From Rowing Gold to Proms Glory

Kew House Students Triumph on the World Stage

KHS celebrates Charlotte Taylor-Aubery’s U19 Rowing World Championship victory and Jasmine Derry’s performance in Vaughan Williams’ Sancta Civitas on the opening night of the BBC Proms.

Kew House School is celebrating two extraordinary alumnae achievements on the world stage—one in sport and one in music.

In Trakai, Lithuania, Charlotte (Lottie) Taylor-Aubery and her crewmates were crowned U19 World Champions in the Women’s Eight. The victory marks a defining moment in Charlotte’s rowing journey—one forged through years of dedication and guidance from her long-time KHS coach, Rufus Tilt.

Fondly nicknamed “Kew’s Golden Girl” by Rufus, Lottie’s achievement is a milestone for the school’s rowing programme and a shining example of its ethos: Together We Grow. Her success represents not only her own hard work, but also the collective support of coaches, teammates, and the wider school community.

Charlotte’s triumph capped off two weekends of exceptional results for KHS rowing on the international stage. At the Coupe de la Jeunesse in Linz, Austria, KHS coaches Rufus Tilt and Tom Shewell played pivotal roles in Team GB’s medal haul. Rufus guided the Junior Men’s Double Scull to Gold and another crew to Silver, while Tom’s Junior Men’s Coxless Four achieved back-to-back Gold medals across two consecutive days of racing. These remarkable results highlight the coaches’ dedication, both in their work at KHS and as volunteers proudly representing the school internationally.

Meanwhile, on one of the most prestigious stages in classical music, Jasmine Derry performed as part of the chorus in Vaughan Williams’ Sancta Civitas on the opening night of the world-famous BBC Proms. To sing in such a landmark event demonstrates Jasmine’s talent and commitment, and reflects the same values of dedication, resilience, and artistry that define the KHS community.

This balance of excellence is also seen in the classroom. This year, 70% of KHS students secured their first-choice university places, the school achieved its highest-ever A*-C rate* at 90%, and 63% of leavers progressed to prestigious Russell Group universities. These results underline the school’s holistic approach, where the same values — discipline, resilience, teamwork and ambition — drive success in academics, sport and the arts.

“This is a perfect example of how talent, teamwork and dedication can grow into extraordinary achievements,” said Will Williams, Head of Kew House School. “We are incredibly proud of Lottie, Rufus, Tom, Jasmine, and everyone who has contributed to these successes.”

KHS’s recent victories, whether on the water, in the classroom, or on the concert stage, prove that when we grow together, we can reach world-class heights.