Month: October 2025
We would like to invite OS, parents and friends of Sedbergh School in Singapore for an evening of celebration, connection, and updates from the School as we mark 500 years of excellence in education.
Meet the Headmaster Mr Dan Harrison and the Chair of Sedbergh International Mr Hugh Blair, network with fellow guests, and toast to Sedbergh’s remarkable legacy and future.
Date:
22nd November 2025 5pm-7pm
Venue:
Singapore Cricket Club, Connaught Drive, Singapore, 179681
RSVP:
davidmilner@sedberghschool.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
As the perfect culmination to a year of special events celebrating Sedbergh’s centenary, the School community is warmly invited to gather on Monday 8th December for the annual Sedbergh School Carol Service, this year in the breathtaking surrounds of York Minster.
Built in 1220, York Minster is one of the largest medieval Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe and is renowned for its magnificent architecture. It houses the country’s greatest expanse of medieval stained glass – the Great East Window – depicting stories from the first and last books of the Bible, Genesis and Revelation. The cathedral is awe-inspiring year-round but becomes truly magical at Christmas when the annual Christmas Tree Festival brings around 70 twinkling trees, decorated by local organisations, to illuminate its Chapter House, Nave, and Lady Chapel.
Beginning at 7.30pm, the programme will feature Sedbergh’s exceptional Chapel Choir performing a selection of pieces. The Choir’s strong reputation is well deserved: in January, as the School prepared to celebrate Sedbergh’s 500th anniversary year, the Choir reached the Grand Final of the Barnardo’s National Choir Competition. As well as regular performances in the UK throughout the anniversary year, the Choir travelled to Belgium in September singing ‘O Valient Hearts’ at Thiepval and Tyne Cot and were invited to sing Faure’s ‘Requiem’ at St Martin’s Cathedral in Ypres.
York Minster also holds a particular resonance for Sedbergh this year. Back in June, the Archbishop of York sent a prayer to mark the School’s 500th anniversary, which was carried in a baton during the Summer Solstice Stride, a fundraising run for the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme. The runners, who ran 90 miles over three days, set off from the cathedral’s old stone steps.
Prior to the service, a sell-out dinner is being held at the nearby Merchant Adventurers’ Hall – one of the finest surviving medieval guildhalls in the world – where Old Sedberghians, parents, and friends will gather for a celebratory meal before proceeding to York Minster.
The Carol Service promises to be one of the highlights of the year. We look forward to sharing an evening of music and celebration that will bring Sedbergh’s centenary year to a joyful close, while lighting the way for the future.Few Old Sedberghians can claim to have worked in both journalism and cheesemaking, with stops in politics, Buckingham Palace, and project management along the way. But Sedbergh’s first female Head of School Freya Findlay has carved out a uniquely varied path.
In September, she returned to Sedbergh to speak to Year 12 pupils about her career journey so far. She reminded them that “life is full of surprises,” and that while planning is valuable, the most important thing is to stay open, curious, and ambitious.
We caught up with Freya to hear more of her story.
Tell us a little about your school days. What was it like being in the first intake of girls?
“I’d come from Casterton, and so going from an all-girls school to a class with only two girls and 18 boys was definitely a change! I mainly remember it being a lot of fun. One very clear memory is eating all of Hannah Marples’ chocolate fingers one night in Lupton library where we did prep. She still hasn’t forgiven me and to this day we always bring a packet chocolate fingers whenever we visit each other.”
Were there teachers or mentors who particularly inspired you?
“So many. Christopher and Sara Hirst were incredible leaders who really moulded Sedbergh in their image and for the better. Philippa Prall was a standout housemistress – so kind, thoughtful, and always keen to listen (and hear the latest gossip). And Dr Catlow inspired my lifelong love of Classics. His wit, curt corrections, and drawing of Dido’s pyre on the blackboard stay with me to this day.”
What, in your eyes, makes Sedbergh unique?
“Its ruggedness. The landscape is such a huge part of the experience. You just have to get on at Sedbergh, whatever the weather. I don’t think I’d be half as keen on lacing up my trainers on a cold, dark morning and going for a run without that experience.”
Did you know what you wanted to do when you left school?
“I knew I wanted to study Classics and set my heart on Trinity College Dublin. It was the best decision – four incredible years. I would tell anyone looking to go to university that it’s worth looking beyond the obvious choices – and you don’t have to study a vocational degree. Trinity is more affordable than many UK universities, and Dublin is an amazing city.
Classics itself was like doing five degrees in one – history, languages, literature, philosophy, poetry. People used to ask why I was studying “dead languages,” but it gave me daily mental gymnastics and taught me to think in ways I still use today.”
How did your career begin?
“After a Masters in Investigative Journalism at City University London, I freelanced for BBC Radio Cumbria, then joined the News & Star and Cumberland News.
I loved it. There was such camaraderie in the newsroom: chasing stories, trying to get hold of people, writing to deadline. Journalism is rooted in stories and knowledge, and you see people at their very best and worst. It was fast-paced and fun and I absolutely loved it.”
And from journalism, you moved into politics?
“Yes, though almost by accident. A friend’s girlfriend worked in an MP’s office. I knew she was leaving, so I asked how to get her job. She said, “You can’t do mine, but what about my boss’s?”
It’s a good example of the power of networks – you never know where opportunities will come from. After an interview during his commute on the Underground, I landed the role as Chief of Staff to Rory Stewart, then MP for Penrith and The Border, in his constituency office.
It was an incredible role. Instead of just writing about issues, we were trying to solve them: organising events, managing a team, representing Rory. One of my favourite requests was when he asked me to “source him a horse” for a long distance ride we’d organised in the very north of the constituency. Somehow, we managed it!”
And then came Buckingham Palace…
“After a turbulent 18 months, Rory left politics and though I was given the opportunity to continue in my role, I’d had enough of politics by then. I saw a maternity cover job at Buckingham Palace and thought six months will give me time to think about what to do next. It turned into three years.
I worked first as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Master of the Household, then as Operations Manager in the Master of the Household’s Department (MHD). The Department is responsible for all the domestic and hospitality arrangements for the monarch with four branches: chefs, footmen, housekeepers and craftsman. It was an incredibly interesting and varied three years. I even travelled to Rwanda for the Commonwealth Heads of State Government Meeting and was in Windsor Castle for The Queen’s funeral.”
When did cheese enter the picture?
“By then, I was spending weekends back home in Cumbria, working on the family farm alongside my dad and brother, having been taken into partnership with them. I’d always wanted to run my own business and do something on the farm, so when the idea for “Freya’s Fromage” came to me – of all places, while on holiday in Ibiza – it felt like a lightbulb moment. The only problem was I knew nothing about cheesemaking!
So in 2023, I had what my family call my “cheese gap year.” I spent a year working in dairies in Scotland, Wales and Cumbria, and as a cheesemonger at The Courtyard Dairy in Settle. I even trained with a farmer in Normandy, who told me: “For me, making Camembert is easy. For you – it will be very hard!”
I’m now setting up a business making Camembert with the milk from our herd of Normande cows and am aiming to have some on the shelves in early 2026.”
What does your life look like now?
“I work as a Project Manager for Arcadis, a global design, engineering and management consultancy operating in about 40 countries. It’s a fantastic company, with interesting, varied work.
The role is flexible, so I can work from home – the perfect fit while I’m still feeding calves and building my cheese business.
This summer we were short-staffed on the farm, so I was up at 6 am feeding calves, logged on to Arcadis projects at 8.30, walked the dogs at lunch, worked at my desk until 5 pm, and then went back out onto the farm again.
In the evenings, I’m converting a cabin into a cheesemaking and maturing facility. It’s a busy mix, but I love it – project management gives me structure and skills, and cheesemaking is one of my long-term passions.”
What does success mean to you?
“For me, it’s about the journey and the small wins. I’ve always done volunteer work – from Samaritans, to tutoring a GCSE student who went on to pass both her English exams (which made me happier than my own results), to running my village show. That show was nearly cancelled five years ago, but now it’s thriving and brings the whole community together. That feels like real success.”
What advice would you give to current Sedbergh pupils?
“If the big picture feels overwhelming, just think about what’s next. Get as much work experience as you can, not just for your CV, but to really find out what a job is like day-to-day. Follow your interests and instincts. Don’t be afraid to give something a try. You get none of the opportunities you don’t apply for!”
Looking back, how did Sedbergh shape you?
“It made me resilient. And it gave me friends for life – I wouldn’t be who I am without them.”
Pictured: Freya Findlay with her fiancé Will.
The Old Sedberghian Club AGM will be held on Sunday 9th November at 11.30am in the School library.
Read the minutes from the 2024 AGM Minutes OS AGM September 2024.
Sedbergh has long been a home-away-from-home for the children of military families. Having announced its new status as a CEA+ 10% school, the School’s commitment has never been stronger.
For Sedbergh’s Chief Operating Officer, who served nearly 36 years as a Royal Artillery officer and whose daughter attended Sedbergh from Prep through to Sixth Form, this announcement is deeply personal. “As a military parent, you need stability, consistency, and a sense of belonging for your children,” he explains. “Sedbergh gave my daughter all of that — and more. She grew in confidence without arrogance, developed resilience through sport, and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Sedbergh’s full-boarding model makes it especially well-suited to service families. With 98% of pupils boarding, weekends are full of activity rather than empty corridors, and no child is left behind when others return home. “There is a huge difference between a school that offers full boarding and a full boarding school,” he reflects. “At Sedbergh, it’s a genuine seven-day-a-week community. In-house dining helps to build a strong House family and on a Sunday morning, hundreds of pupils are still here, fully engaged. For military parents, that makes all the difference.”
He also highlights the pastoral support that gives reassurance during deployments. “When I was in Iraq or Afghanistan, it mattered that the house staff understood the pressures of service life. They made sure my daughter was supported — not over-protected, but given the right care and encouragement to thrive.”
Military families face unique challenges when deciding how to educate their children, often weighing up repeated relocations against the continuity of boarding. Sedbergh’s values — humility, ambition, resilience and kindness — provide the stable foundation military families seek. “What makes Sedbergh stand out,” the COO adds, “is not just the setting or the facilities, but the people. The staff live the values every day, and the pupils do too. That sense of family is what makes Sedbergh such a good fit for service children.”
Earlier this year, Sedbergh was evaluated by the ISI, and the School’s boarding provision was recognised as a significant strength — a rare accolade from the inspector and a testament to the depth and quality of our full-boarding environment. Now, with its new CEA+ 10% status, Sedbergh continues its long tradition of welcoming military families, providing not just an education but a home where children can grow, belong, and flourish.The Sedbergh Association was delighted to welcome over 160 Old Sedberghians, present and former parents and staff, and friends of the School to the 500th Anniversary Dinner at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday 3rd October.
This marked the Association’s first event at Lord’s, and the venue proved a perfect choice to honour Sedbergh’s proud cricketing heritage. Guests enjoyed a wonderful atmosphere in The Long Room – one of Lord’s most elegant dining spaces, overlooking the iconic pitch – a fitting backdrop for an evening of reunion and celebration.
The evening began with a warm address from Headmaster Dan Harrison, who shared positive news about the School’s continued success and vitality in its 500th year. Chris Mahon, Assistant Head (Pastoral) and former Director of Cricket, followed with a thoughtful reflection on Sedbergh’s cricketing legacy and the enduring role of sport in School life. He then led a captivating Q&A session with Old Sedberghians George Hill (W 2014-19; now at Yorkshire County Cricket Club) and Tom Aspinwall (W 2015-22; now at Lancashire County Cricket Club), with the discussion ranging from their experiences playing at Lord’s to the ways Sedbergh shaped their careers.
The dinner also marked the official launch of the Sedbergh School whisky, a special limited-edition release created to commemorate the School’s 500th anniversary.
Despite an impending storm outside, the mood in the room remained warm and vibrant. Guests enjoyed delicious food, lively conversation and the opportunity to reconnect with friends old and new.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who joined us and to all who have supported the Sedbergh Association throughout this milestone year. The dinner at Lord’s was a wonderful reminder of the strength, pride and camaraderie that unite the Sedbergh School community!Just over two years after first taking up rugby seriously during her time at Sedbergh, Old Sedberghian Annie Roué (R 2022-24) achieved a remarkable milestone in September, making her debut for Sale Sharks.
Annie’s journey into the sport has been anything but straightforward. Having initially chosen horse riding over rugby, it wasn’t until an injury to her horse brought her back to the game that her rugby story truly began. Encouraged by her brother (OS Will Roué, former SSFC Vice-Captain) and inspired by watching the Red Roses, Annie reignited her passion for the sport.
A chance meeting with Sale Sharks captain Georgie Paris Redding at a Sedbergh training session proved pivotal. Georgie recognised Annie’s potential and helped her secure a place in the Sale Sharks Centre of Excellence under-18s programme, where Annie’s dedication and rapid progress soon stood out.
In just a short space of time, Annie transitioned from the under-18s to the women’s squad, impressing coaches with her commitment and talent. Her hard work was rewarded when she earned a professional contract with Sale Sharks, joining the Premiership Women’s Rugby side as a hooker – and on 13th September, she proudly ran out for her first senior match.
Speaking to Sedbergh School’s Social Media & Digital Marketing Executive Matt Burns back in 2024, Annie said:
“There are so many more growing opportunities for girls in women’s rugby now. So many more clubs have girls’ teams. Even if you just want to give it a go – go for it… as you never know how it’s going to turn out. Just keep trying and take all the opportunities that are given.”
Congratulations, Annie – the whole Sedbergh School community is incredibly proud of you.
When Abbie Ward (R 2009–11) lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy with England at Twickenham on Saturday 27 September 2025, it marked the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, leadership, and unrelenting drive. For Sedbergh, it was also a proud moment: a former pupil embodying the School’s sporting ethos on one of the biggest stages of all.
Abbie, a powerful lock for both England and Bristol Bears Women, was at the heart of the Red Roses’ World Cup-winning campaign. Her trademark strength in the line-out, composure under pressure, and leadership qualities proved crucial as England stormed past Scotland in the quarter-final, edged France in a tense semi-final, and ultimately secured the title against Canada with a 33–17 victory in front of a sold-out crowd at Twickenham – where Abbie capped the occasion by scoring a try.
Abbie has made headlines by returning to international rugby just months after giving birth, emerging as a trailblazer for balancing elite sport with motherhood. “It’s been surreal, a rollercoaster,” she told Sky Sports. “And if you told me at the last World Cup, after that final [when England lost to New Zealand], ‘you’ll be in another one, and this time you’ll have your daughter watching pitchside or at home’… it makes me emotional thinking about it.”
Abbie spoke to Sedbergh School’s Archivist, Katy de la Rivière
Abbie’s daughter Hallie has been part of her rugby journey from the very beginning, often joining her at training camps and matches. Earlier this year, Abbie reflected on the experience in conversation with Katy: “She really is part of the team. It’s incredible to share those moments with her.”
Although Sedbergh did not yet offer girls’ rugby when Ward was a pupil, the School played a pivotal role in shaping her career. “There was amazing provision for sport, and that’s one of the main things that attracted me to Sedbergh in the first place. They really supported me in my pursuit of [county] rugby… Sedbergh staff really helped me with that.”
Beyond the sporting opportunities, Abbie emphasised the values Sedbergh School instilled – principles that would guide her through the demanding world of professional rugby. “It instilled a really solid work ethic. But with the ethos of work hard, play hard. That’s really important as a professional athlete because it can be so intense… I definitely learned that at Sedbergh.”
Abbie’s career has spanned the transformation of women’s rugby into a fully professional sport. She has also championed the broader role of women’s rugby in celebrating strength, confidence, and individuality. “There is a huge trend towards celebrating strong women,” she told Katy. “And it’s here to stay.”
A Legacy for Sedbergh and Beyond
Abbie’s triumph at the 2025 World Cup is more than a personal milestone. It is a symbol of progress for women’s rugby, a celebration of resilience in balancing motherhood and elite sport, and a reminder of Sedbergh School’s lasting influence on its pupils.
As she stood with her teammates beneath the Twickenham floodlights, Abbie embodied the very qualities Sedbergh prizes: perseverance, camaraderie, and the ability to rise to any challenge. For today’s pupils – whether on the rugby pitch, hockey field, or in the classroom – her story is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and determination.We are delighted to introduce the ‘Spirit of Sedbergh MDXXV’ range of whisky, distilled and matured in celebration of Sedbergh’s 500 years of history. This was a project ten years in the making.
Three specially selected cask Single Malt Scotch whiskies were distilled and laid down for maturation in 2015 at Annandale Distillery, chosen for this project because of their expertise and their links to Sedbergh. The result is three exceptional malts: Winder: This full-bodied, smoky whisky is named after Winder, the hill which has ‘stood around us unchanged since our days began’. It will linger sweetly on the palate just as the memory of Winder’s clear-cut outline remains imprinted on every Sedberghian. The Winder is a peated Single Malt distilled in 2015 and matured for 10 years in a Refill Bourbon Cask, yielding a limited number of bottles at 46% strength. It is a complex, peaty whisky of considerable power and depth, with a lingering wood smoke finish. It has been aged for 10 years in its original wood. Calf: This peated, elegant whisky reflects Calf’s elevation above Sedbergh and delivers a truly heightened whisky experience. The Calf is a peated Single Malt distilled in 2015 and matured for 10 years in a First Fill Bourbon Cask, yielding a limited number of bottles at 46% strength. It is a well-structured whisky, whose initial peat smoke rush gives way to rich, subtly sweet flavours of soft vanillins and tropical fruits. The finish is well held with its fruity texture harmonising with an attractive earthiness, and a bonfire wood smokiness. Cautley: This smooth whisky has a fresh, orchard sweetness which captures the mellow character of the Upper Dales in summer. It is an unpeated Single Malt distilled in 2015 and matured for 10 years in a First Fill Bourbon Cask, yielding a limited number of bottles at 46% strength. An elegant and balanced whisky, it displays a vibrant personality of orchard fruits, complimented by a sweet freshness, and a subtle lingering aftertaste.Purchase your whisky HERE.
The Presentation Cabinets Bottles 1,2,3, and 4 are encased in unique presentation cabinets made by the former Principal of Sedbergh School, Andrew Fleck, adding to the collectable aspect of these bottles. The Cabinets are made of American black walnut, with an English sycamore interior. These cabinets have been made with great precision and are unique and collectable items in their own right. The price for a cabinet with whisky is £1000. If you would like to purchase one of these please contact Ben Collins directly on bpc@sedberghschool.org.