Welcome to LWC News
Welcome back to LWC!
Whether you’re a familiar face or new to our community, we’re thrilled to have you with us.
We hope that you’ve had a wonderful summer and are ready for another remarkable year in the 1200.
Each week, we’ll continue to bring you the highlights here and as always, your contributions 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
A-level Record Breakers
This year’s A-level results at LWC were once again record-breaking.
80 per cent were graded A*-B, with 97 per cent, A*-C – the College’s best-ever performance within these grade boundaries.
There were many extraordinary performances. Congratulations to Grace, Dylan, Jensen, Daniel and Aidan who achieved A*s across the board.
Headmaster, Adam Williams added, “These results are exceptional and we’re thrilled for these young people who now step into the world with not only results, but something even more powerful: an outlook.”
Progress of GCSE Students Ranks High
Meanwhile, the progress of LWC students taking GCSEs this summer has placed the College in the top ten per cent of schools and colleges nationally.
Over 46 per cent of results were graded 9-7, matching last year’s figures. There was also an increase in the percentage of grade 9s awarded, compared to 2024.
10 grade 9s were celebrated by Henry (including an A in Additional Maths). Luca was awarded seven grade 9s, with Kira and Ella both earning six grade 9s. Sophia, Ben, Aubrey and Eloise were all honoured with five grade 9s.
As with LWC’s A-level cohort, our GCSE students have made greater progress across a number of subject areas, compared to many others at schools and colleges elsewhere, according to the ALPS system.
We’re Back!
It was great to see so many back in the 1200 for our preseason training last week.
As the smiles suggest, it’s not only about getting into shape for the year ahead, but reconnecting again with the LWC family.
We’re excited for what’s to come!
New Year, New Look
You may have noticed that the 1200 has changed a little since you’ve been away…
A programme of extensive summer redevelopment work is coming to an end and a few things look a little..well..different.
Phase one of The Grange, our new 2.5 million-pound Sport, Fitness, Health and Adventure Centre is complete.
The Barn offers a sector-leading, professional sports-standard Strength and Conditioning Suite, which sits alongside our existing swimming pool.
The Grange will be run by our new Health and Fitness Centre Manager, who you can read more about in next week’s LWC News.
The Summercombe Centre
Based near to our Zanetas Sixth Form Centre is the new Summercombe Centre, LWC’s SEN Learning Space.
This is home to our much-expanded SEN and Inclusion Team, led by Dr Brigitte Wood.
“The Summercombe Centre is the students’ space,” Dr Wood explains. “It’s where everyone feels supported, valued and at ease. It’s a place where they will want to come because their needs are seen, heard and understood.”
This warm, welcoming and calm space has been designed to encourage students to feel safe and ready to learn.
“At LWC, Special Educational Needs are recognised and valued as a difference and not a deficit,” Dr Wood continues. “Every student is entitled to a space that feels safe, welcoming and tailored to their needs.”
Come along and see the new Summercombe Centre for yourself, at our Opening Morning on Saturday 20th September from 9.30am until 11am. You can sign up here.
The Library
At the heart of campus lies the new Library.
Offering a light, airy and relaxing space, this has a wide variety of uses.
“The Library can be enjoyed by the whole College community,” reveals Library Assistant, Helen Komrower.
“We will host library lessons, research and quiet study, offer a space to read for pleasure or to gently socialise and provide further opportunities for wider enrichment and social activities. We have created a space which will further enhance the excellent academic, social and wellbeing opportunities on offer at LWC.”
The Grove
In the block that formerly housed Science, you will now find phase one of The Grove – a Centre for Creative Arts and Philosophy.
“The world, more than ever, needs creative thinkers,” reflects Headmaster, Adam Williams.
“People who can question with courage, dream with discipline and see the world not only as it is, but how it might be. With this renewal, we’ll move the dial further still, towards a future where originality is celebrated and curiosity has the space to grow wild.”
Bramley House Makeover Continues
And along the Cinder Track, the summer has seen extensive work continue on our Grade II-listed Bramley House.
As part of the one million-pound upgrade of the building (formerly Junior House), new dormitories are in place, prep rooms have been completed, the Dining Room has been refurbished, there’s a new-look to the Matron’s Office and a welcome space has been developed.
Our 1st and 2nd Form are already making themselves comfortable.
You can read more about our summer of reshaping the 1200 here.
LWC and St Neot’s ‘Get Married’
LWC and St Neot’s Prep also took the next step in their relationship earlier this week.
The two schools have now formally merged, following on from a formal collaboration which has been in place since April, 2021.
“We are incredibly excited to move forward as the Lord Wandsworth Family of Schools,” explained LWC Headmaster, Adam Williams. “This partnership has already been in progress for over four years and has developed a reputation for being one of the smoothest and most successful in the sector…Having effectively lived together for a few years, we are now married!”
LWC’s relationship with other schools remains as strong as ever.
You can read more about the benefits of an educational pathway stretching from 2-18 years on our website.
The Beckwith
103 years after our first student, Alfred Beckwith arrived at the Acorn Gates, join us as we gather there for the start of tomorrow’s Beckwith!
This annual event provides a great start to term, as the LWC community comes together again.
Students, parents, staff, Sternians and furry friends are welcome to join us for a run or stroll around our 5 or 10k course, taking in our stunning 1200 acres.
This year, there’ll be a new House competition and refreshments are also available to purchase. It starts at 10am.
There’s still time to register online until 5pm today (Friday, 5th September) or you can sign up at Event Control, near the Acorn Gates tomorrow.
LWC Life
LWC is as much about YOU as your children.
This week, you will have received information on the parent opportunities on offer at the College in our Parental Pathways booklet.
We’re thrilled to announce that one of our newest benefits is LWC Life.
This is a platform exclusively available to LWC parents, staff and Sternians, providing rewards and experiences created for our community.
From offers at favourites like The Bel & The Dragon, The Folly and The Castle to monthly opportunities from partners such as The Pilates Movement, Newlyns and Barnsgrove.
As the year unfolds, the collection will continue to grow with timely rewards that are relevant, useful and a joy to explore.
If you haven’t already signed up, you can do so here.
Three Peaks Challenge
Fancy pushing yourself and changing lives at the same time?
The next LWC Challenge is incoming!
Hot on the heels of the success of the Iceland and Sahara Treks, our first UK-based adventure has been revealed!
LWC parents and Sternians are invited to take part in an epic climb of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks next April (24th-27th) in aid of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
More details will be landing in your inbox next week.
LWC Hosts Ukrainian Group
A group of five Ukrainian students joined us in the 1200 over the summer, thanks to a partnership between LWC and English Study Camps by the Wimbledon School of English.
All have lost a parent during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The aim of the visit, which was assisted by the charities Brightseeds and The Children of Heroes Charity Fund, was to provide these young people with respite and the opportunity to improve their English during placements funded by LWC and WSE.
“I love this school. The teachers and I think it’s really good for my future,” remarked 17-year-old Snizhana.
The group was joined by Natali Lurie, Fund Development and Strategy Director for The Children of Heroes, who added, “Every child has the right to education, development and the opportunity to feel good, even if they are living at the epicentre of war. During these challenging times for Ukraine, when our children face daily struggles, the support of WSE and LWC is a true demonstration of human solidarity.”
You can read more about these extraordinary young people here.
A Great Gothia Experience
Seven LWC footballers spent a week of the holidays competing against teams from around the world.
3rd Formers, Tolu, Reuben, Archie and Harry joined 4th Formers, Hollie and Amber, along with 5th Former Jack at the Gothia Cup in Sweden.
The tournament saw nearly two thousand teams from 74 nations around the world taking part.
Three out of the five teams featuring LWC students made it through to the knockout stages, with three of the seven players ranking among the top three goalscorers for their teams.
Hollie and Amber were also part of the only two teams in Gothia Cup history to have a match played over two days. Bad light forced them to relocate to another pitch, which was a 30-minute tram ride away.
The final whistle was blown on that one at 00.15am the day after it had first kicked off!
Luca’s Super Cycle
There aren’t many people who would choose to finish their GCSEs and then embark upon a challenge to cycle nearly 1000 miles.
But then, not everyone is Lower Sixth Former, Luca.
He cycled an astonishing 1500km (or 932 miles) during the summer, from his home to his grandparents’ house in Italy, raising money for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation as he went.
“At the start, my motivation for going on the trip was to spend some time with my dad,” Luca admits. “I also wanted to find and experience new and different ways to travel. As the trip developed, the support I received increased. When more people donated to the Foundation, it became a clear goal in my mind to reach and surpass the donation target.”
Luca has so far raised nearly £2,500 (smashing his original goal) and you can still donate here.
Well done Luca (and dad, Geoff).
The Wizard of Oz is Coming!
Following the sellout success of January’s production of Bugsy Malone, auditions are imminent for the next LWC musical!
The Wizard of Oz will be performed at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre from Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd January.
Auditions are being held next week (see SOCS for further information).
“We’ll be looking for confident, well-prepared students as this will be our most competitive audition process yet,” explained Head of Performing Arts, Gemma Reeks.
“This is a colourful show with plenty of ensemble moments,” she continued. “Our leading roles will present opportunities to perform solo numbers, with the iconic Over the Rainbow from Dorothy.”
Going For Gold
A group of LWC Sixth Formers embarked upon a different kind of adventure at the start of the summer break, when they carried out their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition.
“During our four-day expedition in the Scottish Highlands, we faced some tough challenges,” explained Upper Sixth Former, Charlie. “We were greeted by swarms of midges and it wouldn’t stop raining for two days!
“On the last day, we ended our expedition on a literal high, as we summited Ben Nevis (which stands 1345 metres above sea level). It was an amazing week, only made possible by our amazing teachers: Mr Lovell, Mr Widdowson, Miss Wilson, Miss Edgar and Miss Shrimpton.”
Long Summer Days on Dartmoor
Hundreds of miles south and LWC’s CCF Contingent were on Dartmoor for their Summer Camp.
A record 57 cadets from the Army and RAF sections came together for the six-day trip to Okehampton.
It was an opportunity to learn new skills and practice old ones on the ranges, in-camp and during fieldcraft activities.
The Combined Cadet Force is open for students to join from 3rd Form and above.
Special Sounds
It promises to be a breathtaking evening of spine-tingling harmony.
Next Friday (12th September), LWC welcomes Esprimo Consort to the 1200, for a special evening recital.
Esprimo is a Winchester-based vocal ensemble, known for its diverse repertoire.
In March next year, Esprimo will collaborate with LWC students in a performance of Handel’s Messiah at the stunning Church of St Cross, Winchester.
Before that, you’re welcome to enjoy Esprimo’s sound from 7pm in the Nadine Uppal Theatre.
Tickets for this and our Evening with Abass Dodoo and his Highlife Band (on Thursday 18th September) are available from the LWC Box Office. There’ll be more on Abass in next week’s LWC News.
Class of 2025
LWC’s Prideaux Gallery is currently the setting for our Class of 2025 Art Exhibition.
This extraordinary collection of GCSE and A-level work is available to view until half-term.
“The exhibition is full of intrigue, surprise, and optimism,” explains Head of Art, Graham Mobbs. “Each work not only stands on its own as a testament to individual talent but also reflects the artists’ journey over the past two years.”
Super Sixth Form
You don’t need us to tell you about the extraordinary achievements of the LWC Sixth Form.
Anyone interested in exploring a Sixth Form journey at LWC is welcome to join us for the first of our Sixth Form Open Events, which takes place on Tuesday (9th September) from 6pm.
It’s an opportunity for prospective and current families to meet staff, students and to see our state-of-the-art Zanetas Sixth Form Centre. Places can be booked here.
For those currently part of the LWC community, our main Sixth Form Open Morning takes place on Saturday, 11th October at 9am, when families can explore A-level and BTEC subject options in more depth. We’ll provide more information on this soon.
Over the Rainbow
The changeable weather has produced an early rainbow for the start of the academic year.
Never one to miss a great photo opportunity, this shot of the fields at the top of Hyde Road, comes courtesy of our Head Gardener, Jane.
If you’ve captured a great picture of the 1200, we’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org
Sixth Form Lifesaver
When LWC Upper Sixth Former, Thomas completed his GCSEs in the summer of 2024, he couldn’t have predicted that he would go on to develop something capable of saving lives.
As he followed the news of a devastating cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe from his home in Shanghai, he stumbled upon an idea with his friend Oliver.
“Cholera is often caused by unclean water,” Thomas explains. “So we decided to make a product that could boil water easily. Firewood is an unsustainable energy resource and because of deforestation, people in Zimbabwe often have to travel long distances to access it. Their electrical supply is unreliable and expensive and so we came up with the idea of designing a parabolic solar cooker.
“The cooker looks like an inverted umbrella,” he continues. “It works by concentrating light through its parabolic mirrored surface onto a single focal point, which can then heat water to boiling point within 15 minutes.”
The design costs around £11 to make, but profit was never a motivating factor for the budding engineers.
“We have registered a utility patent for our designs, but we don’t want to make money from it,” Thomas admits. “We went to a district of Zimbabwe called Mutoko in the summer of 2024, where we showcased our designs to villagers. We found resources in the local market and worked with carpenters to assemble the final models. Most of the villagers had never seen a product like this and they were very impressed. We left them with the models we made, along with the blueprint for the designs. Now they can boil water a lot more easily than using more conventional methods.”
The two friends have since designed and manufactured a second, more lightweight cooker, made using different materials and capable of boiling water more quickly. They hope to produce it for as little as £30, with the aim again of making no profit. They have recently returned from a second trip to Zimbabwe, where they continued to spread awareness of their work by donating 100 cookers to charities, hospitals, schools and to begin a self-sustaining retail programme.
“Before this, engineering was theoretical,” concludes Thomas. “But this has allowed us to see the wider impact it can have. Engineering relates to real life and can help people. It can heal and provide better living conditions for those who also have big dreams.”
You can read more of Thomas’ remarkable story here.
Key Dates
Class of 2025 Art Exhibition, The Prideaux Gallery
Ongoing until Thursday, 23rd October
The Beckwith
Saturday, 6th September
Esprimo Vocal Consort Evening Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 12th September
House Group Photos
Tuesday, 16th September
Abbas One Drum High Life Band Performance, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday, 18th September
Opening of The Summercombe Centre
9.30am, Saturday, 20th September
Non-Uniform Day
Friday, 26th September
Exeat Weekend
4pm, Friday 26th September
Interhouse Music, Sutton Hall
7pm, Friday, 10th October
Half-Term Begins
4pm, Friday, 17th October