The Stonar Way 09.05.25

I generally leave the celebration of individual pupil achievement to the pages within our newsletter, rather than in my weekly front page musings. Achievement comes in many different forms and so many pupils do so much every week. However, this week I have been moved to make an exception given the incredible talent and success I have witnessed.

Firstly, a huge congratulations to Rose Dalrymple, who competed in the prestigious Badminton Grassroots event, finishing an exceptional 13th out of 80+ competitors. This is one of, if not the, leading amateur eventing competitions in the country, for which simply qualifying is very difficult, making Rose’s achievement all the more impressive - especially at just 15 years old. Rose delivered a remarkably composed and skilled performance, going double clear in both the show jumping and cross-country phases. I was there to watch her on the cross-country and I can testify that it was quite a sight to witness at such an iconic venue and with big crowds. There is a wonderful sense of history in Rose’s success too, as her grandfather won the Badminton Horse Trials in 1964. Rose’s achievement places her firmly in the footsteps of her illustrious family legacy, and we are immensely proud of her.

Our Drama Department also has cause for celebration. Millie Godfrey and Henry Parr represented Stonar in the regional finals of the English Speaking Union Performing Shakespeare competition, hosted here at Stonar, after both students won through tough local heats. The event brought together talented performers from across the South West, including schools such as South Wilts Grammar School, Torquay Grammar School, St Mary’s, Calne, and Collegiate, Bristol, to name a few. The standard was incredibly high, but Millie’s captivating performance from Act 3, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet won her the regional title. After hearing the news of Tybalt's death and Romeo's banishment, Juliet delivers a powerful monologue expressing her conflicting emotions and grief, which Millie conveyed with great depth and intensity. Millie now advances to the national final at the iconic Globe Theatre in London - an extraordinary achievement, and the second year running that Stonar has had a national finalist in this prestigious competition. Huge thanks and congratulations to Mrs Ingledew and the entire Drama Department for their inspiring work.

Finally, we extend our best wishes to our Ten Tors teams, who are heading into action this weekend. From our very first team in the 35-mile event in 2020, we are proud to now field teams in the 35, 45, and 55-mile challenges. Ten Tors is renowned for its toughness and tests not just endurance, but teamwork, resilience, and character. We are incredibly proud of all our pupils taking part and look forward to cheering them across the finish line.

I will be at Badminton tomorrow - do come and visit us at our stand - and then I am heading down to Dartmoor on Sunday to watch our teams come in. I might see you in one of those two places. If not, I hope that you have a lovely weekend.