O U R VA LU E S
THE WYKEHAM
JOURNAL OF
WINCHESTER
COLLEGE
Winchester College boys and
alumni are defined by our
motto, Manners Makyth Man.
O
ur motto is hundreds of years old but has a surprisingly modern spirit. Its sentiment is that
we should be measured not by birth but by our personal qualities, a surprisingly meritocratic
sentiment for a school that was founded in 1382. Its language may sound old-fashioned to a
modern ear, but it was a radically progressive motto in its time because it was written not in Latin but
in a dynamic, up-and-coming language: English. The qualities which Manners Makyth Man inspires are
Character, Conversation, Curiosity, Foresight and Leadership.
CHAR ACTER
Strength of character means having confidence
in one’s own individuality. At Winchester College
diversity is welcomed, manners are celebrated
and kindness is in abundance. There is a sense
of community which transfers to caring within
the community at large. But the boys are free to
forge their own path, guided rather than governed.
Our style of teaching encourages the exploration
of ideas, the discovery of interests, the freedom
to be creative and a love of learning in academic
subjects, music, sport, art or the extra-curricular.
C O N V E R S AT I O N
The lifeblood of Winchester is conversation,
not just between boys and dons but among
boys themselves. During house lunch, on the
way to the sports pitch, before lights-out,
conversation permeates every aspect of Winchester
life. Boys emerge from Winchester able to talk
to just about anyone, in just about any situation,
about just about anything. We believe that in
a great education which prepares you for life
beyond the school gates, this isn’t just a luxury
– it’s an essential.
CURIOSITY
Winchester’s academic results are famously
good, but an education here provides a lot more.
Nowhere is this illustrated more powerfully than
in our ‘Div’ sessions which range from the Ancient
to the Modern World, investigating historical,
cultural, artistic, scientific and philosophical themes.
‘Div’ encourages boys to explore topics in the round
and to see connections without the constraints of
working to an examined schedule. A Winchester
College education facilitates the ultimate adventure
for the curious mind.
FORESIGHT
We are inspired by tradition, not constrained
by it. It’s all around us in buildings which are a
permanent reminder of the beauty and value of
learning. But they wouldn’t have lasted so long
if the school had been backward looking. Our
founder, William of Wykeham, was a philanthropist
and visionary who revolutionised education,
and it’s his tradition of looking ahead that we
seek to continue.
LEADERSHIP
Winchester was founded to develop leaders who
serve society; and it has done so ever since. Many
Wykehamists go on to be leaders in their fields,
but not leaders at any cost. We admire leadership
through ability, not just bravado – a modest and
socially responsible model based on an intelligent
and rounded understanding of a situation. Modern
leadership requires an understanding of complexity
and different perspectives, and those are qualities
that have always been highly prized at Winchester.
.