A Lancing College education is an incredible journey. At this co-educational boarding and day school for 13 to 18-year-olds, students grow into dynamic, adventurous, caring individuals – made possible only through Lancing’s holistic, well-developed and future-thinking approach to education.
Far from just an “exam factory,” this is a school with many life-changing opportunities. Through its extensive range of co-curricular activities, students explore, amass new experiences, and develop critical life skills such as perseverance, discernment, and personal agency.
“The quality of our lives and our happiness are determined by our relationships and being able to become our whole selves. Co-Curricular is where we lay those foundations for our future self – our interests and hobbies determine the clubs we join at university and work, the friends we meet and often how we meet our partners,” says Karen Andrew, Head Assistant and Head of Co-Curricular.
“At Lancing we provide your young adults with the opportunity to try out more activities than they will have access to at any point in their future and to do it in an environment that encourages learning and embraces new experiences including how to fail and when to stick with something, building discernment and personal agency, critical for entering the next phase of life.”
A wealth of opportunities for learning and personal development outside the academic syllabus
Located in the beautiful South Downs and surrounded by hundreds of acres of verdant land, Lancing College provides a unique, safe, and supportive setting for students to “lead active lives, with numerous opportunities to take part in a diverse range of in-house, sporting and co-curricular activities.” (ISI Report, October 2023).
Each week, more than 120 co-curricular activities take place. These include design and technology, drama, dance, music, community service, enrichment programmes, and sports. There’s always something for everyone to discover new passions, build confidence, and hone skills that will benefit them long after they leave school.
One notable offering is the CREST Gold Award, which allows students to undertake a challenging, in-depth project in collaboration with a local engineering firm, Ricardo. The hands-on experience they gain is invaluable, going far beyond the edge it gives their UCAS applications.
“I knew from the moment I saw their cutting-edge hydrogen fuel systems and the passion displayed by the project’s previous team that I needed to get involved with the CREST award,” says one student. “The myriad wonders I glimpsed during our visit to the Ricardo Head Office last December fuelled my descent into the engineering field, as over Christmas, I fell down the proverbial rabbit hole whilst polishing my CV to perfection, all with the sole goal of obtaining one of the limited spots in this year’s CREST Team.”
As students move up the school, they are encouraged to become prefects, heads of houses, or captains of sports teams. These opportunities allow them to develop essential leadership skills, a vital aspect of their personal growth. “The Bancroft Competition, for instance, allows students to showcase their talent by writing and directing their work,” says Andrew.
The breadth and depth of Lancing College’s co-curricular experience has made a huge impact on its students, both academically and personally. In last year’s Third Form self-assessments, students shared insights like, “I believe that the college has taught me more than just my academics, how to be a better version of myself,” and “Debating Club has helped me with confidence and now I will be more able to put my hand up in class.”
Full schedules, fulfilling school weeks
The six-day school week at Lancing College allows ample time for learning and enrichment. There are no formal lessons after 3.45 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Tuesday afternoons are dedicated to co-curricular activities and sports. This structure gives students the time and freedom to explore, enhance and challenge the mind and the body. Staff regularly review the shape of the week and how it best fits the learning and pastoral care of students as well.
Over the weekend, students stay in touch with their families through phone or video calls where they can share all they’ve achieved throughout the week. Every three weeks, there are Exeat weekends where students get to go on trips to theme parks, theatres, play water sports, go-kart, and more. After having fun and socialising on Saturdays, Sundays are more relaxed, with the popular Sunday Brunch bringing Housemasters and their families together. It’s always a big hit – and the best start to another exciting week ahead at Lancing College.
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