26 May 2026

Aldwickbury community raises over £37,000 for GOSH with Miles for Max challenge

Teachers, parents and friends at Aldwickbury School in Harpenden completed a 27-mile charity walk to Great Ormond Street Hospital in support of a pupil undergoing treatment for leukaemia, raising more than £37,000 for the charity.

The ultramarathon challenge, named ‘Miles for Max’, was organised in support of Aldwickbury pupil Max, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in December 2025. Since then, Max has been receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

A talented runner, Max was part of the Aldwickbury team that won the National Prep Schools Cross Country title last year, making the endurance event particularly meaningful for the community.

The walk was originally planned as a solo challenge by Aldwickbury teacher, Tim Marshall, but support from across the school community quickly gathered momentum, with dozens joining the fundraiser in support of Max and his family.

The walkers set off before 5am on Saturday 23rd May from Max’s future senior school, Haileybury, embarking on a 27-mile challenge in exceptionally hot conditions. Facing soaring temperatures throughout the day, the group walked via Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — home to Max’s favourite football club — before completing the ultramarathon at Great Ormond Street Hospital at 6pm.

Thirty-eight teachers, parents, friends and three support staff took part in the challenge, including Max’s father and older brother.

Max joined the final section of the ultramarathon and led the group to the finish line at Great Ormond Street Hospital, a powerful and emotional moment for all involved.

Headmaster, Paul Symes, says:

“Max is an incredible young man who truly epitomises the Aldwickbury School values. Seeing the Aldwickbury and wider community come together to show their support for Max and the GOSH team has been amazing.

The amount of money raised is staggering, and I am immensely proud of everyone who took part. They were undoubtedly spurred on by the resilience, courage, and positivity that Max and the Ayres family have shown throughout Max’s treatment.

I don’t think there was a dry eye in sight when we crossed the finish line led by Max — it was an incredibly emotional moment.”

Max’s father, Reg Ayers, says:

“What an amazing and emotional day with incredible support from Aldwickbury School, friends, family and GOSH. Max was grinning ear to ear as he crossed the finishing line with the whole group. Thanks to all involved, especially Tim Marshall, whose original idea blossomed into a very special event.”

To donate, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tim-marshall-4

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01 Oct 2025

Aldwickbury School in Harpenden to open Nursery in September 2026

Aldwickbury Pre-Prep and Prep School for children aged 4–13 in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is set to expand its Early Years provision. The school will be opening a Nursery for children aged 3–4 in September 2026.

This development comes at an exciting time for Aldwickbury School, which was named the UK’s ‘Independent Boys’ School of the Year’ in 2024. Aldwickbury is also embracing a new chapter as it moves to co-education, having welcomed girls into its Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) this year.

The Nursery will be part of Aldwickbury School, giving boys and girls the opportunity to begin their Aldwickbury journey a year earlier, helping them to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning from the very start. Children will also benefit from Aldwickbury’s exceptional facilities including a swimming pool, state-of-the-art Sports Hall and dedicated STEM Hub, all set within 20 acres of beautiful grounds.

Aldwickbury is located within Harpenden, just a short drive from St Albans, Welwyn and Redbourn, making the Nursery well-placed to meet the growing demand for nursery spaces within the local area. Jeremy Bromfield, Chair of Governors at Aldwickbury, says: “The Governors are delighted to support the opening of a nursery at Aldwickbury from September 2026. This new facility will further enhance the excellent all round education already on offer at the School. The Nursery represents an exciting new chapter for the school, and the Governors are confident it will flourish under the leadership of the new Head of Pre-Prep, Joanne Turner, who will join the Staff in January 2026.”

Opening in September 2026, the Nursery will feature two purpose-built classrooms within a dedicated Early Years space, thoughtfully designed to support learning, exploration and wellbeing for young children.

Headmaster, Paul Symes, says:

“ Aldwickbury is delighted to open its doors to children aged 3 to 4. This is an exciting addition to an Aldwickbury education. In two thoughtfully designed classrooms, our youngest learners will enjoy a safe and nurturing environment built on our school values and led by qualified teaching staff. This will further be enriched by access to our swimming pool, sports hall, and extensive grounds, giving each child the space to explore, play, and grow. "

Joanne Turner, incoming Head of Pre Prep at Aldwickbury School, says:

“I am delighted that nursery aged children will be part of the Aldwickbury family from September 2026. The Nursery will provide our youngest learners the very best start and strengthen the sense of continuity and care across our whole school. With its nurturing and inspiring environment, curiosity will be encouraged, individuality celebrated, and strong foundations for lifelong learning developed. We look forward to welcoming our new children and their families and sharing in the joy of these precious early years together.”

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16 Sep 2025

Aldwickbury School Announces New Head of Pre-Prep

Aldwickbury School, an independent school for ages 4-13 in Harpenden, is delighted to announce the appointment of Joanne Turner as its new Head of Pre-Prep. Joanne will join Aldwickbury in January 2026 to allow for a handover period with the current Head of Pre-Prep, Ann Baxter, who will retire at February half-term after many years of exceptional service.

Ann has made an outstanding contribution to Aldwickbury over the past 17 years, playing a pivotal role in the school’s transition to co-education and leaving a lasting legacy for pupils, staff and the wider school community.

Joanne brings 25 years of teaching experience and is currently Deputy Head of a co-educational primary school. She has extensive expertise in key curriculum areas, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), reading, and mathematics. Headmaster, Paul Symes, says:

“This appointment comes at a very exciting time for Aldwickbury School, having welcomed girls into Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) this September as we begin our move to a co-educational school. Joanne will build on the exceptional work of Ann Baxter, bringing strong leadership to the school and will provide boys and girls with an outstanding Pre-Prep curriculum and preparation for some of London’s highly competitive 11+ schools. We are truly delighted to welcome Joanne to Aldwickbury and are excited for all she will bring to our Pre-Prep.”

At Aldwickbury, children are free to find their greatness. Through a holistic education, pupils achieve academic success while becoming happy, confident and ready for the ever-changing world.

Watch their new video, which offers a captivating insight into life at Aldwickbury School for boys and girls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1gzPHSqL6o

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