An Educational Pioneer School has always been an educational trailblazer and its Head, Sarah Thomas, combines this forward-thinking with a strong sense of community

Words: Ron Dyson

lending both the new and the old in keeping with its B underlying ethos and school motto et nova et vetera, Bryanston is one of the country’s most distinct and respected independent schools. Founded in 1928, the school’s 400 acre estate on the outskirts of Blandford is renowned as a fertile environment for creativity. Previous alumni include Lucian Freud, Emilia Fox, Sir Mark Elder, and Sir Terence Conran. As Head of Bryanston, Sarah Thomas has overseen many significant initiatives to help the school build on its core philosophy and reputation for creating a sense of family and belonging for everyone connected with it. It also has a considerable impact on the local community, not only with how its shares its facilities with other local schools, but also as one of the largest employers in Blandford area – the current staff headcount is approaching 600. Sarah is due to retire at the end of this academic year. An ABOVE: Sarah ideal opportunity to reflect on Thomas, Head of the changes this award-winning Bryanston School teacher has seen during her RIGHT: Blandford time at Bryanston. An Oxford- Choral Society educated classicist, Sarah performing in Thomas’s childhood was spent on Bryanston’s Merseyside, where she attended concert hall Birkenhead High School. She was appointed Head at Bryanston in 2005, attracted by the school’s “immersive and refreshing educational philosophy and the openness and transparency of

both governors and children”. Mills Photo:Ash

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Indeed, Sarah has continued to foster close links with schools right across the county. The relationship with Blandford School is particularly strong, with regular workshops and careers events as well as outreach support. High profile speakers at Bryanston’s annual Education Summit also attract very high attendance from teaching staff across the region. And Bryanston is now acting as a champion for LGBT+ engagement and understanding among schools all over Dorset, having recently secured the Stonewall Gold Champion Award.

‘Bryanston is renowned as a fertile environment for creativity’ Photo:Ash Mills Photo:Ash There’s Fruit Salad, a thriving Saturday drama club, as well as a Junior String School for local ABOVE: Former And she immediately fell in love Community children, and regular drama, Bryanston student with Dorset. engagement dance and equestrian sessions , giving Astute staff appointments Such facilities are also made are held for children with a a talk to a local primary school and a determination to provide available for pupils from other range of learning difficulties. pupils with the opportunities and local schools and regional events Neighbouring schools are personal tutoring to excel have – such as the Dorset School regularly invited to one-off helped the school’s continuing Games - as well as other young events, such as some pupils from development. An award-winning achievers, amateur enthusiasts Durweston CE VA Primary School science building and a music and professionals from the world who recently met TV presenter, school, with professional of music, drama and sport. The adventurer and former Bryanston recording and performance school continues to work closely pupil, Ben Fogle. Outside of term facilities, were introduced a few with the Richard Ely Trust and time, public events recently held years ago. And a major sports the concert venues and music at Bryanston include professional development programme, aimed studios are used regularly by the concerts featuring The King’s at encouraging an “affectionate community choral society, the Singers, Liane Caroll, and the connection” with sport for all Dorset Music Service and Dorset BBC Symphony Chorus, as well pupils and to provide dedicated Opera. And all Science Society as performances by Dorset Opera support for elite young athletes, is lectures are open to staff and and the Starlight Dance Academy. now nearing completion. students from other local schools. While steering a course that is wholly consistent with the spirit of the school, Sarah Thomas has certainly stamped her mark on Brya nston Bryanston and, two years ago, School she was named ‘Best Head of a Bryanston School is an Public School’ by Tatler. Sarah independent boarding and day is quick to emphasise, however, school for boys and girls aged that the school’s continuing 13 to 18, set in a 400-acre site success is as much a reflection of near Blandford in north Dorset. the passion, determination and Founded in 1928, the school expertise of her colleagues as it is aims to develop the all-round her own leadership. talents of individual pupils. A As she prepares to hand over broad, flexible academic and responsibilities in September extra-curricular programme to Mark Mortimer (the current is offered and each pupil Head of Warminster School), benefits from considerable it is clear that Bryanston is not one-to-one help and guidance only building on its education from a personal tutor, subject heritage. It is also continuing teachers and housemaster/ to develop its connections and housemistress. Find out more engagement with communities at bryanston.co.uk. across its home county. u

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