Welcome to LWC News
And we’re off.
The final term of the College year is underway.
Whether you’re reading this at Sports Day or during some downtime over the weekend, you’ll see that the College continues to be a hub of activity – even during the holidays.
Have a wonderful weekend, there’s much to look forward to in the weeks ahead.
And for those sitting exams this term, the LWC community is right behind you.
News
A Marathon Effort
LWC dominated at this year’s Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race by fielding a third of the boats taking part in the junior event.
24 Sixth Formers and two members of staff completed the 118-mile race from the Wiltshire market town of Devizes to the Barn Elms Boathouse near Putney Bridge.
Three LWC boats were in the top ten finishers, with Charlie and Henry the first of the College crews to cross the line. Abi and Eddie came second in the Mixed Class, Charlie and Sophie finishing just a few places behind them in fourth. Imogen and Orla came third in the Girls’ Class, whilst LWC Technical Coach, Mike Rees-Clark came third in the Senior K1 Class.
“DW is very much at the heart of who we are at LWC – encouraging character and adventure in everything that we do,” explained a proud Head of Marathon Canoeing, Adam Reid.
So far, the team has raised an astonishing £11,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK. You can read more on our website.
3 Peaks Challenge is Underway
A group of 20 LWC parents, staff and Sternians are now in North Yorkshire ahead of the first UK-based Fundraising Challenge for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
The group set off from the 1200 this morning, bound for the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.
They’ll spend two days trekking a total of 30 miles across the rugged Yorkshire Dales, whilst conquering the area’s three highest peaks.
Philanthropy Manager, Fran Reid, added, “The group is made up of mixed abilities and trekking experience. For some this will be their third LWC trek and for many it’s their first LWC Challenge (and even their first long-distance trek).
“What unites everyone is a desire to support the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.”
We’ll keep you posted on their progress across LWC’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. You can also sponsor the trekkers here.
Epic Total for Foundation Day Appeal
Meanwhile, last term’s Foundation Day Appeal has raised over £60,000 for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
The astonishing total includes over £19,000 raised through our Foundation Day Appeal Online Auction and more than £450 amassed by our student-led Charity Committee’s Easter Bunny Chocolate Delivery around campus.
LWC’s Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Relations, Samantha Corfield, added, “A huge thank you to our parents, Sternians and wider LWC community for everyone’s generous support. Your collective kindness through donations and contributing prizes for (or bidding in) the auction, has been a powerful example of philanthropy in action – helping to create life-changing opportunities through our Foundation.”
New Prefects Assemble
LWC’s new Prefect Team has been appointed and begun its work.
For the first time in the school’s history, there are now four Heads of College with specialist areas of responsibility.
Ella (Academic), Abi (Co-curricular), Henry (Community) and Jack (Wellbeing) head a team of 29 prefects in total.
All were selected from over 80 applications, as part of a rigorous process.
We’ll meet individual members of the Prefect Team in the coming weeks in LWC News.
Head of Cricket Starts Innings
LWC’s new Head of Cricket has taken up his post.
Lewis Sharp joins LWC from Wellington College Prep where he was Head of Cricket, alongside coaching the first team rugby and football sides. Mr Sharp also leads the Berkshire Cricket U18s.
“I heard really positive things about LWC before joining,” he explained. “I see real potential for cricket here, with some amazing facilities, grounds and lots of talent across the boys’ and girls’ programmes. I’ve also been greatly impressed by the work rate and effort from all of the cricketers that I’ve worked with so far.”
LWC Dazzles in Dressage
LWC’s Dressage Team are Hampshire Schools County Champions once again.
They narrowly beat Churcher’s in the Hampshire Schools County Finals at Parwood, near Guildford, at the beginning of the Easter holidays.
4th Former, Serena, won the class overall and was crowned Individual County Champion.
LWC’s Head of Riding, Camilla Read added, “This was an amazing achievement. Our Dressage Team will now join our Arena Eventing and Showjumping Teams at the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships at Hickstead in May.”
LWC Opens Secret Garden
LWC’s 1200 acres look breathtaking all year round, but spring always yields something special.
Last weekend’s National Open Garden Scheme event allowed members of the public to catch a glimpse of the campus we get to enjoy every day.
Hundreds swept through The Blomfield Arch for a leisurely stroll, excellent cake and (if the mood took them) a meander along our 5km bluebell walk, in return for a small donation to the NGS.
One comment, received through LWC’s socials, read: “We LOVED it – thank you! And the chocolate cake was fabulous too.”
Congratulations to our very talented Grounds and Gardens Teams who you can hear describing this year’s horticultural highlights on our website.
LWC Life: Don’t Miss Out!
The LWC community is a strong one, made of students, parents, staff and Sternians.
Alongside regular events to be part of, our comprehensive Parental Engagement Programme and facilities such as our Zanetas Coffee Shop to enjoy, there’s also LWC Life.
This free benefits scheme, designed exclusively for the College community, contains a raft of bespoke offers that change regularly.
You can find all of them detailed on the LWC Life portal including local offers such as a 10% saving in-store at Hartley Wintney Butchers.
If you still haven’t signed up to LWC Life – you’re missing out! You can do so here.
Wellbeing Boost
Formal exam season gets underway on Monday, with GCSE French Speaking beginning the programme.
Each week, we’ll focus on a different way for you to support your child if they’re involved in exams this summer, drawing on the vast experience of staff from across the College.
Head Chef, Adrian Culver believes that taking the time to enjoy mealtimes together, with no distractions, is more crucial than ever at this time.
“During exams, it’s also important to fuel up with proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to boost blood sugar levels, alertness and concentration,” he adds.
“Hydration with water or milk is also vital to counteract fatigue and poor concentration.”
“Being Part of This Feels Amazing”
In a week’s time, LWC’s U15A Girls’ Football Team will be in the thick of their first national final.
The side travel to the headquarters of the Hertfordshire Football Association in Letchworth Garden City, to take on Queenswood College in the final of the ISFA U15 Girls’ Shield. With them will be three coaches of LWC supporters to cheer them on.
The U15As have had an incredible season, also making it to the semi-finals of the ISFA U15 Cup.
“Throughout the season, the team has shown constant improvement, growing stronger with every match,” reflects 4th Former co-captain, Hollie. “For a group of girls who, at many of our previous schools, might not have had the opportunity to play football due to the limited availability of girls’ teams, we have built something truly special.
“I’m proud, excited, and a little nervous about next week’s game, but I feel more than ready. It’s incredible to think that we’re the first girls’ team in over 100 years to do this at LWC and being part of something so historic feels truly amazing.”
Next week, we’ll hear from Hollie’s co-captain, Amber in LWC News.
Bramley House Hits the Slopes
Just under 40 Bramley House students developed ski skills and new friendships over the Easter break.
They travelled to Obertauern, high in the Austrian Alps, known for its superior slopes and reliable snowfall.
Alongside taking part in ski lessons pitched at a variety of skill levels, the group also enjoyed activities together – building relationships and crucially, having fun.
Rethinking Relationships
Girls on Board is an approach designed to help girls navigate friendship problems.
So far, it’s been adopted by more than 1,500 schools across 21 countries (including ours) and tomorrow at 10am, the founder of Girls on Board joins us for our next Parental Engagement Programme session.
Andrew Hampton will lead a webinar for anyone interested in learning how to support their children in managing relationship challenges.
You can still sign up for the hour-long session here.
LWC Athletes Warm up on Lanzarote
Club La Santa on Lanzarote is one of the leading sports and active holiday resorts in the world.
Over the Easter break, a group of the College’s athletes attended a warm weather training trip to the Canary Island, aimed at honing their skills in swimming, athletics and tennis.
“The students always make new friends and learn new sports, along with developing existing skills in their chosen disciplines,” explained LWC’s Head of Athletics, Ben Hazell.
Easter Book Club Incoming
Next Tuesday will see the Lord Wandsworth Family of Schools come together again for our second Book Club.
The community is invited to join us at LWC to discuss one of eight books (all under 300 pages) and ranging from the novel that inspired the current box office hit, Project Hail Mary to Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library.
The event gets underway on Tuesday evening (28th April) at 7pm. Keep an eye on your inbox for further information.
We look forward to seeing all who have signed up!
LWC Golfers Take to the Links
LWC’s golfers enjoyed a tour to some of the South West’s most prestigious links courses.
The trip, led by Head of Golf, Craig O’nions took in Westward Ho!, Saunton and Burnham & Berrow Golf Clubs.
The aim of the three-day tour was to improve golfing skills in some tough environments, whilst enjoying some of the best fish and chips the region has to offer.
LWC Gets set for Biggest Stern Challenge
The Stern Challenge is as much a part of LWC as the Acorn Gates. Next Sunday, over 60 students, LWC parents, Sternians and staff will embark on our biggest version of the challenge yet!
The aim of the event is to cover 100km in a single day and this year, the plan is to run from the 1200 to the beach at Hayling Island, following the historic Shipwrights Way and making it just in time for a fish and chip supper on the beach.
“I always wanted to plan an event that was about bringing people together,” explains organiser and Bramley Houseparent, Pete Maidment, when asked to explain the origins of the Stern Challenge. “I find mass participation events just so overwhelmingly moving and I felt that we could do something similar here.”
Mr Maidment’s favourite challenge to date remains the inaugural run around the Isle of Wight Coastal Path in 2016. “It’s a day I’ll never forget,” he reflects.
You can sponsor those embarking upon the Stern Challenge next weekend via their fundraising page and we’ll keep you up to date on their progress.
Miss Liggins Excels on World Stage
LWC’s Assistant Deputy Head (Character) and Teacher of Design & Technology, Claire Liggins, is among the top 100 CrossFit athletes in the world.
Miss Liggins has been competing in the CrossFit Open alongside the rest of the world’s CrossFit community.
The top 25% in the world (including Claire) advanced to the quarter-finals to compete in a series of workouts completed during one weekend, at the beginning of the Easter holidays.
Claire has now made it through to the semi-finals as part of a 400-strong group from each age category.
She ranked 83rd in the world (out of more than 1300), 18th in Europe and fifth in England in her class. An extraordinary achievement.
Bluegrass Bonanza
Hundreds of musicians from across Europe descended on the 1200 during the Easter break, when LWC hosted its first Sore Fingers Summer Schools Week.
Sore Fingers Summer Schools is one of Europe’s leading providers of bluegrass and old-time music camps.
The five-day event at LWC offered tuition from leading figures on the bluegrass scene.
Feedback on the College was hugely positive and the classes provided a glorious backing soundtrack on campus all week.
Louis Stays on Track
4th Former, Louis, continues to make strides (or should that be circuits?) in karting.
The School House student only took up the sport last year and competed at last weekend’s Spring Showdown at Shenington Kart Racing Club in Oxfordshire.
Louis produced some strong personal lap times at the event and his training continues to go from strength to strength.
A Summer of Music
The variety of music-making at LWC is inspiring.
One of the best opportunities to witness this, showcased in all its glory, is the Summer Term Music Concert in two weeks.
Tickets are now available for the event at 7pm on Friday, 7th May in Gavin Hall, which will feature performances ranging from the LWC Concert Band to some of our talented soloists.
You can reserve your place via the LWC Box Office.
Strategy 2030: Widening Worlds
With so much to look forward to in the Summer Term, why not add to it with an insight into what’s ahead in the longer term at LWC?
You’re very welcome to sign up to one of our remaining LWC Strategy 2030: Widening Worlds sessions, taking place over the next two months.
Join Head, Adam Williams, for one of these small gatherings on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
He’ll share our ambitious plans for LWC over the coming years, inviting your valued input.
Academic Highlight – DT
Lower Sixth DT students may well have spent the last week revising for mocks by the light of one of these LED mixed-process lamps.
Creating the lamps involved the Lower Sixth using a wide range of design and manufacturing processes, from 3D printing to laser cutting and veneer lamination.
Each aspect has been custom-designed by students and develops the skills required for their final product design projects next year.
Spring in the 1200
And this time of year doesn’t only produce beautiful spring colour in abundance across our 1200 acres…
For those venturing slightly further afield, there may be the opportunity to witness some of our wildlife enjoying the warmer weather.
These stunning shots featuring hares, yellowhammers and blackbirds were captured by Design & Technology Technician, Sarah Womersley whist walking The Beckwith route.
If you have a photo of the 1200 that you’d be happy to share, we’d love to see it via stories@lordwandsworth.org.
This Summer at LWC…
Cricket and hockey are the focus for camps run by Activate at LWC this summer.
A Performance Cricket Residential for 10-17-year-olds takes place between the 5th and 10th of August.
This will be followed by two Cricket Academies for 5-7-year-olds and 8-14-year-olds on selected dates between 11th and 13th August and 25th-27th August. Single sessions or block bookings are available.
Alternatively, from the 18th-20th August, JDH Next Level Hockey will be running sessions for 6 and 7-year-olds and those aged 8 to 14 years.
All bookings for the above camps can be made through the Activate Camps website.
The LWC Three
This Sunday’s TCS London Marathon will see 50,000 runners pounding the streets of the capital.
With a 1 in 50 chance of applicants getting a place in the public ballot, it’s a much sought-after experience.
Three members of the LWC community will be lining up at one of the three start lines on Sunday. All have a story to tell about why.
William’s Story
William will be running the 26-mile challenge for The Lily Foundation, a charity aiming to offer support to those affected by mitochondrial disease, together with providing education and a boost to research into finding a cure for the genetic disorder.
“I have a really good relationship with (fellow Upper Sixth Former) Billy and his family,” William explains. “Billy’s younger brother suffers from mitochondrial disease. I’ve seen the struggles that they’ve gone through as a family and I really wanted to do something to support them.”
As a former Head of College, William has been tasked with squeezing training in alongside his HoC duties and A-level revision.
“I run four or five times a week,” he reveals. “On Wednesdays, I’ll go on a trail run and take a couple of friends with me. I live in Holybourne and on some days I’ve ended up running home!”
William has experienced a huge amount of support from the LWC community through his fundraising page and motivational encouragement to get him to this stage.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing all of my friends at the finish line,” he admits. “That will be a great moment.”
Lottie’s Story
For LWC parent, Lottie, the London Marathon is the latest in a long line of fundraising efforts.
Her husband James was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2021.
“Shortly after his diagnosis, he set about raising awareness and funds for My Name’5 Doddie – a charity set up by the late Doddie Weir to fund research into the cause of MND,” Lottie explains.
“What started out as a 50-mile bike ride on the Shipwrights Way soon led to more challenges for the charity. The total raised reached £1 million on the day that James passed away in April 2024 at the age of 42.”
Throughout James’ illness, Lottie describes running as an outlet for her sadness.
“Running with my friends became my therapy and we would meet several times a week after school drop-off at Frensham Ponds,” she admits.
When she embarks upon Sunday’s marathon, Lottie will be running for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.
“Over the last few months, whilst training, I’ve had time to think about the support network that has surrounded us as a family and led us to be in the good space we are today,” Lottie reveals. “A large part of this has been down to the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and wider College,” (which two of Lottie’s children attend).
Lottie has already smashed her fundraising target of £2000. You can find her fundraising page here
Phoebe’s Story
For Upper Sixth Former, Phoebe, Sunday is a mere warm-up for what is to come this summer, when she aims to become the youngest woman to run the length of Britain.
“My training has been going really well, although it’s not entirely marathon‑focused, with me prioritising my goal of running the length of Britain,” she admits.
“I’ve been concentrating on building up my endurance with high‑mileage days and practising back‑to‑back long runs. This approach has helped me adapt to the demands of a multi‑day challenge, so that I feel strong going into London as well as the summer.”
Phoebe will be running for the National Autistic Society on Sunday.
She was diagnosed with Autism in 2024 and openly talks about the benefits of this: “It’s helped me to understand myself much more and I think I’ve grown in confidence as a result.”
As with Lottie, she describes running as having a cathartic appeal – in her case, quietening a busy mind and allowing her to step into nature.
Phoebe’s love affair with running began when she entered the LWC Chaplain’s Challenge (now the Stern Challenge) as a 4th Former. Coincidentally, William’s passion for trail running began the same way.
“I’ve been really grateful for the support from the LWC community,” Phoebe adds. “I’ve already raised over £1200 through my fundraising page. It’s been motivating to see so many people getting behind me and believing in me.”
Go LWC. We’re right behind you.
Read more of William, Lottie and Phoebe’s stories here.
Key Dates
LWC Yorkshire 3 Peaks Fundraising Challenge
Friday, 24th – Monday, 27th April
LWCMS Drive
9am, Sunday, 26th April
GCSE & A-level Exams Begin
Monday, 27th April
LWC Easter Book Club
7pm, Tuesday, 28th April
Stern Challenge
Sunday, 3rd May
May Day Bank Holiday
Monday, 4th May
LWC Connect Networking Breakfast: Finance, Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Zanetas
7.45-9am, Thursday, 7th May
Intersections: The Art of Science and The Science of Art Exhibition, The Prideaux Gallery
Friday, 8th May – Thursday, 2nd July
Summer Term Music Concert, Gavin Hall
7pm, Friday, 8th May
Intersections: Private View & Prize-Giving, The Prideaux Gallery
7.30pm, Friday, 8th May
Choreography Evening, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Thursday, 14th May
May Half Term Begins
4pm, Friday, 22nd May
Summer Term Resumes
Monday, 1st June
Bramley House Concert, Nadine Uppal Theatre
7pm, Friday, 12th 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