Welcome to LWC News
Another term is over at LWC and we can all embark upon the holidays in the knowledge that this really has been 11 weeks well-spent.
The last week has seen one of our most successful hockey sides return to the 1200 as silver medallists, a breathtaking performance of Messiah at Winchester’s Church of St Cross and of course, our wonderful Heads of College handover to those next in line.
We begin the Summer Term next month with record numbers and we can’t wait to welcome you back.
Have a wonderful break.
News
Fantastic Foundation
Yesterday provided a glorious celebration of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
Patron, Foundationer and former England rugby international, Ugo Monye welcomed guests to Foundation Day 2026 by admitting that, “LWC changed my life.”
He went on to describe the College as an ‘incubator’ for opportunity. A sentiment echoed by Head, Adam Williams, who encouraged students to seize uncertainty and be assured that, “We are all here in this room, in this school, in this landscape, to be part of your journey… the most important thing that we can give a young person is not a destination, but direction.”
The Foundation Day Appeal and Foundation Day Appeal Online Auction remain open for donations as we hope to continue widening worlds and transforming more lives in the future. You can read more about the Foundation Day event on our website.
Egg-stra Effort
Meanwhile, LWC’s student-led Charity Committee found themselves hopping around the Houses this week, in aid of the Foundation.
Their Hop into Easter event invited the LWC community to pre-order Easter eggs, which were then delivered by the Easter Bunny (and helpers) on Tuesday evening.
In total, the committee raised more than £450 for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation – an incredible effort.
Final Note from Heads of College
LWC’s outgoing Heads of College, Charlie, Alice and William are bidding a fond farewell to their posts, as the new incumbents get set to take up the mantle after the Easter break.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time as Head of College,” revealed Charlie. “It has been packed full of opportunities to represent the community and build on the amazing environment that we have at the College.”
Charlie hopes to study History and Politics at either the University of Birmingham or Manchester post-LWC. He added, “My advice to those taking up this role is to get stuck in!
“Don’t be afraid to fight for what you’re passionate about. I’ve always stuck to my mantra that if it’s something that you think will make the College an ever better place, then go for it! The goal for me has always been the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement.”
Silver for LWC’s U14s
LWC’s U14A Boys’ Hockey Team are now national silver medallists!
They finished runners-up in the England Hockey Tier 2 National Finals in Nottingham on Monday, having narrowly missed out on gold.
The final against Tonbridge finished in a 2-2 draw and was then taken to penalty shuffles.
Coach, Marcus Ruffell added, “It was an unbelievable effort by the boys on the day and I am beyond proud of them.”
Spirits Soar at Messiah
Last Saturday evening provided a magical moment that will live in the memory forever.
15 singers and six instrumentalists from LWC joined vocal ensemble, Esprimo Consort and the acclaimed Hanover Band for a performance of Handel’s Messiah.
The beautiful 12th-century Church of St Cross provided the setting, nestled by the banks of the River Itchen in Winchester.
LWC’s Senior Deputy Head, Tom Hicks, was part of the performance, which concluded a six-month outreach project.
“It was a joyous occasion,” he reflected. “Seeing our students perform in the magical Church of St Cross, under the starry skies of a beautiful early spring evening will be a lifetime memory.”
Lose Yourself in a Book This Easter
After the success of LWC’s Christmas Book Club, we’re encouraging you to dive between the pages of a good read once again.
The LWC Library, together with our Academic Scholars, is hosting an Easter Book Club at 7pm on Tuesday, 28th April. The entire Lord Wandsworth Family of Schools community is invited to join us for an evening of discussion about one of eight books.
You can view the list from which to select and sign up to the evening, here.
From space blockbusters to murder mysteries and everything in between – all books are under 300 pages long and available from all good stockists.
We’re Growing
On the other side of the Easter holidays, we’ll be welcoming the largest number of students in our history.
For the eleventh consecutive year, we’re seeing record numbers starting the Summer Term with us.
Thank you for making our LWC community something that so many others want to be a part of.
Strong academic outcomes may place us in the top 1% of schools and colleges for progress made, but you help to truly set us apart.
What a Week at Rosslyn Park
The Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens is the world’s largest school rugby tournament.
And this week, LWC saw its best finish for a side there in our history.
The U16A Boys’ Rugby Team reached the quarter-finals of the Rosslyn Park U16 Cup, eventually losing out to defending champions, St Paul’s.
Coach, Jack Malden added, “The boys did brilliantly, having only played 7s for four weeks in the last two years! They demonstrated their commitment and quality over the two days at the tournament.”
Co-coach, James Rayner concluded, “They are now within the top eight U16 sides in the country at both 15 -a -side and 7-a-side.”
LWC also fielded U18, U14 and U13 sides at Rosslyn Park this week, who all put in solid performances. A rundown of LWC’s progress across all of the age groups can be found here.
Bark Bros Bring Home the Bacon
Remember in last week’s LWC News, we brought you the story of the Bark Bros?
This group of diligent 3rd Formers took their entrepreneurial skills out of LWC’s Saturday co-curricular Enterprise Club and put them to good use in Guildford town centre last weekend.
Ollie, Monty, Rene and Jasper created seasonal chocolate bark to sell at a Children’s Business Fair run by Young Business Showcase and sold out!
“They did brilliantly!” admitted Teacher of Business and Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, Deborah Upham.
“They demonstrated many skills: teamwork, financial acumen, project management, operational skills and then on the day – timekeeping, sales techniques, promotional skills and only eating a little of the profits!”
LWC Golfers in Podium Finish
LWC’s U14 Golfers finished runners-up in a tournament hosted by the College and featuring 20 teams last week.
The LWC U14s Scratch Betterball Competition took place at Alton Golf Club and welcomed 40 players from six schools.
LWC’s Head of Golf, Craig O’nions explained, “The format provided a relaxed and supportive competitive environment, giving players the chance to test their games whilst also learning how to perform as part of a team. From an LWC perspective, the event was a great success. One of our teams (LWC 4) only narrowly missed out on first place, with two of our other teams finishing inside the top ten.”
U13 Cricketers at Utilita Bowl
LWC’s U13 Girls’ Cricket Squad put in a strong performance at the regional finals of the ECB Girls’ U13 Schools Indoor Competition at Southampton’s Utilita Bowl.
The girls had progressed to the regionals after winning their group at this month’s indoor Cricket tournament at LWC.
Coach, Karen Wilton explained, “The U13 Girls had an amazing day and played a really high standard of cricket against tough opposition. They finished third in their group – providing a great start for the cricket season ahead.”
Mathematic Minds
Year five and six students from local prep and primary schools joined us for a mathematical challenge this week.
The LWC Logic Cup 2026 invited teams of four to represent their school in a day laid on by our Maths Department and featuring a series of quizzes, games and outdoor trails.
“Students enjoyed a fun day of maths, whilst stretching themselves and practising some good team skills too,” explained LWC’s Head of Maths, Ian Watson. “Hopefully this will have motivated students to enjoy their maths even more than they already do!”
Championing Girls’ Sport
Last weekend’s Senior Girls’ Football and U18A/B Girls’ Netball Tournaments were an excellent celebration of sport at LWC.
“The day was a demonstration of not only skill and competitiveness, but teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship,” reflected Head of Girls’ Sport, Poppy Lake.
“It’s been inspiring to see so many students representing the school with such pride and energy, creating an atmosphere that truly reflects the strength and spirit of our sporting community here at LWC.”
Cotterill Cup Concludes on a High
The ever-popular annual Cotterill Cup Music Festival was brought to its conclusion on Monday evening with the Open Section Recital.
The event, in the Nadine Uppal Theatre, gave our musicians performing at Grade 6 and above the opportunity to deliver some contrasting pieces.
Congratulations to the winner, Dmitrii and runner-up, Dexter – both 4th Form pianists.
LWC Hosts First Collaborative Social
LWC’s full boarders were treated to a night of fun and Portuguese cuisine last weekend.
Our inaugural collaborative boarding social saw us join forces with Prior’s Field School for a lively night in the 1200.
The event featured a quiz and delicious food.
LWC’s Head of Boarding, David Beven explained, “The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and full of energy, with students quickly finding common ground. By the end of the night, many new friendships had formed, making the social a memorable success for everyone involved.”
Breakfast with the Head
Ten students joined Head, Adam Williams for his twice-termly Rewards Breakfast this week.
The event recognises students’ number of merits, good grades, engagement, attitude, kindness and character.
There were also excellent pastries, pancakes and granola pots on offer, thanks to the fabulous LWC Catering Team.
Fashion Forward
The fashion industry was the focus of this week’s Industry Roundtable.
Interested students from LWC’s 5th and Sixth Forms were invited to hear from Kat Hodges from Franchetti Bond. This Anglo-Italian fashion brand specialises in handbags, shoes and clothing, with a boutique in Chelsea alongside an online presence.
The session focused on buying, merchandising and brand development within the fashion industry.
LWC’s Industry Roundtable series seeks to introduce students to a range of different industries and career paths in a bid to encourage a greater understanding of how different sectors operate and what opportunities may be on offer in the future.
Entrepreneurial Edge
LWC’s Upper Sixth Enterprise and Entrepreneurship students have been setting out to make a difference as part of their BTEC coursework.
Tasked with planning, running and reviewing a mini social enterprise activity, they’ve been selling a range of items to the LWC community.
Teacher of Enterprise, Deborah Upham explained, “Products have included LWC golf balls, LWC OddBalls scarves, LWC socks, candles and sweets. Students have to demonstrate that they understand the principles of a social enterprise, that they have set and measured both financial and social objectives, are able to plan, finance the initiative, promote it and then review at the end.”
Many of the projects will see a percentage of proceeds being donated to the Lord Wandsworth Foundation, fulfilling the aim of a social enterprise in creating positive change, rather than maximising profit.
Sixth Form Focus
It won’t be long before exam season is underway.
LWC’s Upper Sixth Formers are busy buckling down to the task at hand, having put in the work to secure offers for what comes next beyond the Acorn Gates.
Each week, we’ve been focusing on a different member of the Upper Sixth, who have been generous enough to share their journeys so far.
Today, it’s the turn of Emma, who (alongside nearly 40 of her peers) has received a ‘full house’ of offers from her selected universities.
“I’d most like to go to Queen Mary University of London as it’s closest to home and has a good reputation for biomedical science,” Emma explains.
“I’ve put in a lot of revision and attended extra clinics so far, as well as receiving a lot of support from my tutor and my A-level teachers for my personal statement.”
Good luck to all of those revising over the Easter break.
Upper Sixth Hit Stratford
LWC’s Upper Sixth English Literature students immersed themselves in Shakespeare last week, with a trip to the birthplace of the Bard – Stratford-upon-Avon.
Head of English, Chris Radmann explained, “Our Upper Sixth English students enjoyed a world-class bespoke lecture on their set text, Twelfth Night, by Dr Nick Walton, as well as a performance of Henry V at the Royal Shakespeare Company (with comfy seats designed by Lamborghini).
“This was followed by a backstage tour and then a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace – made all the more famous by the recent film version of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet.”
Academic Highlight
LWC’s 1st Form Scientists have been presented with the challenge of purifying mixtures.
First, they were tasked with purifying salt crystals for Dr Cheong’s fish and chip dinner, using their knowledge of solubility.
Next, they had to solve the mystery of the missing blueberry muffin by using chromatography on the pen left behind by the thief. This is a lab technique used to separate, identify and purify components of complex mixtures.
All evidence pointed to their own Mr Maidment… disappointing.
LWC Life
Still haven’t booked your summer break?
Costa Navarino in Southern Greece is a beautiful stretch of coastline overlooking the azure waters of the Ionian Sea.
LWC Life members can currently secure up to 40% off stays with Scott Dunn at The Westin or The Romanos resorts there.
There’s also a complimentary day available for little ones signed up to their signature Explorers Programme.
LWC Life is our free benefits scheme for parents, staff and Sternians, offering discounts on everything from meals at The Mutton in Hazeley Heath to offers on VR experiences and beauty treatments.
Sign up at anytime, if you haven’t done so already.
Glorious Gardens
The National Garden Scheme gives access to more than 3,000 ‘exceptional’ gardens every year.
Once again, LWC is in esteemed company by being one of them.
On Saturday, 18th and Sunday, 19th April, you too can peruse our beautiful borders full of spring colour, admire our manicured lawns and even join in with our Easter egg hunt if the mood takes you.
There will be refreshments available and a plant sale at the event, which runs from 11am to 3pm on both days.
Reserve your place via the LWC Box Office, in return for a small donation to the NGS.
3 Peaks Challenge Approaches
It’s now just a month until the next LWC Fundraising Challenge gets underway.
On Friday, 24th April, a team of walkers made up of LWC parents, staff and Sternians from the LWC Adventurers Society will begin the 3 Peaks Challenge in Yorkshire.
The trek is in aid of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and the team has been ramping up preparations over the last few months with a series of practice walks.
Last weekend’s session took the group to Hankley Common, where a 20-strong team walked six miles in the sunshine.
Co-Curricular Focus
We’ve already heard about this term’s co-curricular programme generating a group of entrepreneurial masterminds… now we can add a working hovercraft to the list.
Members of the Saturday morning Hovercraft Club were given basic supplies including foam boards and plastic propellers and set about designing the craft from scratch at the beginning of Spring Term.
“They were also given micro:bits which they had to code to control the motion of the hovercraft,” explained Hovercraft Club lead, Esther Haydock. “Students had a lot of fun and developed teamwork skills across year groups.”
Super Scuba
Scuba diving is known to benefit cardiovascular health, reduce stress and give us an insight into an underwater world.
Last weekend, students were given another opportunity to experience scuba diving in the LWC Pool as part of the Scuba 4 Schools Programme.
LWC’s Ian Rockett added, “This is a great opportunity for younger divers to experience diving and work towards awards by completing underwater tasks given to them.”
There are plans to launch regular diver training sessions at LWC in the next academic year.
Holiday Highlights
Think everything winds down at LWC for Easter? The College will continue to be a hive of activity…
Three trips are departing from the 1200 over the coming days and weeks.
First up, nearly 40 students from Bramley House are heading to Obertauern, high in the Austrian Alps for just under a week’s worth of skiing and alpine adventures.
“We’ll develop our ski skills, challenge ourselves and gain confidence on the slopes, whilst learning in a completely new environment,” explained trip lead, Abi Edge. “It’s also about teamwork, independence and creating unforgettable memories with each other.”
Golfers Head to the South West
The second week of the holidays sees 16 of our golfers adventuring a little closer to home.
The Golf Links Tour will take in courses in Devon and Somerset including Westward Ho!, Saunton and Burnham & Berrow.
“We’ll be improving our golfing skills in a tough environment,” revealed LWC’s Head of Golf, Craig O’nions. “Previous trips like this have yielded plenty of highlights including the camaraderie and fish and chips! Tours like this can drastically improve players’ games.”
Canary-Bound College
Meanwhile, over 20 LWC athletes will be travelling to Lanzarote’s Club La Santa for warm weather training during the holidays.
“They’ll be honing their sport, conditioning and taking part in various activities within the complex,” revealed LWC’s Head of Athletics, Ben Hazell.
“It will get them ready for the Summer Term, whilst having fun at the same time.”
Bring on British Summer Time
The clocks go forward at 1am on Sunday, heralding the beginning of British Summer Time.
This signals even brighter evenings and more hours of daylight – reaching a peak by the summer solstice on the 21st June.
By the time the Summer Term gets underway, we’ll have forgotten about that lost hour of sleep and will be busy celebrating those later sunsets.
If you have a great shot of the 1200, please send it to us via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
During the Holidays at LWC…
Next Level returns to the 1200 with its Easter Revision Camps, designed to support those preparing for GCSEs and A-levels this summer.
On selected dates next week, between Tuesday (31st March) and Friday (3rd April) Next Level is offering revision sessions in English, Mathematics, Science and Geography.
Sessions will be led by Next Level subject specialists, aligned with LWC exam boards and can be booked here.
Activate Camps
Activate Camps are back at LWC this Easter with their Cricket Academy (for 5-7 and 8-14-year-olds).
Sessions take place next week, between Monday (30th March) and Wednesday (1st April) before returning in the summer for selected August dates.
Activate will also be running their JDH Next Level Hockey sessions during the summer holidays.
Details on both can be found on their website.
Rugby Camp
Long Sutton Sports Co. return with their Rugby Camp next week – on Monday, (30th) and Tuesday (31st) March.
The camp is open to everyone between the ages of 11 and 14 and this time will focus on rugby 7s.
Speed, evasion, decision-making and game understanding will all be developed between 10am and 3pm each day at a cost of £30 per day.
Book via email.
Lego Robotics Holiday Club
For Lego fans, there’s the Lego Robotics Holiday Club being held in the Flowers Science Centre.
Designed for 9 to 14-year-olds, the two-day club will develop coding, logic and problem-solving skills with the help of a Lego Spike Prime Kit.
The club runs between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Monday, 13th and Tuesday, 14th April at a cost of £80 per day (a time extension is available).
Bookings should be made via Adam Ball.
Athlete Performance Lab
Another intensive three-day training series is back in The Barn this Easter, courtesy of Athlete Performance Lab.
This programme aims to push limits and unlock potential in 11-18-year-old athletes.
Sessions run between 10am and 1pm on Monday, 13th, Tuesday, 14th and Wednesday, 15th April.
These are priced at £50 for one day, £90 for two and £125 for three.
Bookings can be made via email.
Digging Deep
In less than two weeks, 24 members of LWC’s Marathon Canoe Team will embark upon an experience that’s likely to live with them for the rest of their lives.
Early on Good Friday morning, as the rest of the country contemplates the long bank holiday weekend, they’ll be huddled at the start line of the 2026 Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race.
“I’m nervous about the beginning,” reveals Lower Sixth Former, Eddie. “Just the idea of there being a lot going on when you’re trying to control yourself and stabilise the boat, but DW is probably one of the best things I’ve ever put myself forward for.”
Eddie and his canoe partner, Abi will be in one of 12 LWC boats embarking upon this 120-mile challenge from the sleepy Wiltshire market town of Devizes to the country’s capital. They will encounter 77 portages along the way, requiring them to navigate their vessels around locks, bridges and steep embankments.
Likewise, fellow Lower Sixth Former Sophie, together with her crewmate Alannah is also getting set for the challenge of a lifetime. All the more remarkable, bearing in mind that she had never even set foot in a boat like this before last September.
“I was new to LWC this year,” she explains. “Alannah and I wanted to do a sport where we were starting at the same level as everyone else. This was a good way to make friends and form connections, but we barely knew what the letters DW stood for.”
Seven months later and the Marathon Canoe Team has been immersed in the DW training programme (both literally and metaphorically speaking). A typical week now involves three gym sessions and two or three lengthy paddles on the water.
“When we started, we were paddling in the pitch black,” Sophie reveals. “There were red lights everywhere on the water, some of us were crashing, you couldn’t see where you were going through the tunnels, but then as the seasons changed, we began having sessions as the sun was setting, which was beautiful.”
The Devizes to Westminster Race runs from Friday, 3rd April until Monday, 6th. Often described as the Everest of canoeing, it’s regarded as a challenge of extremes.
“I always read Theodore Roosevelt’s famous speech taken from Citizenship in a Republic just before they get on the water,” explains LWC’s Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid. In it, he famously emphasises that credit should always belong to the ‘man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly,’ and not the critic who points out ‘how the strong man stumbles.’
In short, there is an honour to taking part, that is unrivalled.
LWC is right behind our extraordinary canoe crews as they set out on this journey, raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK as they go.
You can read more of their story on our website.
Key Dates
National Garden Scheme Open Garden Event at LWC
11am-3pm, Saturday, 18th & Sunday, 19th April
Start of Summer Term
Monday, 20th April
Sports Day
Noon, Friday, 24th April
LWC Yorkshire 3 Peaks Fundraising Challenge
Friday, 24th – Monday, 27th April
GCSE & A-level Exams Begin
Monday, 27th April
Intersections: The Art of Science and The Science of Art Exhibition, The Prideaux Gallery
Monday, 27th April – Thursday, 2nd July
LWC Easter Book Club
7pm, Tuesday, 28th April
Summer Term Music Concert, Gavin Hall
7pm, Friday, 8th May
Intersections: Private View & Prize-Giving, The Prideaux Gallery
7.30pm, Friday, 8th May
May Half Term Begins
4pm, Friday, 22nd May
Summer Term Resumes
Monday, 1st June
Private Peaceful, Gavin Hall
7pm, Wednesday, 24th & Thursday, 25th June
Speech Day
10am, Saturday, 27th June
End of Summer Term
Noon, Wednesday, 1st July
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