Five Years of Junior House: A Personal Reflection

27 June 2025 - Junior

As I sit down to write what may be my final Junior House blog post, I find myself reflecting not just on this past year, but on the incredible journey of the last five years. It has been a privilege to be a part of life in Junior House; its rhythms, its energy, and above all, its people.

Each year has brought its own unique group, but the constants have always been the same: the warmth of community, the joy of discovery, and the vibrant and steady growth of the girls as they get to know the House and School.

My first year at Wycombe Abbey was probably the one with the most contrast as it was September 2020, mid Covid and a year when Junior House was very much its own entity with bubbles, lateral flow tests, lots of Closed weekends and even a period of Junior House on-line. This did not, however, stop us having fun and building strong relationships it really made us understand and value the support of a close boarding and day boarding community.

This year, like those before it, began with the buzz of new beginnings. Capturing the excitement of fresh faces, new routines, and the gentle unfolding of friendships.

Evenings in Junior House have always held a special place in my heart. Whether it was a “Saturday Night In” filled with movies and laughter, or tea and toast and a game of Uno, these moments reminded me that the magic of boarding life often lies in the ordinary. The blog posts titled “Evenings in Junior House”, and “Getting the Balance Right” were some of my favourites to write, because they captured the heart of what makes Junior House feel like home.

Over the years, I’ve watched the girls embrace every opportunity, from my first year where Covid meant that we had to rethink exactly how we did things to getting back into the normal rhythms of School, including the fantastic costumes of “World Book Day”, to the Junior House Carol service and UIII Play. The enthusiasm, resilience, and sense of fun the Junior House girls have shown has never failed to inspire me. Posts like “A Half Term of Firsts” and “A Busy Weekend” are reminders of how much can be packed into a short space of time.

But it hasn’t just been about the events. It’s been about growth and transitioning to Senior School. After a year in Junior House, the Junior House girls are not just moving to their Senior House, they are stepping confidently into the next stage of their School journey, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

This year’s “Final Fortnight” was especially poignant. As I walked through the House, hearing the familiar sounds of trunking crates being packed, laughter, and girls playing, I was reminded of all the groups I’ve witnessed before. Each one is different, but each is filled with pride for how far the girls have come, and excitement for what lies ahead.

To round this year off in our final week, we have enjoyed Dove Day, our annual water fight, and GlastonAbbey with the rest of the School, before Junior House set off for three days of adventure in Wales. From rock climbing and canoeing to caving and more, it was a fun and fitting way to celebrate the end of a of our year together, as both a House and year group.

Writing this blog has allowed me to pause, to notice, and to celebrate the small moments that make Junior House so special. I hope these posts have offered a window into the life of the House, and perhaps even captured a little of its spirit.

To the Junior girls, past and present: thank you for letting me be part of your Wycombe Abbey story. You’ve taught me more than you know.

Here’s to the next chapter at Wycombe Abbey —for all of us.

Miss Crampton