Alumnae

Dear Alumnae,

As we reflect on the first half of the academic year, we are delighted to share with you the exciting events, charitable initiatives, and incredible student achievements that have shaped life at Thornton. It has been a term full of energy, community spirit, and noteworthy accomplishments, and we are thrilled to keep you connected with all that is happening!
Community Engagement & Charitable Initiatives

This half term, Thornton hosted the much-anticipated MK Schools Lit Fest in October 2024. Working alongside Waterstones, we welcomed a range of authors who led workshops and shared stories with students from all year groups. In a truly collaborative effort, children from eight neighbouring schools joined us for a memorable day filled with creativity and inspiration.

Our charitable initiatives continued to thrive, with a total of £6,029.08 raised for Samuel’s Charity and the JM Charity in East Timor. Martin Leib and Sister Helen visited to collect the generous donations, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed.

Educational & Extracurricular Highlights

The Year 12 students embarked on their Sixth Form induction at Willen Lake, beginning a weekend filled with fun, challenges, and team-building activities. On their return, they were treated to a luxurious glamping evening in the walled gardens, complete with a barbecue and a cinema under the stars.

Meanwhile, our youngest pupils in the EYFS were introduced to an exciting new curriculum that included Japanese lessons, Forest School adventures, Zoology, and more, offering a vibrant and innovative learning experience.

Student Achievements

We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements this term. A Year 11 student was shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Write on Art’ Award, celebrating creativity and originality in art history. Year 7 gymnast Tayah-Mya qualified for the Tumbling National Age Group Finals, ranking 4th in the UK—a remarkable accomplishment!

One of Year 13 students shared her Gold Duke of Edinburgh journey with the Year 1 and 2 girls, recounting her incredible experience sailing a yacht 278 nautical miles around the southeast coast of England. Additionally, our equestrian squad, swimming team, and cross-country runners all excelled in their respective competitions.

School Achievements

We were thrilled to maintain our Green Eco Award with Distinction, a testament to the hard work of the Eco Committees in both the Prep and Senior Schools. Furthermore, our Pre-Prep provision was shortlisted for Independent Pre-Prep of the Year at the Independent School of the Year Awards—an outstanding recognition of the exceptional work happening at this stage of our students’ educational journeys.

Thornton College was also honoured to remain listed in the Muddy Stilettos ‘Best Schools Guide,’ with a glowing review that praised the energy and engagement in our classrooms: Thornton College, Milton Keynes – Bucks & Oxon | Muddy Stilettos This recognition aligns
perfectly with our Excellent ISI inspection report and Outstanding CSI inspection, reinforcing our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience.

Other Notable Events

This year, we were excited to partner with the University of Oxford for their Brainwaves programme, which supports students’ mental health and well-being. The programme’s evidence-based lessons have already begun to make a positive impact, helping students develop strategies to thrive both academically and personally.

The annual Fireworks event, organized by the Friends of Thornton, was another highlight, bringing our school community together for an unforgettable evening of celebration. Additionally, our Prep School’s European Languages Morning was a wonderful success, with students engaging in a range of cultural activities, from cooking and arts to languages and sports.

As we look back on a term full of achievements, we remain grateful for the ongoing support and engagement of our alumnae. Your continued connection with Thornton is a vital part of our community, and we hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the exciting life at school.

Warmest regards,

Dr Louise Shaw
Head Teacher

Dear Alumnae,

As we close the second half of the Michaelmas term, we are thrilled to share the wonderful accomplishments and events that have filled this term with energy, community spirit, and outstanding student achievements. We hope you enjoy this look back at the past few weeks at Thornton, and that you feel proud of all that our current students are achieving in the classroom, on stage, and in the wider community.

Community Engagement & Charitable Initiatives

This term, we were moved by the generosity of our school community. The ‘Bags of Kindness’ project, which involved collecting small Christmas gifts for those in need within the Northampton Diocese, was a resounding success. Our community contributed items for both the elderly and young, and we are so grateful for the kindness shown.

Our final House fundraising event of the term, themed “Cosy and Christmas,” took place and was a resounding success. Students and staff embraced the festive spirit, coming dressed as Christmas characters or simply in cozy attire, to raise funds for the chosen House Charity—the Air Ambulance Service. This vital charity provides life-saving support, and we look forward to supporting them throughout the year.

Year 6 and Year 7 School Highlights

The Prep School enjoyed an exciting and creative workshop led by Waddesdon Manor on the theme of ‘Fairy Tales.’ The girls had a fantastic time engaging in art activities and creating vegetables for the garden in which Jack’s giant beanstalk would grow. Their artwork was proudly displayed as part of the Manor’s Christmas exhibition, a wonderful way to showcase their creativity.

In another special event, Year 6 and 7 students were given the unique opportunity to receive tuition in Bridge from world champion Mrs. Smith. Bridge, known for enhancing strategic thinking, memory, and social skills, sparked the girls’ interest.

Careers Programme

Our Sixth Form Health and Social Care students were privileged to hear from Julie Goodman, Head of Patient and Family Experience at Milton Keynes Hospital. Julie shared valuable insights into roles within the NHS and her work within the patient experience department.

Year 12 and Year 10 Politics students had the chance to visit Milton Keynes Magistrates Court, learning about the legal process and observing live cases. They were also able to question a JP about their role, gaining a deeper understanding of the judicial system.

In a career-focused Spotlight session, Mr. Cook, a civil servant, joined us remotely to discuss the incredible opportunities within the civil service, further enriching our students’ understanding of various career paths.

Student Voice & Leadership

Our Equalities Committee hosted a powerful exhibition for Black History Month, titled ‘Reclaiming the Narrative.’ The exhibition showcased inspirational individuals and fostered an insightful discussion within the Thornton community.

The Prep and Senior School Eco Committees continued to lead impressive sustainability initiatives, discussing projects and ideas to make the most of Thornton’s 25-acre campus. Their passion and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are proud of the leadership they’re showing in environmental matters.

Our School Councils also met to discuss important issues, with Mr. Salter from Harrisons and Mr. Grant, our Catering Manager, joining the conversation to share their expertise and advice.

International Partnership with The Visitation Academy

This term, we launched a new partnership with The Visitation Academy, an all-girls Catholic school in St Louis, USA. Our Year 9 students had the opportunity to meet their American counterparts online, and we are excited about the prospect of future exchange opportunities and continued collaboration between students and staff from both schools.

Musical Performances & Celebrations

We were treated to stunning musical performances this term. Our solo musical concert was a beautiful showcase of our students’ talent, and the Christmas concert was a true highlight, featuring contributions from all year groups. The dedication and hard work of our students and staff were evident, and it was a joy to celebrate such remarkable talent.

The Prep Nativities were a particularly special occasion, with Early Years and Years 1-4 putting on performances that wowed parents and teachers alike. The courage and talent displayed by our youngest students left everyone in the audience beaming with pride.

Debates & Student Achievements

Our students participated in a lively debate against St Paul’s on two thought-provoking motions: ‘This House believes the UK needs to do more to promote and protect freedom of speech’ and ‘This House believes capitalism is a force for good.’ The debates, along with a motivational video from Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, highlighted the intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills of our students.

This term, we also saw outstanding achievements in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls. Several Sixth Form and Year 11 students received their awards, having successfully completed a challenging 2.5-hour exam with complex problems. We are incredibly proud of their achievements!

Our sporting teams continued to shine, with the Intermediate Cross Country team qualifying for the Regional Final and our swimmers securing spots in the Independent Schools Association’s National Swimming Final. We also celebrated Tayah-Mya from Year 7, who was selected for the Great Britain Tumbling Performance Pathway Squad for 2025!

Christmas Market & Festivities

The Friends of Thornton worked tirelessly to create a magical Christmas Market that brought our school community together in festive cheer. It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the spirit of the season, and of course, visiting Santa was a highlight for many!

Launch of the EY STEM App

We were excited to launch the Ernst Young ‘EY STEM App’ at Thornton, an initiative aimed at developing critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The app will help our students engage with STEM in an interactive way, preparing them for the evolving world ahead.

As we reflect on a term filled with successes, creativity, and a true sense of community, we remain so grateful for your continued support. We hope this newsletter has provided a snapshot of all the incredible things happening at Thornton, and we look forward to sharing even more achievements with you in the future.

Warmest regards,

Dr Louise Shaw
Head Teacher