FROM THE HEADMASTER
Back to School!
It was a pleasure to see the children return to school yesterday morning, though the excitement of the first morning was somewhat dampened by the heavy downpour. It is much more pleasing to see sun and blue sky today. It has been a lovely two days and so good to see the children settling into the routine of school life.
Equestrian Success
I was so pleased to hear of our Equestrian team’s successes during the summer holidays at the Hickstead National Finals. Many congratulations to Annabelle George, Florence Mills, Isabelle Corbett and Hattie White who won the 70cm class and so are Champions – what a brilliant achievement! Well done also to Willa Jack, Grace Evans, Aoife Morris, Isabella Wiseman and Emily Spencer for their fantastic riding on the day.
Hair and Appearance
This being the first newsletter of the new year I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of our pupils’ Dress Code, full details of which can be found on our website and in the Parent Information Pack all parents receive before they start at the school.
* If children have long or shoulder length hair below the collar (boys and girls), then it should be tied at the back of the head with green or black ribbon or hairband or clips to prevent hair from falling into their eyes.
* There should be no ‘fashion’ hairstyles, such as ‘mullets’ or very short ‘buzz cuts’, as these are not appropriate for school.
* Children should not come into school wearing make-up.
One of the reasons parents choose a school such as Spratton is because they want the children to ‘stay children’ for longer. Thank you so much for your support in helping us to achieve that.
Forthcoming Events
On Monday at 6.00pm, we have the Parents’ Information and Social Evening for Years 4, 5 and 6 on the terrace/Hunter Hall. This gives parents the opportunity to meet the teachers and to hear more about the year ahead.
Over the next two Fridays, I am very much looking forward to dining with Year 8. I am hosting half of the year group this evening and the other half next Friday. These are always splendid events where the children are made to feel so special for reaching the top of the school. They are always excellent company.
Finally, many congratulations to Mr and Mrs Woodhouse who were married during the summer. I wish them every happiness.
How nice it has been to have a two-day week. Next week, though, we’ll do the full five days! Do have a good weekend.
Simon Clarke
Headmaster
PRE-PREP
Happy New School Year!
What a wonderful start to the new school year! Our first day back on Thursday was everything we hoped it would be—a lively celebration of fresh starts, new friendships and endless possibilities.
Even the torrential rain couldn’t dampen spirits. As families arrived, the playground was awash with umbrellas, puddles and excited chatter. Children dashed through the downpour, coats flapping and shoes splashing, laughing and smiling as they made their way into their classrooms. Any first-day nerves were quickly forgotten in the shared adventure of braving the weather together!
The children of 1M were particularly excited by the look of their brand new classroom, which looks wonderfully colourful and inviting now that all the furniture and displays are in place. As the children found their shiny new coat pegs and spotted their pictures and photographs up on the walls, there was a real sense of ownership and pride as they settled in.
A Tremendous Start for Reception
What an achievement the first two days of school have been for our Reception children! Starting school for the very first time is no small feat and marks a truly special milestone. From hanging up their blazers and singing songs, to joining circle time and exploring the many inviting areas of their classrooms, both inside and out, each child has begun to embrace the many new routines with growing intrigue and confidence.
Wandering through RY and RG has filled me with such joy, that I find myself still smiling long after leaving their classrooms – I have been invited to make cakes with sparkly playdough and one little boy delighted joyfully announced that he was a “brilliant magneticer” as he showed us the model that he had built. At another table, a child, completely absorbed in colouring a dinosaur, suddenly looked up as the rain drummed against the windows and exclaimed, “Oh good, now my mummy doesn’t have to water the garden!” These spontaneous, heartfelt moments really capture the magic of being in Reception.
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to the following children who have achieved awards in Swimming:- Fleur Fox – Level 2, Louis Compton-Level 2 and 5m, Francis Blakemore – Level 3 and 10m, Henry Compton – Level 3 and 15m, Harley Horton – Walker – Level 3 and 10m and Angus Meikle – 5m.
Very well done also go to Isabella Wiseman who completed the 2K trial races at Winwick Hall, achieving ‘first female 2025’. Isabella must also be congratulated for being awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her outstanding support of the Lewy Foundation, a charity that lies very close to her heart.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
WELCOME BACK!
The new school year is off to a great start with everyone settling in well and looking forward to a fun-packed Autumn Term.
MUSIC
Meet the Music Department Peripatetic Staff – Tuesday 9th September
We are looking forward to meeting some of you at our ‘Meet the Music Department Staff’ event on Tuesday 9th September at 8.40–9.10am in the Drawing Room. Please note that this is a change from the advertised time in the calendar. The following Music staff will be attending:
Mrs King – Director of Music
Mrs Williams – Guitar
Ms Felszeghy – Piano
Mr Clark – Piano
Mr Atkinson-Rowley – Piano
Miss Hunting – Singing & Piano
Mr Smith – Brass
Mr Kilsby – Drums
Mrs Leech – Violin & Viola
Due to the days that they work and their other teaching commitments away from Spratton Hall, unfortunately, Mrs Moffat (clarinet/saxophone), Miss Retford (flute), Mrs Malitskie (cello), Mrs Mourant (oboe/bassoon) and Mrs Fountain (piano) are unable to attend. Should you wish to speak to them, they would be happy to organise a different time.
Exam Success
Congratulations to Toby Blake for gaining a merit in his Grade 2 trumpet exam last term.
NMPAT Music Ensembles
Following on from a successful audition last term, I am pleased to announce that several of our pupils have been awarded a place in one of the ensembles run by Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust.
Clara Benn – Violin – County Junior Orchestra
Elodie Farrow – Voice – NMPAT Singers
George Guppy – Violin – County Junior Orchestra
Jessica King – Cello – County Training Orchestra
Ethan Lane – Violin – County Junior Strings
Music Clubs
If your child has individual instrumental lessons or singing lessons, please be reminded that we do expect them to participate in the relevant music ensembles where possible. The only exception to this is for those pupils having drum lessons.
ART
Our new Art Department is now up and running and includes a ‘Pop Art Lounge’ area for pupils to use.
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Congratulations to Kyla Lindsay, Ralph Castledine, George Docker, Bertie Glason, Noah Clarke, Zak Kooner and Austin Boyson who have been selected to represent England and Spratton Hall in the MIS Gothia Cup (youth football) in Sweden in 2026.
LAMDA RESULTS
Well done to the following pupils (including some who left last term) on their recent exam results.
Lilly Brook – Distinction
Rory Corbett – Distinction
Isabelle Corbett – Distinction
Stephanie Smith – Distinction
Luke Mackaness – Merit
Amelie Inman – Distinction
Sofia Hopwell – Distinction
William Gard – Distinction
Archie Wright – Distinction
Toby Blake – Disinction
Devraj Sehmi – Merit
Lucas Fowler – Merit
Jack Brook – Distinction
Leilana Patel – Distinction
Lexi Vinamata – Distinction
Elodie Farrow – Distinction
Olive Scott – Distinction
Oscar Keki – Distinction
Bertie Glason – Distinction
Edward Gard – Distinction
Amelie Wilson – Distinction
Martha Miles – Distinction
Beatrice Harrison – Distinction
Oscar Phipps – Distinction
SCHOOL CALENDAR
A reminder to parents that any changes or additions to the published school calendar will be updated in the online calendar on the school website. A link to this is provided below and parents should check the website calendar every week for any amendments that may affect their child/children for the following week.
