Sedbergh School is delighted to welcome OS Ella Bowen (R 18-20) back to campus as the newest member of the Netball Coaching Team — a homecoming that celebrates both her personal journey and the strength of Sedbergh’s sporting community. Ella’s return marks a special moment for the School. Having developed her early netball career at Sedbergh, she now steps back onto the courts not as a pupil, but as a coach focused on building the future of Sedbergh netball.
“I’m super excited to be joining Sedbergh’s coaching team!” Ella said. “It’s a special place with such a strong sporting culture, and it’s so great to be coming back as an OS and giving back to the school that played such an important role in shaping the early stages of my netball career.”
Her appointment reflects Sedbergh’s ongoing commitment to excellence in sport and to nurturing talent at every level. As an OS, Ella embodies the School’s ethos of determination, resilience and community — qualities that have long defined its sporting tradition.
Megan Ascough, Head of Netball, highlighted the impact Ella is expected to have across the programme: “Ella will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our netball programme here at Sedbergh but also inspire girls from all age groups to challenge themselves and show what they can be capable of.”
Director of Sport Jen Malings echoed this enthusiasm: “I’m delighted to have Ella join Sedbergh’s Netball Coaching Team. She brings enthusiasm and knowledge to the court as a coach and is an excellent role model for our pupils, being an Old Sedberghian herself.”
As well as enhancing the netball programme, Ella’s return illustrates the continuity between Sedbergh and those who have passed through the School.
As the School continues to celebrate its rich heritage and look confidently to the future, welcoming back former pupils who are eager to contribute to its community is a testament to the enduring spirit of Sedbergh.
Welcome home, Ella!Sedbergh School’s new Headmaster, Robin Pyper, has officially passed his first (and arguably most important!) test: being interviewed by a Prep School pupil.
In a charming video, Robin takes on a role far removed from assemblies and strategy meetings, answering thoughtful (and occasionally disarming) questions from one of Sedbergh’s youngest journalists. The result is an interview that is equal parts insightful and delightful, reminding us all that the toughest questions do not always come from governing bodies.
The interview offers a refreshing glimpse of Sedbergh life through young eyes—and suggests that the School’s future is in very safe hands, especially if the Prep pupils are already holding the Headmaster to account.
Proof, if it were ever needed, that at Sedbergh, every voice matters—no matter how young the interviewer!
Watch the interview in the video below:
From the 28th to 30th March, Sedbergh School will once again host one of the most anticipated fixtures in the rugby calendar: the Sedbergh 10s. A longstanding Sedbergh tradition, the tournament promises two days of high-quality rugby and fierce competition, set within the unique atmosphere and hospitality that Sedbergh School offers.
Teams will arrive on Saturday afternoon, 28th March, before two full days of action on Sunday 29th March and Monday 30th March. This year’s event is set to be our biggest yet, with the competition expanding from the usual 16 teams to 18 schools, reflecting the growing national reputation of the Sedbergh 10s.
We are delighted to welcome a strong field of visiting schools, including:
Barnard Castle School, Brighton College, Cokethorpe, Dulwich College, Hampton School, Felsted College, Hurstpierpoint, Ipswich School, Seaford College, King’s School Macclesfield, RGS Worcester, Kirkham Grammar School, QEGS Wakefield, The Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, King Edward’s School Bath, Stamford School, Millfield — alongside, of course, Sedbergh School!
We look forward to welcoming players, staff, parents and the OS community back to Sedbergh to support the next generation and to be part of another memorable chapter in the story of the Sedbergh 10s.
As England stepped into the 2026 T20 World Cup, captain Harry Brook (W 13-17) emphasised a renewed focus on responsibility, growth, and the fundamentals of his game.
Brook has led England with a mixture of resilience and clarity. His team entered the tournament in good form, buoyed by a strong run of T20 performances and a convincing 3–0 series victory over Sri Lanka. Teammates publicly rallied around their captain, backing him “100 percent” and praising the unity within the squad. Brook’s own batting, including a dynamic half‑century against Nepal, served as a timely reminder of his ability to shift the narrative back to cricket.
England’s opening match against Nepal demonstrated the competitive edge Brook brings to the tournament. His composed 53 helped set up England’s total of 184, forming a crucial partnership with Jacob Bethell. After the narrow four‑run victory, Brook praised Nepal’s spirited performance, acknowledging the pressure they placed on England and their bold approach—particularly in their aggressive batting against Adil Rashid. It was, by Brook’s own admission, a stern test and a reminder of how demanding World Cup cricket can be.
That early examination ultimately proved a springboard. England built momentum through the group stage, and has now secured their place in the Super 8 round of the tournament.
For Brook, the T20 World Cup represents not only an opportunity for England to challenge for another global title, but also a chance for personal reset—a way to let his cricket “do the talking”. With England’s confidence growing and his leadership maturing, Brook’s journey through this tournament may well define the next chapter of his already remarkable career.Phil Dowson (H 93-00), Director of Rugby at Northampton Saints, offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of modern professional rugby. He talks about his coaching journey, how he develops both players and staff, and what it takes to lead a top-level team while balancing the pressures of professional sport.
He explains what Saints look for in recruits beyond skill—resilience, energy, adaptability, and self-expression—and why these qualities are essential in shaping modern team culture.
Phil’s approach to leadership blends technical expertise with respect for individuality, recognizing that Gen Z stars like Henry Pollock are shaping rugby culture as much as they are playing the game. Managing talent today requires a careful balance of mentorship, clear boundaries, and encouragement, allowing players to express themselves fully while remaining focused on performance and team goals.
Phil’s insights give a rare glimpse into how elite clubs are building the next generation of rugby stars, on and off the field.
If you want to watch the full interview, please click HERE to access the YouTube video.
Over the next few weeks, the Guinness Six Nations Championship will once again bring all the intensity, rivalry, and world‑class rugby we love. But for the Sedbergh Association, this year’s tournament carries an extra spark of excitement.
Two Old Sedberghians are proudly representing their nations in the 2026 Six Nations—continuing our School’s remarkable legacy of producing athletes who perform at the highest level of international rugby.
Bevan Rodd (E 11–18) – England
Selected once again for England, Bevan’s rise is a testament to his relentless work ethic and powerful presence in the front row. Since leaving Sedbergh, he has carved out a reputation as one of the most dynamic props in top‑flight rugby, earning his place through consistently outstanding Premiership performances.
Tom Francis (W 05–09) – Wales
A seasoned international with a wealth of caps, Tom brings strength, experience, and leadership to the Welsh pack. His continued selection reflects the enduring quality he has shown throughout his professional career, further highlighting the calibre of talent nurtured at Sedbergh.
These achievements are a source of immense pride for the entire Sedbergh community—Old Sedberghians, current pupils, staff, and families. They stand as inspiring reminders of what it means to carry Sedbergh’s values onto the world stage.
We invite all members of the Sedbergh Association to join us in cheering on Bevan and Tom. Their success is part of our shared story which continues to grow season after season.
Let’s get behind them as they take on Europe’s finest!
The Sedbergh International Summer School (ISS) is recruiting experienced, enthusiastic staff to join our senior and pastoral teams for the upcoming summer. The courses offer an inspiring, safe and dynamic environment for international students aged 7–17.
We are looking for motivated, experienced people for the following roles:
Operations Director
House Parents & Assistant House Parents
Activity Manager
Welfare Manager
Why join ISS?
Be part of an international, supportive and professional team
Make a genuine difference to young people from around the world
Gain valuable experience in education, leadership and pastoral care
For full job descriptions and application details: https://sedberghschool.org/vacancies/
Be part of a summer that shapes lives — including your own!
All roles require a formal application process, and successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding checks, including Enhanced DBS and relevant overseas checks where applicable.
As a way of commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the School, the OS Club will hold a Gala Weekend on Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th May for all OS and friends of Sedbergh School. Our aim is to bring together the greatest number of guests to celebrate shared legacy and friendship.
The weekend will be full of varied and exciting activities. To view the full School programme please click HERE.
Some of the events we would like to bring to your attention:
– An archives exhibition will be displayed in Powell Hall from 4.00pm on Friday 2nd May through to Sunday 4th May, and it will be open for OS, parents and pupils to visit and learn about the history of the School.
Saturday 3rd May:
– There will be a golf tournament from 1.00pm to 4.00pm , with limited availability, for parents and OS. If you wish to book places for the golf, please click HERE.
– A special service will take place in the School Chapel from 4.00pm to 5.15pm to commemorate the School’s 500th anniversary in a historical, creative and spiritual way. If you wish to secure a place for the service please click HERE.
– The 500th Anniversary Dinner will commence at 5.30pm with a drinks reception, followed by a 3-course meal in the Hirst Centre.
– From 10.00am to 11.30am, there will be a Commemoration of Benefactors at the Cloisters, with the Bishop of Chester.
– After this commemorative event, BBQ lunches will take place in the Houses from 12.00pm to 2.00pm. If you wish to book tickets for the lunches, please click HERE.
– There will also be an OS Hockey Fixture from 2.00pm to 3.30pm and a 1st XI v OS Cricket fixture from 11.00am to 6.30pm.
You are welcome, however, to attend the many other School events during the weekend as they are all open for pupils, OS and parents to enjoy.
We hope you can join us for what will be a truly special weekend!
