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NEWSLETTER – 13 JUNE 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In a school which always has something remarkable going on there are nonetheless days which stand out. Our Round Square conference, where we hosted five schools from four continents, to focus on the environment and kindness, as well as to grow in friendship, was outstanding. It underlined the great value of our 50 year membership and the opportunities it provides for our pupils to grow, whether through team work and service with other children from across the world, or in leadership as two of our Sixth Formers gave the opening and closing addresses. It was good too, to meet staff from different schools and to feel the common bond we have together.
The IDEALS constantly remind us of why we do things the Windermere Way and the proof is in the joy the pupils experienced in their participation as they grow through such positive experiences.
Kind regards,
Frank Thompson
Head of Windermere School
LATEST NEWS
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 14 June – Senior School Prize Day, 10am
Saturday 14 June – End of Term Sailing and Boarders Celebration, 2pm – 5pm
Monday 16 June – Year 4 trip to the Butterfly House
Monday 16 June – Neil Jurd book launch, 6pm – Book here
Tuesday 17 June – Pre-prep & Prep Swimming Gala, 10am-12pm
Tuesday 17 June – Year 10 & 12 remote parents evening, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 June – Pre-Prep & Prep School sports day
Thursday 19 June – Year 11 Prom, 7pm
Friday 20 June – Silver DofE departs, 12pm
Friday 20 June – Prep School Performing Arts, 2.30pm – 4pm
Friday 20 June – Family BBQ & parent V staff rounders, 4.30pm
Saturday 21 June – Alumni Concert, 7.30pm – Book here
Monday 23 June – Silver DofE returns, 5pm
Monday 23 June – Pre-Prep Camp Day
Tuesday 24 June – Prep-Prep & Prep Summer Concert, 3pm
Tuesday 24 June – Year 6 end of year meal, 4pm
Wednesday 25 June – Senior School Sports Day
Thursday 26 June – Pre-Prep & Prep Prize Day, 10am
Thursday 26 June – End of Summer Term, 12pm
STANNITE NEWS
“They took a chance on me.” Steven Hicks Bursary Story:
Did your bursary help open doors to new opportunities?
I originally attended Windermere School on a military bursary, but when my father left the Armed Forces, all three of us lost our funding. We prepared to leave, assuming there was no alternative. Then, completely unexpectedly, Mr Flint – the Bursar at the time and a Royal Navy veteran himself – called my parents to offer bursaries so that each of us could finish our education at the school.
I still remember taking that call from my parents on the Langdale House phone. I was elated. Being able to stay in a place that had become home, surrounded by friends I’d finally had the chance to grow close to, meant the world to me – especially having grown up moving every few years with the military.
The school took a chance on me, even though I wasn’t the strongest student at the time. That act of belief gave me the stability and opportunity to grow – and to build friendships that I still hold onto today. It’s something I will always be grateful for.
Did it shape your career or personal journey?
Joining the Armed Forces was always my goal, following in the footsteps of my family – and I was proud to make that a reality when I left after the first term of Sixth Form to join the Royal Marines Commandos. I’ve always had determination, but my time at Windermere School – especially the fell walking and wide range of sports – helped shape that drive into something deeper. Learning through both victory and loss taught me the importance of perseverance, a lesson I carry with me in every aspect of life: from building my career to raising my (soon to be four!) cheeky and energetic children – who now keep me on my toes just as much as I once kept my teachers on theirs!
Though I’m still on my journey, Windermere School remains close to my heart, and I often find myself driving through campus when I’m passing by – remembering how much it helped shape the person I am today.
If you are interested in helping support a pupil like Steven, please do reach out to Jo at jgaskin@windermereschool.co.uk
Together we can change the lives of more deserving children.
Stannites Reunite: Afternoon Tea and Memories at Browhead
We were delighted to welcome back members of the Class of 1983 to Windermere School last weekend for a very special reunion. Hosted at Browhead, the afternoon was filled with laughter, heartfelt conversation, and shared memories that spanned four decades.
The group enjoyed a guided tour of the campus, reminiscing as they explored familiar corners and marveled at the school’s more recent additions. The iconic view from the terrace proved just as breathtaking as ever, sparking stories of classroom adventures, mountain climbs, and house competitions.
Following the tour, the group gathered in the dining room for a delicious afternoon tea, where conversation flowed as freely as the tea. There was an undeniable sense of warmth, friendship, and connection—proof that the Stannite spirit never fades.
It was a joy to see such genuine camaraderie and pride in our school. Thank you to everyone who came and made the afternoon so special. We would be delighted to host more reunion teas in the future—if your year group would like to organise one, please get in touch with Jo Gaskin at jgaskin@windermereschool.co.uk.
Once a Stannite, always a Stannite.
