Founder’s Day 2026 Celebrates Community, Achievement and Tradition

Founder’s Day remains one of the most cherished occasions in the Lancing calendar, bringing together pupils, staff, and families to celebrate our founder, Nathaniel Woodard.

This year’s Founder’s Day was a wonderful celebration of everything that makes Lancing special. From moments of reflection and recognition to an afternoon filled with music, sport, entertainment and community spirit, the College came together to honour both its traditions and its people.

The day began with Chapel, where our current Heads of School delivered thoughtful speeches, reflecting on their time at Lancing, their experiences, achievements and aspirations. These moments highlighted the confidence, character and maturity that are nurtured throughout a Lancing education and set the tone for a day of celebration.

Prizegiving provided an opportunity to recognise the many accomplishments of pupils across academic, co-curricular and community life. Pupils, staff and families gathered to celebrate the dedication, commitment and achievements that have defined the year.

Across the College grounds, the Founder’s Day festivities continued. Live music from pupils and staff provided the soundtrack to the afternoon, while fairground rides, food stalls and activities created a vibrant atmosphere enjoyed by all generations of the Lancing community. Blessed with beautiful weather, pupils and visitors made the most of the sunshine as they explored everything the day had to offer.

As always, Founder’s Day was about more than the events themselves. It was an opportunity to reflect on the values that unite the Lancing community, to celebrate the achievements of our pupils and to look ahead with confidence and optimism.

With Head Master Dr Scott Crawford celebrating his first Founder’s Day at Lancing, the occasion served as a fitting reminder of the strength of the College community and the enduring legacy of Nathaniel Woodard’s vision.

Our sincere thanks go to the staff, pupils, parents and volunteers whose efforts helped make Founder’s Day 2026 such a memorable and successful occasion.

Head Master, Scott Crawford, commented: “As my first Founder’s Day at Lancing, it was a privilege to experience such a special occasion and to see the College community come together in celebration. From the pride shown by our pupils to the support of families, staff and OLs, the day reflected everything that makes Lancing unique: a strong sense of belonging, a commitment to excellence and a genuine spirit of community.

“It was a wonderful way to celebrate another successful year and to look ahead with confidence to the future.”