INTRODUCTION
We do not have any preconception of what a Winchester College pupil looks like , and nor should you .
Our Founder , William of Wykeham , believed profoundly in the importance of education and service . He wanted to educate pupils in this ethos regardless of their background . And that is what we still look for today – together with the intellectual spark and curiosity to take advantage of everything the school has to offer , plus the drive and determination to give something back . The original aim , dating to 1382 was to provide a fully funded education for 70 Scholars . Today , Winchester has one of the most comprehensive bursary programmes in the country with over 140 pupil ’ s receiving some form of support and 29 paying no fees at all .
We look for boys and girls who will thrive in an academically challenging and close-knit social community . At the same time , we are committed to ensuring access , and each year welcome pupils from a range of cultural , and socio-economic backgrounds , who will strengthen that community and contribute to society long after they have left the school . Financial support to talented pupils otherwise unable to attend Winchester is central to the school ’ s original purpose and our vision of Winchester in the 21st Century .
I very much hope you will come and visit the school and will want to discover more about a Winchester education . It is a school that , I hope , will inspire you and your sons and daughters in the way that it has generations of Wykehamists .
Sir Richard Stagg Warden of Winchester College