New Hall School in Chelmsford is celebrating a total of six Oxbridge successes, with offers received by four students and two Old Fishes (alumni) this week. Supported by the School’s dedicated Oxbridge Society, the students engaged in research and regular academic discussion with teachers and New Hall’s Oxbridge alumni ahead of their university applications and interviews.
New Hall’s Classics Department marked a year of excellent examination results in 2025, with 100% of grades at A*-B in Classical Greek and Latin at GCSE and A Level. This week, the Department also celebrated the successes of Year 13 students Max Pietrzak, who has won a place to read Classics at St Hilda’s College, Oxford, and Tabitha Blackmore, who received an offer to read Classics at Robinson College, Cambridge.
Max, who has attended New Hall since his fourth birthday, balances his academic studies with his duties as Head Boy, helping to lead a team of Senior Prefects and serving as a role model to the School’s 1,400 students. Formerly the first violinist in the Essex Youth Orchestra and New Hall’s Senior Orchestra, Max credits New Hall’s Prep Instrumental Scheme with developing his love of music, as he was introduced to the violin in Year 3. “I really enjoy the diversity of opportunity at New Hall. In my time here, I have been in the Ski, Rugby, and Hockey teams and Drama productions, and I have been in many choirs and musical ensembles. Whatever your interests, there will always be opportunities and the support at New Hall to pursue them to the highest level,” Max said.
Having joined New Hall Sixth Form in Year 12 from Lift New Rickstones, Senior Prefect Tabitha started her A Level Latin course as a self-taught classicist. “My time at New Hall has shaped my academic and personal identity in an amazing way, encouraging my love of Classics with numerous co-curricular activities and the passion of its teachers. Boarding has been incredible, helping me to build lasting friendships and be part of a great community.” Tabitha is joined by fellow Senior Prefect Oliver, who received an offer to study History at Robinson College, Cambridge.
Ned Broderick, who joined New Hall in Year 7 from Brentwood Preparatory, celebrated an offer to read Mathematics at Magdalen College, Oxford. In 2024, Ned was New Hall School’s top performer at GCSE, with an impressive eleven grade 9s. In his role as Further Mathematics & Debating Prefect, Ned led his team in the regional ESU Mace Debating Competition in November 2025, complementing his Judges’ Award for Creative Delivery at the ISA Public Speaking Competition 2025 and his appearances as a panellist at the School’s weekly New Hall Question Time debates.
2025 was a busy year for the New Hall Mathematics Department as well, as it celebrated its first Pi Day in March across all Divisions from Nursery to Sixth Form, as well as Maths Week England in October, with quizzes and brain teasers, charity bake sales, and mathematical competitions.
The Science Department at New Hall School celebrated news of more successes from New Hall alumni, fondly called Old Fishes. Old Fish Sophie Hughes received an offer for her MPhil in Data Intensive Science at Downing College, Cambridge. Having attended New Hall from Pre-School until university, in addition to her dedication to STEM, Sophie helped lead the School’s Equestrian Team as Vice-Captain, competing nationally. As part of the New Hall Ski Team, Sophie secured multiple victories in the British Schools Championships, as well as individual podium placements in the British Schoolgirls Races, the National Schools Open, and the ESSKIA National Finals. Additionally, Old Fish Yiyang Chen has received an offer to read Chemistry at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. Aside from his involvement with the Chemistry Society, international boarder Yiyang had been a keen rugby and hockey player during his time at New Hall. “Having moved from Spain, I was adjusting to a new language and culture, but my friends and teachers quickly made New Hall feel like home. New Hall played an important role in shaping my interest in Chemistry and influenced the academic path I am now pursuing,” Yiyang enthused.
Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, Principal, is herself an alumna of the University of Oxford, having read PPE at Mansfield College. “I was delighted to celebrate with the students this week, discussing how we can best support them ahead of their examinations. We look forward to marking their achievements at our annual black-tie Oxbridge Dinner in September, where they will be joined by fellow Oxbridge Society students aspiring to make their applications, as well as Old Fishes who are currently attending or have graduated from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge,” Mrs Jeffrey said.
Categories: New Hall School School News
