News | Independent School | Wells Cathedral School

30 Sep 2016

Harvest Festival

The whole junior school, from the youngest nursery pupils right through to year 6 students, christened the Eavis Hall with a wonderful Harvest Festival celebration service let by school chaplain, Revd. Juliette Hulme, on Wednesday morning. There were readings, poems, songs and blessings, whilst pupils brought in harvest gifts to be distributed to those needing support in the wider community.

24 Sep 2016

Cheddar Tennis Club Champ

Congratulations to Year 9 tennis player Harry who was crowned Cheddar Tennis Club champion in the 14 and Under category at the weekend, winning all of his matches in the club championships, and retaining his title.

Group awarded their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, at St James’ Palace

24 Sep 2016

Gold Awards at the Palace

Congratulations to recent Old Wellensians Harry Connock, Orlaith Duddy, Edward Firbank, Joseph Fone, Lloyd Howell, Thomas Jeffrey, Isaac Lapworth, Samuel Lapworth, Henry Lockyer, Isabelle Meek, Isabel Slattery, Ruby Sweetland, Harriet Tully, Matthew Wheeler and Rupert Brown, who were awarded their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, at St James’ Palace earlier this week. The group are the first of several groups of Wells students to be receiving their Gold award from the Palace this autumn,...

24 Sep 2016

Michael Eavis and Eric Parry

Michael Eavis, CBE and architect Eric Parry, RA, outside Cedars Hall, after a successful tour of the building.

19 Sep 2016

CCF Summer Camp

Over the summer recess, CCF Contingent Commander Chris Rondel, along with School Staff Instructor Glynn Lancey and Senior Cadet Jessica, took 20 Year 10 and 11 student cadets for a week’s summer camp at Crowborough Training Camp, Surrey. The cadets enjoyed adventurous training, military skills, range practices and a Final Training Exercise. Due to Jessica’s competence and professionalism, she was mistaken on more than one occasion to be an officer by the other professionals running the camp!

Rio 2016 player Simon Mantell, who played for Great Britain at the Olympics this summer coaches girls' hockey.

19 Sep 2016

Pre-Season Sports Training starts with a bang!

Rugby and girls hockey squads were treated to intensive pre-season training camps last week, when specialist rugby coaches Brian Ashton and Harlequins player Matt Hopper spent the day at Wells advising students on their technique and providing energising training sessions; the girls’ hockey squad was joined by Rio 2016 player Simon Mantell, who played for Great Britain at the Olympics this summer. Both squads had an inspiring day – many thanks to under 15 rugby coach Alex Battison and to...

19 Sep 2016

Triathlon Finals for Matt

Congratulations to Year 10 athlete Matthew, who came in the top ten at the UK Triathlon Finals held in Strathclyde Park in Glasgow at the start of September. Matt is hoping to be selected for the South West Triathlon Academy following trials last weekend.

19 Sep 2016

Hockey Players Coached by Gold Medalists

Head of hockey, James Mayes, took seven lucky Year 8 hockey players to the annual Prep Schools Hockey Conference at Millfield this week, where they met and were coached by members of the gold medal winning Great Britain hockey squad. Students Edward, Hermione, Lewis, Luisa, Mia, Max and Toby enjoyed a coaching day for prep school aged pupils, run by four of the Great Britain Olympic Gold medal winners: Alex Danson, Shona McCallin, Ellie Watton and Hollie Webb, plus two...

Tom racing at European Karting Championships

19 Sep 2016

Karting Progress for Tom

Year 10 student Tom has had a busy summer, completing the European Karting Championships, achieving third place in the British National Karting League, and preparing for the final race of the season in the British Super One Karting Championships, which will take place in Newark at the end of September. Super One has been the nursery of many top line professional motor racing drivers, including David Coulthard, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, as well as team personnel at the highest...

30 Aug 2016

GCSE Exam Results Summer 2016

There is much celebration at Wells Cathedral School this week with students achieving impressive GCSE and IGCSE results following their summer examinations. One third of all grades awarded to Wells students were the top A* grade, with almost two thirds awarded A* to A grades. Significantly, 89 per cent of all grades achieved by Wells students were A* to B. Eight students from this year’s cohort were awarded a full complement of A* and A grades; and nine achieved seven...

19 Aug 2016

A-level Results 2016

There was much to celebrate at Wells Cathedral School on Thursday, following this year’s successful A-level results. More than 15 per cent of the grades achieved were an A*, whilst over a fifth of the cohort achieved a full complement of A* or A grades. Just under a quarter of all students were awarded at least one A* grade. 13 students achieved two or more A* grades, among them – Esther, Kirsty, Hope, Harry, Charles, Benjamin, Eleanor, Isaac, Samuel, Henry,...

12 Jul 2016

Record Gold Awards for Duke of Edinburgh Scheme

This year a record 24 Year 13 students have achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award – beating our previous record of 17 Golds in 2014! The Gold students did their practice expedition in the Black Mountains and qualified in Snowdonia. Congratulations to Bethany, Emily, Leo, Annabelle, Harry, Orlaith, Ella, Edward, Joseph, Alexander, Francis, Benjamin, Lloyd, Thomas, Isaac, Samuel, Henry, Isabelle, Miranda, Isabel, Ruby, Nick, Harriet and Matthew. The photo shows some of the Gold Award students.

12 Jul 2016

Tennis County Finals

Congratulations to Year 8 student Harry who has made it through to the Somerset County Tennis Finals at Under 14 level, to be held at Taunton at the weekend.

12 Jul 2016

British Eventing Championships

Congratulations to Year 12 student Olivia-Grace, who has been selected to represent the South West in the British Eventing Under 18 International Championships in Yorkshire in July with her horse Connor. Good luck Olivia!

12 Jul 2016

Choralia Reaches Category Finals of Choir of the Year Competition

Congratulations to Wells Cathedral School Choralia who have been selected as category finalists in the Youth category of the Choir of the Year Competition 2016. Choralia, an upper voice girls choir, directed by Christopher Finch, were selected for the category finals following the regional Wales and West finals which took place in May at St David’s Hall in Cardiff. Old Wellensian choir, Wellensian Choralia, have also been selected, in the Adult category, for the finals, so Wells have two through...

05 Jul 2016

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Young Musician of the Year

Congratulations to Year 9 trumpeter James, who has won the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Young Musician of the year at just 14 years of age. James achieved 93 in the brass advanced recital class, winning the Bosanko Brass Trophy and was then invited to compete in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Young Musician competition alongside the best instrumentalists from across the festival. He won this title with a beautiful performance of Hummel’s 1st Movement. James has been asked to play in the...

South West Triathlon Championships Junior (17-19) Champion

05 Jul 2016

India – South West Champion!

Congratulations to Year 12 athlete, India, who won the South West Triathlon Championships Junior (17-19) category on Saturday. India led from the front of the field, was the first out of the swim, followed by a strong and safe bike section, and finishing with a determined run to win the title. The following day, India was also competing, this time in the 17 and over age group at the ASA South West Fast Five Sprint Swimming Championships. Points were accumulated...

04 Jul 2016

Bronze Expedition Success for Year 9s

Over the last few weeks 28 Year 9 students have taken advantage of the changes to the Duke of Edinburgh Award starting age, completing the expedition stage on the Mendips for their Bronze award. They have two further sections of the Award to complete next year.

04 Jul 2016

South West Qualification for Matt!

Congratulations to Year 9 tri-athlete Matt, who came second in the south west Inter-regional competition qualifying race at Dorney Lake, Eton last weekend, in the under 13/under 14 boys section, automatically qualifying for the Triathlon England South West (TESW) regional team. Only the top three athletes in an extremely competitive field, comprising athletes from across the whole of the South, including the Channel Islands, were selected for this elite team. The British Triathlon Inter Regional Championships (IRCs) brings together the...

04 Jul 2016

Wells Bright Spark

Year 12 Student Lydia has just completed a prestigious work experience with law firm Burges Salmon in Bristol. Lydia was chosen to take part in their ‘Bright Sparks’ initiative with a diverse group of students from all over the Bristol area. The week culminated in a presentation afternoon in front of their mentors, parents and teachers. Head of Sixth Form Sally Rowley was delighted to see Lydia’s team speaking so eloquently about the new legal apprenticeships being offered as an...

17 Jun 2016

University of Southampton Maths Challenge

Congratulations to three lower school students: Year 8 pupil Harry, who came second in this year’s national University of Southampton Junior Maths Challenge; Year 7 pupil, Joel, who received a merit in the same competition; and Year 9 pupil, William, who received a distinction in the University’s Senior Maths Challenge. There were over 1,200 entries to the competition from schools across the UK. All three boys were invited to an awards ceremony in Southampton in June.

$UK Junior Maths Challenge Gold$

08 Jun 2016

UK Junior Maths Challenge Gold

Congratulations to five pupils from Years 7 and 8, who all achieved a gold award in this year’s UK Junior Maths Challenge: Louis in Year 7; and Harry, Amber, Katie and Amelia in Year 8. Amber additionally won through to the junior kangaroo paper to be taken later in June. The challenge consisted of a one hour paper which encouraged mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. There were also six...

24 May 2016

Concerto Winners

Congratulations to four Year 12 musicians who won our annual Concerto Auditions and the opportunity to play the whole of their chosen work in a concert next academic year. Well done to pianist Adam, violinist Gwyneth, saxophonist Luke and french horn player Zoe. The Concerto Auditions – open to students in Years 11 and 12 – took place in the Concert Hall at the end of April and were adjudicated by Professor David Strange, our artistic advisor and former Head...

20 May 2016

British Eventing First for William

Congratulations to Year 8 pupil William who attended the British Eventing Horse Trials in May at Mount Ballan, jumping a double clear over the BE90 track on both of his ponies, Orielton Aquilla and Koora iii, and winning the BE9 open class with Koora. William also finished with the best dressage score in his section, and jumped a double clear inside the time. A very successful day for William!

20 May 2016

Athletics County Champs!

Wells athletes performed very well in last weekend’s athletics county championships at Yeovil – our very own ‘Super Saturday’! Congratulations to Year 10 student Jazz, who held on to her county titles in both the 100m and the 200m, with great times. Year 9 pupil Tom also took a double victory, with wins in the boys’ 100m and 200m; whilst Year 9 pupil Matt, just back from injury, won the 3,000m with a fantastic time. Year 7 pupil Blossom came...

18 May 2016

Presentation Prize for Wells Geologists

Congratulations to our team of Year 12 and 13 geologists, who won the Presentation Prize and were runners up in the Geologists’ Association National Schools Geology Challenge, representing the South West region at the prestigious national competition. The students’ presentation and poster, entitled ‘Fossils are pretty, but they don’t do much do they?’, was named top presentation, but they were narrowly beaten following the quiz round. Well done to Bethany, Emily, Alex, Ella, Phoebe and Ben.

18 May 2016

Two Moors Festival Winner!

Congratulations to talented Year 12 oboist, Poppy, one of the four winners at this year’s prestigious Two Moors Festival Young Musicians Platform. Poppy wins a significant cash prize and the opportunity to play at a renowned concert in October at St Andrew’s Church in Ashburton.

06 May 2016

Outdoor Adventures in Bude

Pupils in Year 8 enjoyed a long weekend at the Outdoor Adventure Centre in Bude over the exeat weekend, where they took part in abseiling, kayaking, coasteering and surfing activities in the Cornish surf!

27 Apr 2016

Regional Hockey Selections

Congratulations to Pip, Olivia, James and Megan, who have been selected to represent the region at hockey, as part of the Junior Regional Performance Centre, in their appropriate age categories. The students, who have all played in tournaments where they represented Somerset, have been selected for the prestigious training academies held at Exeter University and Clifton College throughout June, July and August, and will play in tournaments for the region in the autumn. The region chooses players from across the...

23 Mar 2016

Mid Somerset Festival Awards

Wells musicians performed extremely well again at this year’s elite Mid Somerset Festival in Bath, winning a large number of categories across a range of musical disciplines; as well as coming away with a clutch of the major awards for best musician. Adam won the Piano Shop Bath Salver for most outstanding pianist in the senior category; whilst Bridget won the Western Daily Press Challenge Trophy for most outstanding pianist in the junior category. Cellist Ian won the Premier Award;...

14 Mar 2016

BBC Proms Inspire Composers Band

Congratulations to Year 12 composer Lindsay who was selected to take part in the BBC Proms Inspire Composers band this week. As one of a small group of young women composer/performers she worked with critically acclaimed composer and electronics producer, Anna Meredith, to create a short collaborative piece for International Women’s Day on 8th March. Lindsay attended a series of workshops, held at the BBC Maida Vale Studios in February and March. The band rehearsed together at the Royal College...

14 Mar 2016

Choir Schools Association Football and Netball Tournament

Last week, Wells hosted the annual Choir Schools Association football and netball tournament for ten other choir schools, including teams from Dean Close Prep School, King’s Worcester, Bristol Cathedral School, St John’s College Cardiff, Llandaff Cathedral School and The Pilgrims’ School, Winchester. The Wells football team, coached by keen sportsman and chorister parent Adam Cox, challenged hard; whilst the Wells netball team, coached by chorister parent Jo Perring, came runners up in the netball tournament. Salisbury Cathedral School won both...

14 Mar 2016

Wells Virtuosi Tour

The Wells Virtuosi took our world-leading music to Cheltenham in aid of The Mayor’s Charities at the start of March, with works by Elgar, Finzi, Holst, Suk and Dvorak. The concert took place in the celebrated Pitville Pump Room in Cheltenham, and was the first stop on a short musical tour, which also included a performance at the beautiful St John’s Church in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

13 Mar 2016

Taunton Junior Young Musician

Congratulations to Year 6 specialist musician Poppy who was awarded the title of Taunton Junior Young Musician for her violin performance at the recent festival, receiving a significant financial award and a large trophy. Poppy was also awarded the Westlake Cup for achieving the highest marks at the festival, which included her entries in both the Strings and the Woodwind categories. As further strings to her bow, Poppy has also been selected for the fifth consecutive year for the prestigious...

29 Feb 2016

Diamond Fund for Choristers

Congratulations to head girl chorister Astrid, who has been selected to join choristers from across the UK to sing at the prestigious Diamond Fund Concert in St Paul’s Cathedral on 27th April. The concert provides a unique opportunity to bring together, for the first time, choristers from some 60 of the nation’s cathedrals and colleges, marking the Diamond Jubilee of the Friends of Cathedral Music and the launch of the Diamond Fund for Choristers. FCM provides grants from members’ subscriptions...

15 Jan 2016

National Children’s Orchestra Percussionists

Congratulations to Year 4 percussionist Isabelle, who, at only eight years old, is the youngest Wells pupil ever to have been selected for the elite National Children’s Orchestra. The NCO is Great Britain’s premier symphony orchestra for children, providing young people with a world-class foundation for orchestral performance and musicianship. Hundreds of 7-13 year olds from across the country are brought together, meeting like-minded young musicians and being guided by top professional musicians. As well as creating a safe, stimulating...

14 Dec 2015

Old Wellensians at the RCM

Head of percussion, Jayne Obradovic joined Old Wellensians at a private reception to celebrate the opening of the new percussion suite at the Royal College of Music, alongside guests Dame Evelyn Glennie, Sir Robert Winston and the Principal percussionists of the top international orchestras. Old Wellensian Kizzy Brooks led the soloists in a performance.

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