When I am out early on Theatre Square in front of Ampleforth’s historic buildings, looking across the beautiful valley on the edge of the North York moors, it is the morning greetings of my pupils that keep me going. Most do not wear coats, despite the spring nip, but their pluck, enthusiasm and inner spirit shine through and warm the heart.
During Lent our pupils embraced our “disconnect to reconnect” initiative. Each week students handed in their phones for 24 hours and staff limited email correspondence to emergency only. We found oppor t unities to come together as a community in meaningful ways, both in the staff common room and in boarding houses where students use the quiet time to reach out and strengthen their friendships.
I became headmaster of Ampleforth College in January 2023. Back then I was a vegetarian who had never been on a shoot; the winter months taught me a huge amount about shooting and other countryside sports. I have been impressed by the pupil-led and sustainable nature of the college shoot, with pupils rearing the pheasants and learning how to make dishes out of them such as curry, samosas and sausages to serve at House socials. I have been so won around that now they regularly leave offerings of pheasant, rabbits and game at my back door. I am no longer a vegetarian.
Ampleforth has enjoyed an upbeat academic year so far, and we have received many accolades with excellent outcomes f rom the Ofsted and Catholic Schools inspections, as well as appreciative visits from the Good Schools Guide, the Heads’ Conference (HMC) and an interview with the Daily Telegraph.
My wife Marie (a French-born Catholic) and I couldn’t be prouder of our community: we are so grateful for everyone’s hard work and dedication towards our ongoing mission as a Benedictine school, working closely with the Abbey. We are “on the up”, and excited by the inspiring and holistic nature of an Ampleforth education, enabling everyone to flourish and learn how to give to others as well as develop their own strengths.
My most memorable moments since I ar rived include the energy in the valley as pupils took part in the Inter-House Tug-of-War and Cross Country competitions, and the excitement as we headed to the lakes for the Raft Race. Many visitors, including prospective families, prep-school heads and their pupils have come from all over the country to enjoy Adventure, Science and Maths Days.
Hospitality is key to the Rule of St Benedict. We have welcomed Australian students from Rosebank College, Sydney, as part of the Inter national Benedictine Schools Exchange Programme. We have been inspired by a wide range of guest speakers, including old students like MajorGeneral Nick Perry, former Assistant Chief of the General Staff, who spoke about decision-making and leadership, Anthony Glaister, who discussed his peace-making work in Palestine, and Tom Turner who talked about his career in the world of cyber-security. Dr Ella Simpson told us about her work in prisons and rehabilitation, and Lord Deben – a former Catholic Herald director and contributor – made a compelling case for Climate Action.
Other highlights included many wonderful musical events, from the outstanding Byrd 400th-anniversary concert, Fauré’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, the moving London Carol Service, a Mass at Westminster Cathedral and Choral Evensong at Ripon Cathedral, through to the Schola Cantorum’s spectacular 50th-anniversary concert where current pupils joined forces with past members for a highly accomplished performance of Mozart’s Requiem Mass. Meanwhile our budding actors shone in the whole-school musical Little Shop of Horrors – a high-energy performance with a lot of laughter ending in a standing ovation every night.
Last October Marie and I met heads from Benedictine schools from across the globe at BENET 2023, the triennial world conference of the Benedictine Educators Network, in Rio de Janeiro. The work of our fellow schools in transforming young people’s lives by inviting an encounter with Jesus Christ is a great force for good in wider society. The delegates enjoyed hearing about our focus this term on Benedictine scholarship, an inclusive and whole-person approach to studies, exploring and being curious about both sacred and secular learning.
I continue to be impressed and moved by the level of service activities in which our pupils take part. They go above and beyond, giving of themselves and their time to do good and serve others. Through both a sponsored run and a sleepout in the bitter cold, our Year 12 pupils have raised money for St George’s Crypt and St Pio’s Friary, which support the homeless in Leeds and Bradford. Thanks to some of our Year 11 boys, much-needed funds have been raised in support of women’s rights in Afghanistan. Such acts embody what makes Amplefordians compassionate, thoughtful people who learn to put the needs of others first.
The blessing of the refurbished Alban Roe House took place on March 19. We were grateful to Cardinal Vincent Nichols who came to celebrate the Mass of St Joseph and then bless the house. Alban Roe will be a small but important contribution of the monastic community to the work of evangelisation.
Peter Roberts is Headmaster of Ampleforth College.
This article originally appeared in the April 2024 issue of the Catholic Herald. To subscribe to our award-winning, thought-provoking magazine and have independent and high-calibre counter-cultural Catholic journalism delivered to your door anywhere in the world clickhere.
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