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Alice Farnham conducting masterclass

Pupil conductors had the wonderful experience of working with Alice Farnham, professional conductor and the Artistic Director of Women Conductors, on Monday 26th February. Six pupils, along with a number of observers, worked with her as a group in the morning, and then one-to-one in the afternoon, on repertoire they have been preparing from Tchaikovsky ballet suites. Alice also worked with all the specialist musicians in an afternoon seminar, where she inspired our pupils, discussed the life and profession of...
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World Book Day

The Prep School were so excited for this year’s World Book Day that some pupils began preparing early! Year 4 used their creativity skills and motivation to complete an exciting homework challenge; they were given an ordinary wooden spoon and had to turn it into an ‘extraordinary’ book character. On the big day, children from the Nursery to Year 6 dressed up as a vast array of characters, and the staff got involved too! The day began with older pupils...
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Event on the Lawn

Head of School Dimity (Upper Sixth) wrote the following account, accompanied by photos taken by School Governor Andrew Gummer, of this year’s spectacular Event on the Lawn:It’s official – Event on the Lawn 2024 was a huge success! From the Prep School to the Sixth Form, thirty of Wells’ best singers and bands lit up the stage on Saturday night in front of hundreds of our mini-festival’s guests, all to raise funds for Wells’ partner schools in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Overall, between two stages and a silent disco...
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Sixth Form trip to Westminster

On Monday 26th February, a select group of Lower and Upper Sixth Form pupils travelled to London to visit the Palace of Westminster and then the Supreme Court building.They were able to follow the route of the Sovereign during the State opening of Parliament and visit the floors of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords (and it is quite rare to be able to do both!). The pupils then took part in a workshop that followed...
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Théo releases single

Théo (Upper Sixth) has recently released his single, ‘Don’t do it for us’.Asked about the process behind his newest work, Théo explained, “Don’t do it for us is my third released song and I wrote it on the piano over a year ago. I have been producing it on Logic Pro X for a while whilst working on other projects and the song kept developing the better I got at producing, mixing and mastering. I have been composing and producing...
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String Festival at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

At the end of an amazingly full and musically fulfilling Epiphany Term, a Wells String Quartet travelled to Glasgow to take part in the String Festival at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). Our musicians stepped straight off the bus and into an open rehearsal of the string orchestra version of Shostakovich’s iconic ‘8th String Quartet’. Our musicians stood next to string players from the Senior Conservatoire and the overall sound was terrific in the Stevenson Hall. The following days...
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Jess Gillam visit

Before half Term, pupils were treated to a two day residency with superstar saxophonist and BBC presenter Jess Gillam. Jess worked with pupils in an open workshop for all musicians and a masterclass for saxophonists. Jess was joined by her pianist Zeynep Özsuca and bassist Sam Becker who also gave masterclasses for our pupils. The three musicians also took part in a Q&A session where they shared some insightful thoughts about the music profession. The residency culminated in a gala...
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Delight at university and conservatoire offers

Pupils in the Upper Sixth have been thrilled to receive and confirm offers from universities and music colleges across the UK this winter. Given how increasingly competitive it is, we are delighted that once again a number of Wells pupils have been successful in their applications to Oxford and Cambridge and have received offers to study History, Music and Physics. In addition, pupils have so far received over 120 offers from other Russell Group and other top UK universities –...
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Safer Internet Day

On Tuesday 6th February, the Senior School marked Safer Internet Day during their tutor period through the theme of “Inspiring Change”. Mr Moore, Head of Computing, explained, “We have decided to look at the use of social media and how the use of social media can be addictive. We evaluated how this affects the teen brain and how the brain is stimulated by dopamine. We considered the advantages and the disadvantages of social media – it is not going to...
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Promenade Concerts

The annual Promenade Concerts are always highlights in the School’s musical calendar, and this year was no exception!Throughout the Brass and Percussion Promenade Concert, pupils performed solo and chamber music spanning eight centuries from all of the far-flung spaces of the beautifully lit Cathedral, including on natural trumpets and sackbuts! We were delighted to be joined by members of the String Department and guest artists John Kenny and Letty Stott, our own Head of Performance, who played ancient Roman brass...
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Bach Day

On Tuesday 6th February, we featured J.S. Bach in a day-long celebration of his music installed in the wonderful Gothic spaces of Wells Cathedral. Bach’s work is of fundamental technical and musical importance for all instrumentalists and singers at every stage of their development, and Wells pupils rose to the occasion magnificently.From 9.30am onwards, the Cathedral reverberated from the Nave to the Chapter House with over twelve hours of Bach performances that included a superb organ recital from Old Wellensian...
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Children’s Mental Health Week

Both the Prep and Senior School acknowledged Children’s Mental Health Week through tutor time activities and mindfulness workshops. On Wellbeing Wednesday, pupils in the Senior School had a choice of five activities, devised by the Upper Sixth Welfare and Wellbeing Captains, to complete in their tutor groups. Underpinned by research that proves they can help support positive mental health, the activities included creating a drawing that represents positive mental health and wellbeing or doing some mindful colouring, going on a...
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Girls’ Hockey 1st XI reach national final

Huge congratulations to the Girls’ Hockey 1st XI who travelled to Great Marlow School on Tuesday 6th February where they won the Semi-Final of the Tier 2 Plate of the England Hockey Cup. Mr Mayes, Head of Hockey, comments, “I’m delighted to see the girls progress to play at the Lee Valley Olympic Park in March. The time and dedication that they all have shown with their Hockey both inside and outside of School has allowed them to progress to...
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Meg releases new album: Heart Grows Fonder

Meg (Upper Sixth) is celebrating the release of her new album, Heart Grows Fonder. Meg made an appearance on GWS Radio (Glastonbury, Wells and Street) to discuss being involved with Glastonbury Calling, a music event taking place across five different venues on Saturday 2nd March, and the new album which is now available to stream and purchase. Speaking about the album process, Meg explained, “I began writing and recording Heart Grows Fonder in 2022 and have been working on it...
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Netball selections range from county to national level

Seven Netball players across the Senior School are developing their Netball in the England performance pathway, with two representing Northern Ireland and Wales in an upcoming tournament.Sylvie and Ada (Year 11) have achieved national selection with Sylvie joining the Northern Ireland and Ada joining the Wales U17 squad, with both girls training and playing regularly in preparation for Netball Europe, an exciting tournament which will see them play against a number of other European teams over the course of four...
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Defne wins Salvi Harp Competition

Defne (Upper Sixth) competed in the Salvi Harp Competition in Manchester on Saturday 20th January. The competition was open to players up to the age of 30, and we are pleased to share that Defne won! As part of her prize, she will be performing a recital at the Salvi Studio in London. Alex Laing, Director of Music, commented on Defne’s success; “A fabulous achievement. This competition is open to young harpists up to the age of 30 – to...
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Life of Pi

On Wednesday 17th January Year 8 pupils travelled to Bristol Hippodrome to watch the stage production of Life of Pi adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti and based on Yann Martel’s Man Booker Prize-winning novel. Pupils were mesmerised by the exquisitely designed large-scale puppets, especially Richard Parker the breathtaking Bengal tiger, as well as the many vividly drawn characters and dazzling visual effects. One pupil commented; “I just wanted to say thank you very much for organising and giving us the opportunity...
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OW Michael Eavis awarded knighthood

Glastonbury Festival creator Michael Eavis (1954), pictured in the Eavis Auditorium at the opening of Cedars Hall, has been awarded a knighthood for services to music and charity in the New Year’s honours list. You can read an interview with Sir Michael on the Glastonbury Festival website.

Treasure Island triumph!

Congratulations to the entire Treasure Island production team on four sold-out performances to a rapturous public, including a matinée for visiting primary and prep schools. This was a special production that truly celebrated the power of the ensemble using acting, singing, dancing, physical theatre, puppetry and stage combat to tell Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. All of this was supported by a large and hugely enthusiastic pupil stage crew, and it was also wonderful to witness a pupil compose an...
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Ski trip to Les Menuires

Over the Christmas holidays, 42 pupils enjoyed a wonderful week of skiing in Les Menuires, France. Pupils were treated to glorious snow conditions and had ski lessons throughout the day with fun activities in the evening including a toboggan roller coaster, sports activities and karaoke. Everyone made lots of progress and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all pupils and staff.

Wells musicians take to the national ensemble stage

Nine Wells Cathedral School musicians took part in the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) ‘Ascent’ Project in the early days of 2024. NYO is the country’s foremost youth orchestra and pulls together the best musicians from all over the nation. The orchestra took on an exciting programme including a world premiere of Ascent by Dani Howard, Smetana’s Vltava and the Strauss’s monumental Alpine Symphony. The concert was performed at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, Warwick Arts Centre and Barbican Centre, London....
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Christmas Cards for Care Homes

During the Advent Term, pupils from all around the School have been making and writing Christmas cards which we have had delivered this week to residents of local care homes, as well as the Lawrence Centre and Heads Up in Wells. While some of the cards have been sent by individuals, Tutor groups or Houses, others have come from Christmas Card Competitions held in various parts of the School including the Pre-Prep, Prep School Geography and Senior School Modern Languages...
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A Christmas Carolathon!

The pupil-led Wells Cathedral School Community Music Group – coordinated by Mr Chris Finch and Ms Laetitia Stott – was founded in September, and has gone from strength to strength. Pianists, guitarists and singers have performed across care homes each week, gaining valuable skills while entertaining residents.Their busy Term of community music-making came to a climax on Tuesday 12 December, when they spent the day singing carols in ten locations across Wells. These included not only care homes but also...
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Whole School Christmas Carol Service

Our Christmas Carol Service officially ended the Advent Term, with the Whole School (Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior) joining together in Wells Cathedral. We heard the story of Christmas read beautifully by pupils and staff, and enjoyed some superb choral singing from the Choristers, Choralia, Chamber Choir and Prep School. Belinda Gifford-Guy (Year 8), recent winner of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year Award, gave a beautiful solo performance of the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City‘, while...
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Tag Rugby Festival

History has been made once again as the Prep School hosted their first ever Tag Rugby Festival! The U10 and U11 Wells girls welcomed St Joseph and St Teresa Catholic Primary School for an afternoon of mixed Tag Rugby. There was some brilliant teamwork, and for a lot of children it was the first time they had ever played Tag Rugby. A highlight for Prep School Head of Girls’ Games Mrs Bain was hearing the children shouting “we love Tag...
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St Nicholas Day

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 celebrated St Nicholas Day through reverse giving. St Nicholas is known for his generosity and his secret gift-giving, and tradition in many European countries says that he visits children on the night of the 5th/6th to give them sweets if they have been good. Instead of stockings, children leave their shoes outside their bedroom door, hoping to wake up to a treat in the morning! This year pupils were encouraged to make donations to...
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Music Department receives donation of conducting scores

The Music Department is delighted to have received a significant collection of conducting scores from Dr Colin Hammond. Dr Hammond visited the School on Wednesday 29th November to hear our Symphony Orchestra in action, rehearsing the epic first movement of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. He is a retired conductor and musicologist who is clear that he wishes future generations of musicians to be as inspired by classical music as he has been during his long life. His doctorate was on the...
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The Wells Canvas

In 2008 Somerset artist Bronwen Bradshaw was awarded a grant of money by Somerset Art Works to make a communal drawing of the West Front of Wells Cathedral. The project was named Unfreeze the Music, after a quotation by Schiller: ‘Architecture is Frozen Music’.A photo of the West Front of the Cathedral was divided into 74 individual black and white photos. These were measured and scaled up, and corresponding pieces of canvas pieces were cut out and coloured with earth...
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Belinda wins BBC Junior Young Chorister of the Year 2023

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Year 8 pupil Belinda Gifford-Guy has won the 2023 BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition (Junior category).The final of this enormously prestigious competition – run by Songs of Praise and BBC Radio 2 – was held in Manchester and broadcast on BBC TV on Sunday 3 December. While praising all three finalists for their wonderful singing, judges Ken Burton, Wynne Evans and Laura Wright lauded Belinda for her particular ability to tell...
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Musical Extravaganza

The first Musical Extravaganza of the year was a triumph. A full Cedars Hall heard a huge range of music showcasing pupils across the whole Senior School (and even a few Prep School players); from full orchestra (Sinfonietta) performing Mendelssohn and Albeniz to our massed Percussion Ensemble entertaining with a medley of dance tunes from the 80s and 90s! The Years 7-9 Choir sang and signed movingly in Chilcott’s Can You Hear Me? and there were notable solos from Charlie...
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Chris Jagger workshop

On Saturday 18th November, local rock legend Chris Jagger treated pupils to a workshop on songwriting and ballad singing before his evening concert in Cedars Hall. Chris is of course well known as brother to Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Chris regaled us with advice and anecdotes of the many famous faces he has worked with over the years. He even joined one of our young songwriters, Teagan Craggs (Lower Sixth), and played harmonica along with one of her songs!

Sixth Form History trip

Eleven Sixth Form Historians visited Northumberland and Durham over the half Term break to study sites linked to their A level course on the Early Anglo-Saxons. Wells is the only School in the country to study this period at A level and as such the group had a particularly warm welcome from the curators of the museums they visited. Highlights included Bamburgh Castle, the capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, visits to the 7th century crypt at Hexham and...
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Primary Schools Maths Festival

This year the Maths Department were celebrating their 21st Primary Maths Festival and hosted nine teams of four Year 5 and 6 pupils from local primary schools in a day of fun mathematical activities. The day began with a poster competition based on the theme of ‘Interesting Numbers’ and the teachers were really impressed by the variety of ideas the pupils displayed. Teams then took part in a fast-paced mathematical relay race before a well-earned lunch break. In the afternoon...
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Anti-Bullying Week

Pupils and staff across the School have marked Anti-Bullying Week. On Monday 13th November, the School community wore odd socks to celebrate uniqueness, and we welcomed motivational speaker Ben Smith. Speaking in the Sixth Form Enrichment session, Ben covered topics including bullying, growing up, LGBTQ+, suicide, challenges, overcoming adversity and mental health. He also spoke to children in Years 5 and 6 about running 401 marathons to raise awareness of bullying and unkind behaviour, and the importance of speaking up...
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Wells remembers

Across the School, Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday were marked on 10th-13th November. Pupils in the Prep School attended a Remembrance Service in Cedars Hall last Friday, with Mimi Ashton (Year 7) performing The Last Post ahead of Charlie Ballamy (Lower Sixth) sounding it on Cedars Lawn at 11am on the 11th to remember the fallen of the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts, followed by a two minute silence. The School held a Remembrance Service in the Cathedral at...
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County Hockey selections

We were thrilled to hear that a number of pupils have been selected into the County Hockey circuit. In Year 8, congratulations are owed to Georgia Atkins, Olivia Bradbury, Elspeth Perkins, Claire Gao, William Sharp, Josef Zurakowski, Ariane Lynn-Jones and Amelie-Rose Wakeford. In Year 9, congratulations must go to Lulu Matthews, Caitlin Field, Willow Williams, Maisie Warner, Carson Grevatt-Simpkin, Samuel Colegate, Joshua Fairey and Sebastian Scollo. Lastly, in Year 10, our congratulations to Archie Blee. Mr Mayes, Head of Hockey,...
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Bath Half

The School had a number of representatives at the Bath Half marathon running competitively, for charitable causes and to challenge themselves. Deputy Head (Academic) Mrs Perry finished with a time of 2 hours 5 minutes, while Edson Macedo Bird (Upper Sixth) came 32nd place in the Men’s Under 20 category with a time of 1 hour 27 minutes. School Governor Andrew Gummer took on the challenge, Michelle Hancock, Director of Development & Head of Foundation, ran her first Bath Half and English...
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Choristers finish Michaelmas Term on a high note

It has been a busy end to the Michaelmas Term for our Choristers. From 6th to 8th October, Wells was the venue for the Cathedral Music Trust‘s National Gathering, with members coming from all over the country to celebrate everything about Cathedral music. The weekend opened with a fundraising concert for the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, in which Iestyn Davies MBE – renowned British countertenor, an Old Wellensian and a Patron of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust – accompanied by Joseph Middleton on piano, performed Schubert’s song cycle Die...
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Picture This

The Symphony Orchestra presented four concerts titled Picture This in October. Matinee performances of Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev, narrated brilliantly by Woody Collins (Year 11) and featuring instrumentalists dressed as ducks, cats, wolves and grumpy grandfathers, delighted the children from local primary schools and our Prep School. In the evenings, the Symphony Orchestra were joined by the award-winning Chamber Choir, who impressed in Three Shakespeare Songs by Vaughan Williams in the first half of the concert before the...
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County Cricket selections

A number of pupils are celebrating selection into the Somerset and Gloucestershire County Cricket Club pathways. Congratulations to Emmott (Year 4, Somerset U10s), Ben Scott (Year 7, Somerset U12s), William Sharp (Year 8, Somerset U13s), Finley Sherred-Isles (Year 9, Gloucestershire U14s and the Emerging Player Pathway) Rory Stephen (Year 10, Somerset U15s), Tiger Sherred-Isles (Lower Sixth, Gloucestershire U18s) and Alex Scott (Upper Sixth, Gloucestershire U18s). It was also absolutely lovely to hear that three of our Year 6 Prep School girls;...
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New Sports Hall floor

We are pleased to share that the refurbishment of the Sports Hall floor has been completed. The Boen sports floor was renovated by sanding to bare wood, through three grades of abrasives, to give it a fresh start. Three new layers of Bona SuperSport HD lacquer and new games markings were then installed for a new lease of life. Tom Webley, Director of Sport, commented; “We’re delighted to have had a new Sports Hall floor installed. The new floor will...
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Wells Cathedral School receives prestigious Wellbeing Award

We are delighted to announce that we have received Optimus Education’s prestigious Wellbeing Award.Developed in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau (NCB), the award is granted to schools who are able to demonstrate that they have made significant changes to their long-term wellbeing culture for pupils, parents and staff.The School’s application for the award was led by Damian Todres, Head of the Creative Arts Faculty and Mental Health Lead, and Martin Ashton, Deputy Head (Pastoral). They presented a huge amount...
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CCF Biennial Inspection

On Wednesday 4th October the Combined Cadet Force underwent their Biennial Inspection through the watchful eyes of the Reviewing Officer (RO) Commodore Rachel Singleton, herself an Old Wellensian. The Inspection started with a fanfare from the Brass Section, a spine-tingling rendition from the Royal Marines Band Drumline and a precision drill display from The Rifles. The Reviewing Officer then met representatives from the Royal Navy to talk about their sailing, band and wings courses along with Rifles Cadets reminiscing on...
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Bigny Cup

A huge congratulations to the many, many pupils throughout the whole of the Senior School who took part both onstage and behind the scenes of the Bigny Cup, our House Drama Competition, on Thursday 28th September. The Houses had been working hard for three weeks to prepare and rehearse their reimaginings of Shakespeare tales. It was a hugely enjoyable evening that not only showcased the performing talents of so many, but just as importantly, this pupil-led event was a wonderful...
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Chorister Camp-out

On the evening of Friday 29th September, the Choristers gathered for the Chorister Camp-out in the Cathedral, an event that is proving to be something of a tradition! As the School community closed its doors for the Exeat weekend, the Choristers pitched tents across the Cathedral transepts. A mild evening meant games in the Camery Garden, a session of ‘sing for your supper’ with the Choral Scholars, dinner at Fosso, then into pyjamas for a movie before crawling into tents at midnight. After a...
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Heads of School Conference

A record high number of 63 delegates from schools far and wide, indeed as far as The Isle of Wight, joined our annual Heads of School Conference this year. The purpose of this event is to equip recently appointed pupil leaders to lead with effectiveness and integrity through the platform belief that leadership not only can be taught, learned and received but should be. This year the group was given advice, guidance and training in a host of relevant leadership...
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Drama trip to Plymouth

On Wednesday 13th September, A level and GCSE Drama pupils travelled to Plymouth’s Theatre Royal to see Frantic Assembly’s stage adaptation of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis. The novella, written in 1915, has been adapted for stage several times, most famously by Stephen Berkoff; this time it was with the aid of BAFTA nominated and international prize-winning writer, Lemn Sissay OBE.From the opening bars of distorted music pupils were mesmerised as Gregor Sampsa transforms from a young successful salesman into an unemployed...
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Biodiversity research expedition to Madagascar

A remarkable biodiversity research expedition to Madagascar was undertaken by twelve pupils from Year 11 and the Sixth Form over the summer holidays, accompanied by Dr Mitchell and Mr Barnard, in collaboration with Operation Wallacea.The two-week expedition was a unique opportunity to study and contribute to conservation efforts on this extraordinary island. The expedition’s itinerary included a week dedicated to conducting biodiversity surveys in the dry Northern forests, focusing on lemurs, birds, butterflies, spiders, reptiles and amphibians. The second week...
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Belinda is a BBC Young Chorister of the Year Semi-Finalist

Congratulations to Belinda Gifford-Guy (Year 8) who has reached the Junior Semi-Finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition! Belinda will be competing in October against four other children aged between 10 and 13 for a place in the Final, with the BBC airing the competition on television later in the year. Christopher Finch, Co-ordinator of Vocal and Choral Studies, commented; “Belinda is such an engaging young singer, who truly loves to share her deep passion for music with audiences. She is working really...
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Wells Cathedral School partners with Bath Rugby

We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with Premiership Rugby Union side Bath Rugby as part of their Schools Partnership Programme.Lasting for the 2023/24 rugby season, the partnership opens up huge potential opportunities for the School, its pupils and wider community. The School’s rugby teams will benefit hugely, receiving top flight coaching from the Bath Rugby coaching team, to complement the work of the School’s expert coaches. Beyond this, pupils will receive additional opportunities such as a Q&A with...
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Experiencing Chorister life: Wells Cathedral welcomes aspiring Choristers for ‘an afternoon in the life’

On Saturday 16 September, Wells Cathedral hosted a fabulous, free, ‘behind the scenes’ afternoon, during which children were able to experience the life of a Cathedral Chorister.Thirty girls and boys aged between six and nine came from schools across Somerset and beyond for the annual Be a Chorister for a Day event where they met the Cathedral Choristers and participated in engaging and fun singing workshops.The afternoon culminated in singing Choral Evensong in the Quire of the Cathedral with the world-renowned...
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Musicians enjoy busy summer

Musicians achieving great things does not stop when our buildings close for the summer. Our talented pupils keep playing, performing and experiencing!As ever we can celebrate many members of National Ensembles and Choirs; particular congratulations must go to Defne Anar (Upper Sixth) on her appointment as principal harp in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and to Luke Doyle (Upper Sixth) who has been the leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, a position usually won by someone...
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Laetitia Stott joins Wells Cathedral School

We are delighted to announce Laetitia Stott as the new Head of Music Performance.Head of Performance is a brand new role that will expand the School’s already packed calendar of 200+ concerts a year, creating even more opportunities for the exceptionally talented young people from around the world who come to study at the School. Laetitia Stott will commence her new role in September 2023.Laetitia Stott is one of the UK’s most innovative and versatile French horn players, working with...
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Little Wellies raise £2994.50 for Children’s Hospice South West

On behalf of our Little Wellies Nursery, Nursery Manager Valerie Hancock and Deputy Nursery Manager Lauren Millington visited Charlton Farm on Thursday 24th August after raising over £2990 for the Children’s Hospice South West.Opened in April 2007, Charlton Farm is the Children’s Hospice South West’s Somerset-based hospice, providing hospice care for families with children living with life-limiting conditions.The Little Wellies and Pre-Prep team walked 10k in memory of former pupil Ottilie who tragically died from a childhood cancer last year,...
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Excellent GCSE results for Wells pupils

Wells pupils have been celebrating another year of excellent GCSE results.More than 50% of all awards were grades 7 to 9 (equivalent to A or A* grade), and as with our recent A Level results, there were tremendous performances across a wide range of subjects, from Latin to Photography to Mathematics.Results across the sciences were particularly impressive, with 100% of all pupils in Biology, Chemistry and Physics receiving a grade 6 and above, and two thirds receiving the highest possible...
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Wells pupils celebrate marvellous A Level results

Once again, Wells pupils have been celebrating some outstanding A Level results.Across England, A Level results have returned to pre-pandemic levels. However despite the significant disruptions caused by Covid, the Wells class of 2023 have outperformed the 2019 cohort, continuing the School’s upward trajectory for academic results.Pupils enjoyed success across a range of subjects, from sciences to languages to humanities to the creative arts. Among many highlights were 91% of RPE (Religion, Philosophy and Ethics) pupils gaining an A or...
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Wells is shortlisted for two ISOTY awards

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in the Independent Schools of the Year (ISOTY) Awards for Independent Prep School of the Year and Co-educational Independent School of the Year!Now in their sixth year, the Independent Schools of the Year Awards are hosted by the Independent School Parent magazine.The finalists of each category will be announced on 6th September before an awards ceremony in October.We are proud to see our name on the shortlist, and will keep our fingers tightly...
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Zino receives Certificate of Merit in UK Junior Maths Challenge

Many congratulations to Zino Zigan (Year 7) who, following his recent Gold award in the UK Junior Maths Challenge, has achieved a Certificate of Merit for his performance in the follow-on round. To be awarded a Certificate of Merit, Zino was placed in the top 25% of pupils who sat this paper! The result places Zino in the top 1.5% of children in the country who took the Junior Maths Challenge (only 4% of participants qualify for the Kangaroo, and...
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All Aboard for Treasure Island!

Following a rigorous audition process this Term, we are very excited to release the details of our next Drama production: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (adapted by Bryony Lavery). “It’s a dark and stormy night. Jim, the innkeeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in – and her thrilling pirate adventure begins.”Following the recent productions of A Christmas Carol, Chicago and Annie,...
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Sierra Leone Project post-Glastonbury fundraiser

On Monday 26th June, after very few hours of sleep and with their ears full of Music, Dimity Williams, Ella Sturdy and Emily Morris (Lower Sixth) led the way to a fantastic fundraiser for the School’s charitable Sierra Leone Project. The girls, aptly aided by Archie (Lower Sixth) and George Mycock (Year 9), sold bacon rolls and drinks to the traffic coming from the Glastonbury Festival. A big thank you also to the rest of the Mycock family who helped...
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Prep School Sports Day

Wednesday 28th June saw a well-attended Prep School Sports Day. In the morning parents were treated to the spectacle of our young athletes jumping and throwing in a super circuit of field events, including favourites such as the hammer and vortex throw. The afternoon was cool enough for willing volunteers to run the 1500m and saw a plethora of action on the track from hurdles to 100m and spectacular relay races to finish a perfect day of sport. Everyone went...
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Music masterclasses

On Thursday 15th June we were very fortunate to welcome recorder player and improviser Robert de Bree for a day of masterclasses and workshops. Robert worked individually with all of our recorder players and also gave a class for all wind players. Robert performs internationally and teaches improvisation at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. Mr Leaker, Co-ordinator of Woodwind Studies, commented; “Robert is an early music expert but also offers a unique insight into creative music making that is...
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Senior School Sports Day

On Thursday 22nd June, we held our eagerly anticipated Senior School Sports Day! The pupils approached the day with great excitement and looked very smart in their representative House colours. This positive energy was clear to see from the start of the day with a group warm-up led by Head of School, Alix Barruol (Upper Sixth) who did a fantastic job of preparing pupils for the events ahead on a wonderfully sunny day.On the track the day started with some...
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Head of RPE elected on ISRSA Council

Mr Poxon, Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, has been nominated onto the National Council of the Independent Schools Religious Studies Association (ISRSA).The ISRSA champions Religious Studies, Theology and Philosophy by supporting and representing teachers, hosting conferences and conducting subject research.The Association is governed by a Council of twelve elected members and three co-opted members and meets at least three times per year. Having been elected, Mr Poxon will serve a three-year term, after which he can be re-elected if...
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Cricket Week

In glorious sunshine, the School once again hosted the ever popular annual Cricket Week. Kickstarting the week with a game against the MCC, the Boys’ First XI got off to a strong start, beating the MCC’s 249-6 by scoring 250 with three wickets in hand. Samuel Trotman (Lower Sixth) collected a five-for with Alex Scott and Dougie Sharp (Lower Sixth) batting impressively, scoring 60 and 52, respectively. You can watch video footage of the game here and here.On Tuesday, the...
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New film unveiled: Performance Sport at Wells

Wells Cathedral School is excited to unveil a brand new film, Performance Sport at Wells.The film takes viewers on a journey of the performance sports offered throughout the year at Wells, highlighting the opportunities that are available for boys and girls for each of the three sporting seasons.Featuring current Sport Scholars and Heads of Sport, it is an opportunity to gain insight into the extensive sporting calendar at Wells, as well as the outstanding facilities, provisions and teaching that the School is...
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Years 7-9 2024 productions announced

On 14th-16th March 2024 the Drama and Music Departments will be staging two of Shakespeare’s timely tales retold with youthful passion for a modern audience: As You Like It and Romeo & Juliet; a double bill of love viewed through the lens of comedy and tragedy. Auditions will take place September 19th-22nd and the production is open to all pupils in Years 7-9.

Winners!

We are thrilled to announce that in this year’s Muddy Stilettos School Awards we are winners in the category of “Most Inventive Sports Programme (Senior School).”This award recognises both our innovative 3-tier Scholarship programme and also the supportive and positive atmosphere that surrounds sport here at Wells. To find out more about our Senior School to Sport and to watch our brand new film, visit https://wells.cathedral.school/senior-school-sport/We were also finalists in the “Special Sixth Form” category, in recognition of our exceptional...
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Celebrating a doubly “Excellent” ISI Inspection

We are delighted to announce the publication of the latest report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.The School has been awarded the highest possible grade of “Excellent” for both pupil achievement and pupil personal development, and has also passed the accompanying compliance inspection.Head Master Alastair Tighe comments:“I am thrilled to share this report. While these headline judgments of “Excellent” are wonderfully positive, for me the true value of this outstanding report is found within the detailed examples and evidence the inspectors...
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Music trip to Helsinki

On the weekend of 5th-9th May, six of our Lower Sixth specialist musicians, Christy Hui, Dawid Kasprzak, Jeremy Tan, Luke Doyle, Rania Dereka and Wilamena Dyer, travelled to Helsinki. Flying from Heathrow on Friday morning, the group performed a concert as a duo and quartet at the Itä-Helsingin Musiikkiopisto (East Helsinki Music Institute, IHMO) that evening! The following day, they visited the Sibelius Monument, which Jeremy described as his favourite part of the trip, before performing in a collaborative concert at the...
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Charity walk in memory of Ottie

On Sunday 14th May, the Little Wellies and Pre-Prep team walked 10k in memory of former pupil Ottie who tragically died from a childhood cancer last year, together with her family. A distance that may not seem very far for some, but for them it was the perfect way to feel her with them in the sunshine as they picked flowers and blew bubbles with her sister. The team are overwhelmed with the support they have had, having raised over...
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Sound of Wells Festival

From Thursday 18th-Sunday 21st May, many of our pupils were involved in the Sound of Wells Festival.Beginning on Thursday lunchtime with a recital given by our pianists, the Ascension Day Festal Eucharist in the evening saw the premiere of a new introit by Joey Hardin (Upper Sixth). On Friday lunchtime there was a recital of new music composed over the past year by pupils, and on Saturday evening the Choristers sung in a joyous ‘musical fanfare’ celebrating all of Wells...
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Mr Poxon runs Birmingham Half Marathon

A huge well done to Mr Poxon, Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, on his completion of the Birmingham Half Marathon! Mr Poxon ran 13.1 miles around the city in aid of Kids Club Kampala, a children’s charity in Uganda supporting vulnerable children in the slums of the capital city. Over the past two years they have provided 27 million meals, supported 290,000 people with COVID-19 relief, educated 311 children with home learning, cared for 55 children at their Ewafe...
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Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards

We are delighted to share that we have been named as finalists in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards for the Special Sixth Form and Inventive Sports Programme (Senior School) awards. This follows on from our success as finalists for the Most Creative Learning through Play award last year. The winner of each category will be announced on Wednesday 7th June – until then, our fingers will be tightly crossed!

Coronation celebrations continue

The School was involved with the King’s Coronation Celebrations in Wells, with the Senior Jazz Combo headlining the event and Woody Collins (Year 10) and Meg Curl (Lower Sixth) performing solo sets on the Cathedral Green Stage to a large and appreciative audience enjoying the music and sunshine. Mr Wells also hosted a welly throwing stall!The Choristers sang at Matins on the day of the Coronation, and at a civic service the following day. They also attended a street party...
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Concerto Competition finale

The Concerto Competition Finale saw six outstanding performances from Lily Owens (flute, Year 11), James Mayhew (piano), Kamil Kulich (piano), Jeremy Tan (violin), Sean Foong (double bass) and Harold Lee (oboe, Lower Sixth). The competition was adjudicated by Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Scottish Conservatoire, and he awarded the prize (performing the concerto with the School Symphony Orchestra next summer) to Lily. He praised her communication, storytelling, listening and poise. Lily will play the Flute Concerto by Huw Watkins (who has...
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CHAT 14 – Heaven on a Human Scale

On the evening of Friday 21st April, pupils enjoyed a rare opportunity to gain a new and enriching perspective on the familiar, yet always breathtaking, architecture of Wells Cathedral at CHATS Talk 14 ‘Heaven on a Human Scale’ in Cedars Hall with Cultural Historian, Gavin Plumley. Gavin encouraged his audience to consider both the significant challenges faced in the building’s construction and, unlike many other Cathedrals, the ‘human scale’ of its architectural form. The evening provided pupils with a thought-provoking...
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Wells Cathedral School celebrates the Coronation

We’re celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla through a range of activities over the coming weeks.Head Master Alastair Tighe has issued the following statement on behalf of the School:“As a School, we are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating the coronation of King Charles III – our Royal Patron for many years – and Queen Camilla. The King has visited Wells on a number of occasions, including notably to plant “The King’s Tree”, the glorious...
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Ralf is selected for Bristol Bears U18s Academy

Congratulations to Ralf Warner (Year 11) who has been selected to be part of the Bristol Bears U18s Academy. Ralf played in selection games at Warwick University, the University of Surrey and a home game in Bristol against other academies during the Easter holiday, and is one of 44 chosen from a group of 450. This huge commitment begins as soon as he has finished his GCSEs; he will take part in three training sessions every week throughout the summer. Well done Ralf, we wish you the best of luck with...
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Geology and Geography field trip to Iceland

The tenth Iceland field trip enabled the study of aspects of Geography and Geology including plate tectonics, volcanoes, geothermal hot springs and geysers, waterfalls, glacial processes, geotourism and settlements. The group of 33 Geographers and Geologists packed in a huge amount in the five days, visiting sites across the south of Iceland familiar not only from text books and TV news, but also many which featured in films such as Batman Begins, Die Another Day, Tomb Raider, Luther, Star Wars...
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Drama trip to the Big Apple

Twenty very lucky Drama and Theatre Studies pupils flew with Mr Todres and Mrs Deans to one of the most iconic cities in the world at the start of the Easter break: New York City! Famous for its film, theatre and television industries, New York also boasts one of the most vibrant arts and culture scenes in the world. Staying in an Art Deco hotel right in the heart of Times Square, the group certainly had a packed program full...
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Luke leads National Youth Orchestra of Wales

Congratulations to Luke Doyle (Lower Sixth) who was appointed Leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales during the Easter holiday. Luke is one of the youngest leaders ever!Mr Smith, Co-ordinator of Strings Studies, commented; “This is a superb achievement and wonderful opportunity for Luke. He has already proved in ensembles at Wells that he is an excellent leader and will no doubt excel in this exciting role.“Alex Laing, Director of Music, added; “We are pleased and proud of Luke’s...
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Mid-Somerset Festival 2023 Results

Once again, our musicians turned out in force to participate in The Mid-Somerset Festival, and took home a huge number of major awards.This highly competitive festival, the largest of its kind in the West of England, provides an annual platform for children and adults to showcase their skills in creative writing, speech and drama, music, musical theatre and dance. Rufina Lok (Lower Sixth) won both the Piano Concerto and the Premier Award – two of the most prestigious awards in...
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City of Wells and Transatlantic Slavery Conference takes place alongside launch of new city trail

The School were pleased to welcome speakers from Britain and the Caribbean when they came together in Cedars Hall on Thursday 16th March for a thought-provoking and inspiring day, sharing the findings of research focused on Wells and its links to transatlantic slavery.The conference, which was co-chaired by Jess Witchell, Wells Cathedral Learning Manager and Susann Savidge, Somerset African Caribbean Network, included talks that gave a range of histories and perspectives including contributions from partners and historians from the Caribbean. The...
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Defne’s earthquake charity concert

After witnessing the devastating scenes following the Turkish earthquake, Defne Anar (Lower Sixth) was determined to raise money for the Red Cross appeal, and took it upon herself to organise a charity concert. Teagan Craggs, Freya Green and Holly Reinhardt (Year 11) performed with Luke Doyle, Sean Foong, Christy Hui and Jeremy Tan (Lower Sixth). The concert poster was designed by Meg Curl (Lower Sixth) and the programme included three of Defne’s own compositions, one of Teagan’s compositions, two duets...
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British Science Week

From the Nursery to the Sixth Form, pupils across the School were thoroughly engaged in British Science Week, a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. Pupils in the Nursery and the Pre-Prep have been watching fun science experiments, with children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 visiting a Senior School science lab (and showing off their very best safety goggle wearing skills!), and everyone took part in a Zoo Lab session to meet and learn about lots of...
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Mr Bowen co-writes two new books

Mr Bowen, our Senior School Head of English, has recently released the two latest books in his ‘The Art of…’ series, which he co-authors and edits on a range of literary topics. The series began with a couple of books on how to write literary essays to plug a gap he perceived in what was available for teachers and pupils. As these were so well received, he went on to co-produce around 20 books on teaching and reading poetry at...
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Religion, Philosophy and Ethics A level conference

On Thursday 23rd February, the Religion, Philosophy and Ethics department hosted its first South West A level conference in Cedars Hall. 250 pupils and 37 teachers from 17 schools across different sectors attended, with three more schools joining online. Chris Eyre, Principal Examiner, really challenged the pupils to look carefully at arguments for and against the existence of God, question whether there is any such thing as right and wrong, and then ended the day with a session on whether...
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Key research linking Wells and Transatlantic Slavery attracts international acclaim as conference date nears

We are honoured to be hosting a conference in Cedars Hall on Thursday 16 March 2023 which will see research findings from the Wells and Transatlantic Slavery Project presented publicly for the first time, alongside a number of talks designed to give a range of histories and perspectives on the issue.Since the conference was announced in January 2023, a number of prestigious international figures have expressed their support for the project, including internationally-acclaimed opera singer, Peter Brathwaite, who said:“I’m delighted...
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Chorister’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race

The Choristers joyfully took part in their annual pancake race along Vicars’ Close on Shrove Tuesday. Eagerly anticipated each year, the pancake race is one of many traditions involving the School’s Choristers. The Choristers are a core part of life at the Cathedral and the School and have a duty to represent both at the highest standard. However, their important role is not without its fun and the joy was evident on their faces as they stood wielding their frying pans....
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Promenade Concerts

The Epiphany Term saw the return of our ever popular Promenade Concert series in Wells Cathedral.We were delighted to share this year’s Brass and Percussion Promenade Concert “Old/New” with a huge audience on a cold January evening. The Promenade Concerts have been a highlight of the Brass and Percussion Departments’ musical calendars for many years, and this year they were delighted to be collaborating with pupils and colleagues from the Composition Department. The programme explored music from the 13th Century to...
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Swimming Gala

On Thursday 2nd February, the School hosted a Swimming Gala for the first time in three years, welcoming King’s Bruton for a fast-paced afternoon of even faster swimming.The Wells Swim Squad have been hard at work in their training sessions throughout the year and were keen to use the Gala as an exercise to test their progress against some strong opposition ahead of larger upcoming competitions. Swimming captains Mia Coakes Santamaria and Lara Keirle (Upper Sixth) led the warm-up and...
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Netball with Eboni Usoro-Brown

The Sports Department were delighted to welcome Commonwealth Games Gold medal winner Eboni Usoro-Brown to Wells. Eboni was on the England Netball team for their thrilling 52–51 win over Australia at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 and was capped 117 times before her international retirement. Alongside playing elite sport, Eboni trained and practises as a lawyer, having attended the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Pupils from Years 7 to the Upper Sixth...
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Introducing… Wells Cathedral Prep School!

Wells Cathedral School is pleased to announce that the Junior School has been renamed “Wells Cathedral Prep School” with immediate effect.Wells Cathedral School Junior School was founded in 1948, and this year celebrates its 75th birthday. The School continues to go from strength to strength: pupil numbers are increasing, in 2022 the Pre-Prep were finalists for two major national awards, and the School’s reputation for excellence and creativity is higher than it has ever been.The new name has been agreed...
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Senior School Ski Trip

Pupils enjoyed a ski trip to Les Menuires, France, over the Christmas break.Setting off bright and early from Wells at 5am on the 10th of December, the group flew from Bristol airport and were delighted by the glistening snow as their coach climbed the mountain towards the resort. After a tour of the complex and some fun in the snow, pupils collected their ski kit in the evening in preparation for the week ahead. It cannot be described as a...
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Chair of Wells Cathedral School retires

The Very Reverend Doctor John Davies has retired as Dean of Wells, and as Chair of Wells Cathedral School.During his 5 years as Chair, he has overseen a significant period of change and challenge – not least helping to steer the School through the Covid pandemic – and will be leaving a School that has extremely buoyant pupil numbers and has just enjoyed some of its best A and GCSE level results in recent times.  In announcing the Dean’s retirement,...
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10 Book Challenge

We are pleased to once again be running our popular ‘10 Book Challenge’ in the Senior School. Running from 4th January to 26th May, the aim of the challenge is to read one book from each of the ten categories with the title containing one of the following: a person’s name, an animal, a colour, an emotion, the word ‘and’, a verb, a number, the word ‘the’, an object or a single word. Participants will gain points for each book...
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Year 6’s Sevington Victorian School Trip

As part of their History topic on the Victorians, Year 6 pupils enjoyed an exciting start to the Epiphany Term by visiting Sevington Victorian School in Wiltshire to experience life as a Victorian schoolchild. Sevington School was founded in 1849 and Miss Squire, the schoolmistress, taught there for more than 50 years. The schoolroom was left untouched upon Miss Squire’s retirement which made for a wonderful experience for our Year 6 pupils and, just like a child in the late...
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CCF Train For Field Gun Competitions

Sixth Form CCF cadets hit the ground running on the first week of the Epiphany Term, undergoing training with area instructor Chief Petty Officer Dave Gwilliam to take part in field gun competitions against other schools. The Royal Navy’s field gun competition is a contest in which teams compete to transport a field gun and its equipment over and through a series of obstacles as quickly as they can. The field gun races originate from the siege of the British...
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