For another view of Housey see FT.com’s article on British school uniforms where Blue coats cut a dash.

24 candidates achieved three or more A grades at A Level, with one scoring four A* grades. And while national results indicate that one-in-12 scored A Level A* this year, Christ’s Hospital achieved a slightly higher ratio of one-in-10.

Most of this year’s A2 cohort achieved or even exceeded their predicted grades and, in spite of increased pressure on university places this year, Christ’s Hospital is confident that it will continue to maintain its proud tradition of sending the majority if its leavers to top universities in the UK and abroad.

“These fine results reflect the dedication and hard work of both pupils and teachers alike,” said John Franklin, Head Master. “With the future looking increasingly uncertain for many young people in the UK, it is reassuring to know that so many of our pupils have secured a place at a good university.”

Notable performances included:

• Alex Woolley [Bethnal Green] with four A* grades;
• Hugh Lindley [Godalming] with three A* grades, plus an A grade;
• Will Lawrenson [Ramsgate], Poppy Kibble [Exeter] and John Ash [Angmering] who all achieved three A* grades;
• Andrew Corbett [Westbury, Wilts] with one A* and three A grades;
• Dominic Neale Draysey [Lewes] with four A grades;
• Sally Hill [Chichester] with two A* grades and one A grade.

Cricketing highlights included an extraordinary innings of 130 from Stuart Whittingham in the final game with fine supporting batting from Calvin Williams.  Alex Satterfield was awarded a new trophy for player of the season, presented by Christian Somma, 1992 Captain of CH 1^st XI.

Head of Cricket, Howard Holdsworth said, “The boys were fine ambassadors for our School.  Their win was greatly deserved as they all pulled together to support each other”.

Match Scores

For full match reports here and the slideshow here.

Despite a high wind, Nick’s time of 13.25s was just three hundredths of a second off his personal best, which he clocked the previous week running for Sussex at the English Schools’ Track & Field Championships in Birmingham.

Also representing Sussex in Birmingham in the inter boys competition was Christ’s Hospital’s Saoirse Chinery-Edoo who reached the Discus final with an exceptional throw of 43.10m to achieve national standard distance.

The Ball began with a reception in the Head Master’s garden where, in keeping with the theme, drinks were served in ill-matched crockery with jam tarts given out to all. A dinner dance with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party followed with dancing to a live band that included Old Blue musicians.  

The Ball traditionally takes place on the last night of the academic year and is organised by the Grecians themselves with the help of two staff, Ian Stannard and Amanda Walsh. A pupil Committee works for six months before the Ball to manage preparations and harness creative skills in making props to bring the theme to life.   

The March On to Eagle Squadron was followed by an evocative programme of music that included Pomp and Circumstance No. 4 and Teike’s Steadfast and True.  At the centre of the ceremony was the powerful display of drumming that is the Beating Retreat tribute to Christ’s Hospital Leavers.  The Day Thou Gavest and Last Post was performed as the Finale with solo trumpet played by Leaver Tom Isaac.

View Beating Retreat video here

The inter-House competition was keenly battled in all age groups with overall success claimed by Middleton (Boys) and Coleridge A (Girls).

View Sports Day slideshow here

Visits to the Museum and Art and DT exhibitions were popular with shade-seekers after lunch while activities and fundraising stalls in the Quad were well-supported:  especially the opportunity to throw a wet sponge at a teacher.  Before returning to boarding houses for tea visitors much enjoyed performances by the Gospel Choir and orchestra rehearsals in Big School.