24th April 2026

It has been a pleasure hearing about their holiday adventures, including the school ski trip, which was a great success - you can read more about it below.

In assembly on Wednesday, our Year 6 pupils were delighted to receive their roles and responsibilities for the term, along with their leavers’ hoodies, which look very smart. Rosie B-C and Jasper W will take on the roles of Heads of School for the next ten weeks - an exciting way to begin their final term at Rupert House and we know that they and all the children in Year 6 will be excellent role models for the younger children.

Thank you to all those who attended the Meet the Pastoral Team meeting on Thursday. It was a valuable opportunity to hear more from the team about the work they do in support of your children, including from Marta Bakinowska, who will take on the role of Deputy Head Pastoral from Susie Newman in September. Parents were able to ask questions, learn more about the support available across the school, and meet the staff who work closely with your children each day. Alongside other staff at St Mary's, Marta is already working closely with us on the merger project, and we look forward to giving you a further update on this following the Bank Holiday weekend.

 

Rowing

Year 6 enjoyed their introduction to rowing this week by trying the sport at Henley Rowing Club on the first day of term, as part of their leavers' programme. We are very fortunate to work with a wonderful coaching team there, which includes Sam Redgrave, an Olympic Silver Medallist from Tokyo and we have our first Rowing Club session with them this afternoon in this glorious weather. I can't wait!

 

Rugby Club Family Day

It was lovely to see so many of you at the Family Day at Henley Hawks at the weekend. Thank you as well to those who took part as mascots for the Hawks vs London Welsh RFC match – Jonny G, Luca H, Harrison B, Milly-May P and Tommy S. It was an exciting game to watch, with the Hawks securing a much-needed win over London Welsh to ensure they remain in their current league next season. The club greatly appreciated the support and hope to welcome even more of our community to future matches, as we work even closer together going forward.

 

May Half Term and Summer Camps

We have had some great feedback following the Easter Discover camps which were very popular with both Rupert House pupils and their local friends. Booking is now open for the May Camp and if you book before 1^st May you will receive an early bird discount of 10% off with the code EARLYBIRDMAY: May Half Term Activity Camp - Discovery Activity Camps

The Summer Camps are also available for booking. As well as the popular Activity Camp, we also have intensive Swimming Camps available. There is also an early bird discount on the summer Activity Camp if you book before 1^st May with the code EARLYBIRDSUMMER: Discover Activity Camps at Rupert House School

 

Year 4 Mini Musical

The Year 4 Ancient Egyptians productions had to be postponed at the end of last term. We have rescheduled them for Wednesday 13^th May. 4DR will be at 2pm and 4F at 3pm, in the Hall. Parents are invited to attend.

 

The Great School Run

There are just three weeks to go until the Great School Run at Stonor Park on Sunday 17th May. This much-loved, friendly event brings the wider Henley community together each year. There are races for all ages—from 3 years old through to adults—so do encourage your friends and family to take part. You don’t need to live in Henley to join in; in fact, we always enjoy seeing the wide variety of schools represented in the registration list. The event is free to enter, with a suggested small donation for those who are able to contribute. This year, we are proud to be supporting Ben vs Duchenne. You can find out more about the event and the charity here: The Great School Run The Great School Run of Henley

 

Marathon des Sables success

Many congratulations to Rupert House parent, Birte Hayes, for her incredible achievement in not only completing one of the most challenging races on earth, the Marathon des Sables, but for finishing as 9^th woman and 104^th overall, out of about 1500 runners. What an extraordinary feat and we are looking forward to her coming into school to speak with us all about it!

 

Residential Trips

We are very much looking forward to the upcoming Year 6 French trip, which I am helping with, and the Year 4 PGL trip next week. Please ensure you have carefully read the letters below, which contain all the essential information on travel, food, and packing arrangements.

 

Best of luck to all those taking part in the Nettlebed Stinger this weekend!

Best wishes,

Nick Armitage