Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the new academic year.
It has been a wonderful start to 2026/27, and the sense of energy, enthusiasm and engagement with which the boys have returned has been genuinely uplifting. In the days leading up to term, many colleagues remarked how much they were looking forward to welcoming the boys back, and they have certainly lived up to expectations. If you are brand new to Whitgift, well done on a great decision, and I hope your first few days have been exceptional.
I trust you have enjoyed a restful and enjoyable summer. Here at Whitgift, it has been a purposefully productive period. Our grounds, estates, maintenance, administrative and IT teams have worked tirelessly to prepare for the start of term and, despite the additional challenges presented by the weather over July and August, have achieved a great deal. You will notice improvements across both our facilities and our processes. Our hockey, music and golf facilities have all benefitted from investment, while further development work has gone into Involve, which continues to become the central hub for all things Whitgift.
Summer also saw boys involved in a wide range of opportunities, from UK and international trips to sports camps and induction activities for new pupils. Our International and Community Summer Schools were once again a tremendous success, providing valuable experiences not only for our visitors but also for the Whitgift boys who participated. Thank you for your support in enabling your sons to take advantage of these opportunities.
Results days provided much cause for celebration. Boys secured outstanding outcomes and it was a pleasure to share in their success. I was particularly fascinated by the number who chose not to view their results online, preferring instead to wait for that traditional "envelope moment". I am not sure I would have had the courage to do the same, but I applaud those who did. These achievements reflect the hard work of our pupils, the commitment of our staff and the support provided by families. We look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.
For a further taste of last year’s activities, I encourage you to read the latest edition of Whitgift Life, available here. As always, it showcases an impressive array of achievements and opportunities and serves as a reminder of all that makes our community so special.
As we begin the year, I am delighted to welcome all new colleagues to our community, including several key appointments within our leadership structure.
As previously mentioned, Jane Barnett-Roberts joins us as our new Chief Operating Officer. Jane joins us from the John Lewis Partnership where she built a career in a number of roles including Head of Operations at Waitrose, as well as leadership positions in Governance and HR. We are also delighted to welcome Dr Matt Edwards from Sevenoaks School as Deputy Head Academic. Matt started his career in research before moving into education, where he led one of the world’s highest performing Sixth Forms. He is looking forward to ensuring every boy thrives throughout their academic journey, fostering a sense of lifelong curiosity. Together, Jane and Matt will join the Executive Team and play a significant role in shaping the School's strategic direction and long-term vision. We also extend our thanks to William Munks for his dedicated interim service as Deputy Head Academic over the past two years. William now returns to the Senior Leadership Team as Director of Studies.
Over recent days, these leadership teams, alongside colleagues across the School, have spent time reflecting on the new strategy launched earlier this year. At its heart sits our vision for every member of our community to Become More along with our clearly defined identity for the Whitgift experience:
A diverse and grounded community where every person belongs - to a circle of friends, a team, a pursuit and a shared purpose. Here, pupils are known, nurtured and challenged. Through exceptional teaching, unrivalled opportunities and deep personal support, they become more: ready to step forward with confidence into their future.
This vision is underpinned by our five core values: Courage, Ambition, Respect, Curiosity and Belonging. These values are already becoming increasingly central to the way we make decisions, build relationships and shape school life. Our revised Values, Recognition and Conduct Policy is one example of this commitment, and over the coming months we will continue to embed these principles more deeply into our daily lives.
In my start-of-term addresses to pupils and staff, I reflected on the Apollo moon programme of the 1960s and what it can teach us about the power of shared values. While NASA's scientific achievements were extraordinary, what struck me most was the sense of collective purpose and unity that underpinned them. Their success was founded not simply on technical and academic brilliance, but on people working together with a shared vision and common set of values.
We may not be putting boys on the moon, but we are seeking to foster a similar sense of belonging and collective ambition within our community. If your son has not yet mentioned this theme or the topic of the Apollo programme at the dinner table, I hope it may emerge in due course, notwithstanding the sometimes unpredictable communication habits of teenage boys.
As is appropriate when a new strategy is set in motion, there are several exciting developments on the horizon. Whitgift has not undertaken a major building project for some time, and we are currently developing plans that will help shape the next chapter of the School's site. Potential plans include building on the new Whitgift 12 curriculum with a focus on a reimagined Sixth Form centre as well as additions to our academic provision and sporting facilities. We look forward to sharing more details as these plans develop.
Alongside these physical developments, our strategy places a strong emphasis on enhancing pastoral care and academic challenge, investing in staff expertise and ensuring that our admissions and financial sustainability remain robust. These priorities are essential if we are to secure Whitgift's long-term future while continuing to provide an exceptional educational experience for every boy.
On the subject of finance, I should also underline the recent communication from the John Whitgift Foundation regarding potential fraudulent activity. Unfortunately, independent schools can be targeted by those seeking to exploit families and organisations. Please remain vigilant and do not hesitate to contact the Foundation if you receive any communication that causes concern.
Returning to the Apollo programme, I spoke in assembly about the difference between launch and delivery. The launch of any ambitious project is exciting, but success ultimately depends on what follows. We are now beyond the launch phase of our new strategy, but only just - if you imagine it as an Apollo rocket, we have only recently cleared the launch pad. There is much work to do.
We are excited by the opportunities ahead and hugely ambitious for what Whitgift can achieve. Equally, we recognise that meaningful progress requires sustained effort, careful implementation and a relentless focus on delivery. We are grateful for your partnership, support and trust as we embark on this journey together, and we look forward to all that this year will bring.
With best wishes for a fantastic term and year ahead,
Yours sincerely,
Toby Seth
Headmaster