I’m writing from a gloriously sunny Lancing College where daffodils line the drive, bluebells are out in abundance, the field next to Handford House is host to new lambs and the peregrines are making a racket around the Chapel. Spring is upon us and the site looks wonderful.
Schools are, however, so much more than places and facilities. They are all about people; our pupils and their futures. I hope you enjoy the message from our Head Master, Dr Crawford, specifically for you and in acknowledgement of all you do in working closely with us to ensure the support of the children and families which connect us. It was excellent also to meet so many agents at BBSN and to deepen our connections and mutual understanding.
This has been a rich and busy term, as you’ll read in the following stories. The past fortnight has seen two superb concerts (the Lent Concert and the Chamber Music Concert) both featuring a wealth of ensemble and solo performances, and original compositions by pupils as well as pupils taking up the conducting baton. It’s also been a term of sporting triumphs, including for the mighty U16 boys’ football, who have made it to the final of the ESFA U16 Schools’ Cup, and some stirring victories for the girls’ Netball Club. The Brighton half-marathon was a gloriously Lancing occasion with many pupil and staff runners (including the Head Master) and a real sense of camaraderie.
Our pupils have seized opportunities for extension and enrichment via Med Soc (which helps drive our extraordinary success in medical, veterinary and dental applications); the annual Travel Awards (and this year has seen a stellar set of proposals) and have gained excellent and exciting University offers. This year has seen a real growth in our pupils applying for (and gaining places at) a hugely prestigious range of international universities. We have also continued our innovative and superb Careers Programme. Allied to that we have worked with staff and pupils to consider how best to use AI; how to ensure that ‘the struggle is not stolen’ and that our pupils are being prepared to think deeply and to develop and nurture skills that make them truly future-ready.
As we end the second term of this packed year, the school feels in excellent heart, and our recent parent survey underscores the confidence with which new pupils settle (from across the world) and the warmth of welcome extended to them.
At a time of some turbulence, Lancing is, and feels, a safe, secure and purposeful place in which our pupils develop, thrive and are prepared for their adult lives and to go out into the world with confidence. It is so good to work with you in this crucial endeavour.
Hilary Dugdale
Director of Admissions
