Arnold House School

Day 4 | Year 8 Battlefields Tour

The final day of the Year 8 Battlefields Tour was another memorable one.

Despite the excitement of England’s World Cup victory over Croatia the night before, the boys were up bright and early, ready for a day of reflection and discovery.

The first stop was Pont-de-Noelle Communal Cemetery, where the group paid their respects to Arnold House old boy Captain John Towlson Morgan. During a moving service, the Chapel Choir sang I Vow to Thee, My Country, while a poem was read in Captain Morgan’s honour.

The group then travelled to Vimy Ridge, exploring the preserved trenches and underground tunnels before visiting the magnificent memorial overlooking the historic battlefield. From the top, the boys could see the site of the Battle of Loos, where Rudyard Kipling’s son lost his life.

The final visit took place at Aubigny Communal Cemetery, where the boys remembered another Arnold House old boy, Frederic Cloete Walker. At the boys’ request, the final act of remembrance concluded with Jerusalem, followed by God Save the King.

Throughout the tour, the Year 8 boys have been exceptional ambassadors for Arnold House, demonstrating respect, curiosity and maturity at every stop. It has been a privilege to witness their engagement with the history they have encountered and the thoughtful way they have honoured those who served.

A fitting end to an unforgettable four-day journey of learning, reflection and remembrance. 🌺

Our musical season came to a wonderful close this week with two fantastic concerts! 🎶

We were delighted to host our very first Reception Breakfast Concert, featuring debut solo performances from our talented guitarists, violinists, cellists and pianists.

Our Lower School ensembles then took to the stage in the beautiful St John and Elizabeth Chapel, bringing the season to a close with outstanding performances from the String Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble and Lower School Choir.

What a fabulous musical year it has been, we’re so proud of all our young musicians and can’t wait for another exciting year ahead! 🎻🎸🎹🎺🎤

Celebrating the success of Arnold House alumnus Freddie Fox!

Staff enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Barbican last night watching Arnold House Old Boy Freddie Fox star in High Society.

Freddie has built an outstanding career across stage and screen, with memorable performances in the West End, television dramas and films. It was a real pleasure to see him captivating audiences once again in this stylish production.

We are incredibly proud of Freddie and wish him every continued success. 🎭

Year 8 Battlefields Tour – Day 3

Another unforgettable day for our Year 8 boys as they continued their journey through the battlefields of Belgium and France.

From a moving service at Ploegsteert Memorial to exploring the Somme, including the famous Lochnagar Crater, Ulster Tower and the preserved trenches at Beaumont Hamel, the boys experienced history in a truly meaningful way.

The day ended with some well-earned fun back in Ypres, and throughout it all the boys have been outstanding ambassadors for Arnold House with their excellent behaviour and attitude. 👏

Y8 Battlefields Trip

Day 2 in Ypres was a deeply meaningful and memorable experience for the Arnold House boys.

The day began with visits to Essex Farm Cemetery, Tyne Cot, Vancouver Cemetery and Langemark German Cemetery, where the boys demonstrated great respect and maturity as they reflected on the immense scale and sacrifice of the First World War.

At Hooge Crater Museum, they explored fascinating exhibits before enjoying lunch and continuing to Sanctuary Wood Museum, where preserved trenches brought history vividly to life.

Later, they attended a special service at St George’s Memorial Church, joined by guest Mr Hill. The service focused on Arnold House, and the Chapel Choir performed a beautiful rendition of When a Knight Won His Spurs, accompanied by one of our musicians on the organ. Many boys also took the opportunity to find the memorials of the senior schools they will soon join, including .college .school

After a hearty dinner, the boys returned to Ypres for the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. The Head Boys laid a wreath in honour of the school’s war dead, creating a moment of quiet reflection and pride for all in attendance.

Throughout the trip, the boys have continued to impress with their conduct, curiosity and respect, making this a truly special and unforgettable experience.

📚 ARNOLD HOUSE BOOK CLUB 📚

We are delighted to invite parents to join us for our next Book Club meeting on Monday 29 June at 6.30pm at The Elgin, Maida Vale.

This month’s book is The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett.

From the best-selling author of The Help, The Calamity Club is a bold, heartwarming and riotously funny story of resilience, friendship, and a sisterhood of underestimated women who risk everything to take back control of their fates.

🍷 All are welcome – no need to RSVP.
📖 Come along for a drink and a chat.
💡 As always, we’ll choose our next book at the meeting, and it can be from any genre, so bring your recommendations!

We look forward to seeing you there.

Year 8 Battlefields Trip – Day 1

Today, our Year 8 boys embarked on their much-anticipated Battlefields Tour. After an early start and a journey through the Eurotunnel, the group travelled to the historic Ypres Salient, an area renowned for its significance during the First World War.

The afternoon was spent at Talbot House, where the boys enjoyed lunch before taking part in a tour of the former soldiers’ club and learning more about its important role during the war.

The group then arrived in Ypres and checked into their hotel before heading into the town for a visit to a local chocolate shop. The day concluded with an evening meal together in the heart of Ypres, giving boys the opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic city.

It was a fantastic start to the trip, and we look forward to sharing more updates over the coming days.

🎶 Senior Summer Concert 🎶

The senior ensembles took to the stage for a fantastic evening showcasing their musical range and skill, spanning styles from Purcell to Nirvana.

Performing ensembles included:
Orchestra
String Ensemble
Wind Band
String Quartet
Hit It
Guitar Ensemble
Rock Bands (x3)
Senior Choir

A brilliant celebration of the breadth of music-making at Arnold House from classical textures to full-throttle rock.

🏕️ Adventure, teamwork, and plenty of muddy memories!

Our Year 4 boys enjoyed an unforgettable camping trip, packed with challenge, teamwork, and fun.

The adventure began at the Edge Outdoor Activity Centre, where the boys tackled laser tag, archery, air rifling, zorbing, and a tough Warrior Assault Course, cheering each other on every step of the way.

At Canons Park, they pitched their own tents, embraced the great outdoors, and showed fantastic resilience and camaraderie whatever the weather.

We are incredibly proud of the spirit, grit, and teamwork they displayed throughout the trip. 👏⛺

✨ Step into the wizarding world 🪄📚

From real film props to behind-the-scenes magic at the studios, our Y6 Harry Potter creative writing workshop brought stories to life like never before. ⚡️

Mischief managed… or just beginning? 👀