Summer Boarding Round Up

Burton Bank

The summer term in Burton Bank has been a lively and memorable one, full of achievement, energy and celebration, as has been characteristic for the whole year!

We want to extend huge congratulations to our Fifth Form and Upper Sixth pupils for completing their public examinations. Their resilience and focus throughout the exam season have been impressive, and we wish them every success as they move on to their next steps. Prizegiving and Foundation Day were other highlights of the term, with many inspiring speeches and moments of reflection, particularly from Marie-Louisa D (Upper Sixth), whose words captured the spirit and values of Burton Bank so well. It has been particularly wonderful to see our pupils involved across the wider life of Mill Hill School, and a special well done goes to Bervan B (Lower Sixth) for his fantastic performance in Little Shop of Horrors. The dedication, confidence, and commitment shown were a real credit to both the production and the House.

This term we say a very sad farewell to Mr Parker, Assistant Housemaster, who has supported Burton Bank with great care and dedication for four years.

Overall, it has been an exceptional year in Burton Bank filled with House spirit and community. I would like to sincerely thank Bryan C (Upper Sixth) for being such a wonderful Head of House and for his leadership and care throughout the year. We also look forward with excitement to welcoming Maya M (Lower Sixth) as our new Head of House in September, as we continue to build on the strong foundations of Burton Bank.

Collinson

National Boarding Week was a real highlight of the term in Collinson and a fantastic way to close the year. Charles W, Kevin S, Ihsan C and Roman R (Lower Sixth) were at the centre of much of what we achieved, from designing our banner featuring Collin the Cat to completing the "Can You Do 60?" challenge and helping secure victory in the Inter-House MasterChef competition. The Wall of Kindness and Wall of Doodles were equally successful and provided a welcome lift as the year drew to a close.

Elsewhere, Maj-Britt's (Lower Sixth) Foundation Day speech was widely regarded as one of the highlights of the celebrations, while both she and Zoe S (Lower Sixth) received deserved acclaim for their performances in Little Shop of Horrors. We were also delighted to welcome more than 80 former pupils and their families back to the House for the Collinson Reunion.

The end of term brought an emotional farewell to Miss Williams after four years as Assistant Housemistress. Fittingly, she became the first member of staff to receive the Paras Shah Award before moving on to become Priestley Housemistress in September. Whilst she will be greatly missed, we are excited to welcome Mr Hewitt as Assistant Housemaster. Mr Hewitt is a Teacher of Classics at Mill Hill School having joined almost three years ago. He has a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and interests that will benefit the House hugely. Meanwhile, with many of the House having returned home for summer, or away on trips, our remaining Lower Sixth pupils have been making the most of the final few days of term with ice cream sandwiches, World Cup football, a House barbecue and plenty of sunshine.

Macgregor

As the summer term draws to a close, it has been a time of reflection, celebration, and fond farewells in Macgregor. We are incredibly proud of all that our pupils have achieved over the course of the year, both academically and within the wider life of the House. This term, we said heartfelt goodbyes to our Upper Sixth pupils, who leave us with our very best wishes as they move on to the next stage of their journeys. Their presence, leadership, and contribution to House life have been invaluable, and they will be greatly missed by both staff and pupils alike. Particular thanks go to Elaine L (Upper Sixth), who has made exceptional contributions as this year’s Head of House. She has been a kind, supportive and caring role model to all of our pupils.

Alongside these farewells, the term has also included some wonderful, shared experiences. Our Sixth Form Dinner, held for our most senior pupils, was a real highlight: an opportunity for them to come together and celebrate their time in the House in a relaxed and sociable setting. Another standout moment was our roller disco trip, which proved such a success that it is one we are already planning to repeat next year! It was fantastic to see real team spirit on display, with more confident skaters encouraging and supporting others, ensuring everyone felt included and had fun.

With many pupils now having departed for the summer, our remaining Lower Sixth have been making the most of the final days of term. There has been a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere in the House, with pupils enjoying time together, reflecting on the year gone by, and looking ahead with excitement to the opportunities and responsibilities that next year will bring. It has been a wonderful year for Macgregor, full of community spirit, resilience and shared experiences.

Ridgeway

As we approach the end of another academic year, Ridgeway is preparing to bid farewell to a busy, successful, and memorable year. Our pupils are now looking forward to a well-deserved summer break after a full year of academic endeavour, personal development, and active participation in boarding life. We would like to congratulate our Fifth Form and Upper Sixth pupils, who have worked exceptionally hard throughout their GCSE and A Level examinations and are now preparing for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Throughout the year, Ridgeway pupils have embraced both academic and co-curricular opportunities with enthusiasm, commitment, and a strong sense of community. Despite reduced numbers, the House demonstrated tremendous determination in competing for the 6 & 10-Mile Cup, while pupils also represented Ridgeway with pride in Sports Day, House Drama, the General Knowledge Competition, and the Spelling Bee. It is always a privilege to see our boarders stepping outside their comfort zones, supporting one another, and contributing so positively to House life. Their willingness to participate and their collective achievements have been a source of great pride throughout the year.

Beyond the classroom, pupils have enjoyed a varied programme of trips and activities, making the most of the opportunities available to them at Mill Hill. Highlights have included visits to Alton Towers, Westfield Shopping Centre, the Sea Life Centre and Canterbury. These experiences not only provide enjoyment but also help to build confidence, independence and lasting friendships. It has been wonderful to see our boarders embracing new challenges and creating memories that will stay with them long after the school year has ended.