Dear Parents and Guardians,
Congratulations to all on reaching the end of the Lent Term; this really is the ‘engine room’ of the academic year. A whole series of milestones combine to make this the busiest and most challenging time in our year. Mocks, shorter holiday breaks than Michaelmas, a tenebrous first of half-term, the pressure of cup competitions, younger siblings hoping for success in application processes, the interminable wait for UCAS offers and the odd sensation of knowing that public examinations are a little way away but creeping ever closer all result in a potentially tough term!
I am therefore enormously proud of all that the boys, so ably supported by my colleagues, have achieved over these past three months. It has been a term defined by remarkable student endeavour and by the tireless dedication of colleagues, who continue to make Whitgift such an exceptional place to learn and grow.
Academically, pupils have continued to seize opportunities with enthusiasm. British Science Week was alive with experiments, talks, and discovery, and we celebrated outstanding success in the Biology Olympiad, including several remarkable and rare Gold Awards. Ten of our senior boys have received offers from Oxford or Cambridge; an exceptional achievement reflecting impressive dedication, and our overall UCAS picture is extremely healthy. We welcomed representatives from Microsoft Education, who spent time with staff and students exploring innovative classroom practice, and were delighted to be chosen as one of the very few UK schools they visited.
Meanwhile, our vibrant and upbeat Whitgift 12 evening gave Fifth Form boys an exciting glimpse into the opportunities awaiting them in the Sixth Form. My congratulations go to students who successfully navigated the mocks, but I counsel them all to make the absolute best use of these next few weeks. Irrespective of their results in these trial examinations, the next few weeks could make a crucial difference. They should use this period wisely, heed the all-important advice of their teachers and reach out for further support.
The creative arts have again showcased the imagination and talent of our performers. Our major music evening, Masquerade, lit up Fairfield Halls last night with a beautiful and uplifting blend of sound and energy, whilst House Music brought us together in spirited, friendly and musically diverse rivalry. Equally varied were the stage shows of Richard III: Live from Las Vegas, featuring a Joaquin Phoenix-esque Richard – all malice and trickery as he murdered his way along the ‘Vegas strip’. A Monster Calls, and the Junior Shakespeare Evening demonstrated the depth and range of dramatic skill in younger years at Whitgift.
Our sporting achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary. The U18 water polo team surged to victory in the ESSA Championships, displaying skill and resolve in equal measure. Not to be outdone, our U15 rugby squad claimed the title of National Champions, while our U13 and U18 hockey teams secured a total of three National Championships between them. All in all, an impressive testament to teamwork and determination across the board. Cycling has made a successful comeback, with pupils representing the School brilliantly, and we even celebrated sports not traditionally played here, with the Whitgift School is part of the John Whitgift Foundation, a registered charityU13s crowned National Champions in padel. I have enjoyed visits to fencing, basketball and table tennis; it has been deeply satisfying to witness the breadth of opportunity available to the boys.
One should not forget the many close-calls. Our 1st XV came so near to a final at Twickenham and our U15 footballers made it all the way to the final, falling short by the narrowest of margins. I pay testament too to every athlete who turn out, week in, week out, proudly wearing their Whitgift strip with good humour, great enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of competition. It has been a season of silverware, sportsmanship, and well-deserved celebrations.
The heartbeat of Whitgift, our community, has been equally vibrant. Founder’s Day once again provided a moment to reflect on our rich heritage, while, on the same date, Giving Day brought the Whitgift family together in a spirit of generosity and shared purpose. Our community reaches far beyond Croydon and this term I also visited Whitgift’s partner: Sagebrook International School in Hyderabad, India. The cultural exchange, warm hospitality, and collaborative learning that took place there have broadened my horizons and strengthened global friendships that we are eager to further nurture.
Along with senior staff I have spent time with our boarders this term, in Founder’s House, which has now been open for 13 years. Over that time, we have grown Old Whitgiftian networks on a global scale: in Hong Kong, Dubai and New York, amongst other locations. We are excited at the prospect of a further flourishing of these connections and cherish the decision to introduce boarding at Whitgift all those years ago. I have been struck by just how involved our boarders are in Whitgift life. Boarders have played a major part in our sporting success and in our dramatic and musical productions. They are recipients of Oxbridge and Medicine offers and many of our Lower Sixth boarders have recently secured roles as new prefects.
On this note we were delighted to announce our latest crop of prefects earlier this week. In offering them my congratulations, I reflected on the fabulous job of this year’s prefect team and, through great diligence and commitment have enabled countless events to run wonderfully smoothly. I thank them as they begin to divest themselves of their responsibility.
Of course, none of these causes for celebration would be possible without the incredible efforts of our staff who contribute so meaningfully to the vibrant life of this School. Their commitment ensures that Whitgift remains a place where boys are inspired to aim high, discover new passions, and develop the confidence to pursue them wholeheartedly. By way of example, our Grounds Team was recognised as School Grounds Team of the Year, for the third time in recent years. Their pride in Whitgift is evident every day as they keep our site both beautiful and functional.
As we look ahead, I wanted to offer you a brief note on our strategic direction. Over the course of this Lent Term we have refined our strategic vision and the plan that will bring practical effect, drawing on contributions from colleagues across the School, our governors, and importantly, from our pupils. My thanks to all who have engaged so very generously in that work. We have a strong platform for the future, and I will share a full update with you at the start of the Trinity Term, including the vision, values and priorities that will guide this new phase in Whitgift’s long history.
I can also update you on some changes at senior management level. After eight years of distinguished service, David Godwin retires as Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) at the end of this term. David’s steady stewardship has underpinned much of Whitgift’s recent progress, and we are deeply grateful for his calm professionalism and wise counsel. At the time of writing, we are recruiting his successor, and I should be able to update you at the start of next term with news of this appointment.
I am also pleased to confirm the promotions of Andy Marlow to Deputy Head (Development) and Aly Osborne to Deputy Head (Admissions & Marketing). Both bring experience and energy to these roles, and their leadership and knowledge of Whitgift will help us strengthen our relationships with current and prospective families, alumni and supporters, both home and abroad.
James Piggott and Alistair Watkins have secured promotions to Assistant Head (Academic Impact) and Assistant Head (Co-curricular) respectively. I have confidence in the positive effect their leadership will have on the daily experience of our boys and teachers alike as they bring their knowledge to bear on two key areas of Whitgift life. These new roles will take effect from September 2026.
Looking ahead to the Summer Term, a huge amount lies in store. For fear of losing ‘the reader’ I shall highlight only a few events. We begin with the CCF General Inspection, a highlight of the cadet calendar and a moment to celebrate the discipline and leadership shown by our pupils and staff.
The Whitgift School Parents’ Association Gala promises to be a wonderful evening of camaraderie and togetherness. My thanks go in advance to the WSPA and to all of you who give of your time and talents. In the performing arts, our Summer production of Peter Pan will take flight; I know the cast, crew and creative team are working with their customary imagination and verve, and I encourage you to come and enjoy the magic.
Community gatherings return in earnest with the Celebration of Whitgift Life, an occasion to recognise excellence, endeavour and character at Whitgift. We also look forward to welcoming alumni back for the OW Reunion Lunch, always a joyful reminder of the lifelong connections forged here and the inspiration our Old Whitgiftians provide to current pupils.
And, of course, it would not be a Whitgift summer without cricket! From block fixtures to cup ties, our cricketers are eager to take to the square, and I look forward to seeing many of you on the boundary over the weeks ahead.
As a last word, like many of the boys and staff, I set myself a 1596 challenge. In my case, it was to ensure that this letter was composed of precisely that number of words. So, with the spirit of John Whitgift and 1596 in mind, I wish you and your families a restful break.
Yours sincerely,
Toby Seth
Headmaster