News & Events
Pte G. Baybut
Since leaving Read George joined the Army Foundation College where he spent 12 months training in the infantry at Harrogate, a college for 16-17 year olds. The idea for George to consider joining the army came around June after sitting his GCSEs and I think his experience from doing CCF at Read helped him decide that this could be a good career path as he’s a more active student and needed to channel his energy in physical exercise.
George put himself forward to train as a paratrooper at the college and he passed numerous fitness exercises that when he graduated from college he made selection to join Parachute Regiment Depot Training at 2ITB Catterick, Helles Barracks. It has been a gruelling last 6 months and he managed to pass P company selection assessment which consists of 1 week of arduous physical assessments including 20
Miler with 15kg bergan and rifle on his back, stretcher race, the Log race and other events similar to these. George successfully passed the assessment and numerous other field exercises that have tested his determination, mental resilience and robustness which is a strong attribute required to be a Paratrooper.
George was one of 20 who passed out of 60 originals, to be accepted for selection into the Parachute Regiment.
George and his colleagues passed out on Friday 13th Feb and are now part of one the elite fighting forces in the world. We are very proud of his achievements. To top off his achievements George received a prestigious award called the best endeavour award. I attach the details here. Family members of late RSM JC Lord’s MBE, who was the first ever Regimental Sergeant Major in 3 PARA, attended the pass out parade to present the award to George.
George will be moving to Colchester to join 2 Para battalion in the next couple of week and then off to Brize Norton to do his jumps course to achieve his wings , then he will have opportunities to travel the world. He now follows the paras motto “Utrinque Paratus “ready for anything.
We’re very proud and just thought you would like to hear our success story.
Event
Wine Tasting
Wine Tasting Evening – DATE: March 20 2026, 7pm
TICKETS: £18pp
VENUE: Maloney Hall
Event
School Opening Morning – 14th March 2026
Event
“High School Musical” production (11-12 Feb)
Kelvin Stones
On behalf of the Draxonian Association (DA), we would like to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Kelvin Stones.
Kelvin was a much-loved and highly respected member of the Read School community, first as a pupil in the 1950s, then as a dedicated member of the maintenance team. His deep knowledge of the school and its grounds, along with his warmth and generosity of spirit, made him a cherished colleague and friend to many.
We are grateful for his many contributions to school life and for the kindness he showed to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in the memories of those whose lives he touched.
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Event:
Saturday – December 6th
Draxonians Winter Reunion at Selby RUFC (
Selby 1st XV v Bradford Salem)
Event:
Friday – September 26th (eve)
– Wine tasting – you may recall that Draxonian David Mennell offered to run this. I have requested confirmation and then we can start organising and advertising. Hopefully this can be opened to parents as well as Draxonians.
Mr Brian A Watt (1950-2025)
It is with great sadness that the Association reports the passing of Brian Watt. It is with great sadness that Read School announces the passing of Mr Brian A. Watt, Chairman of the Board of Governors, on Saturday 12th April at the age of 74.
Brian was the third son of Harry and Connie Watt. They married at the end of the War and had four sons. In 1957 the family moved from Takoradi, Ghana to Wistow, near Selby and all four boys attended Drax Grammar School (now Read School). For one year, 1965-1966, all four boys were at the School together with the eldest Ian as Head Boy.
Referring to the enclosed obituary for Brian Watt, it is relevant to record four boys from the Watt family living at Wistow near Selby were pupils at Read School (then Drax Grammar School) and all four were at the school together in 1965/1966. Ian, the eldest, was Head Boy but died in the early 2000s. His brother Peter paid for the refurbishment of the Sports Hall at a cost of c£65,000 in memory of Ian and Peter was appointed Chairman of the Governing body in 2014. During his tenure, Peter commissioned a Strategic Review of the school’s business prospects conducted by brothers Brian and David. Peter started the implementation of the findings of the Review but sadly died at the age of 70 in 2020. Peter persuaded brother Brian to carry on his pioneering work to ensure the long term future of the school. Brian was appointed Chairman in 2020 and followed on providing disciplined management of the school’s education and business until ill health required him to stand down temporarily in late 2024.
So far as is known, no single family has made such a significant contribution to the school’s life and all done for no reward other than the satisfaction of ensuring the school’s future and its ethos.
Mundana Gloria Vana
Event:
Friday – September 26th (eve)
– Wine tasting – you may recall that Draxonian David Mennell offered to run this. I have requested confirmation and then we can start organising and advertising. Hopefully this can be opened to parents as well as Draxonians.
Ken Houghton
It is with great sadness that the Association reports the passing of Ken Houghton. Ken attended Drax Between the Years from 1958 to 1964, and his contributions during that time were invaluable. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.
Mundana Gloria Vana
