Head Master's News Lent 2024

The publication of our Inspection report has cast a rather delightful glow over this Lent Term. We know that Lancing is an exceptional place and it is hugely gratifying to have that view reflected back in the judgement of the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Only 4% of schools inspected under the new schools framework are told that they have a ‘Significant Strength’ and it is a real badge of honour that we count ourselves among that elite group. Our outstanding pastoral care, acknowledged by the Inspectorate as our area of Significant Strength, is the bedrock of so much that is achieved here. Young people thrive at Lancing, including gaining first class academic results, because their teachers are not only experts in their fields but determined to know and bring out the best in each individual. 

With a focus on charitable endeavour, the term has once again seen the community looking out into the world; each House has been dedicated to making a real and measurable difference to their chosen charities and thousands of pounds have been raised. A lot of fun has been had into the bargain, from pancake racing (now in its second year and therefore nearly a tradition), to an Assembly in honour of individual House spirit – I don’t think the Chapel has ever seen such a strange melange of costumes and eye-wateringly bright colours.

Both within the classroom and without, this has been a term of deep learning. This year’s crop of Heresy prize entrants gave us a vintage crop of intellectual spark and challenge and the House Debating competition, culminating in the final on the last night of term, was extraordinarily hard-fought. After multiple rounds, the final between Handford and Gibbs’ saw the Sanderson room packed to the rafters and they were an extraordinarily enthusiastic crowd. Arguments on both sides were impassioned, clear and leavened with humour; it was only by the finest of margins that Gibbs’ were the ultimate winners.

The Theatre has played host to a full range of productions from vintage farce to this year’s one act Bancroft competition - the work of a talented duo in the Upper Sixth. Music has been flowing from every corner of the campus too. So frequent and varied have been the musical offerings that it has been hard to keep track, from the hundreds of entries in House music to the exuberant wonders of our 175th Concert in Southwark Cathedral in the penultimate week of term.

This was a night of extraordinary music-making of great range and skill, with 75 of the College community – that’s over 10% of the pupil population – taking the chance to perform in a  bewildering range of ensemble and solo pieces. They absolutely wowed us and the audience were rightly rapturous in their applause. If you look at this Term’s Quad cover you can get a real sense of the joie de vivre of the evening.

As our 175th year continues, I invite you to come and celebrate with us at one of the special events in the summer Calendar, culminating in our grand Anniversary Ball on Saturday 29 June. I do hope you take the opportunity to join us: it will be a Lancing night to remember. 

With my best wishes as the Easter break approaches,