Warden’s Report:
s i r r i c h a r d s ta g g
Warden’s Report
Sir Richard Stagg (G, 1969-73)
I became Warden on 1 September,
taking over from Charles Sinclair.
Charles had, in partnership with
Tim Hands, overseen a period of
considerable change and improvement
at the school.
C
harles will be remembered for many
things; but three stand out for me.
First, the appointment of Tim Hands
as Headmaster; secondly, the significant increase
in our bursary programme, allowing us to
extend our reach and attract boys who otherwise
would not be able to study at Winchester;
thirdly, launching the Kingsgate Park project to
rejuvenate and enhance our sporting facilities.
As the existing buildings were already in use
in the 1960s, when I arrived in the school, it is
hardly surprising that they have served their time.
Looking ahead, delivering Kingsgate Park
on time and on budget is only one of the many
challenges facing the school. We will need to
continue to show the contribution we make to
society, at a time when the role of independent
schools is under greater scrutiny than ever.
We have much to be proud of — not least all
that the boys do to support parts of our local
4 The Wykeham Journal 2019
community. In addition, I am delighted by the
success of initiatives such as Heritage Open Days
in opening up the school to our neighbours in
the City of Winchester and beyond. Similarly,
our partnership with Midhurst Rother School is
generating mutual benefit: we can help in some
academic areas; they can help us in the way we
monitor our boys’ progress through the school.
One of the glories of the school is its
environment — both natural and built. We
are committed to protecting both. The water
meadows, with the Itchen running through
them, are in part a wonderful home to plants
and animals, in part a paradise for fishermen
(as over 60 boys can witness). The new open-
air classroom on Meads is a marvellous addition
to our facilities, thanks to the generosity of
donors. And 2019 saw the 200th Anniversary
of Keats writing his Ode to Autumn after
walking to St Cross. Tim Hands followed