News & Diary
Winchester Weekly – 9th December 2025
In her end of term video, the Headmaster provides an update on our approach to technology in education. Discussing how we balance the power of technology with the need for focus in the classroom, Ms Elizabeth Stone looks at how Winchester blends technology innovation with evidence-based learning and why devices aren’t always the answer.
Time stamps:
All parents are welcome to join us for the traditional celebrations at the end of Short Half on Friday 12th December, including the Cathedral Carol Service from 14:30-15:30, followed by our annual Illuminā celebrations at 15:45.
Since the 19th century, the College has celebrated the end of Short Half with Illuminā, a celebration including the lighting of candles along Meads Wall, enjoying the bonfire, and gathering to sing Domum. There will also be mince pies, sausage rolls, festive drinks, and stalls for the College community to enjoy.
As we approach the end of the term, we understand that parents may wish to show their gratitude to staff through thank you gifts.
From the school’s perspective, we would like to emphasise that there is no obligation or expectation of gifts in any circumstances.
If you are organising a collection for a joint gift, please be mindful that parents have a wide range of financial circumstances and not everyone will be able to afford to participate or wish to contribute.
Please also note that our internal policies do not permit staff to accept gifts of cash or vouchers of any amount and staff will donate these to the College or the College’s nominated charity.
Boys in Junior Part will receive this week their GCSE choices booklet by email. This booklet contains all the course detail and parameters which will allow them to make informed decisions.
Please note that from September 2026 all Middle Part (current JP) boys will take three sciences at GCSE. There will be a GCSE online information evening on Monday 19th January at 18:30, which both parents and pupils are encouraged to attend. That evening will offer an opportunity for you to put questions to the academic leadership team.
If you have any queries in the meantime, please feel free to contact the Deputy Director of Studies, Dominic Jones, via email ([email protected]).
The Head Librarian, Dr Willoughby, and the English Department have teamed up to produce a list of seven titles which might appeal to all readers, great and small, this Christmas. Some are more seasonal, some are on the shorter side; they are all excellent and highly readable.
The list (below) has reached the boys via Housemasters and they are welcome to pay a visit to Mob Lib before school goes down. There are multiple copies of each title but they should beware that the list has also gone out to the Common Room: bookworms are advised to be early birds!
To access some of these events, you may need to be a registered user of the Winchester College Society website and logged in.
Whole School Carol Service – 12th December 2025
We are looking forward to our Whole School Carol Service in the Cathedral on Friday 12th December at 14:30. For those who are not able to attend in person, please find a live streaming link for the service below.
Family Carols – Saturday 13th December – New Hall
A memorable festive occasion for your family and friends to enjoy. Led by the Winchester Philharmonic Choir and strings, and also featuring Cantores Episcopi and the Quiristers of the Chapel Choir. There will be choral favourites old and new, as well as many carols for the audience to sing. A special effort is made to entertain the youngest concert goers.
Bach: Mass in B Minor – Wednesday 21st January, 19:30, Winchester Cathedral
Rehearsals are well underway for what looks set to be a impressive and inspiring concert featuring J. S. Bach’s great choral masterpiece. The forces involved are considerable combining Winchester College Choral Society, Winchester Philharmonic Choir, Winchester Cathedral Chamber Choir and the Oxford Bach Society directed by Sarah Baldock. Tickets are selling fast and available from the Cathedral Box Office below.
Parents Drinks in London – 12th February 2026: Parents are invited by Winchester College Society to join us for drinks at the Cavalry and Guards Club, London on Thursday 12th February.
On the day of Illumina, the Charities Committee will be offering our new charities calendar for purchase, featuring a collection of stunning photographs of the school captured by the Photography Society. All proceeds will support the committee’s fundraising efforts for three wonderful causes:
– Great Ormond Street Hospital – one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals.
– SolarAid – helping to tackle poverty and climate change through sustainable, solar-powered solutions.
– Winchester Hospice – providing compassionate end-of-life care for adults in the Winchester area.
We’d also like to share an early heads-up about our 24-hour music event taking place next term. Held on the first Community Weekend of the year, it will also raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and will feature rock bands, the concerto competition, and the JP Music Award Holder’s Concert. It promises to be an amazing celebration of music for a fantastic cause!
Last Tuesday, 2nd December, the College hosted its largest judo grading in over a decade. Twenty-six students took to the mat, showcasing an impressive range of throwing and groundwork techniques.
To progress to the next belt, all participants had to demonstrate their falling skills and core throwing techniques, while the more advanced judoka performed an extensive repertoire of moves with confidence, control, and technical precision. Their hard work and dedication were evident throughout.
We’re delighted to share that every student met the standard needed to move up to their next belt. The College now proudly celebrates three new blue belts, eight new orange belts, and a wave of newly awarded yellow belts.
A fantastic achievement for all!
Despite the rain, spirits were still high as the annual House Art Competition took place last weekend. This year’s theme, “The Trusty…”, saw each house reimagine The Trusty Servant through their own unique identity.
After much creativity on display, Hopper’s took home the coveted trophy, with Beloe’s coming second and Cook’s taking third. The winner was chosen by visiting artist, Jamie Bragg, and the works were celebrated with hot chocolate for all.
Huge congratulations to Hopper’s and thanks to every house for producing some excellent pieces!
The U16s ended the term in style with an 8-0 win at Doggers, despite a tricky, sticky pitch. From the start, the team dominated possession and created early chances, with Osamede (G) opening the scoring. Philip (A), making his first appearance in a month, added the second, followed by Isaac’s (K) first.
In the second half, Osamede completed his hat-trick, Philip scored again, Oscar (X) notched his first, and Isaac sealed a brace. Luke (E) in goal was solid and helped keep passing moves flowing.
A dominant performance and a perfect finish to the term. The boys now look forward to stepping up to the senior development squad next term as they prepare for Soccer XI contention.
This past Sunday. pupils and staff joined over a thousand members of the public to take part in the annual 5km Santa Fun Run in aid of Naomi House & Jacksplace.
You can see photos from the run below.
It’s the second night of Trouble in Pantoland this evening, as magic and mischief return to the QEII stage.
With Cinderella’s wedding approaching and an evil wizard freezing every hero in the kingdom, well, all but one, it falls to a humble frog to save the day.
Catch the show tonight and again on Wednesday at 19:30.
