DCF Annual Report 2020

A closer look

Dean Close Foundation Annual Report

Summer 2020

Contents

Growing Close

4

Close Together

6

Close Formation

8

Close Foundation

10

Close Circles

16

Close Accounting

24

Close Talk

26

Close Community

28

Close Quarters

30

Close Friends

32

Close Contribution

38

Dean CloseFoundation Annual Report 2020

‘

Every pupil has a thirst for knowledge and an excellent attitude to learning, reflecting the school’s aim to encourage independent thinking.’

DCS ISI inspection 2019

3

Growing Close

4

‘

I am deeply pround of all that has been achieved and look forward to building strongly on it in the next academic year.’

T

he Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the most unpromising environments on the planet for plant life. In an average year, the desert receives no more than 12mm of rain. However, occasionally, in years when the El Niño effect is at work, rainfall increases in the months of September to November, and suddenly the desert is a sea of blooms. Over 200 species of flowers appear, most of them only found in this part of the world; the barren landscape is watered and bursts into life and vibrancy.

In the early part of 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic began its sinister worldwide spread, the immediate future for all of us looked bleak. However, it is at times of crisis that the true nature of a community is most clearly seen, and at the Dean Close Foundation there has been a remarkable flowering of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and mutual care as we have tackled the very real challenges posed by the pandemic. New ways of teaching and

learning, of exchanging ideas and of using technology have emerged, and all with a profoundly human character; mind, body and spirit equally engaged and a healthy dose of humour and fun at every turn.

The Dean Close Foundation has this year established our ʻFoundation Stonesʼ – the overarching aim and values which unite us all. The first stone, the overall aim, is ʻFlourishingʼ, and I hope you will find evidence in this Annual Report of the organisation itself and the individuals within it doing just that, in a range of conditions from the temperate climate of the start of the academic year to the more inhospitable environment of the lockdown period.

I am deeply proud of all that has been achieved and look forward to building strongly on it in the next academic year.

Emma Taylor Warden, Dean Close Foundation

5

CloseTogether

THE BENEFITS

•

Economies of scale – centralisation of administration and sharing of resources and facilities helps us keep costs down.

•

Profile – the scale of the Foundation gives Dean Close a

We are a Foundation: the Senior School, our two Prep Schools, our Pre-Prep and our nurseries. Our scale gives us breadth of educational vision. It makes our schools more sustainable and gives us a broader perspective and a longer view.

higher profile, enabling us to influence.

•

Minimisation of risk – our diversity helps insulate us against some of

The Foundation portfolio has strengthened our finances.

the threats faced by independent schools.

The diversity of activities in the Dean Close Foundation portfolio has strengthened the financial position of Dean Close and thus our ability to improve facilities, keep fees manageable and offer the very best to pupils of all ages.

•

Best practice – our teachers have a bigger and more diverse group of colleagues with whom to collaborate and share best

After considerable investment and changes in structure, the schools and nurseries are all thriving.

With centralised Foundation business functions, the schools and nurseries can concentrate on looking after their pupils and delivering the best education possible to each and every one.

6

practice.

•

Focus – with some leadership tasks now handled centrally, each of our schoolsʼ Heads can focus fully on leading their school.

Dean Close Timeline

1886

Dean Close School For boys aged 9 –18

1938 1968 The first girls come to Dean Close Schools, Senior and Junior

Dean Close Junior School formed, gaining membership of IAPS in 1949. Now known as Dean Close Preparatory School

2003

2015

Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School ʻSquirrelsʼ established St Johnʼs on-the-Hill School, Hedgehogs, Robins and Teddies Nurseries join the Dean Close Family

2016

2017

Formation of the Dean Close Foundation. Dean Close House becomes ʻDCHQʼ – the administrative base of the Foundation

Treetops Nurseries Cheltenham and Gloucester join the Foundation

2020 7

CloseFormation

This year, we have made some key senior appointments to strengthen the leadership of important areas of the Foundation’s work, particularly in the areas of HR, Marketing and Admissions.

8

Foundation Leadership Team

Emma Taylor Warden

Carolyn Shelley

Paddy Moss

Bradley Salisbury

Jason Dobbie

Dean Close Pre-Prep Head

Dean Close Prep School Head

Dean Close School Head

St Johnʼs on-the-Hill (until Dec 2020)

Nick Thrower

Adrian Bowcher

St Johnʼs on-the-Hill (2021 onwards)

Dean Close Foundation Bursar

Senior Team Leaders

Jennifer Thomas

David Evans

Emily Harris

Rebecca Chaplin

Steve Ewence

Director of HR, Foundation

Director of External Relations, Foundation

Director of Marketing, Foundation

Director of Admissions, Foundation

Operations Bursar, Foundation

(appointed 2019)

(appointed 2020)

9

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During the year, we have worked hard to establish our ‘Foundation Stones’ – a clear statement of the aim and values of the Foundation. In the new academic year, we will develop these further, considering how they should make a practical difference to the life of every pupil and member of staff, and to the way we think about ourselves, other people, the world and God. Each area of the Foundation has provided some practical examples of the Foundation Stones at work.

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Annika – Annika in Pre-Prep was a very caring friend to a new EAL pupil in Year One when she started, who spoke very little English. She made sure she understood what she was doing and was always making sure she was supported.

Boarding House Parents – boarding parents who go over and above their care of the pupils in their houses.

The Chaplaincy Team quietly offer pastoral support across the Foundation throughout the year, offering a listening ear and wise counsel to many pupils and staff.

11

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in practice

Evan – Evan is incredibly passionate about academics, in particular Science, and this year showed courage by stepping out of his comfort zone and initiating a Dean Close Science week. He solely organised an experiment to create an electrical current on Chapel Close and also set up a Termly School newsletter to discuss current issues of interest to his fellow students.

Annabelle and Thomas – both pupils started new in the Lent Term in Year 1 and 2, when school is so different given the context of coronavirus. We are very impressed with their courage in such a challenging situation.

Those children coping with severe food allergies and having to take particular care of what they touch and eat.

Year 8 pupils having to miss so many of the final events of the year before leaving for Senior School, including exams and events both in and out of school.

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Contribution in practice Brecon – Brecon is four years old and goes to St Johnʼs. He was inspired by his neighbours who were doing a challenge to raise money for a charity and approached his parents asking if he could do something too. He said he wanted to help “boys and girls in danger”, so the family decided the best charity would be the NSPCC. He decided he wanted to complete a climbing and biking challenge. Over the course of 10 days, he would bike the distance of a full marathon, 42,195m, and climb the equivalent of the Eiffel Tower, 300m. Part way through his challenge, Brecon came off his bike quite spectacularly. An x-ray confirmed he had a buckle fracture, so he ended up running the distance instead of biking. He was determined not to give up. He has raised £872 to date.

Izzy – Izzy has been quietly visiting the elderly residents of a local care home. Izzy arranged this on her own and does not look for any recognition or reward; she does it because she cares deeply about the elderly in the community.

Grace in Year 2 climbed ʻEverestʼ on her stairs for charity during lockdown.

Pupils in the Schola Cantorum sing four times a week at Tewkesbury Abbey and have to rehearse early each morning. They show great dedication (as do their parents) and commitment with long hours, often having to miss school events.

1

13

It would be impossible to capture the diversity and richness of a Dean Close education, but we have attempted to set out an overview and some helpful statistics.

A total of 1,630 children in our care

475 296 161 160 556 pupils currently on roll

pupils currently on roll

pupils currently on roll

pupils currently on roll

pupils currently on roll

GCSE Subjects

Leavers’ Destinations

(Class of 2019)

(2019)

34%

Edinburgh

St Andrewʼs

Durham

Manchester

A* / 9, 8

Leeds Nottingham

Liverpool

Warwick Cambridge

Gloucester

Oxford Swansea Cardiff

London Reading

Bristol

Brighton Southampton

Exeter Bath

4 14

GAP YEAR PUPILS

59%

A*– A / 9, 8, 7

385 Total rehearsal hours

490 17.5 pupils involved

9,920

100%

minutes of music lessons per week

of pupils involved in school sport

623 matches played

hours spent performing

490

95

minutes of ensemble practice per week

teams

A Level Subjects (Class of 2019)

10,490 minutes of music per week

41

%passrateA*-B 80

UCAS points per exam

70

26

60

50

subjects

28% A* – A

40

30

99.7%

20

10

pass rate

0 2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

15

CloseCircles

Partnerships 2019 – 20

P

artnership activity in the Dean Close Foundation operates on four levels: locally, regionally, nationally and internationally; since we have schools and nurseries in Cheltenham, Chepstow, Gloucester and Newport, the local and regional links are quite varied geographically!

What follows tries to give a good flavour of all the activity that has taken place, with an attempt both to assess the impact of our partnerships as well as to tell some stories of those who are involved both in our schools and in the wider community.

16

‘

Local At the local level, we have many partnerships with primary schools, and other organisations within the local community, including our membership of the newly formed Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP).

I just wanted to say once again thank you for the partnership links. My students and staff are gaining lots from

Primary Schools Many primary school pupils attend concerts and plays at DCSJ, DCPS and DCS. Christchurch pupils enjoy DC Forest School once a week.

The Bacon Theatre hosted Lakeside’s Christmas Concert

working together ... the quality of the provision from your young ’ leaders is excellent .

Kevin Day, Head Teacher of Belmont, a Community Special School

DCS L6th linguists’ assembly at Holy Apostles

Community Action Arts and craft, music and sport for St James’ as part of the Community Action Field Day programme.

Sports Skill Days for Hockey, Netball and Rugby Charlton Kings Primary (19 girls, 16 boys)

DCSJ pupils take part in an intergenerational project with Castleford Hose Care.

Lakeside Primary (18 girls, 10 boys)

Teddies Nursery donated food items to families in need by giving to a local community church.

St James' Primary (12 girls, 13 boys)

Teddies also raise money for the Save the Children charity at Christmas time

Community Action Field Days

40 Sixth Formers involved with 15 partners

Morris Court Residential Care Home

Hesters Way Primary St Mark’s Primary

Ambleside Residential Care Home Hatherley Road Residential Care Home Goals for Grass Charity Christchurch Primary Lakeside Primary

Belmont Community Special School Tree Tops Nursery Priors Park Neighbourhood charity in Tewkesbury Gloucestershire Bundles charity in Gloucester

Holy Apostles’ Primary St James’ Primary

Pied Piper Charity Shop in Gloucester 17

Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP) This year has seen the launch and first year programme of CEP, a partnership of 10 state and independent schools and the University of Gloucestershire, supported by a number of town and county organisations.

Other events included: - climate change ’Change Makers’ project initiated by the Science Festival - Biomedical Ethics Seminars hosted at Dean Close for aspiring medics, dentists and vets - astronomy taster sessions • CEP’s objective is to provide outstanding educational opportunities for young people in Cheltenham • The launch took place during the 2019 Literature Festival followed by the first main event of an Education Question Time pupil panel

‘

- Heads of Science meeting - Young Enterprise Business Challenge led by a team from Spirax Sarco

I feel like I have really given back to my

community today and that I have learnt even more about society and the many different people that we have thriving within it.’

Sixth Form pupil after a visit

18

‘

We were not sure what to expect from today but we have found out that independent school pupils are just like us.’

9,337 pupils in total

1,653 PP/FSM/LAC

Expand to Pupil Premium/Free School Meals/Looked After Children

26

DCS pupils and 5 DCS staff involved actively in events

18

separate events

Cleeve Sixth Form pupils

Education Question Time Pupil Panel The CEP event, featuring pupils from its nine member schools, took place immediately prior to a sell-out Education Question Time, chaired by the BBCʼs Jeremy Vine, at the Bacon Theatre on the question ʻDoes our education system prepare current pupils for the world of tomorrow?ʼ These pupils, while warm in their comments about their own schools, challenged school leaders and politicians to think again about such areas as political education, climate change, financial skills and the provision for the creative and performing arts. Many of these questions were later explored by the expert panel, consisting of former Secretary of State for Education Lord Blunkett, Alex Chalk MP, cyber-security and AI expert Professor Richard Benham, Eleanor Busby, Education Correspondent for the Independent, and EmmaTaylor, our Warden. The debate was energetic and lively; questions included ʻShould the voting age be lowered to 16?ʼ; ʻAre mobile phones the enemy?ʼ and ʻHow much responsibility for education lies with parents?ʼ Jeremy Vine chaired both the pupil panel discussion and the evening session with verve, challenging the panellistsʼ views and ending by racing around the auditorium with a microphone eliciting the judgement of the Sixth Formers on the opinions expressed.

19

Sporting Links Sporting links exist with Gloucester Rugby Club, Highnam Equine, Summerhouse Equestrian, Hucclecote Netball and David Lloyd Tennis Centre

Regional There are many links in Gloucestershire and the South West, strongly supported of course by the location of St Johnʼs on-the-Hill and Hedgehogs Nursery in Tutshill, Robins Nursery at St Arvans and Teddies Nursery at Celtic Springs.

Chaplaincy DCF Chaplaincy Team partner in annual Chaplains’ meetings and Christian Union days out with Kingham Hill and Monkton Coombe

Schola Cantorum and Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum sing evensong three times each week at Tewkesbury Abbey

Business Links

The Abbey hosts our annual Commemoration Service and other occasional school services

Membership of Circle2Success with branches in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Bristol.

Abbey clergy are invited to speak in DCS or DCPS Chapel services

Dean Close House hosted a conference ‘A Celebration of Business Women’ with key-note speaker Nicola Whiting MBE, which saw 70 local business executives come together on International Women’s Day 20

PDT Department Protective Visors

A

fter the closure of schools towards the end of March, a request was received asking whether Dean Closeʼs PDT Department would be able to help local medical and health care workers by making protective equipment. Dom Evans and his team immediately went into action and helped these organisations:

Hospitals: Gloucester Royal – Ward 3A Orthogeriatrics, Ward 3B, Emily Kent Ward; Cheltenham General – ICU, Critical Care; Queen Elizabeth, Birmingham – ENT; Tewkesbury, Charlton Lane Community Medical Care providers: Cheltenham Cobalt Unit; Cotswold District Nurses; Complex Care at Home Service; Gloucestershire NHS Trust GP surgeries: Gray Hill, Newent, Portland Practice, Hatherley, Hatherley Midwives, Overton Park, Forest Healthcare, Clevelands Medical Centre Pharmacies: Rowlands Chemists Residential Care Homes: Ambleside, Lidnum (Swindon), Kate Nursing Home, Monkscroft, Aspirations, Sue Ryder Leckhampton, Bishopʼs Cleeve, Sandfields, Queensbridge, Gloucestershire House Leonard Cheshire Local carers: Up Hatherley Vets: Hook Norton Schools: Richard Pateʼs

‘

The masks flew through the infection control test

and all the ladies on her team were completely

taken aback by them; they thought the messages written on them were amazing!’ Cheltenham General Oncology 21

National There are several national organisations, with whom Dean Close are partners. Apart from school associations (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, Independent Association of Prep Schools, Boarding Schoolsʼ Association), the Foundation is fully committed to the Armed Forces Covenant employer recognition scheme and DCPS is a member of the Choir Schools' Association.

‘

The talks altered my way of

thinking and were invaluable to learning about leadership.’

Pupil at the TISCA Prefects' Day at Dean Close House 22

No. of pupils currently in ROC programme:

No. of pupils at Nyakatukura, Ibanda:

No. of pupils at No. 7 High School, Chengdu:

69

380

6,000

International Some of our international links are long-standing but others are new. DCSJ has had pupil exchanges with South Africa and China for some time, and DCS now has exchange links with two schools in Cape Town alongside the 16-year partnership with Nyakatukura Memorial Secondary School in Uganda and a brand-new partnership with No. 7 High School in Chengdu, China.

‘

Chengdu We really treasure our friendship between Dean Close and No.7 High School and hope you are well. Please remember you have always been in our thoughts’.

2019 saw the formal establishment of a partnership between DCS and No. 7 High School in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Mr Hu and Ms Zhang visited Dean Close in February 2019, with a return visit by Jacquie Davis, DCS Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Rachael Vest (DCS Head of English Language Training) in October Pupil and staff cultural exchanges will take place when circumstances allow in the future

Spring Li, School Liaison Officer at No. 7 High School

Uganda Link New Head Teacher Caleb Tusingwire has been appointed at Nyakatukura Bishop Amos Magezi hopes to visit for Commermoration Regular exchange of messages of mutual support and goodwill, although visits to Uganda in 2019 and to Dean Close in 2020 were both cancelled due to viral outbreaks 69 orphaned children attend primary and secondary schools, vocational colleges or universities due to the financial support of members of the wider DCF community through ROC

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Financial Year 01/09/18 to 31/08/19

T

he financial year 2018/19 saw a similar outturn to the previous year. We saw a profit before depreciation/amortisation of £0.9m. The Foundationʼs trading subsidiaries have continued to deliver excellent financial results, which were Gift Aided back to the Foundation. This income stream is a key element to help support the Foundationʼs primary activities and long-term financial sustainability of the charity.

The independent schools sector faces still tough challenges, in particular with increased employerʼs costs with National Insurance, the national minimum wage and the Apprentice Levy, the pension scheme increase, and threat to our charitable (partial) exemption for property taxes, and the latest pandemic which brings uncertainly around our pupil numbers and affordability for parents as a result of the pandemic.

At the time of writing, the impact of the current pandemic on our financial performance for 2019 – 20 is still unclear due to regular changes in government announcements. We are taking sensible precautions to protect our income and limit outgoings and have taken advantage of any schemes that have been applicable to us so far and will be able to report the impact in next yearʼs Annual Report.

Adrian Bowcher, Bursar Dean Close Foundation 24

Income School Fees

Nurseries

Dean Close Services 0

£2M

£4M

£6M

£8M

£10M £12M £14M £16M £18M £20M

Earnings before Interest, Tax and Depreciation 2018/19 (EBITDA) £700,000 £600,000 £500,000 £400,000 £300,000 £200,000 £100,000 £0 £-100,000

Schools

Nurseries

Dean Close Services

Profit and Loss (EBITDA) £1,500.00 £1,000.00 £500.00

? £0 £-500.00

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20 (Forecast)

Expenditure

Teaching Welfare Premises Administration Other Costs (including Fundraising & Governance) Trading Expenditure

25

closetalk

‘Pupils have a strong awareness and appreciation of other cultures.’

ISI inspection DCSJS 2018

Inspection success ʻChildren develop excellent knowledge, skills and understanding across all areas of the curriculum because of the quality and range of activities on offer, especially the frequent opportunities for exciting and stimulating learning on themed activity days.ʼ DC Every pupil has a ‘thirst for knowledge’ and an ‘excellent attitude to learning reflecting the school’s aim to encourage independent thinking.’ DC The report commended pupilsʼ ʻhighly confident attitudes to learning, because the positive feedback and personalised guidance from the staff create a purposeful and focused learning environmentʼ ensuring that individual needs are addressed. DC The inspectors noted that ‘the ethos of the school and its Christian foundation pervades all aspects of school life, and is the basis for the strong pastoral care, resulting in a caring and thoughtful society respecting individual needs, differences and sensitivities.’ DC ʻPupils notice when someone else needs help or support. They go out of their way to give a word of support or an offer of help which has an extremely positive impact on the behaviour and morale of the staff community.ʼ DC 26

Other voices Tatler Dean Close is a ʻpeople placeʼ SoGlos ʻDean Close is small enough to allow everyone to know one another, feel valued and get fully involved in the life of the school. However, it is large enough to have a strong boarding community, vibrant and exciting creative arts, impressive academic results and great sports results across all ages.ʼ

Good Schools Guide ʻSafe, happy, comfortableʼ was how one parent summed up the Dean Close experience. Others said it was a school where pupils are ʻexpected to be kindʼ, that it was ʻgood for square pegsʼ and there was ʻno one type, no cool crowd.ʼ

Parent testimonials ʻAs a Sixth Former, she has the confidence to select the A Level subjects that inspire her and which will allow her to follow her ambitions and afford the best opportunities to study at the university of her choice. We would have no hesitation in recommending Dean Close to other parents.ʼ DC ‘I appreciate the way you have guided the children and explained and answered questions I couldn't. You should be so proud of everyone at DC. We are blessed to be part of it.’ DC ʻOur daughter is happy, motivated, challenged and is learning. I wanted to say thank you and applaud you all.ʼ DCSJ ‘We couldn’t have asked for more from your teachers since our son has been working from home – we’re so impressed.’ DCSJ

Facebook Review

ʻExcellent extracurricular activities and pastoral care.ʼ

Online reviews ʻWe've been absolutely delighted – the boarding provision is just the right balance of home comforts, fun and structure.

Music is second to none, amazing facilities and everyone encouraged to join in, whatever their musical talents – big part of school life. We found the Christian ethos underpins the whole attitude to teaching, inclusion and pastoral care but it's definitely not "in your face" if those aren't your beliefs. It seems a very balanced, happy school; good social mix with high standards where independence is encouraged but with plenty of support.ʼ DC ‘Very grounded school but with high expectations and very encouraging, but not pushy – we've really felt that as a school, they "do what it says on the tin".’ DC

‘Academically, Dean Close has equipped our daughter with a strong learning ethos and important study skills that enabled her to achieve excellent GCSE results.’ DC 27

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‘

... it is a dream come true for me to be able to take music lessons and play with the orchestra. The biggest thank you from the bottom of my heart goes to all the individuals who have generously donated to the appeal. Without them, I would never have been able to go to Dean Close and enjoy all the exciting opportunities it offers. Words

’ cannot express how grateful I am. Dennis Carnill Foundation Award Holder

28

The immediate goal now is to establish a ‘Community Fund’ to support current pupils, whose families have been seriously impacted financially by COVID -19, to enable them to continue their education here with us. This ambition has been wonderfully embraced already by some of our current parents, who have asked that their fee remissions be redirected to this cause.

Community We are delighted with the way the two key strands of the Community and Campus have moved forward in the last 12 months and, while future planning for each strand has now been re-shaped in the light of the COVID -19 global pandemic, our determination to build on the past and shape our schools for the future is undimmed. We are enormously grateful to the many friends and supporters of the Dean Close Foundation who have given generously to support us and have indicated that they share our vision and desire to open our doors wider and improve our facilities further.

E

nabling a wider group of pupils to participate in a Dean Close education is one of our founding charitable objectives and this is as relevant today as it has ever been. There are now three Foundation Award holders, who are bringing their considerable gifts, talents and individual contributions to their various schools of the Foundation. The first holds the Denys Carnill Foundation Award, named after Dean Close Schoolʼs former Head of History and Economics, Housemaster of Field House and Master I/c Hockey (he was a GB Olympian Captain after all). The second holds the Leavers of 2019 Foundation Award and the third holds the Old Decanian Foundation Award. Their successful integration makes us only more determined to increase their numbers in the years to come and we are hugely grateful to those who have made these awards possible by their generous donations.

29

closequarters

Campus The Day House Village (Phase 1) has now opened in Dean Close School at the top of the Hatherley Road entrance access drive and is providing excellent facilities for all our Day Pupils. Easier access to the houses has been much appreciated by pupils and parents alike and there is a stronger sense of community amongst the pupils of Dale, Field, Hatherley and Mead. The educational and pastoral benefits are becoming increasingly clear to confirm the good sense of this decision.

30

The Day House Village has breathed new life into Hatherley. Not only do we now have fresh running water and our own toilets (!) but the relationships between the girls have strengthened immeasurably. Groups of mixed year friends are now the norm in the common spaces, and our 'Sisters' programme is thriving, as the younger girls come to know the older girls much better, much faster. The facility for quiet academic study upstairs, with the provision for happy tea-and-toast gatherings downstairs, makes the environment truly multi-purpose. The girls adore the space, and it has revolutionised my experience in my job, as having my office just off our 'dining area' means I have so many more informal chats, and as a result, I feel, the standard of pastoral support I am able to offer has risen.

The boys in Field prefer the location of the Day House Village. Whereas they used to have to fight their way up and down five flights of stairs (if going to the very top) now they can be dropped off near the astro and enjoy a leisurely walk to and from the House. They appreciate being inside a building that looks smart and is comfortable and homely. In terms of layout, the new House is much better with the downstairs being dedicated to changing, washing, socialising and eating facilities, whereas the upstairs has been given over to study and getting on quietly with work. This demarcation means that the boys are developing a mindset that there is a place to relax and chill out and there is a different place to think and do serious academic work. The Common Room area has also been a place where different year groups can play table tennis or chess or board games in their spare time. This has helped integrate the House vertically and horizontally. The location of the office for the member of staff on duty downstairs and upstairs has meant that staff are more accessible and more aware of all that is going on in the House. In addition, being part of a Day House Village has been special. This has meant other day pupils, and boarders, have been allowed to come into the Common Room area downstairs to socialise at appropriate times, and it has been a delight to see the Day Pupils chat outside their respective Day Houses.

Kate Milne, Housemistress of Hatherley

Paul Montgomery, Housemaster of Field

The new Day House Village has been a huge success and we have all benefitted hugely from its development. The new facilities are great, with lots of space for both changing and working. The downstairs area is large and light, making it ideal to hold social events and to enjoy house time. The biggest benefit from the Village is the interaction. Being so close to all the other Houses is great; we are no longer scattered around the school, but altogether as one, meaning friendships are developed both in and between Houses.

Moving into the Day House village has been fantastic! The new facilities have provided a new opportunity for social interaction between pupils from different houses, which was never quite as easy in the old house structure. I think that most people have really enjoyed this opportunity. Alongside this, the Day House Village has provided an improved working environment; the open plan rooms allow for collaborative and private work to take place at the same time, but their separation from the Common Rooms ensures that one cannot be distracted too easily. Overall, I think that moving into the Day House Village has had significant benefits for everyone and it has been a very positive change.

Tom Richardson, Field pupil

Olivia Moss, Hatherley pupil

Attention now turns to Phase 2, in which our plans have been reassessed due to the current situation. However, it remains the intention of the Foundation to develop facilities in the academic heart of Dean Close School, where the relocation of the Day Houses has provided a sizeable area for redevelopment. There will be a prudent refurbishment of some of these areas, given the need for wise stewardship of financial resources in these far from certain times, but a number of our supporters have indicated their commitment to fulfil their pledges of financial support and so we intend to proceed with cautious optimism and, of course, with immense gratitude to those who will enable us to make significant improvements to the quality of our campus.

31

closefriends

It was four o'clock in the afternoon on 3rd September 1975. It was the day and time I was setting off to start my school years at Dean Close. My parents had packed my trunk, including the regulation square white handkerchiefs, and told me I had be in my uniform for 4pm. Well, I was ready, dressed in my cap, by midday! I had a lovely time at DCS – I just seemed to settle immediately at the tender age of eight, boarding in Wilton House and quickly making many friends who each came back to my home when it was a Sunday Exeat, as many were from far flung places. I excelled in sport in all three majors – rugby, hockey and cricket – becoming the captain of our hockey throughout each year and opening bowler in the cricket season (possibly, I was a quirky left- arm medium pace over the wicket, which really confused batsmen back then). I have many fond memories throughout my five years in the Junior School as it was called then. I lived in three houses: Wilton, Fortfield, and eventually in the Senior House where the cool kids were, Caldicote, run by Mr Piper who told incredibly detailed ghost stories to us at night in the dark, great times. I would not be able to swim even now I do not think if it was not for the wonderful, enigmatic Major Ben Chapman, a proper gentleman with a great moustache. I went up to the Senior School in 1980 and was placed in Tower House. I have been a Tower boy through and through ever 32

since, with much rivalry on the sports fields with Gate, the Derby of Houses one might say. Richard Padfield was my housemaster. Again, such incredible fond memories for me of the Senior School too and that would include 'congo practice' in the Chapel because, in my day, we had the wonderful Chandos Morgan as our Chaplain and he made it really interesting and fun, even getting myself and friends to join the choir – who would have thought I was once a soprano? Our teachers and school staff were characters, each and every one: Mr Kenyon, Mr Odell, Pete Cairns, Mr Gibson on his motorbike roaring from Court House to school and of course, Margaret in the Dining Hall. We had Sunday trips out ice skating, the Argonauts rambling across the Malverns and the highlights of the weekend would be the big match followed by a sprint into town for an hour and then a school film in the Flecker Hall, a school disco or a balmy summer evening hanging out with friends on Chapel Close. It is the friends that stay with you physically and the many in your heart throughout your entire life that sometimes even today puts a lump in my throat. I still meet, call or write to a few, and even today, they feel more like close family than friends. I am now 53 years old and I have known them since I was eight, they are certainly friends for life. DCS gave me those and I thank you.

I left school and continued to work hard,

‘

‘

leaner, better and stronger’

It is the friends that stay with you physically

and many in your heart throughout your entire

life that sometimes even today puts a lump in my throat.’

then even harder, became focused on doing well, never work shy and strived to succeed. Today, I am on the board of a family-owned business employing 700 people around the world and I can confidently say Dean Close made me the person I became, the person I am today.

What I lacked in qualifications academically, the school gave me oodles of confidence, independence and the ability to strive hard for what I wanted. Fifteen years ago, I wanted to give something back and became a member of the OD Society's Committee being seconded by my old mate Nick Akerman and in 2018, when Nick wanted to step down from years of service as Chairman, I was voted into the role of Chairman for a five year tenure, to do what I can to help support the school that helped me all those years ago. We have now been facing one of the hardest periods of the school's life, if not the hardest since the last World War, and so now, me and my fellow Committee members are helping the school every way we can financially, commercially and with communications to all our ODs around the world. We live in strange times right now, but we are getting through it and will be leaner, better and stronger; the Foundation has great people at the helm steering through this health crisis. I look forward to continuing to support the school and meeting as many of you as I can at events throughout 2021.

Robin ‘Bic’ Bayliss, OD Chairman, DCPS 1975 –1980, Tower 1980 –1983 33

‘

From the very beginning,

it was very clear that this was a community.’

September 1972 was when I first became a member of the Dean Close Community, and I still feel that I am considered to be a member today. Dean Close was my husband's first teaching post. We moved straight from being post-graduates at Warwick University to a new town and with a six-month-old daughter. It was all very different. From the very beginning, it was very clear that this was a community. Keith was clearly very involved in school; however, I was not ignored. The then Headmaster, and Keith's Head of Department and their wives, ensured that I was very much included. It was a very good beginning, although I remember being quite nervous about taking the baby to Dean Close House for Sunday lunch; she behaved though.

In the intervening years, I have had several roles within the school from Prep School Science Teacher, Senior School Biology Teacher, Head of Careers, Head 34

of PSHE, Housemistress, and supporting my husband as Head of Social Services and organiser of the charity Midsummer Fayre. As a parent of two children educated at the school I still teach some Dean Close pupils on a one-to-one basis.

All this means that I have seen many changes, and could argue that Dean Close is a very different place now.

However, with all this change there are two constants which make it the special community it is. The first is its Christian foundation, the core values of which are at the heart of everything, and the second is the educational philosophy that everyone has special talents and it is our role to enable them to develop them.

Dean Close, therefore, to me is a vibrant forward-thinking community whose success owes much to it maintaining its core values.

Mrs Vanessa Aris MBE MSc (former member of staff)

‘ The best decision we

have made in our lives.’

We have had the great opportunity to educate all three children in schools in the Dean Close Foundation and thatʼs the best decision we have made in our lives. Our son, Kameel, is at Dean Close and our two daughters, Mariam and Hannah, are at St Johnʼs on-the-Hill. They are thriving throughout their school lives academically and in sport, not to mention the best pastoral care they receive. Both schools have guided all my children, responding to their needs and enabling them to achieve great things in life. All of our children represent at a higher level in sports at county and national level. We are pleased with the schoolsʼ approaches, tailor made to our childrenʼs capabilities, and encouraging them to perform at their very best.

Thank you for all your effort and dedication towards our children.

Mr Rikaz and Mrs Agnieszka Sahabdeen (current parents)

Our children were at Dean Close for a span of nine years. They were all happy to board from the outset and keen to fully immerse themselves in everything the school had to offer. Penny and I seemed to be visiting every few days, especially for matches. Ollie soon had the job of the drummer in the jazz band and Greg enjoyed singing in the choir when rugby permitted. The boys (Tower) loved rugby but Philli (Shelburne) was an all-rounder; chapel choir, drama, netball, tennis, and hockey. The choir tours to Venice, Barcelona and New York, which we joined, as well as the many outstanding drama productions, providing many cherished moments for us as parents.

Even though the children have now transitioned through university and into the world of work, Penny and I still visit Dean Close regularly for the wonderful music events, drama productions, sports matches, the Christmas carol service, and many others. Now, assisting the school as a Member of the Council feels like a very natural step. In a sense, we feel we havenʼt really ʻleftʼ Dean Close, and are proud of our long association.

‘ Now, assisting

the school as a

Member of the Council feels like a very

natural step.’

John & Penny Hall (former parents and Member of the Council) 35

‘

‘

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dean Close.’

...helped make

me the person I now am...’

I came to Dean Close from Malaysia, joining Court House, followed two years later by my sister, Lydia, who went into Shelburne. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dean Close, which I firmly know helped make me the person I now am, and especially to the then Headmaster, Christopher Bacon, who offered me the position of Head of School in my final year. I was so happy to return in April last year (2019) with my father, Lydia and our older sister, Cecilia, to meet up again in Cheltenham with Mrs Jill Bacon, Mrs Sue Padfield, Mr and Mrs Tony Forbes and contemporary OD Charlie Montgomery.

It was also my pleasure to host David Evans (DCFʼs Director of External Relations) during his visit to Malaysia last September (2019) and show him some of the KL sights. Since my son, Andrew, is applying later this year for entry into UK universities, I am looking forward to spending more of my time in the UK and engaging more closely with the Dean Close Foundation.

Datuk Chris Thiagarajah, OD, Court 1978 – 83

36

‘ ... the roots cultivated are

now clearly blossoming...’

As parents of three children that went to St Johnʼs on-the-Hill, we can honestly say that the inclusion of the school as part of the Dean Close Foundation has been fantastic. Between the schools within the Foundation there is a clear and shared thread of friendliness, compassion and community spirit that marks the education out as exemplary. Our two daughters, who have now moved to Dean Close Senior School, are truly enjoying and thriving in the environment created by the Head and staff. The journey began with St Johnʼs and the roots cultivated are now clearly blossoming at Dean Close.

Brian Davies and Tracey Skirton-Davies (current parents)

‘

Working with Dean Close has been fundamental in getting business and education together.’

Circle2Success work with leading organisations across the South West, including educational establishments, charities, corporate businesses and SMEs. Itʼs important to have engagement and representation from the whole of the community to make a vibrate and sustainable place to live and work.

Businesses have a vested interest in their communities whether that be through their need for a strong pool of local workers to choose from, access to consumers who can afford their products and services, and at the very least as part of their CSR policies – many businesses genuinely want to give to the community and invest in it. Schools also benefit from these partnerships, providing students with opportunities for success in the local workforce and with experiences in the world of work, encountering inspiring stories and role models, and highlighting the exciting opportunities the world of work can offer. Working with Dean Close has been fundamental in getting business and education together and making them better connected and better informed about each otherʼs roles and providing opportunities for collaboration.

Suzanne Hall-Gibbons (Founder Director of the regional business group Circle2Success) 37

closecontribution DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES

Thank you to all those who have supported the Dean Close Foundation by donating generously. We would not have been able to support the educational experience of so many pupils without you.

COUNCIL

The Abbott Family Mr & Mrs H. Acland Mr & Mrs M.J. Adams Mr H.M. Al-Darmaki Mr L. Allington Mr J.O. Alpass Mrs S. Amos Mrs V. Aris Mr P. Avery Mrs J. Bacon Mr D.F. Bailey Mr D.T. Barham Dr M.R. Barnes Mr I. Bassett-Smith Mr M. Bateman Mr M.W. Bawden Mr R.G. Bell Mr & Mrs S. Bell Mr & Mrs T.H. Bence Mr P. Bennett Dr A.G. Blyth Mrs S. Boden Mr A. Bolton & Family Mr & Mrs R. Bolton Mr C. Bown Dr W. Bowring Lt Col A.J. Briggs Mrs J. Brown Mr T.C. Brown Revd L. Browne Mr N.G. Bryan Mr P. Bryan Mr C. Buckett Mr J. Burgon Mr & Mrs N. Burroughs Lady D. Butterworth Mr & Mrs S. Cahill Mr P. Cairns Mr B. Cappuccini The Carducci Quartet Mr C. Carmell Mr & Mrs D.J. Carnill Mr J.S. Carpente Mr & Mrs J. Carter Mr J. Chen Mr Chin & Ms Kong Mr Y. Choi Mr J. Cigarini Mr T. Clink Miss H.F. Colley Revd R.J.M. Collins Mr & Mrs D. Conway Mr J.R.B. Cook Revd R. Coombs Mr I. Cooper Mr & Mrs D. Cormack Mr & Mrs Craig and Family Dr J. Crossley Mr & Mrs T. Daltry Mr A. Dankov Dr M.G. Dash Mr J.N. Deakin Mr R. Deasy Lt Col J. Denley Mr & Mrs H. Dent Mr & Mrs Dickinson Miss R. Donaldson Mr J. Drew Revd Dr A. Dunning Mr J.W. Eaden Mr A.B. Edginton The Elliott Family Mr S. & Mrs Entts Mr D.A.W.S. Esson Mr H. Evans Professor R.J.W. Evans Mr & Mrs I.F. Ferguson Mr M.S. Fincham Mrs G. Firth

ALLEN Revd Malc AUSTEN The Revd Simon B.Sc, M.A, Dip.Min BIRD Anthony R., BA BOWEN Meurig BRADBY Hugh BYRD Russel FCA, FCCA CARTWRIGHT Mike J., BA, FCA CLAYTON, Sarah DAVIES Brian Rhys OBE DICK Mrs R., BA, ACA DOWLER, Caroline DREW John, MEng EDEN Rebecca FOSTER Simon GOODE David, MA, MPhil HALL John THE EARL OF HARROWBY, Conroy, MA, FRICS HAYNES, Dr Jonathan BM BCh. MA FRCPsych HODGKINS Henry J, ACIB HOLMES The Revd Dr Jonathan M. HUNT Andrew J. JUDGE Andrew KNIGHT Frankie Louise LEWIS Timothy Robin LOCK AVM Ray, CBE, BSc MACKAY Revd Rupert MAYNARD, Peter MULLINS, Dale MUNRO The Revd Duncan J.S. MA, MBA NAPIER Mrs Patricia G. PATTERSON Norman PINSENT Mrs Katherine J. PHILIP-SORENSEN Mark PORTER Amanda THE LORD RIBEIRO, Bernard, kt, CBE, FRCS ROBERTS Dr Chris SHAW, Francis SILVESTER, Paul ACIB, BA SYKES Mrs Jane, BA THOMAS Simon BA, LLM & Solicitor THOMAS Stephen, BA, LLB TOWNSEND James, MA WILLIAMS The Revd Canon Paul R., MTh WILLIAMS Rt Revd Paul BOARD BULLINGHAM, Simon MSc, BSc CARDEN Mrs Kathryn, MPhil, BA CHAFFEY, Jane Frances MA, BA COOMBS The Revd Richard M, BSc, MA DALTRY Mrs Helen, BA DREW Stephen, MA DUFFIN Ian, FCA, Bcom HIRST Mrs Sara L., BEd MARSDEN, Audrey MSc, BSc MCDONALD, Gary RIDING Mrs Karen, LLB SMITH Matthew P., MA TAYLOR Lt Col Edward T., BA, RA

38

Mr D. Ford Mr J.H.K. Forster Mr C.R.F. Foulkes Mrs S. Fowler Mrs R. Fraser The Friends of St Johnʼs Mr & Mrs C. Friessner-Day Mr M. Gammon Mr & Mrs E. Gillespie Mrs J. Gillman Mr M. Girling Mrs A. Godley Mr Goldingham Mr T.J.C. Goudie Mr & Mrs A. Greenwood The Gregory Family Mrs Griffin Mr & Mrs R.C. Grimshaw The Gupta Family Professor & Mrs R.M. Haine The Hall Family Mr F. Hand Mr I.G Handy Mrs L.S.M. Hardy Mr J.A. Harington Hawes Mr R.S. Harman Mr & Mrs J. Harris Lord & Lady Harrowby Mr R.E.H. Hawes Professor & Mrs P. Helm Mr B.V.G. Helsdon Mr & Mrs G.N. Henderson Mrs MJ Henderson Colonel J.R. Hensman Mr S. Herbert Mr P. Hilltout Mrs A.E. Hirani Mrs S.L. Hirst The Hodgkins Family Mrs C. Horne Mr P.D. House The Howell Family Mrs S. Huxster Mr J.G. Jenkins Mr D.W. Jones Mr P. Jones Revd Canon Dr S. Jones Mr S.N. Jones Mr & Mrs B. Kent Mr N. Kent Mr E. Kent Mr & Mrs C. Kenyon The Hon J. Kirkham Mr & Mrs B. Knight Mr P. Knight Mr B.W. Knight Mr P.H. Knight Mr & Mrs S Lainé Mrs C. Laine Mr & Mrs J. Lancashire Mr G. Lane Mrs J. Langdon Mr T.J. Lawrence Mr P. Lebedev Mr J.M. Lee The Leishman Family Mr R.C. Letchworth Mr D.R. Long The Lovatt Family Mr & Mrs I. Lowdon Mrs R.A. Luard Mr C.P. Lynam Miss L.J. Mackenzie Mrs N. MacKenzie Mrs H. Mao Mr & Mrs A.R. Marchand Canon & Mrs I. Marsh Lt Col B.K. Martin Sir P. & Lady Marychurch

Mr McCartney Mr & Mrs I. McHardie-Jones Mr R.M. McMahon Mr P.R. Mercer-Wilson Ms L. Millward Mr J.H. Moir Mr R.J. Moreland Mr I. Morton The Napier Family The Neale Family Mr Neubauer & Dr Wright Mr C.A.P. Newman Mr & Mrs T. Odell Revd M. Oram Mr R. Oram The Osicki Family Mrs L.J. Overbury Mrs S. Padfield The Paget Family Parentsʼ Hockey Club Mr & Mrs H. Paxton Mr J.M. Peach Mr J. Postlethwaite Mr B. Powell Mr & Mrs S. Ralph Mr & Mrs C. Regan Mr A. Reid Lord B.F. Ribeiro The Richardson Family Ms A. Richardson The Riding Family Mr & Mrs C.A. Rogers Mr & Mrs C. Roberts Miss R. Rowley-Brooke The Ryan Family Mrs L. Peri Samuels Mrs R. Scott Payne Mr R. Searle Dr A. Shepherd Lady Shields Mr H.L. Silvanus-Davis Mr A. Simpkin Miss J. Slatter Mr G. Smallbone Mr M. Smith Mrs C. Stebbings The Stocks Family Mrs J.S. Stratford Revd H. Symes-Thompson Mr A. Tang Mr & Mrs R.S. Taylor Lt Col E.T. Taylor Mr J.N. Taylor Mr S. Thomas Mr D. Till Mr C.R.G. Timson Mr C.J. Townsend Mr J.E. Townsend Revd & Mrs C. Turner Mrs S. Vaus The Viney Family Mr & Mrs Warren The Wells Family Rt Revd J. Went Revd & Mrs P. Wheaton Mr S.K. White Revd & Mrs C.E. Whitney Mr H.F. Wickham Mr W.J. Wickham The Williams Family Mr J.C.B. Winter Mr M.C. Womersley Mrs V. Wong The Woods Family Mr & Mrs D. Woods Mrs P. Worden Dr & Mrs M. Workman Wg Cdr J. Worrall The Youde Family

Financial Support/Giving

If you would like to support the Dean Close Foundation and help to enable a wider group of pupils to participate in a Dean Close Education or contribute to the development of our educational provision, there are a variety of ways of doing this.

Please visit https://www.deanclose.org.uk/about/support-us/how-you-can-help/ for information on

Making a pledge Making a regular gift Sending a cheque Sending a charity cheque or voucher Making a bank transfer You can find a Donation and Gift Aid Form at the following link: https://www.deanclose.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Donation-Form.pdf For further information, please contact David Evans by telephone on 01242 267446 or by e-mail to drevans@deanclose.org.uk or development@deanclose.org.uk.

We are grateful for the donations we receive and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in supporting the Dean Close Foundation.

Thank you

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