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BROMSGROVE SCHOOL Governors’ Report 2011
Incorporating The Bromsgrove School Foundation Report 2011
Contents
A Message From The Headmaster, Chris Edwards
A Message from the Headmaster
I frequently say, and sincerely mean, that good teachers should be able run a great school in a pig sty. At Bromsgrove, mercifully, we are not obliged to prove the point. If there is another independent school in Britain constructing new facilities as quickly and extensively as Bromsgrove, we are not aware of it. However, the remarkable build programme will be dealt with later in this document: my brief introduction here is about people.
Development: Medium Term and Projects Underway Recently Completed Projects Message from the Chairman of Governors Meet the Governors About the Committees Public Benefit
These would be the people - pupils, parents, guardians and staff - who played their part in gaining stunning inspection reports from OFSTED and ISI last spring. It wasn’t merely that OFSTED’s verdict was “Outstanding”: every single subcategory bar one in the report was “Outstanding” (and the one that wasn’t should be put right by the new build). Even Eton couldn’t top that (I checked).
Bromsgrove School Foundation Donor Roll of Honour
Our Alumni and The Bromsgrovian Club
The Bromsgrove community also orchestrated the School’s preeminent performance in the government’s A level Value Added tables. Yes, it’s pleasant to be Worcestershire’s top A level School in absolute terms (which we were again), but for the second year running we were first among all state and independent schools in Worcester, Birmingham and adjacent counties for improving pupil performance at A level. Everybody from Pre-Prep, through Prep and on into Senior School play a part in this. It was also a year when nearly forty pupils left
for London’s formidable triumvirate of world class universities: LSE, UCL and Imperial. And yet these same people who make Bromsgrove what it is, enabled sport and the arts to crackle with energy and success: people choose us because we are broad as well as academically superb. Hothouse? Hardly. You don’t have to turn your School into a two dimensional pie-chart in order to get results. Happy pupils tend to do well. The managed, albeit rapid, growth of the School’s three constituencies has now stopped at around 1,600 pupils: we will become no larger (though Bromsgrove International School Thailand will). The number cap of Bromsgrove UK may have selection implications as we become increasingly oversubscribed, but suffice to say for now that without the support of parents especially, we could never have ascended the heights. Parents should also know that those heights rise from a bedrock of sound financial management. We want another 500 years please. We remain humble, but ambitious. From the long term Foundation goal of making this School free for all who could not access it otherwise, to the short term business of getting a cracking set of International Baccalaureate results first time around, Bromsgrove will continue to aim for the stars. Thank you for your continued support.
DEVELOPMENT: MEDIUM TERM AND PROJECTS UNDERWAY The pace of change is breathtaking. Five major new buildings are either underway or on the verge of starting, while the refurbishment of some existing facilities will, in reality, be more of a transformation. We are working closely with our builders Speller Metcalfe and architects, Robothams, to ensure the result will delight and astound. A new Senior School car park and gate house have just been completed, and though the final landscaping and other features will have to wait until the heavy build is over, the South entrance is already unrecognizable. Hoardings now dominate much of the southern part of the campus: but not for long. A massive new sports arena, a fitness suite, a hospitality suite with dance studios, a new three storey Mary Windsor House and a new Oakley accommodation block should all be ready by summer 2012. Indeed, some structures will be on line before that. Add to that the refurbishment, re-cladding and incorporation of areas such as the old gymnasium and swimming pool into an architecturally unified whole, and the scale and scope of the project is evident. All three sections of the School will benefit from these facilities, as will local community groups. We hope that in coming years, thousands will benefit from decisions made today.
Computer Generated Image of a single ensuite room and a three bedder ensuite dorm in the new Mary Windsor House.
Recently Completed Projects Since the last Governors’ Report, the new Senior Science facilities - among the finest in Britain - have been completed. Eighteen new and refurbished laboratories are now housed in a Tardis-like complex that retains the facade of the old Whitley building but is home to a huge state of the art environment within. The Prep School has a new car park, a new Pre-Prep dining room and classroom have emerged, and Wendron-Gordon House is a revelation on the inside after a massive refurbishment (though all the glorious original features remain intact). Car parking is fast replacing the weather as Britain’s favourite topic of conversation. With safety as our priority, we have done our best at Prep and Senior School to facilitate pick up and drop off, but we are subject to the same issues as everybody else. Some schools some great and famous schools - have no car parking whatsoever, so in moments of frustration - difficult though it might be - we should be thankful for what we have. It is crucial now that the School maintains and improves what it has to the standard of the new builds, and in an annual rolling maintenance programme, the word “refurbishment” will often seem euphemistic. To continue the Dr. Who analogy used earlier, buildings will be regenerated.
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Message from the Chairman of Governors In the light of the immense and ongoing construction projects at Bromsgrove, it is as well to echo the Headmaster’s sentiments that we are first and foremost about people. Along with parents, pupils, staff, Old Bromsgrovians and friends of the School, we are fortunate to have such an enlightened and forward looking governing body. This frankly amazing period in Bromsgrove’s history would not be unfolding before us were it not for people who freely give of their time and expertise. They also provide crucial support and advice to the Headmaster and the School Executive. We are mindful too of the Foundation Trustees who are working selflessly for the noblest of causes. Bromsgrove relies upon people such as these: people who give back as much as they ever received so that young Bromsgrovians have the finest opportunities imaginable. A Nominations Committee identifies, interviews and appoints governors who can fill capability gaps. We currently have a multi-skilled body committed to ensuring the School is at the vanguard of opportunity. On a bedrock of the soundest financial management, Bromsgrove continues to build a global vision where academic excellence and breadth sit happily alongside one another. Yet there is no place for complacency: hard work and penetrating strategic vision are prerequisites for success.
I hope all members of the Bromsgrove community continue to thrive and enjoy the experience this wonderful School affords. Thank you for your support. Stewart Towe CBE Chairman of Governors
Meet the Governors Below is a brief introduction to all of the School’s Governors, the Committees they serve on and other specialist roles they perform. 1. Stewart Towe CBE (Lupton 1965-1970) Chairman of Governors FPC Building Committee Marketing Committee Nominations Committee Stewart is Chairman of Hadley Industries plc, of the Black Country LEP and of Business in the Community (WM) 2. Dr Vivian Anthony President of the School Liaison Governor for BIST Dr Anthony is an expert in the field of education having worked as a headmaster, inspector, adviser, lecturer and writer on education matters. 3. Alison Brimelow CBE Education Committee Health and Safety Committee Nominated by the Bishop of Worcester, a former career civil servant with extensive European experience, ending her career as President of the European Patent Office. Alison has particular interest in governance, the arts and Europe. 4. Richard Brookes (Lupton 1961-1965) Chairman of Building Committee A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, with over 40 years experience of property within private practice and commerce. Currently advises on property development within the healthcare sector.
5. Ruth Heggett Chairman of Health and Safety Committee Education Committee 6. Andrew Hodge Chairman of Nominations Committee 7. Fern Hordern Chairman of Investments Committee FPC A Director at Smith and Williamson Investment Management. 8. Rupert Lane Education Committee 9. Air Commodore Stephen Lilley FPC Building Committe 10. Richard Noake (Elmshurst 1959-1964) FPC Investments Committee Nominations Committee Chairman of Bromsgrove School Foundation Formerly a Senior Partner at KPMG in Birmingham who has since worked in the building and engineering Industries and for Business in the Community (The Prince’s Trust). 11. Professor John Perry Education Committee
12. Tim Pile Chairman of FPC Chairman of Marketing Committee Trustee of Bromsgrove School Foundation 13. Dr Angèle Silk Vice Chairman Education Committee Marketing Committee Building Committee Child Protection Committee Child Psychologist, formerly Consultant Psychologist at Sunfield Residentional School. 14. Geoffrey Strong Building Committee Child Protection Committee Education Committee FPC Health and Safety Committee 15. Nick Venning Marketing Committee A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Marketing Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Dr Venning is a director of Birmingham Forward and works in voluntary capacities for St Basil’s, The Prince’s Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Community Foundation.
16. David Walters (Lupton 1981-1986) FPC An accountant of 20 years experience, Mr Walters is a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, specialising in advising on complex technical accounting issues. 17. Dr Patrick Walsh-Atkins (Former Academic Staff 1972-2005) Education Committee 18. James Sommerville Company Secretary and Clerk to the Governors Clerk to Bromsgrove School Foundation
About the Committees FPC The Finance and Property Committee deals with financial policy and the financial management of the School. Building The Building Committee considers and monitors major build and refurbishment projects within the School. Investments The Investment Committee receives termly updates on investment and performance from the Investment Advisers and reports these matters to the Board together with any proposals regarding changes in the Investment policy set by the Board. Marketing The Marketing Committee considers the marketing and promotion of the School in liaison with the Foundation and Admission and Marketing Departments of the School. Education The Education Committee deals with educational and related operational issues and brings recommendations and concerns with regard to such matters to the Board.
PUBLIC BENEFIT Nominations The Nominations Committee considers possible capability gaps with regard to the composition of the Board and makes recommendations regarding potential new Board members. Health and Safety The Health and Safety Committee ensures that there are adequate policies and procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of all pupils and staff and to ensure that the School complies with all legislative changes. Child Protection The Child Protection committee ensures that there are adequate policies and procedures in place to ensure the safeguarding of all pupils and to ensure that the School complies with all legislative changes. The Committees meet at least termly and the full Governing Body meets three times a year.
The School’s aims are charitable and we forget that at our peril. Public benefit goes way beyond allowing outside groups the use of School facilities. It is about bursarial support, increasing access, and working with schools and organisations less fortunate than ourselves. In Bromsgrove’s case, the achievements over the last year have been marked, but much remains to be done. All bursaries are means tested, and while the Headmaster’s aspiration for a needs blind School is probably many decades away, the coming academic year will see Bromsgrove dispensing a seven figure bursary sum for the first time in its history. The number of 100% bursaries has increased again. Access is widening every year, and more and more pupils, for whom coming to this great School was once a pipe dream, now have a realistic chance of entry. Our work with local comprehensive schools in the Sandwell area continues, as do numerous initiatives closer to home. We have worked very hard to become the great School we are today, but it is imperative that success and the means of achieving it are shared so that the aspirations of others are raised.
Megan Griffiths, Rachel Scannell, Jane Rogers, Richard Noake and Chris Edwards in front of the Old Chapel
BROMSGROVE SCHOOL FOUNDATION
THE FOUNDATION BOARD
The Foundation has had an extremely successful year. The first objective is to re-engage Bromsgrovians with their School, and, during this year, almost 70% of Old Bromsgrovians have been invited to an event, either at School, in London, or at venues across the UK and worldwide. Hugely enjoyable receptions, lunches, and dinners have been held at some wonderful locations (often through the generosity of OBs), and significant numbers of Bromsgrovians have become reacquainted. One pair of former House mates hadn’t seen each other for 68 years: you can well imagine the laughter and shared memories.
Viscount Cobham President
Lord Heseltine delivered the Second Foundation Lecture brilliantly, and took questions from a large audience of OBs at Trinity House in November 2010. All is recorded on the website. A marvellous London Dinner was also held, thanks to HH Judge Richard Foster, at The Reform Club. This will be an annual event, and the next one will be again at The Reform Club in May 2012. Current pupils have met and entertained former pupils and have been much amused by their fascinating and often downright naughty stories of School life. The current CCF, String Orchestra, the Choir in New York, and the magnificent cast of The Threepenny Opera all played their part in bringing former generations up to speed with events and achievements at the School.
The second Foundation objective is the raising of funds to support able children gaining access to this great School. It is never easy to ask friends to support the School financially in difficult economic times, but we have been overwhelmed by the generous and positive responses. We are enormously grateful to those who have been able to provide donations, and also to the fast growing number of Bromsgrovians who have pledged to make provision in their wills to support bursaries. The gift of an excellent education is surely one of the greatest that can be made in this way. The recipients will be grateful all their lives, and the philanthropists and benefactors of today will always be recognised as great friends of Bromsgrove. Future events are noted on the Foundation pages of the website. Invitations will be issued, but please do let the Foundation Office know of any occasions you would like to attend. Particular upcoming highlights include 10th September 2011 1985 - 1995 Leavers’ Reunion. 9th November 2011 The Third Annual Foundation Lecture, London. Guest speaker Dame Julia Cleverdon, DCVO, CBE, formerly Chief Executive of Business in the Community.
Richard Noake (Elmshurst 1959-1964) Chairman of the Foundation School Governor Chris Edwards Headmaster Stewart Towe (Lupton 1965-1970) Chairman of Governors John Wheatley Former Chairman of the Foundation 2007-2011 Sir David Arculus (Wendron 19591964) Mark Escolme (Lupton 1980-1985) His Honour Judge Richard Foster (Elmshurst 1967-1972) Clive Parkes (Cookes 1966-1971) Bromsgrovian Club committee member John Rogers (Director of Services 1995-2007, Foundation Director 20072008) Tim Pile School Governor Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham (Walters 1969-1974) Anthony Rudell (Elmshurst 1960-1963) Rachel Scannell Assistant Head Vice-Chair of the Foundation
The Foundation Office Jane Rogers Head of Foundation Telephone: +44 (0) 1527 579679 ext 365 Email: jrogers@bromsgrove-school.co.uk Megan Griffiths Foundation & Alumni Co-ordinator Telephone: +44 (0) 1527 579679 ext 366 Email: mgriffiths@bromsgrove-school. co.uk If you are considering making a gift, then please either contact the Foundation Office, who will be able to advise you on tax-efficient ways to do so, or refer to the Foundation pages of the School website, www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/ bromsgrove-school-foundation
DONORS JANUARY 2007 - MAy 2011 The Trustees of Bromsgrove School Foundation, the Governors of Bromsgrove School and the Headmaster wish to reiterate their gratitude to all our donors for their generous support. We are delighted to acknowledge all those who have made contributions to the School since January 2007 to May 2011 (correct at time of going to print).
Cookes House Robin Berry (1964-1969) T. Matthew Horton (1962-1967, Parent, ex-Chairman of Governors, Former Foundation Trustee) Noel Nicholls – donation for BSEC (1963-1968) Elmshurst House David Cariss (1949-1953) Hugh Furber (1952-1957) Robert Hurst (1945-1950) James Leek (1957-1962) Dick Noake (1959-1964, Chairman of the Foundation, School Governor) Charles Pearson (1960-1965) Anthony Rudell (1960-1963) Topper Webb (1972-1973) Gordon House CCJ Forge (deceased, 1933-1939) Clive Gummow (1952-1957) Rear Admiral Sir David Haslam (deceased, 1936-1941) Anthony Hilton (1945-1950) David Partridge (1934-1938) David Shirra (1950-1954) Brig. Anthony Spackman (1944-1949)
Lupton House A K (Jake) Barton (deceased, 1921-1929) Dr Roger Bishton (deceased, 1945-1950) Dr Kim Daniels (1960-1965) Peter Fielden (deceased, 1944-1949, Head of Biology, Housemaster and Bromsgrovian Club Registrar) Patrick Firminger (1942-1947) Prof Roy Haines (1938-1940) School House Paul Boardman (1965-1970) Henry Buchanan (1957-1962) Stuart Carmichael (deceased, 1945-1950) John Clayson (1952-1957) John Cutler (1956-1961) Nicholas Esson (1964-1969) Anthony Horton (1954-1959) J. Roy Hughes (1945-1950) Charles Jay (1937-1941) Geoffrey John (1947-1951) Garth Kenderdine-Davies (1941-1947) Colin Kleiser (OB 1950-1955) James (Jim) Page (1945-1949; Staff 1960-1989) Christopher Price (1939-1944) Michael Rees (1940-1950) Michael Roberts (1944-1949) David Roscoe (1944-1949) John Rose (1948-1951) John Say (1939-1943) Robert Williams (1963-1968)
Wendron House Roger Brazier (1937-1941) Leslie Francis (1939-1942) David Harrison (1945-1950) Simon Lowndes (1973-1979) Parents Patrick Adler Sqdn Ldr S Burch Dr Philip & Dr Louise Cox Neil & Brigitte Edwards Tang Sui Leung Shule Li Kwan Kin Lun Dr Sadafumi Shikano Jacqueline Shrimpton Chan Chi Wong Mr and Mrs H Yan Mr Yanovskiy and Mrs Yanovskaya Other Donors J Davies Dr C Elliot Anthony Finn (Staff 1964-1992) Thomas Horton & Sons Dr Jeffrey Lewins (Former Governor) Old Bromsgrovian Lodge Jon Moulton (Alchemy Partners LLP) Eulalia (Eulie) Peto (deceased donor) Clem Schilizzi (Staff 1957-1982) Celia Skitt (Staff 1959-1980) Helen Smith (Staff dates unknown) Ian Walker (Staff 1965-1970) Tim Watts (Pertemps Investments) 1 Anonymous Donor
Our Alumni and The Bromsgrovian Club
FRIENDS OF BROMSGROVE SCHOOL (FOBS)
Every pupil that attends Bromsgrove School becomes a ‘Bromsgrovian’, when he or she leaves the School, and in doing so becomes a member of the Bromsgrovian Club.
Friends of Bromsgrove School has been established for current families, parents and Bromsgrovians living overseas to enable members to feel engaged in Bromsgrove School life even if they are living or working thousands of miles away.
With over 7000 members, the Bromsgrovian Club exists to promote the interests of Bromsgrove School by supporting the further development of the School and its facilities, by assisting the present generation of pupils in any way possible and through maintaining helpful contact between Bromsgrovians throughout their lives. The Club is chaired by Hans Rostrup (School 1972-1977) and its President is Tony Hilton (Gordon 1945-1950). Together, they lead an active Committee of Bromsgrovians focussed on organising events that keep Bromsgrovians connected to the School and with each other. That contact ranges from social and sporting events, both in the UK and overseas, to making useful career connections through industry specific networking initiatives. The Bromsgrovian Club will also consider providing financial support to Bromsgrovians who are either pursuing worthwhile projects during their Gap year or who need help with other assignments such as overseas placements during their University course. In the last year the Club has helped Bromsgrovians with various projects including a medical elective placement in the South Pacific as well as an expedition to Mount Everest.
Groups have currently been identified in Australia, North America, Germany, Hong Kong and Thailand. Committees have, or will be, established in each of these countries so that Bromsgrovians and Friends of the School always have a contact point in the country where they are living or working.
Bromsgrove School is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England. Registered Charity No. 1098740 Registered Office: Bromsgrove School, Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 7DU Telephone: +44 (0) 1527 579679 Email: enquiries@bromsgrove-school.co.uk
www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk