Stories from our Inspiring Community
Tom Cadwallader School Captain 2025-26 & Founder’s House Captain
"I am passionate about fostering a great school spirit in order to improve inter-year group relationships and develop a collective goal for the School. Whitgift is a community unlike any other and we are here to strive for greatness no matter what route we take to get there."
Tom is the School Captain for 2025-26 and also leads as Founder’s House Captain, where he plays a central role in representing the student body and building house spirit. A proud boarder, he is known for his integrity and commitment to community life.
A talented athlete, Tom has achieved Full Colours in Modern Pentathlon, was selected to compete for the U19 Great Britain Laser Run, and achieved Team Gold in both the National Biathlon and Nation Laser Run. He also represents the School in Athletics at U17A level.
Academically, Tom achieved all 9/8/7 grades at GCSE and is studying A Levels in History, Politics and Psychology, reflecting his keen interest in society and leadership.
Laurence Qin Senior Prefect & Founder’s House Prefect
“Whitgift has helped me learn the importance of discipline, independence and initiative allowing me to combine my studies with my musical pursuits. At Whitgift, we have access to endless choices alongside limitless help available – there is a place for everyone, and a friendship group for everyone, and that is a privilege.”
Laurence is a Senior Prefect and Founder’s House Prefect, contributing widely to both academic and boarding life. He is currently studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Music, combining his passion for science with his love of the arts.
A dedicated musician, Laurence is a gifted pianist and flautist. He also represents the School on the U19A Basketball team, demonstrating his versatility across creative and sporting fields.
He is an active member of MedSoc and is preparing for a future in medicine, building on an outstanding academic foundation, having achieved all Grade 9s at GCSE.
Matteo Antonelli Prefect & Aquatics Captain
"I love inspiring the younger years and my teammates – showing leadership with them and helping to stimulate a passion in them similar to the one I have for water polo is so important. Whitgift is an environment for development, and I am elevated by my classmates, friends and new experiences.”
Matteo is a Prefect and Aquatics Captain, leading the U18 and U19 Water Polo teams and competing at the highest level in swimming for both the U17A and U18A squads.
An IB student, Matteo balances academic breadth with his sporting commitments. He is a member of MedSoc and has achieved a Distinction in the Whitgift Diploma of Biomedical Lecture Series, reflecting his passion for biomedical sciences.
Matteo achieved all 9/8 grades at GCSE and is recognised for his leadership both in the classroom and in the pool.
Thomas Lloyd Senior Prefect 2025-26
"What I value most about the wide range of subjects and activities at Whitgift is the different perspectives they give us. Other places may have good teaching and facilities, but it’s the Whitgift community that makes me enjoy my time here and succeed both academically and socially."
Thomas is a Senior Prefect and a committed member of both the History & Politics Society and MedSoc, exploring the intersections of science, society and leadership. He is currently studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.
He is also involved in the MycetOS Research Project, contributing to scientific research on Mycetoma, while balancing his academic work with creative and community pursuits. Thomas plays the viola, is a member of the Warhammer Club, and volunteers in local primary schools.
He achieved all 9/8/7 grades at GCSE, demonstrating his academic ability and commitment to learning.
Eden Moore Drama Scholar
"I did not know that I would have a passion for Drama, but Whitgift took me in and properly introduced me to it. I have been in two productions since joining Whitgift and they have given me some of my best moments here so far."
Eden is a Drama Scholar and has already appeared in two school productions since joining Whitgift. His passion for theatre also extends backstage, where he contributes through the Backstage Club and develops his skills through LAMDA.
Beyond drama, Eden is an active member of the Animal Club, Digital Design and Manufacture Club, and Korean Society, reflecting his wide range of interests. He also enjoys strategy and problem-solving through the Chess Club, Junior Chess Club and Junior Robotics Club.
Eden’s creativity and enthusiasm make him a valued member of the School community.
Kingston Brunson Horticulture Club Member
“The diversity of the whole community, staff and students alike, encouraged me to aim high and allowed me to experiment with my interests and push myself out of my comfort zone until I discovered where my true passions lay.”
Kingston is currently in the Fourth Form and is an active member of the Horticulture and Animal Club where he nurtures his love for plants, animals, and the environment. His creativity also comes to life in the Yarn Club where he enjoys hands-on projects.
In July 2024, Kingston's passion for languages, particularly French and Chinese, led him to volunteer as a Student Host at Whitgift's International Summer School, where he welcomed pupils from across the world. Beyond these commitments, Kingston is a talented pianist and an enthusiastic member of the Fencing Club.
Ethan Gilbert Arkwright Engineering Scholar
“What strikes me most about being a Whitgiftian is the abundance of opportunities, activities and support that all students are subjected to. "
Ethan is an Arkwright Engineering Scholar, and has a passion for computing and coding. His talents have led him to achieve distinctions in the Oxford University Computing Challenge and The Perse Coding Team Challenge. His interests also extend to physics, where he recently earned a Gold award in the Intermediate Physics Challenge, and a STEM Gold Crest Award at the School.
Outside the classroom, Ethan is an active member of the Robotics and Programming Clubs and recently won Bronze in the Fencing South East Youth Championships U18 sabre. He also holds an ABSRM Diploma in both the trumpet and the piano showcasing his musical talents.
