“A place to live as well as to study”

“This is a place to live as well as to study,” declared Tatler in its recent review of Wellington College, and the build-up to the Easter Holiday offered a dazzling showcase of exactly what that means.

As the academic pace held steady, the rhythm of College life pulsed with even more intensity, joy, and ambition. From fiercely contested sporting competitions to vibrant cultural events, from pupil-led spectacles to inspirational speakers, the final weeks of term proved once again that Wellington is far more than a school – it’s a place to live boldly, learn deeply, and thrive completely.

Mock exams for A Level, IB and GCSE pupils created a purposeful hum across campus, with study spaces, particularly in the Sixth Form Centre, alive with focus and intent. Pupils revised, reviewed, and refined their knowledge, many with an eye toward the extraordinary array of university offers already secured by the Upper Sixth: over 900 offers from institutions in the UK and beyond, with more still arriving.

Alongside exam preparation, many pupils embraced further academic challenges. From ABRSM music exams to the UKMT Kangaroo and Junior Olympiad competitions, students stretched themselves well beyond the syllabus. Lower Sixth IB pupils also took part in the Group 4 Collaborative Science Day, a dynamic, cross-disciplinary project that put teamwork and inquiry at the heart of learning. We look forward to sharing the results and celebrating their successes.

College life pulsed beyond the stage and sports ground, too. The Lent Term Careers Speed Networking event saw over 30 parents and Old Wellingtonians volunteer their time to share advice and insight with more than 170 pupils. From aviation and property to artist management and esports, it was a masterclass in curiosity and connection.

That spirit of inquiry continued with an unmissable Fireside Talk from BBC’s Sarah Montague, who offered a compelling perspective on Britain’s place in the world, drawing from her experience behind the microphone at moments of national and global transformation.

Excellence on the pitch, court, and course was impossible to miss. Our U16 rugby team made history by becoming National Sevens Champions at the Rosslyn Park 7s, capping off an undefeated season with unforgettable flair. Meanwhile, Wellington’s Rackets players battled it out at Queen’s Club in the National Championships, showcasing both technical skill and competitive grit.

Not to be outdone, the senior golfers retained the prestigious Gerald Micklem Trophy, a testament to their consistency and calm under pressure.

These achievements reflect not only hours of dedication and training, but the unshakeable pride and unity that underpin Wellington sport – a place where team spirit and personal drive go hand in hand.

The stage, too, was alive with creativity. From the soulful performances of the Montgomery Contemporary Music Competition – with Izzy H’s stunning rendition of Cry Me A River earning her the win, to the sparkle of the WellingTony’s, Wellington’s annual celebration of Drama and Musical Theatre. A chance to reflect on highlights, celebrate peers, and reveal the next round of prefects, the event brought together the entire drama community in spectacular style.

Pupils weren’t just performing – they were producing, planning, and perfecting their craft. The Wellington Street Crew Battle, a completely student-led event, transformed South Front into a buzzing hub of rhythm and movement. With slick choreography, fearless solos, and an electric atmosphere, it was a shining example of what pupil initiative can achieve and how Wellington gives students the space to dream, lead, and deliver.

Some of the most loved events on the calendar took on new life this term. The legendary Duke’s Games brought campus alive with a three-round challenge of creativity, strategy, and teamwork, culminating in a fast-paced final complete with hay bale hurdles and a roaring crowd. Congratulations to Will P, this year’s champion Duke!

The term also marked the 165th annual Kingsley’s Run – Wellington’s oldest sporting tradition. A much-loved fixture on the calendar, the Kingsley unites the entire college community as students, teachers, and staff take the course together. With around 800 runners recorded on the day, it was a fantastic display of collective spirit and determination. Huge congratulations to our winners: Daniel O, who completed the course in an impressive 16 minutes and 10 seconds, and Ella D, who led the girls with an outstanding time of 18 minutes and 11 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Blucher Quad Rave turned Front Quad into a kaleidoscope of colour and music — a much-loved silent disco with a purpose, raising funds for the Tiger Kloof Educational Institution in South Africa.

The final week of term was packed with House events, full of energy, laughter, a brilliant reminder of the spirit that runs through every corner of college life.

Then, as the holidays began, many pupils swapped their duvets for backpacks, heading out on DofE Silver Assessed and Gold Practice Expeditions. Whether navigating challenging terrain or camping under the stars, they embraced adventure with trademark Wellington resilience and teamwork.

Whether large-scale or low-key, each moment was a piece of the Wellington puzzle: to balance a forward-thinking, ambitious education with a strong sense of history and heritage.

As the Summer Term begins, the memories of these final weeks still echo around College: in the applause of a packed theatre, the silence before a final putt, the laughter on the dance floor, and the conversations sparked at firesides and networking tables.

At Wellington, education is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about discovering passions, taking risks, finding your voice, and forging lifelong connections.

And as Tatler so perfectly put it — this really is a place to live, as well as to study.