Author: Helen Seabridge

On the first day of her final year at Sedbergh, overwhelmed by unfinished work, Hannah Francis (C 19-24) searched for ways to improve her concentration. The answer? Go for a run. Starting in the School’s lowest running group, Hannah quickly discovered a passion for the sport. Her confidence grew with every mile, taking her from beginner to competitive runner and winning the Wilson Run in 2024. Fast forward a few years, and Hannah has completed a challenge of an entirely different scale. Alongside her mother, Katie Francis, an Old Castertonian, Hannah has successfully run from John O’Groats to Land’s End, covering the length of Britain in just 26 days. The remarkable mother-daughter team took on the challenge to raise funds for three charities close to their hearts: The journey demanded determination, resilience and countless miles on the road. After just the first two days, Hannah and Katie had already covered an impressive 109km (68 miles), setting the tone for what would become an extraordinary achievement. For Hannah, completing the challenge is a celebration of how far she has come since that first tentative run at Sedbergh. What started as an attempt to improve concentration evolved into a love of running, a growing confidence in her abilities and, ultimately, the determination to take on one of the UK’s most iconic endurance challenges. Those wishing to support Hannah and Katie’s fundraising efforts can still donate via their JustGiving pages: We are incredibly proud of Hannah and Katie for this outstanding achievement and congratulate them on completing their inspiring journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End!

Service and charity are an important part of Sedbergh School’s philosophy and so we are planning to enter as many staff, pupils, parents and OS as possible in the Great North Run to raise money for Save the Children. What We Do | UK & Around the World | Save the Children UK 

The Great North Run half marathon is run annually and takes place on Sunday 12th September 2027 in Newcastle. The School is delighted to partner with Save the Children to support their efforts.

We are seeking expressions of interest from OS who would like to run. Each participant would be expected to raise £450.

If you would like to take part, please contact Richard Wells on rsw@sedberghschool.org by Wednesday 30th September 2026 so that Save the Children can secure our spaces.

The OS Rifle Club met for their annual reunion at Bisley on the afternoon of Ashburton day. Since the withdrawal of the cadet target rifle, cadet full bore shooting has ended and this year the National Rifle Association set up a Youth Imperial Meeting to replace the Schools’ Cadet Meeting. However, many of you familiar with Bisley would have recognised the format which remained much the same for the week. The major changes were that School sports kit was worn along with civilian shooting jackets and using the School civilian target rifles but sadly without Army support  there were far fewer teams. The OS teams were somewhat depleted when compared to previous years, with some of the best shots being unable to take leave to come and shoot, although some did arrive in time to shoot the main Imperial Meeting. A notable absence was Peter Bromley who has been a regular attendee over many years but was unable to leave the family farm in Kent because the crops were ready for harvesting as a result of the extreme hot weather. As ever team selection proves to be challenging because some of our shooters are unduly modest about their skills! The “A” Team of 5 comprised the following with scores from 2 sighting shots and 10 scoring shots at 500 yards: John Warburton: 49.6 George Wood: 48.5 Oliver Christy: 48.6 Sarah Rorison: 46.4 Mark Wrigley: 46:3 The team total was 237.24 and the team was placed 11th out of 40 teams. John Warburton had the highest team score of the day winning the McMullen Trophy which was presented back in the 1970s by Alexander McMullen who was President of the OS Rifle Club for many years. It is worth noting that the team members crossed age boundaries with the oldest having started at Sedbergh in the 1970s and the youngest leaving in the early 2020s. The B team were unfortunate in only being able to provide 4 firers this year and were represented by: Robin Morton: 44.3 Charlie Anyon: 43.2 Lauren Robinson (nee Crowson): 45.2 Toby Lehmann: 48.3 The team were placed 19th out of 23 with a firer down. It is also worth noting that for 3 members of the team, this was the first time that they had shot this year and in one case in many years. The OS party joined the School for a post-match barbeque at the RAF Club very kindly sponsored by the OS Club and put together by David Smith and Tom Ralph. A good evening was had by all with much of the usual reminiscing and learning about what life is like at Sedbergh today. However there was a strong field of OS during the NRA Imperial Meeting with a number shooting for universities and county teams, so overall the Club remains strong. Going forwards, I will be working with Sarah Rorison on organising some shooting at Sedbergh in the new year when hopefully we can arrange a match with the School. Notable OS results were: HM King’s Prize: John Warburton 15th George Wood 74th In the Grand Aggregate which is based on the total score from the individual shoots over the week of the meeting: John Warburton: 26th Report by Toby LehmannWhen Sedbergh’s new Headmaster, Robin Pyper, first came to visit the School, it felt both new and familiar. “I was fortunate,” he reflects. “I had friends and former colleagues who were Old Sedberghians, so I knew quite a bit about the school before I arrived, and then a very thorough transition period. My overriding first impression was a sense of community and togetherness – not just on the School site, but extending out to former teachers and, very importantly, the OS community, who have made me feel incredibly welcome.” Asked to describe the culture and character of the School, he chooses a single word: spirit. “The spirit of Sedbergh is really important to me and my colleagues, and to the pupils as well. The spirit of adventure, the spirit of community, and the spirit of service to others.” For Robin, those values sit above individual measures of achievement. Academic results, sporting success and performances on stage all matter, but “the character of the individuals is most important. Our pupils are not just in it for themselves. Their ambition – and quite rightly so – is to go and make a positive difference.” A distinctive place One of the many things that has struck Robin since arriving at Sedbergh is its extraordinary surroundings. “It’s not just the big view of Winder behind me,” he says. “There are so many pockets and different angles as you walk around campus and through the town, where you pick up on small, different views. I walk around with a smile on my face – particularly when the sun is shining, but also when the weather is bad, that adds a different atmosphere to the place.” Having recently read Michael Raw’s ’Tis the Hills that Stood Around Us, Robin was reminded just how deeply Sedbergh’s identity is connected to the great outdoors. “The School has always been clear about getting pupils out into the natural environment. We’re very fortunate – there’s no organisation of our size with quite the same natural resources.” He also sees something distinctive in Sedbergh’s location: remote enough to feel removed from the pressures of city life, but close enough to the M6 to remain connected to the wider world. “We’ve benefited a lot from having friends and family calling through and visiting. And it’s lovely to see people coming back to their old school and reconnecting with us.” That sense of connection extends to through the School community. Robin describes Sedbergh as a “very straightforward place”, where people value one another for who they are. “People just get on with each other. They appreciate each other’s strengths and their weaknesses as well, and they support each other. And that really binds us together.” A depth and breadth of educational experience Robin’s path into teaching was perhaps inevitable. His father was a headmaster, and his school friends spent a lot of time teasing him about the likelihood of him following the same route. “They used to tell me that the only thing I was ever going to do was be a teacher,” he laughs. “So I said, ‘No, I’m going to buck the trend.’ I tried working in another industry, and I think it lasted about eight months until I realised that the place I am happiest is in schools.” He deliberately chose a very different environment for university, moving from the small, close-knit community of his school to the “almost total opposite”: city life at Leeds University, where he studied sports science and physiology. He then began a career that has given him insight into a range of schools, roles and communities, spanning Bloxham School in Oxfordshire, Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire and Dollar Academy in Scotland. Along the way, he completed his teacher training through Warwick University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership at the University of Exeter. “I’ve picked up experiences from all those different schools, which has been really valuable in informing how I want to do things here,” he says. “Ultimately, the reason I went into teaching is because I love spending time with young people. They constantly inspire me. They constantly surprise me.” Influences and inspiration When asked who has influenced him most as an educator, Robin begins with a name some Sedberghians will recognise: Kurt Hahn, founder of Gordonstoun School. Hahn’s emphasis on adventure, leadership and service resonates strongly with Robin. “Yes, we are here to support pupils to get outstanding exam results. But school is so much more than that. It’s the broader education that underpins everything, which is of the utmost importance.” His own schooldays also shaped his thinking. He remembers a Housemaster whose encouragement has stayed with him. “Mr Devey believed in me. He told me I had potential, that I would get it right. I’ve carried that with me. We all make mistakes; it’s not the mistake that defines us, but how we respond. That belief in young people and the power they have to change the world is something I try to impart to every pupil I work with.” His father, also a Headmaster, provided an early lesson in leadership. “I learnt a lot from observing how he went about things, that it’s not about status or title. It is all about rolling your sleeves up, getting stuck in, and doing the best for other people that you possibly can do.” That same sense of perspective is reinforced by his own family, who keep him grounded. “My wife, my two girls, and also probably less so at the moment, Baby Digby, who is about three months old, so he’s probably influencing me less, apart from with a lack of sleep! But my family are also very, very influential.” Leadership without heroics So what does a typical day as Headmaster look like? His smile implies that “typical” might be the wrong word. “My role is not to be a heroic leader who tries to do everything myself. It’s to support other people to lead in the best possible way, to build capacity, to ask challenging questions to see if we’re doing the right thing.” For all the demands of a senior role, Robin is determined to stay connected to the young people at Sedbergh’s heart. “I will always make time for the young people in our care. That might be saying good morning to them as they leave assembly, but equally it might be because a pupil has come to ask for a meeting because they’ve got a new initiative that they want to introduce within School. I’m always supportive of those ideas and try to push them through.” It is these everyday interactions that remain one of the most rewarding parts of the job. “Young people are a constant source of inspiration. I take great pleasure in supporting young people through challenges, because it is when they are challenged that they learn most about themselves. They become a better version of themselves, and then we know, as they go on through life, they’re going to take those experiences with them.” What makes a great school – and a great teacher? For Robin, a great school begins with something simple and non-negotiable: children need to be safe, happy and cared for. Without that essential foundation, young people cannot fully access their education. “So community and relationships are at the bedrock of everything that we do, and they mean so much to us. We work very hard on them.” When it comes to great teachers, Robin believes there is no single model. Their greatest strength, particularly in an age of AI, is the human connection they create. “Teachers come in all different shapes and sizes, and I think this is one of our strengths when we’re talking about the rise of AI. I don’t think teachers can be replaced by digitisation or automation because we need that difference of interaction to connect with different people.” That connection begins with genuinely enjoying working with young people. “We don’t do it for the money. We don’t do it for the holidays! We do it because we love supporting young people and seeing them move forward. And if you ask any teacher at Sedbergh why they do it, it is for that reason. That is why people go above and beyond day in day out to support the young people here.” It is the young people themselves who make teaching so rewarding: their energy, diversity and unpredictability mean that no two days – or even two lessons – are ever quite the same. “The vibrancy, the energy, the difference of opinion, the diversity that comes with it – those things are so exciting. Even if you’re teaching the same lesson for the fourth time that week, it is totally different because of the pupils that you are working with. All those variables within that classroom are amazing, and that makes teaching such a special experience.” Beyond the classroom For Robin, a full and rounded education is inseparable from academic success. “Good results are a byproduct of inspiring teaching and learning in the broadest sense. It’s not just what happens in the classroom. It’s every interaction – walking to and from assembly, life in the boarding house, on the sports field, in the recital hall.” What matters most is what pupils carry with them when they leave: the School’s core values of humility, ambition, resilience and kindness, an understanding of community, and a sense of responsibility towards others. “Some schools talk about values but you don’t feel them lived out. Here, it’s different. You feel them, day in day out, in pupils and staff. Leaving with those values, an understanding of community – ‘once a Sedberghian, always a Sedberghian’ – and a strong sense of service to others: that’s what matters.” You can watch the full interview with Robin here: Article by Sedbergh Association

Old Sedberghians are all warmly invited to participate in the annual Alumni Cross Country Race on Wimbledon Common, London, which this year will be held on Saturday 12th September 2026.

This is a long standing race hosted by Thames Hare & Hounds for old girls and boys of schools with strong cross country running traditions. It started in 1953 and has grown in popularity, now attracting around 300 runners from around 60 schools. The course of 5 miles on Wimbledon Common is a shortened version of the Blues Race course. The OS Running team has participated for a number of years with a growing number of runners.

All ages and running abilities are welcome! Seventy-year-olds compete with eighteen-year-olds – the fastest time is usually close to 25 mins and the back markers closer to 60 minutes.

There are four team competitions within the race:

Event Information:

Annual London Alumni Cross Country Race
Saturday 12th September 2026
Race Starts at 3.00pm (Please arrive by 2:00pm for registration)
Course is 5 miles (Please visit the Thames Hare & Hounds website for more details)

Venue: Thames HQ, Wimbledon Common, London

Wimbledon Common is located on the A3 at the Richard Evans Memorial Playing Fields (Roehampton Vale, SW15 3PQ). The meeting venue is the Pavilion/Club House which overlooks the playing fields. There is ample parking located adjacent to the A3 and in front of the Pavilion/Club House.

This will be followed by the usual custom of OS drinks and dinner at the Green Man Pub, Putney Heath.

If you interested in taking part in the Old Sedberghian Running team we would be delighted to hear from you – please contact Benjamin Collins at bpc@sedberghschool.org.

In this article, we explore the wider world of drinks, looking at the huge array on offer, including the vast world of wine, taking a look at specific regions, including lesser-known areas or lesser-known wines from more well-known regions. One such region that has always intrigued me is Alsace. Known for its blend of traditional and forward-thinking producers, this region’s wines are a perfect match for my love of Riesling, one of my favourite grapes. Alsace lies in the far east of France, on the west bank of the Upper Rhine, bordered by Germany and Switzerland. This unique location has shaped the region’s distinct cultural identity, reflected in everything from its language to its winemaking traditions. As a region, it’s super historic, with picture-postcard villages straight out of the Middle Ages, half-timber buildings, and ruined castles. It’s heavily influenced by both France and Germany, which is extremely apparent in its cuisine. Think pork, cheese, sauerkraut, Coq au Riesling and Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée). The wines, too, are steeped in history, with influences from both France and Germany, yet they produce some unique wines. Though tradition is ever present, for example, all wines, by law, are bottled in distinctive tall bottles typical of the region, but there are those daring to stand out and try something a little different, which provides a real mix. White wine varieties are king here, with up to 90% of all wines produced being white. Riesling is considered by growers in the region to be the finest variety, and as a result, it is the most widely planted, with the majority being bone-dry. Gewurztraminer is popular, but I feel it has a bad reputation in the UK, which I feel is solely due to the poor examples commonly available on our supermarket shelves. Find a good example, and you will discover a wine with a rich, intense, and full-bodied character, which exquisitely unravels on the palate, revealing an astonishing array of spices, fruits, and floral notes.  Other common grapes are Pinot Gris (which takes on characteristics of both Riesling and Gewurztraminer) and Muscat. These four make up the four noble grapes of Alsace. Other varieties include Pinot Blanc (a substitute for Chardonnay grapes, which are forbidden in anything other than Crémant d’Alsace), Sylvaner (a difficult grape to grow, with low yields but creates some amazing young and fresh wines) and a series of others, which rarely make it onto the label. Just because red wine production isn’t as popular doesn’t mean that those created aren’t any good. When we think of French Pinot Noir, we think of Burgundy, but in reality, it’s the same red varietal found in the Alsace region. The difference is that Alsace red wines are lighter, fragrant, elegant, yet rustic and not as concentrated as elsewhere in France, with some examples aged in oak, producing fantastic results, but most are best enjoyed young. Domaine Léon-Boesch’s ‘Les Jardins’ is a great example of Alsatian Pinot Noir, light, elegant, slightly perfumed with crunchy red fruits and fine tannins. Crémant D’Alsace is the local bubbly; the grapes used are strictly controlled and include Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, which can appear alongside Auxerre’s Riesling and limited parcels of Chardonnay. Other wines to note include Alsace rosé, which is exclusively made using Pinot Noir grapes and the local fizz made in the same way as Champagne. Crémant d’Alsace can often produce stunning results, with the bonus of being considerably cheaper than Champagne itself. Most producers, even the big ones, are family-owned. Here are a few examples. Bert-Hartweg is one of the historic domaines of the region, dating back to the 16th Century. Florian and Mathilde are the 16th generation at the domaine, and despite their young age (early 30s), they’ve already gained a solid reputation due to their skilled and progressive approach. Inspired by the Japanese farmer and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka, they utilise biodynamic approaches in their wine making, producing fantastic results, including ‘Granit’, which is a fascinating treat. By contrast, Domaine Lissner comes in at a fairly decent price point but also produces some outstanding wines. A father and son team, fully focused on biodiversity throughout their vineyards. For example, the vines are not ploughed, mown or trimmed. They almost leave surrounding plants to run wild amongst the vines, encouraging the vines themselves to adapt and self-regulate in line with their environment. Their Pinot Blanc is a cracking wine, at a good price, but their Grand Cru Riesling, Muscat and Gewürztraminer are exceptional. Domaine Bohn, an ancient vineyard dating back to the 12th century, reflects true Alsatian terroir. The Bohn’s have been vignerons in Reichsfeld for over three centuries. Now, an environmentally conscious father and son team produce some amazing wines. The father Bernard has always been experimental, which has been further reinforced by his young son Arthur, who has joined the team and has begun experimenting with sulphur-free, skin contact wines. Their Sylvaner wine ‘L’Indigène’ is stunning and a little off the page. Finally, Lucas Rieffel has almost reached cult status in the natural wine world. A slightly younger vineyard, still third generation and started before World War Two, but young for Alsace. The family have developed over the years, acquiring new plots and moving to organic status in 2009. Their Crémant is much sought after, and sometimes difficult to find, so I always try to have some stored in the cellar. Their Pinot Noir is very different, almost mind-boggling, with great depth, yet still being light, with pepper and spice and all things nice, in terms of fruit. Wines featured can be purchased online through www.vinetrail.co.uk  or https://newcomerwines.com The Black Bull The 2026–27 academic year marks a significant milestone in Sedbergh School’s history as we celebrate 25 years of co-education. Since welcoming girls to the School in 2002, Sedbergh has continued to evolve while staying true to the values and traditions that have shaped the Sedbergh community for more than 500 years. This anniversary is an opportunity to look back on the people, friendships and experiences that have made the past 25 years so memorable. To mark the occasion, we will be holding a weekend of celebrations from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th February 2027. The weekend will also be the OS Weekend for the 2026–27 academic year, with OS sporting fixtures taking place over the weekend. Further information and tickets will be available in October. For now, please save the date, and we hope you will join us for a special weekend as we celebrate the people, friendships and achievements that have shaped Sedbergh over the past 25 years, while looking ahead to the future. Northampton Saints emerged victorious in a ‘proper final’ as they overcame Exeter Chiefs to secure the Gallagher PREM title for the second time in three years, according to winning Director of Rugby, OS Phil Dowson (H 93-00). The men in Black, Green and Gold crossed the whitewash four times in Saturday’s clash at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, overcoming a resolute Chiefs side to secure a third PREM title in the club’s history. “We were outstanding throughout the season,” said Dowson. “It’s nice now to be able to put a full stop on it with a big tin cup and say. ‘we were the best side in the league’. Read full article on Northampton Saint’s website HERE. The OS Club and the School were lucky enough to catch up with Phil at the OS SSFC Rugby Dinner in March – watch the interview HERE. Two Old Sedberghians were also on the bench for Exeter – Kane James (S 21-23) and Will Haydon-Wood (P 12-19). At the Exeter Chiefs awards night recently, Will was named Club Man of the Year and Kane won Community Player of the Year. Kane has also been named in the Wales squad for the upcoming Nations Championship finals which involve 3 fixtures in July (Fiji, Argentina and South Africa). If Kane plays, he’ll be Sedbergh’s latest full international and our first in over 5 years since Cameron Redpath in February 2021 for Scotland v England.OS John Fisher (P 65–69) has recently published a new book: What Makes Civilisation? An Overview of the History of Law and Western Civilisation. Drawing on a distinguished legal career spanning more than five decades, John examines over 3,000 years of history, from the Mycenaeans of ancient Greece to the modern world. The book explores a subject that he believes is too often overlooked by historians, economists and politicians alike: the crucial role that law has played in the development of civilisation. John dedicates a few words to Sedbergh School in his book, thanking it for “giving me the mental strength to carry on, despite all obstacles, when lost on the fells in the pouring rain.” After leaving Sedbergh, John studied law at Leeds University before joining the international law firm Allen & Overy. He later moved to Hong Kong, where he became a litigation partner in an international practice and represented Hong Kong at rugby. In 2003, he established his own legal firm and continues to practice as a notary public. In What Makes Civilisation? John argues that the contribution of legal systems to the growth and stability of societies has frequently been underestimated. Through a concise and accessible overview of history, he traces the development of law and its influence on Western civilisation, while also comparing Western society with other great civilisations and reflecting on contemporary issues such as postmodernism and the rule of law. Published in March 2026, the book offers a thought-provoking perspective on the forces that have shaped human society and the enduring importance of legal institutions. We congratulate John on this latest achievement and wish him every success with the book. If you wish to purchase a copy, please visit these websites: Waterstones – https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-makes-civilisation/john-fisher/9781919414300 Amazon – https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Makes-Civilisation-Overview-History/dp/1919414304 The 1525 Society enjoyed two memorable lunches recently, bringing together OS, parents and friends of the School in both Sedbergh and London. These occasions also marked the first official lunches hosted by the Society’s new President, Major General Jonathan David Shaw CB CBE (S 1970–75). The first gathering took place on Saturday 9th May at the Black Bull Inn, Sedbergh, where guests enjoyed a warm atmosphere alongside a menu created by Head Chef Nina Matsunaga. Celebrated for its hyper-local, foraged and ethically sourced produce, the dining experience provided the perfect setting for old friends to reconnect and share memories. The second lunch was held on Friday 5th June at Browns Covent Garden in London. Guests were treated to an elevated British brasserie experience, where timeless favourites and seasonally inspired dishes were served in elegant yet relaxed surroundings. Joining the event was Robin Pyper, the newly appointed Headmaster of Sedbergh School, who spoke warmly about the welcoming spirit of Sedbergh and the strong sense of community that continues to define the School today. At both events, Jonathan shared his reflections on the challenges and opportunities facing younger generations. He emphasised that, in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the importance of integrity and strong personal values has never been greater. Young people must develop the ability to communicate effectively, lead with authenticity, and uphold strong principles, qualities that no technology can replicate. His message resonated deeply with the values of a Sedbergh education. He stressed the importance of resilience, reminding guests that setbacks are part of life and can help people grow and improve. Jonathan also reflected on becoming President of the 1525 Society. His father, Michael Shaw, Lord Shaw of Northstead JP DL (S 1934–38), served as the Society’s first President, making it a particular honour for Jonathan to follow in his footsteps and continue that family connection with Sedbergh. Looking ahead, he spoke about the importance of supporting the School during changing times and ensuring that Sedbergh’s values continue for future generations. Both lunches were a chance to reconnect, share experiences and celebrate the strong links within the Sedbergh community, and we look forward to welcoming members to future 1525 Society events. If you would like more information about the 1525 Society or how to become a member, please contact the Foundation at foundation@sedberghschool.org, or visit our website HERE.
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