General News

Last week, we were delighted to welcome Dermot O'Leary to Westholme to talk about his new children's book 'Wings of Glory'. The event was organised in conjunction with award winning literary events company Book, Bean and Ice Cream.

Mr O'Leary arrived at Westholme around 9am and signed copies of his book, before meeting Interim Principal Mr Upton and having his photograph taken with students from Prep, alongside Mr Dixon and Hornby. He also signed our visitors book, to add his name to the collection of esteemed celebrity authors that we have had through our doors over the past year, such as Matt Lucas, Clare Balding, Jeff Kinney, and Niall Harbison.

'Wings of Glory' is an action-adventure tale of one tiny bird, Linus the swift, and his quest to help win a world war. After initially introducing himself on the Croston Theatre stage in front of Westholme Prep students and other guest students and staff from local schools, Dermot then read an extract from his book. He introduced the characters and the inspiration for them and the story, much to the delight of the onlooking crowd in the Theatre.

Next, students and staff were encouraged to draw a character from the story on a piece of paper, following instructions that were shown on screen. Dermot then went into the crowd of students to inspect their work and was thoroughly impressed by the level of artistic ability!

Finally, students were able to ask Mr O'Leary some questions in an engaging Q&A session. Each school were then able to get a group photograph on stage. We would like to thank Mr O'Leary for coming in for what proved to be a thoroughly entertaining morning, his publicist, and Elaine from Book, Bean and Ice Cream for organising the event and to all students and staff in attendance.

Article was written by Mr Oracz, Head of INSPIRED Sixth Form

As Head of Sixth Form, I am passionate about providing students with every opportunity on the pathway to life beyond their A Levels. It was therefore a pleasure to put together Westholme’s own University and Apprenticeship Fair and invite so many delegates into school to inform, advise and enthuse students and families from across the region. I am very proud of our success as the 2023 Independent School of the Year for our Careers Programme, and it is through the wider support and opportunities we provide for our students at Westholme, such as this event, that our students have excelled in achieving highly coveted degree apprenticeships and university places, leading to us also gaining such recognition.

In addition to the numerous recruitment and outreach advisors from universities and leading companies, many recent Westholme graduates returned on the evening, representing the major companies they are now privileged to be a part of, hosting stalls to promote the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships they were successful in achieving through the support given during their time at school; our alumni giving back to the school, grateful for what they were given, now wishing to give other students the same opportunities they themselves were afforded. This cycle of success and support is truly a pleasure to behold and makes me incredibly proud.

The event was a great undertaking, with huge thanks particularly to Miss Goulbourne in our Promotion Team and also our Careers Advisor Mrs Hibberd, who were instrumental in putting the event together. I hope that families found the evening useful, no matter what year group they were a part of, and I hope that it allowed our Year 12 students to narrow down their options, as they are now at that point of beginning applications.

Mr Mark Upton is looking forward to sharing his knowledge from around the world with Westholme School during his role as Interim Principal. 

Mr Upton, who took over the role in March, comes to the school on the back of a distinguished career of over 40 years in the independent sector, both in the UK and China. 

He said Westholme has made a wonderful first impression. 

“When I came to look around Westholme, it was clear to me, even from day one, the quality of the offer here. There is a clear purpose and positive culture in the school, with incredibly hard-working and devoted staff and engaged, lively students.” 

He said he has enjoyed talking with parents, students, staff and the Governors while settling in. 

Mr Upton added: “All of my initial feelings have certainly been endorsed, and I feel even more confident that there is a unique atmosphere in Westholme. 

“There's something very special about all-through schools, where you can see the tangible benefits of the extended family concept. 

“Westholme has all the facilities, advantages and structures in place to give the children here every opportunity, delivered by deeply committed staff.” 

Mr Upton will provide stability and vision until a new Principal is appointed.  

He said: “I have the opportunity to help fine tune Westholme and use my experience over many years in a wide variety of schools. In the wake of Westholme’s Centenary year, I feel very honoured to be part of the School’s journey.”