Haberdashers' Monmouth School

02/10/2026

We were delighted to welcome Old Monmothian Adam Hart back to the School to speak to pupils, staff and members of the local Monmouth History and Field Society about his book, Operation Pimento: My Great-Grandfather's Great Escape.

A former pupil of Mr Vaughan Smith and Mr Lewis, Adam shared the extraordinary story of his great-grandfather, Frank Griffiths, who spearheaded Operation Pimento, a daring Second World War mission designed to buy valuable time for the Allies ahead of their amphibious assault on Italy in 1943.

The audience was captivated as Adam recounted how Frank and his fellow crew members flew their Halifax bomber across France and through the French Alps before fate took an unexpected turn. Woven into the story was Adam's own remarkable journey in the summer of 2022, when he retraced his great-grandfather's escape route through Nazi-occupied France and Franco's Spain, crossing the Alps and the Pyrenees and meeting descendants of those who had helped Frank during his extraordinary escape to freedom.

It was a fascinating and gripping talk that brought history vividly to life, offering a unique blend of wartime history, family legacy and personal adventure.

Adam was also keen to revisit his old room in the boarding house, and it was wonderful to hear him speak so warmly about his time at Monmouth and reconnect with the School community.

To find out more or purchase a copy of Operation Pimento: My Great-Grandfather's Great Escape, visit Adam's website: https://www.adamhart.org/

30/09/2026

🎓 University of Cambridge Event Inspires Future Linguists

Languages are about so much more than vocabulary and grammar.

At our recent Beyond Words conference, organised and delivered in collaboration with Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, more than 50 Sixth Form studentscame together from different schools to explore the wider possibilities of language study — from global cultures and critical thinking to academic discovery and future careers.

Students considered how studying languages develops skills such as communication, cultural understanding, resilience, and adaptability, while opening pathways into fields including business, finance, law, diplomacy, journalism, education, international development and the creative industries.

A particular highlight was a university-style lecture from Professor Charles Forsdick, exploring language, culture and collective memory in the French-speaking world. The session offered students a glimpse of the intellectual depth and richness of studying languages at university.

The day encouraged students to look beyond language learning as an academic subject and to recognise the ways linguists contribute to the professional world in very adaptable and distinctive ways.

🔗 Read more: https://www.habsmonmouth.org/beyond-words-exploring-languages-culture-and-careers

27/09/2026

💧🌍 This World Rivers Day, we’re celebrating the incredible work of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School students who take part in ongoing river testing as part of our commitment to sustainability and citizen science. By monitoring the health of the River Wye, students are contributing valuable data, developing scientific skills and helping to deepen understanding of the challenges facing our waterways. Rivers support wildlife, provide clean water, connect communities and are vital to healthy ecosystems, making their protection more important than ever.

26/09/2026

🌍 Earlier this week, our Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed a fantastic European Day of Languages celebration!

Our young linguists travelled virtually around Europe, learning greetings, singing songs and discovering different cultures through a variety of hands-on craft activities. One of the highlights of the day was finding out how dogs bark in different languages! 🐕💬

A wonderful day filled with learning, laughter and an appreciation of the rich diversity of languages and cultures. ❤️🌎

25/09/2026

Where childhood is treasured and every pupil is known.

The early years of education shape so much more than academic success. They are the years when friendships are made, confidence begins to grow and a lifelong love of learning takes root.

At Haberdashers' Monmouth Prep school, every child is encouraged to be curious, kind and courageous. Within our nurturing community, exceptional teaching is matched by outstanding pastoral care, ensuring every child feels happy, supported and inspired to flourish. With wraparound care available from 7.30am to 6pm, families also benefit from the flexibility and reassurance that every school day begins and ends in a safe, familiar and caring environment.

Set in the beautiful Wye Valley and built on more than 400 years of educational excellence, we give children the space to explore, the confidence to grow and the foundations to thrive.

Join us for our Prep and Senior Open Day on Saturday 10 October at 9am and discover a school where childhood is treasured, friendships flourish and every child is encouraged to become the very best version of themselves.

Book your place today.
https://www.habsmonmouth.org/open-day/prep-and-senior-open-day-october-2026

23/09/2026

🧠 Our Year 12 students enjoyed a fantastic Curry & Quiz Evening, organised by the Senior Prefect Team. The event provided a relaxed and informal opportunity for students to make new friendships, strengthen existing ones and settle further into Sixth Form life.

The wits of both staff and students were thoroughly tested throughout the evening, with a range of creative and challenging rounds. Highlights included specialist rounds on Monmouth and Welsh culture, alongside the ever-popular "Guess the Teacher" round, which generated plenty of laughter and good-natured competition.

While the students proved formidable opponents, the staff team put in a strong performance, although Cai's Literature round certainly stretched even Mr Roffe's knowledge to its limits!

👏 A huge thank you must go to the Senior Prefect Team for their excellent organisation and leadership. Their hard work ensured a thoroughly enjoyable evening and helped create another memorable occasion for our Year 12 cohort.🌟

22/09/2026

📣 A reminder that our Scholarship Information Evening is taking place this Thursday, 24 September.

Whether you're a current family exploring future opportunities or considering joining Haberdashers' Monmouth School, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our scholarship programme and how we support talented young people across academic, creative and co-curricular disciplines.

Meet our staff, hear from current scholars and discover the exciting opportunities available.

📅 Thursday 24 September
🕠 5.30pm
📍 Sixth Form Centre, Hereford Road, Monmouth, NP25 5XT

Book your place: https://www.habsmonmouth.org/scholarship-information-evening

Join us for our Scholarship Information Evening and discover how Haberdashers' Monmouth School identifies, supports and nurtures exceptional talent.

Open to prospective and current students and their families, the evening will provide insight into our scholarship opportunities, application process and the experiences available to our scholars.

You'll also have the opportunity to meet members of our academic and co-curricular teams and hear directly from current scholars.

📅 Thursday 24 September
⏰ 5.30pm
📍 Sixth Form Centre, Hereford Road, Monmouth, NP25 5XT

Book your place: https://www.habsmonmouth.org/scholarship-information-evening

22/09/2026

Choosing a Sixth Form is about more than selecting A levels. It's about finding a place that will challenge you academically, broaden your horizons and help you discover where your ambitions could take you.

At Haberdashers' Monmouth School, our Futures Programme is a defining part of the Sixth Form experience. Through personalised mentoring, university and careers guidance, networking opportunities and industry connections, students gain the confidence, skills and experience to make informed decisions and stand out in an increasingly competitive world.

Whether your ambitions lead to Oxbridge, Medicine, Engineering, the Creative Industries, a degree apprenticeship or a path entirely your own, we'll help you explore what's possible and take confident steps towards your future.

🗓️Sixth Form Information Evening
Thursday 1 October, 6pm

Discover a Sixth Form that combines academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and a distinctive focus on preparing every student for what comes next.

✨ Your future starts here.

Book your place today - https://www.habsmonmouth.org/sixth-form-open-evening-october

21/09/2026

Our students had the opportunity to meet acclaimed historian, broadcaster and author Professor David Olusoga following his fascinating talk at The Blake Theatre, Monmouth.

Exploring the remarkable story of tea and its influence on the British Empire, Professor Olusoga traced its journey from the court of Charles II through the Boston Tea Party and the O***m Wars, revealing how an everyday commodity shaped global history.

A memorable evening of thought-provoking discussion, and a privilege for our students to meet one of Britain's leading historians.

18/09/2026

How do we prepare young people for a future that is changing faster than ever before?

That was the question at the heart of our Future Education Symposium, where an outstanding panel of educators, business leaders and policymakers came together to explore the future of learning, work and opportunity.

Chaired by Dame Hilary Boulding, former President of Trinity College, Oxford, the discussion featured Sir Warren East, former CEO of Rolls-Royce; Yvonne Roberts-Ablett, Head of Curriculum Policy at the Welsh Government; Tom Campbell, CEO of E-ACT Multi Academy Trust; Martin Collier, former Master of Haileybury; Sarah Fletcher, former High Mistress of St Paul's Girls' School; and Melvyn Roffe, Head of Haberdashers' Monmouth School.

From artificial intelligence and evolving career pathways to curiosity, resilience, leadership and the skills employers value most, the conversation offered thought-provoking insights into how schools can best prepare young people to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Thank you to our distinguished panellists, alongside students, parents and members of the wider community, whose questions and contributions helped shape a fascinating evening of discussion and debate.

To read more about the conversation and the key insights from the evening, read the full article here: https://www.habsmonmouth.org/future-education-symposium-2026