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What a fantastic term this has been!

Our newsletter is where we celebrate the achievements of our students, staff, and the school each term.

In this edition, we will reflect on the fantastic events and successes we have seen this term at Denefield. You can find out more about the upcoming events on our website.

If you are not following us on social media yet, make sure to do so. You will get regular updates, news, and reminders.

Learn more about how to protect your children online by visiting our online safety page.

Denefield Official Facebook  Denefield Official Instagram

Denefield Website  Denefield Online Safety

Watch our Headteacher's Videocast here


Term Dates

School Calendar


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Important dates for our return - Week A

Date  
Monday 1 June BTEC/GCE/GCSE Exams continue all week
Tuesday 2 June Year 5 Tours - 9.45am to 10.40am
Wednesday3 June Year 5 Tours - 9.45am to 10.40am
Thursday 4 June Year 5 Tours - 9.45am to 10.40am
Friday 5 June Year 5 Tours - 9.45am to 10.40am

50 Years of Denefield

This year marks a very special milestone in the life of our school. Denefield is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and we have spent the year looking back at five decades of learning, friendship and achievement, while also looking ahead to the future.

Through our From the Archives series, we have been sharing photographs, newspaper clippings and stories from across Denefield's history.

The response from our community has been heartwarming. Former students have reached out to share memories, identify familiar faces and reflect on what their time at Denefield meant to them. These stories remind us that Denefield has always been more than a school.

To see more from the series, follow us on Instagram and Facebook by clicking the buttons below. New memories are shared regularly, and we would love for you to be part of it.

           Instagram                          Facebook

Alongside our archive series, the Denefield 50 Fundraising campaign has brought our community together throughout the year. From Culture Day to Festive Jumper Day, fundraising events and charitable partnerships, students and staff have taken part with energy and generosity. Together, we have begun working towards our £50,000 anniversary target and have raised £8,686 so far, supporting both enrichment opportunities for our students and our partnership with Launchpad, a local charity supporting people facing homelessness in Reading.

If you want to contribute to our fundraising, click the button below.

Support Denefield 50

Now we are looking ahead to the highlight of our anniversary year.

Save the date: Friday 25 September 2026

We are delighted to invite our wider Denefield community; alumni, former staff, parents/carers, current families and friends of the school, to join us for a special celebration event marking 50 years of Denefield. It promises to be a warm, joyful day filled with memories, reconnections and a shared sense of pride in everything our school stands for. Whether you joined us in 1976 or 2026, there will be a place for you.

Further details, including timings and tickets, will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we would love to hear from any alumni or former staff who would like to be part of the day. Please get in touch with us at sal@denefield.org.uk.

Here is to 50 years of Success for Life.


The summer exam season is well underway, with 200+ exams being run throughout the school between Tuesday 5 May 2026 up to the end of June 2026. 

Our students have approached this time with focus and determination, and we commend them for their continued effort. With many exams still to come, it is important that they maintain their momentum and keep working steadily through the weeks ahead.

A huge thank you also goes to our staff, who are working hard behind the scenes to ensure exams run smoothly, and that students are supported every step of the way.


Celebrating our students

Sporting achievement

 

District Athletics 

This term, over 60 Denefield students from Years 8, 9 and 10 took part in the District Athletics at Thames Valley Athletics Centre. Students competed in a range of events, including sprints, long-distance races, jumping events and throws.

Every student gave their best and represented the school with pride. Well done to everyone who took part.

The final results are as follows:

U15 Boys

Event Name Scores Position
100m Subhan Amir 12.81 5
100m Ira Monite 13.4 8
300m T Byfield-Griffith 44.58 5
800m Ben Churchill 2.35.59 8
4x100m Denefield 53.17 4
Triple Jump Finley Harman 9.5m 4
Triple Jump Ben Churchill 8.07m 7
Discus Ira Monite 18.98m 6
Discus Oscar Bond 12.98m 8
Javelin Max Molloy 21.83m 6

U15 Boys Overall Results

School Scores Position
St Barts School 88 1
The Downs School 68 2
Kennet School 59 3
Park House School 36 4
Theale Green School 35 5
Denefield School 29 6
Bradfield School 26 7
The Willink School 26 7
Little Heath School 23 9
Trinity School 20 10
St Gabriels School 14 11
Pangbourne School 10 12

U17 Boys

Event Name Scores Position
High Jump Charlie Okon 1.5m 3
Triple Jump Luca Reilly Fletcher 10.06m 2
Triple Jump Jack Little 9.14m 5
Discus Joe Murefu   7
Javelin Victor Richard Gutierrez 25.15m 7

U17 Boys Overall Results

School Scores Position
Kennet School 78 1
St Barts School 63 2
The Downs School 49 3
Little Heath School 39 4
Bradfield School 37 5
Trinity School 36 6
Theale Green School 33 7
The Willink School 31 8
Park House School 28 9
Denefield School 21 10
Pangbourne School 12 11

U15 Girls

Event Name Scores Position
100m Ella Adey 14.1 5
800m  Mia Clarke 2.54.25 7
1500m Penelope Pocock 5.52.91 7
4X100m Denefield 59.29 7
High Jump Ella Adey 1.25m 7
Triple Jump Aubreya Jordan 6.73m 8
Discus Holly Wright 14.8m 7
Shot Put Tilly Rabot 6.8m 8

U15 Girls Overall Results

School Scores Position
Downe House 112 1
St Barts School 92 2
Kennet School 78 3
Park House School 30 4
The Willink School 27 5
Trinity School 20 6
Denefield School 16 7
Bradfield School 15 8
St Gabriels School 15 8
The Downs School 14 10
Theale Green School 11 11
Little Heath School 5 12

U17 Girls

Event Name Scores Position
100m Erin-Rose Dunk 13.55 3
1500m Lucia Trisconi Smith 6.27.73 6
1500m Charlotte Williams 46.79 8
4X100m Denefield  57.51 6
High Jump Samaria Crerar 1.25m 5
High Jump Lacey Swift 1.2m 7
Long Jump Erin-Rose Dunk 3.74m 7
Triple Jump Grace Treen 8.72m 3
Shot Put Emily Belcher 7.65m 4

U17 Girls Overall Results

School Scores Position
Downe House 121 1
The Downs School 70 2
The Willink School 44 3
Park House School 34 4
Denefield School 32 5
St Barts School 31 6
Theale Green School 24 7
Kennet School 20 8
Bradfield School 17 9
Little Heath School 12 10
Trinity School 12 10
St. Gabriels School 10 12
Pangbourne School 8 13

 

Green Park Reading Mini Marathon

Back in March, five of our students took on the Green Park Reading Mini Marathon, and our U13 girls' team — Erin M., Cora H. and Rebeca R. — claimed first place in the U13 Girls team category. Erin also took second place individually in the F12 age group.

On 20 April, the three girls were presented with their awards by Sir John Madejski, one of Reading's most well-known and celebrated figures. A fantastic moment of recognition for their achievement.

Well done also to Jay G. and Victor R., who represented Denefield with pride and determination throughout the event. A huge congratulations to all five students.

 

Year 9 and 10 Flag Football 

This term, our Year 9 and 10 Girls flag football team enjoyed a fantastic day at Surrey Sports Park. The team finished on a high with a 14-6 win in their final game. Although the other results did not go their way, the girls stayed competitive right to the end and showed great spirit throughout. Mr Hardiman, who accompanied the team, believes that with a little more practice the squad has every chance of reaching the nationals next year.

Well done, girls! We look forward to seeing where this team goes next.

See More Photos

House competitions

 

Denefield Interhouse DA @ 100 competition

This term, Denefield marked Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday with our DA @ 100 Inter-House Competition. The celebration recognised the conservation work and environmental awareness Sir David has championed throughout his life.

Students across all four Houses; Kentwood, Sulham, Norcot and Langley, chose an endangered species, habitat or ecosystem, then transformed their classroom doors into informative, eye-catching displays. Recycled and natural materials were used throughout, reflecting the environmental values at the heart of Sir David's legacy.

The standard of work was outstanding. Every corridor told a story, from rainforests and reefs to creatures we must protect for the next generation. A huge well done to every student who took part, and thank you to the staff who supported their Houses throughout the competition.

See More Photos


Celebrating our school

Trips and Visits

 

Year 9 Careers visit to Royal Berkshire Hospital

This term, a group of Year 9 students were invited to go on a careers visit to Royal Berkshire Hospital to explore roles across the NHS.

The day included workshops on apprenticeships, infection control, and triage, giving students a real insight into how hospital teams work behind the scenes. Students also took part in resuscitation training, learning the basics of life-saving techniques.

For those considering a future as a paramedic, there was a valuable chance to speak with two paramedics who took different routes into the profession: one through the apprenticeship programme and the other through the university pathway. Hearing both perspectives helped students understand that there is more than one way into a healthcare career.

Throughout the visit, students also met radiographers, pharmacy staff, and other healthcare professionals, who shared what their roles involve and the qualifications needed to get there.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 9s to see the breadth of careers within the NHS and to start thinking about the choices that lie ahead.

See More Photos

 

DofE Silver Expedition

A huge well done to our Silver DofE students, who completed their practice expedition this term. Over two days, the team put their skills to the test in the great outdoors, navigating their planned route, working together as a group and carrying everything they needed on their backs.

From map reading and route planning to teamwork, problem solving and resilience, the students tackled every challenge with determination and great spirit. This practice expedition is an important part of the Silver Award. It gives students the chance to build confidence, refine their skills and prepare for the main qualifying expedition, which takes place in June in the New Forest.

One of our students, Victor R, captured the trip on camera, putting together a brilliant video of the team in action. Take a look below  to see the practice expedition through their eyes.

See Video

With the practice behind them, the team is more than ready. We wish them the very best of luck and look forward to hearing all about their adventures.

A huge thank you to the staff who supported the students throughout the expedition. Your time, energy and commitment make experiences like this possible.

See More Photos

 

Year 12 University of Winchester visit:

This term, our Year 12 students visited UCAS, gaining valuable insight into university applications, course options and the journey ahead. Students had the chance to ask big questions, explore different pathways and take an important step towards their futures. It was a brilliant opportunity for them to feel informed and inspired as they begin planning life beyond Sixth Form.

See More Photos

 

Visitors to Denefield

 
 
 

Year 5 Information Evening

Over the past two weeks, we were delighted to welcome Year 5 pupils and their families to our Information Evenings. These events provided a great opportunity for visitors to hear from our students and staff, all the while learning more about life at Denefield.

We hope all who attended gained a clear sense of what makes Denefield such a supportive and ambitious school community. Thank you for coming along and taking the time to explore what we have to offer; we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Please note that our Year 5 tours in June are now fully booked. However, we will be offering tours for Year 6 pupils and parents/carers in September 2026, following our Open Evening. We look forward to welcoming you then. 

See More Photos


School news and events


Key Stage 3 Pride of Denefield Awards

This term, we celebrated our Key Stage 3 students at the Pride of Denefield Awards, recognising the achievements, character and contributions of students across Years 7, 8 and 9.

It was a wonderful evening filled with applause, proud smiles and a strong sense of community. Students were recognised across a range of categories, from academic progress and subject excellence to kindness, extracurricular involvement and CHARACTER values. Each award reflected the values we hold dear at Denefield, and every student recognised should feel proud of their achievement.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff who nominated, organised and supported the event, and to the families who joined us to share in the celebration. Your presence made the evening special.

Congratulations to all the award winners. You make us proud.

Award Winners list

Creative and Performing Arts

Name Year / Subject
Sammy Stonham Year 7 Art
Victoria Coste Year 8 Art
Nicola Taplin Year 9 Art
Louis Page Year 7 D&T
Leo Rogers Year 8 D&T
Faith Choules Year 9 D&T
Evan Looy Year 7 Drama
Maria Evans Year 8 Drama
Chloe Freeman Year 9 Drama
Chloe Tan Year 7 Music
Syed Ayaz Al Mahmud Year 8 Music
Isla Dunford Year 9 Music

English and Film

Name Year / Subject
Beau Lloyd Year 7 English
Julia Fredy Year 8 English
Finley Harman Year 9 English

Humanities

Name Year / Subject
Amelia Taylor-Collins Year 7 Geography
Hashir ur Rehman Year 8 Geography
Ella Adey Year 9 Geography
Sienna Tong Year 7 History
Livvy Holland Year 8 History
Innaya Chaudhary Year 9 History
Dylan Lloyd Year 7 Religious Studies
Nathaniel Njoroge Year 8 Religious Studies
Taylor Sherman Year 9 Religious Studies

Language, Business and Travel

Name                         Year / Subject
Mayar Mkaouar Year 8 French
Hanisha Logeswarane Year 9 French
Jay Ellul Year 7 German
Oliver Maycock Year 8 German
Karina Kelly Year 9 German
Jay Godfrey Year 7 Spanish
Lily-Marie Preston Year 8 Spanish
Kiran Shreshta-Martin Year 9 Spanish

Maths, ICT and Computing

Name Year / Subject
Alfie Claridge Year 7 ICT
Jasmine Westall Year 8 ICT
Alex Brewerton Year 9 ICT
Zayaan Malik Year 7 Maths
Harry Emmott Year 8 Maths
Bilal Hussain Year 9 Maths

PE and Health

Name Year / Subject
Lainey Fedak Year 7 PE
Jimmy Howroyd Year 8 PE
Darcey Gregory-Rand Year 9 PE

Science and Social Science

Name Year / Subject
Alexa Dunbar Year 7 Science 
Amelia Jones Year 8 Science
Janey Barlow Year 9 Science - Biology
Phoebe Clayton Year 9 Science - Chemistry
William Egle Year 9 Science - Physics

Success for Life

Name Year / Subject
Phoebe Tovey Year 7 Success for Life
Cameron Woodruff Year 8 Success for Life
John Eden Year 9 Success for Life

CHARACTER value certificates - Kentwood

Name Year / Subject
Ruby Brackley-Manley Year 7
Amelia Moore Year 8
Ivan Mihalciuc Year 9

CHARACTER value certificates - Langley

Name Year / Subject
Jay Godfrey Year 7
Lily-Marie Preston Year 8
Amelia Taplin Year 9

CHARACTER value certificates - Norcot

Name Year / Subject
Jay Ellul Year 7
Jimmy Howroyd Year 8
Karina Kelly Year 9

CHARACTER value certificates - Sulham

Name Year / Subject
Abigail Freeman Year 7
Nathaniel Njoroge Year 8
Taylor Sherman Year 9 

Extra-curricular Award

Phoebe Clayton

Acts of Kindness Award

Eduard Macsin

Click the button below to see more photos of the Key Stage 3 Pride of Denefield Awards evening.

See More Photos


Denefield Head Student Elections 2026

This term, we began the exciting process of appointing our new team of Head Students for the 2026-2027 academic year. Six Sixth Form students put themselves forward, each presenting their vision for student leadership at Denefield through a short video shown across tutor groups.

The whole school community then had its say, with students and staff casting their votes online. Candidates also took part in an assembly in front of the Sixth Form, followed by interviews with senior leaders.

We are delighted to announce that Lucy C. and Sian O. are our new Head Students, with Nathan, Victoria, Alara and Ava taking on the role of Deputy Head Students. Each candidate gave a fantastic account of themselves throughout the process, and we are very excited to see the impact this team will have across the school.

A huge congratulations to all six students. We look forward to working with our new Student Leadership team as they take on this important role and help shape the year ahead.


Sports Tour to Spain

Over the half term holidays, a group of our Year 8, 9 and 10 students will be heading to Lloret de Mar in Spain for our annual sports tour. The trip will combine training sessions, matches against local teams and time to enjoy everything the area has to offer, including a visit to the Espanyol stadium.

We wish all the students and staff a brilliant trip and look forward to sharing highlights on their return.


Announcements

Save the Date

 

TellMi

All Denefield students have access to TellMi, an online support platform for their emotional wellbeing. It is safe, secure and available 24/7. Download the app here: 

  • TellMi Google Play
  • TellMi Apple Store


Community News

 

Reading Rugby 

MJS Coaching

The Berkshire Youth Network

Purley Primary School Summer Fete

Madden Swim School


Thank you for reading and Happy Half Term!

We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 1 June 2026 at 8.28am.

'8.28 at the gate!' 

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