Head Master’s Welcome – September 2021

The term is well and truly underway and Lancing life feels almost (almost…) normal. It has been a pleasure to see all our pupils throwing themselves into the new academic year with such enthusiasm and to see the warmth of the welcome to the 180 new pupils who have joined Lancing this year; they already feel very much part of the College family.  

On the first Saturday of term the Malawi Walk and the Hog Roast co-hosted with the St Nicolas Association saw over 400 parents join us in the late-summer sun. There was a festival air to the day, something that has persisted even as the serious business of teaching and learning has swung into full effect. Whether it is in Houses, the queue for the Dining Hall, or in Great School at lesson changeover time, there is a delighted buzz in the air: it is so very good to be back. 

The full Chapel service and Commissioning of the Prefects on Sunday was the first time many of you were able to enjoy the new west end, a space which has been transformed inside and out: the visual impact is stunning. Fixtures got off to a winning start with some very exciting matches against Wellington and Lingfield last week, and it was a pleasure to welcome 12 Prep schools for the first of our regular round of junior sports tournaments, the first we have been able to hold since 2019.   

There is a very noticeable and positive difference in how the pupils are able to interact now that formal bubbles have gone by the wayside. Of course, much caution remains, including mask-wearing in large gatherings and continued emphasis on good hygiene and keeping space where at all possible. We are reviewing mitigation measures on a rolling basis and I will update you if there are any major changes in prospect. You may well have seen in the media that the Government will shortly be offering COVID vaccines to 12-15 year olds across the country. The details have yet to be announced and we will be in touch as soon as there is information to share.  
 
Back in August we were delighted to announce another set of outstanding A Level and GCSE results. Grades for both 2020 and 2021 were awarded amidst the greatest educational disruption since the Second World War. These exceptional circumstances and, in turn, an outstanding response from students and their teachers have generated marks of which they can be very proud. A full breakdown of the achievement can be seen in the articles in this newsletter.

Finally in this newsletter, I am sad to report the death last weekend of Jim Woodhouse, Head Master from 1981—1993. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the Norfolk home he loved. He is survived by his wife Sarah and their children. He is fondly remembered by many in the OL community and I am sure you will join with me in sending the family our sincerest condolences.

Jim Woodhouse, Head Master from 1981-1993