Wykeham Journal 2018 | Page 7

The College is proud of its desire to educate the most deserving pupils irrespective of financial background. Win Co Fo ball. The College is proud of its desire to educate the most deserving pupils irrespective of financial background. This is part of a long tradition of philanthropy and a bursary fund which the Warden and Fellows have commendably increased over the last 10 years. Indeed, it is this same bursary provision which has allowed for the diversity of thought, interests and personalities which have been so warmly reflected in the pages of the Wykeham Journal over the last decade. We need to ensure that the practicalities of our admissions process are aligned with its aims. Over the last term a committee has taken extensive stock. We are clear that the Winchester admissions process is unique. We are unashamedly proud of the highly personalised approach we take. Unlike many independent schools, we spend a significant amount of time getting to know each prospective family. It is based substantially on interview, ensuring that by the time a boy starts both he and his family will often have had a number of years to get to know us, and us them. The use of interviews, and the primary responsibility of the Housemaster as interviewer, will therefore be retained. We are hoping to ensure that the best of the old remains with the most considered of the new. There will now be increased opportunities for families to come and visit the school throughout the year, through tours either with current pupils or the Registrar’s team. Families will also have the opportunity to meet with three Housemasters, an increase from the current two. We will retain the wonderful uniqueness of the Winchester Entrance and Election examinations at age 13, but the papers are in the process of being reviewed to ensure that they are accessible to those studying a maintained sector curriculum. Winchester’s admissions system has always The Warden, Headmaster and College Chaplain attracted the brightest and the best, so ably celebrated by Lorna and her team in the Wykeham Journal each year – we are all delighted to be evolving our processes to ensure that this legacy continues. . The Wykeham Journal 2018 5