News & Diary
Winchester Weekly – 10th February 2026
‘The effort you eliminate with AI? That’s the learning.’
In her latest video message, the Headmaster addresses one of the most topical subjects in education, the role of artificial intelligence in learning. Her remarks explore the foundations of learning, the difference between process and product, and the risks of ‘cognitive off‑loading’ in a digital age.
As the UK considers restrictions on social media for under-16s, Australia has already taken decisive action. In this timely session, clinical psychologist and researcher, Dr Danielle Einstein, examines what Australia is doing, why the policy was designed as it was, and what the evidence tells us about young people’s mental health, attention, anxiety, and online behaviour.
Drawing on her direct involvement in shaping the Australian legislation, Dr Einstein explores the real-world pros and cons of a ban, how its impact will be measured, and how she responds to critics who argue restrictions go too far. She also considers where responsibility should sit along the spectrum of personal choice, parental guidance, school culture, and public policy and what families can realistically and confidently do to support healthy technology habits at home.
This session offers parents clear, evidence-based guidance on how to navigate childhood and adolescence in a digital world, whether or not legislation changes in the UK.
You can book your place via the link below.
Date: Friday, 6th March 2026
Time: 11:00 – 12:30 (refreshments from 10:30)
Location: Winchester College, School, College Street, SO23 9NA
We are delighted to share that pupils from the College have been crowned national champions at the UKMT Senior Team Maths Challenge (STMC), perhaps for the first time in the College’s history.
In an outstanding performance, the team of Alex (B), Barack, Oli (both Coll) and Harry (K) achieved full marks in the Group Round, Cross Number, and Shuttle Round. They narrowly edged out the pre-competition favourites, a very strong Tonbridge team reportedly featuring a four-time International Mathematical Olympiad gold medallist.
With only two teams achieving full marks overall, the final result was decided on a tie-break: the Wykehamists’ higher placing in the poster competition, where they presented on Voronoi diagrams, a project they had been refining over the previous two weeks.
This is a tremendous achievement and a testament not only to their mathematical talent, but also to their dedication, teamwork, and composure under pressure.
Well done boys!
On 7th February 2026, Winchester College entered a team of five chemists from VIBk1 and VIBk2 into the 7th annual Cambridge Chemistry Race, competing as The WyChemists.
Widely regarded as the UK’s leading team chemistry competition, the two-hour event challenges schools to solve six problems at a time, with each correct answer unlocking a harder question. Problems are set by postgraduate students from the University of Cambridge and the University of Pardubice in Prague. This year, more than 80 schools took part nationwide, with 58 competing at the Cambridge venue.
Accompanied by Dr McManus, the team made a steady start before gaining momentum as the questions became more demanding. Despite mounting pressure, and the live leader board being switched off in the final stages, they worked strategically, with each pupil focusing on their strengths.
At the prize-giving, The WyChemists were announced as winners of the Cambridge site with 147 points, finishing ahead of Magdalen College School. Nationally, they placed second overall, just two points behind the top team, continuing the College’s outstanding record in this prestigious competition.
Congratulations, WyChemists!
In what was a thrilling game that went down to the wire, the Pearl Pot has once again found its home for the year.
Watch below to find out the full result!
To access some of these events, you may need to be a registered user of the Winchester College Society website and logged in
The 24-hour Music Concert finished successfully on Sunday 8th February, after continuous performances night and day from over 100 pupils and staff. The Charities Committee would like to thank everyone who tuned in online, came in person, and especially those who donated to our cause on the JustGiving page.
So far, we have raised £4,300 for Great Ormond Street Hospital, which is 60% of our £7200 target. Any further donations to help hit the target and aid children who have serious illnesses and really need it will be much appreciated.
You can also watch a recording of the 19:00-21:00 section of the concert at the link below.
The two music department concerts in the charity 24-hour music event featured music award holders.
The début of the 2025 JP cohort took place on Sunday morning, and on Saturday night, the final of the concerto competition featuring Winston (Coll), Coen (G) and winner Laurie (H) who played the Second piano concerto by Rachmaninoff.
Head of Conducting at the Royal College of Music, Toby Purser gave an insightful adjudication which spoke both to the performers and the many pupil supporters in the audience.
Congratulations to all pupils who took part this weekend in School, New Hall and Music School Hall. As Toby Purser remarked ‘the breadth and quality of music making here would not be found in any other school in the land’.
