Dear Parents and Guardians
The mid-year examination season has come to an end, and the results are now being scrutinised. The importance of these examinations cannot be underestimated, as they provide an invaluable benchmark for the end of the year. As we approach the last month of the term, the importance of academic consolidation and reflection becomes increasingly evident. With four weeks left in the term, the calendar reflects the need for all our pupils to ensure the right balance in their approach to study, sport, and school activities.
CHRIS HAMMOND
Rector designate for 2027, Mr Chris Hammond, will be visiting the school between 13 and 16 July. During his time here, he will be familiarising himself with the management of the school. Equally, he will be meeting with staff and, where possible, with pupils. While this will be a relatively short and intensive visit, it will allow Mr Hammond the opportunity to touch base with the needs and expectations of the school.
2026 SCHOOL DRAMA PRODUCTION -
Pride and Prejudice
This year’s school production is an adaptation of Jon Jory’s Pride and Prejudice. It will be performed in the Fieldsend Hall on 28 and 29 July. The cast are currently putting the final touches to the play during their last rehearsals. They have wrestled with Jane Austen’s comical, mysterious, and witty characters. It promises to be a lively staging of this essential classic.
BUS BOOKINGS
Please may I appeal to you to ensure, through your children, that bus bookings are accurate. Last minute changes to bookings cannot be accommodated, especially where a booking is made and then not taken up. It must be noted that the booking will still be charged to your account. Equally, arriving at a bus without a booking places real strain on our resources and potentially creates a safety issue for the school. Duty staff at the buses may deny your child access to the bus if they do not have a booking.
COMMON ENTRANCE ASSESSMENT 2027
About one hundred Grade 7 pupils assembled at Peterhouse to write the Common Entrance papers for the 2027 D Block intake. At the same time, candidates gathered in Bulawayo and at a host of out-of-country venues to write the English and Mathematics assessments. This is the final stage in the entry process before acceptance in January 2027. We look forward to welcoming another full intake into the school next year.
AMG 7s FESTIVAL
Once again, the school hosted a successful AMG 7s Festival over the weekend of 4 July. With rugby, hockey, and football teams all in action, the day produced some exciting encounters, with Peterhouse emerging as the overall champions. It was very satisfying to have the silverware return to the school, and congratulations must go to all our sportsmen on their efforts. Equally, special thanks go to AMG for their ongoing sponsorship, as well as to Kevan Barbour and the Sports Department for their organisational efforts.
MUSIC SOIRÉE
Join us for an evening of music as our talented pupils perform at the Music Soirée on Thursday, 16 July, at Hartmann House. Your support will be greatly appreciated as our musicians showcase their hard work and talent.
As we approach the end of term, please may I remind you to respect the published term dates. Term ends on Thursday 6 August. Erosion of the term dates compromises our academic programme, with the last lessons taking place on Wednesday 5 August. Please avoid putting Housemasters under pressure to grant early release, as the term dates were published in 2025. The public examinations begin early in the Michaelmas Term, leaving very little room to manoeuvre.