HEADMASTER ’ S MESSAGE
As many will remember , there were day pupils at the school until 2008 , sometimes as many as 50 or so at a time . Essentially , they arrived in time for breakfast and left after Preces . We need to have a slightly more flexible day than that , the details of which have been worked out by Dr Hodgins and Mrs Harber in conjunction with pupils , prospective pupils , and parents . I anticipate Oakeshott ’ s in Kingsgate Street will be a dedicated space for day girls , and include facilities for them to change , whilst the expectation is that four Houses , Toye ’ s , Furley ’ s , Trant ’ s and Beloe ’ s , will each admit a small number of day pupils ( boys and girls ) into VI Book 2 in September 2022 . Interviews are now over , and we look forward to welcoming around 20 or so day pupils in September , with three quarters or so of these being girls .
Interviewing these candidates has strengthened my view that in UK educational reform changes in boys ’ education are generally effected by the church or the state , whereas changes in girls ’ education are achieved by purposeful individuals , who see something they wish and do not give up until they have achieved it . The girls who I have interviewed are not going to dilute the school ; rather they are coming because they see something here that they like , and to which they wish to contribute . The calibre of our Sixth Form entrants is always high — often bringing a vitality , intellectual hunger , and strength of personality that enrich our community — and I am confident that this year ’ s successful applicants will be no different . There will be concentration , not dilution .
Sixth Book should be further enhanced by the school ’ s expanding commitment to increased access . In September 2021 we launched The Wykeham Award , a means-tested bursary for pupils who will join us in the Sixth Form and are currently studying at a UK state secondary school . It honours explicitly our Founder ’ s recognition of the importance of education and service regardless of background . The Award provides a clear pathway to a firstclass education for those who have the intellectual spark and curiosity to take advantage of everything the school has to offer , and the drive and determination to give something back . It is available to boys and girls , as either day pupils or boarders , and can cover up to 100 % of the school fees , as well as other associated expenses . Candidates should have excellent GCSE results , and we are actively encouraging those with talent in sport , music , or the arts . For many , a place at Winchester offers a life-changing opportunity . Thank you to all those many donors who make this possible .
In moving the school forward a great deal of thought has been given by many parties to retaining and burnishing the essence of the school . For myself , I have finally finished A Winchester A-Z : facts , fiction , photos , and much else from the archive . It has been a pure delight . Copies will be available at Winchester Match or may be obtained from the Winchester College Society office , and I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed putting it together .
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