EDITOR ’ S NOTE
From the
HEADMASTER ’ S DESK
Dear Old Pocklingtonians ,
I hope the arrival of this latest Old Pocklingtonian magazine finds you well . The past three terms have been typically Pocklingtonian ; full of opportunity , variety and fun . Our forthcoming academic year will be no different and we hope that some of you might find the time to come and visit us , either at one of our signature events or for a personalised tour down memory lane . In the meantime , I hope this magazine goes someway to providing just that !
We were delighted with our GCSE , A level and BTEC results over the summer . Our leavers at Sixth Form performed admirably and have flown the Pocklington nest to a range of different next steps . These include traditional university destinations as well as newfound apprenticeships and work placements . It is a hallmark of a Pocklington education that these men and women are well prepared for each different route , and we are proud that their range of destinations reflects their differing and varied interests .
Welcome to the latest edition of the Old Pocklingtonian magazine ! We hope you enjoy reading it and that as you leaf through it you will find articles and updates that help keep you connected with both the OP community and the school . Whether it ’ s catching up with the latest OP reunions and events , seeing what others have been up to , or learning about the latest developments at school , we hope you will find something to spark your interest .
In this issue , we celebrate school cook , Debbie Stringer ’ s , huge milestone of fifty years working at Pocklington School . You can read more about her career and memories of school life over the years on page 14 . There ’ s also a feature about Pock Connects , our newly launched network for OPs and the wider school community . Its aim is to share knowledge , expertise , and connections to support our current students and each other at whatever stage of your career , so please do get involved .
Don ’ t forget to check out the OP Soundbites section ( previously ‘ Personalia ’) for news and updates about what OPs have been doing since they left Pocklington , and have a read through the archive section for memories and insights into school life over the years .
You ’ ll also find the latest information from Jenny Preston in the Development office about the school ’ s fundraising work including the Shape the Future bursary campaign .
We hope the magazine gives you a good overview of OP activity and a feel for how the school continues to evolve and progress .
Thank you for staying in touch and please do keep sending us news of your achievements , successes , and memories of school .
GCSE results were even stronger , and we are so pleased to welcome back a fantastic set of now Lower Sixth pupils . Their performance was significantly ahead of the national picture for independent schools and when one allies this to the wealth of extra-curricular activities they undertake , one cannot help but be impressed by their efforts and achievement .
Few of you will have missed the planned imposition of VAT on school fees being introduced by our new government . Whilst this undoubtedly presents our parents and the school with significant challenge , it also serves to remind us of three things . First , our commitment to excellence and breadth remains paramount and at the heart of all that we do . Second , we are determined not to lose sight of the ‘ long game ’ and whilst the current set of circumstances do present us with difficulties , our newly refreshed Strategic Education Vision is set up to ensure the school flourishes in the long term in spite of this challenge . Finally , we take great heart from our community of which you are a vital part . Colleagues , parents , families , pupils and Old Pocklingtonians serve to make this school a very special place , one which I will miss dearly come September .
This is my last year in post , and I look forward to many opportunities to cherish our community and celebrate our many achievements . Thank you for your support in this endeavour as well as your support for our fabulous school and we hope to see or hear from you soon . Please enjoy this taste of Pocklington School .
Yours sincerely ,
Toby Seth , Headmaster
Best wishes
Rachel Dare OP Liaison Officer
OP Office , Pocklington School , West Green , Pocklington , YO42 2NJ
Tel : 01759 321307 Email : darer @ pocklingtonschool . com
2