Sussex

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WHAT? WHERE?



Tucked away just off the A27 between Worthing and Brighton and overlooking the coast, Lancing College is instantly recognisable for its famous chapel, which was founded in 1868 and finally completed in 2021. 



The self-contained campus spans several hundred acres and boasts spectacular views across the Downs and to the coast. Excellent academic results and a host of opportunities for its 600+ pupils makes Lancing much more than just a pretty campus, although it must be noted, it’s one of the most beautiful schools Muddy’s visited in her travels. 



It also has a unique vibe that’s a mixture of highly academic, open-minded, deeply caring. It was recently inspected under the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s (ISI) new framework, and the school’s pastoral provision recognised as a ‘significant strength.’ Something they are understandably immensely proud of, especially as they are one of the first schools in the country to have been awarded such an accolade! The school was praised with pupils feeling “valued as individuals and actively celebrate being members of a diverse school community.&#8221;



I get the sense quirkier kids will thrive here alongside the academic, creative and sporty high-hitters, and that questioning the status quo is positively encouraged.&nbsp;&nbsp;



FACILITIES



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A sympathetic mix of grandiose facilities that reflect Lancing College’s long history and traditions, and more modern buildings, the college campus is spacious and pupils certainly get fit making their way around. The chapel is, of course, a notable highlight and is as Hogwarts-esque on the inside, with wonderful acoustics and dangling chandeliers, as it is on the outside. We know, it’s a cliché to compare a boarding school to the world’s most famous magical institution, but cliches exist for a reason. Staff and students report that all attending Lancing College develop a strong relationship with the chapel and it forms an integral part of college life. It’s also open to the public, and a nosy around is highly recommended.&nbsp;



Not far from the chapel is a working farm – yes really – which contains within it a smaller farm for pupils which is hugely popular, in particular with those aiming to become vets.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The lovely and versatile main school building is traditional-looking on the outside and within, featuring plenty of wood panelling and brasses as well as large portraits of austere-looking former headmasters gazing down from on high within the dining hall and Great School, a grand room where pupils meet and attend various lectures and concerts.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Long corridors surround two immaculate quadrangles, and lead to well-laid out classrooms and a lovely traditional and digital resource-packed library with a mezzanine level, in which pupils assure me a quiet and studious atmosphere is rigorously maintained.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The Music School hosts Lancing’s proud musical tradition and features plenty of practice rooms and rehearsal spaces. The professional-looking college theatre, meanwhile, seats 180 and is used throughout the year for various performances and events.&nbsp;



Other standout facilities include the breathtaking art studio housed in a glass-fronted building with stunning views to inspire pupils – A Level students keep their own studio space throughout, and there’s also space for work to be exhibited – the extremely spacious design and technology building and science labs, and an onsite Equestrian Centre with 20 horses for pupils to ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT </h4>



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Unsurprisingly for such a spacious campus Lancing has acres of sports pitches, including Astroturf, and courts for all the usual suspects – hockey, footie, cricket, netball, tennis and athletics – as well as more unusual ones like fencing and croquet. There’s a big gym, recently refurbished with an extra level, for strength and conditioning work and the same building houses three squash courts. Charmingly, Lancing also has a couple of Fives courts for those wanting a go at this traditional public-school game (for the uninitiated, it’s a bit like squash, but played with hands not racquets).&nbsp;&nbsp;



The onsite 25-metre swimming pool is used by Olympians and other national-level competitors and hosts the Lancing College Swimming Club, a Swim England Affiliated Club. We’ve already touched on the Equestrian Centre, but it’s worth noting that keen riders can access miles of glorious South Downs hacking without having to go anywhere near a road.&nbsp;



PERFORMING ARTS



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Dance, drama, music and art are all well-supported, and invested in, here. The facilities are all set up for students to succeed, from the theatre and the music school which hosts around 300 lessons per week, to the dance studios and art studio which includes photography.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Musicians have six important performance areas at their disposal, including the Chapel which has not one but three organs in situ. All pupils are encouraged to make music, and the college has around 30 music scholars and award holders on roll. There are orchestras, choirs, a Big Band, A Capella Club and heaps more groups and ensembles, and a busy programme of concerts year-round. The school also welcomes masterclasses from professional performers including a 10-piece drum’n’brass ensemble called, and I am not making this up, Old Dirty Brasstards.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Drama is an important part of school life, after all, the head did used to teach Shakespeare at Oxford. Performances range from the Bard’s finest to Legally Blonde and everything in between. For those keener on the behind the scenes work, there are ample facilities and opportunities to learn all aspects of stagecraft, including make-up and wardrobe.&nbsp;



All pupils are also offered dance, from ballet to modern and contemporary, and street jazz, with classes taking place in the smart dance studio.&nbsp;



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ACADEMIC



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Results are strong, although it must be noted Lancing is academically selective. At GCSE level, clean sweeps across the board aren’t unknown. Last year 78% of GCSEs came in at grades 7-9, with 36% at 8 or 9 (that’s A or A* for us oldies). At A Level, 55% of students achieved grades A or A*, and 78% scooped grades A*-B. Leavers go on to top universities, this year’s destinations include Imperial College, UCL, LSE, Edinburgh, King’s and Durham. Destinations can also include specialist music conservatories, and vet or medical school. Some 10% of pupils are supported to apply to overseas universities, including in the USA.



BOARDING



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Pupils aged 13 and upwards can board, and plenty of sixth formers choose to do so even if they haven’t at senior school. The single-sex boarding houses are cosy but grown-up, with more of a hall of residence feel than a kids’ dormitory and all kitted out with kitchens, common rooms and study spaces. Boarders won’t get bored with the range of evening and weekend activities, and day pupils can come to school early and stay late and get involved in activities too. Lancing offers full and flexi boarding, but the latter is skewed towards those contemplating full boarding and at least 24 hours notice is required.  



In terms of pastoral care, housemasters and mistresses are supported by a team of matrons and staff, and there’s an onsite health centre for health and wellbeing needs which includes overnight staffing.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Boarders are a mix of UK and international students, and the latter is a diverse mix from across the world, representative of a global village rather than with a heavy focus on one particular market.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">THE HEAD</h4>



Dominic Oliver is that rare thing, a head who embodies his school as much as he influences it. Staff say it’s almost impossible to imagine the college without him, and vice versa. He joined Lancing in 2014 from Bedales and to say he’s thriving with his feet under the table would be an understatement.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Passionate, curious and with a keen sense of fun, he welcomes students into his study to debate with him personally and Muddy bets these occasions are an absolute blast, not to mention rich in learning and development for all concerned. He enthuses that he learns as much from the pupils as they do from him.&nbsp;



His office is decked out with artwork, some of it visually reminiscent of his Oxford days, but his current favourite wall-hanging is an incredibly intricate and sizeable silver trophy that looks like some kind of religious order of merit, but is in fact a girl’s team tennis trophy.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Looking to the future, he’s keen for more of the same, maintaining the excellent facilities and nurturing curiosity, character and a love of learning in pupils. He’s also committed to the college’s role in the wider community and its philanthropic ventures, and some 17 students from deprived backgrounds currently receive full 110% bursaries to attend Lancing.    



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WORD ON THE GROUND



Pupils love the opportunities they get at Lancing, and sport got a big thumbs up too. As did the food. Boarders and day pupils alike said they felt included and welcomed by all.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h4>



Pupils are allowed phones, but they have to adhere to strict regulations around when and how they&#8217;re used &#8211; no calls, texts or Snaps during lessons, they use Lancing&#8217;s secure wifi not 4G, and failure to adhere to the rules means phones are confiscated. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">TRANSPORT</h4>



Smart minibuses bring pupils to the college on a daily, weekly and termly basis from a range of locations. As well as a wide range of local routes, there’s an airport transfer service and weekly London service as well as a bus service to Cobham and Guildford.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">FEES</h4>



Full boarding is £14,850 per term, flexi-boarding £12,480 per term (subject to availability) and day pupils are £10,150 per term with occasional overnight stays charged at £74.



THE MUDDY VERDICT



Good for: Most kids will thrive under Lancing’s open-minded and holistic ethos, and the size and space offered by the campus will be a big draw.&nbsp;



Not for: It’s a football school not a rugby school, future Harlequins take note.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Dare to disagree? Take a look at the schools virtual tour and videos <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="virtual Open Morning (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lancingcollege.co.uk/gallery/virtual-open-morning" target="_blank">here</a> , then head along for a tour and see for yourself &#8211; <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="book a slot (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lancingcollege.co.uk/admissions" target="_blank">book a slot</a> on 01273&nbsp;465 805 or email admissions@lancing.org.uk. 



Lancing College, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 0RW, 01273 452213 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="lancingcollege.co.uk (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lancingcollege.co.uk/lancing-college" target="_blank">lancingcollege.co.uk</a>

Lancing College

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