Huge congratulations to our Equestrian team, Year 10’s Grace, Year 11’s Harry and Zac and Year 13’s Eve, on winning the HWA Intermediate 90-95cm Team Eventers’ Challenge Championships at the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships last week at Hickstead. This now totals five Eventers’ Challenge team wins in the last four years and is an incredible achievement – well done!
Our team of Year 9’s Kirsty, along with Year 8’s Daisy and Tati, also took second place (just one second behind the winners!) in the 70-75cm Showjumping County Championships – another incredible achievement.
Our report from Equestrian Coach Jake Hall shares more.
Jake Hall, Equestrian Coach
“Another year, another NSEA Championship Title!
We are beyond proud of Team Woodbridge School at this year’s NSEA Championship Hickstead on winning the 90-95 Eventers Challenge Championship. Our team of Year 10’s Grace, Year 11’s Harry and Zac and Year 13’s Eve, held first place position from early morning until the end of the day; it is an incredibly huge achievement to take this title.
Woodbridge then went on to take second place in the 70-75cm Showjumping County Championship, congratulations to our riders Year 9’s Kirsty, along with Year 8’s Daisy and Tati. They each jumped round one clear, then went on to all jump a second round clear – and very quickly. Coming in just one second behind the winners, this was another incredible achievement, well done everyone!
Thank you to all the riders for being not only brilliant riders but also for making these trips so much fun. Huge shout out to their parents who are so dedicated – we couldn’t do it without you!”
Year 12 Physics students and aspiring medics recently attended a workshop in conjunction with Churchill College, University of Cambridge, based in the West Hub Research Centre. The visit provided an opportunity to explore the fields of medical technology (medtech) and biomedical engineering while gaining an insight into university life and applications.
During the morning session, students took part in a series of practical and problem-solving activities. One challenge involved designing and managing a ‘hospital of the future’, where teams considered how emerging technologies could improve patient care, efficiency, and healthcare outcomes.
Students also worked with Arduino circuits to create and programme a robotic arm, modelling the type of technology used in modern surgical procedures. This activity demonstrated how principles of physics, engineering, and computing can be applied in real-world medical settings.
Enjoying lunch in the Churchill College canteen before taking part in a guided tour of the college grounds and facilities, students were given a real insight into student life at Cambridge and the resources available to undergraduates.
The day concluded with a workshop on the Oxbridge application process, learning about the admissions procedure, personal statements, interviews, and ways to strengthen a university application. This session offered valuable guidance for those considering applying to the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge in the future.
As rehearsals continue for Year 9’s Shakespeare on the Lawn production of The Comedy of Errors, we recently met with Design students involved in collaborating with our Drama team on the programme design.
With the designs taking shape for our bespoke programme, as well as an exciting new line of merchandise, it was great to talk to Year 12’s Selena, Laura and Margot about their thoughts on progress so far, as well as how it feels to be working on such an exciting project.
Year 12’s Margot
“I think the most rewarding thing about the experience is having something that I’ve designed and made put out to the public, not just for students and teachers. I’m gaining so much experience thorough the whole process, it’s a brilliant experience. The most challenging part is definitely coming up with the right balance between the elements of the play and the contents of the design brief – but we’re making great progress!”
Year 12’s Laura
“This collaboration is a real-world application of our A level course. All of the skills I’ve learned during my time at School are being put into something that is actually going to be used outside of classroom; it’s very exciting.”
Year 12’s Selena
“Although I’m not specifically focusing on graphics beyond A levels, I am looking to do something creative in my future career. This project has taught me lots of transferrable skills, including: working in a team, adapting ideas to a brief, improving my drawing practice – these can all help me in the future, in so many ways.”
The production is being set in 1970s Brighton, so you can expect bright colours and bold prints as part of this design brief. Once all the designs have been submitted, just one will be chosen for the programme, featuring one of our talented designers. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to shop all of our designers’ work at the merchandise stall at this year’s Shakespeare on the Lawn.
Make sure you come along on 30 June and 1 July to secure your limited-edition souvenir. Tickets for both performances went on sale Monday 1 June and are available from ticketsource.com/woodbridge-school-drama.
Our Year 8, 10 and 12 Geographers have been out and about on various field trips to Dunwich, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe respectively. Our report from Mrs Gill our Head of Geography, shares more details about each of them.
Mrs Gill, Head of Geography
“The Geography department have been making the most of the (mostly) Spring sunshine (apologies Year 12 who had more than a little rain!) to embark on various field trips in the local area.
Year 8 arrived on the beach at Dunwich to try to identify what processes are occurring and if erosion is still happening. They measured beach profiles, sediment characteristics, wave types, rates of longshore drift and drew field sketches. They also learned a little about the history of this once great medieval city – now a village of less than 200 people – all because of erosion! In paper 3 of the GCSE exam, students are questioned about fieldwork techniques, such as sampling strategies, and have to use their own experience to answer questions on the accuracy and reliability of their data collection methods and assessment of the validity of their conclusions.
The coastal defences to the south of Aldeburgh provided an excellent opportunity for Year 10 to see if the groynes, seawall and riprap are effective and to find out what other alternatives might be being considered. It was a little overcast and cool but students eventually collected the data required to write up their enquiry.
Year 12 were at Felixstowe completing two different pieces of fieldwork. Firstly, they walked a transect through the town and along the prom, investigating the theory of rebranding. UK seaside towns have declined as tourism destinations, and they have had to reinvent themselves for both visitors and residents; this part of the investigation was to identify what has been done in Felixstowe. After a fish and chip lunch, the very damp Year 12 geographers took soggy measurements to answer the question ‘To what extent do beaches between groynes conform to a typical model diagram?’
The constant rain meant that sadly there are no photos of our very resilient Year 12 students, but it’s such a valuable learning opportunity – a chance to practise fieldwork techniques, learn new ways of collecting different types of data and also to confirm and question ideas learned in the classroom. The formal writing up of their investigations also reinforces good enquiry structure for when students complete their own individual investigation, worth up to 20% of their actual A level.”
Our talented musicians gathered at St Mary’s Church for an evening of exceptional chamber music last week. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported our students, and to the music teachers and staff whose dedication made this wonderful event possible. Our Director of Music, Mr Woodley shared his review of this delightful evening.
“What a truly beautiful evening! The atmosphere at St Mary’s was stunning, with the spring sunshine streaming through the church windows as we enjoyed a diverse and sophisticated programme that highlighted the immense talent of our students.
The success of the evening was a testament to the students’ hard work in preparation; from the intricate lines of the Baroque era to modern arrangements, every performance was met with warm appreciation from the audience.
Seckford Strings opened the concert vibrantly with Purcell’s Rondeau from Abdelazer. Our thanks go to Mrs Brennan for her expert coaching of this ensemble and our two string quartets, whose performances throughout the night were a credit to her guidance. Following the opening, we enjoyed a masterful performance of Lili Boulanger’s D’un matin de printemps by our soloist Georgia on the violin.
Vocalist Year 13’s Emily provided a moment of grace with her performance of the Recitative Behold, a virgin shall conceive from Handel’s Messiah, demonstrating great vocal maturity. The Mozart Quintet then brought classical elegance to the church with the Minuet and Trio from Divertimento.
The second half of the programme offered wonderful variety. The Senior String Quartet showcased their versatility with a fun arrangement of Food Glorious Food, followed by the cello ensemble, Cellisti. They performed Cellango!, a piece of particular significance as it was composed for GCSE music coursework by an Old Woodbridgian. A further highlight was the collaboration between Year 7’s Anasuya and her sister on violin and piano, who performed Tchaikovsky’s Chanson Triste with great sensitivity.
The evening reached a grand conclusion with the Chamber Orchestra, under the superb conducting of Mrs Alzapiedi. They were joined by Old Woodbridgian Abigail returning to play with the ensemble. Their performance of movements from Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite—including the Basse Danse, Pavane, Pieds-en-L’air, and Mattachins—was a resounding success and a fitting end to a sophisticated night of music.
It was a joy to see our community come together to celebrate these young musicians in such a vibrant and encouraging environment!”
I am delighted to be able to share with you our exceptional report from our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, and can confirm that all regulatory standards have been met, highlighting numerous areas of excellence across School life.
The inspectors took their time to get to understand the culture of our values driven School and its inner workings. Their findings reflect the School that we all know, and states that every child thrives through the support of our staff, governors, pastoral care, the curriculum offering itself, and our extensive co-curricular offering.
Shona Norman, Head
Having introduced a new inspection framework in September 2023, the ISI’s new framework does not use single word judgements or grades; instead, inspectors report on whether standards are met or unmet with a reference to each section of a five point framework.
ISI standards are inspected and considered relating to:
Leadership and management
Quality of education
Students’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing
Students’ social and economic education and contribution to society
Safeguarding
A team of nine inspectors visited Woodbridge School in March 2026, three years on from our last inspection where the School achieved double ‘Excellent’. As well as observation and analysis, the inspectors considered the views of students, staff and parents who responded to the ISI’s confidential pre-inspection questionnaire to reach their conclusions.
Confirming within the report that students across the entire School feel, “…overwhelmingly happy and safe in School. They are secure in the knowledge that they are cared for well”, it goes on to share that our boarders, “are happy and proud of their house”, which speaks volumes for their experience living and learning at Woodbridge School.
Going on to highlight the School’s values of character, kindness, community and excellence,
“Leaders ensure that the values are evident in policies and daily routines. Because of this, students’ behaviour and treatment of others is notably courteous and considerate. Leaders create a culture where mutual respect is paramount and the School environment is welcoming, differences are respected and students are able to express their individuality.”
Ever-encouraging a sense of belonging, all staff, including those that comprise the Senior Leadership Team, share exceptional relationships with students throughout the School, and the report recognised this with,
“Leaders are highly visible around the site, inspiring trust and confidence among students, staff and parents. They teach classes and know students and all members of staff by name, using learning walks to monitor standards and to keep informed about all aspects of School life. Their determination to be visible in the School community creates an egalitarian culture with a marked sense of belonging. Leaders model the Schools values, treating others with kindness and respect and are always eager to improve.”
In terms of success, the report recognises that, “Students of all ages achieve highly in relation to their starting point” and that recognition extends to detail that this is true for all students in relation to support for SEND, EAL, pastoral and academic need.
With over 100 co-curricular activities on offer throughout the School, the report also noted,
“Students participate in a broad and stimulating co-curricular programme which includes opportunities in academic pursuits, drama, music, creative arts, debating, outdoor pursuits and service opportunities, as well as options such as woodturning. Chess is popular. Many take speech and drama exams and success rates are high. Every child in Prep School participates in co-curricular offer, benefitting from the way the programme builds skills and allows them to make new friendships and have fun.”
Also acknowledging the importance of the benefit of linking education to real-life, to futures beyond School and real world learning, the report highlighted,
“Students are well prepared for life beyond School. Children in early years at Woodbridge School Prep work through a life skills programme which includes basic skills such as using cutlery or writing a thank you note. Year 1 are taught how to phone the emergency services and speak in front of an audience. In the Senior School life skills education such as cookery and first aid, sixth form experience allows students opportunities to manage their own travel, dress code and non-contact time. This cultivates students who embrace responsibility and think independently – and who are confident for their next stage.”
To summarise what is an incredibly detailed and extensive report, might be to highlight one very specific point made by the inspectors which was that every child thrives. The report confirmed that students recognise and acknowledge how lucky they are to be learning at Woodbridge School; they are fully aware of, where appropriate, the sacrifices made to ensure they learn in such a wonderful environment and are truly appreciate of it, in terms of the access they have to exceptional teaching, pastoral support and co-curricular opportunities – as well as having a truly beautiful physical environment in which to learn.
The historic walls of St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge, were filled to the rafters on Friday 1 May for our annual Festival of Voices. It was a truly spectacular evening that showcased the immense vocal talent across the entire Woodbridge School community, featuring students from the Prep Chamber Choir all the way through to the Senior School. The church was packed with a delighted audience , creating an electric atmosphere of shared celebration and pride in a venue that provided the perfect acoustic backdrop.
Miss Weston, our Head of Singing, shares more about the evening.
“The importance of singing in education cannot be overstated, as it serves as a powerful tool for developing confidence, teamwork, and cognitive skills. Woodbridge School promotes this philosophy by fostering vocal excellence across all year groups, creating a seamless journey from the youngest pupils to the most experienced seniors. By bringing together a diverse range of ages, the school encourages a culture of mentorship and community. This was beautifully exemplified when the Head Girl, Year 13’s Emily, joined the Prep Chamber Choir for a charming performance of Do Re Mi, a moment that highlighted the supportive bonds between the School’s different tiers.
The programme was a masterclass in variety, blending sacred traditions with contemporary hits. The mood was unremittingly joyful, a sentiment captured early on by the Woodbridge School Prep Chamber Choir with their spirited rendition of Make a Joyful Noise. It was particularly heartening to see such a strong representation of male singers throughout the night. The Bari Tones brought a cool, classic energy to the stage with Bad Moon Rising and Blackbird , while the combined power of the Chamber Choir, Bari Tones, and Senior Boys for He Ain’t Heavy was a poignant highlight that demonstrated the depth of the School’s vocal department.
While the entire evening featured exceptional singing, several performances were true stand-outs. Chorum delivered The Road Home with a sophisticated, ethereal quality , while the collaboration between the West Tones and Chamber Choir for Hail Holy Queen was a high-octane triumph. The evening closed with the technical brilliance of the Chamber Choir performing Rutter’s Sing a Song of Sixpence and the soul-stirring Music Down in My Soul.”
The evening’s success is a testament to the incredible leadership within the music department. Miss Weston deserves the highest praise for her vision, hard work, and hosting; as the driving force behind the event, her conducting provided a platform where every student felt empowered to shine. The vocalists were expertly supported by James Davy, whose sensitive and masterful accompaniment provided the perfect foundation for every piece. Special thanks also go to Miss Barnes for her dedicated work and expertise with the Bari Tones. Woodbridge School continues to set a gold standard for musical education, and this celebratory display of talent left the audience inspired as they travelled home.
Last Friday afternoon, the School was full of family, friends and OWs here to celebrate our CCF Inspection which took place in the glorious sunshine. With parades and displays from all sections including Army, Navy and RAF, it was an excellent display of our students’ commitment and dedication, as well as their hard work and enthusiasm, and was certainly enjoyed by everyone. With the Inspection carried out by OW Lt Cdr David Armitage, Year 13’s Lucy our Head of Contingent, shares her report on the day.
Thank you to everyone who came, took part and helped organise this wonderful tradition which I know is much anticipated and enjoyed each and every year.
Year 13’s Lucy, Head of Contingent
Woodbridge school CCF annual Inspection took place on Friday 1 May. This event is not only an inspection of the CCF but of the work and dedication that has been undertaken throughout the year to be able to show the CCF at its best.
This year we welcomed back Old Woodbridgian Lieutenant Commander David Armitage, a Naval pilot who has committed his life to piloting the Merlin helicopter.
The afternoon began with a full contingent parade with the quarter Guard at the centre. Myself, Miss Norman, Major Garvie and Lieutenant Commander Armitage then proceeded to make our way around each section, starting with the quarter guard and ending with the RAF. Hearing the cadets mention their passions within their sections was a great highlight to the day.
The parade was followed by three displays: the combat cadets team’s casualty evacuation, the winners of the Trower trophy drill competition (the Navy) offered a drill showcase, and then finally a student-led drum corps performed by cadets in the Navy rounded up the displays.
Major Garvie and I then accompanied Lieutenant Commander Armitage around the grounds of the School showing the diversity of Friday afternoons in the CCF. We started strong with seeing Mr Smith teaching RAF cadets how to make rope out of nettles in bushcraft and moved on to see activities such as the zip wire, first aid, cooking in the field and finally rounded off by visiting the cadets in the flight simulator where Lieutenant Commander Armitage shared his wealth of knowledge on the physics of helicopter flying to keen cadets who regularly attend the flight simulator extra-curricular.
We then watched the gun run, the final event in the Trower trophy which cadets have been competing in all year. This year was a close call, with RAF A flight taking the win as the wider community of the School stood and eagerly watched.
The day was then rounded off by a team effort to pack away the gun run and a final parade where Lieutenant Commander Armitage gave us insight as to where this valuable experience in the CCF may take every individual and how the skills learnt in the CCF will never leave you or do you a disservice. He then had the pleasure of awarding the gun run trophy to the head of the RAF section (Year 13’s Angus) and the overall Trower trophy to the head of Navy (Year 13’s Reuben P) which could not have been a better end to the day, as when Lieutenant Commander Armitage was head of the Navy section in 2007, he too lead the Navy to victory and won the Trower trophy.
Finally, a personal thanks to the heads of section Year 13’s Ethan, Angus, Reuben P (Navy) and all other leaving NCOs who did nothing but show the brilliance of Woodbridge School CCF.
Last week, a group of 23 Year 12 students travelled to Sizewell B to learn more about nuclear energy, life on a nuclear plant and potential future careers/internships. Alex shared more about the experience.
Year 12’s Alex
“We started in the visitors’ centre with a quick use of VR headsets with their ‘Journey of the Atom’, before heading through to the safety briefing where we learnt about the day-to-day safety precautions that all workers must adhere to. In addition, we were given an overview of the history of the plant, a quick explanation on how nuclear power generation works and specific details about which areas do each part of the process.
Once we had all the safety equipment needed, we headed onto the site. Throughout the visit, the guides explained how nuclear energy works, from the process of nuclear fission to how the heat released is used to produce steam and drive turbines that generate electricity.
One of the highlights was visiting the massive turbine hall, which demonstrated the scale and complexity of the plant. The tour also emphasised to us the importance of safety, waste management and the role nuclear power plays in reducing carbon emissions.
Overall, the Sizewell B tour was both educational and engaging, offering a unique behind-the-scenes view of a major energy facility and helping to deepen our understanding of how nuclear power contributes to the UK’s energy supply.
Thanks to Sizewell B, and also to Dr Law for organising it!”
Last week our Chess team took part in the English Schools Chess Championships online repechage. Playing online rather than in person, it looked to be a challenging experience; finishing 22nd out of 24 teams.
Taking part in 53 games within just one hour it was an extremely fast-paced experience, and for some the time control was too challenging. With just 5 min+3sec/move increment for the whole game, there were some errors in such tough playing conditions, but we’d like to congratulate all of them for taking part and playing well.
Our most experienced players, Year 12’s Nikolai and Rowan won six of nine games and four of seven respectively, and Callum won five out of ten, but it definitely proved to be more challenging for our younger players, Year 9’s Sichen, Year 9’s Max and Year 9’s Arthur but they still played incredibly well and fought hard every minute of the game.
The effort our team has put into these championships has been exceptional, and although they haven’t finished in the top 12 they have done themselves and the School extremely proud.
