Head Master’s Message – October 2024

These newsletters are generally upbeat affairs, focusing on positive developments in school life and the majority of what you can read here today will do exactly that. However, it would feel wrong if I did not acknowledge that this week’s biggest news came in a letter from the Chair of Governors about Lancing’s actions in the face of the forthcoming imposition of VAT by the UK Government. I will not repeat what he wrote except to reiterate two things. The first is that we object to the policy and are continuing to lobby against it. The second is that I would urge you to be in touch with us if you have particular financial concerns arising from this situation. Please use bursary@lancing.org.uk for this.  We are keen to do all that we can to help. 

These opening few weeks of the academic year have been a veritable whirlwind. On top of the usual rhythm of lessons and activities, this week alone saw the epic – and very loud – final of the House Singing Competition, with Field’s taking the crown for the third year in a row. We also had an excellent lecture from Benjy Kusi in honour of Black History Month, and Lancing’s very own US Presidential Debate with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s representatives facing off with bite, vigour and (perhaps unlike the real thing…) real courtesy. Audiences of passionately enthusiastic pupils were a hallmark of each evening and the full-throated participation and growing confidence of even the newest amongst the community has been evident and heartening to see.  

At the start of each academic year, we commission our new cohort of Prefects and appoint the Heads of School. These are important and prestigious leadership roles but they are not the sole ones. Leadership is also exercised by Peer Supporters, Heads of House and House Captains, Charity Reps, those sitting on various committees (from Food to IT to Sustainability), and those representing their peers via Year and School Councils – powerful forums where the student voice is heard and student-driven impacts are made on issues big and small. Leadership is also a key element in our newly launched Sixth Form Super Curriculum. This runs alongside modules which range from data analysis to environmental science, and from entrepreneurship to coding and robotics. 

The Lancing alumni list is hugely impressive in its range and OLs are great supporters of current students. Last week we welcomed Sir Christopher Hampton OL to the College for a gala screening of Lancing’s House Film Festival 2024. With the support of a professional writing and production crew, each House scripted, directed, and acted in their own short movie. This was a project funded by Sir Christopher who, along with Sir Tim Rice, is one of two Lancing alumni who are double Oscar winners (not a claim other schools can make!). His generosity and active engagement and enjoyment in sharing the evening was evident throughout, from his relaxed and open conversations with Lancing’s young film-makers to his enthusiastic applause for the movies themselves. A full series of awards were given, with the Hampton Prize of Prizes awarded to Field’s for their contemplative piece, ‘The Benefit of Hindsight.’ The calibre and range of the productions was nothing short of extraordinary and we were treated to an evening brimming with creativity, humour, and an enchanting dash of the magical.  

Advent will be upon us before we know it and I am already looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Lancing after the half term break.  In the meantime, I hope that everyone catches their breath before the high-octane pace resumes once again.  

With my best wishes, 

Mr Dominic Oliver