Welcome to LWC News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It’s been a week of contrasts at LWC.
From the remnants of Storm Bert as we returned from Exeat on Monday, to the crisp, autumn sunshine just a day later for our final Open Event of the year.
We’re seeing the biggest Christmas tree go up in LWC history, as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our nine female cricketers, called up to county sides….in a traditional summer sport.
Seven days in the 1200 is nothing but eclectic.
Have a wonderful weekend.
As always, your comments and contributions to LWC News are very welcome via stories@lordwandsworth.org
Calendar & Sports Schedule
The school calendar can be viewed using the link below:
LWC CalendarThe school sports calendar can be viewed using the link below:
LWC Sports CalendarPlease view the Sports Weekly Schedule here:
Sports Weekly ScheduleHere’s a guide to required kit per sport:
LWC SPORTS KIT LIST
News
Here Come the Girls!
The cricket season may seem some way off, but nine of our female students are already gearing up to get back between the stumps.
The girls have been called up to county cricket sides as part of the Hampshire or Berkshire County Pathway Programme.
LWC has also been named, for the ninth year running, in the top 100 senior schools for cricket by The Cricketer’s Schools Guide 2025.
Headmaster, Adam Williams added, “The transformation of LWC’s cricket provision in the last decade has mirrored that of the professional game, matching innovation, widening access and creating joy and adventure around the sport for both girls and boys.”
You can read more about our super cricketing contingent here.
‘Tis the Season
You may be embracing it, or be in denial, but Christmas is fast approaching!
This weekend, LWC’s hard-working elves will be sprinkling some festive magic around campus.
LWC’s Senior Groundsperson, Tom Wood reveals, “We have two 7ft trees going up at the Main Gate and a 25ft tree in Dawber Court, which is the biggest we’ve ever had.”
The trees will be festooned in more than a thousand lights and making sure they look good is no mean feat.
“It takes a few days to get the trees up, in position and decorated,” explains Tom. “We’ve had to build an extra-large stand for the Dawber tree this year”.
The 25ft fir which will stand proudly at the heart of the College is a Norway Spruce and the trees at the Blomfield Gates are Premium Nordmanns. They have all been sourced from Oxenford Farm, less than 15 miles away from LWC.
There will also be Christmas trees in all houses, including this 10ft beauty at School House, ably delivered by Hattie (pictured).
End of Term Extravaganza
It’s time for Performing Arts to host another on-stage spectacular…
The Autumn Term Music Concert is always a popular highlight at this time in the LWC calendar and this one is no exception.
The sellout event takes place tonight in The Gavin Hall from 7.30pm.
The concert band, choir, ensembles and a selection of soloists will all feature in this musical showcase to mark the end of the autumn term.
They may even be the occasional Christmas song thrown in….
Black Friday
The Black Friday sales seemed to begin weeks ago, but today is the day that 80 per cent of the UK population is expected to spend as part of the annual retail frenzy.
Predictions suggest that sales may be up by an additional 10 percent on last year.
You can read the Headmaster’s thoughts on Black Friday in his latest blog here.
Meanwhile, LWC’s Lower Sixth A-level Enterprise and Economics students have been visiting the retail empire that is Westfield Shopping Centre today, to get a taste of the Black Friday experience for themselves.
LWC’s E&E teacher, Tom Batchelor explained, “The trip is a grade booster hosted for schools across the country. Students are quizzed, given workbooks to complete and run through content to get them exam-ready. Whilst they are fully immersed in the learning, they do get to catch a glimpse of the shopping phenomenon. This is the second year we’ve run the grade booster and it’s being repeated following the excellent improvements made by last year’s E&E students who are now in the Upper Sixth.”
Up for the Cup…
Congratulations to our Under 15 A rugby team who are now into the last eight of the Continental Tyres Schools Cup after a win over Canford School on Wednesday at LWC.
Coaches, Jack Malden and Paul Donald reflected, “This is an incredible achievement and means the boys are now officially among the best eight sides in the country. Their win against Canford, who were a tough and well-organised opposition, was richly deserved.
The cup run has been hugely exciting for the boys who, as well as being a very talented group, work incredibly hard in training and have developed a tremendous culture within the squad.
The support that the boys have enjoyed in the three home cup matches, all played on Wilkinson’s, has been tremendous. Having what has felt like the whole school, pupils and staff, come out in support of them means a huge amount – these are memories that will stay with them forever.”
Charity Begins at LWC
The LWC Charity Committee’s chosen cause, Honeypot has thanked the LWC community for raising more than £1800 as part of Home Clothes Day last week.
The organisation, which supports young carers across the country, then doubled the figure which resulted in £3665 in total.
A spokesperson for Honeypot told us, “LWC, thank you so much! This is enough to fund a three-day respite break at Honeypot House for seven young carers AND Memory Making Days out for another five. How amazing! Thank you.”
But the Charity Committee behind the fundraiser won’t stop there.
They plan to hold a chocolate tombola at the LWC Carols and Christmas Market on Thursday, 12th December and would love to receive as many donations as possible in order to generate more money for this term’s chosen charity.
They request that any contributions be left with House Matrons by Monday 9th December. They can include any sweet treats including (but not limited to) chocolate bars, boxes of sweets and chocolates, cakes, tins of biscuits and hot chocolate.
Any donations are much appreciated and will ensure our community makes a huge impact on the lives of young carers this Christmas.
Two Weeks to Go!
Our Carols and Christmas Market is now less than a fortnight away and tickets are still available here.
Carols under the twinkling lights will be accompanied by hot food, festive drinks, fireworks and a Christmas Market featuring more than 40 stalls.
One of those stallholders will be former LWC parent, Nicola Sanvoisin who has been explaining how her business, Street Cottage Kitchen came about.
“During lockdown, I started sending letterbox brownies to family and friends,” she reveals. “I had been teaching food and nutrition for more than 35 years and now run my cookery school full-time from North Waltham.”
Nicola says the highlight of growing her business has been, “Giving adults and children the confidence and skills to cook, meeting lots of new people and working with gorgeous friends.”
At the Christmas Market, she will be selling freshly made sweet spelt flour waffles. “The spelt is grown on a farm a mile away from my home. I really champion using local ingredients,” she continues. She will also be offering cookie kits.
Nicola added, “As a former LWC parent, I’ve been to many events at LWC and the carols were always a highlight. It will be wonderful to come back to the school.”
Back in the Saddle
The LWC riding teams have been in action…despite Storm Bert wreaking havoc across the country earlier this week.
Eight riders (including three new recruits) took part in a school’s show jumping competition at the Berkshire College of Agriculture last Saturday.
Highlights included the 80cm team (Alice, Serena, Victoria and Lottie) finishing second after four perfect clears.
The two teams competing in the 90cm came second (Immy, Bella and Alice) and fifth (Holly, Serena and Erin).
Camilla Read, Head of the Riding Teams reflected, “We were thrilled to have three new riders with us, as well as some riders who have ridden for the school for many years. It was such a wonderful day for LWC. Our next outing is to Sparsholt for the Hampshire Schools Cup on the 12th January.”
Our Inspiring 1200
Artist in Residence, Mark Spray handed over his commissioned painting ‘Quercus’ to LWC last week, marking the end of his residency.
Mark says the piece was inspired by a conversation with Headmaster, Mr Williams. It focuses on the idea of ‘tree time’; the concept of thousands of students passing through LWC and looking at the bark of the Quercus Tree.
LWC’s Head of Art, Graham Mobbs said, “It’s been truly amazing to have Mark working alongside the students, both whilst exploring the commissioned painting in Sheephouse Copse and encouraging them to find their own artistic voices. His experiences with new materials, his reflections on a sense of place at LWC and the journey of students have provided invaluable insights and profound thoughts on our time and identity. We have all been enriched by Mark’s inspiring thoughts, guidance, and presence.”
Representing Their Country
3rd Formers, Amber and Hollie have been called up to the ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association) Under 14’s girls squad.
Amber is also part of the Southampton FC Academy, whilst Hollie continues to play for Reading FC.
Head of Football, Georgia Bowers said, “It’s an amazing achievement for both girls to be selected for the U14 Girls ISFA squad. They’ve been chosen from a vast pool of year 9 independent schoolgirls from across the country. They will now go on to represent independent schools on a national level. LWC are extremely proud.”
Bee Update
It’s been a month since 35,000 honey bees arrived at LWC to take up residence in a hazel copse behind Stern Farm.
The project has been the brainchild of Catering Manager, Iain Hedley who is providing us with regular updates on their progress:
“The Hazel Copse Crew (temporary name!) are going to be as snug as bugs in rugs. The donation of a wind-break from an LWC team member means we have been able to keep the chilly Northerly wind and subsequent Storm Bert from disturbing the hive’s internal temperature.
With the drop in degrees, mice will be keen to find a cosy spot with an all-you-can-eat buffet. However, with our makeshift mouse-guard in place, they will be prevented from poking their noses in, nibbling the honey stores and setting up home!
The LWC hive is ready for winter and settling into the 1200.”
A Golden Celebration
Next year marks the 50th birthday of Farnham Rugby Club.
A series of commemorative events begins next Wednesday (4th December) when Farnham host the LWC 1st XV on Wilkinson Way.
The match sees Sternian and former England international, Jonny Wilkinson’s old school take on his old rugby club.
LWC Head of Rugby, Lewis Starbuck said, “Aside from the Jonny Wilkinson link, I feel LWC and Farnham share similar values when it comes to rugby. It’s important for the 1st XV to be taking part, as some players may never have experienced club rugby and what it can offer.”
The match kicks off at 7pm.
A Fond Farewell
A special mention must go to our incredible College Accountant, Fiona Lister who retires today after a remarkable 27 years at LWC.
Fiona is a much-loved member of the team and has remained so throughout her near-on three decades here.
She said, “After 27 years it’s time to retire! I have had an amazing time here and have seen lots of changes – all good! I have worked with many lovely colleagues and I will miss the vibrant atmosphere that children create, together with the gorgeous site and sports facilities (I love the swimming pool!).
Thank you, LWC, for being a fantastic place to learn, live and work.”
Stiff Upper Lip
There’s been a great deal of excess facial hair around campus this month, but all for a good cause.
Members of the LWC community have been taking part in Movember; growing moustaches in a bid to fund support for men’s health services.
Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world.
Well done to all of those taking part. You’ve earned that shave this weekend.
Sky High
We love receiving your photos of the 1200 and this shot of conflicting contrails above LWC was captured by parent, Clare Goodberry on the drive into School House.
Contrails by the way, are the condensation trails formed by aircraft. The water vapour produced by the jet engines of the aircraft, freezes above 20,000 feet and produces thin trails of ice crystals.
If you have a glorious picture of our 1200, please send it to stories@lordwandsworth.org
Paediatrics, Paracetamol and Pep Talks
Next Wednesday (4th December), students from 1st to 5th Form will descend on the LWC Health Centre for their annual flu vaccinations. The NHS School Nursing Team administers the immunisation programme, but with support from the team based at the Health Centre.
“It’s fun and noisy,” admits Senior Nurse, Lindsey Scott. “Kids can often wind each other up beforehand and so you can end up mopping up a few tears, if anyone’s needing a hand-hold. They get anxious about it even though it isn’t an actual jab anymore. Kids love to wind each other up and some will still claim it’s a needle!”
Lindsey is no stranger to a busy healthcare setting. She spent 13 years working in A&E as a sister and clinical educator. It’s easy to conclude that moving to LWC would bring with it a complete culture change, but Lindsey believes there are some similarities.
“You never know what’s coming through the door,” she smiles, “and that’s what I love. Every day is different.” Lindsey admits that she stepped away from the NHS when the workload changed. “Over time, I was managing a computer and timeframes, rather than actual patients. I wanted a post in an independent school that I could get my teeth into and make change happen in, rather than just giving out paracetamol all day…. I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives and we’ve worked really hard to make sure that as a team, we do that.”
When it comes to making a difference, Lindsey is keen to point out that success appears in many forms. “There will always be the bog-standard sports injuries, headaches and period pains. But what has sky-rocketed in recent years among young people, is a need for mental health support. Covid was a key reason for this, but it was happening even before that I would say. We help with a variety of things that you wouldn’t necessarily think of; anxiety, self-esteem, anger management.”
“As a pastorally leading school, we’re very good at picking up pupils who are just not right. When they start, students come and see us in September and we let them know what we do. At that point, they realise this is not a scary place to come, that you’ll have a warm welcome and if need be, a sit down, a hot chocolate and a chat. We might see a pupil twelve times for a tummy ache before they actually open up about something really quite significant for them.”
It’s clear that the focus of the Health Centre team is a holistic one. As Lindsey points out, it’s about so much more than occasional analgesia and instead, the whole wellbeing package.
“Getting to know pupils is the most rewarding part of the job”, concludes Lindsey. “A Foundationer came back on Foundation Day last summer. She gave me a big hug and I had a bit of a Mum-moment thinking, ‘Look at you, having gone and flown’. The slow-burn of supporting kids from all different walks of life, who have different needs is amazing. Seeing them go through the school and then come back and pop in is lovely.”
You can read more about Lindsey and the work of the LWC Health Centre here.
Autumn Sports Photos
You have until Sunday, December 8th to take advantage of the exclusive prices for our autumn sports photos.
They can be ordered direct from the School Photography Company here.
Connecting Over Breakfast
If you work in finance, we’d love to see you next Thursday, 5th December for our LWC Connect Finance Networking Breakfast.
The event will take place in our Zanetas Sixth Form Centre between 7.45 and 9am and will provide an opportunity to meet others in the industry, along with giving our Sixth Formers an insight into working within the field.
The event is free but requires you to register.
As an LWC parent, you can join LWC Connect and sign-up for the event here.
New Year, New Challenge
Have a child between 8 and 16 who loves the challenge of a pentathlon?
Bookings are now being taken for a New Year Pentathlon Camp at LWC here.
The camp is taking place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd January and involves swimming, running, fencing and laser shooting.
Days start at 9am and finish at 3.30pm.
The cost is £110 for both days or £60 for one. If you book by 23.59 on Saturday (30th November), then the price will be £90 for both days or £50 for one.
Key Dates
LWC Connect Finance Networking Breakfast, Zanetas
7.45-9am, Thursday 5th December
Student Christmas Lunch
Wednesday, 11th December
Carols and Christmas Market
Thursday, 12th December
End of Autumn Term
Noon, Friday, 13th December
Start of Spring Term
Monday, 6th January
LWC Presents Alan Parker’s Bugsy Malone, The Haymarket, Basingstoke
Wednesday 22nd-Thursday 23rd January
Exeat Weekend
From 4pm, Friday 24th January