ready to start a family yet, or be facing medical treatment that could affect their fertility.” THINKING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE FERTILIT Y? Whether you’re considering egg freezing or simply want to understand your fertility options, seeking advice early can help you make informed decisions. A consultation with a fertility specialist can give you personalised advice based on your age, medical history and family-building goals. hcahealthcare.co.uk/services/ treatments/egg-freezing A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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IKI AND CHRISTOPHER

S K I N

Dr Christopher Vary and Iki Rhode explain why understanding your skin today could transform how it looks and functions tomorrow 70

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Q Chris, you are a doctor with a

background in anaesthesia and critical care; Iki, you are an independent prescribing pharmacist. How did those two clinical perspectives come together to create Noaem Skin and its skin-longevity model? DR CHRIS: Medicine teaches us to consider organs as systems; how they function, how they age, how they change over time. So when we created Noaem, I asked ‘what are we actually trying to preserve and improve?’. The answer was the skin’s function, its resilience and the capacity of it to do what it is meant to do across a lifetime – not how do we treat this isolated concern. IKI: My training brought another perspective. I was trained to interrogate evidence and understand how medicines and formulations behave, with prevention always part of the picture. Because Chris and I are married as well as business partners, those conversations often followed us home. When discussing Noaem, we kept returning to the same thought: why wait for a concern to become visible before planning the long-term care of our skin? Q Many people already invest

considerable time and money in their skin. What might they still be missing if those decisions are made treatment by treatment? IKI: What may be missing is a clear understanding of where the skin is now and how it is changing. Skin has a trajectory influenced by health, genetics, environment and lifestyle, and the decisions made accumulate over time. Considerations will differ at 25 and 55, but the principle is the same: it is more useful to understand and support the skin before waiting for problems to appear. Skin longevity considers that longer view. The value is not necessarily doing more, but in making each decision to serve the skin well over time. Q Your initial skin consultation lasts 90

minutes. What can that assessment reveal before intervention is considered, and why does it change everything that follows? DR CHRIS: Our initial consultation takes 90 minutes because skin cannot be fully understood as an isolated organ. We take time to take your medical history, explore your lifestyle, previous treatments, current skincare routine and what observed changes bother the

person. Next we examine the skin with our Observ 520x skin imaging device that allows us to identify patterns that are not always visible under ordinary light. All of this creates a comprehensive baseline. Q You have deliberately chosen a small

number of technologies including BBL HEROic and MOXI. What convinced you that these deserved a place within your skin-longevity model? IKI: A long treatment list is not necessarily a sign of better care. We have considered most technologies, and tried many of them on ourselves. We will only introduce new technology after careful clinical evaluation and when we feel it genuinely adds value. BBL HEROic is a good example. It is engineered and manufactured by Sciton in Silicon Valley and is regarded as a gold standard in broadband light. A Stanford study demonstrated gene expression changes more consistent with younger skin; not just appearing different after treatment, but functioning differently at a cellular level. MOXI complements BBL by working at a different level within the skin, stimulating biological improvements in collagen, texture and surface behaviour. Both earned their place because the evidence supports skin longevity.

“SUCCESS IS DEFINED BY DEMONSTRABLE IMPROVEMENT”

Q Monitoring is central to your model,

yet many people do not associate ongoing observation with caring for skin. What are you looking for over time, and how can that change your decisions to intervene? DR CHRIS: We are assessing the skin’s direction of travel, not simply if one photograph appears better alongside another. The initial consultation and Observ 520x imaging establishes baseline changes including pigmentation or vascular patterns that may not yet be visible on the surface. Monitoring can then be used to confirm a plan is working, and also if it needs to be refined or adapted. A treatment-led model can sometimes come to define success as ‘number of treatments done’. In our model, success is defined by demonstrable improvement. Q You see patients travelling from

outside of Sussex to your clinic in Brighton & Hove. What do they tell you makes the journey worthwhile? IKI: The feedback we get is that we have a relationship with both them and their

IN NOAEM SKIN'S HOVE CLINIC

skin, because we have taken the time to understand both. They also value having access to a clinical model that offers the latest, evidence-based treatments and is designed towards consistent progress. We see people who travel from the areas around Sussex as well as London and the home counties. We have even had visitors who are in the UK from Washington D.C. and Texas! Those people tend to build their appointment into a day by the sea with lunch or shopping. noaemskin.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

D a y t o R E M E M B E R

24 hours of living well at Goodwood

hen people think about Goodwood, they often think about horses and motor racing. But beyond these sporting ventures there is another side to Goodwood: a place where beautiful countryside, exceptional expertise and a vibrant community come together to create a healthier way to live. Imagine starting your day with a run through Goodwood’s ancient woodlands and across the parkland, before heading to the Health Club for a swim. Later, there’s coffee at The Kennels, Goodwood’s private members’ club, overlooking the stunning parkland. It feels a world away from the everyday, yet this can simply be part of your morning. This is what makes Goodwood Health & Wellbeing different. Membership isn’t just about having somewhere to exercise. It’s about having an environment, a community and an exceptional range of expertise around you, helping you make healthier choices part of everyday life. For those who want to train, the Health Club offers facilities rarely found outside London. The AI-adaptive, Technogympowered gym responds to your individual

goals and progress, while expert instructors provide the human support to help you get the most from your training. There are dedicated spaces for Pilates, including a beautiful reformer studio, alongside classes, personal training and a wide range of ways to move. But movement is only one part of the picture. After training, you can take time to unwind in the pool and sauna, a treatment in the spa or explore the many ways Goodwood supports recovery and restoration. Its community of practitioners offers an unusually broad approach to wellbeing, from personal training and Pilates to treatments, physiotherapy, breathwork and restorative experiences such as sound bathing, all set within 11,000 acres of West Sussex countryside. Nutrition is part of the picture, too. With food at the heart of Goodwood’s farm-to-fork philosophy, healthy living extends beyond the gym. The Estate’s restaurants champion seasonal produce from Goodwood Home Farm and Market Garden, while nutritional support helps members understand how what they eat can support their individual health and goals. For those looking to understand their health more deeply, Goodwood brings together preventative health and diagnostics through partners

including Randox Health, alongside a private GP and practitioners who take a holistic view of wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve mobility, increase energy, manage stress or simply feel your best for longer, your membership can evolve with you. And then there is the community. You might arrive for the gym and stay for the friendships. A yoga class can become a weekly ritual, an Estate run a social occasion, or coffee at The Kennels the perfect way to finish a morning. At weekends, families can explore the Estate together, enjoy lunch, play tennis, take a treatment or simply spend time outdoors. Everyone joins for a different reason. Some want to feel stronger. Others want more energy, better health, time to switch off or simply somewhere they enjoy being. Goodwood’s role is to help you find your own healthier way to live, with personalised care and expert support around you. Because this is more than a health club. It is a way to make movement, nature, nourishment, recovery and community part of your everyday life. Join Goodwood Health & Wellbeing this September and pay no joining fee. Discover membership and book your tour at goodwood.com/healthclub A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Care, Considered

Beautifully In the best care settings, nothing feels accidental

he chair placed where the morning light falls. The garden path wide enough for an unhurried walk. The cup of tea made as someone likes it, before they have had to explain. The team member who notices a change in mood, appetite or energy, and understands that these small details often say the most. This is the world CHD Living has spent more than 40 years creating. A family-owned provider of health and social care services across Surrey and South London, CHD Living has grown with a clear belief that care should never feel like a compromise. It should offer safety, expertise and reassurance, but also beauty, comfort, purpose and warmth. For the people it supports, and for the families who trust CHD Living with those they love, that balance matters deeply. The organisation provides residential care, nursing care, specialist dementia care, complex care, rehabilitation and care at home. Its services are varied, but the philosophy behind them is consistent. Every person should be supported as an individual,

with their routines, preferences, history and personality understood and respected. CHD Living calls this Creating Happiness Daily. It is a simple phrase, but its meaning is layered. Happiness in care is rarely about grand gestures. More often, it is found in the familiar. A favourite song playing at the right time. A meal that brings back a memory. A conversation that restores confidence. The ability to remain connected to family, community and self, even when care needs change. This thoughtful approach has earned national recognition. In 2025, CHD Living was named Residential Elderly Care Provider of the Year, Medium Group, at the HealthInvestor Awards, a

reflection of its leadership, quality and commitment to residents and families. In 2026, Brownscombe Care Residences in Haslemere, one of CHD Living’s flagship homes, has also been featured in the Knight Frank Luxury Care Home Guide for the fifth consecutive year, recognising a standard of care and environment that continues to stand out. CHD Living was also included in the carehome.co.uk Top 20 Mid-Size Large Care Home Groups Awards 2026, a respected national benchmark of quality based on independent feedback from residents and their families. Yet what defines CHD Living is not recognition alone. It is the organisation’s ability to combine ambition with intimacy. Its homes are designed to feel welcoming and considered, with gardens, lounges, dining spaces and bedrooms that support comfort and belonging. Its rehabilitation services help people rebuild strength, independence and confidence after illness or injury. Its care at home teams bring support into the place many people most want to remain. Its complex care services provide specialist input while protecting dignity and individuality. For families, CHD Living offers something invaluable: the sense that care is being thought about properly. Not just delivered, but considered. Not just scheduled, but shaped around real life. As expectations of later life continue to evolve, CHD Living remains quietly confident in what it has always known. Excellent care is not only clinical skill, though that is essential. It is the ability to make someone feel safe without making their world smaller. To provide support without taking over. To create a place where people are known, valued and able to keep living with comfort, dignity and joy. To find out more visit chdliving.co.uk or call 01428 772 469

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INTERIORS

GLASS ARTS VENINI

Venini, an enduring symbol of Italian craftsmanship and excellence, renews its creative dialogue with internationally acclaimed architect Peter Marino. Taking center stage in this narrative is the Cilindro con Piatto Incalmato collection, a limited-edition series of vases that reinterprets the great tradition of Venetian glassmaking. venini.com

Interior inspirations 78 • Yinka Ilori's home style 86 • House tour 92 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

COLOUR M AT C H HABITAT

Colour is key in Habitat's new AW26 collection, where easy pieces such as this buttercup yellow trolley pair with 70s-inspired upholstered seating. A strong collection of decorative accessories includes ceramics, glassware and textiles. habitat.co.uk

S O F T TO U C H HYDE & HARE

Hyde & Hare is the home of natural fibres, a British-born luxury lifestyle brand rooted in the concept of Hygge. Drawing on age-old traditions and the inherent beauty of natural materials, the brand curates a collection of sustainably sourced soft furnishings, all made from the finest natural and sustainable fibres by skilled makers and artisan-owned co-operatives. hydeandhare.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E F I V E Plant pots

BERGS POTTER Viva self-watering pot, £33 growurban.uk

ART WORK DIOR

HEAVENLY HOMES

B O LD B R I G H T S

Terracotta face plant pot, £32 heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

BITOSSI HOME

Bitossi Home draws on the heritage of Bitossi Ceramiche, a historic Tuscan manufacturer with over 150 years of expertise in Italian ceramics. Building on this artisanal legacy, the brand reinterprets the world of tableware through a contemporary design vision that blends craftsmanship, creativity and originality. bitossihome.it

Part of the Dioriviera capsule, this square pillow showcases the Dior Arabesque motif drawing inspiration from the work of artist Christian Bérard with a colorful floral pattern, elevated by Jonathan Anderson's hallmark Dior Médaillon signature. £1,050 dior.com

HAY Flower pot with saucer, £55 nordicnest.com

ALBERT & MOO Checked mini plant pot, £10 albertandmoo.com

POTS OF FUN VILLA BOLOGNA

FERM

Founded, confusingly, not in Italy at all but in Malta, Villa Bologna Pottery has been using the same traditional methods to make each piece since the 1920s. These are stylish, highly collectible pieces with lots of character. villabolognapottery.com

Evoke pot low, £225 fermliving.co.uk

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paint BEYOND THE

From ﬁrst impressions to lasting comfort, discover how expert colour advice from Farrow & Ball can completely transform the way you live

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS ARE CREATED THROUGH EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AND GENUINE COLLABORATION

here is a moment in every decorating project when inspiration gives way to uncertainty. Perhaps you’ve collected countless screenshots, built up a wall of colour on Pinterest, and still something just doesn’t quite fit. More often than not, it isn’t a lack of imagination that’s holding people back. It’s knowing how to make every decision work together. That’s where Farrow & Ball Colour Consultancy takes a refreshingly different approach. Rather than beginning with paint charts, the service starts with people. Every consultation is built around understanding how a home is lived in, how each room connects to the next and, perhaps most importantly, how you want your home to feel every day. Colour is treated as far more than decoration; it’s the first layer of comfort, quietly shaping the atmosphere long before the furniture is arranged or the finishing touches are added.

Whether you’re redesigning a single room, renovating an entire property or planning a commercial project, the consultancy is designed to remove the guesswork while giving clients the confidence to make bold or beautifully understated choices. Every project begins with conversation. Before the consultation itself, your Colour Consultant takes the time to understand your home, your aspirations and your personal style. Some clients arrive with detailed mood boards and a clear vision, while others simply know how they want their home to feel. Both approaches are equally valuable because every recommendation is tailored to the individual rather than following trends. The consultation itself is collaborative from start to finish. Rather than prescribing colours, consultants explore the property alongside you, noticing the details that often go unseen. The changing quality of natural light throughout the day, original architectural features, existing furniture, flooring, artwork and even the view through the windows all become part of the conversation. It’s this wider perspective that often makes the greatest difference. Instead of treating rooms as separate decorating projects, Farrow & Ball encourages a whole-home approach. Hallways, staircases and connecting spaces are considered just as carefully as kitchens or bedrooms, allowing colours to flow naturally while still giving each room its own distinct personality. Even exterior surroundings, from garden planting to brickwork, can influence the palette, creating a home that feels beautifully connected inside and out. Of course, every household lives differently. A family kitchen has different demands from a peaceful reading room, while an openplan entertaining space needs to balance energy with relaxation. Colour Consultancy isn’t simply about selecting attractive shades; it’s about creating environments that genuinely support everyday life. The service is equally accessible whether you choose an in-home or virtual appointment. Virtual consultations provide the same one-to-one expertise, with colour cards and fan decks supplied beforehand so

ideas can be explored together in real time. For those welcoming a consultant into their home, sampling tools allow colours, finishes and patterns to be viewed within the unique conditions of each room, helping decisions feel informed rather than instinctive. Once the consultation is complete, clients receive a comprehensive set of personalised recommendations covering colours, finishes, wallpaper suggestions, practical guidance and quantities, allowing every aspect of the project to move forward with confidence. The service also includes a 15 per cent discount, making it even easier to begin bringing the vision to life. Perhaps what makes the experience stand apart is that the relationship doesn’t end once the paint is ordered. Colour Consultants remain available for follow-up advice, with showrooms and customer services continuing to support clients throughout the decorating journey. It’s an approach that reflects a steadfast belief at Farrow & Ball: that beautiful interiors aren’t created through one perfect colour alone, but through thoughtful guidance, expert knowledge and genuine collaboration. In a world where decorating advice is often reduced to social media trends and fleeting fashions, Colour Consultancy offers something far more enduring. It gives homeowners the confidence to make decisions that not only look beautiful today, but continue to feel right for years to come. Because the best interiors aren’t simply designed to impress. They’re designed to feel like home. Turn over for an exclusive interview with a local Farrow & Ball Colour Consultant A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • Q&A

First hand KNOWLEDGE Absolutely meets Joss G S, the local Farrow & Ball Colour Consultant from Battersea Studio

team and, three years in, serendipity struck again. Before I knew it, I was moving my life to southwest London to be the Battersea Studio Colour Consultant, the first position of its kind. It was a leap of faith and how glad I am that I took it! Q Can colour actually change how a room feels, even if nothing else changes? A Unquestionably. Paintable surfaces typically make up 90+ percent of a space, what we do with those surfaces shouldn’t be an afterthought. The tone and depth of colour is what water is to a lake, and the texture of the surfaces we paint is what foliage is to the forest. It is what defines the space, what gives it form and feel, a beginning and an end. Colour has the power to hold or release you; it can define how strongly or subtly your own presence is felt in a space.

Q Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career with Farrow & Ball… A I came to Farrow & Ball at a rather interesting time, my colleagues and I had just been made redundant following COVID and I was two thirds of the way through a course in Interior Design. Through a series of serendipitous events, I found my way to Farrow & Ball, and it was perfect! I began as an Assistant Cluster Manager in Solihull, a great town with an excellent

and we encourage sending in photos, mood boards, floorplans and so on to help build a picture so that we are prepared in advance, exactly the same as we would for an in-home consultation. It’s all about asking the right questions and listening to the answers, and using our expert knowledge to understand the light and dimensions of the rooms.

Q How do you help couples or families with very different tastes reach one scheme everyone loves? A Always with patience and diplomacy. Typically, we are simply wanting our spaces to look beautiful and work for us, the purpose of a Colour Consultancy isn’t to tell you what will or won’t work, it’s to show you. Where there are differing opinions I like to explore those so everyone is heard but ultimately, it’s the palettes and colours who do the talking. Naturally, I will have my own thoughts, however the best way forward for the space often becomes apparent.

Q Do you have a favourite Farrow & Ball colour right now? A I rarely have favourites so I’ll take a two-pronged approach in my answer. For its versatility, Dimity No.2008 is my bread and butter. It brings together a near holy trinity of warmth, light, and reliability all in one colour. I say reliability because Dimity tends to hold true as a colour regardless of where you use it, making it ideal for challenging spaces such as hallways or where the light is temperamental. Faded Terracotta No.CC8 is also a great summer hue, it is perhaps the most tepid of our terracotta colours and as the name suggests has a subdued quality. I love its duality in that, emotionally, it is quite grounding, but aesthetically it can really elevate a space. It’s also part of our Archive collection, meaning it’s harder for friends and neighbours to steal your ideas!

Q When is a virtual consultation just as effective as an in-home visit? A A virtual consultation is just as effective as an in-home and a great option for those who don’t have a Farrow & Ball Colour Consultant nearby. A questionnaire is sent

Visit your local showroom to find out more about Farrow & Ball Colour Consultancy. Book an appointment with Joss in store at 146 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6RD, or visit farrow-ball.com

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INTERIORS • TREND

OKA Pompadour faux shagreen cutlery set, 28 piece, £195 oka.com

COX & COX 16-piece cutlery set, wooden handles, £75 coxandcox.co.uk

CASA BY JJ

ADDISON ROSS

Four-piece Bamboo cutlery set, £80 casabyjj.com

Wave cutlery, 16-piece set, £80 addisonross.com

NKUKU Osko brushed gold cutlery set of 16, £190 nkuku.com

KNIVES OUT

CASA BY JJ Four-piece Pearl cutlery set, £80 casabyjj.com

Colourful cutlery is having a moment By P E N D L E H A R T E

VISTA ALLEGRE

SOPHIE ALLPORT Green handle 12-piece cutlery set, £150 sophieallport.com

REBECCA UDALL Tortoiseshell four-piece set, £60 rebeccaudall.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Domo matt gold cutlery set of 16, £495 micucci.store

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DESIGN STORY Why a new and unlikelysounding collaboration between artist Yinka Ilori and high street interiors brand Dunelm is more meaningful than it might sound

he new partnership between Dunelm and the artist Yinka Ilori MBE grounds itself in something more specific than aesthetics: a shared origin story rooted in market trading, migration and the particular texture of working-class British life. Dunelm began as a stall in Leicester market. Ilori, the British-Nigerian designer known for his saturated colour palettes and geometric compositions, grew up around his parents' supermarket in north London. Neither fact is unusual on its own. Britain is full of retailers with humble beginnings and designers with immigrant parents who kept shops. But Ilori has been explicit that this overlap, rather than any aesthetic brief, is what drew him to the project. He has spoken of community as the organising principle of his childhood, the mechanism by which stories were passed on and things were built collectively, and he has drawn a direct line between that experience and Dunelm's own beginnings as a stallholder seeking custom from a local community. It is a modest claim, but a considered one, and it gives the collaboration a foundation that goes beyond the usual platitudes about "shared values." The collection itself, 40 pieces spanning furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs and soft furnishings, is priced with the same populism Dunelm has built its reputation on: a cotton jacquard hand towel starts at £9, while a king-size boucle ottoman bed tops the range at £799. Ilori has said repeatedly, in this collaboration and elsewhere, that he considers accessibility a condition of good design rather than a compromise of it, and this pricing structure reflects that ideology. Where the collection becomes more interesting is in its research. Rather than simply applying Ilori's established visual signature to homeware, the range draws on Leicester's 20th-century textile industry, a sector shaped substantially by Asian, African and Caribbean communities who settled in the city and brought their trades with them. The floral motifs across the pieces reference national flowers from some of those countries: the lotus, associated with India, and jasmine, the national flower of Pakistan, among others. It is a subtle move, translating a city's demographic history into pattern language rather than simply illustrating multiculturalism as a marketing concept. Whether it reads as substantive engagement with Leicester's textile heritage or as a tasteful gesture toward it will depend on how the pieces

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“This collaboration's foundation goes beyond the usual platitudes about shared values” are encountered in person, but the intent is more considered than the average high-street collaboration tends to offer. Dunelm has also chosen to photograph the collection using its own staff rather than professional models, a decision that fits the collaboration's stated emphasis on ordinary people over abstract lifestyle branding. Ilori's own trajectory gives the partnership additional weight. Since graduating from London Metropolitan University with a degree in furniture and product design, he has built a practice spanning public commissions, gallery exhibitions and branded collaborations, consistently returning to the idea that design can act as a form of storytelling and, at its best, a mechanism for joy. In 2025 he was appointed a Royal Designer for Industry by the Royal Society for Arts and founded the Yinka Ilori Foundation, an organisation focused on building playful and sustainable community spaces, particularly for children and young people. That the Dunelm collaboration arrives in the same period as this institutional recognition suggests a designer consolidating a long-standing interest in accessibility and community into increasingly mainstream commercial contexts, without obviously diluting the underlying commitments. Whether the collection succeeds as design is a separate question from whether it succeeds as narrative. But the narrative, at least, is unusually coherent: two enterprises whose origins lie in market stalls and immigrant labour, now translating that shared history into cushions and bed frames sold nationwide.

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INTERIORS • TOP 5

S O U N D C H O I C E S

OUR TOP FIVE SPEAKERS FOR QUALITY AND STYLE 1

SHELF LIFE R UA R K

Possibly the most stylish audio equipment out there, Ruark's collections look at least as good as they sound. Which is saying a lot, because it's hard to find a better sound. The MR1 desktop speaker is small yet mighty. £399 ruarkaudio.com

KICK OFF LOEWE

German audio brand has teamed up with football superstar Kylian Mbappé to launch the We Hear Pro, a powerful bluetooth speaker that comes in three colourways and produces an intense, immersive sound. £249 loewe.tv

B OX F R E S H OR ANGE AMPS

Lightweight and super-portable, with more than 15 hours of battery life, the Orange Box speaker is a tough and goodlooking piece of kit that delivers a high class sound. £279 selfridges.com

C A R RY O N

BA NG & OLUFSEN

For huge sound indoors or outdoors, Beosound A5 is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with long-lasting battery and wireless charging built in. £1,200 bang-olufsen.com

WA S T E N OT

GOMI

Gomi's beautiful speakers are handmade in Brighton from recycled plastic and premium aluminium. Each one is unique and numbered. £299 gomi.design A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TOWER

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of ST YLE

How Italian design company Poltrona Frau approached designing a series of Battersea apartments

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ne Nine Elms is one of the most architecturally distinctive new landmarks rising above the South Bank of the Thames, and one of the tallest. And it’s here that Italian design company Poltrona Frau has made its first foray into London residential interiors. The company best known for its luxurious leather seating has collaborated with PrivÉ to combine the refinement and attentiveness of privateclub hospitality with the intimacy, comfort and coherence of a fully realised home. The project spans five apartments across floors 38 and 48, ranging from compact one-bedroom residences to spacious three-bedroom homes. Each apartment is defined by floor-to-ceiling glazing, sweeping views over the city and the Thames, and a distinctive winter garden that extends the living space and creates a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior. Poltrona Frau’s contribution goes far beyond the selection of individual furniture pieces. The project called for a considered, highly curated approach to product choice, capable of translating the brand's heritage,

craftsmanship and contemporary vision into complete living environments. Each apartment was conceived as a coherent interior world, where furniture, lighting, accessories, materials and textures work together to express a specific way of living. Art direction embraced every dimension of each space — wallpapers, custom curtains, curated artworks, bed linens, botanicals, coffee table books and a full constellation of accessories in Pelle Frau leather. “This project expresses the same vision that has guided us since 1912: that the spaces we inhabit shape the quality of our lives, and that creating them with care and integrity is a form of responsibility,” says Poltrona Frau’s CEO, Nicola Coropulis. For him, the central creative challenge was designing spaces for someone who has not yet arrived. The apartments had to feel personal before being inhabited; lived-in before any life had been brought to them. Poltrona Frau’s approach was to let the spaces generate their own logic: to build each apartment not around an imagined client, but around an imagined way of living. The result is a collection of homes that feel at once curated and discovered. This is perhaps the most demanding expression of what the brand means when it speaks

of furniture becoming part of daily life. The product selection is itself a quiet manifesto of the brand’s philosophy. Iconic pieces that have been part of the Poltrona Frau catalogue for decades sit alongside designs from the most recent collections, as a living conversation between different expressions of the same values. Across all five apartments, the Beautilities collection, Poltrona Frau’s line of accessories and complements, adds the layer of daily intimacy that distinguishes a furnished home from a styled one. Leather baskets, cushions in multiple combinations of Pelle Frau® leather, trays and desk accessories, vases, plaids: these are objects that do not decorate a room, but inhabit it. The project confirms a direction that Poltrona Frau has been pursuing with increasing clarity and conviction: bringing the same level of craftsmanship, design vision and project expertise that defines its products into the creation of complete living environments. It is an approach that responds to a growing demand for fully integrated solutions, not simply product collections, but comprehensive interior concepts shaped by a coherent aesthetic vision, a precise art direction and a distinctive lifestyle perspective.

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Levelling

UP Take your sleep comfort to the next level with Jensen

ensen adjustable beds are becoming an increasingly popular choice – and it’s easy to see why. Combining Norwegian craftsmanship with exceptional sleep comfort and smart functionality, they give you the freedom to adjust your bed to suit the moment. Once you’ve experienced the flexibility of an adjustable bed, it may quickly become your favourite place to relax – day or night. WHY CHOOSE A JENSEN ADJUSTABLE BED? With a double adjustable bed, you and your partner can adjust the head and foot ends independently to find your preferred positions. You can also synchronise both sides and control them together with one remote.

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JENSEN'S BEDS ARE DEVELOPED WITH EXPERTISE IN PHYSIOLOGY

The Jensen SplitTopper has been specially developed for their double adjustable beds. From the centre down to the foot end, it creates one seamless sleeping surface without a gap between you and your partner. At the head end, the topper is split, allowing each side to be adjusted individually. ADJUSTABLE FUNCTIONALIT Y, CONTINENTAL LOOKS Advanced functionality doesn’t have to compromise on design. The mechanical components are discreetly integrated into the bed frame, so when the bed is flat, it has the elegant appearance of a continental bed. MAKE MORE OF YOUR BEDROOM Breakfast in bed, reading before sleep or enjoying a lazy morning watching TV – an adjustable bed makes it easy to find a comfortable position. Instead of stacking pillows behind your back, simply adjust the bed at the touch of a button using the remote control or your

smartphone. When you find a position you love, the memory function lets you save it and return to it whenever you like. WHY CHOOSE JENSEN? Since 1947, Jensen’s purpose has been to help people sleep better. Their beds are developed with expertise in physiology and sleep comfort, combining generations of craftsmanship with continuous innovation. Features such as Jensen Exact Comfort Adjustment, the unique Jensen Original Zone System and the Aloy® spring system are designed to provide excellent support and comfort throughout the night. The result is a bed designed around one simple goal: helping you wake up fully rested. MADE IN NORWAY SINCE 1947 Jensen was established in 1947, when resources were scarce and ingenuity was essential. Their first mattresses were made using materials such as horsehair and cotton wool – natural materials that were available at the time.

Much has changed since then, but their commitment to outstanding sleep comfort has remained the same. Every Jensen bed is still made in Svelvik, Norway. For Jensen, Made in Norway is more than a label. It represents generations of craftsmanship, attention to detail and a dedication to quality. DISCOVER JENSEN IN LONDON Choosing a new bed is a personal investment, and finding the right comfort is an important part of that decision. If you are considering a Jensen bed in the UK, they invite you to visit their showroom at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. Their London-based team can guide you through the collections, help you find the right comfort and provide personalised recommendations based on your needs. JENSEN CHELSEA HARBOUR jensenbeds.chelseaharbour@hildinganders.com 020 3914 1262 / jensen-beds.com

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

complete with a residents' wellness suite. Directly opposite sits St Paul’s Girls’ School, consistently recognised as one of the nation’s highest-performing independent secondary schools. The neighbourhood’s rich educational credentials extend further, with l’École Française de Londres Jacques Prévert bringing a distinct international dimension, alongside revered prep and primary institutions such as Latymer Prep School. This density of exceptional schooling creates an established academic enclave where a world-class education sits right on the doorstep.

Lifestyle

CHOICE A reﬁned way of living at Fifty Brook Green

or today’s families, choosing a home in London is increasingly guided by access to exceptional education, yet finding a neighbourhood that pairs academic reputation with a genuine sense of community, generous living proportions, and accessible green space can often feel like a compromise. Discerning buyers are continually looking for a location where daily family life feels effortless, without sacrificing the high educational standards they expect for their children’s futures. At Fifty Brook Green by London Square, that balance has been thoughtfully achieved. Located in one of West London’s most sought-after postcodes, this gated enclave has been created through the sensitive conversion of five historic Victorian school buildings. Blending heritage architecture with contemporary elegance, the development offers a collection of uniquely designed, high-specification residences

This family-focused lifestyle is further enhanced by the surrounding green spaces. The private development centres around peaceful courtyard gardens, while directly outside lies the leafy expanse of Brook Green itself, complete with tennis courts, a playground, and open space for weekend recreation. Nearby, Holland Park provides further green retreats, offering a balanced environment for growing families to thrive in safety and comfort. Inside, the residences reflect this thoughtful approach to space and lifestyle. Featuring soaring beamed ceilings, opulent full-height windows, light-filled open-plan reception spaces, and versatile layouts spanning duplexes, triplexes, and mews houses, they provide the ideal backdrop for modern family life while retaining the character and scale of period architecture. Fifty Brook Green offers a refined way of living where educational prestige, abundant green space, and timeless craftsmanship exist in perfect harmony. A unique collection of 1- 4 bedroom properties from £1,430,000, ready to move into early 2027. Show home launching soon. To arrange your private viewing or find out more, contact the Sales Team on 03339 206 476 or email brookgreen@londonsquare.co.uk. Alternatively, visit fiftybrookgreen.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Est 1997

BLIND AND CURTAIN SHOWROOM Our newly redesigned luxaﬂex showroom, showcases the latest innovations in custom made blinds including automation, sustainability, and smart home integration. Sitting alongside our bespoke luxury curtain and roman blind service containing an inspiring collection of designer fabrics and trimmings. With over 25 years experience in window styling we oﬀer a full bespoke service with every aspect of your project overseen by our team of experts.

Curtains and Blinds by Appointment Only Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • info@curtain-call.co.uk www.curtain-call.co.uk CURTAIN _CALL_HP_ABS_APR2024_v2.indd 1

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

The missing

ROOM

On the space modern life never had

P “All evidence of family life ends up piled in the entrance hall”

eriod homes were built for a different life. Beautiful proportions, gracious rooms, handsome façades, and absolutely nowhere to put a bike, a pram, a scooter or the garden kit that comes with living in a house. That's the quiet contradiction we see at the heart of so many of London's most desirable streets. These homes once had a proper answer: a boot room, built in as standard, for exactly this purpose. Most have long since been absorbed into open-plan kitchens and extended living space, and the function they served was never replaced. The evidence of a healthy, active family life, bikes, boots, tennis rackets, sports kit, still ends up piled in the entrance hall, even in homes worth millions. No Victorian or Edwardian architect planned for it, and no modern renovation ever quite makes room for it either. We've been looking at this tension since 2015, and we kept seeing the same thing: beautiful houses, thoughtfully renovated throughout, and then a generic shed or a flimsy rack bolted on as an afterthought. That's a storage mindset: fit the box, close the lid. We think about it differently. We built our business around a different question: not where to put a bike, but how a home makes room for the life being lived in it. We've since created spaces for homeowners across Chelsea, Fulham, Richmond, Chiswick and Islington, offering a fully bespoke design and build service from initial consultation through to installation. We're shaping space for your lifestyle: bikes, boots and more. This stands behind everything we build. The elegant timber cladding and softly planted roofline are details we choose purely for how they sit within a period streetscape. Beneath them, every structure is built

to the same standard as the home it sits beside, finished to outlast it. What you see is natural: a dreamy garden feature, finished in timber and softened by planting. What lies beneath is steel, engineered to never fail. It's a simple idea, delivered with real rigour. Drawing on our own background in architecture and engineering, we design every project around the specific property and the family it's built for, not pulled from a catalogue. The result is a bespoke piece of architecture: precisely engineered, elegantly detailed, and built to belong within its setting. For the homeowners we work with, the effect goes well beyond order and peace of mind. We give them a garden with spaces as permanent, and as beautifully designed, as the rest of their house. The boot room is back, right where it belongs. atlanticbike.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL

Island life KANDIMA

The Maldives really does look like the photographs. From Malé, Kandima can be reached by domestic flight and speedboat transfer, and the resort Kandima gives the classic Maldivian escape an energetic, stylish and unexpectedly playful twist. kandima.com

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TRAVEL • MALDIVES

Kandima gives the classic Maldivian escape an energetic, stylish and unexpectedly playful twist B y C R A I G D AV I E S

here is a particular image of the Maldives that has become almost impossible to escape: an overwater villa, a hammock suspended above impossibly turquoise water and very little to trouble the diary beyond lunch, a swim and the important business of deciding where to watch the sunset. Kandima Maldives has all of that, of course. What it also has is rather more momentum. Set in the Dhaalu Atoll on an island stretching for almost three kilometres, Kandima takes the ingredients that make the Maldives so irresistible – dazzling white sand, warm Indian Ocean water and a colour palette that seems to run through every conceivable shade of blue – and adds something unexpected: energy. This is a resort where you can dive, snorkel, cycle, play tennis, make art, work out at midnight, dance after dark or, should the mood take you, race an electric go-kart beside the ocean. Getting here provides the first reminder that the Maldives really does look like the photographs. From Malé, Kandima can be reached by domestic flight and speedboat transfer, and as the resort

appears amid the blue, the transition from London life to island life feels satisfyingly dramatic. Once ashore, it’s clear this isn’t a resort overly concerned with traditional notions of Maldivian luxury. There is colour, contemporary architecture and a playful confidence to the place. Bicycles are part of the furniture, music drifts from the bars and there is a sense that you are arriving at a tropical resort with the scale and variety of a small village rather than disappearing into an isolated honeymoon hideaway. That distinction is important. Kandima isn’t the Maldives at its most hushed. It’s the Maldives with its shoes off and music on. ISL AND LIFE There are 270 studios and villas on offer, ranging from Beach and Sky Studios to Beach Pool Villas and those quintessentially Maldivian overwater retreats. The aesthetic throughout is contemporary: clean lines, generous proportions and splashes of colour rather than dark woods and faux-rustic castaway chic. For the full experience, however, it is difficult to resist life above the lagoon. Aqua Villas have private decks and direct access to the ocean, while Aqua Villas with Swirl Pools add an outdoor pool

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to the equation. Ocean Pool Villas go further still with private pools and uninterrupted Indian Ocean views – and, if luck is on your side, dolphins passing in front. There’s something wonderfully indulgent about waking up, opening the curtains and seeing nothing but water. Morning entertainment comes courtesy of the reef fish beneath the deck; your commute to the sea involves a few steps. Kandima’s scale becomes apparent when you start exploring. Cycling quickly became one of my favourite ways to get around, particularly towards the end of the afternoon when the sun begins to soften. Palm-lined paths link villas with restaurants, pools, sports facilities and quieter corners of beach, and moving between them gives the island a sense of discovery that smaller resorts can sometimes lack. And there is a lot to discover. The facilities include tennis and badminton courts, a football pitch, beach volleyball and KULA Art Studio, where guests can join painting and craft classes with the resident artist. Then there is Fast Track, billed as the Maldives’ first asphalt oceanfront electric go-kart track, a 500-metre circuit that may not feature prominently in most fantasies of Maldivian serenity, but rather sums up Kandima’s determination to do things differently. There’s more indoor entertainment at PlaySpace, Kandima’s dedicated gaming hub, designed for all ages and packed with activities when you fancy a break from the sun. It’s another slightly unexpected addition to a Maldivian resort – and further evidence that Kandima has thought beyond the traditional beach-and-lagoon formula. The same applies to fitness. BURN is open 24 hours a day, while the wider sporting offering means it would take considerable determination to remain

AQUA VILLAS

LINEAR PLUS DRAWERS

PLAYSPACE

horizontal for an entire week. Not that anyone is judging if you do. FOOD FOR THOUGHT With a resort of this size, dining could easily become the weak link: enormous buffets designed to satisfy everybody but excite nobody. Happily, Kandima’s food offering is one of the reasons I would return. There is enough variety to ensure that dinner

Kandima doesn't ask you to subscribe to one particular idea of paradise feels like an occasion rather than a routine. Flavour and Zest provide the more relaxed market-style international dining, but the speciality restaurants are where Kandima really starts to show its personality. Azure is exactly the sort of restaurant you hope to find on a tropical island. Sitting beside the beach, it has a Mediterranean sensibility that suits the surroundings perfectly. Fresh seafood, salads and grilled dishes are the natural order of the day, and this is somewhere where lunch can very easily consume an afternoon. Add a chilled glass of wine, the lagoon a few metres away and nowhere particularly urgent to be, and plans tend to evaporate. Smoked offers something altogether richer. Built around an open BBQ kitchen, its menu moves through steaks, ribs, fresh fish and vegetarian dishes. Watching food cooked over the flames adds theatre without tipping into gimmickry, and it feels sufficiently special for a celebratory dinner while retaining the informality that Kandima does so well. Then there is Sea Dragon. Positioned over the water and specialising in Asian

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cuisine served family-style, it is one of the island’s most atmospheric dinner spots. There is the rather wonderful distraction of blacktip reef sharks gliding through the water beneath the restaurant – the sort of detail that makes even an excellent meal difficult to replicate once home. The casual options are equally important because they give the resort rhythm. Aroma Café overlooks a lake rather than the ocean and is an appealing stop for coffee, juices and baked treats; Deli covers quick bites and ice cream; while Breeze supplies the poolside drinks and soundtrack. It’s this choice that makes a longer stay work. One day can involve coffee at Aroma, lunch overlooking the water and dinner at Sea Dragon; another can revolve around the pool before heading to Smoked. Despite the resort’s size, dining doesn’t feel corporate or over-orchestrated. INTO THE BLUE If the restaurants surprised me, the ocean ultimately defined the trip. Aquaholics, Kandima’s diving and watersports centre, ensures that the lagoon is something to experience rather than simply photograph. Diving and marine biology activities sit alongside a watersports programme, and there is something particularly appealing about being able to switch so easily between doing nothing and doing rather a lot. Paddleboarding across water that barely seems to move is an excellent way to begin the day. Snorkelling, meanwhile, reveals the other Maldives: coral formations, flashes of tropical colour and rays moving silently beneath the surface. We loved seeing schools of reef fish and having encounters with rays, while the wider

IT IS A HAVEN FOR WATERSPORTS

Dhaalu Atoll offers opportunities for divers to see turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays. It is this accessibility that makes the difference. You don’t feel as though every adventure needs to become a major expedition. The ocean is simply there, waiting. Eventually, even the most enthusiastic diver needs some downtime, and esKape Spa provides the counterpoint to Kandima’s activity. Hidden amid tropical greenery, it offers treatments alongside steam and sauna facilities, yoga, a nail bar and hairdresser. After several days of swimming, cycling and being in the sun, surrendering an afternoon to the spa feels entirely justified. Families are well catered for too. Kandiland runs a daily programme of activities for younger visitors, while the abundance of sport, water-based activities and space gives older

FAST TRACK

children considerably more to occupy them than another afternoon around the pool. That helps explain why Kandima feels different from resorts built almost exclusively around honeymooners. Couples can find romance and privacy here – quite easily – but families and groups don’t feel like interlopers. As darkness falls, the island changes gear again. Music and live entertainment replace some of the daytime activity, and Breeze becomes a natural meeting point. Yet the clever part is that participation is optional. Kandima may have more going on than many Maldivian islands, but you can always walk away from it and find silence, stars and the sound of the Indian Ocean. And perhaps that is the real luxury here: choice. Kandima doesn’t ask you to subscribe to one particular idea of paradise. You can spend the morning beneath the ocean and the afternoon beneath an umbrella. You can have dinner cooked over flames at Smoked or linger over Asian food above the lagoon. You can cycle three kilometres, take an art class, visit the spa, go diving or ignore absolutely everything and sit on the beach. For anyone imagining the Maldives solely as a romantic cocoon, Kandima might initially come as a surprise. It is bigger, brighter and considerably more energetic than the archetypal private-island retreat. For me, its scale is precisely what makes it compelling. The Maldives supplies the beauty effortlessly. Kandima gives you reasons to engage with it. The villas are stylish, the dining impressively varied and the service warm, but my strongest memories aren’t confined to a room: they’re of cycling beneath the palms, slipping into the lagoon, discovering what lives below the surface and sitting over the water as another Maldivian day disappeared. You still return home with the photographs everyone expects: white beaches, blue lagoons and sunsets that scarcely look real. Kandima simply makes sure you return with a few stories as well. For full pricing information, visit kandima.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL • DUBAI

It holds the Guinness World Records title for Most Waterslides in a Waterpark

FANTASY

ISLAND Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, is a vast, sprawling world of its own

tlantis, The Palm is a 46-hectare, oceanthemed entertainment resort on Dubai’s man-made Palm Jumeirah island. The resort draws inspiration from the legendary lost city of Atlantis, blending Arabian architectural motifs such as Moorish archways, palm-shaped pillars and hand-wrought iron detailing with dramatic features. The vast resort holds 1,544 rooms and suites across two 22-storey towers, including six signature suites (notably two Underwater Suites), an Imperial Club with dedicated lounge and VIP perks, and over 2km of private beachfront, making it the largest continuous privately-owned stretch in Dubai. Dining is a major pillar, with 38 restaurants, bars and lounges spanning celebrity-chef venues (Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Street Pizza,

Nobu, Hakkasan, FZN by Björn Frantzén and Brasserie Frantzén), Michelinstarred options, and the award-winning underwater restaurant Ossiano. Family entertainment runs through Wavehouse, and Casablanca Beach Club, is an elevated beach club with a designer twist. The resort’s signature attraction is Aquaventure World, now the world’s largest at 22.5 hectares. It holds the Guinness World Records title for Most Waterslides in a Waterpark, with over 105 rides and attractions across three towers, three river rides, and dedicated kids’ zones, plus record-breaking slides like Odyssey of Terror and Shockwave. It’s also the Middle East’s first certified Autism Center waterpark. Marine life is central to the experience: The Lost World Aquarium and The Ambassador Lagoon together house over 65,000 animals across 250+ species, AZA-accredited since 2020. Dolphin Bay and Sea Lion Point offer conservationfocused encounter programmes. Wellness is served by the 2,400sqm AWAKEN Spa (27 treatment rooms, holistic "four elements" concept, vegan/ cruelty-free products) plus a fitness centre, nail bar, and salon/barber. Shoppers can browse The Avenues, a 2,200sqm retail souk with 30+ luxury boutiques including Tiffany & Co. and Stefano Ricci. The resort has earned extensive recognition, including multiple World Travel Awards, Forbes Travel Guide recognition, and sustainability honours, cementing its status as one of the region’s premier destinations. atlantis.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s 109

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TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

On the FARM

Discovering Roseyard, a Kentish retreat for every season

ust 1.5 hours from London, tucked into the rolling countryside near Sandwich in the heart of Kent's “Garden of England”, Roseyard is a beautifully restored historic farm estate, built for gathering – whatever the occasion, whatever the time of year. Spanning three neighbouring buildings – The Brick Barn, The Cartlodge and The Stables – Roseyard is far more than a holiday rental: it's an exclusive private estate sleeping 22–25 guests across 11 luxuriously appointed double bedrooms (nine ensuite, plus a family bathroom), making it effortless for multi-generational families to holiday together without compromising on privacy or comfort. Two fully equipped kitchens and a run of light-filled living and dining spaces mean everyone has room to spread out, while an indoor pool open year-round, a private gym and a pergola set up for al fresco dining

for 22, keep the whole party entertained, whatever the weather does outside. Children are especially well looked after, with a purpose-built play area, expansive lawns to run wild in and up to three dogs welcome free of charge – a genuine rarity for families who won't holiday without the fourlegged member of the household. Bedrooms are dressed with 400-thread-count linens, natural duvets and Malin & Goetz bath products, so the grown-ups enjoy just as much indulgence as the little ones. For those wanting an entirely hands-off stay, a roster of private chefs, additional housekeeping and bespoke setup services can be arranged,

“Roseyard is a beautifully restored historic farm estate”

from a stocked fridge on arrival to a formal celebration dinner under the pergola. Roseyard's setting makes it as easy to reach as it is hard to leave. Kent's coastline, historic market towns and some of England's finest golf, including Royal St George's, are all close by, with good road and rail links and on-site EV charging for the eco-conscious. And because the estate is built for year-round living – heated pool, cosy snugs and roaring fires included — it's every bit as inviting for a crisp winter weekend or a blustery spring half-term as it is for a long, lazy summer stay. Whether it's three generations reuniting for a landmark birthday, several families combining forces for the school holidays, or simply a proper escape from London that asks no compromise on comfort, Roseyard offers space, warmth and rural peace – a refined backdrop for memories that last a lifetime. roseyard.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL • UK

F U L L O F C H A R A C T E R

n a city where new luxury hotels often compete on scale and spectacle, Bertrand’s Townhouse succeeds by offering something altogether more rare: character. Hidden away on the peaceful streets of Bloomsbury, this elegant boutique retreat embraces the intellectual heritage of one of London’s most storied neighbourhoods, creating an experience that feels deeply rooted in place while delivering the comforts expected by today’s discerning traveller. Housed within beautifully restored Georgian townhouses, the hotel pays tribute to philosopher Bertrand Russell and the creative spirit of the Bloomsbury Set, inviting guests to slow down and savour the art of conversation, culture and understated indulgence. From the moment you step through the front door, the atmosphere is one of refined intimacy rather than formal grandeur. Rich colour palettes, curated artwork, antique furnishings and marble fireplaces blend seamlessly with contemporary luxuries, creating interiors that feel both timeless and effortlessly sophisticated. Guest rooms are thoughtfully appointed, featuring plush Hypnos beds, rainfall showers, Diptyque amenities, Marshall

Bertrand's Townhouse, Bloomsbury: a literary retreat with modern soul speakers and Smeg minibars, while the larger suites add freestanding bathtubs. The hotel’s greatest achievement, however, is its ability to capture the romance of Bloomsbury itself. Perfectly positioned just moments from the British Museum yet tucked away from the capital’s relentless pace, Bertrand’s Townhouse feels like a private residence reserved for those fortunate enough to have discovered it. Staff deliver warm, highly personalised service, remembering names and preferences with an ease that reinforces the feeling of staying in an exclusive members’ club rather than a traditional hotel. At the heart of the property sits Ottie’s Salon, an inviting lounge, cocktail bar and all-day dining space inspired by Lady Ottoline Morrell, whose legendary literary salons helped shape early 20th-century intellectual life. Draped in rich burgundy tones, adorned with eclectic artwork and softly illuminated by candlelight, it offers an atmosphere somewhere between a sophisticated drawing room and an elegant speakeasy. Whether stopping in for afternoon drinks or an evening cocktail accompanied by live jazz, Ottie’s effortlessly becomes the social heartbeat of the hotel.

The dining offering is intentionally concise but thoughtfully executed. Breakfast provides an excellent start to the day, while the all-day menu focuses on elevated comfort food and carefully prepared small plates. Wagyu beef sliders, wild mushroom ravioli and refined classics complement an imaginative cocktail list, making Ottie’s Salon an ideal destination even for guests with dinner reservations elsewhere. Rather than competing with London’s celebrated restaurant scene, it offers something equally valuable: an intimate setting where conversation takes centre stage and every drink feels like an invitation to stay just a little longer. Bertrand’s Townhouse proves that true luxury lies not in extravagance but in atmosphere, thoughtful design and impeccable hospitality, celebrating Bloomsbury’s literary legacy while offering an elegant sanctuary for modern travellers. For those seeking a London stay with genuine personality, timeless style and one of the capital’s most enchanting hotel lounges, Bertrand’s Townhouse is a quietly exceptional discovery. bertrandstownhouse.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL

Everything they need for the new term

LITTLE LONDONERS Our guide to London’s best nurseries

FASHION NOTES

The kids’ AW26 trends to know

MAMA AWARDS

Meet our 2026 winners

SMOOTH MOVES

Meet the new iCandy Peach 8, designed to make family life roll a little smoother. With elevated styling, enhanced suspension and clever single-to-double functionality, it effortlessly adapts as your family grows. Beautifully considered, brilliantly practical and ready for every adventure, big or small. icandyworld.com | @icandyworlduk

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Back to school Carly Glendinning rounds up the most stylish new term essentials

R I DE ON BANWOOD

School run, but make it fun. Banwood’s Dusty Rose Eco Scooter is a stylish set of wheels for little commuters, made using recycled materials and ready to turn the journey to school into the best bit of the day. banwood.co.uk

Sit smart STAPELSTEIN

Sitting still is overrated. The Stapelstein Dynamic All brings a little movement to homework time, with a clever modular design made for sitting, rocking, balancing and playing. Better still, it grows with them, and looks seriously good while doing it. stapelstein.de

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BAG IT UP

Editor’s Pick

SCANDIBORN

PE days just got an upgrade. Liewood’s Danella Gym Bag in Universe Classic Navy is a cool little carry-all for kit, trainers and all those mysterious things that somehow make their way home from school. scandiborn.co.uk

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m a m a NOTE S

5 Ba ck t o s ch o o l

SHOES

Step into the new term with these smart and sturdy styles

PUFF PIECE

TÖASTIE EXPLORER

For playgrounds, school runs and everything in between, Töastie’s Helix Puffer brings cosy credentials with plenty of personality. The bandana print gives this cold-weather layer extra cool points, no boring school-gate outerwear here. toastieexplorer.com

WATCH THIS SPACE DJECO

Learning to tell the time just got a whole lot cuter. Djeco’s Koala Watch makes a sweet first watch for little wrists, and might just help with getting out the door before the school bell rings. tickety-bootoys.co.uk

Hair We Go

ROCK AHULA KIDS

New term, new ’do. Rockahula’s School Days Hair Gift Set comes packed with six seriously cute school-themed clips, making morning hair a little more fun, even when you’re already running late. rockahulakids.com

1. Start-Rite, Hope Black Leather T-Bar School Shoes, £52; startriteshoes.com 2. BLCK B, Bonnie Bow Strap, £55; blckb.co.uk 3. Bobux, Hula Kid+ Black Patent School Shoes, £60; bobux.co.uk 4. Start-Rite, Strike Black Leather School Shoes, £60; startriteshoes.com 5. Kickers, Black School Shoes, £44.99; deichmann.com

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“Our base was Bankside Hotel, just moments from Tate Modern. Creativity runs through every corner”

CREATIVE c a p i tal Carly Glendinning finds that art, culture and sightseeing combine effortlessly on a family-friendly South Bank stay CHECK IN A weekend in London with a five-year-old might not sound especially relaxing, but basing ourselves on the South Bank made it surprisingly easy. With galleries, great food and iconic sights all within walking distance, we spent less time navigating the Tube and more time enjoying the city together. Our base was Bankside Hotel, just moments from Tate Modern. Creativity runs through every corner, from the impressive art collection to thoughtful touches for younger guests. On arrival, our daughter was given a wooden artist’s palette room key before discovering a children’s easel complete with watercolours waiting in our family room. It kept her happily occupied while we unpacked and later became the perfect way to capture memories from the weekend. The stylish family room comfortably accommodated all three of us, while extras including complimentary snacks, a miniature

bathrobe and a children’s breakfast station made us feel genuinely welcome. Dinner in the hotel’s Art Yard restaurant was another highlight, with beautifully presented dishes and an unforgettable vegan strawberry dessert.

GALLERY HOPPING Saturday took us to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea to see The Sun and The Moon: Art Inspired by the Celestial. It proved to be our daughter’s favourite exhibition, thanks to its mix of large-scale installations and immersive works that encouraged curiosity and conversation. Rather than constantly reminding her not to touch, we found ourselves exploring the artworks together. Afterwards, a stroll along King’s Road provided the perfect contrast before heading back to Bankside. One of the hotel’s biggest advantages is its location opposite Tate Modern. After breakfast we simply wandered across to explore. While I enjoyed Tracey Emin’s A Second Life, the

real family discovery was Tate Draw, a free interactive space where children create digital artworks inspired by the gallery’s collection. It transforms a gallery visit into something playful, proving art doesn’t have to be a passive experience for young visitors.

FOOD & VIEWS Lunch at Mildreds, one of London’s best-loved vegetarian restaurants, was the perfect stop before our final adventure. We then boarded The Original Tour’s children’s open-top bus tour, which at just 45 minutes was perfectly pitched for younger attention spans. Our daughter loved sitting on the top deck, spotting Big Ben, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral while an entertaining guide mixed fascinating facts with plenty of humour. The included Thames river cruise offered a wonderful perspective of the capital and rounded off the afternoon beautifully.

WHY IT WORKS What made the weekend memorable was how naturally London’s cultural attractions welcomed families. Every stop offered something our daughter genuinely enjoyed, whether painting in our hotel room, experimenting at Tate Draw or spotting famous landmarks from the top deck of a bus. Instead of fitting a child into an adult itinerary, the city allowed us to experience art, culture and sightseeing together. We returned home inspired, pleasantly tired and already planning our next visit. banksidehotel.com theoriginaltour.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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kid s

FA S H I O N NOTES Carly Glendinning rounds up the month’s best styles, looks and launches

P L AY I T COOL BOBO CHOSES

Bobo Choses knows how to make getting dressed fun. For AW26, expect the Spanish brand’s unmistakable mix of bold colour, playful graphics and brilliantly offbeat pieces – made for kids who like their wardrobes with plenty of personality.

we love

bobochoses.com

L AY E R U P W H E AT

Cosy season has never looked so good. Wheat’s AW26 collection brings its signature Scandinavian charm to cold-weather dressing, with beautifully considered layers, playful prints and practical pieces made for little adventurers. wheat.co.uk

BRIGHT young things STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS

Big fashion for little wardrobes. Stella McCartney Kids brings plenty of personality to AW26 with playful prints, bold colour and statement-making pieces, all underpinned by the designer’s more conscious approach to fashion. stellamccartney.com

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Howdy, Partner

nd Bra us Foc

M A I S O N M A N G O S TA N

Mini cowboys, this one’s for you. Maison Mangostan puts a playful spin on the Western trend with seriously cool cowboy boots made for stomping through autumn, proof that the season’s statement shoe comes in little sizes too. maisonmangostan.com

DREAM TEAM Mori X Desmond & Dempsey

GO YOUR OWN WAY THE NEW SOCIET Y

Everyday dressing gets a bolder outlook at The New Society this season. Relaxed silhouettes and oversized shapes meet denim, tactile knits and easy outerwear, while washed blues, deep burgundy, warm browns and flashes of vibrant red bring a well-travelled spirit to AW26. thenewsociety.com

5 o f t he b e st G I RLY PI C K S MERI MERI, Gingham Hair Bows (x6), £22; merimeri.co.uk

JANIE AND JACK, Embroidered Pointelle Sweater Top, £72; janieandjack.uk

WHEAT, Ballerina Audrey Shoes, £79.95; wheat.co.uk

RACHEL RILEY, Country Garden Button-Front Dress and Bloomers, £65; rachelriley.co.uk

MONSOON KIDS, Cherry Embroidered Cable Knit Cardigan, from £34; monsoon.co.uk

ack by popular demand, MORI x Desmond & Dempsey returns with three handdrawn prints across limited-edition sleepwear for babies and children. Expect Desmond & Dempsey’s distinctive designs, paired with MORI’s supersoft modal fabric and practical bedtime styles. For little ones, MORI’s Clever Zip Sleepsuits and pyjama sets have been reimagined in Desmond & Dempsey’s bestselling prints. Made from MORI’s soft and stretchy modal fabric, the sleepsuits feature practical two-way concealed zips, while the pyjama sets have elasticated waists and easydressing details for younger children. And because matching pyjamas are always a good idea, the collection extends beyond the nursery, with coordinating Desmond & Dempsey styles making family bedtimes (and lazy Sunday mornings) that little bit more stylish. babymori.com

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Stroll

Meet the new iCandy Peach 8, where beautiful British design, clever innovation, and family-first functionality come together in one seriously stylish pushchair.

here are some baby buys that simply make life easier. And then there are the ones designed to grow right alongside your family. Enter the iCandy Peach 8, the latest generation of iCandy’s much-loved Peach pushchair, arriving with a fresh new look, clever upgrades and all the versatility parents have come to expect from this British nursery brand. For almost two decades, the Peach has been a firm favourite with families thanks to one particularly brilliant idea: it can transform from a single pushchair into a double or twin, all on the same footprint. So whether you’re strolling with your first newborn or welcoming a sibling a little further down the line, there’s no need to start again. The Peach 8 is designed to adapt with you. This eighth generation takes that familyfriendly formula and gives it a thoughtful update. The new folding carrycot makes storage and travel that little bit simpler, while ventilation panels at both the head and foot provide more than double the airflow of the Peach 7. There’s also an extended canopy for extra coverage, whether baby is snoozing on the school run or you’re heading out on a sunny afternoon. Everyday details have had some love, too. Enhanced suspension promises a smoother ride, while an improved ergonomic carrycot and seat release system makes switching configurations easier. A flipflop friendly brake is a welcome touch for summer days, complete with a colour indicator for extra reassurance.

And because parents rarely travel light, there’s a generous 10kg basket underneath. The integrated Ride-on Board gives older siblings a place to hop aboard, while onehanded folding, one-handed seat recline and Roll-up & Dine functionality help make those busy days out feel a little more manageable. Style, of course, remains very much part of the Peach DNA. The Peach 8 arrives in eight gorgeous colourways. The SIGNATURE collection includes Black, Grey, Porcini and Taupe, while the EDITIONS collection features the deliciously named Coffee Bean, Biscotti, Coco and Pecan, each paired with bespoke chassis detailing and premium finishes. There’s substance behind those good looks, too. The main fabric on every Peach 8 is crafted using recycled polyester yarn derived from approximately 134 plastic bottles, part of iCandy’s continued focus on more considered design. Suitable from birth up to 25kg, the Peach 8 is car-seat compatible, including with iCandy’s Cocoon 360, and its carrycot is in partnership with The Lullaby Trust for permanent overnight sleeping. Add a fiveyear warranty and you have a pushchair made with the long haul in mind. Beautiful enough to turn heads, clever enough to tackle real family life and ready to grow when your family does, the Peach 8 might just be the perfect new arrival. From £1,199 for the SIGNATURE Peach 8 and £1,299 for EDITIONS icandyworld.com

Meet the Peach 8: smarter, stylish and made to grow with your family. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ma m a AWARDS

AWARDS 2026 2023



winners! We’re delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Absolutely Mama Awards, celebrating the very best brands, products, and businesses making a difference for families across the UK. Congratulations to all of our winners! Can’t Live Without Parenting Product Gold: WaterWipes Silver: tonies Bronze: SnoozeShade

Best Compact Stroller Gold: Joolz Hub2 Silver: Ergobaby Bronze: Hauck

Best Baby Carrier Gold: Ergobaby Silver: BABYGO® Bronze: Najell

Best Nappy Range Gold: Mama Bamboo Silver: Peachies Bronze: Naty

Best Baby Gift Gold: MORI Silver: Pahu Play Bronze: BIBS

Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket Gold: Mokee Silver: Hauck Bronze: Huddle Baby

Best Baby Skin Range/Product Gold: Mama Bamboo Silver: BioGaia Bronze: Colief Best Brand Gold: CYBEX Silver: Egg Bronze: Kalmer Kids Best Children’s Fashion Brand Gold: Emile et Rose Silver: Rachel Riley Bronze: SHOOSHON

Best Feeding/ Nursing Product Gold: Dr Brown’s Silver: Kendamil Bronze: Aptamil® Follow On Milk 800g Best for Early Years Gold: The Peaceful Sleep Company Silver: Bambino Mio Bronze: Tonic Best Investment Gold: CYBEX

MORI

ERGOBABY

MOKEE

TIBA + MARL

ANNABEL KARMEL

Silver: meminio Bronze: Bebello Best Maternity Brand or Product Gold: SKN TO SKN Silver: BABYGO® Bronze: Natal Active Best Mealtime Range or Product Gold: Annabel Karmel Silver: Organix Bronze: b.box Best Mum-Led Business Gold: Tiba + Marl Silver: Sleeping Stars Bronze: mom’z Best Family Travel Brand Gold: Beaverbrook Silver: POST Family Resort Bronze: Scott Dunn Best Nursery/ Interiors Product Gold: Shnuggle Silver: Babysense Bronze: Folk and Thread

Best Online Retailer Gold: Binky Silver: Mucky Wolf Bronze: Bambinista Best Parenting Class Gold: Little Prodigies Silver: Sibling Skills Club Best Parenting Tech Gold: Owlet® Silver: Babysense Bronze: Tutti Bambini Best Toy Gold: Orchard Toys Silver: Nosy Crow Bronze: MODU

Best Travel Products or Systems Gold: Ergobaby Silver: Oyster Bronze: Eyas London Best Value for Money Gold: Tutti Bambini Silver: Ickle Bubba Bronze: Oyster Most Eco-Friendly Brand Gold: Kit & Kin Silver: Polarn O. Pyret Bronze: Kidswear Collective

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The Absolutely Mama

G U I D E TO NURSERIES IN LONDON We round up the best nursery schools in the capital

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mama EDUCATION

Wetherby Pembridge Minors NOTTING HILL Located in the heart of Notting Hill, Wetherby Pembridge Minors provides a bespoke nursery experience for children aged two to four. Combining structured teaching with play-based learning, the nursery nurtures confidence, curiosity and independence, while preparing children for the next stage of their education within a caring, supportive environment. wetherbypembridgeminors.co.uk

Montessori by Busy Bees

hoosing the right nursery can feel overwhelming, but London is home to an outstanding selection of settings, from longestablished independent schools to Montessori-inspired and Forest School environments. We've rounded up five of the capital's most sought-after nurseries, each offering a nurturing start to early education and a distinctive approach to learning.

Hatching Dragons WESTMINSTER, THE CITY OF LONDON, AND CANADA WATER More than a nursery, Hatching Dragons is built around early years development, with a distinctive curriculum centred on Culture, Character and Cognition. Daily

multilingual learning, city-wide excursions, fresh meals prepared by an in-house chef and a strong emphasis on family partnerships create a rich, nurturing environment for children from birth to five. hatching-dragons.com

Parsons Green Nursery PARSONS GREEN Welcoming children from six months, Parsons Green Nursery offers a warm, family-centred setting where every child is encouraged to thrive at their own pace. A play-based curriculum, inspired by leading early years approaches, builds confidence, independence and a love of learning, while close partnerships with parents support every stage of development. parsonsgreennursery.com

LONDON AND NEARBY AREAS Montessori by Busy Bees combines Montessori principles with the warm, nurturing care Busy Bees is known for. Calm, thoughtfully prepared environments encourage children to explore, practise skills and learn at their own pace. The Montessori Bee Curious Curriculum blends hands-on experiences with playful teaching, helping children develop independence, confidence and skills for school and beyond. busybeeschildcare.co.uk

Fulham Pre-Prep Nursery FULHAM Welcoming children from age one, Fulham Pre-Prep Nursery provides a nurturing, stimulating environment where play-based learning encourages curiosity, confidence and independence. Experienced staff and excellent facilities support children as they explore and develop, while 48-week opening offers flexibility for families. A seamless pathway into Fulham Prep School provides continuity for the next stage of their education. fulhamprep.co.uk

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SPECI A L

BUILDING CHARACTER ST C H R I STO P H E R ' S T H E H A L L

Inside this section SCHOOL NEWS 130 ASK THE EXPERTS 141

Alongside a full academic programme at St Christopher's The Hall, there's a strong focus on developing character and curiosity. Character values such as resilience, teamwork, honesty, adaptability, ambition, respect, common sense, creativity and enthusiasm are seen as cornerstones of future success. stchristophersthehall.org.uk

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N U R S E RY E X PA N S I O N Broomwood, Clapham, is opening a third Pre-School (Nursery) classroom from September to meet demand at Little Broomwood. “This new space will allow us to expand while preserving the highly personalised, purposeful education that underpins everything we do,” says Head of Pre-Prep Carol Mackay.

“The expanded Little Broomwood will bring more Pre-School places to young learners in Clapham”

Phone free The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) has announced that all 25 of its schools – including Notting Hill & Ealing High (pictured) will be mobile phone-free from September for pupils up to Year 11. This builds on current guidance and practices, with many GDST schools creating mobile phone-free environments with lockers or secure pouches.

Lacrosse champs

FEE SUPPORT

Berkhamsted Schools lacrosse is celebrating an exceptional season of achievements. The school played 150 matches and fielded 15 teams, with strong participation across year groups and skill levels. Berko U14A and U15B teams were champions at National Schools Lacrosse, while U19A and U18B achieved top 8 and runner-up position respectively.

Highgate independent school is encouraging families to apply for bursaries for academically gifted children from the local community. Highgate offers fee assisted places for families applying at 7+, 11+ and 16+ entry, including parents who are key workers. Eligible children could receive 100% funding towards their school fees, as well as additional financial support throughout their education.

INDIA OPENING Bedford School Mohali, the first British International girls’ school in Northern India, opened in April. Located on the outskirts of Chandigarh and developed in partnership with Doon International Education Society, it offers day and boarding options. The campus has extensive science, sports and creative arts facilities and a 1,000-seater auditorium.

“It was a great experience...to compete at a certain level. It teaches you discipline, focus, and certainly keeps you out of trouble” J A S O N S TAT H A M

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EDUCATION • NEWS

DOUBLESUCCESS

Go pro

Ludgrove Prep in Berkshire has ‘done the double’, with pupils Adrian and Kai being awarded King’s Scholarships from Eton College. With a maximum of 14 KS awarded each year, it is a remarkable feat. The boys will join last year’s leaver Jacky, and Jaey who joined their ranks in 2022.

Charlie Taylor (16), a pupil at Malvern College is celebrating signing his first professional contract with Warwickshire Cricket Club. He has already been tipped as one of the most exciting young cricketers in the country, having been selected for the England U19 squad at the age of just 15.

R eading pr ior it y G L A S G OW D E V E LO P M E N T

The Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has called for urgent action to reverse the decline in parents reading to children. A BookTrust survey found that children aged up to 8 who reported liking or loving reading rose from 66 to 80% between 2021 and 2025, while daily shared reading dropped from 60 to 49%.

LO N D O N L E A D Laura Rodgers will become Head of Francis Holland Prep School in Chelsea from next January. She is currently Senior Deputy Head at Glendower Prep and has also held leadership roles at Fulham Prep. She studied Law at Newcastle University before gaining teaching qualifications from Oxford Brookes and University of Buckingham.

Hutchesons’ Grammar School has announced an investment of more than £1m to create a new ‘campus for excellence’ in the Southside of Glasgow. The major transformation brings the primary and secondary schools together on a single site at Beaton Road, in the Pollokshaws area of the city, by August 2027.

“It’s important for us to know that our worth isn’t deﬁned by how well we do in our sport” COCO GAUFF

SOMETHING THEY SAID

“WE HUMAN BEINGS ARE STRANGE CREATURES AND STILL RESERVE THE RIGHT TO THINK FOR OURSELVES” M A R I LY N M O N R O E

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EDUCATION • NEWS

CAMBRIDGE MERGER

Head appointment

The Leys and St Faith’s will become The Leys School, Cambridge from September 2028, offering an all-through education. They have been part of the same foundation since 1938. Early Years to Year 8 will be educated at the current St Faith’s site, while Years 9 to 13 will be based at The Leys’ site.

Sophie Blewitt has been appointed Head of Hanford Prep. She was previously Director of Studies at Sherborne Girls, as well as Head of Languages and Assistant Head of Professional Development. Currently Hanford’s Interim Head, she says: “Hanford is an amazing school where a magical childhood and academic excellence go hand in hand”.

Cr icketer retur n Eve Jackson, who left Christ College in 2025, has presented a framed shirt to the school. The shirt, arranged by the Old Breconian Association, was in recognition of her selection for Glamorgan Women’s while she was still in Sixth Form. She also represented Wales in Year 12 on an international tour.

GAME I N N OVAT I O N St Clare’s Young Enterprise team, GlobU, enjoyed success at the regional competition in Reading, where they presented an educational board game promoting cultural understanding through interactive learning. The concept, which was inspired by the team’s diverse backgrounds, impressed judges with its originality and social relevance, earning the Oxfordshire Innovation Prize.

S C I E N C E S TA R St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley’s Maren Kelly has received the prestigious Primary Science Teaching Award. She joins a network of some 200 Primary Science Teacher College Fellows across the UK and has been selected to represent the UK in a two-year international STEM project led by Science on Stage Germany and supported by the GEA Foundation.

“Maren Kelly of St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley will represent the UK in a two-year STEM project”

Per fect play

MUSIC MAESTRO Talented composer and pianist Jacky Zhang, 17, has won the 2026 Sheepdrove Piano Competition at Newbury Spring Festival, the youngest winner in the competition’s history. A Royal College of Music student since the age of 7, he received the first prize of £3,000, donated by Sheepdrove Trust.

Reddam House Berkshire has been awarded a Platinum grade by OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), meaning it is within the top 1% of primary schools nationally for play provision. Head Rick Cross says the award: “reflects our belief that children learn just as much beyond the classroom walls as they do within them”.

SOMETHING THEY SAID

“Nothing is ever given in this game... It’s very humbling as well... The humility just goes hand in hand with the game” AARON RAI

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EDUCATION • NEWS

ICE CHALLENGE

French exchange

Wycliffe Prep pupils in Years 6-8 have been honing entrepreneurial thinking and teamwork through an employer-led challenge in partnership with Marshfield Farm. One tough challenge has been creating a new ice cream flavour, exploring every stage of product development. The project is part of the Gloucestershire through-school’s innovative Discovery Programme.

Taunton School is helping to revive the traditional pen pal programme through a partnership with Collège Joseph Kerbellec in Brittany, France (pictured), whose Year 8 students recently visited Taunton after exchanging letters, videos, photos, and gifts throughout the year. Both schools are excited to continue growing their relationship and are already looking forward to their next meet up.

Barclays Football Ambassador Ian Wright went back to school, visiting Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Islington to listen to what pupils and teachers had to say about sport – in particular, barriers to girls’ participation in PE at school and beyond. The visit was part of the FA and Barclays ‘Made for the Game: Breaking Barriers’ campaign.

F I L M I N V I TAT I O N

PROJ ECT S H OWC A S E The Sherborne Project Qualification (SPQ) exhibition took place in early June, with Year 8 Sherborne pupils showcasing their work to parents, staff, governors and senior schools. The SPQ is an extended independent project, with each pupil choosing a topic of personal interest. This year’s themes included gene editing and the science behind earworms.

Science explorers Felsted School Science week included a talk about how robotics support surgeons, a Faraday Institute workshop on our place in the universe, live experiments and fossil handling. Pupils from Years 3 to 8 collaborated on a series of engineering challenges – from designing structures to slow down ice thaw to designing space rovers.

B AC K TO SCHOOL

Wrekin Prep pupils attended a film premiere at BFI IMAX, London following a personal invitation from Henrietta Grainger, a former student now working with the charity Made By Dyslexia. What is Dyslexia? is an animation featuring voices from stars such as Jeremy Irons and Liv Tyler and aims to reshape how dyslexia is perceived.

Celebrating success Orchard House School in Chiswick, West London is celebrating a year of achievement. The school’s 2026 U11 Girls’ Netball Team were crowned IAPS National Runners-Up. In addition, Year 6 leavers secured 150 senior school offers and 42 scholarships and Orchard House staff received multiple Pearson National Teaching Awards honours.

SOMETHING THEY SAID

“THE MORE WE EXILE OURSELVES FROM NATURE, THE MORE WE CRAVE ITS MIRACLE WATERS” D IAN E ACKE R MAN

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EDUCATION • IN FOCUS

C H A R A C T E R A S S E S S M E N T The Master of Dulwich College says that focusing on a school’s character and culture is vital to ensure the right ﬁt for your child

ow do you get to know a school and the things that really count when you're deciding if it's right for your child? There is so much information available – some from schools, some from third parties – much of it useful to an extent. However, within every school there is a culture, an atmosphere, a way of being and acting, that shapes everything and will help your child thrive if it is the right choice for them. Finding that out is the key, but where do we start? A school’s academic outcomes are a metric that current and prospective families and pupils can see. There is an objective value in the data, but people are increasingly aware of the limitations of comparing schools through league tables alone. We are increasingly comparing like with like – boarding and day schools, co-ed, sixth form only, International Baccalaureate and A levels. This helps when it comes to asking what we might learn from annual outcomes. Families are also increasingly informed about the varied standards of entry to

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schools and seem rightly engaged with value added information schools publish. Value added data seeks to measure how much progress a child has made while attending the school. This information is, to my mind, incredibly significant and all good schools should be open about sharing it. Once exam outcomes have been reviewed, it's important to find out about the quality of teaching and learning, and above all, a school’s ethos and pastoral care. In essence, it's about choosing the school that will challenge your child, while ensuring they are known, valued and encouraged. This means talents nurtured, confidence developed, and support tailored to individual character. These are the questions I always ask myself when I visit schools and, every year, they are the same questions families holding offers to our school ask. • How will you ensure my child settles, feels known and finds friendships? • How will you help them develop existing skills and discover new ones? • What opportunities are there

for leadership and feeling part of bigger groups and initiatives? • How will you know if they are struggling and upset and what can you do? • What experiences will they have of the world beyond school? • How will you help them prepare for life after school and remain connected to your school as they get older? • What personal qualities do you recognise and reward, and what behaviours are unacceptable? • How will your school continue to invest and evolve? Each question is really asking about the type of school this is – its values and priorities. Outcomes matter because they give young people opportunity and agency. However, those outcomes won’t be achieved if a school doesn’t look after the child, help them to thrive and be happy, and give them the self-belief and social awareness necessary for a positive life. I'd argue that the reason why schools and teachers love their work is due to the development of people for the long term – not just until the end of sixth form and certainly not for the accumulation of academic outcomes alone. This holistic and happy approach is what makes a school community flourish, and I believe it is what makes a young person keep thriving for the rest of their life.

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EDUCATION • ESSENTIALS EDITOR’S PICK

ABODE HOME Personalised pencils set, £19.95 abodehomeandgift s.co.uk

BLCK.B Crystal Court school shoe, £60 blckb.co.uk

NHM SHOP Dinosaur drink bottle, £12 nhmshop.co.uk

DJECO Illustrated umbrellas, £8.99 smallkins.com

REX LONDON Hot Dog sharpener, £4.95 rexlondon.com

BACK TO SCHOOL

DJECO Artist paint box, £18.50 dearjude.co.uk

Cute kit for the ﬁrst days of term By P E N D L E H A R T E

ROCKAHULA KIDS Gingham headband, £8 rockahulakids.com

THE BRITISH CRAFT HOUSE

BLCK.B

Inspire Me pencil set, £8.95 thebritishcraft house.co.uk

Cruze strap school shoe, £60 blckb.co.uk

ELEPHANT BOX Three-in-one snackbox, £29.50 elephantbox.co.uk

NEWGATE CLOCKS Centre of the Earth digital alarm clock, £35 johnlewis.com

REX LONDON Wooden ruler, £3.95 rexlondon.com

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ADVICE • EDUCATION

Ask the EXPERTS

Our experts answer your questions on teenage volunteer roles and ﬁnding a tutor for a child who struggles to focus

DAVE STOTT Director of Volunteering, Royal Voluntary Service

My teenage daughter is keen to do some volunteering, both to add to her practical and social skills and do something useful. Can you advise on where to start?

Teenagers and students can benefit hugely from volunteering, but unfortunately not knowing where to start has been a common barrier to entry for many years now. Last year, Royal Voluntary Service launched a digital volunteering platform, GoVo, to make volunteering more accessible for all. GoVo can connect young people with bite-sized opportunities that fit in easily with studies and social life, and so is a great place to start. There are currently more than 10,000 opportunities live from over 1,700 charities of all shapes and sizes – so there should be plenty for her to choose from. Roles include everything from remote tasks or flexible local volunteering to longer-term

scheduled roles associated with more traditional volunteering. Your daughter can search for roles using a number of filters. There are 14 different cause areas, from animal welfare or environment and conservation to community and neighbourhood and sport and physical activity. Or she can simply put in her postcode to see what local opportunities there are within the community. There is so much to be gained from volunteering our time, especially for the younger generations. At Royal Voluntary Service we believe volunteers should get as much out of volunteering as they put into it. We have done considerable research into the benefits of volunteering, and consistent themes include improved mental health, wellbeing, social connections and – for those who choose a role that gets them out and about – improved movement levels and physical health too. Many of the wellbeing benefits come from the sense of fulfilment, achievement and purpose volunteers feel. It’s definitely a two-way street and it’s great to know you both recognise that and that your daughter is keen to reap the rewards of volunteering. For teenagers and students who are looking ahead and preparing for the competitive job market, volunteering can improve social mobility, life chances and

employment prospects. It can present opportunities to learn and hone both soft and hard skills that can strengthen applications. Volunteering itself demonstrates an ability to dedicate yourself beyond studies, which can also help make a CV stand out. Our research found that 34% of 16 to 19-year-olds reported that volunteering helped them get their first job. And almost 40% reported improved confidence and communication skills, which is unsurprising as volunteering is a brilliant way to meet new people and expand your social horizons. There are lots of fun, unique and even quirky roles available that I think many people would be surprised to hear of – from social media, vlogging or gaming volunteers to theatre, festival and sports event support, and even crafting, gardening and hairdressing. GoVo can be used by people aged 14 and above, and you can filter opportunities by age requirements, too. Of course, another great route into volunteering is to visit local volunteering centres to discover a range of opportunities within your area. I’m confident that, especially with your support, your daughter will find a volunteering role that enables her to give back, to develop her skills, and to enjoy. GoVo.org

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ADVICE • EDUCATION

ALISON MELROSE Director of Client Engagement, Simply Learning Tuition

My son is academically able but has focus issues. I'm keen to get him extra support via a tutor, but I'm not sure how he'll take to it – especially if it's online. How do I go about finding the right match? I must have heard this a thousand times, and indeed, it rings true for one of my own teenagers. As a parent, it is incredibly frustrating when you can see that your child is bright and quick to catch on but can’t stay focused. The great news is that good tutoring will not only help prepare your son for key assessments but also boost his self-confidence and develop key executive functioning skills – the ability for him to maintain focus. Talk to him first, so he feels included – he may be relieved at the offer of external support. Then find a reputable private tutor to work with. I say reputable very purposefully. This means a professional who knows the curriculum, understands what your child needs, and has experience of working with young people who need the right approach to engage their brains. There are now many tutors who are skilled in

Q A

teaching children for whom focus and executive functioning skills are an issue. Here is some guidance to help you find the right fit. Let go of your preconceptions You might be surprised by what works for your child, so try to start the process of finding a tutor with an open mind. Many people believe inperson tutoring to be ‘superior’. This just isn’t the case. Look for skills, not just knowledge Getting started and being overwhelmed by the thought of an assignment are often the main challenges for easily distracted students – it is not necessarily about the lesson content. Perhaps look for a tutor who has experience working with children who are easily distracted or have ADHD. The key is to break down the work into bite-sized chunks, with regular praise and brain breaks. Involve your child A good relationship between child and tutor is vital. If they like them, they will engage far more. Allow your child to be part of the interview process and meet the candidates online – even if just for a few minutes to say hello and then listen in.

Embrace fun and games With the right tutor, sessions will be active, fun, and perfect for keeping an easily distracted mind engaged. Good online tutors use creative tools such as interactive whiteboards, educational games and quizzes, short videos and pictures. All these elements add fun, embed knowledge in different ways and vary the pace. Consider lesson structure An hour sitting still can be counterproductive for a child with focus problems. Easily distracted children need shorter bursts with brain or movement breaks in between. Ideally, an hour’s lesson would be split into sections – say, two 20-minute lessons split by brain and movement breaks, then a final five minutes reviewing the lesson and follow-up work for the next one. It is important to be honest from the start about your child's issues – that way you will be more likely to find a good tutor match. Don't expect miracles – the relationship takes time to build. But by choosing the right tutor, you can turn lessons into something your child looks forward to, as they build self-confidence and make academic progress. simplylearningtuition.co.uk

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W I K I ’ S

WORLD

As Wikipedia celebrates its 25th birthday, the open source, non-proﬁt encyclopaedia that anyone can contribute to is engaging tomorrow’s knowledge community – and that means being where young people are By LIBBY NORMAN

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EDUCATION • ISSUE

ikipedia is an institution that signifies a way more optimistic, even halcyon, online age. Born in 2001 – but conceived a few years earlier – here was an encyclopaedia to democratise knowledge. Or, as co-founder Jimmy Wales put it in 2004: “Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge. That’s what we’re doing”. It is still standing tall in 2026, even though the online landscape has shifted dramatically. Social media and AI are increasingly shaping where people access news and views. The very idea of reading a printed newspaper (let alone a printed encyclopaedia) is quaint to many in Gen Z and Gen Alpha. TikTok, Instagram or YouTube may be their chosen platforms for now, but their cynicism is growing about information sources and agendas. So an opportune moment to look at what Wikipedia offers – and what it is doing to stay relevant to younger generations.

TOMORROW’S AUDIENCE

Maryana Pinchuk is Principal Product Manager at the Wikimedia Foundation in Berkeley, California. One of her tasks is leading on Future Audiences, an initiative

that began around 2023 and can be summed up as taking Wikipedia to where young people are. “We’ve been looking at these external trends for a while, this shift to multimedia, video-pop forms among young people, and a shift away from websites and text and long form,” she says. Part of Future Audience’s remit is delivering what Maryana Pinchuk calls “scrappy” projects – agile and small-scale experiments to test out delivery methods and audience reactions. “We wanted to do something to understand if we could take Wikipedia and Commons content and remix it into a short video format – and if we did would anyone want to watch it, would anyone actually care? “So we ran a small experiement to take some articles and turn them into these 30-second explainers and publish them on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. And we saw quite a bit of positive traction.” Indeed, they did. Among their biggest hits were – curiously – topics from the UK. She cites the Wikipedia short-form explainer about a particular style of post-war pub (one of those delightfully obscure topics you

never knew could be so fascinating) as a particularly strong contender. “Flat-roofed pub was one of our greatest viral hits.” Audience reactions to the selection of explainers provided a signal. The project has been scaled up, not just to deliver information, but to show younger audiences what goes into Wikipedia and: “give them a sense of how the content is made, and that it is a volunteer project, and that it is about finding reliable sources,” says Maryana Pinchuk. Reliable is a key word to remember here. Beginning as a start-up TikTok account, Wikipedia has become what she describes as: “close to the back row influencer”. It has been done mostly organically and has indicated something significant when it comes to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. “When we cover very obscure topics that no one else is talking about – the weird stuff that’s in Wikipedia – we will see page view spikes around the time our videos are in circulation. So that is showing us that there is an audience that is interested in going and reading more.” Wikimedia Foundation’s Future Initiatives project doesn’t just create its own content on

“There is a real power to the idea that this is a community that is not for proﬁt. It is not for some agenda – it is purely for love of knowledge and reliable information”

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these channels but supports other content by helping out with comment sections. The team have noticed that when big brands (the Wendy’s, the Tesco, say) contribute content there’s a more negative reaction. “People on these platforms are so over ‘the brand is talking to me’,” she says. “But with Wikipedia, they get so excited.” Being where young people are is critical to Wikipedia’s future, but managing the AI-generated mash-up that happens when anyone looks something up on a search engine is trickier. Wikipedia is scraped for knowledge routinely – sometimes its information is attributed and sometimes it isn’t. Future Initiatives’ work feeds into profile raising, so that Gen Z and Gen Alpha know Wikipedia is there, a source of verified information, and it belongs to all of us. Maryana Pinchuk is optimistic about younger audiences. She says every time the Wikimedia Foundation does a survey across its user base (although it can’t, for legal reasons, collect data on under 18s) the most signficant recorded cohort is the population aged 18-24. So Wikipedia is delivering something young people respond to. She believes that’s about much more than

FAST FACTS

The English Wikipedia contains over 7 MILLION CONTENT PAGES

500

is the average number of new articles a day

1.35bn Total edits since English Wikipedia was set up is over 1.35 BILLION

20.58 Is the average number of edits per English Wikipedia page

53m Registered users (members) over 53 MILLION

278k Active registered users (past month) over 278,000

Source: English Wikipedia data as of May 2026 (wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Statistics)

the desire to be a content creator or editor. “There is a real power to the idea that this is a community that is not for profit. It is not for some agenda. It’s not to push any kind of political bias. It is purely for love of knowledge and mutual and reliable information. I think that, maybe, is a more powerful motivator – especially for young people.” It also seems highly likely young people respond to the devolved and anti-corporate nature of Wikipedia, as set out in Wikimedia Foundation’s original blueprint. “A big chunk of our work is supporting and funding regional communities. This is like a superpower that we have. We’re a small non-profit but we have this very global, very excited, very motivated volunteer user base that is out there in all the different parts of the world and has a very clear regional focus.”

BUILDING MEDIA LITERACY

Those regional organisations (recognised affiliates known as chapters) run to 40 around the globe, with some 300 languages supported. They include Wikimedia UK – an independent registered charity. Education is a big part of its work, and with a clear goal. “We are trying to support upskilling young people – and adults for that matter – with much better information and media literacy

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EDUCATION • ISSUE

“One thing that we’re very keen to move into is the widening participation space – this idea of digital poverty not just being lack of access to tech but poor media literacy”

skills,” says CEO Lucy Crompton-Reid. At Wikimedia UK the team talk about developing ‘misinformation resilience’ and work to increase representation – both across its user base and Wikipedia content. The team have done good work with the likes of the British Library and BBC. In education, where previously its work centred on the 18+ cohort in higher education, there’s been a step change in order to increase support for school-age students. There’s now a dedicated Education Lead, Dr Sally Latham, a former teacher, who took up the role last September, Her work focuses on three strands – supporting teachers’ work, delivering resources for classrooms, and organising specific workshops, partnerships and campaigns. “One thing that we’re very keen to move into is widening the participation space – this idea of digital poverty not just being a lack of access to tech but poor media literacy,” she says. “Not only does that make young people politically and socially at risk but also in terms of progression in higher education or whatever comes after school. You have, unfortunately, anecdotal evidence of students who haven’t had that preparation in media literacy either not making it to university because they don’t know how

to navigate that system or getting there and then struggling with the research because they have never been trained.” Wikimedia UK has a strong tradition of ‘Wikipedians in Residence’ at universities, helping to develop students’ skills as writers and researchers. Along the way, the students who participate also improve Wikipedia as a source of factual knowledge. But going out to schools delivers something that can be a game changer for building critical thinking skills and the ability to sort and assess information sources at a formative age. Last November Sally Latham ran a ‘Knowledge in the Digital Age’ workshop for schools in conjunction with University of Birmingham. Speakers included professors from the university and children from its network of local schools were introduced to topics ranging from conspiracy theories and the ethics of social media to knowledge gaps in representation. Filling knowledge gaps can be a real hook for this younger audience. “That’s one thing we wanted students to understand – that they can be active contributors, not just passive consumers,” says Lucy Crompton-Reid. This can be contributing to the most popular pages on Wikipedia – or something local, niche, even obscure. The band that doesn’t yet have its own entry can be introduced to the wide world of Wikipedia, provided the student can write its page using the required neutral point of view (NPOV) and cite acceptable published sources to evidence notability for inclusion. Sally Latham cites a session she did in a school in Smethwick, her own home town. A starting point was to get the children to think about the town’s Wikipedia page. “I brought the page up and said ‘is that photo really the best way to represent our

town?’” It’s a straightforward question, but one that opens up a world of possibilities – from changing a grotty photo for one you’ve taken and uploaded to Wikimedia Commons to helping improve a lowly Stub to a Start- or even C-class page. Registering as a Wikipedian (which you’re strongly encouraged to do), means a place within the community and a network to communicate with, but without the risks associated with social media profiles. The Wikimedia UK team believe that becoming an active contributor to Wikipedia makes young people more likely to engage with wider society. Certainly, the most recent annual UK survey shows that some 70% of all respondents agree that work done here had encouraged civic engagement. Wikipedia’s mission to share knowledge for free may date from a kinder internet age, but 25 years in it’s still here, and still with a far nobler purpose than data mining and clicks. That’s a fact worth celebrating for all those who were there then – perhaps even more so for the generations raised in an online world that, for the most part, sees them as exploitable commodities. “It’s about them understanding that Wikipedia is a place that isn’t driven by algorithms. There’s no private chat. It’s completely transparent. I think there’s a longing for that from young people,” says Lucy Crompton-Reid. For guidance on getting started as a contributor to Wikipedia, visit wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia: Contributing_to_Wikipedia To find out about Wikimedia UK education projects and contact the team, visit wikimedia.org.uk/home/education or email education@wikimedia.org.uk

“Wikipedia Future Initiatives’ work feeds into proﬁle raising, so that Gen Z and Gen Alpha know Wikipedia is there, a source of veriﬁed information, and it belongs to all of us” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

New London Transport Museum exhibition celebrates 30 years of the London Underground Football League

Transport

TA L K

A chance to visit the London Transport Museum Depot – and a look at football and the tube

rom Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September London Transport Museum is hosting its last Museum Depot open day event of 2026 inviting the public to go behind the scenes of its working collection store in Acton Town. September’s event celebrates London Transport’s much-loved design classics, which include the worldfamous Tube logo or ‘roundel’, the iconic London Underground map, Tube seating fabric or ‘moquette, iconic historic vehicles and its extensive collection of vintage publicity posters. Adults and curious young minds can enjoy a line-up of inspiring talks from a range of topics including architecture on the Piccadilly line which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year

and Art on the Underground. Families can take part in a variety of hands-on activities inspired this autumn’s design theme such as a match the moquette kid’s quiz. Guests will also be able to get up close to objects in the collection and watch live demonstrations of historic equipment. Those interested in a career in STEM and transport can meet TfL STEM Ambassadors in person to learn about career options. Visitors can climb aboard historic trains such as the 1927 standard stock and 1938 stock trains, get up close to the pioneering RM1 and RM2 buses, explore rare signalling equipment and the Museum’s world-renowned art and poster collection.

London Transport Museum is continuing summer football fever with a new exhibition that highlights a unique part of London's transport history – The London Underground Football League. Celebrating its 30th year in 2026, the league has grown from its grassroots beginnings in 1996 into a fully governed competition with FAcertified officials. Today, 12 teams represent almost all of London’s 11 Tube lines and beyond, including teams from the British Transport Police, the Overground and the Elizabeth line. The Between the Lines exhibition highlights the stories of these everyday Londoners. Displays include player profiles, photos, trophies, kits and personal items, plus a recreated team changing room. The exhibition is now open and expected to remain open until the end of the year. Entry to all London Transport Museum exhibitions is included with admission. Adult tickets include free return day-time entry for a whole year, and kids go free! Book at ltmuseum.co.uk

Football city: London and the beautiful game Thursday 10 September, 18:30-19:45 Panel discussion + Q&A An evening panel discussion, inspired by the exhibition will be chaired by football culture researcher Dr Josh Bland, in conversation with art and football writer, Orit Gat, and sports and architectural historian, Simon Inglis. The panel will explore how London shapes football, and how football has shaped London. Tickets £18, concessions available. Book at ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/talks

Book your ticket in advance visit ltmuseum.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Best of both worlds Single sex or co-ed? Berkhamsted School has the answer

very parent wants the right fit for their child, but independent schools often encourage an early choice. Will your child’s future school be small or large? Grounded in tradition or focused on the future? Co-educational or single sex? At Berkhamsted School, we've found the balance. We call it, ‘The best of both worlds’. Located around 40 minutes from Euston by train, Berkhamsted is within reach of London while keeping a small-town feel. Our campuses sit across Berkhamsted's scenic town centre, surrounded by acres of playing fields, woods and the historic canal. Distinct to Berkhamsted is our diamond structure, which lets your child experience co-educational and single-sex environments at stages suited to their development. At Pre-Prep and Prep, girls and boys are mixed. For Year Groups 7 to 11 pupils attend single-sex sites for their academic studies, so staff can tailor wellbeing support,

learning styles and opportunities to each gender. However, the two campuses will still mix through extra-curricular opportunities, benefitting pupils socially. At Sixth Form, students reunite at our new Sixth Form block, in a building designed to mirror university or the workplace. Our structure is about stretching pupils in new ways throughout their education, so that they don’t feel they outgrow the School, but rather that the School grows with them. Berkhamsted has the benefits of being a large school, but the diamond structure and multiple sites help it feel small. Individual campuses create close-knit communities where every pupil is known, while the wider school comes together often through society events, music concerts and sports fixtures. Ask a pupil where they go, and they won't say Berkhamsted Boys, or Girls, or Sixth. They'll say Berkhamsted School. We honour the founding principles of our school's foundation in 1541 while keeping sight of what's next. At our Castle campus, stained-glass chapel windows overlook our historic quad, while 100m away, the new Zaha Hadid Sixth Form offers sustainable, modern design shaped around academic independence. Tradition guides our values, but innovation guides our teaching: our curriculum is researchbacked, and our constantly evolving education technology is award-winning. Pupils feel the best of both worlds on results day too. This year, 23% of A Levels were awarded top grade A*, but those results were built on strong character education, extra-curricular opportunities and leadership programmes that run alongside academics. Pupils leave Berkhamsted with the grades to succeed, and the confidence, tenacity and happiness to make the most of them. To take a closer look at Berkhamsted’s Best of Both Worlds, book your place at our next open events on our website. berkhamsted.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AT FRANCIS HOLLAND PREP

A N I M A L

MAGIC

From providing comfort and teaching valuable lessons about empathy and care for the world around to supporting shy young readers, animals add magic that brings learning to life. Three schools tell us more about the rich beneﬁts they bring 152 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PREP

Chapter House Prep School, Queen Ethelburga's At Chapter House Prep, part of QE in North Yorkshire, there's no doubt of the value animal encounters add to school life and learning. But the Head of Chapter House Karen Kilkenny says the arrival of reading dog Carson has been one of the most successful and popular initiatives of all time, especially with the younger children (Chapter House educates children from age 3 to 10). "It has increased the confidence of reluctant readers having a non-judgemental audience. The children are purely reading for pleasure with no one pointing out mistakes or questioning them on the text," she says. Carson is a terrific listener, never interrupts or looks bored, and is more than happy to be read to. And the effect is profound. "We have seen their confidence increase and their reading has become more animated, with more expression – one

A GREAT LISTENER, CARSON SUPPORTS PUPIL PROGRESS AT CHAPTER HOUSE PREP, QE

“Thanks to Carson, QE pupils’ reading has become more conﬁdent – and one Year 1 child’s reading age improved by two years over one term” Year 1 child’s reading age has improved by two years over one term, and they are more curious about reading different texts." Carson does more than listen, playing an active part in school life by encouraging throwing practice – he gives his undivided attention if you throw a ball and will come back for more. He also encourages pupils to get outdoors in all weathers and enjoy a bit of exercise. Alongside his reading support, Carson helps to boost wellbeing for everyone. "Being around our calm, friendly Carson helps reduce children’s anxiety, boosts mood and gives the children a chance to talk about any worries in a nurturing, inclusive environment," adds Karen Kilkenny. She believes the friendship without judgement Carson provides helps children regulate their emotions. "His presence also encourages social interaction and fosters empathy and responsibility among our children."

While Carson is the undoubted star of Chapter House, the children have plenty of other opportunities to learn from animals, with visits to Yorkshire Wildlife Centre for the younger pupils and exciting trips to see the bigger wildlife of Chester Zoo for Year 5. Such visits reinforce classroom learning. KS1 children are learning about animals from Africa and Polar regions, as well as animals through time (including dinosaurs). Visits to see real species in their habitats builds curiosity and reinforces what they are learning about classification, food chains, diets, habitats and the differences between behaviours. As they move up the school, there is more scientific knowledge about rainforest habitats and animals, prey and predators, nutrition, and the way some animals have skeletons and muscles for support, protection and movement. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Downs Malvern At The Downs Malvern, animals play a large and lively role in school life, particularly through the school's smallholding, where pupils are able to experience animal care, food provenance and the natural world at first hand. "Our resident animals include pedigree Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, with numbers fluctuating depending on piglets," says Andy Nuttall. There are also around 40 Japanese quail, plus guinea fowl, ducks, chickens – including Cream Legbars and Cuckoo Marans. "And Ayam Cemani chickens from Indonesia," adds Andy Nuttall who, it's worth noting, studied Zoology at Imperial College. "We also have three beehives on site. In addition, sheep graze in our orchard, giving pupils the opportunity to learn from a local farmer, although the sheep are not part of the school’s own animal collection." This wonderful collection brings multiple learning opportunities. Pupils interact with the animals through regular farming activities, including Pre-Prep sessions on Fridays and Prep School farming activities as part of the school's extensive Saturday Hobbies programme. There's also the value of just having animals around. "Children from Nursery to Year 5 also pass the animals on their way to Forest School, making these encounters a familiar and joyful part of everyday school life." While all the animals are of interest, The pupils are enchanted by young animals – from the tiny quail chicks and ducklings to new piglets. "Different children naturally gravitate towards different aspects of animal husbandry. Some love the direct contact, whether that is gently cradling a quail or rubbing a pig’s tummy, while

AVIAN CARE AT THE DOWNS MALVERN AND (BELOW) QUALITY TIME WITH THE PEDIGREE PIGS

others are drawn to the practical side, such as building shelters and improving animal environments," adds Andy Nuttall. The team at The Downs Malvern find that its animals will often prompt wider conversations around empathy, responsibility and looking beyond ourselves. And caring for other living creatures helps pupils understand that animals have needs, routines and sensitivities, which encourages pupil patience, kindness and responsibility. Andy Nuttall can see big educational benefits. Children gain first-hand knowledge of life cycles and the features of different vertebrate groups, while also developing an understanding of food provenance and hygiene. They grow supplementary food for the animals, learning more about plant life cycles and the importance of ensuring a balanced diet. "These encounters also open

up broader conversations about seasonality, sustainability and food miles, particularly when discussing the value of locally produced meat and vegetables." Across The Downs Malvern, there is huge excitement when the smallholding welcomes a new arrival large or small. The children are also very interested in the life of the school beehives, leading an assembly on the pollinators' vital role in our world. “They recently enjoyed marking World Bee Day with a honey-tasting experience and honey-themed cuisine."

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EDUCATION • PREP

“At Francis Holland Prep, the annual Charity Dog Show is hotly contested, showcasing animal whisperer skills alongside creativity”

Francis Holland Prep School At Francis Holland Prep, school life is made joyful by Kanga, a Hungarian Vizsla Therapy Dog, who belongs to the school's Lead Counsellor and has been a resident for six years – ever since she was a puppy. Kanga is a key member of ContemPlace, the FHP counselling service, and works alongside five specialist human therapists. Pupils have the opportunity to drop in and visit Kanga whenever she is at the Prep – her time is split between Francis Holland Prep and the Senior School in Sloane Square. She comes into her own at the start of the academic year, especially for any new pupils finding it hard to settle, and she's also a huge support to Year 6 girls who are anxious about the 11+. Often, being with her for a few minutes is enough, say the team, and many friendships have been made between girls gathered in the Wellbeing Suite for a chat with Kanga. Children have lots of other opportunities to encounter the animal kingdom. Reception and KS1 pupils enjoy incubating, hatching and rearing a number of chicks at school each year as part of their work on life cycles. There have been similar projects with butterflies, which pupils loved. There are regular trips, including the annual Reception trip to Bocketts Farm – a firm Summer Term favourite – where children

FRANCIS HOLLAND THERAPY DOG KANGA

meet chickens, rabbits, horses, goats, cows and even ‘racing pigs’. The bespoke Francis Holland Foresters programme is tailored for every year group and combines nature identification with shelter building activities, connecting children with both animals and bugs. Girls learn about the importance of mini beasts within an ecosystem. Their creative skills are seen in bug hotels equipped with lifts, swimming pools and even bowling alleys. They also learn 'detective skills' over the course of the school year scouting for different tracks left by bigger beasts – including foxes and badgers. All this fun outdoor learning also embeds knowledge, and FHP immerses pupils in hands-on science and geography from the outset. In the Early Years, pupils explore through play, and their natural capacity for experimentation lays foundations for deeper scientific thinking. As they move through the school, the curriculum becomes increasingly specialised, introducing key concepts in biology, chemistry and physics. There are enrichment sessions for every year group involving animals to help bring these subjects to life. For example, Zoo Labs recently visited, bringing an array of fascinating creatures to support pupils’

learning about adaptation. From desert lizards that detach their tails to escape predators to giant snails with retractable eyes, the girls were captivated by the unique survival and adaptation strategies animals employ in their natural habitats. Zoo Labs gave pupils the opportunity to get up close and handle some of the animals. The girls held the white snake, felt the texture of the giant snails and observed the intricate details of the tarantula. This hands-on experience not only deepened their understanding of science and nature but also helped many overcome initial fears of 'creepy crawlies', fostering curiosity and appreciation for the beauty of wild creatures. Another aspect of animals up close, and a highlight of the school year, the Francis Holland Prep Charity Dog Show is all about fun and community spirit – raising funds for a chosen charity. This year, just under £2,000 was raised for School in a Bag. The competition is hotly contested by parents and pupils across five categories – Obedience, Loveliest Lady, Most Fabulous Fella, Puppy Love and Best Dressed. It offers pupils the opportunity to showcase their animal whisperer techniques, alongside creative and fashion skills and communication with the animals that bring magic to their life. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

A N E W C H A P T E R Why 2027 promises to be an exciting one for Reed’s School

eed’s School, a leading HMC independent day and boarding school, provides an education to around 850 pupils. From September 2027, girls will be welcomed into Year 7 as the school moves towards becoming fully co-educational by 2031. This isn’t a step into the unknown; it builds on more than three decades of success in Reed’s already thriving, oversubscribed co-educational Sixth Form. Reed’s has also recently welcomed Feltonfleet Prep School into its family of schools, bringing together three outstanding schools: Reed’s (ages 11–18), Feltonfleet (ages 3–13) and Ripley Court (ages 3–11) to offer families a genuinely co-educational path from early childhood right through to A Level. For parents, this brings clarity and continuity with access to excellence at every stage, and strong and natural transitions between schools. Set in over 40 acres of Surrey countryside in Cobham, the school enjoys

a genuinely beautiful setting, yet remains within easy reach, with good transport links via the A3 and an extensive bus service bringing pupils in from across the region. Pastoral care sits at the very heart of life at Reed’s. Pupils are known as individuals and the school puts real weight behind values, wellbeing and character alongside academic life – a philosophy that shapes everything and provides a range of experiences to provide a rounded education. Teaching at Reed’s is innovative, dynamic and progressive. Pupils learn because they’re genuinely curious, engaged and excited and because their teachers are too, bringing real passion and curiosity about the world into every lesson. The school’s facilities are modern and well thought-through, keeping firmly abreast of the demands of a contemporary education without losing sight of what people love most about the school: its warmth and close-knit community feel. A clear, long-term strategic plan means the school keeps evolving and anticipating the needs of its pupils, without losing

that sense of familiarity that families return for, generation after generation. At its core, Reed’s mission is simple: to develop the self-esteem and self-belief of each individual child by nurturing and inspiring them within a genuinely supportive environment to develop into happy, confident, articulate young men and women – the kind who can think critically and independently, who see the world from a global perspective, and who carry a strong moral compass. They leave Reed’s not just academically prepared, but equipped with the determination and skills to make a real difference in a rapidly changing world. Woven through all of this are the school’s core values: Integrity, Compassion, Curiosity, Resilience, Responsibility and Independence. They are lived out daily, shaping pupils into well-rounded individuals who are confident, personable, generous of spirit and deed, and who carry with them a genuine, lifelong love of learning. reeds.surrey.sch.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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M E E T T H E H E A D

EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Q&A WITH H A L C YO N L O N D O N I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C H O O L D I R E CTO R , MR JEFF LIPPMAN

Head and pupils at Halcyon London

Jeff Lippman HALCYON LONDON halcyonschool.com

Q What initially drew you to Halcyon? A I have been fortunate to work in top tier schools around the world, leading schools in Paris, Valencia, São Paulo and Silicon Valley. What drew me to Halcyon was the opportunity to work in a school that aligns so clearly with my values. Halcyon is a non-profit school, meaning every resource is directed towards what best serves our students. We are also deeply committed to the IB, a programme that pushes students beyond rote learning to engage with the world in all its complexity. Q In your mind what is the most important aspect of a great school? A That's easy: exceptional teachers. At Halcyon, our teachers bring both deep subject expertise and a joy for working with young people. Their role is to push students out of their comfort zones and challenge them to do their best, all while supporting their wellbeing and personal growth. In the process, students build trusting relationships with their teachers who become life-long mentors. The confidence that our students develop ensures they leave Halcyon ready to take on real-world challenges. Q How does Halcyon leverage its international student body to foster genuine global perspectives every day?

A Halcyon is diverse in so many ways. Our faculty and students represent more than 30 countries. We have a vibrant Mother Tongue programme with more than 10 languages offered, allowing students to affirm their own cultural heritage even as they immerse themselves in an international setting. At Halcyon students wrestle with the discomfort of having their views challenged each day in a supportive environment. This prepares them to be global citizens who care deeply about the world and are committed to being changemakers. Q Can you share a recent example of a student-led initiative that made you proud? A Being "student centred” is not just a buzz word. For us it means stepping back so students can own their learning. Our collaborative classroom spaces give students the confidence to lead discussions. Model United Nations is a completely student-run event where hundreds of students from across the UK gather at Halcyon as diplomats, offering solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems. Q What do you want people to know about Halcyon that they may not already know? A In my nearly 35 years as an educator, I have never worked in a school quite like Halcyon: a place where student wellbeing and academic rigour live side by side so seamlessly; where young people can show up as who they truly are, without fear. This is a community in the best sense: a school that challenges us all to be the best version of ourselves. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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challenging, and every child learns to approach life with ambition. Q What does a KAS education look like? A Through our forward-thinking, progressive approach to education, we have a curriculum full of learning experiences that are active, creative and challenging. Whether participating in outdoor learning or inter-disciplinary projects that enrich their learning and their sense of place in the world, you can recognise a KAS student because they are intellectually ambitious, genuinely interested in the world around them, and are actively engaged in developing a better future. Of course, examination success is also important, and our strong academic outcomes are a consequence of our approach to broad, holistic development.

Stephen Campbell

Stephen Campbell THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL kingalfred.org.uk

Q What makes the school stand out to you? A The King Alfred School is a place in which students feel a profound sense of belonging: this is immediately apparent when arriving at the school. I have worked in six different schools, including UK state and independent, international schools and one of the largest schools in Sydney, Australia; as part of these previous roles, I have visited dozens of other schools all around the world. Never have I seen a place in which children are as free to be themselves, to feel confident in being valued for themselves and at ease with those around them. This creates an atmosphere that is entirely unique and allows our children to take intellectual risks, to

think differently and to engage with their learning in a more human way. Q Why should families consider sending their children to KAS? A There are many things, but one of the most important is that our children and young people are genuinely happy at school. This is a consequence of them feeling seen, known and understood for all that they are and all that they can be. Feeling they belong to our community and that they matter is foundational in ensuring they have the confidence to be themselves. Achieving this starts with our belief that education should focus on the whole child, nurturing a love of learning and helping young people find the best of themselves. We establish an inclusive environment in which students express and develop their imagination, creativity and curiosity. We individualise learning, so education is exciting and

Q How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils? A Wellbeing has always been at the heart of KAS – we know that children and young people need to feel valued and known for who they are, and this is underpinned by our culture. We are less hierarchical and more democratic than other schools. First names are used between students and staff and there is no uniform. Every child is unique, and we get to know every individual so we can best support their learning, personal development and pastoral care. We strive to create a broader sense of community by having a close and positive relationship with families, so everyone feels they belong. I would encourage anyone to come along to one of our Open Events to discover more about us. Further information: kingalfred.org.uk Email admissions@kingalfred.org.uk Call us on 020 8457 5285/5170 Follow our socials: Facebook - @thekinglafredschool Instagram - the_king_alfred_school

WE INDIVIDUALISE LEARNING, SO E D U C AT I O N I S E XC I T I N G AND CHALLENGING

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP Head and pupils at Seaford College

Matt Williams SEAFORD COLLEGE seaford.org Lavington Park, near Petworth

Q What are you most proud of at your school? A What first attracted me to Seaford was the warmth and

authenticity of the community, and the breadth of opportunities for our students. Academic success matters enormously, but I am most proud of the young people who leave us as confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. Q Why did you want to become a head teacher? A I didn't set out to become a teacher, let alone a Head. Once I entered the profession, I quickly realised the profound impact education can have on young people's lives. Becoming a Head gave me the opportunity to shape not just individual pupils' experiences, but the culture and values of an entire community. Q What was your favourite subject at school and why? A English Literature. I loved the power of stories and the way great writing can challenge your thinking, broaden your perspective, and help you see the world through someone else's eyes. English taught me that words matter, whether you are reading a novel or trying to inspire a school community.

Q How do you relax outside of school? A Sport has always been a big part of my life. I love watching rugby (as a family we are big Bath fans) and cricket and continue to follow Aston Villa through the highs and lows. I also enjoy good food, going to the theatre, and walking our daft labrador, Murphy. Q If you were to become prime minister for a day, what’s the first thing you would change? A I would ensure that every young person, regardless of background, had access to a rich programme of sport, music, drama, outdoor education and other co-curricular opportunities. Some of life's most important lessons are learned beyond the classroom. Q What is the most surprising thing about you that people might not know? A I was once smuggled into northern France in the back of a Land Rover and, in my younger days, played the drums in an ABBA tribute band. Neither experience has proved particularly useful in school leadership. Not yet anyway. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

“85% of students secured places at prestigious Russell Group institutions” SIXTH FORMERS ENJOY A SEPARATE SIXTH FORM CENTRE AT ELTHAM COLLEGE

ELTHAM COLLEGE

Success

STORY

Exceptional exam results crown a remarkable year for Eltham College

his summer’s results days brought the best possible ending to another remarkable academic year at South London independent school Eltham College. A superb performance at GCSE – the highest grade, 9, being by far the most common, representing 59% of all results – placed Eltham among the UK’s top three co-educational schools in the country, according to The Times. More than a quarter of students achieved at least nine Grade 9s, with one, Emilio, becoming the proud owner of 13 GCSEs at the top grade. At A Level, top grades were also up. Close to one-third (31%) were A*, and two-thirds (66%) met the magic A*/A benchmark beloved of top universities. Unsurprisingly, 85% of students secured places at prestigious Russell Group institutions, with Oxbridge, Imperial, UCL, Warwick, Bristol, Exeter and Durham the favourites.

Vital as results are to students’ futures, Eltham College is about so much more, and its rich co-curricular programme also yielded a host of plaudits. Named one of The Cricketer’s Top 100 cricketing schools in November, Eltham’s sporting year ended fittingly with its U12 and U14 boys’ teams both being crowned Kent Cup champions. Other sporting accolades included the U14 girls taking the Kent netball crown, the girls’ Year 8 and 9 athletics teams both winning the regional Cambridge Cup, and the Kent Cup falling to the U16 boys’ Sevens rugby team. The boys’ U12 hockey team were crowned London Tier 1 Champions, the U13s taking the Kent title, while the girls’ U13s took fourth place in the national ISHC plate finals. There was national and regional success in ski racing, water polo, swimming and fencing. Music’s packed schedule of more than 70 performances included the first Battle of the Bands, alongside flagship orchestral and choral concerts at Blackheath Hall and Sinfonia Smith Square, while its inaugural summer

‘Elthambury’ festival brought a full day and evening of music to the College and its grounds. In drama, six pupils secured places on the National Youth Theatre’s prestigious summer school courses, while students thrilled audiences with polished performances in the school’s theatre. Three pupils were shortlisted for the Sovereign Art Foundation Student Prize, while an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, the National Scalextric4Schools Championship and the US Embassy’s Frankly Speaking Competition were among other notable successes. Community service – core to College life – included students completing a 12-hour overnight relay for the Personal Best Foundation and its work to make athletics accessible to disadvantaged young people, and a ‘Peace Relay’ from Berlin to the Hague, inspired by former pupil Eric Liddell (of ‘Chariots of Fire’ fame). To see Eltham College for yourself, join the school’s annual Open Day, Saturday 19 September. eltham-college.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TONBRIDGE SCHOOL CRICKETER

S P O R T I N G

VARIET Y Sport is intrinsic to school life. But where once it was trophy cabinets to be ﬁlled, now choice and inclusivity are key – so young people ﬁnd games they are inspired to take further, including into adult life. Four schools tell us how they ensure sporting variety

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EDUCATION • SPORT

Tonbridge School At Tonbridge School, sport is central to school life and an important element of pupils’ wider education. “Our approach is built around a simple philosophy: sport should be inclusive, challenging and enjoyable, while helping boys develop the character and life skills that will serve them well beyond school,” says Director of Sport, Chris Morgan. Sport is fully timetabled three times each week, underlining the value placed on physical activity and the lessons learned through participation. Across the academic year, boys can access more than 20 different activities, ranging from the traditional team games of rugby, hockey and cricket to athletics, basketball, swimming, tennis, fencing, badminton and cross-country. “The depth of our provision means pupils of all abilities have opportunities to represent the school and compete regularly,” adds Chris Morgan. “A distinctive feature of the Tonbridge programme is the involvement of our academic staff alongside specialist coaches, creating strong

ABOVE & BELOW A CRICKET MATCH IN PLAY AT TONBRIDGE AND LEARNING HOW TO SAIL

“A distinctive feature of the Tonbridge programme is the involvement of academic staff alongside specialist coaches” relationships between pupils and teachers both on and off the field.” Beyond the formal games programme, Tonbridge places significant emphasis on broadening participation and encouraging pupils to discover new interests. Thriving sports clubs operate throughout the year, many of them student-led, helping to create a culture where boys feel empowered to take ownership of physical activity. “Alongside established sports, we actively encourage ‘have a go’ opportunities and outdoor pursuits, ensuring pupils experience a wide variety of challenges and environments.” Chris Morgan notes that while some boys naturally gravitate towards traditional team sports, others prefer solo pursuits. “Our philosophy is to encourage pupils to try as many sports as possible for as long as possible. We appreciate that specialisation may eventually become necessary for some, particularly talented performers, but we aim to delay that process to support broader athletic development, reduce

burnout and minimise overuse injuries,” he says. This is assisted by a programme of education delivered through the school’s Sport, Health & Fitness curriculum. “Exposure to team sport remains important, whether through the games programme or our extensive House sport competitions, because of the teamwork, communication and resilience it fosters.” Creating an environment where pupils are willing to persevere, make mistakes and try again is considered vital. Tonbridge says that because sport sits within the timetable, boys understand that it is part of their education rather than simply an optional extra. “We continually reinforce the idea that sport provides opportunities to learn resilience, self-discipline and perspective. Success and failure are both valuable experiences, and pupils are encouraged to reflect, improve and support one another.” For those boys aiming higher in a particular sport, there is tailored guidance and careful monitoring via the Sport, Health and Fitness programme. In the first two years, all pupils are taught key training A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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principles, recovery, nutrition and injury prevention. Strength and conditioning coaches work closely with pupils and coaches to monitor workloads and promote sustainable athletic development. Sporting variety also includes introducing Tonbridge pupils to the broader benefits of games and activities that bring people together. “We believe sport has the power to connect communities,” says Chris Morgan. “Tonbridge regularly hosts community events, including walking cricket festivals, and runs weekly sporting activities with young unaccompanied child migrants. Recent initiatives have included a cricket festival bringing together police officers, migrants and Tonbridge pupils, using sport as a vehicle to foster understanding and shared experiences.”

Emanuel School Sport is a central part of life at Emanuel School in Battersea. “We are striving to deliver the very best sporting experience in London, with the aim being to provide every child, regardless of their starting point, with breadth of opportunity, variety of experience, confidence – and importantly the challenge – to find their long-lasting, personal pathway through sport,” says Director of Sport Sam Lavery. One of the most visible ways in which this is achieved is through variety. “Pupils change sports each term throughout their early years, with at least one additional sport introduced each year. This means that if a pupil does not immediately connect with a particular sport, they are never compelled to continue with it for more than a term,” says Sam Lavery. With broad exposure to different sports, Emanuel also looks beyond the classic school games with a broad range of development sports, including basketball, table tennis, squash, swimming, water polo, girls’ football, girls’ rugby, boys’ hockey and athletics. “These sports still retain their own fixture programme, while providing pupils with the opportunity to discover activities they may never otherwise have experienced – many of which they continue beyond school.” Sam Lavery says that the team sports still have allure. “Naturally, many pupils develop a passion for our traditional performance sports – rugby, football,

ABOVE & BELOW GIRLS AND BOYS HAVE A WEALTH OF SPORTS TO TRY AT EMANUEL, INCLUDING GAMES LIKE HOCKEY AND DISCIPLINES LIKE ROWING

cricket, hockey, netball and rowing. These sports foster strong social communities that pupils and parents alike become part of throughout their journey at Emanuel. Importantly, however, the flexibility within our programme allows pupils to move between sports and even pursue rowing alongside other activities as they establish their own sporting connection. As a result, when pupils do choose to commit more fully to one or more sports, that decision is informed, meaningful and more likely to remain with them into adult life.” Whatever sports ‘stick’, the emphasis at Emanuel is firmly on continual development, focusing on building aspiration, personal connection and empathy. The school ensures young people are aware that both victory and defeat make vital contributions within any sporting journey. “Pupils approach fixtures understanding that success can take many forms and that achievement is often shaped by the context and challenge presented on any given day,” adds Sam Lavery. One key part of Emanuel’s approach is

the grounding in athletic development that all pupils receive in their early years at the school. This provides a strong foundation of physical literacy and athletic capability to support whichever sports they favour as they progress through the school. There’s an in-house physiotherapist who works closely with both the athletic development and coaching teams, ensuring a proactive approach to prehabilitation and injury prevention. “Our staff know our pupils. With regular daily interactions both formally and informally, we strive to build

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DUKE OF YORK’S OFFERS BOTH BREADTH AND DEPTH IN SPORT

strong relationships to ensure that our pupils continue to receive both challenge and support, in the manner they need to pursue their aspirations. “The sporting provision at Emanuel also extends well beyond our own pupils. As a school, we are proud to sit at the heart of the local community. Each week, local primary schools join us to experience the opportunities available here. We also host annual tournaments across a range of sports and deliver holiday coaching programmes for the wider community.”

Duke of York’s Royal Military School At Duke of York’s, sport is built around both breadth of opportunity and individual choice, so that every student can discover activities they enjoy while developing a lifelong appreciation for physical activity. All students enjoy plenty of games opportunities, with two timetabled games afternoons each week. In Years 7–10, the programme centres on building a strong foundation in the school’s major sports – rugby, netball, hockey, athletics, cricket and tennis. There are regular fixtures and multiple teams across each age group. In the senior years, students are given

“Duke of York’s students explore new and emerging activities – such as mountain biking, rock climbing and girls’ rugby or football” greater autonomy, choosing from a range of options to suit their interests and strengths. Alongside this, a weekly PE lesson in Years 7–9 introduces a wider spectrum of activities, from swimming and gymnastics to trampolining, badminton and basketball. Sporting variety is further enriched through an extensive co-curricular programme of over 60 clubs each week. Duke of York’s students are encouraged to take part in at least two, with the flexibility to switch pursuits each term. This means they have the opportunity to explore new and emerging activities – such as mountain biking, rock climbing and girls’ rugby or football – while also ensuring additional, small-group training sessions for those pupils who want to develop further in core sports. The school places a strong emphasis on mindset as well as performance. Students are encouraged to set realistic,

individual goals and to see setbacks as part of the learning process. This approach is designed to foster perseverance and also maintain enjoyment, so that young people continue to see sport as a positive and motivating experience. For those with a particular passion, training is carefully structured to balance progression with wellbeing. Workloads are monitored across school and external commitments, and bespoke programmes come into play to help prevent overuse injuries. Students have access to one-to-one coaching, strength and conditioning and physiotherapy. An on-site medical centre ensures further holistic support. Budding athletes maintain a close collaboration with academic staff to ensure all is well. Beyond the school environment, sport is used to build community connections. Duke of York’s regularly hosts local fixtures, tournaments and inclusive events,

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MALVERN OFFERS 17 COMPETITIVE SPORTS, INCLUDING A STUDENT FAVOURITE, RUGBY

“At Malvern College, Inter-House competition is ﬁerce, but it’s also where sport feels most accessible and fun” while also opening its superb facilities to external clubs and organisations. This not only broadens participation but reinforces sport as a shared, lifelong pursuit. The school is proud of its sporting partnerships with professional clubs – including Rugby Scholarships with Saracens Rugby Club. The team at Duke of York’s say they are committed to variety and personal development, giving students the tools to find what they love and the confidence to pursue it in and beyond school.

Malvern College “After more than 160 years of history, almost every pupil leaves Malvern with a story that begins, ‘I played…’,” says Malvern College Director of Sport Mark Hardinges. “Whether that means representing the College, competing in House colours or simply trying something new for the first time, sport is a shared experience that defines a Malvern education.” The school works to ensure both depth and breadth to that experience. The traditional core of cricket, football, netball, rugby and hockey remains central, with opportunities that stretch from first-time participation to representing school, county and even country. “It not just the strength of these pathways, but the variety

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that ensures every pupil finds something meaningful during their time here,” adds Mark Hardinges. There are 17 competitive sports offered, with 158 active teams representing the school. It is particularly proud that 72% of pupils have represented Malvern in one of its competitive teams. Alongside the team mainstays, activities such as golf, fives, rackets and dance – plus a rich cocurricular and outdoor pursuits programme to encourage exploration – reflect the College’s broader philosophy of education. This variety is intentional, says Mark Hardinges. The school sees the opportunity to try different sports as encouraging pupils not to specialise too early, but to experience a wide range of activities. It means a cricketer might discover an aptitude for tennis, while a footballer may find that cross-country sharpens their stamina. Breadth not only reduces the risk of injury but fosters a more sustainable relationship with sport – one built on enjoyment as well as achievement. “Crucially, it also prepares pupils for life beyond school, equipping them with the confidence and desire to remain active long after the structure of school sport has fallen away.” At Malvern College, sport is not viewed in isolation, but as part of a wider approach that develops the whole child.

The variety on offer is designed to build far more than physical ability, as students develop emotional intelligence, cultural awareness and intellectual curiosity. “Sport is one of the most powerful ways we develop character. It teaches pupils how to respond to challenge, support others and understand themselves, as well as each other,” says Director of Co-Curricular and Character Justin Major. The team at Malvern believe there is real value in ensuring pupils share common sporting experiences. “For many of our international students, this includes exposure to traditional British sports they may not have encountered before. Engaging with these games is not simply about learning new rules or skills, it is a way of building cultural empathy and understanding. Through shared participation, pupils gain insight into each other’s backgrounds while developing a collective sense of identity and belonging,” adds Justin Major. As a boarding school, House sport sits at the heart of this culture, he adds. “Inter-House competition is fierce, but it’s also where sport feels most accessible and fun. Playing alongside housemates builds confidence, sharpens commitment and forges a strong sense of unity and belonging that lasts well beyond the game.”

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T H E

M O S T

I M P O R T A N T

LESS O N Why childhood is Rosemead's real curriculum by Christopher Woodward, head of Rosemead Prep

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

“A SCHOOL SHOULD NEVER BE A WAITING ROOM FOR THE FUTURE. IT IS A CHILD'S REALITY RIGHT NOW”

alk into most conversations about London independent schools and you will quickly find yourself talking about the finish line. Which senior schools do they feed into? What are the exam results? Where do the offers come from? In a market as crowded and competitive as south-east London's, it is an understandable instinct, but it is also a fundamentally mistaken one. A school should never simply be a waiting room for the future. It is a child's reality right now; a place where their earliest, most vital frameworks for understanding the world are built. Exams and next steps matter, of course. But at Rosemead, they are treated as the by-product of something else entirely: a childhood spent thinking, questioning and being taken seriously as a person, not simply as a future applicant. Before a child becomes a successful senior school

candidate, they are simply a child. They are discovering who they are, learning how to make sense of the world, finding their voice, making friends, getting things wrong, asking questions and beginning to understand what they might be capable of. Exceptional outcomes, the school argues, are not generated by pressure. They come from the joyful friction of challenging ideas, thoughtful teaching, and classrooms where intellectual ambition is simply part of the culture. INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN, A COMMON APPROACH Rosemead doesn't treat education as the transmission of facts, and its pupils are not expected to be passive recipients of a curriculum. Our aim is to teach children how to think, not what to think, and that shows up in the value placed on a brilliant question, not just a correct answer. Pupils are encouraged to analyse critically, test their ideas with confidence and understand that a thoughtful mistake is very often the beginning of real understanding. A child who has learned how to think critically is better equipped not only for the next stage of their education, but for a world that will continually ask them to adapt, evaluate information and solve unfamiliar problems. AMBITION WITHOUT EGO It is easy for academic ambition to tip into performance anxiety, particularly in a market where schools compete visibly on results. I want to avoid that trap. Our school shares the rigorous academic standards expected of a top-tier London prep school, but strips away the performative pressure that can come with it. Children should be challenged, but they should not feel that their worth depends on constantly proving themselves. The community is described as intensely grounded: built on the belief that a supportive,

cohesive environment is precisely what gives children the security to take bold intellectual risks: the freedom to be brave. We are serious about education, without taking ourselves too seriously. THE INTANGIBLE MATTERS This is perhaps the hardest thing to convey in a prospectus or on a website, and the reason a visit matters. A glossy brochure can list results and facilities. It cannot show you the atmosphere of an ordinary Tuesday morning: the noise of a classroom in full flow, the way pupils interact with one another, the energy of staff who are genuinely engaged in their work. I believe this is the real curriculum in motion. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOU South-east London parents are not short of independent school options, and most of them will show you good facilities and strong results, in a genuinely competitive market, and every prospectus will make a confident case. What's harder to find (or fake) is a culture. Choosing a school is partly an analytical decision: you will want to look at outcomes, pastoral structures, what happens after Year 6. But it is also, unavoidably, an instinctual one. You are asking whether this is a place where your child will be known, challenged and genuinely enjoy being a child, not just a place that will prepare them efficiently for the next stage. The future will come soon enough. For now, I believe children deserve to have a childhood worth remembering. If any of this resonates, I would love to show you around so you can see Rosemead for yourself: the culture of thinking, the kindness and confidence of the community, and the everyday atmosphere that, more than any results table, tells you what a school is actually like to grow up in. Discover more at the Open Day: 10 October rosemeadprep.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • MEET THE HEAD

Q How would you describe

your leadership style?

A My leadership style is warm, collaborative

LEADING WITH

Purpose Head of Eaton Square Prep School, Trish Watt discusses the values, ambitions and experiences that continue to guide her

Q What was your first Headship role and what would you say you learnt from it? A I am still in my first headship and continue to learn every day. One of the most important lessons has been that while the children in our classrooms remain the same age, we as educators grow older. It is therefore vital that we stay curious about the world they are growing up in and ensure they are prepared for the futures they will face. Q What attracted you to working

at Eaton Square Prep?

A I was initially attracted to the school's

diverse, inclusive community and its belief that academic ambition and the joy of childhood can go hand-in-hand. I loved the idea of a school where children are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, challenge themselves and achieve highly, while still enjoying a rich and happy childhood. That balance remains incredibly important to me today.

and ambitious. I believe people do their best work when they feel trusted, valued and united by a shared purpose. I set high expectations, particularly for the experience we provide for children, while encouraging innovation, new ideas and learning from mistakes. My role is to help talented people do their best work, always keeping children at the heart of what we do. Q What is your vision for the

future of your school?

A My vision is for us to continue to be a

school that combines academic ambition with an extraordinary childhood. Education is changing rapidly, and the world our children will enter as adults will be very different from the one we knew. Alongside strong academic foundations, they need curiosity, adaptability, confidence and the ability to think independently. I want our children to leave us not simply having achieved excellent outcomes, but knowing who they are, believing in what they can contribute and being excited about what comes next. Q What excites you about the start

of the new academic year?

A There is something quite magical about the

beginning of a new school year. No matter how many times you experience it, there is still that wonderful sense of possibility; new children arriving, familiar faces returning a little taller, new colleagues joining us and a whole year of opportunities ahead. I love seeing the school come back to life after the summer. Schools are just buildings without children in them, and there is something special about that first morning when the corridors fill once again with energy, excitement and laughter. That is when it truly feels like our school again. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

PA S S I O N

FEASIBILITY

N OV E LT Y

LEARNING IN THE

AI ERA In conversation with Dr Guillermo Gallacher, founder of Creative Research Tutoring

Q Tell us about Creative Research Tutoring A Creative Research Tutoring (CRT)

helps secondary school students carry out independent research projects, including the UK's EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), the IB Extended Essay, submissions to international journals for high-school students, and other forms of academic research. We start by finding a question the student is genuinely curious about and work with them through to a finished piece they're proud of. Sessions run online, one-to-one and in small group pods, so students get consistent, structured support wherever they're based. The goal is to develop valuable soft skills, such as communication and creativity, alongside hard skills, such as coding and data analysis. Students also learn to use AI effectively and responsibly, and to experiment across topics before committing to a university degree. I also provide workshops to schools. Q What's your own background? A I'm a London-based economist with a

PhD from the University of Washington,

Seattle. I've split my career between academia and industry, with peer-reviewed publications and research cited by outlets including Bloomberg and the Financial Times. I've taught economics and statistics at universities in the US, Canada, and Argentina, from undergraduate to PhD level. I've also mentored high-school students based in Japan, Switzerland, and the US, guiding them remotely through their research projects. Q How is CRT's approach different? A Two things. First, we treat AI as a research

tool to use well, not avoid or lean on blindly. Teaching students to use it thoughtfully is a genuine research skill, one most are never explicitly taught. Second, we focus as much on the softer side: communication, creativity, structuring an argument, presenting findings, and more. Those skills carry through to university and beyond, whatever a student ends up studying.

Q What got you into working with young people and creativity? A Long before academia, I was a sailing coach for kids aged 10 to 16, in both New Zealand and Argentina. Coaching and supervising research have more in common than you'd think. Both are about meeting someone where they are, building their confidence, and helping them push a little further than they thought they could. I'm also passionate about songwriting, music, creativity, and mindfulness. CRT is the result of all my own learning and experience. Q How can readers get started? A The easiest first step is a free online

consultation. You can book one by sending an email to guillermogallacher@ gmail.com directly. You can learn more about my background and framework on the CRT blog. My first post explored the idea that a good research topic, or 'sweet spot', sits at the intersection of passion, feasibility, and novelty, as shown in the diagram accompanying this piece. Read more on the CRT blog: crtutor.substack.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

“Grades matter. But progress can look different for every young person”

T H I N K D I F F E R E N T LY, T E AC H D I F F E R E N T LY At Burlington House School, results are only part of the story

here is always a lot of attention on grades at this time of year, and rightly so. For young people who have worked hard towards GCSEs, opening that envelope is a big moment. At Burlington House School, though, the number on the results sheet is only part of what we are looking at. Many of our pupils arrive having found aspects of school genuinely difficult. Dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning differences can make a traditional classroom a frustrating place, particularly when a young person knows they are capable but cannot always demonstrate it in the expected way. Our job is to change that experience. Burlington House combines a mainstream curriculum with specialist teaching and

support. Classes are small, staff know their pupils well and therapy works alongside teaching rather than sitting separately from it. That means support can be practical and individual, while expectations remain high. This year's GCSE results give us plenty to celebrate. Across 16 different subjects, 84 per cent of grades were at Grade 9 to 4. Pupils also achieved a 100 per cent pass rate across BTEC Level 1 and 2 courses and the Higher Project Qualification. English is an area where many of our pupils have had difficulties in the past, so a 100 per cent pass rate in English Literature and 91 per cent in English Language means a great deal to us. Functional Skills English also achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, while 75 per cent of pupils achieved Grades 9 to 4 in Mathematics. What perhaps tells the Burlington story best, however, is progress.

Last year's GCSE cohort was placed in the top one per cent nationally for Value Added by Fischer Family Trust, with pupils achieving an average of 2.1 grades above national predictions across their subjects. That matters to us because no two pupils arrive at Burlington House from the same starting point. The Independent Schools Inspectorate picked up on this during its January inspection too, noting that pupils make good progress from their starting points and achieve well, with teachers working closely with therapeutic and support staff to provide individualised support. Of course, school cannot just be about examinations. Some of the moments we are proudest of happen well away from an exam desk. A pupil completing their first residential, finding confidence through art or music, finishing a Duke of Edinburgh expedition or simply putting their hand up in a lesson when they would never have done so before. Grades matter. But progress can look different for every young person. Our aim is to make sure they have the chance to make it. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C H A R A C T E R

VALUES Why character is no longer simply a ‘nice to have’ By Tom Carter, Head of St Christopher's The Hall

sk any parent what they want for their child and, somewhere near the top of the list, you will probably find happiness, confidence and success. Ask schools the same question and we have traditionally been rather quicker to reach for the measurable: results, grades, scholarships and destinations. Those things matter. Of course they do. Academic ambition should remain at the heart of a good education. But increasingly, I believe we need to ask a bigger question: what will our children need not simply to succeed at school, but to flourish in a world that is changing extraordinarily quickly? Knowledge has never been more accessible. Technology, and particularly artificial intelligence, is transforming the way we find information, solve problems and work. The children sitting in our classrooms today will enter careers that may look very different by the time they reach adulthood, including some that do not yet exist. Against that backdrop, qualities such as resilience, adaptability, creativity and

teamwork stop looking like the softer edges of education. They become fundamental. For too long, there has been a tendency to create a false choice between academic rigour and developing the whole child. In reality, the two are inseparable. A resilient child is better equipped to persevere when the mathematics becomes difficult. Creativity gives a child the confidence to experiment with language in English and find their own voice. Teamwork on the sports field teaches them to communicate, cooperate and recognise the strengths of others. These aren’t qualities that sit alongside academic learning; they shape how children approach learning in every subject. Neither are they alternatives to academic success. They are among the things that make sustained success possible. At St Christopher’s, we talk explicitly about Character Values: resilience, teamwork, honesty, adaptability, ambition, respect, common sense, creativity and enthusiasm. But simply having a list of values is not enough. Character cannot be laminated, displayed on a wall and considered complete. Children need opportunities to live it.

TOM CARTER WITH PUPILS

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• PROMOTION • XXXXX EDUCATION XXXXXXXX

"THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND REMOVING EVERY OBSTACLE FROM THEIR WAY"

That means giving them genuine responsibility. It means expecting them to collaborate with people who think differently from them. It means encouraging them to take intellectual risks, make decisions and solve problems. And, importantly, it means allowing them occasionally to get things wrong. That last point can be particularly difficult for those of us who care for children. Our instinct is naturally to protect them. We want to smooth the path, solve the problem and prevent disappointment. But there is a difference between supporting children and removing every obstacle from their way. A childhood without any manageable difficulty leaves very little opportunity to discover that difficulties can be overcome. The small moments matter: not being selected for something; finding a piece of work genuinely challenging; having to resolve a disagreement with a friend; losing a match; standing up in front of others when you feel nervous. Within a supportive environment, these experiences help children discover something enormously powerful: I can cope with this.

That quiet confidence is perhaps one of the greatest gifts an education can provide. It is also why I think our understanding of what it means to prepare children for the future needs to evolve. Being “futureready” should not mean trying to predict precisely what the world will look like in 15 years’ time. We can’t. It means helping children develop the knowledge, skills and character to respond confidently when the world inevitably surprises them. And amid all this talk of preparation for the future, there is something else schools must remember: children are not simply adults in waiting. Childhood matters in its own right. There should be time to play, explore, laugh, create, compete, collaborate and become absorbed in things simply because they are interesting. A rich education should help children discover what excites them, what challenges them, what they care about and increasingly who they are. Ultimately, education is about far more than producing an impressive set of results at 11, 16 or 18. It is about developing young people who are knowledgeable and ambitious – but also curious, adaptable,

compassionate and brave enough to try something when success is not guaranteed. The world our children inherit will undoubtedly ask a great deal of them. Our responsibility is to give them the confidence and character to meet change, make good choices and contribute positively to the communities around them. Good results may open doors for children, but it is character that helps them decide which doors to walk through, and what they do once they get there. St Christopher’s the Hall is a co-educational prep school for ages 3-11 in Beckenham. Join us for Open Day on Saturday 10 October. stchristophersthehall.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

T H E

B E ST

START

Preparing for school at Devonshire Day Nursery

t Devonshire Day Nursery in Chiswick, devoted practitioners are passionate about giving children the confidence, independence and curiosity they need to thrive as they take their next big step into education. With a strong focus on preparing children for school, the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ setting provides pre-schoolers with a wealth of opportunities to develop the skills and confidence they need for a successful transition into Reception. Learning is rooted in play, while carefully designed experiences build strong foundations across key areas including phonics, early literacy, mark making and self-care. Children are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for themselves and their belongings, from practising putting on their own coats and shoes to managing mealtimes

and following familiar routines. Teachers from local schools are invited to meet the children, helping them become familiar with new faces, ask questions and approach their transition with greater confidence. Alongside these practical skills, practitioners place just as much importance on nurturing resilience, communication and emotional independence. Children are encouraged to make choices, solve problems, express their ideas and work collaboratively, developing the personal skills they need to settle into a new environment, build relationships and embrace new challenges. Budding scientists don their lab coats and goggles for weekly encounters with ‘Science Sid’ – the alter-ego of passionate practitioners who lead exciting STEM experiments. Meanwhile, young chefs design their own menus and explore the importance of nutrition and healthy lifestyles through the nursery’s Cooking Club. The setting’s approach to preparing

children for school is complemented by a wealth of opportunities to learn outdoors in the thoughtfully designed garden spaces. Here, the environment becomes an extension of the classroom, giving children the freedom to investigate, experiment and develop their understanding of the world around them. The setting has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag with Distinction through the international Eco-Schools programme, recognising its commitment to environmental education and helping children understand how their everyday actions make a difference. From recycling and conserving resources to growing vegetables and caring for the allotment area, sustainability is woven into everyday life. Rather than simply learning about the environment, children are given hands-on opportunities to care for it, helping them develop responsible habits from an early age while fostering a lasting appreciation for nature. Families are an important part of this journey too, with experienced practitioners offering guidance and support to help parents continue their children’s learning at home. The nursery also provides families with access to specialist resources and masterclasses with sector experts, offering practical ideas and advice as children prepare to embark on this exciting new chapter. For more information or to book a tour contact devonshire.nursery@childbase. com or call 020 8995 9538

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M O R E

T H A N

WO R D S How St Dunstan's College is proving that modern languages matter more than ever

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

Hundreds of students from St Dunstan's and neighbouring schools attend the event each year, reflecting a growing appetite for a fresh conversation about the place of languages in education. Its success has also attracted national attention. Earlier this year, Kate was invited to address Heads of Department and curriculum leaders from schools across the country at the Association for Language Learning. Her session shared how schools could replicate elements of St Dunstan's approach to increase student engagement and encourage more young people to continue studying languages beyond GCSE.

ST DUNSTAN'S STEMFL PHILOSOPHY COMBINES STEM WITH LANGUAGES

alk through the streets of London on any given day and you'll hear dozens of different languages spoken around you. Ours is one of the world's most international cities, where cultures, perspectives and experiences meet every day. Yet despite this, fewer young people across the UK are choosing to study modern foreign languages beyond GCSE. At first glance, the reasons seem obvious. English has become the world's lingua franca, while rapid advances in artificial intelligence and translation technology mean that communicating across borders has never been easier. If an app can translate a conversation in seconds, why spend years mastering another language? The answer is that learning a language has never really been about translation. As technology becomes increasingly capable of translating words, the uniquely human qualities developed through language learning become even more valuable. Curiosity. Empathy. Cultural understanding. The ability to see an issue through someone else's eyes. These are the skills that cannot be automated, and they are becoming increasingly important in a world shaped by AI and global collaboration. It's a point that Kate Melhorn, Modern Foreign Languages teacher at St Dunstan's College, believes passionately. "Studying a language to a high level fosters empathy, while also developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills," she explains. "If we look at AI in 2026, it is apparent that we desperately need more professionals with expertise in STEM who also possess high levels of empathy and the ability to view the world from multiple perspectives." Far from competing with science and technology, languages complement them.

At St Dunstan's, this philosophy has even earned its own name: 'STEMFL' – the idea that combining STEM subjects with a language equips young people with both technical expertise and the human insight needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The challenge, however, is helping students recognise that value. "There is no hiding the fact that studying a language to A Level and beyond is hard work," says Kate. "Our job as teachers is to help students understand why it is such a worthwhile investment." That investment extends far beyond examination results. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can collaborate internationally, build relationships across cultures and communicate with confidence in diverse environments. For young people entering careers that may not even exist yet, these qualities are likely to become every bit as valuable as technical knowledge. This belief has shaped the way languages are taught at St Dunstan's. Rather than seeing languages simply as classroom subjects, the department places equal emphasis on culture, global awareness and real-world application. Students are encouraged to explore literature, film and cuisine from across the Francophone, Hispanic and Germanspeaking worlds, while enrichment opportunities, international trips and collaborations with partner schools help bring classroom learning vividly to life. A clear example is the College's innovative Careers in Languages evening, which introduces pupils to professionals who use languages every day in careers spanning business, law, diplomacy, technology, marketing and international relations. By demonstrating the practical value of multilingualism, the evening helps students see languages as a gateway to future opportunities.

It was recognition of a wider philosophy: that inspiring students begins by helping them understand why languages matter. And while examinations inevitably demand attention, cultural curiosity should never become an optional extra. Whether through international experiences, authentic cultural learning or hearing older students share their own language journeys, every opportunity helps young people appreciate that learning another language opens doors to different ways of thinking as much as different ways of speaking. In a city as globally connected as London, that feels particularly significant. The future will belong to young people who can combine knowledge with understanding, innovation with empathy and technical expertise with the confidence to communicate across cultures. Language learning develops precisely those qualities. In an age when technology can translate almost anything, perhaps the greatest value of learning another language is not what it enables us to say, but what it enables us to understand. Discover more about the Modern Foreign Languages provision, and every other aspect of school life, at the St Dunstan’s College Open Day on Saturday 19 September. Book your place at stdunstanscollege.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Record BREAKER Broomwood shines with record scholarship success

roomwood is beginning the new academic year with plenty to celebrate, following an exceptional 12 months of recordbreaking scholarship success and prestigious national recognition. Pupils at the Clapham school secured an outstanding 49 scholarships to leading senior schools this year, the highest number in Broomwood’s history. Spanning academic achievement, sport, music, drama and art, the results reflect the breadth of talent within the school community. Nearly half of the scholarships were awarded for academic excellence, while pupils secured places at an impressive range of London day and boarding schools, including Alleyn’s, JAGS, Whitgift and Brighton College. Michael Hodge, Principal and Head of Broomwood Boys, said: ‘To receive a recordbreaking 49 scholarships is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects the hard work, ambition and character of our pupils, alongside the dedication and expertise of our staff. Over the last five years, scholarship offers at Broomwood have increased by more than 50 per cent, reflecting the strength of teaching, pastoral support and individual encouragement across the school.’ While the results are certainly a cause for celebration, Broomwood’s approach extends far beyond preparing children for examinations. Academic ambition is balanced with outstanding pastoral care and a rich programme of sport, music, drama, art and outdoor learning. The aim is to develop confident, curious and compassionate young people who are fully prepared for the next stage of their education. Louisa McCafferty, Head of Broomwood Girls, said: ‘We are committed to ensuring every child is known, encouraged and

challenged to achieve their very best, and it is wonderful to see our pupils recognised in this way as they move on to the next stage of their educational journey.’ The scholarship success comes during a year of significant external recognition for the school. Broomwood was named Best Independent Preparatory School in London at the Private Education Awards 2026, retaining the title for a second consecutive year. It was also selected for the Talk Education Top 250, which identifies leading independent schools across the UK, and received five nominations at the Education Choices Awards. Together, these accolades recognise not only Broomwood’s academic strength, but also the warmth and character of its community. Across its pre-prep and prep schools, children are encouraged to embrace new opportunities, develop

their interests and approach school life with confidence and enthusiasm. Growing demand has led to the opening of a third nursery classroom at Broomwood Pre-Prep this September. The expansion will enable more local families to experience the school’s nurturing and stimulating early-years education, where curiosity and a genuine love of learning are fostered from the very beginning. Families can discover Broomwood at its Open Morning on Friday 2 October, from 10am to 12.30pm. broomwood.com Broomwood operates a bus service across London, with routes serving areas including Pimlico, Wimbledon, Battersea and Tooting Bec, making the school accessible to families across the capital. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

BEYOND THE

Classroom Discover a broad curriculum and a growing range of pathways at LVS Ascot

VS Ascot is an awardwinning, strong and stable co-educational independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 4–19, inspiring students to exceed their expectations through a rounded education that combines academic ambition with exceptional opportunities in sport, performing arts, creativity and future-focused learning. The large and secure wooded campus includes an Infant & Junior School, Senior School and a Sixth Form, as well as four Boarding Houses within a spacious 26acre site in Ascot, Berkshire. The school provides an outstanding range of facilities including a Forest School, Discovery Den, indoor swimming pool, fully equipped 250-seat theatre with professional lighting and sound, Learning Resource Centre, astro pitch, fitness centre, wellbeing hub and a newly developed e-sports suite.

LVS Ascot is proud to offer a growing range of specialist pathways and scholarships, including Football Scholarships in partnership with Southampton FC, Aviation Scholarships, and opportunities within STEM, performing arts and leadership. These programmes are designed to help students develop their talents, build confidence and explore their future aspirations, both inside and beyond the classroom. The partnership with Southampton FC offers UK and international students several pathways towards careers in football, creating a stronger and more connected football environment within the school. Having Southampton FC coaches work directly with players raises the standard of coaching, strengthens the school’s footballing culture and opens up further opportunities for development. Importantly, this sporting ambition never comes at the expense of academic excellence. At LVS Ascot, what happens in the classroom matters just as much as what happens on the pitch, with students encouraged and supported to thrive both academically and through their wider interests and talents. Proud of its excellent academic and pastoral care, staff across the school work together to ensure that every student’s personal development is nurtured, believing that encouragement and support are essential in helping young people become caring, confident citizens for the future. As part of the LTC Education Group and owned by the Licensed Trade Charity, income generated by the school is continually reinvested into the campus, educational provision and co-curricular facilities, while also supporting the wider charitable work of the organisation. The best way to experience LVS Ascot is to see the school in action. Register for one of our upcoming Open Days to explore the campus, meet staff and students and discover why we’re proud to be LVS Ascot. www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk/open-days/ A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE REMAINS AT THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL

Head

START

A new chapter begins at Summer Fields Oxford

his September marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Summer Fields Oxford as John Floyd takes up the role of Headmaster. For John, it is far more than a new appointment; it is a homecoming. Having seen all four of his sons flourish during their time at Summer Fields, he understands first-hand the values, traditions and exceptional education that have shaped generations of boys. A passionate advocate for the school and for boys' education, John brings a genuine appreciation of what families are looking for when choosing the right school for their sons. Parents visiting Summer Fields for the first time often arrive with a long list of questions. John's calm, approachable manner and natural warmth quickly put families at ease, creating an environment where conversations feel personal and unhurried. Whether welcoming visitors

to an Open Morning or chatting on the sidelines of a match, he is committed to ensuring every family feels valued from the moment they arrive. Joining him is his wife, Henrietta (known as Hen), who is already well known within the Summer Fields community through the education of their sons. Together, they bring optimism, kindness and a strong sense of community that reflects the welcoming spirit at the heart of the school. Supporting John are Charlie Langley, Senior Deputy Headmaster, and Ollie Bishop, Deputy Headmaster. Together, the experienced leadership team shares a clear vision: to build on Summer Fields' distinguished 160-year history while preparing boys with the confidence, character and curiosity to thrive in an ever-changing world. Academic excellence remains at the heart of a Summer Fields education. In 2026, four pupils were awarded prestigious King's Scholarships to Eton, alongside

academic, sport, music and Design & Technology scholarships to leading senior schools including Harrow, Radley, St Edward's Oxford and Marlborough College. From the age of four, boys benefit from small class sizes, specialist teaching and personalised learning, complemented by the ever popular Forest School and daily movement that includes weekly swimming, PE and tennis lessons to encourage healthy habits from an early age. Many boys join as day pupils before having the option to board from Year 4 onwards. By Year 8, around 90% are boarders, enjoying a vibrant evening and weekend programme within a warm, family-centred boarding community. Set within 70 acres on the banks of the River Cherwell, Summer Fields offers an inspiring environment where boys can explore more than 100 co-curricular activities, from kayaking, golf and claypigeon shooting to journalism, cookery and stop-motion filmmaking. Sport is equally central to school life, with opportunities to participate in 26 different disciplines, while music and drama flourish through year-group concerts, choirs, major productions and an outstanding 93% Distinction rate in LAMDA examinations. As Summer Fields looks to the future, it remains true to the values that have defined the school for more than 160 years: community, friendship, perseverance, humility and a love of learning. Under John Floyd's leadership, the future is bright, and every boy is encouraged to discover his potential, develop his character and embrace every opportunity that lies ahead. Open Mornings, Friday 18th Sep: Pre-prep Saturday 19th September: Prep Call 01865 459204 to book in with registrar Christine, and see more at summerfields.com

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

G O O D

CAUSE

Sarum Hall steps up for Noah’s Ark Children's Hospice

arum Hall School demonstrated its strong sense of community and commitment to supporting others last term, raising vital funds for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice through two creative, energetic and inspiring fundraising events. In March, members of staff took on an ambitious sponsored half-marathon walk across London. Covering an impressive 13.1 miles, the group set off from Big Ben and made their way back to Belsize Park, showing determination and teamwork throughout the challenge. Alongside raising much-needed funds, the walk also helped increase awareness of the important work carried out by the hospice, which supports children with life-limiting conditions and provides care and guidance for their families. The initiative was led by Miss Burrows, alongside Mr Laws and Miss Furlong, who

“Combining teamwork, wellbeing and support for a meaningful cause” wanted to contribute personally to the school’s charitable efforts and encourage the wider community to get involved. Reflecting on the challenge, Miss Burrows explained that the idea developed from a previous group walk and that transforming it into a fundraising event “felt like the perfect way” to combine teamwork, wellbeing and support for a meaningful cause. At the same time, pupils embraced fundraising with equal enthusiasm during a lively and colourful charity day organised by Stuart House. Inspired by the theme of ‘Ark’, pupils arrived at school wearing a variety of animal-themed accessories and costumes, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere across the school. Form Time discussions encouraged thoughtful reflection on the idea of an ark as a symbol of belonging, inclusion and support. Pupils explored the importance of celebrating diversity and recognising the value of every individual within a community. Thanks to the combined efforts of staff, pupils and families, the school raised more than £16,000 last academic year. Faye, from the hospice, praised Sarum Hall’s dedication, describing the fundraising efforts as “incredibly moving” and commending the whole community for the positive difference they have made. sarumhallschool.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

“Breadth does not have to come at the expense of academic rigour”

B E YO N D

EXAMS

Results are just the beginning at TASIS England

cademic success matters. Parents want their children to work hard, fulfil their potential and achieve results that open doors to university and future opportunities. But a good education should prepare young people for much more than the next exam. Education should inspire curiosity. It should help children discover what interests them, recognise where their strengths lie, and develop the confidence to ask questions and think independently. Ultimately, education should equip students not only to succeed at school, but to make thoughtful choices about what comes next. Academic achievement is part of a much broader educational experience. Students benefit from being known as individuals, having their interests encouraged, and being given the freedom to explore before they are asked to specialise. Breadth does not have to

come at the expense of academic rigour. The two can work together, allowing students to pursue subjects in depth while continuing to make connections across disciplines. Those connections are increasingly important. With the growth of AI, the challenges students will encounter at university and in their careers are unlikely to fit neatly within the boundaries of a single subject. They will need to draw on different kinds of knowledge, consider problems from multiple perspectives and connect ideas that may initially seem unrelated. A scientist needs to understand ethics and communicate complex ideas clearly. An entrepreneur draws equally on technology, economics and an understanding of human behaviour. Whatever direction they choose, students will need the flexibility to learn, question, and adapt as that direction evolves. An international education adds another dimension to this breadth of thinking. Learning alongside people with different

experiences, cultures and perspectives encourages students to recognise that there may be more than one way to approach a question or solve a problem. It asks them to listen, articulate their own ideas and remain open to changing their minds. At TASIS England, this philosophy is reflected in an educational experience that combines individual attention with breadth and academic challenge. Small classes mean students are uniquely known and supported, while AP and IB pathways offer opportunities to maintain a broad programme of study while pursuing particular subjects at an advanced level. Strong results remain an important part of that journey. But perhaps the greater measure of an education is whether students leave school curious, confident, and capable of connecting what they have learned to the opportunities and challenges ahead. Good results can open doors. A great education prepares students for what they find on the other side.

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ABSOLUTELY • PARTNERSHIP

P R OT E C T I N G M O R E T H A N YO U R

ESTAT E Why inheritance tax planning is becoming part of everyday ﬁnancial planning B y S E A N W I L K I N S , S E N I O R PA R T N E R

SEAN WILKINS

nheritance tax (IHT) is becoming part of the financial planning conversation for more families than ever before. Across London, Surrey and the surrounding areas, rising property values mean more families are finding that their estates exceed IHT thresholds. With the nil-rate band remaining frozen at £325,000 since 2009, estates that once fell below the threshold are now being drawn into it. Many people are surprised to discover that it's the family home, rather than significant savings or investments, that brings their estate within the scope of IHT. Reviewing your position early can provide far more options than waiting until it becomes a concern. As a result, IHT planning has become less about wealth and more about helping ensure more of your estate passes to the people and causes that matter most.

LOOKING BEYOND THE NUMBERS It's easy to think of IHT in terms of allowances and percentages, but the starting point is often much simpler: what would you like your legacy to achieve? For some, that means helping children or grandchildren benefit from the family home. For others, it's about protecting a surviving partner, supporting a favourite charity or making sure personal wishes are carried out. Once those priorities are clear, the legal and financial decisions become much easier to shape. PLANNING AROUND YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES There is no single approach to IHT planning. The right approach depends on your circumstances, the assets you own and the people you want to provide for. Reviewing your Will is often the starting point, but IHT planning may also involve making use of gifting allowances, considering lifetime gifts or understanding the tax reliefs available. It can also prompt a wider review of Lasting Powers of Attorney and other estate planning arrangements, helping ensure they still reflect your wishes. Starting the conversation early gives you more time to consider your options and make informed decisions, rather than leaving difficult choices until later. PLANNING WITH CONFIDENCE At Owen White Catlin, conversations about IHT are rarely just about tax. They're about protecting family, preserving choice and helping clients feel confident that their affairs are in order. Tax rules will continue to change, but the value of planning ahead remains the same. If you're reviewing your affairs, updating your Will or would simply like to understand how IHT could affect your estate, our experienced Wills and Estate Administration team can provide clear, tailored advice to help you make informed decisions for the future. 020 8987 1400 contact@owc.co.uk owc.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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