FROM THE HEADMASTER
Reaching the February half term always feels like something of a milestone and a relief, particularly in view of the incessant rain and grey skies. It does feel that we have reached a turning point now that January has passed and when we return after half term we will enjoy the much lighter mornings and evenings.
Scholarship Successes
I am delighted to announce yet more scholarships. Further to her previously announced scholarships, Shanaya Phatak has also been awarded a Drama Scholarship to Stowe; Flynn Russell and Lewis Toms have each been awarded a Sport Scholarship to Oakham and Freddie Mayfield has been awarded a Sport Scholarship to Leicester Grammar, especially in view of his outstanding golf. Very well done, indeed, to them all.
New Governors
I am very pleased to inform you of some additions to the board of Governors. Mr Tom Beynon, who joined the board a few months ago, has had two children through the school and, as a chartered surveyor, will specialise in property. More recently, Mrs Louise Jessop and Mrs Anne-Marie O’Neill have also joined. Louise had two children through the school and is a practising solicitor. Anne-Marie had four children through the school and has much experience in running businesses. The Chairman of Governors and I very much look forward to working with them all in the future and we are grateful in anticipation of their time and expertise.
This Week
I was so pleased to hear how successful our Cross-Country teams were at the Swanbourne Chase yesterday. Particularly well done to Eoin Fitzpatrick, George Docker and Mara Hamilton, all of whom finished in the top 3 of their individual races out of around 70 runners – very impressive!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Year 3 production ‘Wiz, Wham, Alakazam’ last night and felt that the play was a real ensemble piece, particularly lending itself to the children being fully involved throughout and being able to show off their various and many talents. Very well done to the cast and, of course, to Mrs Hanford, Miss Govier, Mrs King and the Year 3 team for all their hard work.
Half Term
Very well done to all the pupils and staff for all their hard work and achievements in this half term. I do hope you and the children enjoy a very good week and, if travelling, I wish you safe journeys. I look forward to seeing the children return a week on Monday, when, hopefully, the Spring Term will live up to its name.
Simon Clarke
Headmaster
PRE-PREP
Celebrating Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
It was so wonderful to see the children wrapped in their scarves on Wednesday – a colourful, visual reminder of the warmth, connection and support that surround them both at home and at school. Recognising our emotions and noticing how we are feeling on the inside is so important. Joining us in our assembly, Mrs Fordy, our Wellbeing Lead, taught the children some calming and relaxing breathing techniques. Set to gentle music, we explored ‘bee breaths’, ‘balloon breathing’ and even ‘bubble breaths’ – simple ways to help us pause and reset.
Kung Hei Fat Choi ~ Getting Ready to Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year!
As families around the world busily prepare for the Chinese Lunar New Year, which begins next week, Year 2 were delighted to welcome Micah’s mummy into the classroom to share her knowledge of this special festival. Mrs Leung offered a fascinating insight into the rich traditions, helped the children to write their own Chinese greetings, and kindly brought beautiful lantern decorations along with a fortune cookie for each child. Her visit certainly whetted our appetites for the delicious Chinese lunch the catering team treated us to on Thursday.
Year 1 Enjoy an Egyptian Adventure!
Earlier this week, Year 1 set off on an exciting trip to Birmingham Museum to explore some of the fascinating history of Ancient Egypt. The children loved learning about life in those times, getting hands-on with real artefacts, and trying on Ancient Egyptian-style clothes. They were intrigued to see Canopic jars and even mummified exhibits up close. A highly enjoyable day out, which enriched the children’s understanding of their topic further.
Year 2 Assembly – a Magical Matilda Medley
Finally, on Thursday, our Year 2 children performed a fabulous assembly to their parents, friends and family, which was bursting with energy. Through their Literacy focus on characterisation, they brought Roald Dahl’s much-loved story of Matilda to life, exploring exactly what it is that makes each character so memorable — from clever, quick thinking Matilda to the terrifying and formidable Miss Trunchbull. Mrs King, our Director of Music, added to the magic by putting together an amazing medley of Matilda songs, which the children sang brilliantly and with real gusto. The huge applause at the end showed the children just how immensely proud of them we all felt.
It’s Half Term!
Now that half term is upon us, a few additional reading books have been popped into the children’s book bags to enjoy. The children have also been encouraged to complete their Numbots activity challenges over the holiday too – this is just 10 minutes for the children in Years 1 and 2, and 5 minutes for the children in Reception.
We wish you all a restful, enjoyable half term break and are excited to get going again soon!
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Willa Jack who competed in the Bloxham Eventer Series Championship, supporting the Spratton Hall Equestrian team to gain 4th place in the 65cm jump, and 6th place when she competed individually – an incredible achievement considering Willa was the youngest competitor in the event.
Congratulations also go to Romilly Boyson who took part in the Midlands Ski Cup Winter Race League and achieved 1st place in the female U8 category.
Finally, very well done to the following children for their swimming achievements: Antonia Paul – Level 3, Alfie Dalby – 5m and Zianah Somani-Pham who gained a medal for her effort and skill in mastering breast stroke.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
Junior House Humanities
1st – Raleigh, 2nd – Drake, 3rd – Frobisher, 4th – Grenville
Year 5 Gaming
1st – Raleigh, 2nd Drake, 3rd Grenville, 4th Frobisher
DRAMA
A final plea for props for ‘Oliver!’, just a few final things, if anyone can help.
Please put a small named sticky label on any items so that I can return the item.
2 x large wooden spoons or ladles (40cm/15”, or longer)
Metal plates, mugs (plain, old fashioned looking)
Small simple wooden tray (not fancy)
Fake cooked meat (realistic looking)
Old blankets/throws (old-fashioned, not posh)
3 x old-fashioned (besom) brooms
2 x old-fashioned carpet beaters
3 x old looking metal buckets (pails)
(yet more!) 4 or 5 metal tankards
Wooden hula hoops
Many thanks
Mr Williams
MUSIC
Informal Concert Years 3-7
The Informal Concert on Monday was a real treat. It was wonderful to hear so many of our Year 3-7 pupils perform, some for the first time. There were quite a few nerves in the room, but this did not stop the children taking to the stage. It was lovely to hear such a variety of pieces being played. Congratulations to all of the pupils who performed and thank you to all the parents who attended, you were a really supportive audience for the children.
Termination of Music Lessons
Please be aware that, if you wish to cancel music lessons from the start of the Summer term, notice must be received by February half term. Those now paying through the NMPAT Direct Billing system, need to check their terms and conditions regarding giving notice for lessons.
Mrs King
SPORT
Junior Swanbourne Chase 2026
It was a wet and grey day last Thursday, but the smiling faces of the Year 3 and 4 girls and boys travelling to Swanbourne for their first junior race brightened the gloom. Many were competing in their very first race, and they delivered a superb set of performances.
The Year 4 boys produced a fantastic team effort, securing an impressive 3rd place overall. A huge well done to Arthur Stike-Doyle for leading the team home, with the rest of the boys finishing close behind.
The Year 4 girls went one better, finishing 2nd overall. Octavia Podesta ran brilliantly to claim 2nd place, while Alice Maule narrowly missed out on the podium with a strong 4th-place finish.
The Year 3 boys set off with real determination, with most of the team in the leading pack for much of the race. A special mention goes to Freddie Warner for finishing 3rd, followed by Harry Fitzpatrick, Austin Marriot and Leonardo Dep-Shepherd in 4th, 5th and 6th places respectively — securing victory in the team event! Special mention to our guest runners too with Alba Coleman finishing 7th and George Armstrong 8th.
Not to be outdone, the Year 3 girls ran an outstanding race, taking control from the very start and maintaining their lead throughout. The team achieved a perfect team score to win the event. Congratulations to Aoife Ryan for winning the race, Willa Mercer for finishing 2nd, Jasmine Zahiri-Mehrabadi in 3rd, Ottilie Osborne in 4th and our guest runner, Ione Vowles, in 6th.
Huge congratulations to every single runner.
Senior Swanbourne Chase 2026
A dreary day provided a fitting backdrop for an already challenging course, with persistent rain turning the ground heavy and slippery and creating some enormous puddles to navigate. Even in spikes, the conditions were tough underfoot. Despite this, everyone gave a superb account of themselves, producing some excellent individual performances in races featuring around 70 competitors in each event.
U11 Girls:
The girls ran brilliantly as a pack, with Alicia Szechenyi finishing 6th, closely followed by Sophia Slowey, Amelia Legg and Jemima Paul, all placing inside the top 17. With Lexi Mercer and Sophia Roseveare completing the team, every runner finished inside the top 21.
U11 Boys:
Another outstanding result for Eoin Fitzpatrick, who finished in 2nd place, with Ralph Fytche-Drage not far behind in 5th. Zak Kooner also produced a gutsy performance to finish 18th. Thomas Hassell, Albert Rand and Rory Waite faced tough races but showed real determination to run strongly through to the finish.
U13 Boys:
The boys showed great determination in a very competitive field. Huge congratulations to George Docker, who finished 3rd, with Eddie Szechenyi and George Guppy close behind in 13th and 14th respectively. Blake Purcell and Ralph Castledine completed the team, with all five finishing inside the top 24 — a tremendous achievement.
U13 Girls:
The girls did not quite get the start they had hoped for, with Isabella Szechenyi falling and setting off three minutes after the rest of the field. Remarkably, she fought back to overtake most of the runners and finish 9th. Close behind were Anna Sanders, Flo Mills, Emily Spencer and Bea Harrison, all finishing inside the top 21. Our first runner home, however, was Mara Hamilton, who battled superbly to secure 3rd place and a well-deserved podium finish.
Boys’ IAPS Hockey
The boys’ hockey teams have enjoyed a very successful couple of weeks at the IAPS competitions.
Firstly, the Year 7 boys finished second in their group after recording one win, one draw and one loss. This earned them a quarter-final against St Neot’s, which they won. Unfortunately, they then faced a strong Seaford College side who went on to reach the final. The boys learnt a great deal from the experience and relished the opportunity to test themselves against some outstanding hockey players. Finishing 4th in the National Prep Schools competition is a superb achievement, and one they should all be immensely proud of.
Last week, the Year 8 boys competed in their Regional IAPS tournament. They also progressed through the group stage in 2nd place, securing two wins and a loss to the eventual winners, Merchant Taylors. In the quarter-finals, the boys produced a superb performance — arguably the game of their lives — working tirelessly to earn a 2–1 victory over Bishop’s Stortford. This set up a semi-final against Westbourne House, where they battled bravely but were edged out 1–0, finishing 4th in the region. This marks the highest finish the school has achieved in many years.
Mr White
ART
Artist of the Week
With the amazing donations of plants from Mrs Turculet we built our own still-life Art Jungle. This half-term Years 3&4 have been working on pictures of ‘The Art Jungle’ still-life.
Artist of the Week is Ethan Lane (4R) for his detailed still-life picture.
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Congratulations to Grace who brought home an impressive 6 medals at the county swimming championships:-
– 3 Silver medals in 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke
– Bronze medals in 50m Free Girls Relay, 200m backstroke, and 50m backstroke
– 4th place & PB in the 200m IM
Congratulations also to Peggy who won the U13 Girls’ County Table Tennis Championships this week and will, no doubt, enter into the National School Tournament also!
Well done to Sophia Hodgkins who was awarded her grade 11 in gymnastics last weekend.
SHSPA 75th ANNIVERSARY SPRING BALL
Preparations are underway for the SHSPA 75th Anniversary Spring Ball on Saturday 16th May and bookings will open soon with tables of 10-12 available.
There are various opportunities to support the event including:
Auction lots – donations for the charity auction that will take place on the evening
Advertising in the auction catalogue – available in quarter, half of full pages
Sponsorship – we have opportunities to sponsor various elements of the evening
To express your interest in any of the above please email shspa@sprattonhall.com for further details.
