09 Jun 2026

Beechwood Park Celebrates LAMDA Success as Every Candidate Achieves Distinction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Markyate, St Albans, Hertfordshire – Beechwood Park School is celebrating an exceptional achievement in this term's LAMDA Acting examinations, with all 56 pupils who took their Course B Acting exam achieving a Distinction – the highest grade possible.

The pupils, from Year 4 through to Top Form, completed their examinations in May and delivered a historic result, marking the first time in the school's history that 100% of candidates have achieved the top grade.

The outstanding success reflects not only the pupils' dedication and hard work, but also the strength of Beechwood Park's thriving LAMDA programme, which continues to grow in popularity and impact.

Laura Hegarty, Director of Dance & Drama at Beechwood Park, said:

"All 56 pupils (Year 4–Top Form) who took their LAMDA Acting exams for Course B in May achieved a Distinction grade. This is the first time ever that all pupils have achieved the highest grade possible. Wow! Thank you to our amazing LAMDA teachers Imogen, Sally and Ian for their incredible teaching and well done to the pupils for their hard work, commitment and achievement."

LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) examinations are internationally recognised qualifications that help young people develop confidence, communication and performance skills. Through the study and performance of dramatic texts, pupils learn to express themselves clearly, think creatively and communicate effectively in a range of situations.

At Beechwood Park, LAMDA classes are offered to pupils from Year 4 to Top Form. While the programme culminates in formal examinations and performance opportunities, its benefits extend far beyond the stage. Pupils develop self-confidence, resilience, teamwork, presentation skills and the ability to speak with clarity and conviction—qualities that support success throughout school life and beyond.

The programme is coordinated by Imogen Slaughter, a professional actress with many years of performing and teaching experience, alongside experienced LAMDA teachers Sally Ripley and Ian McLarnon. Together, they have helped generations of Beechwood Park pupils achieve excellent examination results while fostering a lifelong appreciation for drama and performance.

Imogen commented "We are thrilled with this year's results. The first year ever all the children have achieved distinctions. This is particularly impressive for those doing higher grades."

The achievement comes as demand for LAMDA lessons at the school reaches new heights, with more than 100 pupils already signed up to take part next academic year.

Headmaster Mr Christian Pritchard commented:

"I am delighted by this exceptional achievement. Whilst the Distinction results are highly commendable on their own, what is of greater importance is to see our pupils grow in confidence, find their voice and develop the courage to perform in front of others. LAMDA helps children discover their own unique sparkle, equipping them with skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. My congratulations go to every pupil and to our wonderful LAMDA teachers for making this historic success possible."

This record-breaking result highlights Beechwood Park's commitment to nurturing well-rounded, confident young people and demonstrates the lasting value of performing arts education in helping pupils find and develop their voice.

ENDS

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02 Jun 2026

11-Year-Old Beechwood Park Pupil Takes the Controls of an Aircraft During First Flight

A Year 6 pupil from Beechwood Park has experienced the thrill of taking the controls of an aircraft after completing his first flight through the school's British Young Pilots co-curricular programme.

Eleven-year-old Charlie Meadows took to the skies on Saturday 30 May from Two Two Fly at Little Gransden, enjoying a 30-minute flight in a C42 Microlight. Under the supervision of an experienced pilot, Charlie was able to take control of the aircraft for much of the flight following take-off and even assisted with aspects of the landing.

After several weather-related postponements, the flight proved well worth the wait.

Charlie's mother said:

"Charlie's flight with the flight club at school finally happened today! He had a great time. He did most of the flying after take-off and around 80% of the landing. He was VERY excited afterwards."

Charlie said:

"Flying the plane was one of the coolest things I've ever done. I couldn't believe I was actually helping to fly the aircraft and take part in the landing. I was really excited afterwards and I can't wait to go flying again."

The experience was made possible through Beechwood Park's partnership with British Young Pilots, an organisation dedicated to inspiring young people through aviation and providing opportunities to develop confidence, practical skills and an understanding of STEM subjects.

A spokesperson for British Young Pilots said:

"One of the most rewarding aspects of the British Young Pilots programme is seeing young people discover a passion for aviation. Experiences like Charlie's first flight help build confidence, resilience and a real sense of achievement. Giving students the opportunity to take the controls of an aircraft and experience flight first-hand often creates memories that last a lifetime and can inspire future careers in aviation, engineering and STEM-related fields."

Christian Pritchard, Headmaster of Beechwood Park, said:

"At Beechwood Park, we are committed to providing pupils with opportunities that broaden horizons and spark ambition. Experiences such as this allow children to step beyond the classroom, build confidence and discover interests that could shape their future aspirations."

The British Young Pilots programme forms part of Beechwood Park's extensive co-curricular offering, giving pupils the chance to explore aviation through practical activities and real-world experiences.

For Charlie, the opportunity to take the controls of an aircraft was an unforgettable experience and one that has fuelled his enthusiasm for flying.

ENDS

For further information, photographs or interview requests, please contact:

Sally Le-May

Head of Marketing

Beechwood Park School

[email protected]

01582 840333 xt 150

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20 Nov 2025

Beechwood Park Celebrates Outstanding ISI Inspection Result, Awarded a Significant Strength

Beechwood Park School, near St Albans in Hertfordshire, is proud to announce that the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has awarded the School a Significant Strength in its most recent inspection report, alongside confirming full compliance across all regulatory standards.

The ISI highlighted the exceptional personal development of pupils at Beechwood Park, stating:

“Pupils communicate confidently about their achievements, any challenges faced and how they might resolve these. Pupils develop self-knowledge and self-confidence beyond what is expected at their age; they recognise and communicate their strengths and demonstrate resilience when articulating what they do to overcome challenges. This is a significant strength of the school.”

(BWPS – ISI Report, Summary of Paragraph 3, 2025)

This commendation, coupled with a complete set of ‘MET’ standards, underscores the School’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education, pastoral care, and whole-child development. The outcome represents the highest possible result under the current ISI framework.

“Our ISI report is a testament to our exceptional whole school community,” the School said. “We extend our sincere thanks to our pupils, staff, parents, and governors for their continued dedication and support in achieving this outstanding result.”

The full ISI report is available on the Beechwood Park website.

https://www.beechwoodpark.com/about-us/policies-inspection-reports/

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