Termly Newsletters

Downloadable pdf – Autumn 2025 Newsletter

Flipbook version – Autumn 2025 Newsletter

Together We Grow – Building Character, Cultivating Mind – The Kew House Way

The Autumn Term was, as ever, a “whirlwind of activity,” perfectly capturing the joy and achievement that truly reflect our ethos. The pages within are a compelling testament to our commitment to Building Character, Cultivating Minds and showcase the wide-ranging engagement across the school.

Pupils have excelled academically and personally, from Year 7 re-enacting the Battle of Hastings and GCSE students exploring Berlin’s past, to Sixth Formers tackling global challenges at a mock COP session and witnessing scientific innovation on the CERN trip. The creative arts were exceptionally impressive. The Musicals Through Time performance and the moving Carol Service highlighted extraordinary dramatic and musical talent, while pupils’ individual achievements — including summiting Kilimanjaro, earning Gold in the UKMT Maths Challenge, medalling at ISA Nationals and winning the regional heat of FutureChef  – demonstrated ambition, skill and determination.

As George Bernard Shaw said, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

These stories, alongside cross-curricular and community activities, showcase the breadth of opportunity at KHS and celebrate our students’ remarkable successes.

My sincere thanks go, as always, to our dedicated staff and to you, our supportive parents, whose partnership is invaluable to our “Open Door” ethos. We look forward to another exciting and successful term together.

Will Williams,

Headmaster

Downloadable pdf – Summer 2025 Newsletter

Flipbook version – Summer 2025 Newsletter

Together we grow – building character, cultivating minds – the Kew House way 

As we close the doors on what has been a truly remarkable and vibrant academic year at Kew House, I am filled with immense pride in all that we have accomplished together.  Our shared journey has been one of collaboration, innovation, and mutual support, demonstrating that our community is our greatest strength. 

Looking back at the school calendar, it has been a whirlwind of activity, capturing moments of joy and achievement that truly reflect our ethos. The spirit of community was on full display at our events, where staff, parents, and pupils came together to celebrate our shared purpose. It was wonderful to see our A-Level geographers taking their learning outside the classroom on a field trip and our Year 7s building bonds on their residential trip to Devon. The fantastic Teatime Recitals have showcased the incredible creative talent blossoming within our walls, a testament to our commitment to fostering Creativity and providing ample Opportunity. 

Each of these moments is a living example of our commitment to nurturing both character and intellect. We believe in being a “greenhouse, not a hothouse,” where every child feels secure enough to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. This is where true resilience is built. Such resilience is built in many spheres of school life and we look forward to our new partnership with Trailfinders Sports Club, to enhance the quality of our sporting provision for all pupils. 

And at the heart of our approach is the cultivation of metacognition. We have seen our pupils, become active architects of their own learning, empowered by our 90-minute lessons and supportive Personal Tutors. They have learned to ask the critical questions: “What can I do differently next time?” and “What is the best way for me to solve this problem?” This focus on Independent Thinking and self-awareness is the ultimate superpower, equipping them to thrive in an ever-changing world. 

My sincerest thanks go to our dedicated staff, who have worked tirelessly to inspire and guide. My gratitude also extends to our supportive parents, whose partnership is invaluable to our “Open Door” ethos. And most importantly, to our brilliant pupils—thank you for your curiosity, your kindness, and your remarkable hard work. 

I wish you all a wonderful and well-deserved summer break. I look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting year of growth. 

Will Williams,

Headmaster

Downloadable pdf – Spring 2025 Newsletter

Flipbook version – Spring 2025 Newsletter

Celebrating Growth and Achievements

As we come to the close of the invigorating spring term, it is a moment for reflection on the growth and achievements that have unfolded during these months — a significant contrast to the challenges we faced at the start of the year! The conclusion of this term embodies our journey from the dark valley of winter towards the illuminating heights we have reached together.

Throughout this spring, our pupils have engaged in an inspiring pursuit of knowledge and creativity, marked by an impressive array of academic, sporting and artistic endeavours.

It is with great pride that in this newsletter we showcase the outstanding accomplishments and contributions made by our pupils; many of which warrant special recognition.

The initial challenges of the public examination mocks in January emerged as pivotal moments for our pupils, compelling them to direct their focus and determination toward their goals. As the term progressed, a remarkable spirit of industrious engagement flourished within our community. This dedication found expression in a series of events that highlighted the extraordinary talents of our pupils.

From the exhilaration of end-of-term regattas and competitive matches to the captivating displays and concerts, each occasion has underscored the hard work and commitment demonstrated by our pupils. These performances not only spotlight individual talents but also exemplify the collaborative spirit that thrives when they come together in pursuit of excellence.

We encourage you to visit our social media channels, particularly our recent Instagram posts, which serve as a visual chronicle of the vibrant life at Kew House. These images capture the enthusiasm and camaraderie displayed during various activities, reminding us of the community spirit that defines our school. We hope you take as much pride in these moments as we do, as they reflect the diversity of achievements and unforgettable experiences that characterise our journey together.

Looking ahead, we will continue to nurture the spirit of collaboration, resilience and pursuit of excellence that has marked this term. It is through our shared efforts that we can support one another in striving toward future goals.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every pupil for their hard work and dedication throughout the spring term, supported wholeheartedly by the conscientious staff.

Downloadable pdf – Autumn 2024 Newsletter

Flipbook version – Autumn 2024 Newsletter

Fresh Starts and New Challenges

As Christmas arrives as the end of the Autumn term, it is a pleasure to reflect on what has been a vibrant and successful start to the academic year at Kew House School. This term has been marked by energy, engagement, and a collective embrace of new opportunities across the school community. From the buzzing corridors to the dedication in the classrooms, the spirit of curiosity and growth has been palpable. 

A theme that resonates particularly this term is that of transition. For our Year 7 pupils, the shift to secondary school represents a major milestone—a journey from the familiar comfort of primary and prep school to the exciting, and occasionally daunting, opportunities of life at Kew House. It has been heartening to witness their enthusiasm, adaptability, and growing confidence as they settle into new routines, form friendships, and explore their interests both academically and beyond. A highlight for me was to see some many of the Year 7 pupils actively engaged in the school production; Christmas Carol.  Their journey this term has set a strong foundation for what promises to be a rewarding and transformative experience throughout their time with us. 

Equally significant is the transition faced by our Year 12 students as they embark on their A-Level and BTEC studies. This phase of education demands a more independent and self-driven approach to learning. Under the care of our new Head of Sixth Form, Mr Sheehan, they have risen admirably to the challenge, embracing the deeper exploration of subjects they are passionate about while also contributing meaningfully to the wider life of the school. Their growth as leaders and role models within our community has been inspiring, demonstrating their readiness to take on greater responsibilities and explore their potential both in and out of the classroom. 

Throughout the term, we have celebrated numerous achievements, from artistic and athletic excellence to academic milestones and contributions to our local community. These accomplishments highlight the diverse talents and dedication of our pupils and staff alike. They also remind us that Kew House is not just a place of learning but a thriving, supportive community where every individual is encouraged to flourish. Whether it was the performances that lit up the stage, the victories on the sports field, or the quiet moments of academic discovery and mentoring, each success has added to the rich tapestry of our school life. 

As we look forward to the festive season and a well-deserved break, I want to thank all members of the Kew House family—pupils, staff, and parents—for their hard work, collaboration, and unwavering support. Your contributions have been instrumental in making this term so memorable and enriching. I hope you enjoy reading about the many highlights of the term in this newsletter and take pride in the collective achievements of our school community. 

Will Williams,

Headmaster

Downloadable pdf – Summer 2024 Newsletter

Flipbook version – Summer 2024 Newsletter

A Time to Reflect

The end of each school year brings a mix of emotions for school leaders.  The heartfelt goodbyes to leavers, the end of term celebration high points and the air of excitement within the pupil-body, as the realisation dawns that when they return in September, they will be one year ahead, having watched their peers mature into that year over the last three terms.  Be it Year 7 that look forward to not quite being the new kids on the block, Year 10 that begin to see the enormity of the GCSE exams on the horizon, or the Year 12 students that approach their last year at school, knowing that they can plan for their next steps in the wide world, all have adventures ahead.

The end of the Summer Term is also a time to reflect on the achievements of so many Kew House pupils.  The Sports Dinner gave a great insight into the wealth of talent across all sports in the school, whilst we ended the term with our crews firmly establishing themselves at Henley.  The ISA has recognised this by including Kew House School on its shortlist for the national Independent School of the Year for Sporting Achievement.  The 10th Anniversary Music Festival saw an explosion of talent from all year groups in the school, performing in front of an audience of pupils, staff, parents and for the first time, alumni of the school.  With the Year 7 Science Fair, followed by the lower school drama production, the Art Showcase in the ILC and the Year 8 Enterprise Fair all taking place over the term, it really has been a busy place.

At the core of all schools is the commitment to achieve academic excellence.  The Examinations Team managed this year’s Public Exams window with efficiency and accuracy, on some days needing to use 17 different venues around the school. Both Year 11 and Year 13 pupils attacked their exams with an air of confidence, based on the hard work of their preparations.  Although the results will provide instant feedback in August, the pupils can be proud of the way that they approached their examinations.

Whether it is performing, creating or writing exam responses, the impression one is left with at the end of the year is that Kew House pupils are rising to their challenges and enjoying their participation.  Their successes are in no small way attributable to the staff that guide them and parents who march alongside them.  At the end of this, my 100 term as an educator, I remain humbled by the work that all of the community puts into supporting our young people.

Will Williams,

Headmaster

Downloadable pdf – Spring 2024 Newsletter

Flipbook version – Spring 2024 Newsletter

“Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.” – Gail Sheehy.

The least secure of environments is the exam room; a dark place that we all have visited, toiled within and fled – under controlled dismissal instructions, adhering to JCQ guidelines – of course.  In January our valiant Year 11 and 13 pupils stepped into the dark for their mock exams and returned to the light of their classrooms, two weeks later.   For them, the Easter break will feature much personal sacrifice to lay down the foundations of the summer success. The key skills for revision, for both groups have been delivered across their Gardener Award lessons from Year 7, their classroom teachers have given them specific tips and tricks whilst in addition, since half term, they have received professional support to help them make the most of the hours they have to revise.   We wish them all the best of good fortune as they set out to put all of their learning into their preparations.

For many pupils the risk of being wrong with an answer, the risk of looking foolish infront of a class or that lack of security in knowing that they are not being judged can be debilitating.  One of the strengths of our learning community is its support of everyone within it to live by the maxim that we are all different and that is what makes us equal.  In providing for eachother we create the security for risks to be taken and for growth to occur.  Alas, life does contain slings and arrows and preparing young people for their futures requires them to test themselves, to accept risk and to surrender security.  Resilience is the building of bouncebackability, learning from failing, risking failure.  If there is an art to teaching, it is in creating those events in the lives of young people from which they grow, from which they learn; about themselves, as much as about the subject at hand.  On the games field or the river, failure in sports is clear and obvious.  Lost matches stimulate reflection and then coaching foci, this same sequence fits for so many other occasions when the outcome was not quite what we want it to be.  But, just as we go to the next fixture primed to do better, so too do we walk into the next lesson, aiming for a better result; higher score in a test, a positive contribution to group work, whatever our metric of success may be.

So as we celebrate the spring term in this newsletter and look forward to the term ahead, spare a thought for those two years groups who will step into the exam rooms.  We hope that by reflection and hard preparations, they will have reduced their sense of insecurity, and will thrive as they work through their exams.

Will Williams,

Headmaster

Downloadable pdf – Autumn 2023 Newsletter

Flipbook version – Autumn 2023 Newsletter

Selflessness and Charitable Giving

The autumn term races from the warmth of early September, through to the darker days of liquid sunshine and tempest in December. This year’s weather has been no different, providing a background to the energetic engagement of pupils in their myriad activities.

This newsletter gives only a flavour of the energies that have been expended by the Kew House pupils, but certainly shows their levels of achievement and the volume of participation. Those of you that follow the school via X (that still doesn’t sound or feel right), will have been regularly updated with the musical, artistic, sporting and academic exploits of the pupils. As always, teachers have been at the side of our pupils, nudging them, advising them, picking them and encouraging them. The teamwork that goes into all of the successes that you see in this newsletter is a testament to the culture of the school and parents.

This term has featured the launch of the Gardener Award, with two year groups starting on their challenge to meet the varied criteria for success within their key stages.  This ambitious cross-curriculum innovation is set to grow in the lives of the pupils as it seeks to recognise everything they achieve, in one award.

An aspect of Kew House’s autumn term that has particular resonance at this time of the year is the selflessness that our pupils show in their charitable giving. Young people are always denigrated by the older generations for many reasons (often based on jealousy, if we are to be honest!), but the freedom with which our pupils have created charitable events within the school and then given their time to support others is to be highly commended. The quiet giving of time is one area that I am particularly proud of in our pupils and I hope that this Christmas, even more will be given.

Will Williams,

Headmaster