Welcome to LWC News
Alongside a strong academic offering, there are well over a hundred co-curricular activities available at LWC…
This week highlights the depth and breadth of those, with some incredible moments across the College in sport, academics and way beyond.
We’ve also welcomed hundreds of those hoping to join LWC as part of our Assessment Days – all being encouraged to think away from exam papers and to demonstrate the character that we see in abundance across the 1200.
You can read more below, in this week’s issue and if you would like to contribute to LWC News, please do so via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
News
LWC Riders Crowned County Champions
LWC’s riders rode away from last weekend’s Hampshire Schools County Show Jumping and Arena Eventing Competition with a saddle-full of county championship titles.
Beatrice, Lucie and Lottie were crowned 80cm Show Jumping County Champions.
Alice, Serena, Holly and Izzy took the 90cm Arena Eventing title, with Alice, Serena and Izzy also taking the 100cm Show Jumping prize, together with Erin.
Erin was also crowned 100cm and 110cm Horse and Pony Individual County Champion.
All now progress to compete at the NSEA Eventers Challenge Championships, Inter County Dressage and Show Jumping Championships at Hickstead in May.
Podium Finish for LWC Physicists
Lower Sixth Formers, Freddie and Henry have been awarded top prizes in a national competition organised by the Institute of Physics.
Freddie was crowned overall winner of the Atomic and Molecular Interactions Group Poster Competition, having created a poster on Metamaterials and Invisibility Cloaks.
Henry took third prize for his submission on Ghost Cameras and Quantum Imaging.
The competition was open to 15-18 year-olds across the UK, who were asked to design a poster about any topic related to atomic or molecular interactions.
LWC Girls Through to Semi-Finals
It’s been quite the season for LWC’s U15A Girls’ and Boys’ Football Teams.
The girls are now through to the semi-finals of both the ISFA Shield and ISFA Cup, having beaten St Mary’s School Ascot and Ardingly College respectively in the last week.
Meanwhile, the boys put in a valiant effort on a blustery Isle of Wight yesterday against Ryde with Upper Chine and ended their cup run as proud ISFA Bowl Quarter-Finalists.
Head of Football, Georgia Bowers added, “Football at LWC is in a great place. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams have shown commitment, togetherness and belief. They consistently support each other and respond to challenge. We couldn’t be prouder of the progress they continue to make.”
Introducing ‘Toto’
With just days to go before LWC takes to the stage at The Haymarket in Basingstoke…
The final cast member for our production of The Wizard of Oz has been announced.
Two and a half-year-old crossbreed, Mabel will be assuming the role of Toto in the show.
“She’s a crazy dog when she’s out, but when she’s at home, she’s very relaxed,” explained owner Mandy.
“She’s never done anything like this before. The quirkiest thing about her is that she can do a handstand!”
Mabel will be performing (although no guarantee of handstands) alongside over 80 members of cast and crew for the production, which takes place next Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd January.
There are still a few tickets available to purchase online at a cost of £15 for adults and £5 for under-18s.
For those buying tickets via The Haymarket Box Office in person or by phone, please quote the reference LWCWOO26 in order to access seats.
Scroll to the bottom of this issue of LWC News to meet more of the cast.
A Year of Reading in the Treetops
2026 is the National Year of Reading – a Department for Education initiative designed to help more people experience the joy of books.
This is preaching to the converted for LWC Library Assistant, Helen Komrower who has been instrumental in transforming our new Library into a calm, inspiring and welcoming space.
“Reading widely not only makes us smarter, it helps to develop critical thinking, avoid information overload and to spot fake information,” Helen explains. “It’s the gateway to so much fun and is also good for our mental health and wellbeing.
“Our new-look Library is a welcoming, inclusive space where students can explore their interests, meet like-minded friends and surround themselves with both learning and leisure resources.”
The Library consists of two rooms: our main fiction space, alongside our non-fiction and study area.
Fundraising Recognition for LWC
Philanthropy has always been at the heart of LWC.
Now, the College has received the School Fundraiser of the Year Award from the charity Bullies Out.
The College has raised more than £700 for the organisation, through cake sales and a staff quiz.
Upper Sixth Former and Head of LWC’s student-led Charity Committee, Charlie accepted the award together with LWC Catering Manager, Iain Hedley who first put forward Bullies Out as a charity to support.
“The Charity Committee is delighted to have received this award from Bullies Out,” explained Charlie. “The work they do is so important in helping young people to overcome bullying behaviour and achieve their full potential. We look forward to continuing to support them.”
Get Ready to Eat, Meet and Greet!
The second of our Eat, Meet and Greet events is now a week away.
Join us next Friday (23rd January) between 3&4pm (and just ahead of Exeat weekend) to experience the food offering here at LWC for yourself.
“There will be a range of dishes from our current menu offer for everyone to sample,” explained Catering Manager, Iain Hedley.
“This will include freshly-made mini fish cakes with a sauce gribiche, grilled halloumi and roast Mediterranean vegetables, a miniature version of the LWC slider . . . oh, and the famous rocky road bite!”
The event is designed to offer parents the opportunity to see how the College hopes to instil a lifelong love of nutrition with flavoursome, well-balanced and sustainable dishes.
The Catering and Senior Leadership Teams will be on hand to answer any questions.
“We will also have a couple of suppliers present to help illustrate both the quality and provenance of the produce we use,” Mr Hedley concluded.
Reserve your place by following this link.
Oxbridge Cycle Starts Again
If you could ask one question and be guaranteed an honest answer, who and what would you ask?
This is the question being posed to the latest cohort of budding Oxbridge applicants at LWC, as the new wave of those contemplating life among the dreaming spires begin their journeys.
This week, those in LWC’s Lower Sixth Form who have expressed an interest have begun our thriving Oxbridge Programme.
“The Oxbridge cycle runs from now until (hopefully) offers in January 2027,” explained Oxbridge Co-ordinator and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Paul Donald.
“We start with an introduction to the nature of study at Oxford and Cambridge and develop an understanding of the unique aspects of an application to these universities. Students go on to engage in a range of intellectually demanding activities including debating, researching and presenting on areas of academic interest. By the Summer Term, the focus shifts to super-curricular activities and drafting personal statements with LWC staff on hand to assist and advise throughout.
“At LWC, we are seeing record numbers considering an application to Oxford or Cambridge and we continue to challenge our Sixth Formers to ‘dare greatly’ and make a positive difference in the world.”
LWC’s Next Generation
For those contemplating joining us at LWC, it doesn’t all boil down to a boring entrance exam.
Instead, they’re encouraged to dream, dare, adventure and work alongside their peers to help discover how they’ll make their extraordinary contribution to the world.
Assessment Week at LWC has seen those hoping to join the College taking part in code breaking, outdoor art, group activities in The Barn, team building tower creation and an ideas exchange with the Head.
Because building character in the 1200 is about so much more than academic performance.
Know someone who would be a great addition to the LWC community? There’s still time to register for a place.
Getting the Grey Matter Going
The food we eat gives our brain the vital energy and nutrients it needs to perform.
Throughout January and February, the LWC Catering Team is focusing on Brain Fuel Food, with pop-up demonstrations, menu additions and table talkers designed to encourage a love of healthy eating as we approach the exam period.
Last week, LWC’s salad extraordinaire, Flori put together a variety of dishes for students to try: kale, roasted sweet potato, citrus and beetroot salads, along with an orange, ginger, turmeric, lemon and honey shot.
Not only will they hopefully keep those winter germs at bay, they also tasted pretty incredible.
LWC Netballers Battle Hard
LWC’s U16A Girls’ Netball Team dug deep in this week’s U16 County Netball Finals.
They were placed in a challenging group, but put in a strong performance.
“The team was brilliant throughout the day and demonstrated some lovely netball,” explained LWC’s Assistant Director of Sport and Head of Netball, Poppy Lake.
“The defensive third was incredible and all players showed great phase 1 defence throughout the court. The attack was fast and effective and mid court was calm and controlled.”
Classicists Take a Step Back in Time
In September, 1954 the marble head of a statue of the Roman God, Mithras was discovered under the streets of London.
Archeologists had discovered a temple dedicated to the deity which dated back to the 3rd century AD.
Last week, LWC’s 3rd Form classicists (pictured) took a trip to the London Mithraeum which houses a reconstruction of this space.
“Students were able to experience the sights and sounds of worship at the mysterious temple,” explained Head of Classics, Alex Hamilton.
“We then travelled across the capital to Excel London, where we were immersed in Pompeii at the time of its destruction, with the help of VR headsets. We saw the flames, walked through the buildings and heard the voices of the people in the street. It helped to bring our learning to life.”
Sternian Encourages Artists to Embrace Failure
German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche once famously said, ‘That which does not kill us makes us stronger.’
Last week, Sternian artist, Richard Lewis echoed these sentiments when he came to talk to our 5th Form artists about his career.
He shared how meaningful opportunities in his life had often emerged from setbacks and discussed his creative practice (including experimenting with artificial intelligence).
Students went on to work collaboratively in interpreting AI-generated instructions and creating shared artwork. It prompted reflection on the creative process and the growing influence of AI in contemporary art.
Enterprise Students Given Sternian Boost
Meanwhile, Sternian entrepreneur, Shelley Lawson joined Lower Sixth Form Enterprise and Entrepreneurship students this week to discuss her journey.
The co-founder of Frog Bikes saw her business hit the front pages when Prince George was pictured with one of their products on his third birthday.
Mrs Lawson chatted to students about how her company spotted a gap in the market , built a business and experienced success, alongside learning lessons.
“Students asked some great questions on how the business was financed, about production and future plans,” explained Teacher of Business Studies, Economics and Enterprise, Deborah Upham.
“This ties in with their current unit of learning on entrepreneurship.”
LWC Celebrates Tony
Around 50 friends and family members of Sternian, Tony Murray gathered in the 1200 last weekend for a celebration in his honour.
The event marked 40 years since the Suttonian was killed in a tragic farming accident, just months after leaving LWC.
“Many fond and humorous stories were shared,” explained LWC Alumni Manager, Clare Faherty. “Tony was known for his mop of bright blonde hair, earning the affectionate nickname of Hairstack – which perfectly captured his fun-loving spirit.”
Tony loved cricket and part of the day was spent playing table tennis in Gavin Hall, using cricket bat-shaped tennis bats, made by a member of Tony’s family.
Tony’s mother, Anna presented Head, Adam Williams with her son’s cricket bat, which it’s hoped will inspire a fitting ‘Hairstack Challenge’ in his memory.
Pruning for Protection
Looking after the 1200 for future generations to enjoy is a key part of the LWC ethos.
Which is why you may notice a change to something at the heart of the College over the coming days and weeks.
The mature beech hedge running through the centre of campus is getting a much-needed trim.
This is part of a planned programme of maintenance designed to improve the long-term health of the hedge by encouraging denser and more balanced growth.
Its initial cut may seem a little severe…but trust us, it’s all part of the plan.
Bagel Bounty
What’s made up of a circle that never ends and a filling that you never want to end?
The LWC bagels featuring on yesterday’s breakfast and lunch menu… naturally.
To celebrate National Bagel Day, the Catering Team laid on smoked salmon, cream cheese and chive, along with scrambled egg, Wiltshire ham and cream cheese bagels for breakfast.
At lunch, smoked salmon, cream cheese, rocket and lemon bagels were on offer, together with Wiltshire ham, Emmenthal and lettuce.
“Bagel Day was a huge success and widely supported throughout both breakfast and lunch service…there were none left!” added Head Chef, Adrian Culver.
LWC Life
Still struggling to get into that healthy routine you promised yourself?
LWC Life may well be able to help.
This week, you can give yourself a wellbeing boost by entering a silent auction for five Reformer Pilates classes and five infrared sauna sessions at The Barns at Wellington.
Proceeds from the winning bid will go to our transformative Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
If you still haven’t signed up to LWC Life – our free benefits scheme for LWC parents, staff and Sternians – it’ll take take you less than five minutes here.
Weekend Warm-Up
Supporting from the touchlines at this time of year isn’t for the faint hearted.
That’s why our Zanetas Coffee Shop is open every Saturday morning to help warm you up.
Between 8.30 and 11.30am, it serves hot and cold drinks, along with pastries and cakes.
It’s also a great place to connect with other members of the LWC community as you regain feeling in your toes.
Sutton Sunrise
We love to receive your pictures of the 1200, as you well know.
And they don’t always have to be photographs…
This beautiful palette knife painting by LWC mum, Suzanne was inspired by Sutton House at sunrise and we think it’s stunning.
Captured a great image at LWC? Please let us know via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
Activate Camps
Activate Camps are returning to LWC this year with cricket and hockey sessions.
Right now, they’re offering a 20% discount on bookings for the Easter and summer holidays.
You can find a list of the camps on offer in the 1200, on their website.
Use the code EXTRA20 at the checkout.
The offer ends on Saturday, 31st January and applies to all bookings, including single days.
Curtain-Up is Coming
The premise of The Wizard of Oz is a simple one.
Having been blown from her Kansas home by cyclone, Dorothy Gale finds herself in the magical Land of Oz.
To find her way home, she must first travel to the Emerald City and locate the Wizard. Along the way, she finds kindness in strangers – Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man.
All search for character traits they believe they are lacking – heart, courage and brains. What they learn (much like the cast and crew stepping up for LWC’s production of The Wizard of Oz next week) is that they had these within them all along.
Many of the show’s principal actors have taken part in an LWC musical before and are all too aware of the benefits they got from it.
“Since starting at LWC, I’ve been in every play or musical that I’ve had the chance to be in,” reveals 4th Former, Amber who shares the lead role of Dorothy with her friend, Faith. “I think the biggest challenge is the 300+ lines to learn. I’ve never had a lead role before, so learning a lot of lines is new to me.”
Finding the courage and the skill to put themselves forward for these parts, is as beneficial as the experience of performing itself. So too, is the camaraderie that taking part in the musical brings.
“The integration across year groups is a real highlight,” explains Upper Sixth Former, Imogen who plays the Wicked Witch. “Rehearsals really bring the cast together.”
“We have so much fun in every rehearsal,” admits 4th Former, Faith. “I honestly look forward to them so much.”
With less than a week to go until curtain-up, most of the cast are now looking forward to the final production.
“The buzz before the show is always ecstatic,” reveals 5th Former Natty (Tin Man), a veteran of these musicals having played the lead in Oliver! and also performing in last year’s Bugsy Malone. “I just love the atmosphere.”
“I had such a good time in Bugsy, agrees fellow 5th Former, Henry (Uncle Henry). “I plan on doing the same this time around.”
The final word goes to the Wizard himself (otherwise known as Upper Sixth Former, Tilly). “Show week is something I can’t emulate anywhere else,” she reveals.
Apart from maybe, the Emerald City.
Read more from the cast themselves, here.
Key Dates
Academic Parental Engagement Programme: Learning, Thinking & Habit Formation with Richard Wheadon, Gavin Hall
10am, Saturday 17th January
LWC Presents The Wizard of Oz, The Haymarket, Basingstoke
Wednesday, 21st to Friday, 23rd January
Non-Uniform Day
Friday, 23rd January
Eat, Meet & Greet, Julyans Dining Hall
3-4pm, Friday, 23rd January
Exeat Weekend
4pm, Friday, 23rd January
Sixth Form Open Morning
9.30-11.30am, Monday 2nd February
Music Scholars’ Recital, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Monday, 2nd February
LWC Connect Networking Breakfast (IT, Tech and AI), Zanetas
7-9am, Thursday, 5th February
Interhouse Dance, Sutton Hall
7pm, Friday, 6th February
Parental Engagement Programme Seminar: Online Safety, Gavin Hall
9.30-11am, Saturday, 7th February
Safer Internet Day
Tuesday, 10th February
Drama Scholars’ Evening, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday, 12th February
Half Term Begins
4pm, Friday, 13th February
Spring Term Resumes
Monday, 23rd February
Useful Links
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