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The Sedbergh Newsletter
August 2025
We are now more than halfway through Sedbergh School’s landmark 500th anniversary year — and what an extraordinary eight months it has been. From the spectacular concert at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall in February, to the jubilant Gala Weekend in May, and most recently the Summer Solstice Stride and Dinner in June, it has been a year to remember.
And the celebrations are far from over! We still have the dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Sedbergh School vs. Blackrock College fixtures and dinner, and a very special carol service at York Minster.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Sedbergh community for helping us mark this historic milestone, and for so generously supporting the vital work of the Foundation and OS Club.
We look forward to welcoming you at one of our upcoming Michaelmas term events.
OS News
Sedbergh School Bids A Fond Farewell to Development Director, Jan van der Velde
This summer Sedbergh School bids a very fond farewell to Development Director, Jan van der Velde.
The Summer Solstice Stride – 90-Mile Fundraising Run Culminates in Celebratory Gala Dinner
World Record Broken on Winder by Joe and Andy Symonds
Joe (H 97-01) and Andy (H 92-99) Symonds broke a world record on Saturday 7th June by running the equivalent height of Mount Everest, up and down Winder.
OS Abbie Ward in the Red Roses Team for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Congratulations to Abbie Ward (R 09-11) who has been named in the starting XV for England’s opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
‘We Are Seven’
A charming journal, documenting the exploits and adventures of seven ‘new’ boys who joined Sedbergh School in 1945 has been digitised and published so it can be shared with a wider audience.
Interview with Major General Jonathan Shaw, CB, CBE (S 71-75)
One of the many benefits of the OS Club is the opportunity to meet remarkable people and hear their stories of life and work.
Congratulations to OS Cameron Redpath on Helping Bath Win First Premiership Title in 29 Years
OS Cameron Redpath (S 16–18), now a professional rugby union player and centre for Premiership club Bath, played a key role in a trailblazing victory.
Newly Identified Casualties Added to the Book of Remembrance
Since the 2014–2018 Old Sedberghian Club Pilgrimage three more Sedberghian World War One casualties have been identified.
OS Ellie Dodds Fundraising to Support Research for PolG Mitochondrial Disease
OS Ellie Dodds (née Mewburn, R 05–09) is fundraising to support research for PolG mitochondrial disease.
Former Roger Lupton Scholar Oliver Quinn (P 17-20) Achieves Boy Band Success
After leaving Sedbergh, Oliver graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in Performing Arts at the remarkably young age of 19.
Four OS Selected for the GB Palma Rifle Team Training Squad
The Palma Match takes place only once every four years and is hotly contested.
Wedding of OS Sophie Woof
Many congratulations to OS Sophie Woof (C 13-15) who recently got married.
Congratulations to OS Jack Roberts (S 06-13) and Lucy Thomson (L 09-14) on their Marriage
Many congratulations to Old Sedberghians Jack Roberts (S 06-13) and Lucy Thomson (L 09-14) who were married on Saturday 7th June.
Wolf's Head Lapel Pin - Available to Buy
The first batch of the special wolf’s head lapel pin commissioned by Blacklock Jewellery has now been produced, and they are just gorgeous!
Deaths and Obituaries
For a list of all recent OS deaths and obituaries, please click on the link below.
OS and Association Events
2025 Alumni Wimbledon Race and Dinner
Old Sedberghians are invited to participate in the annual Alumni Cross Country Race on Saturday 13th September 2025 on Wimbledon Common, London.
Blackrock Fixtures and Dinner on Saturday 11th October 2025
There will be the opportunity to enjoy the fixtures between Sedbergh School and Blackrock College during the day. Then the evening will kick off in Powell Hall with a drinks reception at 7pm followed by a scrum-ptious three-course meal.
Dinner at Lord's Cricket Ground
OS, parents and friends of Sedbergh School are invited to attend a special dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday 3rd October 2025 in celebration of the School's 500th anniversary.
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Dinner and York Minster Carol Service 8th December 2025
As a perfect culmination to a year full of celebratory events, OS, parents and friends of the School are invited to the Merchant Adventurers' Hall and York Minster.
Foundation News
Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025 - Pledge Target Reached
We are delighted to announce that thanks to generous OS, parents and friends we have reached our pledge target in record time. These funds, along with charity champion funds, will be used to match donations received during the campaign week of 2nd to 9th December. We look forward to sharing with you details on how to donate during campaign week in due course.
News from Sedbergh School
Sedbergh School Celebrates Glowing ISI Inspection Report
Sedbergh School is proud to announce the outstanding findings of its recent full inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
A Level Results
We extend our congratulations to the Class of 2025. This year’s cohort exemplifies the power of personalised development where every pupil’s abilities are recognised, nurtured, and channelled towards a pathway that reflects their ambitions.
Sedbergh Courses Welcomed Over 1,000 Young Attendees
Over the past three weeks, Sedbergh Courses has welcomed more than 1,000 children to its renowned summer residential and day camps at Sedbergh School.
Sedbergh On Tour
Join the Headmaster and other Sedbergh School representatives to find out more about the School’s rich history, exciting future and the many opportunities it offers.
Open Days and Events
Our Open Days and events give an insight into life at Sedbergh School and Sedbergh Prep School.
School Sports Reports
SED Sports - stay informed on the latest results of the School's talented athletes.
Sedbergh School at 500 Exhibition
Sedbergh and District History Society are curating an exhibition at Farfield Mill Community Room, Sedbergh from 23rd July to 5th October to help mark the 500th anniversary of Sedbergh School. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
Merchandise
OS Club Merchandise
The OS Club has a wide range of merchandise which can be viewed via the link below.
Wolfberry Gin
To mark the 500th anniversary the Foundation have produced Wolfberry Gin! Priced at £50, including P&P, all profits go towards supporting the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Fund.
'Tis the Hills That Have Stood Around Us
A History of Sedbergh School 1525-2024. Written by Michael Raw, the definitive book charting the history of the School, published to mark the 500th anniversary.
Extraordinary Places by Bicycle by Hugh and Pauline Symonds
The family of the late and much-loved Hugh Symonds would like to make you aware of the book that he and his wife Pauline wrote, sharing the highs and lows of truly remarkable two-wheel odysseys to the wildest and most beautiful corners of the planet. If you would like to purchase a copy of the book please contact Ben Collins on bpc@sedberghschool.org.
Yorkshire Dales Monopoly Board Game
Featuring Sedbergh School and all proceeds go towards the Roger Lupton Scholarships.
