Richmond
Nub News Logo
Nub News

Kew House students triumph on the world stage

By Nub News Reporter 18th Aug 2025

Former Kew House School rower Charlotte Taylor-Aubery struck gold with Team GB in the U19 Women’s Eight at the World Rowing Championships (credit: Kew House School).
Former Kew House School rower Charlotte Taylor-Aubery struck gold with Team GB in the U19 Women’s Eight at the World Rowing Championships (credit: Kew House School).

Kew House School (KHS) is celebrating two extraordinary alumnae achievements on the world stage — one in sport and one in music.

The school celebrates Charlotte Taylor-Aubery's U19 Rowing World Championship victory and Jasmine Derry's performance in Vaughan Williams' Sancta Civitas on the opening night of the BBC Proms.

In Trakai, Lithuania, Charlotte ("Lottie") Taylor-Aubery and her crewmates were crowned U19 World Champions in the Women's Eight.

The victory marks a defining moment in Taylor-Aubery's rowing journey, one forged through years of dedication and guidance from her long-time KHS coach, Rufus Tilt.

Taylor-Aubery (left) celebrating with her teammate (credit: World Rowing Under 19 Championships).

Fondly nicknamed "Kew's Golden Girl" by Tilt, Lottie's achievement is a milestone for the school's rowing programme and a shining example of its ethos: Together We Grow. 

Her success represents not only her own hard work, but also the collective support of coaches, teammates, and the wider school community.

Taylor-Aubery's triumph capped off two weekends of exceptional results for KHS rowing on the international stage.

Team GB with their gold medals (credit: World Rowing Under 19 Championships).

At the Coupe de la Jeunesse in Linz, Austria, KHS coaches Tilt and Tom Shewell played pivotal roles in Team GB's medal haul.

Tilt guided the Junior Men's Double Scull to Gold and another crew to Silver, while Shewell's Junior Men's Coxless Four achieved back-to-back Gold medals across two consecutive days of racing.

These remarkable results highlight the coaches' dedication, both in their work at KHS and as volunteers proudly representing the school internationally.

(Left to right) Kew House School coaches Rufus Tilt and Tom Shewell (credit: Kew House School).

Meanwhile, on one of the most prestigious stages in classical music, Jasmine Derry performed as part of the chorus in Vaughan Williams' Sancta Civitas on the opening night of the world-famous BBC Proms.

To sing in such a landmark event demonstrates Derry's talent and commitment, and reflects the same values of "dedication, resilience, and artistry" that define the KHS community, the school say.

The BBC Proms is an eight-week summer season of classical music at Royal Albert Hall (credit: Kew House School).

This balance of excellence is also seen in the classroom. This year, 70% of KHS students secured their first-choice university places, the school achieved its highest-ever A*-C rate* at 90%, and 58% of leavers progressed to prestigious Russell Group universities.

These results underline the school's holistic approach, where the same values — discipline, resilience, teamwork and ambition — drive success in academics, sport and the arts.

"This is a perfect example of how talent, teamwork and dedication can grow into extraordinary achievements," said Will Williams, Head of Kew House School.

"We are incredibly proud of Lottie, Rufus, Tom, Jasmine, and everyone who has contributed to these successes."

Taylor-Aubery and Will Williams on A-Level results day (credti: Kew House School).

KHS's recent victories, whether on the water, in the classroom, or on the concert stage, "prove that when we grow together, we can reach world-class heights."

To learn more about KHS visit its website here.

Kew House School is a sponsor of Richmond Nub News. Without sponsors our Richmond online newspaper would not be possible. Thank you.

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
richmond vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: richmond jobs

     

The Ball is in your court. Our long-term GOAL
is to help our local community to grow.

On our part, we are making a connection between local news, local people and local businesses.
This connection is the key to community success.

Now the ball is in your court.
You can support us with a small payment or at least read us for free.
Take a shot yourself and then pass the ball to your friends!
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide richmond with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Richmond. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience