results in Mathematics, Physics and Biology have
remained healthy.
Two-thirds of pupils learn at least one musical
instrument, with nearly 750 individual lessons
being taught each week. Chapel Choir has enjoyed
continued success, recording A Winchester Christmas
with Classic FM for the third year running. The
Chamber Orchestra gave concerts at the Barbican
and in Hong Kong. This year also saw the reintro-
duction of the Visiting Artists series of concerts in
New Hall, in part owing to the magnificent gift
of a Steinway concert grand piano. These concerts
are open to the public.
Sport remains a vital component of Winchester
life. Our oarsmen have been encouraged by George
Nash and his medals, including gold in the London
and Rio Olympics and the World Championships.
There are four OWs in the 2019 Boat Race squads.
The introduction of the Golf Bursary Fund five
years ago and, this year, the first Sports Awards
show the school’s willingness to encourage sporting
excellence alongside academic potential. Olly
Dickman (K, 2015-) became the U15 UK Golf
Champion, and the OW team won the Halford
Hewitt for the first time in 70 years. In fives the
school is unbeaten, with strong performances in
sailing, basketball and fencing. It has been particularly
good to see a Wykehamist leading the Oxford cricket
side and playing such a dominant part in its victories.
The College has a high level of participation in
community service: at present there are 50 activities,
with 300 senior pupils involved, supported by 50
teachers. There is a close involvement with local
primary schools, and the Mathematics outreach
programme, which is open to members of the
wider community, has developed substantially.
Over the last 10 years there has also been a close
relationship with the maintained Midhurst Rother
College (MRC), where we provide three members of
the Governing Body. Since 2008 MRC has risen from
a critical state to being judged in 2013 Outstanding
in Every Way, and at which level it remains. Our
commitment to MRC has recently been renewed
for a further five years. We learn much from them.
Conserving and developing the College’s
Buildings and facilities
Following the publishing of a Conservation and
Development Framework in 2009, a 10-15 year plan
was established to look after the school’s 18 Grade I,
6 Grade II* and 81 Grade II buildings. As a result,
2015 saw the thorough transformation of New
Hall, now warmed by a biomass boiler; followed
by the conversion of the Warden’s Stables, opened
in 2016; then by the completion of the long
restoration of water meadows in 2017; and, in
2018, the development of Wellington House and
its surroundings into the Ridding Court residences.
The fundamental refurbishment of all
Commoner Houses and College Chambers was
completed in September 2018. A new cycle, on
a lesser scale, is about to start. There has been,
and continues to be, a necessary investment in
IT infrastructure, with WiFi now installed in
the boarding houses and all teaching areas.
A sustained fundraising programme
A total of £33m has been raised by the Wykeham
Campaign over the last 10 years. We raised £0.9m
in 2008, and over £3m in each of the last four years,
the emphasis remaining on bursary provision,
Quiristers, and Ancient Buildings.
The redevelopment of the Kingsgate Park Sports
Centre to create a state-of-the-art complex starts
in 2019, and will allow all of our boys to enjoy and
participate in a variety of sports and enable the most
talented and driven boys to practice and compete at
the highest level. The campaign to raise the capital
required for the project has made an encouraging
start, with over £16m pledged and received to date.
The Annual Telephone Campaign has allowed
pupils and new OWs the opportunity to gain
invaluable experience and self-confidence, as well
as raising significant sums for the school. OWs
and parents have been most tolerant of these calls
and generous in time, donations and advice.
Secure financial footing for the College
Over recent years the capital reserves of the school
have been transformed by the actual and expected
proceeds from the current housing development
of Barton Farm to the north of Winchester.
The balance sheet has grown significantly with
investments, including property and land, increasing
from £53m in 2008 to £268m in 2018. The total
return from these enhanced investments has allowed
for more generous bursary provision, as well as
allowing capital expenditure on buildings of
£3.6m in 2018: in 2008 this was £1.5m.
This last decade has seen much progress.
Here’s to the next one!
.
The Wykeham Journal 2018
3