Beyond achieving exceptional exam results, scholars engage in independent research, run societies, and participate in a wide variety of Olympiads which prepare them for university courses and beyond.
Whether writing their own academic papers, plays, musical compositions, developing AI programming research proposals or leading discussions that inspire their peers, the combination of structured intellectual challenge and a close-knit pastoral system ensures that scholars are known across the school for embracing a culture of inclusion, scholarship and creativity.
College is the oldest of the school’s boarding houses and the pastoral and intellectual home to our academic scholars at 13+. It’s not just an academic scholar’s home during term-time, but an environment which fosters friendship, a culture of original thinking, mentorship, and academic excellence.
Unlike conventional boarding house arrangements, which are typically organised by year group, College operates with Lower Chambers – small communities where pupils from all year groups socialise, study and mentor each other.
Each Chamber, led by a Chamber Officer (senior prefect), creates a deeply inclusive and supportive environment where younger pupils form strong bonds with their older peers.
Academic scholars in College are supported by the resident Master-in-College, Matron-in-College and Tutor-in-College, as well as a team of experienced house tutors from a wide range of academic disciplines.
In addition, top year Chamber Officers play a vital role in pastoral care, attending weekly meetings with the Master-in-College where they receive guidance and support to help foster a culture of trust, kindness, and mutual respect within the boarding house.
Dr Latter joined Winchester as the Head of English in September 2019 and became Master-in-College in 2022.
Alex previously taught at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and the King’s School, Canterbury, where he was the Head of English and a Deputy Housemaster. He has degrees from the University of Cambridge and the University of London (where he also taught at Birkbeck College). His first monograph was published in 2015, and he continues to research and publish work on modernist poetry. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, travelling (particularly to Italy) and cooking.
He is married to Dr Eleanor Collins, a distinguished scholar, who is Acquisitions Editor for Literature at OUP. They have two young sons, Harry and Zachary.
