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Blog Posts (32)
- OSA, PJ Gibbons, talks pizza, peas and legendary teachers
Parent and OSA, PJ Gibbons, attended St Andrew's between 1993 and 2001. Here, he shares his memories of what school life was like in the 90s, which senior school he then moved on to, and how since further education, his career has played out. Which Section were you in at St Andrew’s? Yellow section, I pre-date the house names. Sum up your time at St Andrew’s in one sentence. The absolute best school experience any child could have wished for. Favourite school meal? I will never forget the emotional rollercoaster of excitedly accepting a huge slice of ‘pizza’ only to bite into it and find out it was quiche. When pizza eventually did happen, it was pizza #1. I also quite liked the peas at school. My mum told me that one time in Pre-Prep, I brought home an entire pocket full for her to try for herself. So thoughtful(!) Who was your most inspirational teacher or subject at St Andrew’s, and why? We had so many wonderful teachers, and I think our perceptions and appreciation for who they were and what they did has only grown over time. Mr Outram, was a great teacher. He was also my tutor for tutor groups, head of the yellow section and a bit of a legend for many who walked the halls of St A’s. I feel like he always looked out for you and for your best interests. I received my fair share of ’30 minutes’ and ‘have a detention’ but I always learned something. A good guy. The other was Mr Embury, who taught history. We also found out he was an ex pro ice hockey player back in Canada, so convinced him to start teaching us street hockey for activities. It's thanks to him that I ended up playing ice hockey and inline hockey and will be coaching myself this summer. What was your favourite game in Progressive Games? I seem to remember there was a paper aeroplane game that was fun. Did you have a favourite rest activity? Always going to the woods. They felt so big and mysterious, exploring as far as one could go… it was wonderful. Building a fort or climbing a tree. Just generally having fun, getting muddy. Proudest sporting moment? I have a couple: - a win at long jump in my final year and some solid wins in cricket (I was wicket keeper). What were your best memories? My final term when I opted to become a full boarder. It was the most awesome experience. Long, warm, summer evenings spent outside with your best friends. Exams were finished, it was just the best. It was such a great time and it lives on in my memories. What's it like now being a parent? I absolutely love it! When people find out I'm an OSA, they ask me what it was like to be be here and love hearing my stories. I still feel a strong sense of nostalgia despite being here for every drop-off, sports fixture, concert and now, the inline hockey club. I have nothing but fond memories, and I know my girls will feel the same about St Andrew's too. Finally, what piece of advice would you give your 13 year old self? Honestly, I think it would be to slow down, don’t worry about what people think of you, just be you. Do your best and don’t be afraid to fail, there is no shame in failure, it is part of growing up and we need it to learn who we are. Stay true to yourself, keep an open mind but don’t be afraid to speak up. Be kind. Quick fire questions: Monkey base or Jungle Gym? Honestly the ‘bomb pit’…but that was out of bounds. Let’s go with Ghost Town, because it always had that spooky vibe. Rugby, Football or Cricket? Hockey or inline hockey. Then Football, Cricket and Rugby (in that order). Choir or The Ball Wall? Um? Neither? I don’t know what the ball wall is and no one needs my singing. COMS, GOMS, or BOMS? ‘Everything in moderation’… Day boy or boarding? Both. Dolman or Detention? Neither please. Life after St Andrew's PJ went on to Pangbourne College after St Andrew's, where he discovered a love for Film Studies. This followed by studying Film and Media at Newbury College, and enrolling at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles to study filmmaking. Later, he took an advanced cinematography course at Ealing Film School. From the stage at St Andrew's to photography, filmmaking and events Having worked for over a decade as a photographer and filmmaker in multiple sectors, his speciality is in automotive journalism. PJ also runs automotive events including Classics at the Clubhouse and West Berks Cars and Coffee held at the Renegade Brewery. He hopes one day to write a book. We can't wait..!
- Fashionistas unite on the catwalk
The St Andrew's Fashion Show brought style, creativity, collabs and a plenty of pizzazz to our Sports Centre last Friday evening, showcasing 60 talented designers' work. Introduced by our equally-talented team of Year 8 show hosts, our designers modelled their unique creations on the catwalk in front of parents, staff and our Guest Judges - Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Mitty Leach. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey is a sustainable fashion advocate, journalist, stylist, and Ambassador of Smart Works Charity. Having spent twelve years at British Vogue, she has recently launched The Fairground, a beautifully curated online shop that helps customers cut through greenwashing and shop with greater integrity. Ginnie is also a regular columnist for The Telegraph and sustainability columnist for Grazia. Mitty Leach is founder of Bridie & Bert, a successful family run business inspired by childhood summers on the beach and a trunk-full of heirloom pieces saved by her mother. Designing a capsule collection of the softest, highest quality, luxury towel robes for children and adults, Mitty launched her business in 2021. A series of category prizes were then awarded by Ginnie and Mitty at the end of the show. The evening was meticulously co-directed by Kirsty Parkhouse and Nick Jones, supported slickly by Year 8, Tommy, and Mr Emery with lights and sound, and special effects creatively curated by Jen Townsend, Rachel Marsh and Thomas White from Live FX. Kirsty Parkhouse said: “I am incredibly proud of our 60 designers and models for their incredible creativity and confidence. It was clear that weeks of hard work, collaboration, and passion had gone into every detail and especially exciting to see how much they had focused on sustainability. Our hosts also did an outstanding job, ensuring the show ran smoothly and welcoming every act with grace and enthusiasm. Their leadership set the tone for a truly memorable evening. " Adding to an already sensational fashion show, thanks to the creative choreography led by Miss Lauren & Miss Kali of Elibah School of Dance, our skillful dancers dazzled our audience with their sparkling performance. But our pupils weren't the only stars to showcase their talents at the 2025 St Andrew's Fashion Show. Our staff models strutted their designs to much applause and should also be revered for their imagination and creativity. A huge congratulations to all our fashionistas, and an enormous thank you to our Guest Judges, Ginnie and Mitty, our Year 8 hosts, in-house technical team, staff support, Live FX, Elibah School of Dance, FOSA, and to our parents for being such an enthusiastic audience. Enjoy our short film from the evening here. Roll on the next St Andrew's Fashion Show..!
- Community clean up inspires a heap of litter heroes
St Andrew's Eco Committee, awarded a prestigious Eco Schools' Green Flag with distinction last year, set our community a litter-picking challenge over the Christmas holidays. The challenge couldn't have come at a better time, as data from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (CS3) shared today, showed the average temperature in 2024 was 1.6C above preindustrial levels. Read on to find out which of our pupils were inspired by the challenge, starting with a brilliant blog written by Quinn in Year 6. (Thank you for your editorial contribution, Quinn, and to mum for buying you and Rory your own litter picker.) Saving the environment a pick at a time The school Eco-Committee set us a challenge over the holidays to do a community litter pick. I came home very excited, and my younger brother Rory also liked the sound of it. So, during the holidays we went out with our litter pickers to see what we could find, and picked up all sorts of things. We decided to go down to the River Lambourne to help improve the ducks’ habitat and make sure that they don’t injure or suffocate. Quinn in Year 6 with younger brother Rory in Year 1 To give you an idea of what we collected we picked up 10 drink cans such as beer, Pepsi and Monster cans. We also found scraps of wrappers such as a Cornetto ice cream, lots of plastic wrapping, tissues and bottle caps. We were absolutely appalled at the amount of rubbish just bobbing around in the water that we sadly could not reach. Just in one place we found six cans. In the end when we went home we knew that we had done a little something to help the environment. Several people even congratulated us for doing a good deed. We hope to go out again soon! Being part of a community litter picking group Another of our litter heroes is Matthew, in Reception, and his dad, Sam, who regularly attend their local community litter picks run by the local parish council. Held every four weeks, come rain or shine, they spend an hour cleaning up their community, and even made their parish newsletter. Filling up an entire bin bag Zara, Year 2, and younger sister, Arabella, in Reception, micromanaged their litter pick over the festive break, collecting rubbish over the final week of their holidays. According to mum, they picked up an entire bin bag's worth, and even got their favourite four legged friend to help. Cans discarded in the country Eric, in Year 7, picked up litter along his road in his village one afternoon and was amazed by the number of beer cans he collected. Perhaps it's time for the breweries to share an encouraging eco message to their customers about not discarding cans in the countryside, or anywhere, for that matter, and to recycle instead? Eric in Year 7 out collecting cans in his village Brothers in arms Equipped with their own litter picker, brothers, Albie in Year 4, and brother, Jasper, in Year 1, had great fun collecting rubbish (and the odd leaf) in their community over the Christmas break. We hope it's not just for Christmas, and they continue their hard work litter picking for the rest of 2025, and beyond... Albie in Year 4 with younger brother Jasper in Year 1 A huge thank you from our Eco Committee Delighted by the positive response of last term's litter topic, the Eco Committee can't wait to share this term's initiative soon. An enormous thank you to all our litter heroes (and their parents). Please keep up the fantastic work.
Other Pages (62)
- New Newsletter Template | St Andrews Berkshire
Home About St Andrew's Education School life Admissions News & Events Find us More Week 2 - 22nd April Important emails Medical / Absence / Supper & Off Games matrons@standrewsberkshire.co.uk Boarding boarding@standrewsberkshire.co.uk SOCS Queries / Co-Curricular & Prep Late Club marshj@standrewsberkshire.co.uk Pre Prep Late Club lateclub@standrewsberkshire.co.uk Prep Trips & Transport dimmickt@standrewsberkshire.co.uk Uniform Shop uniformshop@standrewsberkshire.co.uk Any Other Queries: schooloffice@standrewsberkshire.co.uk A look ahead... Easter Term Wednesday 23 April 2025 Start of Summer Term Monday 28 April 2025 After School Clubs begins Friday 23 May 2025 Year 1 & 2 Biathlon 1.45 pm & Prep School Triathlon 2.30 pm Friday 20 June 2025 Pre-Prep Sports Day - Friday 20th June, 2.15 pm – 3.30 pm Saturday 21 June 2025 Prep Sports Day - Saturday 21st June, 10.30 am – 4.00 pm Friday 27 June 2025 Pre-Pre & Juniors Grandparents & Family afternoon, 1.30 pm Wednesday 2 July 2025 Summer Music Concert, Bradfield College Greek Theatre, 2.30 pm Friday 4 July 2025 End of Term and Pre-Prep Prize Giving 9.15 am and Prep School Speech Day 2.30 pm - 4th July Here's what has been happening this week... Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Out of School Successes! Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Pupil Voice Committee Corner In this new section, we will share initiatives and suggestions that the children have raised through their Pupil Voice forums. Each committee meets regularly, agendas and minutes are taken by senior pupils and actions agreed. School Council (Pre-Prep & Prep) Boarding (Year 3 – 8) Eco Committee Digital Ambassadors (Year 3 – 8) Charity Committee (Pre-Prep & Prep) Food Committee (Pre-Prep & Prep) RIDE – Respect, Inclusion, Diversity & Equality (Year 8) Mind Your Heads, Mental Health Group (Year 7) Food Committee The children had a meeting with the Chef and catering manager to discuss the menus from the past few weeks, as well as launching a poster competition focused on Healthy Eating. Charity Committee The whole school Bring and Buy sale raised £510, raising the total funds this academic year to an amazing £10,294. School Council The children asked for a PSHE lesson focused on mental health, with a particular consideration for men, and Mr Howard then came to talk to both Year 8 classes and there will be follow up discussions in form group over the coming weeks. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Summer Term Co-Curricular Information for Reception - Year 8 - IMPORTANT! Go Summer Term Co-Curricular Information for Reception - Year 8 - IMPORTANT! Missing Library Books - call for help! Go Missing Library Books - call for help! Stay on top of school events: sync the SOCS calendar with your own Go Stay on top of school events: sync the SOCS calendar with your own Summer Term Co-Curricular Clubs Go As you will have seen in the Notices above, the Summer Term co-curricular club schedule is published today. Please contact Fiona Armstrong if you have any questions. Activities begin on Monday 28th April and run until the penultimate week of term (26th June). If you require Late Club during the first week back, please book via SOCS. Looking ahead - dates for your diary for the summer term Go Some dates for your diary for the summer term: Friday 23rd May 1.45 pm Year 1 & 2 Biathlon Wednesday 4th June 8.45 am Year 2 Parents’ transition to Prep School meeting 10 am Year 2 Music concert - all children will be performing Friday 20th June 2:15pm Pre-Prep Sports Day Friday 27th June 1.30 pm Family afternoon for Pre-Pre and Juniors (no parents allowed! This is a special day for other family members – grandparents, an aunt or uncle!) Friday 4th July 9.15 am Pre-Prep Prize Giving Co-curricular Inline Hockey on Tuesdays 5.15 pm to 6 pm in the Summer Term - confirm interest Go PJ Gibbons, an OSA and parent, has kindly offered to run an Inline Hockey Co-curricular club on a Tuesday from 5.15 pm to 6.00 pm in the Summer term. He remembers the sessions fondly from his days at St Andrew's. Numbers will be limited so please register interest by emailing Will Carter who will then be in touch and let you know if there's space. Year 4 Camp Out in the School grounds - Thursday 15th May Go The annual Year 4 Camp Out will take place over night on Thursday 15th in the school grounds. There won't be any fixtures for Year 4 on Friday 16th and children can be collected slightly earlier. We will confirm further details in a letter to parents early next term. Year 7 Trip to Chedworth Roman Villa - April 29th Go A reminder that in Week 2 of the Summer Term (April 29th), Year 7 are going on a fabulous trip to Chedworth Roman Villa. The trip has always been popular with the children and provides some excellent context to our study of both Latin and Classical Civilisation here at St Andrew's. The pupils should wear their school uniform and are allowed to bring up to £10 in pocket money for the gift shop at the end. If the weather is hot the children should wear a hat and sun cream too. Year 3 and 4 Parents' Evenings in May - check the attached timetable Go Parents' Evenings for Year 3 and Year 4 will be held in the Music Centre during the Summer Term. Year 3: 3C: 15th May 3J: half on 15th May and half on 20th May 3H: 20th May Year 4: 4P: 1st May 4R: 6th May 4M: half on 1st May and half on 6th May Download the timetable to check days for 3J and 4M pupils and all timings here. Years 5, 6 and 7 Cultural Trip to Rome, Spring 2026 Go Download here a letter for all parents of children currently in Years 5, 6 and 7 giving preliminary details of a trip to Rome in the Spring of 2026. In the letter you will find a link for expressing interest in the trip, which can also be found here . The trip promises to be an unforgettable four-day experience, with full immersion in the sights and sounds of Rome, and language, culture and ice cream aplenty. See you there! Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Heading 2 Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
- TERM DATES | St Andrew's Berkshire
You can find Term Dates for St Andrew's, Berkshire here. Summer 2025 Term Begins Wednesday 23rd April Half Term Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May Term Ends Friday 4th July Autumn 2025 Term Begins Wednesday 3rd September Half Term Monday 20th October - Friday 31st October Term Ends Friday 12th December Spring 2026 Term Begins Wednesday 7th January Half Term Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February Term Ends Friday 27th March Summer 2026 Term Begins Wednesday 22nd April Half Term Monday 25th May - Friday 29th May Term Ends Friday 3rd July Home About St Andrew's Education School life Admissions News & Events Find us More Term dates
- FEES | St Andrew's Berkshire
You can find the St Andrew's, Berkshire termly school fees, optional extras, extended school day activities and specialist individual teaching costs here. Home About St Andrew's Education School life Admissions News & Events Find us More Fees Spring and Summer terms 2025 Fees Nursery * Attendance in Nursery may be for fewer than 5 days initially, by agreement with the Head of Pre-Prep, and is charged pro-rata to the full termly rate. Number of days Per Term 5 Mornings incl. lunch (8.15am-1.00pm) £2,910 5 full days (8.15am-3.30pm) £4,560 Admissions The admissions process Open morning Register a place Individual tour Fees Bursaries UNIFORM SHOP FAQs MENU Pre-Prep inclusive of VAT Year group Per Term Reception and Year 1 £5,110 Year 2 £5,540 Prep School inclusive of VAT Year group Per Term Years 3 & 4 £7,950 Years 5-8 £8,760 Optional Extras Prep School Flexi Boarding (Years 3-8) inclusive of VAT Price Per night (incl. supper & breakfast) £60 Per week (3 nights) £135 Per week (4 nights) £170 (Payable in arrears unless stated) Two consecutive nights: Mon & Tue or Wed & Thur £100 Extended Day Activities - inclusive of VAT Reception activities until 4.15 pm Year 1 & 2 activities until 5 pm £7 per day £12 per day Extended Day Activities - no VAT Pre-Prep & Nursery late club/activities** 3.40 pm - 5 pm Late club/activities** after Reception activities 4.10 pm - 5 pm £10 per day £5 per day Pre-Prep & Nursery late club/activities** (incl. tea) 5 pm - 6 pm £5 per day Breakfast (from 7.30am) £6.20 per day Prep School Supper (collect at 6.30pm unless staying for an activity) £6.20 per day Specialist individual teaching - costs inclusive of VAT Individual learning support (30 minutes) £45 per lesson Individual music tuition (30 minutes) £38 per lesson ** An additional charge applies for certain specialist activities and for activities finishing after 6pm. *** Higher charges may apply for specialist activities in small groups. The School is a registered childcare provider and accepts childcare vouchers and participates in the Government tax-free childcare scheme. Click here for more information . Termly fees are not eligible except in Nursery. The School does not participate in the Early Years Free Education Scheme. Prep School Co-Curricular Activities - inclusive of VAT Price Airfix Club £50 per term Stage Hair and Make-Up £25 per term Swim Squads £6 per session Bradfield Football £12 per sesion Bradfield Tennis £12 per sesion Code Ninjas £12 per sesion Dance £12 per sesion Little Musketeers £14.50 per sesion Socratic Club £12 per session Taekwondo £12 per session