Summer Term Retrospective

April

 

Scotland U20s Lacrosse Cap

This year has seen the reintroduction of lacrosse into the sporting life of our girls here at Ampleforth. With the arrival of our new coach, former England U23 player and Welsh National Coach, India Chadwick, the sport here has grown from strength to strength. Initially, our goal was simply to play competitive fixtures, but over the year the girls went above and beyond, now competitively representing Ampleforth against other schools, many of whom have been playing the sport for years. For the upcoming season, our sights are set on attending the National Schools Lacrosse Championships, the biggest school competition in the country.

Perhaps this growing sense of confidence is best personified by Celia (12A), who received her first International Cap this Easter, representing Scotland in the 2026 Home Internationals where 'The Thistles' took on England, Wales, Japan and Czechia. 

Having another girl’s sport to offer has been brilliant; not only because it is now an Olympic sport, but it gives girls who may not excel at hockey or netball the chance to shine on the lacrosse field. I have so enjoyed being part of the new lacrosse programme this year; playing with those who knew the game but, more importantly, introducing it to those who didn’t. Everyone is excited to get back to serious training in September with the aim of going to the National Schools Championships next March. - Celia (12A)

 

Senior Girls Tennis Festival

During the last week of May St Peter's, York, hosted a wonderful afternoon of Girls Tennis. Congratulations to Emily T, Mirabelle, Emily V, Lulu, Mimi and Poppy. They represented Ampleforth 2nd Team superbly winning the Plate Competition, with our Girls’ 1st Team finishing joint 2nd in the Cup.

May

Confirmation 

Confirmation weekend remains one of the most special moments in our calendar, as families, godparents and friends gather in the valley to support those taking this important step in their faith in receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. A packed Abbey Church welcomed the Right Reverend Marcus Stock, Bishop of Middlesbrough, who confirmed 37 pupils and gave an inspirational homily. He left the Confirmati with a beautiful prayer from St Teresa of Ávila which we have shared below for you all to enjoy. The occasion was made even more memorable thanks to the stunning music of our Schola Cantorum.

 

Inter-House Athletics Competition

We enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of track and field competition at this year’s Inter-House Athletics Competition with some great talent on display. It was a high-energy affair full of determination and House pride, with the pupils cheering each other on from start to finish. Excitement peaked during the final event, the ever popular 32 by 200 metres relay, though was nearly surpassed by the later arrival of the ice-cream van.

A huge well done to all who took part and gave their absolute best - your effort and House spirit made it such a wonderful occasion. The winning houses were St Margaret's and St Dunstan's & St Oswald's.

 

Mouseman Anniversary 

On the 7 May we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Robert Thompson, better known to many as the ‘Mouseman’, the renowned master craftsman whose work is woven into the fabric of Ampleforth.

For generations, his handcrafted oak furniture and iconic carved mice have been part of daily life here at Ampleforth College and neighbouring Ampleforth Abbey. Between us, we have the largest collection of ‘Mouseman’ furniture in the world. 

His lifelong friendship with Fr Paul Nevill, former Headmaster, started in 1919 with the first commission and the relationship between the College and the family workshop in nearby Kilburn continues to this day. Rooted in Yorkshire tradition, craftsmanship, and timeless design, Thompson’s work has inspired generations of pupils, staff, and visitors alike. More than furniture, these pieces are part of the story and character of Ampleforth itself.

 

Hosting the 2026 Royal Scottish Pipe Band Contest

Or the 2026 Royal Scottish Pipe Band North of England Solo Piping and Drumming Contest, to give it its full title.

It was an honour to host this year's contest here at the College and an even greater honour to report that the 'home team', our own Ampleforth Highlanders, performed extremely well. 

In drumming, Will (8EW) won the Novice Solo Drumming, Juvenile March, and Open March events, while Barty (9DO) claimed 2nd Place in all three categories. Sam (11H) achieved multiple podium finishes, and Max (7EW) secured 2nd Place in the Practice Pad category.

In piping, Freddie (9DO) won the Practice Chanter category, with Bertie (9CT) taking 2nd Place. Henry (7EW) and Ivan (11H) also earned podium finishes in the Novice events, with Ivan additionally securing 2nd Place in Juvenile Piping.

Congratulations to all for such impressive results and for representing Ampleforth so brilliantly!

 

UK Chemistry Olympiad

Now in its 58th year, Royal Society of Chemistry's Olympiad has often proved to be fertile ground for our young academics, and this year was no different. This prestigious competition challenges Sixth Form students from across the country with university-level chemistry problems designed to test advanced scientific knowledge, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving.

We are delighted to celebrate the success of: Hattie (13A) who achieved Gold; Gabrielle (13A), Sophie (13M), Noelle (13B), and Kofi (13CT) who received Silver awards; and Benedict (13CT), Katie (13A), Jonty (13DO) and Antonius (13DO) who won Bronze awards. 

Well done to all on this fantastic achievement!

 

New Heads of School

Many congratulations to Alice (12M) and Nolan (12DO) who have been appointed as Heads of School, and to the new Deputy Heads of School Kiki (12B) and Felipe (12H).

These students have already shown great commitment and service within our community, and we look forward to seeing them help lead the College with integrity and compassion in the year ahead. 

 

The Big Walk

Given the distances travelled by some of our students to attend Ampleforth, in the grand scheme of things, 80kms doesn't sound like much. Yet, if it is to be covered on foot, in less than 24 hours, this distance can present quite the gruelling challenge. Nevertheless, when our students set out from Whitby Abbey, early one cold May morning, spirits were high. 

The Big Walk really is one of the standout fixtures of Ampleforth life, and each year staff and students take on this sponsored challenge in support of the Friendship Project, a special partnership between Ampleforth and Oak Field School in Nottingham, a school for children with physical and learning disabilities. Through initiatives such as the Big Walk and others occurring throughout the school year, our students are able to raise funds to support and provide specialist equipment for the pupils at Oak Field.

United by a shared purpose, and in the knowledge what their raised funds could do, 40 of our staff and students, enduring wet weather, sore feet and more than one blister, completed the walk in just under 24 hours, arriving back at Ampleforth to a tumultuous welcome from friends and family. 

 

Exhibition 2026

Under scorching weather, we celebrated this year's exhibition in style. For the whole day, our campus was a hive of activity. With prize giving and speeches in the morning, parades, competitions, exhibits and sports in the afternoon, it was an event which showcased every aspect of life at Ampleforth. For those interested, speeches from the exhibition can be read in full here. 

June

Anglican Confirmation

On the first Sunday of June, some of our students  joined members of the local Anglican community at Holy Cross Church, Gilling, for a Confirmation and Holy Communion service led by Bishop Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby, and supported by Revd James Trowsdale.

After months of preparation since January, we congratulate Jack 13C, who was baptised and confirmed, alongside Celia 12A, Araminta 12A, and Hetty 10M, who were confirmed during the service.

We are grateful to Revd James Trowsdale, Mrs Gill Trowsdale, the parishioners of Holy Cross and also St Hilda's Church, Ampleforth, for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. Special thanks also to Fr Henry Wansborough OSB, who contributed to the students' preparation and led the intercessions during the service.

 

Senior Emeriti Cricket Festival

As the sunshine continued throughout June, we enjoyed welcoming 4 schools from around the UK  to take part in the annual Emeriti Schools Cricket Festival. There was some wonderful cricket on display in almost perfect conditions. As always we are very proud to host this contest, not least because it allows us to showcase and share the fantastic sports grounds, and facilities we are so fortunate to have in the valley. A big thank you to our grounds team for keeping them in such great condition all year round. 

 

Enrichment Week

The last week of term is always jam-packed. Enrichment week, the last week of summer term, is unlike any other in the school year. Every year group has its own programme and no two timetables are the same, but they all share the same purpose. To help pupils grow in confidence, broaden their horizons, and make the most of life beyond the classroom. Enrichment Week is a chance for every year group to spend time learning beyond the curriculum and in different ways, whether out on trips, developing new skills, serving others, or simply trying something totally new.

For some students, this involved trips away from campus. Some took them to local museums, others to religious and cultural sites, but all chosen to help the students learn from history, other peoples and cultures. Other trips took our students further afield. For our CCF contingent, this meant their Summer Camp where they joined the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, making the most of a week of activities despite the scorching temperatures. Meanwhile, our Year 12 students working on the Friendship Project (you may recall them from the Big Walk) embarked on their three-day residential trip, known as the Friendship Holiday, with pupils from Oak Field School in Nottingham, a specialist school for those between the ages 3-19 with a wide range of learning needs and disabilities. This visit allowed our students to live closely, assist and create memories with the students of Oak Field. 

There was a common feeling that we had taken part in something more significant than a school trip or fundraising initiative. The experience had challenged assumptions and enhanced our own compassion for one another and our new friendships. In the rule of St Benedict, we are reminded to recognise the dignity of every person and serve others with compassion and humility, ‘care of the sick must rank above and before all else.’  - Alice (12M)

Back at Ampleforth there was plenty happening. Throughout the week students took part in a carousel of academic and extracurricular activities, quickly moving in rotation from class to class. While some lessons focused on more conventional academic subjects, albeit with a fun twist, others centred on important life skills, such as cooking, managing personal finances and even ironing! 

This week was a chance for students to connect with others from the local area. Year 12 welcomed a number of groups from local primary schools for Countryside Day. As part of their programme of service they hosted and taught a number of fun activities and workshops designed to encourage a respect and understanding for nature and the countryside. 

Enrichment Week also marks a significant occasion for the students of Junior House, who after partaking in the Play-in-a-day challenge, writing, producing and performing their own play in just one school day, also celebrated their own prize giving. Despite the unfortunate cancellation of their sports day due to soaring temperatures, there was plenty left to celebrate with a number of prizes given for sporting, academic and behavioural exceptionality. 

At the end of what was a long and rewarding week, our students were able to gather together on the bounds for one of the most highly anticipated events in the Ampleforth calendar. The Colour Run. A fittingly bright and vibrant end to another colourful year.