The Quad – Advent Term 2025

Quad The

ADVENT TERM 2025

LANCING COLLEGE MAGAZINE

In this Issue

ADVENT 2025

10

24

46

4

Our New Heads of School

29

Advent Theatre Trips

70

Foundation Office

6

Admissions Update

30

Exploring the Côte d’Azur

71

Foundationer Focus

8

Thought for Food

32

Music Tour to Paris

72

A Lancing Legacy

9

Recognition and Honours

34

Art News

72

OL Visits

10

Life in House

36

Music News

74

1995 30-Year Reunion

12

Home and Away

43

Drama News

75

Over 60s Autumn Lunch

14

Careers and Employability

48

House Film Festival 2025

76

New York Reunion

16

Academic Enrichment

50

Scouts News

77

1990 35-Year Reunion

17

Medical Society

52

CCF News

78

Lancing Parents Association

18

Academic News

54

Sports News

80

OL News

19

Qui diligit Deum

60

Dorset House News

84

OL Sports Round-Up

20

Travel Awards

62

LPH News

86

OL Club Carol Service

24

Inspiration in Nepal

64

LPW News

88

In Memoriam

26

Exploring Physical Landscapes

66

Little Lancing News

91

Forthcoming Events

28

German Exchange

68

Chapel News

91

School & Events Photos

COVER IMAGE: Dr Scott Crawford’s first Head Master’s Assembly on 5 September 2025

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Welcome ...

As I reach the end of my first term at Lancing, what strikes me most is not the ‘newness’ of it all, but how quickly this place has begun to feel like home.

The term has brought memorable milestones, including my Installation Ceremony in Chapel, during which we also welcomed our new prefects into their roles. This made it feel like a shared moment, a reminder of the responsibility we all hold in guiding Lancing forward.

Amid the day-to-day life of the College, I have been moved time and again by the strength and character of this community. The Remembrance Service in Chapel and in the Memorial Cloister was profoundly poignant, dignified, reflective and beautifully led by our pupils. Later in the term, the production of Guys & Dolls showcased remarkable confidence, musicianship and teamwork, and was quite simply of West End standard. The Carol Services were equally extraordinary, offering moments of beauty and stillness that were clearly cherished by so many current and former parents and OLs. Friday assemblies have been a joy, celebrating excellence across the full breadth of school life, from academics to music, drama and sport. Our hockey and football teams have competed with ambition and conviction, often against much larger schools, and several pupils have earned regional and national selections. Their achievements reflect

something central to Lancing: this is a place where young people discover strengths they may not have known they possessed.

Another highlight was travelling to New York to meet OLs, prospective families and supporters. Sharing Lancing’s vision, particularly the lifechanging impact of our Foundationer Programme of transformational bursaries, strengthened my determination that Lancing should be recognised confidently and unapologetically as a force for good.

Above all, it is the day-to-day interactions that have mattered most: conversations in classrooms, chance encounters in corridors, cheering from pitch sidelines and time spent with pupils, colleagues and parents. The warmth of welcome has been striking, but even more striking is the quality of the people here, their curiosity, humour, kindness and drive. What follows in these pages of The Quad captures much of this spirit, showcasing the energy, creativity and generosity that make Lancing such an inspiring place.

As an independent school, we continue to navigate pressures and structural changes within the wider educational landscape. We are also engaging thoughtfully with the rapid

development of AI and its growing influence on how young people learn, work and live. While these shifts bring both opportunities and challenges, be assured that we remain committed to guiding our pupils and supporting our parents with clarity, expertise and confidence as we move into 2026.

Alongside this, I will be working closely with colleagues and Governors to strengthen Lancing’s position and further raise the College’s profile in the years ahead.

This is a remarkable community, and I am excited for the work we will do together.

With warmest wishes,

DR SCOTT CRAWFORD Head Master

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COLLEGE NEWS

Introducing our 2025/2026 Heads of School Inspiring leaders. Supportive friends. Proud ambassadors: Our Heads of School embody the spirit of our community – ambitious yet grounded, kind yet determined, and passionate about making a difference. They are chosen not just for their achievements, but for the example they set to those around them.

This year, we are delighted to introduce Lily Townsend, Hugo Dissanayake, Isaac Leigh and Romily Trevelyan-Johnson – four remarkable pupils whose journeys capture what it means to be inspired, be brilliant, be you.

Lily Townsend’s Lancing story spans continents, originally from Connecticut, USA, she joined in the Third Form, took a short break, and returned in the Fourth Form.

Lancing quickly became a second home.

‘When I was asked to be Head of School, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a moment that felt both unexpected and greatly affirming. I was grateful that everything I had contributed to Lancing had been recognised and valued by the community that has become such an integral part of my life.’

As she embarks on her final year, Lily’s focus is on finishing strong, both academically and personally, and leaving her mark as a leader who prioritises kindness and involvement.

‘I want to be remembered as someone who showed up, participated fully in College life and treated everyone with warmth and respect.’

Her fondest memory is Sports Day, a much-loved tradition that brings the whole school together in spirited competition and celebration. And the event she’s most looking forward to is the Leavers’ Service – a symbolic moment of reflection, gratitude and new beginnings.

Ms Anne McKane, Lily’s Housemistress, commented, ‘Lily brings humility, integrity and compassion to all she does. She will be a wonderful Head of School.’

Looking ahead, Lily hopes to study International Management at UCL or King’s, with plans to pursue a global career in business.

Hugo Dissanayake’s Lancing journey began long before Sixth Form. Having attended both Lancing Prep Worthing and Lancing Prep Hove, he joined the College in the Third Form and has grown up within the Lancing family.

‘Having been part of this community for several years, I’ve seen how it has shaped me both academically and personally.’

Now studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry, Hugo hopes to pursue a degree in Engineering. He has explored his interests beyond the classroom too, from taking part in CREST projects on wave energy with Ricardo engineers to competing in Olympiads and performing in musicals and plays.

‘What sets Lancing apart is the support. Teachers are mentors who guide you beyond the syllabus, and the community – from friends to matrons – is always there to help. You’re never just another student here.’

Hugo also values the breadth of life beyond academics, from the creative outlet of drama and music to the camaraderie and balance sport brings. These experiences, he says, have prepared him for the future as much as any classroom lesson.

Mr Nat Payne, Hugo’s Housemaster, stated, ‘Hugo is a perfect choice for one of the Heads of School. Driven, ambitious and hugely capable, he is also kind, empathetic and understanding, and Hugo’s personable, thoughtful nature helps him to exercise his considerable gifts to the benefit of all. Absolutely committed to the academic, dramatic and sporting life of the school, Hugo is unstinting in his efforts across the board and is an exceptional role-model. His levity and good humour will make him an excellent leader, as they will a collaborator, and I have absolute faith in his sound judgement and right-thinking.’

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When Isaac Leigh joined Lancing in the Lower Sixth from Durrington High School on an academic scholarship, he never imagined he’d be appointed a Head of School so soon.

‘I felt both surprised and proud, I never expected to get the role of prefect, let alone Head of School, especially having joined just last year. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent this community.’

A passionate mathematician and computer scientist, Isaac is studying Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science, Economics and an EPQ, having already achieved an A* in A Level Maths in Year 12. His ambition is to study Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Imperial, Edinburgh or Bath, and ultimately become an AI engineer.

At Lancing, Isaac has thrown himself into every opportunity, from co-leading a team in the CanSat satellite competition, to writing for The Quad. Determined to strengthen the Computer Science provision at the College, he has launched a coding club for Third Formers and introduced an academic support scheme linking older and younger pupils.

‘I want to leave behind a more collaborative community. Whether it’s through mentoring schemes or clubs that bring pupils together, I hope people remember me as kind, welcoming and approachable.’

Isaac’s Housemistress, Ms Eleanor Kaye, commented: ‘Isaac joined Head’s House at the start of the Lower Sixth and from the moment he arrived it was clear he wanted to make the very most of his time at Lancing. He is a bright and hardworking student who has excelled academically. Isaac has also stretched himself further outside of the classroom, for example by being an integral member of the CanSat team that made it through to the national competition last year. He has got stuck into his sport, including hockey, and participated in our House sleepout to raise money for a local homeless charity. Isaac is an organised and extremely reliable member of the House, with excellent leadership skills; he is calm, measured and highly respected by his peers and junior House members alike. I was absolutely thrilled to hear he had been appointed as a Head of School, and I know he will do an outstanding job!’

Romily Trevelyan-Johnson’s story is one of transformation. Having lived in seven countries, including Jordan, Kenya and Nepal, she arrived at Lancing in the Third Form nervous and unsure.

‘I cried a lot before I came! But looking back now, I’m clinging on because I don’t want to leave. Lancing has become a second family.’

Romily quickly found a home here, drawn to the diversity of the community and the openness of discussion. From weekend Scrabble battles in Field’s House to deep conversations about global events, she has embraced every opportunity to learn and connect.

Leadership roles as a prefect and NCO Sergeant have taught her how to lead with empathy, a skill she hopes to use in the future as a leader in human rights law, geopolitics or international development. Her academic interests are equally global: she plans to study Geography at Oxford, Edinburgh, LSE, UCL or Bristol.

Art has been another passion, inspiring her EPQ on fashion as a form of non-violent protest, while involvement in the Green Group has deepened her understanding of people, place and planet. But perhaps her proudest achievement is the £8,000 raised for The Survivors Trust as a charity rep.

‘I want my legacy to be one of inclusivity, diversity and open dialogue. Lancing taught me the importance of giving back, and that even small actions can change lives.’

Romily’s Housemistress, Mrs Emma Campbell, commented: ‘Romily is a very warm and friendly student with many talents and a great sense of humour. She has a positive influence on all those around her and is a great team player. She has been at the school since Third Form and even through some challenging times has shown amazing strength of character. She gets on well with everyone and sees the best in people.’

Lily, Hugo, Isaac and Romily may have different stories, ambitions and interests, but together they share a common purpose: to lead with integrity, to support and uplift those around them, and to leave Lancing stronger than they found it.

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COLLEGE NEWS

Connecting the Global Lancing Community Lancing is well known for its strength in having a Global mindset and a highly valued and diverse pupil body. Around a third of pupils live outside the UK, coming from 43 different countries.

Monaco

Visiting the ISS School’s Fair in Monaco was a new venture for us and while she was in the South of France, Heather Beeby, Deputy Director of Admissions went to Cannes to speak about British Boarding Schools to a group of prospective parents from Eastern Europe. Heather also met a brilliant OL who lives in Monaco and has excellent connections in the area.

New York

The annual OL Dinner in New York provided the opportunity to also meet current parents. Whilst there, the Head Master and Diana Cree, Executive Director External Relations visited three premier New York prep schools to meet their Heads and Directors of Secondary School Counselling. These were informative meetings with highly impressive schools.

Bucharest

A fleeting (36-hour!) visit to Romania saw Hilary Dugdale, Director of Admissions, speaking at a conference on parenting and adolescence, alongside Head Teachers from local international schools, Educational Psychologists and Counsellors. This was attended by 40 parents and a dinner on the previous evening allowed her to meet and talk in depth with families.

Nigeria & Ghana

Diana hosted a dinner in Lagos where current parents and OLs met for a fun evening. She also met prospective families in Lagos and Abuja with Mark Brooks Education and travelled to Accra.

In Lagos she visited the Grange School and St Saviour’s Prep School. In Abuja, she visited Royal Academy School as well as meeting prospective families.

It was a pleasure to also meet Sam Odia OL, CEO at The Millard Fuller Foundation.

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Istanbul

Hilary spent three days in Istanbul connecting with agents and educational organisations, forging links and meeting prospective families. This was a first visit for Lancing for some time, and a bespoke itinerary was built for us by Global Graduate Consulting.

The Global network and community of parents, pupils, alumni and partners is sector-leading. A key role is played by the Admissions department who have this term visited ten countries in total to support the College ambition to maintain a truly cosmopolitan community of students. Many of our current pupils were instrumental in creating short welcoming pieces on film to share with families in their home countries – a wonderfully direct and reassuring connection!

These trips play a vital role in ensuring that our international families have meaningful, personal contact with the College.

They provide opportunities to ask questions and gain reassurance both before and during their child’s time here. At Lancing, relationships and communication are at the heart of our ethos, and these visits help to build, strengthen, and sustain those connections. They act as a bridge between families and the school, offering a clear and authentic understanding of what life at Lancing truly means.

Reconnecting with OLs is equally important; they are always eager to hear news from the College and enthusiastic to embody the benefits of a Lancing education.

Japan

Heather returned to Tokyo meeting current families as well as attending a British Boarding Schools’ Fair with Pippa’s Guardians. Highlights of this trip also included meeting lovely prospective families in the city and taking the time to chat to agents who know us well.

China & Hong Kong

Hilary travelled east to Mainland China and Hong Kong (where typhoons were disruptive). Highlights were bringing groups of current Lancing parents together in Hong Kong; visiting School 101 in Beijing and interviews with some very gifted prospective pupils.

It was lovely, too, to meet up with OLs (spanning 25 years at Lancing, many of whom now have families of their own).

Bangkok.

Saudi Arabia & Dubai

Travelling with Anderson Education, Hilary attended education fairs in Riyadh and Al Khobar; visited the British International School Al Khobar, meeting their Headmaster and senior pupils, and hosting a boarding schools information morning at the Al Nakhla Compound. A one-day visit to Dubai involving some twenty British boarding schools saw a busy and productive fair, and meetings with prospective families.

Heather also travelled east to Bangkok and the Monsoon season was in full swing! She had busy days meeting agents, prospective pupils and attending the IDP Schools’ Fair.

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COLLEGE NEWS

Thought for Food This term, the catering team has introduced a new servery model designed to offer students greater variety, smoother flow, and more exciting meal options than ever before.

With dedicated counters for main courses, vegetarian and dietary-friendly dishes, deli selections, and chef’s specials, there’s truly something for every appetite and preference.

Students can now choose from a diverse menu inspired by cuisines from around the world, reflecting the wide mix of nationalities in our community. From favourites like Katsu Chicken and Pad Thai to Jerk Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and Bánh Mì, each week brings new flavours and culinary experiences.

Special themed menus, such as those celebrating Black History Month, have also showcased dishes like Jollof Rice, Plantain Chips, Jambalaya, and Bunny Chow – giving students the opportunity to explore global cultures through food.

Barista Club We also launched Barista Club this term – a three-week course where pupils get the opportunity to learn more about coffee, including practical skills such as ‘latte art’ and ‘making the perfect espresso’. The Club is hosted in our Fives Café and has been very popular, although we are not sure how the sampling of Kopi Luwak coffee went down (a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet).

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To ensure our Jollof Rice was authentic, Josh Ogunsipe (Lower Sixth) and Jed Thwala (Upper Sixth) from Teme came into the kitchen to show us how it’s done!

Don’t worry, the classic Winter Warmers have also put in an appearance, with bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and syrup sponge with custard!

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a lively atmosphere in the Dining Hall and pupils embracing the variety, freshness, and choice that the new model brings. Our focus is always to ensure our community can enjoy meals that are as nutritious, inclusive, and flavourful as they are diverse.

Recognition and Honours We are delighted that Lancing College has been recognised by a number of key publications and educational guides this past year.

Lancing College featured in this year’s Tatler Schools Guide 2026, which highlights the UK’s top independent schools and recognises institutions that offer more than just academic success. This year, Lancing was praised for its variety of cocurricular opportunities, which are central to life at the College and play a key role in the personal growth and development of every pupil.

The guide also reflects on the enduring character of Lancing, noting its ability to evolve while remaining true to its values.

One OL, on revisiting the College, remarked that ‘he felt it had moved with the times while retaining its community and charm’ – a comment that speaks to the strength and continuity of the Lancing College experience.

Lancing also won and was shortlisted for:

The Week • Best of the Best (Senior Schools) for Extra-Curricular • WINNER Education Choices Magazine • Bursary Support (Foundationer Campaign) • WINNER Muddy Stilettos School Awards • ‘Awesome Sixth Form’ • Finalist Independent School of the Year Awards • Best Student Careers • Finalist School House Magazine • Pastoral Care Champion • Finalist The Cricketer School Guide • Top 100 Senior Schools for Cricket

Our inclusion in the Tatler Schools Guide, along with the recognition of other titles and accolades, is a welcome testament to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our wider community. We are delighted to be acknowledged as a school that continues to look ahead while remaining true to the qualities that make us so special.

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COLLEGE NEWS

Life in House This term has been a busy and varied one across the ten boarding and day Houses.

Evenings and weekends have been filled with opportunities for pupils to try new things, spend time together and represent their Houses across drama, sports and music.

Food has played a memorable role in House life this term.

Several Houses ran international cooking evenings, with pupils preparing dishes from their home countries. Menus included flavours from Ghana, Nigeria, Turkey and South Korea, and the kitchens were soon full of conversation, trial-and-error cooking and very positive reviews. It was a simple idea, but one that created genuine interest and appreciation for cultures across the community.

Trips out have also been popular – from go-karting to iceskating and a spot of Christmas shopping, as well as a theatre visit to Six the Musical in Brighton, paired with a very wellreceived meal at Donatello’s beforehand. These events gave pupils a chance to step away from routine and enjoy time together.

Seasonal celebrations made their mark too. Halloween saw creative costumes, House parties and pumpkin carving, with effort ranging from amusingly improvised to impressively committed. Many Houses hosted themed nights during the first half of term, demonstrating just how much pupils enjoy taking ownership of their events.

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Competition between Houses has remained a strong thread.

House hockey and football matches were closely fought, with skill, teamwork and some dramatic finishes. House singing once again drew large participation and plenty of rehearsal hours, an event that continues to highlight confidence, cooperation and good humour across year groups.

Sankey’s Fest was another standout moment in the calendar.

With a roller disco, inflatable activities, games, a BBQ and a fire pit for toasting marshmallows, it provided a relaxed setting for pupils to mix across year groups and for the new Third Form to get to know everyone.

Wellbeing initiatives also had their place this term. A screenfree walk encouraged pupils to step outside, reset and enjoy a quieter moment in the week, helped along, of course, by pastries afterwards.

Overall, it has been a productive and lively term in the Houses – varied in style, full of participation, and reflective of a community that enjoys being busy.

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COLLEGE NEWS

Home and Away Lancing College’s newly launched exeat provision affectionately called ‘Home and Away’ launched this term, with two weekends already giving students a taste of adventure, exploration, and festive cheer.

The exeat provision was launched for those who live too far from the College to travel home for the weekend, and don’t want to spend the weekend with Guardians. Pupils still take time away from the College as they stay off site for the weekend, and the idea is to include a trip or cultural experience.

The first exeat weekend whisked pupils away to London, where they experienced the city’s vibrant energy and explored the capital’s iconic sights and attractions. There was plenty of downtime too to recharge after a busy few weeks at the College. However, for those who wanted there was also the opportunity to try some archery and other team-building activities on the Sunday. The weekend provided a perfect mix of activity, discovery, and time to strengthen friendships outside the school environment.

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The second weekend brought a different kind of excitement with a trip to Winchester. Despite the rainy weather, students embraced the festive atmosphere at the Christmas markets (it was so wet, we don’t actually have any photos!) Pupils (and staff) also took on the adrenaline-pumping challenge of zip-lining.

These first two weekends have set a high standard for Lancing’s exeat programme, offering pupils enriching experiences that combine fun, adventure, and culture. The College looks forward to many more exeats, where students can explore new places, try new activities, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes the exeat experience so special.

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MY FUTURE – CAREERS

Careers and Employability Transformation in the labour market is taking place at an ever-quickening pace caused by changes in the global economy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just one of several factors significantly impacting different sectors and ultimately employment.

The occupations that are growing are increasingly professional and technical, providing opportunities for highly skilled and qualified young people. The path from education into employment is therefore critical in building a foundation where young people at school are sufficiently equipped for the present, prepared to reskill for the future and have the resilience to cope with change and uncertainty.

The World Economic Forum Jobs Report (2025) suggests that 22% of current jobs will be transformed, 170 million new jobs will be created globally and, 92 million will be displaced.

Meantime, stubbornly 63% of employers still cite skills gaps as the biggest barrier to transformation.

AI Forum discusses the role of schools in preparing young people A key part of the My Future Careers programme is to be aware of the changing context for students, as part of this the team engaged OL and parent experts on how AI will impact different industries and how to best prepare students for the future. A recent forum concluded that AI literacy must be developed by teaching students both technical fluency and ethical awareness. This means understanding how AI

works, its benefits and limitations, and the risks of bias and misuse. Beyond coding and functional skills, schools should foster critical thinking, resilience against hype, and the ability to question and interpret AI outputs. Students need to learn how AI impacts fields like healthcare, law, business, and engineering, while exploring ethics, security, and real-world consequences.

Fifth Form Careers Fair: A Day That Can Change Your Future This year’s Fair highlighted the importance of helping students reflect and explore career options as they plan for the future.

At this stage, many have initial ideas about what they might like to do, and the Fair provided an opportunity to broaden those horizons and make new discoveries.

The event featured a wide range of workshops led by industry experts, offering insights into different professions and plenty of time for questions. Ahead of the Fair, students completed their Morrisby Profile – a series of assessments and questionnaires that provide personalised career guidance.

Each student then had a one-to-one coaching session with an independent careers advisor. Armed with this feedback and input from parents, friends, and tutors, students selected four sessions to attend.

Our expert speakers, drawn largely from the Lancing community of parents and OLs, play a vital role in the success of our Careers Programme. Their willingness to share knowledge and experience ensures students receive practical, inspiring advice.

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Reflecting on the day, Diana Cree, Executive Director External Relations, said, ‘There was a real buzz as students discovered, explored, and were inspired by our speakers. Days like these can truly shape future paths. The more we facilitate these opportunities and build understanding of the world of work, the better equipped Lancing pupils will be.’

Students left with valuable insights, including: • Career paths are flexible, and A-level choices influence options.

• Degree apprenticeships offer a strong alternative to university.

• Many industries, such as finance and law, offer diverse roles.

• Transferable skills matter, and doing what you enjoy is key.

• Our My Future Programme continues to lead in preparing pupils for life beyond school.

Careers in Depth The recent Careers in Depth event gave Upper Sixth students the chance to hear from and speak to 23 leaders across different industries. Designed as a panel format, our expert guests were grouped into seven panels, each hosted by a member of staff. Panels covered multifaceted professions including Medicine and Healthcare, Engineering and the Built Environment, Finance, Law, Business and Management, IT and Technology, and Arts and Media.

Each panel offered a breadth of expertise, helping students understand distinctions within professions – for example, the difference between a Barrister and a Solicitor, their roles, entry routes, and what employers seek. Similarly, the Business panel

explored roles such as CEO, HR, Marketing, Finance, and Operations, and how these interact within organisations.

Timed to support UCAS applications, the event aimed to: • Showcase the breadth of roles within major professions.

• Demonstrate career flexibility and transitions through real examples.

• Highlight how careers can develop from varied undergraduate studies.

Detailed biographies of all 23 experts – current parents and OLs – were shared with students and parents. Students selected two or three panels to attend, ensuring tailored insights.

Introducing Alexa Tarsey, Careers Co-ordinator Alexa has worked in the Careers Education sector for nearly a decade, primarily within the independent school sector.

She joined Lancing College from a similar role at a school in Hampshire, and her first term has focused on getting to know pupils and coordinating key events such as the Upper Sixth Careers in Depth sessions and the Fifth Form Careers Fair.

Alexa works closely with the Sixth Form, supporting them with any careers-related questions they may have. Pupils can now book individual appointments with her, and the response has been excellent – over 35 students have already taken the opportunity to discuss their future plans.

She is continually impressed by the depth and breadth of pupils’ ambitions, as well as their drive and initiative in shaping their next steps.

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ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

A Year of Lancing Academic Prize Success This year has seen exceptional Lancing success in some of the most competitive national and international academic prizes.

Some of our shortlisted John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize entrants: Raphael Chan, Carla Urban, Kelly Zhao, Zafer Beidoun and Bella Barnard Harriet Brookfield has received the outstanding accolade of being commended for writing the Best History essay for this year’s prestigious Libra Essay Prize. Her essay Was the persecution of witches anything more than an exercise in power? argued with formidably well-researched sophistication for a multifaceted interpretation of the persecution of witches, encompassing both an institutional exercise in power and broader societal, cultural and religious influences. Her success continues an impressive run of achievement for the College in this globally competitive prize, inspired by the academic rigours of the All Souls, Oxford admissions process, with Lancing students deservedly amongst the finalists across the last three years.

Bella Barnard has also been highly commended for her History essay for this year’s John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize, alongside an extraordinary further five Lancing students shortlisted. This is again a hugely competitive prize, with 63,328 entrants from around the world. Bella wrote with deeply researched subtlety on the medieval philosopher Peter Abelard, arguing that he should be considered the figure in history most to have enlarged human freedom. Zafer Beidoun was also shortlisted for the History Prize, for his intelligently nuanced and wide-ranging response to the question: Should anyone be ashamed of their nation’s history? Should anyone be proud of it? Raphael Chan too was shortlisted for the Economics Prize, responding with impressive analytical flair to 16

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the question: What kinds of behaviour are engendered by the hope of profit? Is such behaviour better or worse, on balance, than the behaviour we should expect if all enterprises were owned by charities or governments? Similarly, Clara Holzapfel secured a shortlisting for the Economics Prize, writing with acute insight on the question: What will be the effect on socio-economic mobility of the UK government’s plan to impose value added tax on school fees? Kelly Zhao and Carla Urban were also shortlisted for the Psychology Prize, for their superbly argued essays considering whether Eleanor Roosevelt was right to declare ‘no one can make you feel inferior without your consent’.

Impressively, Isaac Hussey has also won this year’s Historical Association Young Historian GCSE Modern World Prize. This is an extraordinary achievement, and it is the third year in a row in which he has won one of these highly coveted and competitive awards. There cannot really have been a comparable level of outstanding national success at this level, and it is a much-deserved reward for the subtle intelligence, sophistication and high-level research of his essay: Was the role of music in the Nazi camps of the Holocaust a force for good or bad? This also included as evidence his own highly moving cello performances of some of the music in question.

Dr Damian Kerney Head of History & Sixth Form Enrichment

Medical Society The Lancing College Medical Society (MedSoc) continues to play a vital role in inspiring and supporting pupils interested in careers in medicine, veterinary science, and dentistry.

Through a range of talks, workshops, and mentoring opportunities, MedSoc helps students develop their understanding of healthcare, prepare for university medical school applications, and build connections with professionals working across these demanding yet rewarding fields. This year we have 30 pupils in our Medical Society, the majority wanting to study medicine, but we also have four aspiring dentists and six vets.

This year’s Upper Sixth university applicants include two pupils hoping to study Veterinary Science at either Royal Veterinary College or Liverpool University and have interviews secured, three hoping to study Dentistry, two for medicine and one for Pharmacy MPharm with an interview at UEA. Good luck to you all!

Medics’ Dinner

This year’s Medics’ Dinner, gave students the invaluable opportunity to network, gain insights into their future careers, and even arrange work experience placements.

The evening was rich with conversation, ranging from personal stories about life in the NHS to practical advice on preparing for interviews. Students also heard about cuttingedge medical research from leading scientists, offering a glimpse into the future of healthcare.

The highlight of the evening was a captivating talk by OL Professor Robin Shattock (Head’s 1977–1981), who shared his groundbreaking work on developing a COVID-19 vaccine and his ongoing research into mRNA-based vaccines for HIV. He also provided a fascinating overview of the history of vaccinations, leaving students inspired and informed.

Professor Robin’s talk expanded fascinatingly on what many of us have learnt in our science classrooms, while giving us a taste of what the field of medical study and research entails.

The evening was a wonderful opportunity for all of MedSoc to come together and celebrate, from the Upper Sixth, who were marking their UCAS submissions, to the Lower Sixth, just beginning their medical journeys. The dinner was another great example of the importance and support given to those pursuing healthcare studies at Lancing.

Franci Browne, MedSoc President

Multiple Mini Interviews This term, Lancing’s aspiring medics once again stepped into the challenging world of medical school admissions as they participated in the annual Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs).

The event, a key part of MedSoc’s preparation programme, offered Sixth Form pupils a realistic insight into one of the most demanding elements of the university application process.

Over the course of two hours, our 30 MedSoc pupils rotated through a series of fast-paced, five-minute stations, each designed to test a different skill essential for a future in Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine. A diverse panel of interviewers – including College staff, practising clinicians and healthcare specialists – brought authenticity and breadth to the experience, ensuring pupils encountered a wide range of questioning styles and professional perspectives.

This year’s stations explored a mixture of ethical dilemmas, communication and role-play scenarios, data interpretation, and problem-solving tasks. Pupils were challenged to think critically under time pressure, show empathy, and articulate structured reasoning, all vital qualities for successful medical applicants.

Following the MMIs, each participant received personalised feedback, highlighting their strengths and pinpointing areas for development ahead of next year’s application cycle. Many pupils commented on how valuable it was to experience the intensity of the process first-hand, helping them build confidence and understand the expectations of medical schools.

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ACADEMIC NEWS

French Students visit the BFI Our Sixth Form A Level French students were fortunate to spend a day at the British Film Institute on London’s South Bank for a specialist study day on the Nouvelle Vague and its lasting influence on modern cinema.

During the session, students explored the innovative techniques of directors such as François Truffaut and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, analysing key clips to deepen their understanding of the movement’s style and legacy.

The day concluded with a screening of our A Level set text, La Haine. Watching Mathieu Kassovitz’s masterpiece on the big screen was a powerful experience, highlighting just how relevant and thought-provoking the film remains in the context of contemporary French society.

One student reflected on the experience: ‘It was fascinating to compare different films from the Nouvelle Vague and discover the parallels between them. Afterwards, being able to watch La Haine again with more context and background knowledge helped us notice all the small details and allusions we might have missed before.’

Together Against Bullying In November, 25 pupils from the Fourth and Fifth Form took part in the live French-language broadcast Ensemble contre le Harcèlement (‘Together against Bullying’) organised by the French magazine 1jour1actu and for which pupils collaborated to prepare questions which were submitted before the event, making the experience more even more engaging.

The webinar was watched live by over 4,000 classes across different French-speaking countries and explored what bullying is, how to recognise early signs, and how young people can support others who may be affected.

The timing made our participation especially relevant as the event took place just one day after the French National Day Against Bullying in Schools (‘la Journée Nationale contre le Harcèlement Scolaire’) and a few days before the UK’s Anti-Bullying Week (10–14 November), placing us within an international period of awareness, reflection and conversation.

This session also supported the French GCSE curriculum, enabling pupils to reinforce key topics such as Education, Social Issues, and Technology, while listening to authentic, naturally spoken, yet accessible French language, supported by subtitles and live animations.

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During the event, students listened to some questions sent by other teenagers across French-speaking schools, giving the opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by young people globally and leading to some thoughtful follow-up discussions in class.

QUI DILIGIT DEUM

Qui diligit Deum When I give tours of the Chapel to visitors, I always make sure to show them the Huddleston window.

It is a thing of beauty in such contrast to the Victoriana of the rest of the building, but, more than that, it speaks of the way in which our Christian ethos cannot be constrained to the building or even the liturgy celebrated within it.

Our Charity Committee has been hard at work this term planning events for the Lent Term, following a tradition instigated by Trevor Huddleston himself, and the Malawi Walk at the beginning of term sets the tone from the get-go. All this is very good and speaks loudly of the virtues of the Lancing community. The money raised is transformative, as witnessed by those who go on expedition.

There are two charitable endeavours this term that might not raise as much money, but nevertheless are hugely powerful. The first is our harvest collection and the other is our collecting gifts for Christmas.

When our community is as privileged as it is, enjoying good food, shelter and safety, there is something deeply profound in the physicality of a material gift. The thought that this same can of soup, box of cereal or bar of chocolate that has been in my hands will be held in the hands of someone for whom it may be the cause of much rejoicing, gives us a sense of connection.

Money is a really important way of helping of others, but I wonder how many of us make the connection when we make an electronic transfer. It’s not unlike gifts at Christmas. Whilst many of us might like money to spend on something of our choosing, special relationships are better marked by gifts: some money in a card isn’t going to cut the mustard for the first Christmas with a new girlfriend or boyfriend, for instance.

Chapel gives one sort of material expression of the Christian ethos which is at the heart of and should shape all we are as a community, and giving gifts to our local community is a different but no less important part of our Christian ethos too.

Fr Justin Pottinger Chaplain

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Travel Awards:

Nepal with Romily Trevelyan-Johnson First of all, I had a meeting with Naresh, one of the directors of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), to plan logistics and finalise my interview questions for the trip. On 1 August, I travelled from Kathmandu to Chitwan – a journey of around 154 km.

Initially, I planned to take a bus, but due to dangerous road conditions following heavy monsoon rains, I travelled by car with a driver for safety. The drive was both spectacular and terrifying; we passed several sites of previous landslides where buses had tragically been swept into the river far below.

After about 5 hours and 30 minutes, I arrived in Chitwan and settled into the accommodation provided by NTNC. I then went to the main office to meet the Chitwan branch manager and the researchers I would be shadowing. They helped organise the 10 interviews I planned to carry out with individuals involved in nature conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

During my trip, I interviewed: • Two park rangers from the park authority • The director of the Rapti River Cleaning Campaign; • Two researchers from different departments within NTNC; • A community leader who runs the largest luxury eco-resort in Sauraha; • A nature guide – the first woman in the field – whose parents were both killed in human-wildlife conflict incidents; • The director of the Community-Based Unit (CBU); • A former NTNC staff member with 30 years of experience who now runs a hotel.

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These conversations offered inspiring and diverse perspectives. I was also fortunate enough to meet two baby rhinos rescued by NTNC from tiger attacks – one 13 months old and one 2 years old – as well as the patrol elephants used in human-wildlife conflict scenarios. I learned about how these animals are trained, managed, and kept healthy and stimulated.

Another highlight was visiting the Gharial Crocodile Breeding Centre, where I discovered how egg incubation temperature determines the gender of the Gharial. Due to the difficulty of replicating the precise temperature needed for males, this species is critically endangered. The crocodiles are typically released once they are 2–3 years old.

I also went on a game drive with NTNC researchers to observe how they use camera traps, scratch marks, footprints, and other indicators to track animal movement - especially of injured or dangerous animals, such as man-eating tigers that need to be captured. On this drive, I saw wild rhinos, both crocodile species, a range of birds, and examples of how the local community relies on the community forest for vital resources they otherwise couldn’t afford.

I learned that rescue operations are extremely dangerous.

Over the years, 168 men have died during these efforts, and there have also been tragic cases where animals died in the

process. This has caused public controversy – something I discussed in several of my interviews.

At NTNC’s DNA research and testing labs, I saw how researchers assess animal health, determine causes of death, and even replicate scents of territorial animals (like big cats) to deter wildlife from entering villages.

One of the most difficult moments of my visit was seeing two man-eating tigers that had to be caged. After being relocated 61km away, they returned within three days and killed again, having developed a taste for human blood. While I strongly oppose caging wild animals, I understand that protecting the lives of local communities had to come first. I also learned how expensive it is to feed these tigers (they are fed buffalo meat), and how the rising number of man-eaters has become a serious issue.

Another difficult moment for me personally was visiting the Elephant Breeding Centre. While I deeply believe elephants should live freely in the wild, I also came to understand the community’s perspective – particularly the importance of elephants for tourism and their use by park authorities during

patrols and in human-wildlife conflict interventions. During my visit, I learned a great deal about elephant behaviour, breeding patterns, and training processes. I found it especially fascinating that wild elephants sometimes come into the centre to breed, creating a unique dynamic between captive and wild populations.

I visited NTNC’s museum, where I explored Nepal’s vast biodiversity and the historical context behind many species.

Culturally, I was grateful for the opportunity to eat with locals and try traditional dishes like dal bhat, as well as visit the Tharu Cultural Museum. There, I learned about the park’s history – including its time as a royal hunting ground when King George V visited.

Overall, this trip was an incredible and eye-opening experience. I gained unique insights into the lives of researchers, the challenges of conservation, the realities of human-wildlife coexistence, and Nepal’s successful buffer zone model.

Romily Trevelyan-Johnson, Upper Sixth

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Travel Awards: Cairo with Iona McDowell Spending August at the convent clinic in Cairo was a challenging experience that permanently reshaped my understanding of poverty and its detrimental effects.

During my stay, I helped treat patients from the city’s poorest areas, whose injuries and illnesses were severe and often neglected because they could not access affordable healthcare. The stark contrast between the lives of the patients in the clinic and those in the wealthy communities I also encountered, offered me a new perspective on inequality and the social determinants of health; I have since taken interest in this topic and researched it myself.

At first, the intensity of the work was overwhelming. The powerful heat, combined with the smell and sheer reality of untreated wounds made my first week in the clinic particularly difficult; I felt ill-equipped to deal with the sight of so much pain and vulnerability. Moreover, my initial struggle to communicate in foreign languages (German and Arabic) led to a feeling of isolation.

With time, I became accustomed to the influx of hundreds of patients each day, many of whom were young children and

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babies. I began by wrapping up fingers and toes – essentially the simplest tasks, but I was surprised by the difficulty of wrapping a bandage without dropping it! I steadily improved, and although it took time for me to feel at ease treating raw flesh and infected wounds, I eventually surmounted that challenge too. By the last few days, I had gained confidence to treat the most critical wounds; I cleaned them, prepared the dressings as I had been taught and comforted the patients in basic Arabic. The smell was no longer a consideration of mine and I learnt to channel my empathy to support patients, rather than becoming overwhelmed by it.

My experience in Cairo was demanding and certainly eyeopening to global issues that previously only seemed to exist in media. It was also rewarding and as I came to recognise the regular patients, I was delighted to witness some make progress.

Iona McDowell, Upper Sixth

Travel Awards: Germany with Lili Rashbrook The Travel Award allowed me to spend a memorable and rewarding week in Germany, staying with family, improving my language skills, and contributing to the newest edition of Radix, a publication by Solidarische Landwirtschaft.

The experience gave me the opportunity to work independently, explore northern Germany, and develop real confidence using German in everyday conversation.

Each morning I worked on translating an online interview originally conducted in English by the Czech agricultural organisation AMPI. The interview explored the group’s purpose, structure and values, and I spent several days turning it into clear, accurate German for publication. Translation was slow work at times, but extremely rewarding; a single paragraph often led me to discover five or six new words, and my vocabulary grew rapidly as a result. It was satisfying to know that the work I was doing had a real purpose and audience beyond my own learning.

I flew out alone, which was both exciting and slightly daunting, and was met at Hamburg airport by Thorsten, who drove me through the city to Siek where I would stay. I was based with Nora, the grandmother of the family, and quickly fell into a routine of breakfast with her each morning followed by a short walk to Andrea’s house, where I worked and sat in on meetings. Andrea introduced me to the structure of the project and to the different colleagues involved, helping me understand how everything fitted together. Evenings became one of the most valuable parts of the trip, Nora and I developed a daily habit of talking about our day, and those conversations became a space to practise my German without pressure.

The afternoons gave me the chance to explore Hamburg and the surrounding area. With Mathilda as a guide, I visited the town centre, local shops, and later Lübeck, where we watched

a one-woman play about Sophie Scholl performed inside Marienkirche. Although I could not understand every line, the performance was powerful, and with Mathilda’s translations I was able to follow the story clearly. We also spent time walking through Museum Holsentor and along the River Trave, pausing for a drink before heading back to Siek.

Later in the week we visited the butterfly gardens at Garten der Schmetterlinge, a peaceful and colourful contrast to the busy city. Despite one evening spent recovering from nausea, I felt increasingly at home and confident as the days passed.

On Friday, after finishing the translation, Andrea and I travelled into Hamburg, attended an organ recital at the Michel, and had dinner overlooking the river and the theatre district. On Saturday we visited the Elbphilharmonie, where the views across the skyline were spectacular, and in the evening I joined the opening of the Eppendorfer Landstraßefest, enjoying live music and food stalls. My final day was spent exploring Eppendorf and sharing one last family lunch before my flight home.

I feel I managed to properly improve my conversational German throughout the week, particularly through my evening chats with Nora and that the translation really helped me improve my vocabulary knowledge as I was coming across words I wouldn’t usually encounter. I’m very grateful for the opportunity this travel award has given me to both immerse myself in German language for a week and deepen connections with family out there.

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Inspiration in Nepal The first images which pop up when you search ‘Nepal’ are of mountains applied to a clear sky, otherworldly and impossibly beautiful. Standing at the base of one of these giants, however, made me question my sanity.

It is far easier to admire such height from the relative safety of your bedroom than from the bottom of an overgrown hill with legs who just knew they were in for a rough few days.

Yet, despite my small complaints along the journey, the trek in Nepal was one of two highlights of the trip. For three of the five days we walked up. Up 3,000 steps in one afternoon, over wire bridges spanning ravines, and up to our summit. This challenge proved slightly more difficult than I had thought, but all that toil receded once we reached the teahouse in which we were staying for the night. The view from each one was breath-taking – especially the 5am sunrises, and it was incredible to be so removed from the world of constant mobile phones.

Everyone who we met was so kind and hardworking, especially our guides and porters for the trek. Whether it was learning card tricks, hearing about Nepalese culture from the guides or playing spoons, the people made this experience unforgettable.

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A second highlight of the trip was helping to install a water tank through digging for Tashiling, a Tibetan refugee camp just outside of Pokhara. Everyone we met there was so inspiring and their history too.

Prior to the trek, we went to the Kopan monastery and received a teaching from a monk there, which has, I think, left an impression on all of us. The lakeside view at Pokhara, Monkey Temple in Kathmandu and our final night there filled our time in Nepal with fun. Seeing all of the Tihar celebrations, Nepal’s festival of light, was wonderful, with so many people out dancing and drawing mandalas on the streets with sand.

Overall, I learnt so much in Nepal about endurance and a people, many of whose lives are far more difficult than our own, who treated strangers with so much kindness, which is something we should all strive to do.

Izzy Moss, Lower Sixth

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Exploring Physical Landscapes In late September, alongside our fellow GCSE Geography students, we embarked on an unforgettable fieldwork adventure. This trip was designed to bring classroom learning to life, offering experience in some of the UK’s most striking physical landscapes.

The journey began early on Friday morning, and we arrived ready for action. After a scenic coach ride, we reached Shrewsbury just after lunch and immediately immersed ourselves in our first enquiry: investigating flooding and river defences. Guided by expert instructors, we explored realworld applications of hydrology and flood management before settling into the Preston Montford Field Centre for an evening of collaborative classroom work.

Saturday was the highlight – a full-day expedition into the dramatic glacial landscapes of Snowdonia. Against the backdrop of towering peaks and sweeping valleys, we examined post-glacial landforms and considered how human activity interacts with these environments. Visiting Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) provided an invaluable case study, deepening understanding of glacial processes and sustainable management in protected areas.

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On Sunday, we turned our attention to rivers, conducting a detailed investigation of downstream changes in Carding Mill Valley. This practical study not only reinforced key concepts from the Rivers section of the GCSE course but also fulfilled the physical geography fieldwork requirement, making the experience academically essential as well as inspiring.

Throughout the weekend, our class demonstrated curiosity, teamwork, and resilience while enjoying the beauty of the UK’s landscapes. From mountain vistas to meandering streams, the trip showcased geography in action and highlighted why fieldwork is such a vital part of learning.

We returned to College on Sunday evening, tired but enriched, ready to apply these experiences to our studies and beyond.

Molly Brown and Rosie Townsend, Fifth Form

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A Summer of Friendship and Culture Just before the Summer Holidays in June 2025, students from the Third and Fourth Forms at Lancing College took part in a memorable exchange with their long-standing partner school in Detmold, Germany.

This special programme, now in its 54th year, continues to foster international friendship, cultural understanding, and personal growth.

After a week of hosting their partners, who immersed themselves in the busy daily life of our boarding school, the group set off to Hamburg Airport, to spend time living with their partners in Detmold. The week was packed with enriching activities that gave students a real taste of German life. As well as attending lessons in a German Gymnasium (High School), highlights included a guided tour of Detmold’s historic castle, and a hike up to the Hermannsdenkmal monument, where they were greeted by their host families with an impressive picnic, and an equally impressive view.

One of the most exciting days was the trip to Heide Park, one of Germany’s largest theme parks. Students spent the day on the thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and immersive themed areas, challenging themselves on rides like Colossos and Flug der Dämonen. It was a fantastic way to unwind (and scream).

Throughout the Exchange, Lancing pupils were hosted

by German families, and the bonds formed were truly

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heartwarming. Many pupils commented on how quickly they felt at home, and how much they enjoyed sharing everyday life with their exchange partners. The friendships forged during the week are sure to last well beyond the summer.

Lancing students represented their school with maturity, enthusiasm, and curiosity. They embraced every opportunity to speak German, ask questions, and engage with the culture around them. Teachers from both schools praised them for their openness and respectful behaviour, noting how well they worked together and supported one another.

As one student put it, ‘The trip was amazing! Filled with fun and learning. I did everything from playing sports to learning new ways to order food in German! I would absolutely sign up again!’ Another added, ‘I loved that we got to learn some words that we wouldn’t normally use in the classroom.’

This year’s Exchange was a resounding success, continuing a proud tradition that has brought generations of students together. As we look ahead to future exchanges, it’s clear that the spirit of international friendship is alive and well at Lancing College.

A Dramatic Turn of Events A packed Advent Term included several theatre trips in support of GCSE and A Level Drama. Three students share their reviews of Lord of the Flies, 2.22 A Ghost Story, and The Bacchae.

Image: Lord of the Flies / Chichester Festival Theatre On Wednesday 1 October, the Fourth and Fifth Form Drama GCSE classes went to Chichester Festival Theatre to see Lord of the Flies by William Golding and adapted by Nigel Williams.

Initially there was an interactive workshop for schools to take part in. During the workshop, we learnt about some roles of the people that worked on the production including the Director, Set Designer and Costume Designer. In addition, some students were welcomed on stage to interpret scenes of the play, with the help of the people running the show directing them. In the afternoon, it was time to watch the Lord of the Flies performance. The set was very minimal but helped to frame the show as if it was real life. Furthermore, the costumes were well thought out and helped show the change from the characters being civilised, demonstrated by their uniforms, to savages shown through their shredded clothes and ragged vests. Also, I loved how there were sound effects like fire and the use of special effects like a fog machine, which helped to mimic a real fire and make the performance feel more visual and intense.

Overall, I thought the performance was incredible and intriguing, I felt the whole cast performed the storyline extremely well and they made it feel like you were there. I particularly liked the actor playing Piggy, Alfie Jallow, as he performed Piggy in a different way as to how he might normally be portrayed – jubilant and amiable instead of introverted and shy. The play was extraordinarily good, and I was astonished and impressed with how amazing the performance was.

Unaysah Khan, Fourth Form On 9 October, Fourth and Fifth Form GCSE Students went to see 2:22 A Ghost Story, at Theatre Royal Brighton. This is a thrilling story about four friends at a dinner party. At the start, the hostess claims that their house seems to be haunted, but her husband claims that that’s impossible. I greatly enjoyed this play, tension rose consistently throughout, and it got more terrifying as the play went along. The countdown to 2:22am kept me and my friends on edge. The actress who played

Jenny (Stacey Dooley), the female protagonist was believable, she portrayed a distressed and worried mother convincingly through her voice and facial expressions. The actor for the male lead, Sam (Kevin Clifton) was great as well, he portrayed how a doubting and pretentious character could be shown to the audience. The special effects were impactful, the red flashing lights scared the audience frequently, along with bursts of pure darkness to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, including me and my pals!

Rustam Ofarinov, Fourth Form On 25 October, we went to see Euripides’ The Bacchae, adapted by Nima Taleghandi and directed by Indhu Rubasingham for an A Level Drama trip. The clear highlight of the performance was how entertaining it was, even in the absence of an interval. Taleghandi made use of rhyme and rhythm to each line which, alongside the emphasis on music and dance, made for a fluid, effective and genuinely interesting piece of theatre. Furthermore, the performance’s message was ambitious, covering a number of challenging topics but ultimately succeeding in many areas; speaking out against authoritarianism, encouraging openness and love for the LGBTQ community, and communicating a powerful profeminist message. Although the play was generally successful in its attempts at comedy, at times the humour felt forced and predictable in its attempt to appeal to a younger audience.

Perhaps the most interesting decision was the costumes of the members of the Bacchae, mixing earth tones and raw fabrics with branded trainers. To me, the success of this decision was representative of Taleghandi’s adaptation of a classical text for a contemporary audience and contemporary issues. Ultimately, the energy was consistent throughout the performance, allowing the plot to flow seamlessly and maintain the interest of the audience throughout.

Rafe Chapman Upper Sixth

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Exploring the Côte d’Azur in Riviera style We are delighted to share the success of the second edition of our French Immersion Trip to the beautiful Côte d’Azur, which took place from 22–26 June 2025.

Organised by the French Department, this year’s trip welcomed even more pupils, featured a broader range of activities, and was filled with enthusiasm and fun – a true highlight of the Summer Term!

The trip once again aimed to strengthen both language proficiency and cultural awareness for our GCSE French pupils, and it certainly delivered. Immersion in everyday French life, combined with engaging lessons taught entirely in French, provided authentic opportunities for students to develop confidence, fluency, and independence in real-life situations.

Each morning, pupils attended lessons at our long-standing partner school, IDIOM Language School in Nice. Classes were delivered by experienced native teachers and perfectly aligned with the GCSE curriculum. Each participant received a certificate of attendance and achievement, recognising their progress and commitment throughout the week.

Students stayed in pairs with welcoming French host families, allowing them to practise their French daily in genuine social settings. This immersion experience proved invaluable for building both linguistic competence and cultural understanding.

Afternoons were filled with a rich and exciting programme of excursions across the French Riviera, including Nice, Grasse, Cannes, and Monaco. These visits gave students a deeper appreciation of the region’s diversity and beauty; from exploring Grasse’s perfume heritage and visiting an authentic

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perfume factory, to experiencing the glamour of Monaco’s casino and royal palace.

Among the many highlights were, dinner in a traditional Algerian restaurant, lively visits to a local fruit and vegetable open market (ensuring everyone got their five a day), and a picnic dinner by the sea on the final evening, where students and staff celebrated together while watching the sunset.

Shared meals, laughter, and team spirit made this second edition an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The week also included a few unexpected moments, notably when all our luggage was briefly lost! Thanks to the excellent efforts of British Airways, everything was quickly recovered, and the pupils handled the situation with great humour and patience. It soon became part of the shared adventure and added to the laughter.

This trip was an undeniable success, combining language learning, cultural discovery, and lasting memories. We are immensely proud of our pupils for their enthusiasm, curiosity, and exemplary conduct throughout the week. We want to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to our partner school, IDIOM, our host families, and the dedicated staff accompanying the group Miss Carniel, Miss Champ, and Mr Faïda, for their time, energy, and care in making this trip another unforgettable experience.

Kada Faïda, Teacher of French

We are also pleased to confirm that the French Immersion Trip will continue in 2026. Bookings for the next edition, taking place 21–25 June 2026, will open soon and will be limited to 25 pupils. Further information will be shared by email. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Faïda at kxf@lancing.org.uk with any questions or early expressions of interest.

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Music Tour to Paris Following a busy term that was characterised by Founder’s Day celebrations and exam season, while some may have chosen to begin their summer with a well-earned rest, a merry band of minstrels set off from Lancing bound for a music tour in Paris.

With the promise of mouthwatering delicacies, performing in astonishing and historic churches, and the chance to spot Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Paris (which I think was what sold it for Mr Mason), there was a palpable buzz of excitement as we boarded our coach for Dover.

The first thing to hit us when we stepped off the airconditioned coach to grab some sustenance from a French service station was that the sun was considerably hotter in France! The 40 degrees was a stark contrast to the temperature in the UK. Once we had settled into our hostel in Paris, had a proper meal and cooled off, we all got some rest to prepare us for the following day.

Our first full day in Paris began with a sightseeing trip on the River Seine on the Bateaux Mouches. Being my first time in Paris, it was a great introduction to the sights of the city centre from the water. From the boat, we got some incredible views of the iconic Eiffel Tower and the recently reopened gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame. In the early afternoon, we arrived at the venue for the first concert of our tour! It took place in the magnificently proportioned Corinthian-styled church of La Madeleine which from the outside looked more like a Greek temple. With its gilded, domed ceiling and geometric marbled floor, this church had a glorious acoustic and was the perfect setting for our first concert, which included choral music by Mozart and Mendelssohn, string ensemble accompaniment and a solo from Izzy Moss. The highlight of this well attended concert for me was the opportunity to perform Saint-Saëns’ Prière on my cello accompanied by Mr Mason on the organ in the very church where the composer was the organist.

On Wednesday, we gave our voices and instruments a rest and instead set off as thrill seekers to the entrancing world of

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Disneyland, Paris. As our party dispersed in search of varying levels of adrenaline rush, some went to Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain or Phantom Manor and others to the more sedate swirls of the teacup ride.

Our last full day in the French capital was fun packed and culture laden, beginning with a visit to Notre-Dame on Île de la Cité. From the ornate ‘Judgement Door’ at West entrance to the stunningly colourful rose window, it was a sight to behold. Next stop was one of the most famous art galleries in the world, the Louvre. Most striking was the contrast between the modernist glass pyramid skylight in the courtyard and the surrounding classical Baroque palace that housed a collection including the Ancient Greek Venus de Milo marble sculpture and da Vinci’s Renaissance masterpiece the Mona Lisa.

En route to the rehearsal for our evening concert, a familiar face was spotted strolling pensively through the Parisian streets. Our former Head Master making his last appearance in support of musical activities at Lancing! Although it was very commonplace to see Mr Oliver attending concerts in Great School or the Chapel, none of us were quite expecting him to turn up in France. The pièce de résistance of our enjoyment of French cuisine was to be had in our final evening meal joined by our Head Master at Café Louise in Saint-Germain where we enjoyed salmon and a rich and indulgent chocolate mousse.

Our final concert was given at the Basilica of Saint Clotilde, where composer César Franck was organist for 30 years. Our concert programme was interspersed with introductions to pieces given by fellow students and Mr Mason in French which was a harmonious end to our exciting music tour.

Isaac Hussey, Lower Sixth

The year was 2025. The heat was a comfortable 34 degrees Celsius. Destination: Paris.

Going abroad for the first choir/music trip in my Lancing career was incredible – of course dashing around Disneyland, boating down the Seine, and visiting the Louvre were brilliant, however, singing in La Madeline and St Clotilde was the highlight of the expedition.

It was a privilege to sing in such beautiful, ancient places with an acoustic to echo back to us (those of you who have heard a service in our Chapel will know it is bone dry in there!)

It’s a miracle we didn’t lose our voices on the rides, particularly the Tower of Terror before the concerts.

The rest of Paris was gorgeous despite the battering we took from the sun. Seeing such a beautiful city led by our expert tour guide Patty gave us the chance to peek into the culture and contours of Paris which was very fun.

It was also amazing to see the newly restored Notre-Dame, somehow infinitely old and freshly formed at the same time.

We are hugely thankful to the staff who helped organise and run the trip and we are very grateful to the staff at Generator Hotel who rescued a member of our party from peril when he got stuck in a stairwell! Thank you all!

Izzy Moss, Lower Sixth

One of my favourite things from the trip was being able to see both the wonderful architecture of Notre Dame, and the beautiful paintings in the Louvre.

Cosmo Le Page, Fourth Form

It was brilliant going to Disneyland Paris and to go on all the rollercoasters and mix with friends in other years.

Isla Kerney-Haynes, Fourth

I loved how we got to do so many different things, and how we had so many opportunities!

It was great to experience the French culture, whilst also getting to enjoy singing and being in places I had never been before!

Amelie Madden, Fifth Form

The food, the fun with friends and Disneyland!

Leo Herbert, Fourth Form

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ART NEWS

Art Nouveau We are delighted to introduce a number of new faces to our Art Department for the new academic year.

Charlotte Munck Head of Art

An accomplished Art educator and leader with nearly two decades of experience, Charlotte joined Lancing College as its new Head of Art in September. She spent 19 successful years at Bishop’s Stortford College, where she rose to Head of Senior School Art and consistently delivered exceptional academic outcomes. Her leadership style is collaborative, empowering and rooted in high expectations, and she has extensive experience in curriculum design, examination management, Adobe digital skills, and guiding students through UCAS and portfolio preparation. Beyond the classroom, she has served as Deputy Housemistress, academic tutor, external moderator for major exam boards, and an active contributor to exhibitions, competitions and wider school life. Charlotte brings to Lancing a passion for fostering creativity, a strong record of departmental development, and a commitment to nurturing every student’s artistic potential.

Amy Goacher Teacher of Art

After graduating from Kingston University with a BA in Fashion, Amy began her career as a Knitwear Product Developer before founding her own business, focusing on sustainable design. Collaborating with retailers such as TOAST and Berjoan, she repurposed surplus materials to prevent waste and create thoughtful, environmentally conscious products.

Through workshops and an exhibition centred around sustainable design at Somerset House, Amy discovered a passion for teaching. Classroom experience as an Art Teaching Assistant confirmed her calling, leading her to pursue a career in education. In her early years as a teacher, Amy has gained valuable experience, including designing and delivering a GCSE Photography course from the ground up, complete with teaching resources and structured guidance for students. Her professional background in fashion brings a unique perspective to the classroom, helping students connect creative practice with real-world applications, and opportunities for working across artistic disciplines.

Amy finds teaching both rewarding and energising and is thoroughly enjoying her time at Lancing. She looks forward to continuing to inspire students and support their growth as confident and skilled artists.

Yoneko Shiraishi-West Graduate Teacher of Art

Yoneko is an educator with a strong background in humanities and languages, deeply passionate about exploring the cultural threads that unite humanity. Her work is grounded in the belief that art represents the earliest expression of self and the divine – a universal beginning that connects all people.

In her current role within the Art Department, Yoneko supports students by guiding them through assignments, clarifying subject content, and helping them present their work with confidence. She also leads the school’s Textile Club, introducing students to the Japanese embroidery technique known as Sashiko. Since its inception, the club has grown into a welcoming community where students can relax, create, and find inspiration.

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Nathan Grace Teacher of Art

Art, and particularly painting, has shaped every stage of Nathan’s life to this point. Prior to completing his teaching qualifications, he worked as a commission-based artist and oil painter, as well as an Art Consultant, helping people bring creativity into their homes and workplaces. Those years taught him the discipline and joy of painting, which he now looks forward to sharing with Lancing students.

Photography Developments

The Art School has enjoyed a lively and productive start to the year. With several new staff members joining the Department, the first term has focused on building strong foundations and offering exciting opportunities to support and inspire our students.

A key focus has been developing students’ digital skills.

All students have been introduced to Adobe Photoshop and provided with access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud software suite, gaining essential digital confidence and beginning to explore these tools independently, skills that will continue to support their artistic growth.

At the same time, the newly refreshed darkroom is fully operational. Students from the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms have completed inductions, learning to work safely with photographic enlargers and processing chemicals while gaining hands-on experience in analogue photography. This practical work complements their digital learning and has sparked great enthusiasm across the year groups.

The photographic studio has also been a busy hub this term.

Students have received guidance on using lighting, backdrops, and light boxes, helping them grow in confidence and make the most of the professional-standard equipment available.

As we move into the next term, the Art School looks forward to continuing this momentum, supporting students as they build on their progress in both digital and analogue practices and further develop their creative skills.

Printmaking Club

On Friday afternoons, students have the chance to explore an exciting range of printmaking techniques, from monoprinting and lino cutting to collagraph and etching. Guided by specialist staff and inspired by both contemporary and historical artists, learners develop confidence in expressive mark-making, layering, texture, and creative experimentation. These sessions not only nurture technical ability but also encourage curiosity, collaboration, and artistic independence, offering a vibrant space where ideas come to life through print.

Oil Painting Club

Nathan has started Friday Oil Painting Club, so students can experience oil painting in a way that feels both structured and freeing - a space to learn the rules but also break them creatively and develop artistic voices across the school. What makes the club special is the mix of Third Form and Sixth Form students. Younger students light up when they see the ambition of A Level projects, which is a uniquely inspiring and high-level atmosphere. At the same time, older students gain confidence by developing and sharing their process, receiving extra support to refine their own skills.

Each session feels like a mini art school. We cover the fundamentals, such as the importance of value and shape for building form, working dark to light and fat over lean, layering, colour theory, etc. while exploring the history of Old Master works, through to contemporary innovators. It’s not just about technique; it’s about understanding the lineage of the craft and finding your own voice within it.

Architecture Super-Curricular for Lower Sixth

This architecture project offers students an exciting introduction to the world of architectural design. Across the term, pupils explored iconic buildings, developed observational photography, mastered technical drawing skills, experimented with AI-generated concepts, and built their own 3D models. Through research, sketching, material exploration and digital design, students learned how architecture blends creativity, problem-solving and purposeful design. The project culminated in individual proposals, ranging from study spaces to imaginative residential structures, showcasing each student’s ability to think spatially, design thoughtfully and communicate ideas with confidence.

Charlotte Munck, Head of Art

Turner’s Vision at Petworth Exhibition Trip Friday 7 November After an unprecedented doze on the bus, the Lower Sixth art students jolted awake in Petworth car park. Over a wet but delightful afternoon, we were taken around the main collection by one of the curators. She provided a wonderful insight into the history of the house and paintings present, but the star of the show was the awe-inspiring collection of Turners on display. We were given an hour to draw any of the statues or paintings that caught our eye then set off to work. After a quick lunch (and scone) break we moved on to the elusive Turner exhibition, featuring some of his watercolour sketches for clients, and larger oil paintings of the Petworth grounds and deer garden. Next, we escaped into the misty fields and ponds surrounding the house itself, to photograph and sketch the grounds. We were sent off with a little more rain and a flock of ducks overhead.

Ciara Herbert, Lower Sixth

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MUSIC NEWS

Choral Notes This Advent Term has been one of the busiest on record for the College Choir, with a recording of Choral Evensong for BBC Radio 3 and a special performance at Southwark Cathedral, alongside our renowned Carol Services.

Evensong for BBC Radio 3

On 7 October, the BBC visited Lancing to record the Choir singing Choral Evensong. It’s a rarity for a school choir to be included in the schedule for this particular BBC programme, which is normally the preserve of cathedral and Oxbridge Choirs, so we felt particularly privileged to be asked to record again in this year’s schedule. The BBC last visited Lancing to record evensong in November 2023.

The Choir was at its very best for this recording and the pupils were magnificent and entirely professional throughout the process. Some marvellous music featured, with Herbert Howells’s A Hymn for St Cecilia opening the service, followed

by Wood in F Collegium Regale for double choir and Thou O God art praised in Sion by Malcolm Boyle.

Mr White-Jones’s stunning organ voluntary of Reger’s Introduction and Passacaglia in D minor concluded the service.

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We were joined by some familiar faces to swell the ranks, including OLs Amelie Lyne, Kate Pinnell and Theo Almond.

Two of our Choir members, Henry Way and Julia Muscat, both former Chichester Cathedral Choristers were in great demand during this time, as they travelled back to Chichester to sing with their old Choir in a ‘live’ Radio 3 broadcast the following week.

The service was led by Father Justin, with readings and prayers from Dr Crawford, Mrs Henry, Nicola Ko, Mingli Jin and Fr George and attended by a large congregation from across the College community.

The BBC producer Mr Ben Collings was full of praise for the Choir and especially impressed that we’d needed only one take! The broadcast is reckoned to have listening figures of over 300,000 and many more who can listen on BBC Sounds for a further month.

Evensong at Southwark Cathedral

The Choir returned to sing Evensong at Southwark Cathedral on 19 November, the venue of last year’s concert to mark the 175th Anniversary of the founding of Lancing College.

On this occasion the Choir was singing at the invitation of the Woodard Corporation which was hosting a meeting of Governors from across the country. Upon arrival there was some time to explore Borough Market, before rehearsal and evensong. The Choir sang Herbert Murrill’s sprightly setting of the canticles in E major and John Ireland’s much-loved anthem for Remembrance-tide, Greater Love, with stylish solos provided by Henry Way and Tom Cotton. After the service, the Choir was treated to supper by the Woodard Corporation at Pizza Express, London Bridge, just two minutes’ walk from the cathedral. A perfect end to a wonderful trip!

Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols

For the fifth year running the sopranos and altos of the Choir sung Britten’s enchanting A Ceremony of Carols which is now an established annual event attracting a congregation of over 400. The Choir performs this work as part of a choral vespers service on Advent Sunday with the tenors and basses of the choir singing the service to plainsong up to the anthem, where the sopranos and altos process in from the back of the Chapel singing the opening plainsong movement of the Britten – an absolutely magical moment in a Chapel illuminated only by candlelight. The Choir was in sparkling form and there was some extremely accomplished solo singing from Tom Cotton, Henry Way, Maria Njoya, Lili Rashbrook and Izzy Moss.

Carol Services

Lancing’s Carol Services have delivered a touch of festive magic as we celebrated the end of term in the lead into Christmas. Their central message of peace and goodwill seem as important as ever. Each year the Choir is privileged to play its part leading the singing of carols both familiar and unfamiliar. This year alongside much-loved favourites such as The Three Kings by Cornelius and The Sussex Carol, the Choir introduced some new repertoire, including Mary’s Magnificat by Andrew Carter and Joys Seven arranged by Sir Stephen Cleobury. A highlight this year was the inclusion of O magnum mysterium by Morten Lauridsen in which the Choir divides into nine separate parts. In one climactic moment, the basses divide into three parts with Jude Gabriel, Tom Cotton and Dr Kerney providing the low Ds! In choral circles, it’s hard to imagine Christmas music without some Rutter! Composer Sir John Rutter celebrated his 80th birthday this year so as a tribute we included his enchanting Candlelight Carol.

The Choir at the end of a busy term must be applauded for their commitment, musicality and good humour and we’re very lucky to have such a talented group to lead the singing in our worship in Chapel. Across the services we also heard a superb team of soloists: Xander Graham, Freddie Way, Isaac Hussey, Julia Muscat, Henry Way, Tatiana Hamilton, Mollie Thomson, Maria Njoya, Lili Rashbrook, Izzy Moss and Tom Cotton. Well done to them all!

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MUSIC NEWS

House Singing Competition On 13 October, the House Music Competition kicked off for the 2025/26 cohort, beginning with the ever-entertaining House Singing Competition.

From Manor House’s moving rendition of All of Me to the fully costumed, high-energy performance of School House’s Copacabana, the afternoon was filled with laughter, talent, and school spirit. Congratulations to Field’s House, who continued their winning streak with an inventive rendition of Wings by Little Mix. A special mention also goes to Teme for winning Most Improved Performance after delivering a powerful version of Set Fire to the Rain by Adele – complete with umbrellas and firemen’s helmets!

This year’s adjudicator, Mr Oliver Walker, a renowned music educator, choral conductor and organist, praised the exceptionally high standard of singing across all Houses. Mr Walker has made music around the world, serving as Director of Music at Repton School (2016–2024) and Head of Choral Music at Solihull School (2010–2016). He now maintains a busy freelance portfolio as Director of Music at Douai Abbey, Choirmaster at Bure Abbey Schools, and Musical Director of both Jubilate Chamber Choir (Oxford) and Solihull Choral Society. Mr Walker studied Music as an Organ Scholar at Keble College, Oxford, before completing postgraduate study in Choral Conducting at the University of Birmingham.

After much deliberation, Mr Walker awarded the top six places as follows: 6th – Manor; 5th – Gibbs’; 4th – Sankey’s; 3rd – Handford; 2nd – Teme; 1st – Field’s, also winning The House Singing Cup. Each House brought creativity and individuality to the stage: Manor opened the competition with a heartfelt rendition of All of Me by John Legend, showcasing beautiful harmonies and poise, particularly on those tricky high notes!

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Second’s took the audience on a musical journey with Africa by Toto, earning plenty of smiles for their lively staging, which included an inflatable eagle costume.

Saints’ delivered a confident and stylish performance of Murder on the Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, full of charm and energy, and a fun dance break.

Sankey’s, the sixth House in the Lancing College family, cleverly chose Six from Six: The Musical, combining strong vocals with dynamic characterisation.

Teme impressed with a stunning rendition of Set Fire to the Rain by Adele, complete with harmonies, props, and emotional intensity - a performance that rightly earned them the Most Improved Performance award.

Head’s fully committed to a joyous production of Happy by Pharrell Williams, complete with full Minion costumes and accents, which delighted their audience of peers and faculty.

Gibbs’ impressed with a suave and sophisticated version of My Way by Frank Sinatra. From their bowler hats and bow ties, to the powerful final crescendo, their performance was dapper in every sense!

Handford moved the audience with a soulful production of Blinded by Your Grace by Stormzy, demonstrating impressive ensemble control and emotional depth.

School House closed the competition with an energetic and inventive performance of Copacabana by Barry Manilow, complete with a lively narrative dance routine.

But the top spot this year ultimately went to Field’s (pictured), who delivered a highly inventive interpretation of Wings by Little Mix. They combined rich harmonies, solos, a cappella sections, a student ensemble of piano and two cellos, and creative body percussion for a truly memorable performance.

Advent Rock Concert On Thursday 11 December the theatre was packed once again for another energetic Rock Concert, showcasing an exciting mix of student bands, with a range of musical styles, and involving pupils from all year groups.

This concert also makes up part of the House Music Competition, so stakes were high with bands competing for points for their Houses.

The concert opened with Zombie, with powerful vocals by Stella Campbell followed by a band performing Message in a Bottle and Hanging on the Telephone, with strong vocal harmonies between lead singer, Lolly Ormrod and backing singer, Bea de Courcy-White. Next came a high-energy rendition of Still Into You, driven by drummer, Ethan Fyfe. The atmosphere then shifted with a performance of Be Quiet and Drive by a band entirely made up of members of Second’s House. A special mention must be given to Rio Lai here for stepping in to play bass at the last minute!

The next band performed a punchy version of Misery Business, with vocals by Tatiana Hamilton and a driving bass provided by Alan Mo. There was then a change of pace with Tom Cotton singing I Know It’s Over, captivating the audience with his heartfelt performance. A large band, consisting of four singers; John Henry, Imogen Watts, Tatiana Hamilton

and Honor Cheesman, then picked the energy back up with a trio of crowd-pleasers. They gave a spirited performance of Should I Stay or Should I Go, a stylish rendition of Arabella and concluded with the Killers’ classic, Somebody Told Me. The final pupil band of the concert consisted of Tom Cotton, Harrison McDermott, Henry Beveridge and Siobhan Ogden, performing Slide Away and Enter Sandman and concluding the competition part of the concert with energy and polish.

The audience were then treated to a performance of Merry Christmas Everybody by Mr East and Mr Tobias, filling the theatre with Christmas cheer.

Mr Fulwell had the unenviable role of adjudicating the competition. Third place was awarded to the performance of Somebody Told Me, with Be Quiet and Drive in second and Slide Away and Enter Sandman in first, a win for a second year in a row for this band!

Emilie Harlow, Head of Academic Music and Assistant Director of Music

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MUSIC NEWS

Advent Concert 2025 On Friday 28 November, 94 Lancing students participated in the Advent Concert, featuring a wide range of musical styles, from festive favourites to a world premiere!

The evening opened with an energetic performance by the Concert Band, expertly conducted by Lili Rashbrook and Tom Cotton, with pieces ranging from Sousa’s classic, Liberty Bell, to the James Bond Theme. Sinfonia then performed Three Czech Folk Songs, capturing both the lyricism of Meadows Green and the spirited energy of the finale, Spring, the Madcap. The Flute Ensemble then gave a lively rendition of Love and Marriage before Honk! entertained the audience with a good-humoured performance of The Twelve Tunes of Christmas. This was followed by the Oboe Quartet – possibly the first in Lancing history – giving a performance of White Christmas. Big Band closed the first half in style with a varied programme, including Tom Cotton singing Beyond the Sea and an energetic performance of Party Rock Anthem.

A Cappella Club then set the scene for the second half with a heartfelt performance of Make You Feel My Love.

This was followed by the Brass Quartet – another new Lancing ensemble – who performed Georgia on my Mind in an arrangement by Graduate Teacher of Music, Mr Fulwell.

The String Chamber Orchestra then took to the stage with Bach’s Double Violin Concerto, featuring Fifth Form soloists Clarissa Cheng and Winston Chu, who performed with confidence, polish, and musicality. The concert concluded with the Symphony Orchestra. They were first joined by Upper Sixth soloist Eva Al-Shimmeri, performing the first movement Hoffmeister’s Viola Concerto, playing with flair and virtuosity.

The Orchestra then gave a performance of The Flow of Time, composed by Upper Sixth Former, Jed Thwala. This cinematic piece featuring rich orchestral colours received a welldeserved standing ovation.

Emilie Harlow Head of Academic Music and Assistant Director of Music

This concert has been something that I had never dreamed of happening.

Especially for someone like myself – who had never imagined having my own piece played by a live orchestra in front of a crowd – it was a blessing itself. I am truly grateful to everyone who has allowed for this experience to happen.

Special mention to the teachers who helped me revise the piece time after time in order to make it into what it was (Mr Mason and Mr Fulwell), and also to everyone who played in it, to make such a special occasion come to pass.

Jed Thwala, Upper Sixth

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I thoroughly enjoyed my final Advent Concert – quite possibly the best yet, especially the solos and Jed’s world premiere.

Conducting Concert Band was a fresh experience for me which I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to do.

Lili Rashbrook, Upper Sixth

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MUSIC NEWS

Lunchtime Concerts The Lunchtime Concert Series has continued to provide a wonderful opportunity for our musicians to share their talents in a supportive and relaxed setting. These 30-minute concerts allow them to gain performance experience and encourage students from Third Form to Upper Sixth to express their musical selves.

Highlights from this Advent Term have been truly diverse, with contrasting instruments and styles. Isaac Hussey, Lower Sixth, delivered a poised interpretation of Sarabande and Gigue from Bach’s D minor Suite on the cello, before impressing again with the rhythmic vitality of El choclo on the accordion. Clemens Waiblinger, Lower Sixth, contrasted the Bach with a moving performance of Goltermann’s Nocturne, also on the cello.

There were many vocal highlights, including Maria Njoya, Upper Sixth, who captivated the audience with Schubert’s Gretchen am Spinnrade; Sophia Williamson, Lower Sixth, who gave an emotive performance of Vivaldi’s Stabat Mater; William Pottinger, Third Form, who wowed his peers with a commanding performance of Stars from Les Misérables; and Izzy Moss, Lower Sixth, who delighted the audience with the lyrical beauty of Wolf’s Verborgenheit.

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There were performances from many pianists, such as Jude Gabriel, Fifth Form, who brought elegance to Beethoven’s Sonata Pathetique; Xander Graham, Fifth Form, who gave an exciting performance of Grieg’s Wedding Day at Troldhaugen; and Alex Giannopoulos, Fifth Form, who injected energy with a stylish rendition of Green Onions by Booker T and the MGs. There was also an excellent piano duet, featuring Candace Wu and Mika Chen, both Fifth Form, who performed a delicate and expressive version of One Last Kiss by Hikaru Utada.

This term’s programmes have demonstrated not only technical skill but also expressive depth, offering audiences a glimpse into the vibrant musical life at Lancing College. Well done to all involved!

Emilie Harlow Head of Academic Music and Assistant Director of Music

DRAMA & DANCE NEWS

Interview with Rosie Zeidler Ryley Gibbs, one of our new Third Form pupils who joined us this year from Lancing Prep Worthing, seized the opportunity to interview Rosie Zeidler, our new(ish) LAMDA teacher. Although Rosie is a fresh face at the College, she is certainly not new to Ryley – she previously taught him during his time at LPW. How have you found teaching here different to LPW/the prep school?

I really love teaching at both schools; with older student it’s nice working on more challenging pieces that make me think more. I enjoy teaching darker pieces, where we can get more intricate in detail. It is also different as you can put the onus on the student more, they must do a lot more of the work; in the prep school I focus more on the basic concepts of acting, setting foundations which I really love doing.

What aspect of drama do you most enjoy?

I trained in musical theatre, and that is my passion, but the last five years teaching LAMDA I have really enjoyed getting into the deeper level and details of acting.

Do you have a favourite play/musical?

My favourite play is called The Life of Pi based on the book; when I saw it, it was so well done with incredible puppetry and all-round theatre design, also my friend was playing Pi so that made it extra special. My favourite musical is called Amélie; the music is great and they recently did it as an actor-musician show, where the actors play the show with the musicians onstage.

What is your favourite thing about teaching Drama?

It’s fun, every day is really different and it is all pupil-led, so whatever the students need I just go with it, and it is rewarding bringing creativity and confidence in people. You really see a change in someone seeing the first time they look at a script to when they finally perform it, to see the change in confidence is amazing.

What brought you to the College?

I was very keen to teach medal grades and work with older students and of course to see my wonderful LPW students, some of whom are now in Upper Sixth.

Will you help with future productions in the College?

Never say never, I would like to if I have the time. It would be very fun! If I’m asked, I would definitely consider it. I love directing musicals and plays.

What would you say to your younger self?

Photo © Guildford School of Acting

Don’t take life too seriously, everything will be fine. Trying your best is all that you can do. Remember that you will grow from every rejection or mistake.

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DRAMA & DANCE NEWS

Curtain Raisers: The Dumb Waiter The school’s theatrical year began in fine style, less than a month into the Advent Term, with Harold Pinter’s 1957 classic, The Dumb Waiter.

It takes talent and a lot of hard work to get from first rehearsal to first night in a mere three weeks but talent there was in abundance, not to mention a little theatrical magic, in this powerful production of Pinter’s disturbing, entertaining, enigmatic two-hander.

Albie and Monty Tipton were perfectly cast as Ben and Gus, a pair of hitmen passing time between jobs in the basement room of what seems to be an uninhabited eatery. As Ben, the senior partner, Albie radiated languid brutality combined with a perhaps surprising tetchiness and underlying insecurity, while Monty’s Gus was full of nervy, pent-up energy, hapless physicality, and an increasingly questioning attitude towards the orders that come down from on high in the dumb waiter of the title. These were highly sophisticated performances, full of telling details and finely textured characterisation, but what made them truly outstanding was the manner in which, under Mr Smith’s expert direction, Monty and Albie imbued Gus and Ben with a humanity that can all too easily be lost amidst the staccato rhythms of music-hall banter and the pervading sense of Pinteresque menace. Albie’s irritability seemed to hint that Ben may be mournfully aware of the fate that awaits his partner, just as Monty’s needling enquiries and increasingly querulous disposition made one wonder if Gus has sensed what is to come and is trying to goad his partner into helping him avert the inevitable. By casting identical twins (a typically astute bit of work from the director) the interchangeable

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nature of oppressor and oppressed was reinforced, subtly emphasising the point that the agents of menace are also, all too often, victims of the power they serve. These were performances that would not have been out of place in a professional production.

As the play’s title hints, The Dumb Waiter is full of foreboding and silent menace but there is plenty of comedy too, much of which derives from the verbal interplay between the two bickering protagonists. Both of these aspects were fully brought out in the brilliantly-paced exchanges in which Ben and Gus argue about a succession of seemingly inconsequential matters from semantics to football to faulty ballcocks. There was physical comedy too in the hoodlums’ desperate attempts to fulfil the arbitrary demands sent down by their faceless master; and a sense that these ‘orders’ were less about food, more about the terror engendered by absolute power, and the absurdity of human existence. Yet this recognition was (ahem) twinned with the audience’s delight in the increasingly farcical attempts of Ben and Gus to satisfy the absurd demands of this higher authority, making the play’s final tragic reversal still more unsettling. This was a production that gave us the full force of this richly ambiguous play, realised through acting and direction of the very highest order. It was a truly memorable evening.

Dominic Harman, Head of English

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DRAMA & DANCE NEWS

Guys & Dolls This ambitious production of Guys & Dolls was full of energy and charm, imbued with a clear love for the classic 1950 material. From opening number to curtain call, it showcased the remarkable talent of the entire company.

Piper Scrace’s Miss Adelaide captured comedic spark and inner turmoil. Pitch-perfect accent and strong vocal ability combined to make Adelaide exciting, larger-than-life; a softness provided dynamic. This was an unforgettable portrayal – we craved Piper’s presence. Adelaide’s longtime fiancé, Nathan Detroit, is a driving force of the plot, bringing warmth, wit and charm to his scenes. Albie Tipton’s characterisation encompassed a wide variety of facial expressions paired with excellent comedic timing, engaging his audience at every turn. He handled his musical moments with chutzpah, showcasing his versatility. A standout performance.

Grace Haworth’s convincing Sarah Brown brought warmth and likeability to the role, creating an enjoyable, subtle performance that complemented the brash, assertive nature of Harlan Elphick’s Sky Masterson. Confident, charismatic, he commanded the stage, balancing conviction with a believable emotional shift to vulnerability. These emotionally complex characters were interesting and exciting to follow.

Monty Tipton’s joyous Nicely-Nicely, Tom Cotton’s wiseguy Benny, Josh Callum-Jay’s hoodlum Harry and Beau Foutain’s cigar-chomping Big Jule were sublime, larger than life renderings whose company we enjoyed scene after scene, song after song. Ditto Franci Browne’s bolshy Brannigan, Ciara Herbert’s zealous (and coquettish) General Cartwright and Hilmi Mohammed’s gentle, earnest Arvide.

The ensemble worked seamlessly to create a strong collective that proved to be the backbone of the show.

From filling the hotbox with dance and song, shooting craps, marching through the New York streets or taking the audience on a journey to Havana, they created a living world that felt both dynamic and cohesive. Their individual commitment to character added layers of humour, personality, and atmosphere to every scene. They made the show complete.

Musically, the production excelled. Animated by a redhot band under Miss Harlow’s musical direction, the cast

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presented complex harmonies, solo and unison singing.

The Hotbox Dancers gave enthusiastic performances in both A Bushel and a Peck and Take Back Your Mink with sharp comedic timing and synchronised singing, showing impressive versatility.

Adelaide and Sarah’s Marry the Man Today was sung confidently, displaying contrast between the two characters.

Their harmonies leaned into the song’s conversational style; the simple staging kept our focus on the two leads.

Luck Be a Lady captured the intense dynamic and the commitment to each individual character was obvious. Overall, something that remained constant throughout all musical numbers was the cast’s ability to sing in character. The singers never sacrificed vocal quality and always served the story.

All choreography was executed with precision and enthusiasm, especially in the tightly synchronised numbers of The Crapshooters’ Ballet, Havana and Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat. Dancers’ enthusiasm was palpable and encouraged the audience’s rapturous applause. The intense movement was perfectly executed, with synchronicity maintained throughout. Bravo to Rachel and Abi! Whether it was Arvide Abernathy’s compelling speeches or Nicely-Nicely Johnson’s moments of comedic genius, Lancing College’s production of Guys & Dolls resonated with each individual audience member far beyond the final curtain. The success of the show is a testament to the hard work of each individual cast member and the passionate direction by Mr Smith, who inspired the spirited storytelling. With standout acting, dancing and singing, the production encompassed the sense of community that remains a strong theme within Guys & Dolls. When talent, passion and teamwork come together, even a well-worn classic can feel fresh and vibrant, leaving the production to be remembered for the joy it brought to all who watched.

Annie Hargrave, Lower Sixth

I was very lucky to get tickets for the opening night of Guys & Dolls and was by no means disappointed. From the moment I heard the fantastic band playing the overture I knew I was in for a treat. The set was simple yet perfect. Stage left showcased a tall, red newspaper stand used occasionally during crowd scenes, stage right was mainly clear, apart from chairs and a table which arrived during the first act to herald the performance of Adelaide. To top it off though? The neon blue and pink sign boldly displaying the words Guys & Dolls in bright colours, making it immediately clear what everyone was here for, as soon as the curtains parted.

The quality of acting, singing and dancing was outstanding.

Immediately, we were greeted with a perfect tableau of Broadway life, in which it was made known to the audience that every actor knew their character and part in the story,

which greatly enhanced the production; everyone knew what they were there for, and you could immediately feel the sense of teamwork and togetherness on stage. I would say what impressed me most was the choreography. Everyone was in time and together, and you could tell that many hours of repetitive practice really paid off in that moment, it was brilliant.

There was an incredible number of songs, dances and timing to remember. Especially thanks to standout performances from the lead characters, Nathan and Adelaide, the professionalism from the cast was incredible, and the brilliantly used lighting and sound just really capped off a superbly managed, directed and performed musical. Everyone who was a part of it made the show fun and an absolute pleasure to watch.

Ryley Gibbs, Third Form ADVENT 2025

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CO-CURRICULAR NEWS

House Film Festival 2025 It was a joy and a privilege to welcome back distinguished screenwriter, playwright, translator, director – and alumnus – Sir Christopher Hampton (Second’s 1959–1963) for the second House Film Gala in early October.

The occasion celebrates the originality, creativity and talent of Lancing pupils in yet another sphere of the performing arts. Sir Christopher’s generous funding enables the writers, directors and actors of tomorrow to conceive and nurture their ideas across the ten Houses before realising them on location, in the editing room and finally on screen with the support of industry professionals. Films were shot in April in the ever-photogenic surrounds of the College, edited the following month ... and now was the moment everyone had been waiting for: the gala screening followed by the coveted ‘Hamptons’ award ceremony.

The evening began with a reception where writers and directors chatted informally with Sir Christopher about their

experience of the process: from lightbulb moment to hard graft on the page; the composition of the shot and that elusive ‘golden hour’; the way a soundtrack underpins emotion and editing decisions determine audience outcomes. Thence to the theatre where casts joined the assembled throng of eager cinemagoers in Red-Carpet full fig. Everyone, including Sir Christopher, noted a greater confidence in this year’s roster; a tangible spirit of adventure and discovery which was exciting to experience.

There was significant and deserved acclaim across the board – the panel of film buffs produced long nominations lists!

In an illustrious year the Hamptons were awarded as follows:

Best Supporting Actress • Liana Antwi Best Supporting Actor • Angus McClelland Best Actress • Beatrice Hill Best Actor • Tom Cotton Best Director • Ciara Herbert Best Screenplay • Maria Njoya An inaugural award – the Crew’s Award for most impressive engagement with the filmmaking process • Field’s House Finally, Sir Christopher alone pronounced on Best Film, whilst making the point that again, it had been a very close-run contest. Hearty congratulations notwithstanding to this year’s winner, Manor House’s Relive, written by Gladys Chan and directed by Gladys Chan and Emily Meyer.

Once more the House Film Festival proved a highlight of the year, from the balmy days of summer filming to the autumnal nip in the air that insufflated the bated breath of anticipation of

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the Gala Evening. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Mike Carter, Lucas Tucknott and Mark Hodgkin, our wonderful film production team. Our abiding gratitude goes particularly to Sir Christopher for his continuing involvement; his interest, inspiration and advocacy of the next generation of filmmakers at Lancing College.

Matt Smith, Director of Drama and Dance

Head’s House: Ordinate

School House: Absent

Gibbs’ House: Chasing Reality

Teme House: Henry IX

Handford House: 27 Days

Second’s House: Coming to an End

Field’s House: Kindness Killed the

Cat

Sankey’s House: Mission Mars

Manor House: Relive

Saints’ House: The Vote

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CO-CURRICULAR NEWS

Growth, Adventure and Achievement This term has been an incredible one for our Explorer Scout Unit, marked by record numbers, exciting activities, and outstanding achievements. With nearly 90 Scouts now part of the Unit, almost a quarter of them from the Sixth Form, the popularity of Scouting at Lancing has never been higher.

Our programme has offered a diverse range of experiences, from team-building and wide games to Taskmaster-style challenges, climbing, axe and shovel throwing, and pioneering projects during our camp at Parkwood.

One of the standout events this term was the Minerva BakeOff. Each patrol was given a set of ingredients and recipes to bake brownies and mini pavlovas in just over an hour. The time pressure meant teams had to hit the ground running from the start, working together to plan, prepare, and present their creations. With guest judges, Mr Pownall, Mr Chandler, Mrs Henry, and Dr Crawford, arriving to give their verdicts, the atmosphere was electric.

Mr Pownall summed up the event perfectly: ‘Thank you so much for what was a fabulous start to my Wednesday evening!

It was great to be part of such a good-humoured event and to be treated to some really lovely food too! There had been much thought about style and presentation with one of the pavlovas presented in the shape of a star. However, the real star of the show was Ms Champ, who infused the event with her infectious enthusiasm and general joie de vivre. No wonder the pupils clearly love being part of the patrol.’

A key focus this term has been the YouShape Award, which empowers young people to plan, deliver, and reflect on the activities they take part in. This initiative has given our Sixth

Formers valuable leadership opportunities, allowing them to design programmes and lead sessions for younger members, a fantastic example of youth-led Scouting in action.

Looking ahead, excitement is already building for our summer expedition to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland, a highlight of the Scouting calendar and a chance for our Explorers to experience international Scouting at its best.

We are also proud to celebrate a historic achievement for our Unit: Imogen Watts and Bea Hill have successfully been selected to join the UK Contingent for the World Scout Jamboree in Poland in 2027 – a first for our group. Their journey to the Jamboree has already begun, and the next year will see them balancing their GCSE exams with fundraising and attending preparation camps. The whole Unit will be supporting them every step of the way, and we look forward to sharing updates on their progress as they prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

This term has truly showcased the spirit of Scouting, adventure, leadership, and community, and we look forward to even more exciting opportunities in the months ahead.

Andy Cooper Scout Leader, Minerva Explorer Unit

As Explorer Leader, I am immensely proud of the Unit. The growth in numbers and leadership opportunities is a real testament to Scouting and aligns perfectly with the ethos of the College.

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Scaling New Heights: Clara and Rose’s Investiture Adventure When we decided to join Scouts, it was because we wanted to learn new skills and be part of a community that values communication and exploration. Our friends had already joined and would return to House full of stories about the fun they were having, so we were inspired to give it a try.

We’ve only attended a few sessions so far, but in that short time we’ve grown to love the sense of community Scouting brings. Every meeting feels like an opportunity to challenge ourselves and share experiences with others, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

One highlight of our journey so far was our investiture – at the top of the climbing wall! It was a surprising and exciting experience, especially as we didn’t really know what being ‘invested’ involved until we were up there being told to let go.

It was a moment of trust, adventure, and fun that we’ll never forget.

We’re both thrilled to continue our journey with the Unit and look forward to all the adventures ahead!

Clara Lafougère and Rose Irvine, Lower Sixth

Campfire Connections: Amelie’s Overnighter Experience at Parkwood Transitioning from Fifth Form to Sixth Form in Scouts brings new responsibilities and leadership opportunities – both during weekly sessions and on overnighters. This October, our Fifth Form overnighter took place at Parkwood Campsite, a stunning 21-acre site packed with activities and adventure.

We began with a walk around the campsite, exploring everything from the assault course to the impressive campfire circle. Sixth Formers were each assigned a task for the trip – I was on dinner wash-up duty, which might sound dull, but turned out to be great fun! We could recruit Fifth Formers to help, and these shared responsibilities created a real sense of teamwork and community across year groups.

Dinner was a highlight: burgers and chips cooked over the fire, followed by an evening of games and songs around the campfire. As Mr Cooper reminded us, ‘No one campfire is the same, so you should treasure each one.’ That sense of togetherness made the night unforgettable.

The next day was packed with activities: axe and shovel throwing, first aid, pioneering, and cooking with the school’s chefs. I loved the cooking session, learning to make guacamole and assembling quesadillas for lunch. Then came my favourite activity: building a pioneering swing. Working as a team, we tied logs and ropes to create a four-person swing, learning new knots and sharing skills along the way.

Axe throwing was challenging but fun, and first aid gave us practical skills like bandaging and CPR. Overall, the overnighter was an amazing experience. It gave me the chance to use my leadership skills while trying new activities with friends. These trips create a unique sense of community, everyone comes together, no matter their year group, which makes Scouts feel like a safe, welcoming space. I can’t wait for the next overnighter and the adventures to come!

Amelie Kries-Margaroli, Lower Sixth

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CO-CURRICULAR NEWS

CCF Overnighter On 15 and 16 October, the College’s CCF Contingent ventured out to Pippingford Park, north of Lewes, for the final exercise of our A Company troops.

With the support of their excellent Sixth Form NCOs, the cadets set up their bashas for the night after a successful twilight ambush of the enemy forces who had been observed deep in the valley shadows. Successful recce patrols continued to yield information on the enemy’s intentions and so followed a series of Section attacks in the morning which neutralised any remaining threat. The troops performed admirably in their tasks and maintained a low profile in their preparations and harbour area drills.

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Teamwork was the order of the day with strong communication skills and fine leadership from the outgoing NCO cohort. Thanks as ever go out to our Contingent’s Commander Capt Horwell for planning such a varied and engaging event and the volunteer staff body who helped ensure all those who attended gained from the experiences on offer. We look forward to the next generation of NCOs stepping up from this year group to lead their own troops into the future.

Sunday 25 January 2026

Scan the QR code to join our wedding preview Photo credit: Martin Bell

SPORTS NEWS

Lancing Equestrian

A Season of Success, Growth and Exciting New Adventures The Lancing Equestrian Team has kicked off the year with incredible news – they have won the Unsung Heroes Award at this year’s British Horse Society Awards.

This well-deserved recognition celebrates the dedication, passion, and behind-the-scenes work that make the Lancing Equestrian Centre such a vibrant and successful community.

As we look ahead, preparations are already underway for the second national qualifying round, where we hope to see many of our talented riding school pupils progressing to the British Horse Society National Championships at Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre this April. After several College students qualified last year, spirits are high as we host our own qualifier 16–17 February. We can’t wait to cheer on our riders once again.

Sussex Cup: A Stunning First Edition

The inaugural Sussex Cup was a tremendous success. Over the August Bank Holiday, large crowds gathered at Hickstead to enjoy competitive horseball, great food, and glorious sunshine. Clubs travelled from across the country, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere.

The Lancing Equestrian stall was a favourite among visitors, offering pony rides and engaging activities. Support from local bloggers helped generate fantastic media buzz, and it was heartwarming to see so many people cheering for our beloved riding school ponies. Special recognition goes to Sassie, Remi, Cookie, Bill, Dixie, Ary, and Ellie, who performed brilliantly and represented Lancing with pride.

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Our U16 team took home the first-place trophy, while the Pro Elite and Division 2 teams also performed admirably, finishing second and fourth, respectively.

A huge thank you to the British Horseball Association for helping us make this fast-growing sport more accessible in the South. We are already looking forward to next year’s event on 22–23 August.

Sussex U16s shine on the International Stage

A remarkable achievement this season came from our Sussex U16 team, who competed in the Champions League in Belgium. For many riders, it was their first year in the sport, yet they delivered exceptional performances throughout the national league.

Their journey culminated in a thrilling final, where they were narrowly defeated by just one goal. The entire team – riders, supporters, and ponies – returned home proud, inspired, and with an extra stamp in their passports. Many of these talented athletes will soon be trialling for the next European GB teams, and we cannot wait to follow their progress.

The Equestrian Pathway

for the Lancing College Community (Prep and College) Pupils can begin or advance their riding journey at Lancing Equestrian.

Our programme supports riders of all levels, helping them build confidence, skill and a lifelong passion for horses.

How to Get Started

Extra Opportunities

Parents register via our website and add their child as a rider.

NSEA Competitions: Represent Lancing in inter-school equestrian events.

Book a trial session or secure a weekly slot (private or group).

Horseball Training: Monday and Friday evenings. Riders may trial for the Sussex Horseball Team.

Additional sessions can be booked outside school hours and on weekends.

Volunteering: Sunday yard experience for confident handlers.

Students riding outside scheduled times must sign in/out at both the College and the Centre.

Stable Assistant Training: Hands-on weekend sessions.

Lesson Details From £40 – 45-minute group lesson From £50 – 30-minute private session

BHS Stage Training (Wednesdays): Globally recognised qualifications in care and riding.

Discover your potential in the saddle.

More information: lancingequestrian.co.uk

Advance payment required to secure term-time slots.

Sessions can be rescheduled or credited with 48 hours’ notice.

Safety and Supervision Loan hats available for initial sessions.

Regular riders must purchase a professionally fitted riding hat (fittings arranged on site).

Training times are agreed via a four-way email with Home, HMMs, the student and the Centre.

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SPORTS NEWS

Football News Football has been as popular as ever during the Advent Term with 15 teams taking part in regular block fixtures, including matches with Winchester College, Tonbridge, Bradfield and Bedes as well as ISFA and ESFA National Cups, Sussex County Cups and West Sussex District Leagues.

With over 200 boys taking part, football at Lancing is the norm and pupils have had the exposure to our excellent facilities and a high standard of coaching throughout the term. At the conclusion of the Advent Term the Boys’ Football Club will have competed in well over 100 fixtures. This will be followed

by a full fixture card continuing into the Lent Term for the Senior boys, along with a new development: Girls’ Football starting competitively from January. Congratulations to the following teams who have progressed through to the later stages of cup competitions:

U15 Boys have progressed through to the last 16 of the ISFA Trophy U16 Boys have progressed through to the last 32 of ESFA Small Schools Cup U17 Boys have progressed to the quarter-finals of the County Cup 2nd XI Boys have progressed through to the last 32 of the ESFA National Cup 1st XI Girls have progressed through to the last 16 of the ISFA Trophy U15A Girls have progressed through to the last 16 of the ISFA Trophy

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Annual U11 and U13 Prep Schools’ Football Tournament In October, we were delighted to host 30 teams for our Annual U11 and U13 Prep Schools Football Tournament. It was a fantastic spectacle with over 250 prep school pupils in attendance. We would like to extend our thanks to all of the staff, spectators and teams that attended the day and congratulate our winning teams.

In the U13 Competition, Royal Russell A beat Westbourne House to claim victory in the cup competition, whilst

Colfe’s School beat Royal Russell B in the final of the plate competition. For the U11s St Christopher’s Prep beat West Hill Park to take home the U11 cup final victory and Westbourne House beat Bede’s in the Plate Competition. A massive congratulations to all those that took part and thank you to all that attended.

Royal Russell – U13 Cup winners

Colfe’s School – U13 Plate winners

St Christopher’s – U11 Cup winners

Westbourne House – U11 Plate winners

Constance Success We are delighted to report that Third Former, Constance De Forest, has been selected for the ISFA U14 National representative team. After attending trials at Kimbolton School in Cambridge, she was chosen for the squad and will now attend representative camps at Easter and over the summer ahead of fixtures for England, which include an international fixture with Wales. Constance also plays for Brighton and Hove Albion U14s. We are extremely proud of her achievements.

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SPORTS NEWS

Hockey News The 2025/26 season was an exciting and rewarding year for our girls’ hockey programme, with strong participation across all age levels, with over 70 matches played this term.

Students showed tremendous commitment and growth, and several teams delivered standout seasons. Our 2nd XI team achieved an impressive 90% win ratio with nine wins and one draw from their ten fixtures. Our 1st XI team close behind at 72.7%. Other teams such as U16A and U15A also had excellent seasons, demonstrating teamwork, steady improvement, and a positive competitive spirit. The U16s are still in the tier 2 national championships, awaiting a quarter-final.

Many middle-level teams were competitive throughout the season and showed clear development as players gained experience and confidence. Teams such as the U14A and U15A were involved in close games all year, and our development squads, including U15B and U14B, benefited from valuable pitch time that helped strengthen foundational skills.

While not all development teams recorded winning overall records, the enthusiasm, effort, and willingness to learn were consistent highlights that coaches repeatedly praised.

Overall, this season reflected not only strong team results but also high student involvement and a supportive environment that encouraged players at every skill level to grow. With a programme-wide win ratio of 50.8% so far and many close games across the teams, students showed resilience, teamwork, and a genuine love for the sport.

We have also had thirteen students selected for Sussex County Hockey across both our boys and girls this season, and they have been preparing to represent Sussex in the County Championships in the New Year.

House Hockey

Boys’ Hockey

The fiercely competitive House Hockey tournament did not disappoint, the House spirit, an array of face paint and inflatables, every House for themselves!

In the Junior Competition the final between Manor and Handford was a nail-biting thriller from start to finish. After a fiercely contested match, the teams remained deadlocked, sending the game to a tense penalty shoot-out. With sharp shooting and steady nerves, Handford emerged triumphant, securing a well-deserved victory in a memorable finale.

Results for the Juniors: 3rd – Sankey’s; 2nd – Manor; 1st – Handford In the Senior Competition, it was a fiercely contested battle to earn a place in the final. Saints’, who recorded only one defeat all afternoon at the hands of Field’s, faced Sankey’s in a tightly fought showdown. With just a single goal separating the teams, Harriet Brookfield’s decisive strike secured the win, earning Saints’ the senior trophy.

Results of the afternoon, 3rd – Field’s; 2nd – Sankey’s; 1st – Saints’ Senior players of the tournament: • Hattie Pope and Harriet Brookfield Junior players of the tournament: • Franzi Kloster and Constance De Forest Goalkeeper’s of the tournament: • Mika Lim and Molly Champion.

As we look ahead to the 2026/27 Boys’ season, the positive momentum, strong participation, and continued focus on player development, positions our hockey programme for even greater success.

In other news, Fintan and Bryn Harman continue to play at National League level for Brighton & Hove Men’s 1st Team.

It has been a demanding but hugely rewarding campaign, with several challenging fixtures along the way. A standout moment came with their away win against Southgate: most of the squad travelled by train to London, and after a tense match that finished 2–1 to Brighton, we stayed on to watch Southgate face East Grinstead in the Premier League.

The boys are training twice a week; Tuesdays are centred on fitness, while Thursdays focus on technical drills and tactical preparation and matches take place on Saturdays.

The club has been incredibly supportive, and the squad strikes the ideal balance between friendliness and fierce commitment. Next term the boys will juggle school and club hockey, as well as a full academic schedule.

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Pool Refurbishment Marks a Brighter Future for Lancing Swimming After Fifth Former Bianca Stavar Albarral’s outstanding performances at Ponds Forge, Sheffield – where she placed 8th in the 1500m and 10th in the 800m at the Summer Nationals – Lancing’s Pool closed for major refurbishment.

As we also said goodbye to our 2025 captains, Bethany King and Alessio Mandica, ahead of their university adventures, it felt like the closing of a significant chapter. Our well-loved school pool has supported more than 45 years of swimming success, and this moment marked both an ending and an exciting new beginning. The extensive upgrade works, due for completion around April 2026, will give the facility a muchneeded new lease of life for pupils, staff, local schools, and the wider community.

Despite the closure, our swimmers have shown impressive commitment. Pupils have continued training at the University of Sussex, Falmer, and through Lancing College Swimming Club at local pools to stay competition ready. Under the leadership of Charlotte Malik, the Club also delivered a highly successful training camp in Mallorca, where 24 swimmers trained intensely, developed new skills, and bonded as a team.

Since September, we have welcomed several new Third Form swimmers – including Cecily Simpson, Joshua Callard, Dylan Chi, and Dhruv Karan – who have already strengthened the squad. In our opening round of the Schools Super Swimming League (SSSL), the combined Senior and Prep team

secured an impressive 3rd place. Further rounds will follow in January, February and March, ahead of the National Bath Cup at the London Aquatics Centre on 6 March 2026.

Our prep school swimmers form the Junior section of the SSSL team, creating a genuinely unified programme that highlights the depth of talent at Lancing. We also have 24 prep swimmers entered for the National IAPS Championships in February 2026.

At the recent Winter County Short Course Championships, Bianca continued her strong trajectory, earning three golds, four silvers, and placing within the top six in every Junior (16 & Under) event. Several of our swimmers – including Joshua and Cecily – have now achieved county qualifying times, and we look forward to representing Lancing at the County Long Course Championships next February.

We are incredibly excited for the pool’s reopening next year and deeply grateful for the way pupils have adapted, supported one another, and continued to uphold the spirit of Lancing swimming during this period of transition.

Karen Wooliscroft, Head of Swimming and Charlotte Malik, Head Swimming Coach

Dhruv Karan shines in National Water Polo Competitions We are delighted to share the outstanding achievements of Dhruv Karan, who has been representing Worthing Water Polo Club at a national level. Earlier this month, Dhruv played for the South East Region team in the U14 Inter-Regional Championships, held in Walsall on 6–7 December. Competing against the best young players from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the team secured an impressive 4th place finish – a remarkable accomplishment given the strength of the competition.

Dhruv’s individual performance was equally noteworthy. He was named Man of the Match for his exceptional defensive play and went on to receive the prestigious MVP award, presented by the Mayor of Walsall. This recognition highlights Dhruv’s skill, dedication, and contribution to his team’s success.

Additionally, Dhruv competed in the Swim England Water Polo U15 Open National Age Group Championships Finals Weekend at the Manchester Aquatics Centre on 15–16 November, representing Worthing Water Polo Club. The team finished 8th nationally, an outstanding result considering the level of competition and the calibre of teams involved.

At the time of going to print, Dhruv had been nominated to play in the Prince of Wales Cup 2025 in Manchester on Saturday 13 December. We look forward to reporting back!

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DORSET HOUSE SCHOOL

Dorset House School Matt Thomas, Head at the newest member of the Lancing College Family of Schools, reflects on a term of new beginnings and a farewell ...

Staff received a warm welcome at the College in early September when they travelled to Lancing to meet colleagues.

Connections were quickly formed, and we have already seen collaboration in Music, Art and Sport with much more to come, I am sure.

Years 7 and 8 kick started the year with a trip to the Château de la Baudonnière in Normandy. This is the perfect start to the academic year, being a great bridge between the summer holidays and school, and an excellent opportunity for bonding and team building.

The children embraced opportunities such as canoeing, orienteering, fencing and climbing – showing enthusiasm and practising their French throughout.

A special highlight was a visit to Gold Beach at Arromanches and the British Memorial which gave them a powerful glimpse into history.

At the other end of the school, we welcomed new families and siblings into Reception and this class along with the rest of the Pre-Prep have been enjoying their weekly sessions at Forest School in our woodland.

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As ever, the Parents’ Association organised a terrific Bonfire Party with the obligatory, slightly chaotic traditional games in the Barn. Children had made Guys over Half Term to enter in an inter house competition on a sporting theme with some exceptionally lifelike entries!

The PA also organised a Winter Party and the Happy Gurkha kept everyone fed and warm – which was just as well as there was a power cut in the village, and the event had to take place with candlelight, acoustic music and emergency lighting!

In addition to supporting the Royal British Legion, children brought in donations for Turning Tides, a local homeless charity and raised funds and took part in activities for Young Minds during World Mental Health Day. Of course, there were also plenty of spots and a cookie sale for Children in Need.

History was brought to life as Year 4 were fully immersed in the life of the Tudors. They dressed as Tudors and visited the Mary Rose Museum, Arundel Church and the Weald and Downland Museum. They welcomed a Tudor visitor and enjoyed a Forest School session

where they made clay Tudor roses, a purse, bows and arrows and a huge vat of pottage!

Our bespoke Year 7 and 8 curriculum includes a Business Enterprise project which sees Year 7 choosing charities to support and then booking a stall at Arundel Farmers’ Market, making things to sell and then manning the stall and meeting members of the public.

This year, the children chose Cancer Research and Moorfields (the latter was for very personal reasons as one of the class lost the sight in one eye as the result of an accident in her garden and had it restored at the hospital in London). The children are still selling some of their stock but have raised more than £1,800 and learnt a great deal about profit and loss and marketing along the way.

Remembrance is always marked by two, very different services. The first is at St Nicholas’ Church in Arundel with the Choir singing the anthem and our Year 8 pupils giving a moving presentation based on three servicemen whose graves they had seen at Arromanches earlier in the term. The second service

was held in the village churchyard where we joined with children from two local village schools, to remember the fallen from our community. Of course, this year, for the first time, our Heads of School accompanied me to the College for the service in the Chapel.

Our sports teams have enjoyed a great term of fixtures and tournaments with every child in Years 3–8 taking part in matches every week. Successes include our Colts A team winning the Lancing Prep at Worthing Football Tournament and our U10 Cross Country Team victors at a meet at Windlesham House School.

A sporting highlight is always the termly Arun Valley Competition where children from local primary schools join DH children for an afternoon of football fun and competition. This term saw 12 teams taking part in a three-hour marathon involving four pitches!

In Showjumping, we now have a (very young) national champion as a Year 1 pupil took the 40cm crown at the NSEA National Championships at Hickstead.

Our musicians start the year with a series of informal concerts for Years

1–4 and this is always a perfect way for children to gain confidence in performing.

Older musicians practised hard for the Christmas Concert and Carol Service, and many took ABRSM exams. With over 90% of children in Years 3 and above having individual music lessons with our team of peripatetic teachers, in addition to their sessions with Mr Marconi, everyone looks forward to these events. Our Year 5 choristers had a fantastic afternoon of choral singing at the College and even reconnected with two DH alumni.

Of course, Christmas would not be Christmas without a Nativity and this year’s was The Twinkly Nativity. All the children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 take part and it is a wonderful Pre-Prep celebration. Year 3 progress to leading our wonderful Christingle service at St John’s Church, next-door to the school.

Boarding has always been central to life at Dorset House and children have enjoyed games outside on the Astro in the early part of the term and cosy evenings of games, puzzles or a movie as the evenings drew in. They enjoyed Secret Santa and an end of term party at Out of Bounds.

It is always pleasing to look back at a successful and busy term but as this is my final (and 28th) term, there is a tinge of poignancy too. I am proud to have seen through the merge with the College, and I know that ‘DH’ will flourish as it enters this new chapter in its very long history. I wish the whole community and Sarah Sutherland-Booth, incoming Headmistress, every success.

MATT THOMAS Headmaster

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LANCING PREP HOVE

Lancing Prep Hove An Autumn Term Full of Energy, Creativity and Community at LPH ...

From joyful celebrations to inspiring learning and festive traditions, Lancing Prep Hove has embraced every moment this term.

What a term it has been at Lancing Prep Hove! We started the year with our very first Family Fun Day and it was a great community event to get the term underway. Families, children and staff came together for an afternoon of laughter, creativity and play. Our older children shone as activity leaders, while our youngest children proudly showed just how settled and confident they already felt in their new school.

Community spirit has been at the heart of everything we’ve done. Our Harvest Festival was a beautiful celebration of gratitude, with heartfelt singing and generous donations for the local food bank. The children also embraced Just One Tree Day, wearing green and creating collaborative artwork to remind

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us that even small actions can make a big difference, adding a tree for every pupil to growing forests that we support every year. And of course, the eagerly anticipated PTA Fireworks Evening lit up the November sky, bringing families together for a truly magical night.

November gave us time to pause and reflect. Our Prep children led a moving Remembrance Service at the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the whole school gathered in the grounds for a two-minute silence. Ten of our budding artists enjoyed a creative afternoon at Lancing College, making ceramic poppies and prints that will feature in next years’ service. Anti-Bullying Week and World Kindness Day added colour and meaning to the month, with

Odd Socks Day and kindness pledges reminding us that individuality and empathy matter.

Learning has been full of adventure.

Pre-School explored senses and feelings through stories and sensory play, while Reception enjoyed a magical day at Wakehurst Gardens, discovering the secrets of seeds. Year 1 became space experts and celebrated Diwali, while Year 2 brought history to life with a dramatic Great Fire of London reenactment during Forest School. Year 3 stepped back in time at Preston Manor and met Michael Rosen at The Brighton Dome, while Year 4 peeled satsumas to understand map distortion and visited Fishbourne Roman Palace.

Older children have embraced handson experiences too. Year 5 combined geography and law during a trip to the Royal Courts of Justice, and Year 6 showcased creativity in Drama and Design Technology. Year 7 launched Midday Masterclasses and took on roles as Digital Ambassadors, while Year 8 explored identity through Black History Month, honed their French skills and enjoyed whittling at the College Farm.

The arts have flourished, with Poetry Week culminating in an uplifting Open Mic Evening, and November’s Ensembles Evening and Musical Showcase events filling the Laurent Hall with outstanding performances.

On the sports field, our U11 football team lifted the Mowden Cup in September, and children have enjoyed a strong start to the netball and rugby season, alongside hockey success and a lively tennis festival.

As December arrived, the festive spirit truly came alive at LPH. PrePrep delighted audiences with their charming Christmas Nativities, in which Reception and Years 1 & 2 brought the story of Christmas to life with creativity and confidence. Children in Years 3–8 enjoyed a special trip to the Duke of York’s Cinema for a festive film, and the whole school embraced Christmas Jumper Day, adding colour and cheer to the final week. Our traditional Carol Services at the Church of the Good Shepherd were a highlight, with voices raised in song and a wonderful sense of togetherness. And of course, no LPH Christmas would be complete without our famous Christmas Feasts and the much-loved Staff Panto, sending everyone off for the holidays with happy memories and a real sense of community.

This has been a term that truly embodies the spirit of LPH: vibrant, caring and full of opportunity. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back in January for another exciting chapter!

KIRSTY KEEP Head Mistress

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LANCING PREP WORTHING

Lancing Prep Worthing Love Learning – Be Kind – Go Out into the World and Do Good The Autumn Term has been nothing short of remarkable, brimming with special moments that brought our school community together. From treasured traditions to exciting new ventures, pupils across all year groups have been busy learning, celebrating and creating lasting memories.

Our school family has grown once again – this time with the arrival of some very unusual companions! Alongside our much-loved guinea pig, Nugget, we are now caring for Giant African Land Snails. These fascinating creatures have already captured the children’s imagination with their impressive size and gentle nature. Pupils have enjoyed discovering their habits, learning how to care for them, and marvelling at their unique shells. The snails are proving to be a wonderful addition to our community, sparking conversations about biodiversity, responsibility and the joy of nurturing living things.

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STEM opportunities have never been richer or more exciting. From handson science experiments and outdoor engineering challenges in Forest School, to coding, robotics and Design & Technology projects, pupils are exploring innovation in every corner of school life. STEM has been purposefully woven into more areas of our rich curriculum, clubs and special events and our pupils are thriving as curious thinkers, creative problem-solvers and confident innovators ready to Go Out into the World and Do Good.

This term we proudly marked the 25th anniversary of the European Day of Languages with a day full of colour, culture and creativity. Workshops throughout the day reflected the rich diversity of languages spoken within our school community and the enthusiasm our pupils have for exploring their cultural heritage. From Italian and Swedish to Turkish, German, Scottish,

Spanish and French, children were immersed in a joyful ‘linguistic bath’ that sparked curiosity and open-mindedness.

Their spirit of discovery and Love of Learning perfectly embodied this year’s motto: Languages open hearts and minds.

Harvest celebrations were as magical as ever, with children delighting us through poems and songs. Thanks to the generosity of our families, the collection for Turning Tides, a local homeless charity, overflowed with donations – a true reflection of our community spirit and of our school aim to Be Kind.

On 5 November, our fireworks event lit up the night sky more brightly than ever. Blessed with crisp, clear weather, families enjoyed an evening of fun and festivity. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Friends and Families of LPW, whose dedication made this spectacular tradition possible.

Our pupil leadership groups have been busier than ever. The School Council has championed pupil voice, ensuring ideas and concerns are heard across the school. The Green Team has led eco-initiatives, inspiring us all to be more sustainable. The Anti-Bullying Committee has promoted kindness and inclusivity, while the Food Committee has worked closely with our chefs to bring pupils’ ideas to life. Together, these groups embody teamwork, responsibility and the positive impact of pupil leadership.

Recognising our new Prefects with their badges was a proud highlight of the term. At LPW, we believe leadership should be a shared journey, which is why we proudly champion a diverse team of Prefects rather than the traditional Head Boy and Head Girl. This inclusive model allows more of the children in our care to step into leadership roles, each bringing their own strengths, passions

and perspectives. It reflects the real world, where collaboration, teamwork and mutual respect drive success. By empowering many, we cultivate a culture of responsibility, unity and opportunity for all.

Rehearsals are in full swing for this year’s annual musical, Newsies – an inspiring story of courage and community. Set in 1899 New York City, the show follows Jack ‘Cowboy’ Kelly and his fellow newsboys as they fight for justice on the bustling streets of Manhattan. From powerful songs to lively choreography, excitement is building across the school, and we cannot wait to see our pupils bring this uplifting tale to life on stage.

The busy term came to a heartwarming close with festive celebrations and a special service at Lancing College Chapel. Our Orchestras and Chamber Choir filled the Chapel with beautiful music, while pupils read

poems and passages with grace and eloquence. The atmosphere was one of joy, togetherness and pride, keeping spirits bright through the winter chill. As we look ahead, excitement is already bubbling for January’s much-loved LPW’s Got Talent competition – the perfect way to start the new year with creativity and cheer.

FRANCESCA MILLING Head

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LITTLE LANCING

Little Lancing Little Lancing has been bustling with activities this term.

From babies to Preschool, it’s been an exciting run-up to Christmas.

It’s been another busy term at Little Lancing with lots of new starters in our baby rooms and the nursery is now full until next September! We’ve welcomed back most of our staff – and their babies – who have been on maternity leave this year, with one more returning to us in February next year. We continue to strengthen our staff team with qualified practitioners joining us in Preschool and the Nest, and we will be seeing three more start their maternity leave next year.

The children have been busy too; we do all we can to get them outdoors as much as possible, with the babies and toddlers enjoying their buggy rides to the river bank along the safe footpaths, as well as spending time in the fresh air

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out in our nursery gardens. Preschool have had lots of fun in Forest School, with a wonderful variety of activities, from creating collages from leaves and sticks gathered in the Forest School Field to learning how to light fires and use saws, closely and carefully supervised of course!

The Preschoolers have also enjoyed a term of enrichment activities. Small groups have visited the Kingsland Care Home, this term for a Halloween-themed tea party and a Christmas visit, with Christmas songs and games and a visit from Santa. They have been enthralled by a visit from Tom’s Talking Reptiles, where they learnt about creatures ranging from a stick insect, a giant

African Snail and a wonderful snake. The children were surprised that the snake was not cold and slimy and enjoyed holding it on their laps. They visited both the Lancing Preps, with Forest School activities and music-making at Lancing Prep Hove, and sport and music at Lancing Prep Worthing. They also attended the dress rehearsals of both Pre-Prep nativities, complete with angels, shepherds and kings. These enrichment activities are so valuable to our older children, who gain so much in confidence in meeting new people and discovering more about the world around them.

We have been looking outwards at Little Lancing this term too and thinking about those in need, nationally, internationally and locally.

We supported Children in Need with spotty-themed activities and the children and staff turned out in their Christmas jumpers in support of Save the Children. We also collected tins and packets of foodstuffs and Christmas treats for the local Lancing & Sompting Food Bank along with some cash donations, and took a small group from Preschool by minibus to visit the food bank stores and deliver what we had collected. We will be running similar collections next year, for Easter and the start of the summer holidays.

Christmas is always full of fun at Little Lancing – we have had Christmas lunches galore, so that everyone has a chance to enjoy a lovely home-cooked Christmas meal; the children have made Christmas cards, worn Christmas outfits and helped decorate the nursery rooms.

We’re looking forward to the Christmas break and to returning in January when the afternoons will become lighter and signs of spring will start to show. We will then be turning our attention to admissions for next year with an open morning in early February.

We have lots of enquirers for September 2026 and beyond and are confident that Little Lancing will continue to go from strength to strength.

JOVITA OPIO Nursery Manager

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CHAPEL NEWS

Chapel News The Friends of Lancing Chapel held their Annual Festival on 27 September.

At Evensong, the new Chairman, Provost Jonathan Meyrick OL, preached.

The guest of honour was the stonemason author Andrew Ziminski.

He gave an entertaining illustrated talk on many aspects of church building and architecture entitled A Career in Ruins.

Andrew took us to a wide range of churches, picking out and explaining quirky, unusual and historic details. His enthusiasm, humour and expertise brought a favourable response and some good questions from the audience. Much of his work has involved conservation of the kind we are constantly engaged in on the Chapel. Copies of Andrew’s books The Stonemason and Church Going, supplied by the Steyning Bookshop, sold well during the traditional excellent cream tea.

The annual Friends Festival is an important opportunity to celebrate the Chapel and appreciate both its quality as an architectural masterpiece and the cost of its upkeep (currently about £600 a day). This year we extended the invitation well beyond just the Friends membership and a good number attended. We hope to increase this over the years to promote the Chapel to the wider public and help to secure its future.

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To this end, also, Yvonne Wilson, the College’s Commercial Director, and her team are expanding the external use of this wonderful building and working closely with the Friends to boost visitor numbers.

At the Festival the new Memorial Book of the Friends was received at the altar. This now contains, in fine calligraphy, the names of those in whose memory donations of £500 or more were made towards the Porch Completion Campaign.

The book includes many extra pages for future memorials. By commemorating a loved-one, leaving a legacy or just paying a regular membership subscription to the Friends, you too can become part of the Chapel’s story.

In 2026 the Friends will be celebrating 80 years of completing, maintaining, conserving and enhancing Lancing Chapel and we very much hope you will join us.

Jeremy Tomlinson Hon Secretary, Friends of Lancing Chapel

BECOME A FRIEND OF LANCING CHAPEL The award-winning completion of the Chapel is now a well-established fact but the Friends of Lancing Chapel are still very much in demand. The building needs supporters, volunteer helpers and a regular income for its maintenance, conservation, and enhancement. It is easy to become a Friend and membership is not expensive. There has been a good response to our recent appeal for new members. If you have recently received a membership application form, do please consider joining us.

Everyone for whom the Chapel has some special significance or who has enjoyed a visit is asked to contribute to its preservation. The best way to do this is to become a Friend and make a regular gift-aided donation by Direct Debit.

E FriendsOfLancingChapel@lancing.org.uk A Registered Charity No 241403

• • • • • • • •

PLEASE BECOME A FRIEND £20 per annum single; £35 joint membership Life membership £300 (single); £500 (joint) BENEFITS Exclusive invitations to events and concerts in the Chapel An invitation to the Annual Festival Priority booking for the Carol Services A warm welcome to the Chapel during opening hours and guided tours A fully illustrated Annual Report and news of ongoing projects Regular e-newsletters

It costs at least £600 a day to keep the Chapel open and in use. There are also major projects to be financed in the next few years.

Make a donation via the QR code or www.lancingcollege.co.uk/chapel-friend or pick up our Become a Friend of Lancing Chapel membership leaflet when you visit the Chapel.

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FOUNDATION OFFICE

Foundation Office & Lancing Society When you come up the Lancing drive for the first time, you can see, almost immediately, its unique characteristics. Its beautiful buildings, most still in use for their original purpose set amongst the peaceful beauty of the South Downs.

For many people, young and old, whether as OLs, pupils, parents or visitors, who are sensitive to a spirit of place, it makes a lasting impression. I have often talked about the Lancing spirit in our community, strengthened down through the generations and it is heart-warming for me to see it so alive and flourishing today. In my more mature years and approaching retirement, I have, inevitably, been reflecting on the last 20 years of my working life here alongside my childhood years at the College from the age of two to eighteen. It has been a real privilege to work in this role and the significance of relationships built over the last 20 years will remain forever with me as I seek to ‘re-fire’ (a word written to me by an OL) myself rather than retire.

Lancing’s Foundation Office was set up in April 2005 and reaching its double decade this year gives me an opportunity to reflect on its position today at the heart of the Lancing community. Development departments in the early 2000s were a new idea for many schools and inevitably there have been challenges along the way; 2008 saw the deepest UK recession since the Second World War and the pandemic arrived with a different set of unknowns. In my 20 years, a succession of five Head Masters have led the College through extraordinary and troubled times; and throughout the school has shown resilience, foresight and an ability to deliver renewal whilst still maintaining some of its oldest traditions. The Foundationers Campaign has played a key part in what has been achieved in the last decade. Our mission to enhance emotional, educational, and social outcomes through the programme has been realised with the arrival of our 50th Foundationer in the school at the beginning of this term. Supporting young people to engage in education who have experienced crisis, financial hardship and multiple challenging social issues has created a considerable impact within our own community.

Sustaining this impact with increasing numbers will be a challenge for the future. Henry Ellinger-Gane (Head’s/Second’s 2001–2006), the new Development Director, is joining us from a background of significant fundraising and partnership experience from charities such as GOSH and Whizz Kidz and

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will be key to taking the fundraising into its second decade alongside our new Head Master, Dr Scott Crawford, who in his first term has been promoting the importance of the Foundationers in his many introductions to the wider Lancing community. I know that you will give Henry a proper Lancing welcome in the coming months and join with me to wish him every success in his new role.

None of the work in the Foundation Office would have happened without my incredible team around me who have contributed so much over the years and supported me in different ways making it possible for me to dedicate time and attention to the job. My grateful thanks go to them and to all my colleagues in the Common Room and throughout the school who have made my life at Lancing such a joyous series of special moments. One of the highlights of my job has been to see firsthand how friendships forged in classrooms, in Houses, on the stage and on the playing fields can be immediately rekindled decades later. The warmth and support from the OL community have never ceased to amaze me, from all corners of the world, and I will remember always these precious times.

My warmest wishes for the festive season and I wish you all much happiness in 2026.

CATHERINE REEVE

A Class Act Recent 2025 leaver, Ogechi Amadi-Ohuroguzo (Handford 2023–2025) was featured in the October issue of School House Magazine: Bursaries and Scholarships special in the CLASS ACTS feature. Ogechi shares how the opportunities provided by the Lancing Foundationers programme inspired her to pursue a degree in medicine at her chosen university.

Ogechi writes: ‘I graduated from Lancing College in the summer of 2025 after two years as a Lancing Foundationer.

Being given the opportunity to study at a school like Lancing has truly changed my life. The high standard of education I’ve received has prepared me well for my next steps – I have won a place to study medicine at my chosen university and I hope to become a psychiatrist.

Transitioning from my previous school was made so much easier by the College’s warm, inclusive atmosphere. From day one, both staff and students made me feel like a valued part of the Lancing community. Although my background is quite different to many of my peers, I have never felt out of place.

Lancing is more than just a school; it’s a place where I’ve been challenged, supported and encouraged to grow, both as a student and a person. I’ve taken part in incredible experiences, from sailing and private tennis lessons to academic trips, career talks and advice from leading professionals. The friendships I’ve formed and the experiences I’ve had will stay with me for life.’

Foundationer Campaign Updates The campaign Lancing Foundationers: Bursaries That Change Lives has raised over £6.5 million towards bursaries for young people from challenging social and economic backgrounds and has supported 50 pupils since 2017. It continues in 2025, with the goal of supporting a further 20 places and a total target of £10.5 million. The Campaign is supported by OLs, current and former parents and staff, and other valued friends.

Our Foundation Council exists to promote and support the College and the Foundation Office in their fundraising strategy and to contribute individually and strategically to the broader aims of the Lancing community. This year we have had a number of changes to the Foundation Council. Dr Harry Brünjes announced his intention to step down as Chair of the Council in March having served four years in the role. The College is grateful that he set aside time for the Foundationers Campaign alongside his particularly challenging role at the ENO. Rob Walker and Nicky Williams both retired from their roles on the Council as they had served nine years and eight years respectively. They have been important years and their advice and counsel from pre-launch to the success of the campaign today have been hugely appreciated. The campaign has come a long way in that time, and it is encouraging to all of us involved that the programme has received recognition for its work. We extend our sincere thanks for their contributions both financially and for their endeavours on the steering group.

We are delighted that Andy Whitehouse (Sanderson’s 1990– 1995) has stepped into the role of Chair of the Foundation Council this term. On taking over the role, Andy said, ‘I’m honoured to have been asked to Chair the Foundation Council.

Expanding access to a Lancing education is a cause that

is close to my heart. I look forward to helping the Council continue in its work of growing the Foundationers programme.’

We have also welcomed Alistair Wellmann (Olds 1990–1995), Karim Saleh (Teme 1999–2004) and Tomas Freyman as new members and will be recruiting a few more in the New Year.

We look forward to continuing the great work of the Foundationers Programme under the directorship of Henry Ellinger-Gane, supported by Dr Scott Crawford, Diana Cree and the Foundation Council.

Andy Whitehouse & Henry Ellinger-Gane ADVENT 2025

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FOUNDATION OFFICE

A Lancing Legacy

Generations looking after Generations A message from Catherine Reeve (Sanderson’s 1976–1978).

Between 1953 and 1981, three influential Head Masters – Professor John Dancy, Sir William Gladstone Bt KG and Ian Beer CBE – were responsible for educating over 3,000 young men and women. These men, chosen to lead Lancing, brought unique strengths to the school across three pivotal decades – the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. During this period, they advanced academic standards, introduced lasting innovations like the tutorial system and co-education, and oversaw major developments including the Greek Theatre, the Music School and the rose window on the west end of the Chapel. Their collective impact set records in recruitment and expanded the school’s national reputation. Their legacy, along with many others over the last 177 years, is ingrained in the flintwork of the cloisters, the soaring buttresses of the Chapel and in the rolling green of the sports fields. Generations of young people have been motivated and inspired to seek greatness within these surrounds.

Education is more than teaching, it’s a legacy – a gift passed from one generation to the next, instilling values that echo throughout a lifetime. The ethos of Lancing, its belief in the power of community, with an environment designed to spark curiosity, its focus on pupils’ responsibility to care about others, and to encourage intellectual independence, has resonated across generations.

We have been fortunate that the College’s foundation was built on visionary philanthropy, including support from prominent historical figures including two Prime Ministers – Robert Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, and William Ewart Gladstone – as well as Sir Alexander Beresford Hope, Henry Martin Gibbs and Henry Tritton, the latter a prominent banker.

All these people formed part of Nathaniel Woodard’s inner circle of influential friends. Lancing would not be here today were it not for their generosity and belief in Woodard’s mission.

Dr Scott Crawford and I acknowledge a huge debt of gratitude to those original benefactors whose influence still profoundly affects the school today, and we express grateful thanks and admiration to a new generation continuing that legacy of giving.

Catherine Reeve

Sir William Gladstone

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Ian Beer

OL Visits We welcomed back OLs from across the decades for individual tours during the summer holiday and Advent Term.

The consensus is that in spite of a few updates over the years, the essence of Lancing does not change. Though dormitories no longer extend down the long House hallways, and the Library is not quite where it used to be, and the chairs in the

Dining Hall are ‘new’, it is still very much as OLs remember.

Tours can be arranged Monday–Friday by contacting Alumni Relations Manager Sam Pitcher, spitcher@lancing.org.uk

Patrick Emery (Head’s 1976–1981)

Yuliya Knyazhanska (Handford 2007–2009) and Rod Shaykhutdinov (School 2008–2010)

Katrina Cheung (Manor 2003–2008)

Lothar Mertens (Olds 1991–1993) ADVENT 2025

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FOUNDATION OFFICE

1995 30-Year Reunion It was a pleasure to welcome back the Class of 1995 at the end of August for their 30th Anniversary Reunion.

The day began on the grass courts, where families gathered to enjoy a summer’s day at the College. Special reunion tennis balls, generously provided by co-organiser Alex Suddaby (Olds 1990–1995), added a personal touch to the matches.

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In the evening, OLs returned for drinks and House tours, with memorable stops at Great School and the Chapel before gathering for dinner in the Megarry Room. Laughter, stories, and fond reminiscences of school days filled the night, making it a truly special occasion.

Over 60s Autumn Lunch The Over 60s Autumn Lunch at the Reform Club was a delightful occasion, bringing together a wonderful group of OLs, including 10 first-time attendees.

This year’s gathering marked the first Over 60s lunch for Head Master Dr Scott Crawford, who officially took up his post in mid-August. Introduced by OL Club Chair Nigel Bennett (Olds 1972–1977), Dr Crawford expressed his gratitude for the warm

welcome he has received from the OL community. He spoke of his admiration for their enduring sense of fellowship and the remarkable friendships formed at Lancing that have stood the test of time.

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FOUNDATION OFFICE

New York Reunion The Lancing reunion in New York at the Core Club was a huge success.

It was one of the largest gatherings of OLs and parents in the city and a great welcome for Dr Scott Crawford, our new Head Master.

Scott provided an excellent update and highlighted the impact of the Foundationers Bursary Programme, supported so generously by our Lancing community in the US. We were

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privileged to have Professor Rana Mitter OBE, FBA (Olds 1982–1987) speak to guests on US-China relations – it was a unique opportunity to hear from an expert in geopolitics talking with such clarity.

We look forward to having an even bigger crowd join us next year in October 2026.

1990 35-Year Reunion Originally intended as their 30th Reunion, the Class of 1990 finally celebrated five years later due to pandemic-related delays.

Despite the extra wait, this wonderful group of OLs slipped effortlessly back into old friendships as they gathered in Reception for tea and coffee before setting off on House tours.

As they crossed the Lower and Upper Quads, stories and laughter filled the air, with stops along the way at Great School, the Dining Hall, and the Chapel. Later, everyone reconvened

for bubbles and hors d’oeuvres before enjoying a delicious dinner in the Megarry Room, accompanied by a suitably nostalgic playlist!

A heartfelt thank you to all who attended and helped make the evening such a memorable occasion.

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FOUNDATION OFFICE

Lancing Parents Association The Lancing Parents Association (LPA) is a warm and welcoming community that brings Lancing College parents together through enjoyable social gatherings and purposeful fundraising initiatives.

Supported by the Foundation Office, the LPA’s enthusiastic organising committee works hard to create events that are both engaging and beneficial for the whole school community.

Thanks to the generosity of our parent body, the LPA has recently funded a wide range of items across the school, including new table tennis equipment, fireworks for the Leavers’ Ball, beanbags and games for Houses, a basketball scoreboard and timer, a grass-court tennis scoreboard, musical instruments, and a new theatre lighting board.

This term, the LPA hosted refreshments at the Malawi Walk and organised a number of weekend coffee mornings, a regular opportunity for parents to meet one another, chat informally, and connect with the committee. The annual Wreath-Making workshop was hugely enjoyable. Under the

Musical Instruments

Popcorn machine

New Table Tennis table 78

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wonderful guidance of former parent and committee member Katy Linfield, guests created stunning seasonal wreaths using a beautiful mix of foraged and natural materials. A huge thankyou to all who joined us and helped make the event so warm, creative, and joyful!

Looking ahead, tickets for the 2026 LPA Comedy Night have just been released and an announcement on performers is coming soon. Planning is well underway for a Summer Wine Tasting event and 2026 Christmas Dinner Dance. Watch this space!

Parents are warmly invited to join us at our next Coffee Morning on Sunday 11 January. Our next LPA Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday 14 January, and new volunteers are very welcome to join.

ADVENT 2025

Wreath-making Workshop December 2025

Tea & Coffee Morning Sunday 11 January at 8.30am in the Megarry Room

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THE OL CLUB REVIEW

Message from the Chair This term’s Club events have been very well supported by different generations of former Lancing pupils, from the Young OLs Reception to the Over 60s Lunch and the 1990 and 1995 reunions. Those of us at the Over 60s lunch received a wonderful and positive address from our new Head Master, Dr Scott Crawford, and it is clear that he values the good relationship that the College has with its alumni. We wish Scott well as he leads Lancing forward into the next stage of its journey.

Of course, the main reason that relations between the school and OLs

is so good is because of the work of Foundation Director Catherine Reeve (Sanderson’s 1976–1978) who is retiring from her role after two remarkable decades of service to the College and OLs. Her tireless dedication to the OL community and her exceptional support of the Foundationers programme will leave an enduring legacy that will be felt for a very, very long time.

I wish her and all of you a very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing many of you in 2026.

NIGEL BENNETT Chair, The OL Club Olds 1972–1977

OL NEWS OL sets international Cricket Record for Highest Successful Last Wicket Chase If you’re into Cricket, you’ve probably felt that familiar sinking feeling when Number 11 has just joined number 10 (newly in) at the crease. Your team need 56 runs to win ... it’s T20, there’s six overs to go. It’s done.. ... OR IS IT? On Sunday 11 May 2025, Colombia and Mexico were contesting the fifth and final match of a T20 series, the Gulf Series Cup, in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Ex-pat resident and number 10 batter for Colombia, Felix Sullivan (Gibbs’ House 2002–2007) was joined at the wicket by his Santa Marta team-mate Oscar Snow (another former Woodard pupil) at 65/9. Together they chased down 120, Sullivan finishing on 39, winning the match with a 6 with two balls to spare.

In recorded cricket, four pairs had achieved a higher last wicket total, but never in a winning effort. The Colombia pair therefore have the record for the highest total in a successful chase by 10 runs in T20 cricket history.

Felix Sullivan’s most memorable cricketing moment before this was, in his own words, ‘in the Gibbs’ Lower Sixth corridor in the summer 2006. I was 68 not out and bounded up to a juicy half volley, bowled by George Bouras (Gibbs’ 2002–2007). It was a sweet connection that soared halfway down the corridor and halfway up the wall, smashing the glass of the fire alarm and pressing the button.

Nothing happened. We’ve got away with it, hurrah! Within three seconds the fire alarm was triggered in buildings across campus and the whole school was evacuated. We did not get away with it!

If Mr Smith is reading this now, I’d like to thank him firstly for being an outstanding House Master and secondly for not very often coming to Lower Sixth corridor during break times in the Summer Term.

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Not only was it always outstanding fun but there is no doubt that it formed the platform for my record-breaking chase in South America 20 years later. I regularly chased 50+ in the corridor over break time and then headed off to Latin with Mr Arnold.’

Felix is now the Director of El Rio Foundation, a charity that works with 600+ young people in a post-conflict zone on the North Caribbean coast of Colombia. They have two junior cricket clubs. If you would like to volunteer with the Foundation or support one of their projects, please reach out to Felix directly: foundation@elriohostel.com

Oscar Snow and Felix Sullivan

OL NEWS

Huge congratulations to Ben Millward-Sadler (Second’s 2017–2022) who was awarded the Cambridge Corpus’s Donaldson Scholarship for the second consecutive year.

This award was in recognition of his excellence in academic achievement, after his first-class results in Geography in his final year. Ben is now studying for an MSc in Environmental Science for Sustainability at King’s College London.

Grace Shearing (Sankey’s 2020–2025) has recently completed 10 weeks basic training in the Marines and passed out in early December. Grace has begun working at the school of music in Portsmouth and we wish her every success.

Gigi Casey (Handford 2016–2020), second from the right, performed in London as a recipient of this year’s the Drake Calleja scholarship. Awarded by The Drake Calleja Trust, which financially and artistically supports talented young musicians, Gigi is currently studying for her Master’s at the Royal College of Music.

Congratulations go to Will Scotland (Head’s 2015–2020), pictured on the right of the middle row, as one of the French Horn players in the magnificent performance by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in this year’s Last Night of the Proms.

What a superb talent!

1066: The Battle of Hastings: A Graphic Novel by Stuart Douch (Teme 1990–1995) is a book for young people which tells the story of what happened before, during and after the Battle of Hastings, a key turning point in the nation’s history, marking the end of the Anglo-Saxon era and the start of the Norman period.

Children will discover all the details surrounding the story, from the mistakes and decisions that meant William of Normandy became the first Norman King of England to how Harold was killed – was it by an arrow in the eye?

The book invites the reader to see the action in its comicstrip panels, and they will learn not only about the events and the key participants on both sides, but also the tactics and weapons the armies employed, and even learn some of the different languages of the time.

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THE OL CLUB REVIEW

Past Tracks Rory Campbell (Teme 1964–1969) finds inspiration from a local art installation, and muses on the historical characters whose lives intertwined with his own and Lancing’s history.

I wonder if any other OLs are name-checked at The Quad readers’ local railway stations? Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) during the last three or so years, have displayed large plaques (84 x 119 cm) at mainline stations with colourfully illustrated portraits of historical local figures. In south County Wicklow, at Seaport’s Arklow station, seven-minutes’ walk from my house, one William Forward-Howard, Baron Clonmore and Earl of Wicklow, is celebrated as an Oxford contemporary of Evelyn Waugh (Head’s 1916-1921), John Betjeman and the Mitford ‘gels’. The plaque omits details that he studied at Eton then Merton College, Oxford, later serving as a Captain in the Royal Fusiliers, 1939–1945.

The entire project, Past Tracks, was created by the popular historian Turtle Bunbury who teamed up with Irish Rail and illustrator Derry Dillon to highlight Ireland’s rich history with 100 different panels placed at 100 stations across the country.

The accompanying image detail conveys an ambience of Brideshead Revisited-era flappers and bounders (my classmate Jeremy Sinden, Field’s 1964-1968, appeared in the 1981 ITV adaptation) partying amidst ‘dreaming spires’.

Waugh mentions friend Billy Clonmore (who inherited the Earldom in 1946) on three occasions in his final book A Little Learning (1964), the first and only instalment of his memoirs less than two years before his death. Biddie and Vanessa Shearwood are also in the book.

When a student at Trinity College Dublin in the early 1970s, I used to see Lord Wicklow sitting alone in the upper saloon

of Grafton Street’s iconic Bewley’s Café. He appears in a now quite valuable book Dublin: A Portrait by V S Pritchett, with photos by Evelyn (a she!) Hofer. A friendly contemporary of mine at Trinity was Cathy Guinness, granddaughter of Diana Mitford and Bryan Guinness, later Lord Moyne. Diana later left him for Sir Oswald Mosely and hobnobbed with Hitler.

Betjeman was a friend of Lancing’s Assistant Chaplain, Classics master, and Housemaster Henry Thorold. In 1966 Betjeman presented a 30-minute television documentary on the architecture of Lancing College. During World War Two, when he was press attaché (and spy!) at the British Embassy in Neutral Ireland/Dublin, my paternal grandmother, who had grown up in London, enjoyed chats with him.

He stated that the stone pyramid, c1785, that towers above the Earl of Wicklow’s small, private graveyard, near their ancestral seat, 3km northwest of Arklow, is the tallest mausoleum-pyramid in northern Europe. Their fine mansion, Shelton Abbey, has been an open prison since the 1970s, which until recently detained a semi-posh but notorious double murderer.

The bearded gentleman on the left is Charles Stuart Parnell, who grew up near Rathdrum, 15km upriver from Arklow. Born in 1846, Parnell worked with Liberal Prime Minister William Gladstone towards the Home Rule movement without success and died prematurely just down the road from the College in 1891, ‘the uncrowned King of Ireland’.

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OL NEWS

YOLs Drinks Reception The Young OLs Drinks Reception returned on Thursday 17 September.

Bringing together over 130 OLs for an evening of socialising, networking, and celebration aboard London’s iconic Tattershall Castle on the River Thames, this annual event is a fantastic opportunity for our Young OLs to reconnect with old friends, share stories and reminisce about their time at Lancing.

This year, we were especially delighted to welcome our newest OLs – the Class of 2025 – offering them the perfect opportunity to meet up with former pupils who are already thriving at university or embarking on exciting new careers.

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THE OL CLUB SPORTS

Golf

We are pleased to report that after many years of struggling to communicate effectively with our members (and prospective members), Old Lancing Golf Society (OLGS) has now signed a contract for the development of our own website using an online platform designed specifically for sporting societies.

The new website will be mobile-friendly, with private access for existing members and a public area to attract those interested in joining. Members can update their own profiles creating a searchable directory. The site will facilitate the setting up of matches and other events while enabling online entry. Organisers will be able to email members or groups directly, send event updates, and message other members.

Further communication by WhatsApp is in development. All annual subs will start to be collected through the site and any extra specific fixture fees can also be managed directly.

There is of course a cost. A special thanks goes to that group of very generous OLGS members who have contributed

Cricket

Well, what a fun season that was! The Rovers played 6, Won 1, Drew 1, Lost 3 and Tied 1.

If you missed the last edition of The Quad, we were comprehensively beaten by the Charterhouse Friars in the Cricketer Cup and tied with the College whilst playing for the Peter Robinson Trophy. We then had four matches during Rovers Week against The Authors XI, Old Cranleighans, Brighton Brunswick and the Sussex Martlets.

In a 40 over match against the Authors, Matt Lee (Second’s 2014–2019) (37), Cosmo Portman (School 2019–2024) (29), Tom Hall (Gibbs’ 2019–2024) (28) and Isaac Abatan (Head’s 2016–2021) (22*) all got starts which allowed us to amass a healthy 210-8. Then James Scade (Gibbs’ 2018–2023) (3fer) and Rocco Gamblin (School 2018–2021) (2fer) got amongst them with the ball and we restricted them to 159-8, a good win to start the week.

Next up we travelled North to Cranleigh for another 40-over match. Oscar Sheffield (Teme 2018–2023) (78) and Cosmo Portman (School 2019–2024) (68) opened up, putting on 150+

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to the development of the website and its first year’s running costs. Going forward the intention is to fund ongoing fees from a modest increase to the subscription paid by all members.

Concurrently OLGS is also in discussion with Glenmuir, the UK based sportwear company, for the provision of our own branded golf apparel. Once agreement has been reached on the offering the intention is for members to have access to the Glenmuir catalogue through the new website where they will be able to purchase OLGS kit at discounted prices.

The platform we are joining has more than 40 user groups, many old public school golf societies. We believe that it will not only simplify the administration of the Society but will enhance our members’ experience and make it significantly easier for other OLs to join and get involved. It is an exciting time for OLGS and we look forward to sharing more on these developments early in 2026.

for the first wicket and we roared to a more than respectable 259-9. Not respectable enough unfortunately and, despite James Scade’s four wicket haul and a couple from Max Webb (Second’s 2020–2025), the OCs got home by three wickets in the 38th over.

Back at Lancing we lost a one-sided affair against Brighton Brunswick. Despite 47 from Oscar Sheffield and 43 from Matt Lee we limped to 181 all out which Brunswick knocked off just two down in under 20 overs!

Finally, our good friends the Martlets, this time a declaration match. Max Webb again shone with the ball taking three of the seven wickets to fall as the Martlets declared on 228-7.

Matt Lee (59), Oscar Sheffield (34) and Inigo Abbot Barrington (Gibbs’ 2022–2025) (22) gave us a fighting chance, but it was down to Robin Frean (Second’s 1996–2001), with his ‘decades’ of experience to save the day batting out for the draw, 167-9.

Welcome to all the debutantes this year, in particular allrounders Max Webb and Inigo Abbot Barrington who both left this year and made significant contributions during the week.

Fives

Returning from the summer break with a new accolade for the school, Matthew Davis (School 2011–2016) returned to coaching as half of the 2025 Welsh Invitational Tournament winning pair (along with Charlotta Cooley). He was greeted by an influx of enthusiastic new students, keeping both courts full for the duration of scheduled sessions.

The new U14s are progressing impressively quickly, with fixtures being planned ahead of a hopeful run at the nationals next Spring, including the makings of a fine ladies division, following in the footsteps of the likes of dedicated, and decorated, Ashley Lumbard (Manor 2002–2007) who continues to compete at a high level. The returning students are also developing, with Jethro Steele (Lower Sixth) taking the step to compete in the Nathan Turnbull tournament with his brother Henry Steele (Head’s 2012–2017), after Henry’s victory at the annual London Tournament, winning the Festival

Plate with partner Matthew Davis. This coming the day after Alex Abrahams (Head’s 2011–2014) made it to the quarter-finals in the main event again, competing against the best players in the country. The Lancing College presence on the Fives circuit is quickly returning to be conspicuous, with an OL team being fielded for the recent EFA trophy for the first time in a while, following Matthew Davis’ narrow loss in the Midlands tournament Festival Final held at Repton College.

Due to the growing success of Fives at Lancing College, the evening club night has been reinstated on Thursday evenings from 7pm enabling current pupils to play alongside former pupils in a very friendly and encouraging atmosphere. If you’d like to return to Fives, or have any Fives enquiries, please contact Matthew Davis at MDavis@lancing.org.uk Matthew Davis (School 2011–2016)

LOBFC

The LOBs have endured a difficult but spirited 2025–26 season so far. With just 4 points to show for their efforts this season, the LOBs have not quite had the rub of the green.

However, they do say football is a game of fine margins after all.

On 27 September, we had the pleasure of being back at the college and playing the current 1st XI in a tightly contested 2-1 win. It is always a pleasure being back at the College and being able to play against the excellently drilled 1st XI. I’m sure they will put us through our paces again in early January.

Whilst results haven’t entirely gone our way in the league, we were successful in our Dunn Cup game back at Lancing in October. We defeated Old Chigwellians 4–3, thanks to a hat-trick from centre back Alex Bilton (Teme 2020–2025) and a disguised header from striker Isaac Abatan (Head’s 2016– 2021). Plenty of thanks and credit has to go to Lewis Benson (Lancing College Head of Football) and the College grounds staff for producing a lovely pitch for us to play on.

Our next Dunn Cup fixture takes place at the time of going to press, where we take on Tonbridge in what we hope is another giant killing. The report will follow in the Lent issue.

As playing football on Saturdays becomes increasingly less attended and it becomes increasingly difficult to put together a team of 14 players, I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who do turn up for the Lancing Old Boys Football Club (LOBFC) and keep the club running. There are many people to thank for their effort and contribution to LOBFC, for example recent leavers George Hockey (School 2020–2025), Will Brook (School 2021–2023), Tom Hall (Gibbs’ 2019–2024) and Harry Simpson (Head’s 2019–2024) who have reinvigorated the club. But I’d like to particularly thank Ryan Wood (Head’s 2004–2009), Steven Crosby (School 2006–2009), Tim Mackenzie (Olds 1981–1986), Nick Evans (Sanderson’s 1953– 1957) and Nigel Bennett (Olds 1972–1977) for all their efforts in helping stabilise the club despite difficult results.

Long live LOBFC! Frankie Tudball (School 2013–2018) 13tudballf@gmail.com

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THE OL CLUB REVIEW

The OL Club Carol Service and Christmas Party Over 250 OLs, families and friends gathered at St Peter’s Church in Eaton Square, SW1 for a festive evening of traditional carols, seasonal readings and joyful celebration.

Lessons were read by Alexa Bailey (Manor 2000–2002), Philip Womack (Sanderson’s 1995–2000), Rosie Scott-Griffin (Manor 2002–2007), Jeremy Tomlinson (Honorary Secretary of the Friends of Lancing Chapel), Poppy Ewence (Field’s 2005– 2010), Sir Tim Rice (Second’s 1958–1962) and Head Master, Dr Scott Crawford.

After the service, guests enjoyed refreshments, canapés and mince pies at the church – the perfect way to celebrate

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with only a week to go until Christmas Day! A big thank you to the OLs who have participated in this year’s Choir, conducted expertly by Tom Stockwell (Gibbs’ 2006–2008) and accompanied beautifully by organist Charles Standing (Second’s 1969–1973), which helped make the Carol Service sound so amazing!

OL NEWS

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IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam

James Barrington (Gibbs’ 1973–1978) W E J ‘James’ Barrington was born in the War Memorial Hospital, Carshalton on 4 January 1960. The younger brother of OL Rex Barrington and sister Bridget, he attended St Anne’s School, Purley, before moving to Mowden Prep School (now Lancing Prep Hove).

In later life he spoke fondly of his time at Mowden and the inspirational headmastership of then Head Master Chris Snell. In 1973 he took up his place at Lancing College in Gibbs’ House, then under the benevolent stewardship of Housemaster John Bell, and remained at Lancing until his last year in 1978 when as Head Boy he accompanied King Charles, then Prince of Wales, around Lancing for the unveiling of the Rose Window in the Chapel.

Not least because of the inspirational teaching of Ted Maidment and Robin Reeve, James like a good number of his contemporaries won a place at Oxbridge to read History and in 1979 attended St Catherine’s College, Cambridge. James (mainly JB or Jim to his friends) was always modest about his academic ability but perhaps this was because it was dwarfed by his prodigious sporting talent. A regular in the Lancing Cricket XI from an early age, his main sport was squash where he represented Sussex and was part of the England Under 19 National Squad. At Cambridge he won blues in squash, where he was unbeaten in three years and captain in his final year, whilst also winning a blue at cricket. He tried to keep up diligently with his academic studies but occasionally sport would take over. His contemporaries fondly recall an English lesson when he was, unwisely, asked by Alan Black to read the part of the Fool in King Lear. James responded by speaking his lines in a South African accent modelled on the then England cricket captain Tony Greig, obviously unknown in Shakespearean times, and forcing Alan Black to remove him from the class much to the mirth of his classmates!

After Cambridge James joined the Swire Group in Hong Kong where he worked for almost forty years in various positions including Director of Sales and Marketing (2000) and Director of Corporate Development (2010) at Cathay Pacific.

Here he met and married his beautiful wife Reggie and, with her, raised two fabulous daughters (Tash and Zoe). To the consternation of many parents at Benenden, where Tash and Zoe were at school, James would always fly back from Hong

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Kong for the annual father and daughter Benenden tennis tournament and would, with one or other of them, invariably win! In 2021 he retired and returned to England with Reggie to set up home in Wimbledon Village. Back in the UK, he threw himself into sport with gusto and competed, as a veteran, in the British Open Squash Championship and World Masters Cup as well as representing Lancing in the Londonderry Cup. But, by now, he was mainly playing golf, becoming a regular and friendly face at Royal Wimbledon GC and, with a single figure handicap, playing for Lancing in the 2022 Halford Hewitt.

James, who died on 4 August this year, was truly a largerthan-life character who lived life to the full. He loved Lancing, revered Robin Reeve and was fully committed to the school on the squash court, the golf course and by joining the Foundation Council. He was a loyal friend to his school contemporaries, and, in return, they welcomed him into their golfing society (the ‘Not The Halford Hewitt’ Club) regardless of the fact that technically he was ineligible to be a part of it!

Despite his ability to play at the highest level, James loved to spend time playing sport amongst his friends, almost all of whom were less gifted than him, with JB offering gentle words of encouragement and useful tips without ever being patronising. But most especially he loved his family and, in particular, Reggie and their two girls Tash and Zoe who were his world. JB was always full of humour, of banter, of nicknames and an absolute love of life. He fought his illness with immense courage and heart and leaves an enormous gap in our lives but, especially, in the lives of Reggie, Tash and Zoe. He will not be forgotten and will be remembered by us all for his fun and joyous outlook on life which was irresistible even when the joke was on you!

Rest in peace JB. Nigel Bennett (Olds 1972–1977) Simon Jay (Second’s 1973–1977) Martin Todd (Field’s 1969–1973)

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IN MEMORIAM

Michael Johnstone (Teme 1954–1960)

Although two years my junior and in a different House, Michael and I became friends through our mutual interest in boats and sailing. We had both joined the College sailing club, which was in its infancy back then. However, the College owned a few rather aged boats of various class and in various states of repair! As well sailing and competing with other schools during the summer months, we spent many happy hours in the winter maintaining the boats, under the watchful eye of Donald Parsons, the master in charge.

After leaving Lancing, Michael attended The Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester with the intention of making a career in farming. He then went to live and work on a farm near Lichfield for two years which he enjoyed immensely.

Michael followed a varied career. He then joined John Laing Construction in their heavy machinery division where he learned the skill of welding. He then started his own business as a welding contractor, based in a workshop behind his grandmother’s house in Yorkshire. He undertook work for various local concerns including the Ministry of Works!

Michael was fundamentally an entrepreneur and his passion for flowers and other plant life led him to starting his own florist business and then onto running a nursery which was very successful, thanks to the support of his wife Lynne.

Michael and Lynne ran the nursery for a total of 53 years, providing a useful source of flowers and plants to the village of Cawood and the Selby district.

For several years he followed his interest in boats by managing a chandlery at a boatyard in the neighbouring village of Naburn, where sailing is popular on the River Ouse.

He was able to carry out his duties at the boatyard while Lynne managed the nursery.

He was a remarkable person in many ways and always remembered his time at Lancing with affection. I was honoured to be the best man at their wedding in York in 1996.

I know he is much missed in the village of Cawood where he spent most of his life. No black hearse or limousines at his funeral. He was conveyed to the church on tractor with a flower-covered trailer. That was Michael! Down to earth as ever!

Our love and sympathy go to Lynne and his family.

Paul Penfold (Gibbs’ 1954–1958)

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Francis David Richardson (Olds 1943–1947)

David joined Lancing in 1943 when it was spread over four ‘stately homes’ in southern Shropshire. He had fond memories of riding his bicycle from Moore Park to Ludlow, where the boys used the laboratories of Ludlow Grammar School for Physics and Chemistry practicals and exploring the countryside. His time at Lancing influenced both his religious and working life.

He and his late wife Maureen always attended Sunday Eucharist at the local Anglican Church and his knowledge of the Bible was both scholarly and devout, with a particular interest in the interaction of religion and science. One of his PhD students wrote: ‘Our broad discussions about the approaches to science, theology and evolution, have all contributed to my development as a scientist.’

A love of the countryside and his enthusiasm for science, encouraged by teachers Dr Barbara Russel-Wells and Ken Saw, led to a rewarding career as an Agricultural Scientist in Southern Africa. He graduated with a BSc (Agric) from the University of Nottingham and was awarded a PhD in Animal Science by the University of London. He was elected an honorary life member of both the Zimbabwe Society of Animal Production and the South African Society of Animal Science.

After his retirement he continued his research and academic work at the University of Cape Town and at the age of 75, he graduated with a PhD in Applied Mathematics. That same year he received an award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Range and Forage Science from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa. At the age of 82 he received the Award for the Best Paper published in the African Journal of Range and Forage Science. He co-authored the book Beef, in The Tropical Agriculturalist series of books published by Macmillan with the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation.

David passed away peacefully at the age of 96, and is survived by his sister Denise, children Gordon and Elizabeth, grand-daughters Michelle and Ashley and great grandson Grayson.

Gordon Richardson (son)

We also remember the following OLs: Name

House and Year

Date

David Rogers

Gibbs’ 1949–1955

November 2025

The Rev Peter Dewey

Sanderson’s 1951–1957

November 2025

Michael D Vesey-FitzGerald

Teme 1953–1958

October 2025

Timothy Tracey

Teme 1952–1957

September 2025

Michael Julian Reindorp

Field’s 1958–1962

September 2025

David Duttson

Teme 1950–1955

August 2025

Gavin Gordon

Field’s 1957–1960

August 2025

Martin Marriott

Sanderson’s 1948–1951

July 2025

Geoffrey Cotterel

Second’s 1944–1947

June 2025

Graham Hussey

Gibbs’ 1950–1954

May 2025

Jeromy Ward

Second’s 1952–1956

April 2025

Simon Digby

Field’s 1972–1974

February 2025

Wherever possible, full obituaries are published on The OL Club website www.oldlancingclub.com or in the next edition of The Quad

Forthcoming Events for OLs and Parents 2026

We are looking forward to welcoming OLs, parents and guests to our programme of events over the next few months.

The most up-to-date event information can be found on the website.

Event

Venue

Date

Tea & Coffee for New Parents (Hosted by the LPA)

Lancing College

11 January 2026

LPA Comedy Night

Lancing College

13 March 2026

Over 60s Spring Lunch

The Athenaeum Club, London

7 May 2026

Associations’ Dinner

Lancing College

14 May 2026

For further information about any of these events, please contact the Foundation Office: foundation@lancing.org.uk

School Photographs and Event Photo Albums

Historically, Gillman & Soame have photographed Lancing College school groups, sports teams, Houses, theatre productions and co-curricular groups on many occasions. They have created an online gallery of the school’s photographs which are now available for OLs to view and purchase.

Please scan the QR code and enter your email address when prompted, to view and order directly on the Gillman & Soame website.

If you have any queries, or if the photograph you are looking to purchase does not have a preview image available, please contact enquiries@gillmanandsoame.co.uk as they will be able to assist you further.

OL Events

You can now find full recent OL event photo albums on our new dedicated OL platform Lancing Linked: www.lancinglinked.co.uk ADVENT 2025

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