Appointment of Headmaster

The Chairman and Board of Governors at Old Buckenham Hall are delighted to announce the appointment of John Brett as Headmaster from September 2010. John and his wife Clare succeed Martin and Deborah Ives who have been at Old Buckenham Hall since 1997.

Old Buckenham Hall Appoint Headmaster John Brett

Old Buckenham Hall Appoint Headmaster John Brett

Since 1998 Mr Brett has been Headmaster of St Mary’s Preparatory School in Melrose. John trained as a professional musician at Leeds and London and his wife Clare as a teacher of drama. Mr Brett’s leadership at St Mary’s has created excellence in all areas of the school promoting an environment in which children are supported and challenged to achieve their personal best. The Bretts are credited with having relentless energy and their leadership and management of St Mary’s has ensured its success.

At a recent reception held at Old Buckenham Hall, Mr Brett told current parents that he had been impressed by what he had seen at the school on his recent visits, not least by OBH pupils. He spoke of the warmth of the school and the obviously magical environment in which children are able to grow and thrive. There will be opportunities to meet with the Bretts at receptions planned for the Jockey Club, Newmarket over the next few weeks.

John and Clare Brett’s arrival will be coinciding with initiatives and developments at Old Buckenham Hall recently ratified by the Board of Governors after a period of consultation with parents and with John’s involvement. These initiatives include the reduction of fees for day pupils in the Prep school, the introduction of scholarships at 7+, 8+ and 11+, bursaries and more flexible pick up times for day children.

Old Buckenham Hall is entering an exciting new chapter.
For more information on recent developments at the school
contact the Registrar on registrar@obh.co.uk or 01449 744787.

OBH Scholars "Spelbound"!

OBH Scholars "Spelbound" at ITV Studios!

The OBH Academic Scholars had the privilege of visiting the ITV Studios where they spent the morning behind the scenes of the live showing of "This Morning".

The first guests they were lucky enough to meet were Saturday's winners of "Britain's Got Talent", Spelbound, as well as one of the hosts of "Britain's Got More Talent", Stephen Mulhern. At the end of the show there was an opportunity to sit on the sofas and chat with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

On Tuesday, as part of the scholars programme, they then visited the Olympic site to see the progress of the building works for the 2012 Olypmic Games.

Summer Concert

Very well done to all the performers at the Summer Concert; it was perfectly clear just how much hard work had gone into preparing for the evening. The rousing finale of "We are the Champions" led by the Headmaster and Mrs Ives will be remembered for some time to come!

Optional Home Weekend

The last Optional Home Weekend at OBH saw over 40 children and staff venturing to
Southwold and Walberswick on the coast for a day of crabbing, picnic-ing and beach cricket.

The perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday in the sunshine.

Suffolk Show

The OBH annual trip to the Suffolk Show took place on Thursday 4th June.
A tradition established some years ago, children and staff had a wonderful day enjoying the best of Suffolk.

Common Entrance 2010

COMMON ENTRANCE 2010

Thursday 17^th June saw the publication of the Year 8 Common Entrance results with 2010 producing the best results for many years. Another 100% pass rate is something for the school to be very proud of and this year saw the hard work of the pupils and staff pay, off with an increase in A and B grades in every subject. 70% of the year group scored either A or B grades, with many of the pupils exceeding expectations.

This year children are progressing to 15 different schools. Pupils are going to schools including those as far afield as King's Canterbury, Harrow, Eton, Charterhouse, Cheltenham and Benenden and to the Midland and East Anglian schools, Uppingham, Stowe, Oakham, Gresham's, Rugby, Framlingham and Felsted. Particular highlights included: 9 out of 9 ‘A’ grades to Harrow for one pupil, 8 out of 9 ‘A’ grades to King's Canterbury for another, and a high proportion of pupils getting 6 or more ‘A’ grades to their chosen school. Fantastic results and congratulations must go to all the children!