2 Aclos er look
Dean Close Foundation Annual Report Summer 2020 Contents
Growing Close 4
Close Together 6
Close Formation 8
Close Foundation 10
Close Circles 16
Close Accounting 24
Close Talk 26
Close Community 28
Close Quarters 30
Close Friends 32
Close Contribution 38
Dean Clos eFoundation Annual Report 2020 ‘ Every pupil has a thirst for knowledge and an ’ excellent attitude to learning, reflecting the school s ’ DCS ISI inspection 2019 aim to encourage independent thinking. 3 Growing Clos e
4 ‘ I am deeply pround of all that has been achieved and look forward to building strongly ’ on it in the next academic year.
he Atacama Desert in Chile is learning, of exchanging ideas and of using one of the most unpromising technology have emerged, and all with a environments on the planet for profoundly human character; mind, body and plant life. In an average year, spirit equally engaged and a healthy dose of T the desert receives no more humour and fun at every turn. than 12mm of rain. However, occasionally, in years when the El Niño effect is at work, The Dean Close Foundation has this year rainfall increases in the months of September established our ‘Foundation Stones’ – the to November, and suddenly the desert is a overarching aim and values which unite us sea of blooms. Over 200 species of flowers all. The first stone, the overall aim, is appear, most of them only found in this part ‘Flourishing’, and I hope you will find of the world; the barren landscape is watered evidence in this Annual Report of the and bursts into life and vibrancy. organisation itself and the individuals within it doing just that, in a range of conditions from In the early part of 2020, as the coronavirus the temperate climate of the start of the pandemic began its sinister worldwide academic year to the more inhospitable spread, the immediate future for all of us environment of the lockdown period. looked bleak. However, it is at times of crisis that the true nature of a community is most I am deeply proud of all that has been clearly seen, and at the Dean Close achieved and look forward to building Foundation there has been a remarkable strongly on it in the next academic year. flowering of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and mutual care as we Emma Taylor have tackled the very real challenges posed Warden, Dean Close Foundation by the pandemic. New ways of teaching and
5 Clos eTogether
THE bENEFITS
• Economies of scale – centralisation of administration and sharing of resources and facilities helps us keep costs down.
• Profile – the scale of the Foundation gives Dean Close a We are a Foundation: the Senior School, higher profile, enabling us to our two Prep Schools, our Pre-Prep and our nurseries. Our scale gives us breadth of influence. educational vision. It makes our schools more sustainable and gives us a broader • Minimisation of risk perspective and a longer view. – our diversity The Foundation portfolio has helps insulate us against some of strengthened our finances. the threats faced by independent schools. The diversity of activities in the Dean Close Foundation portfolio has strengthened the • Best practice financial position of Dean Close and thus – our teachers have a our ability to improve facilities, keep fees bigger and more diverse group of manageable and offer the very best to pupils of all ages. colleagues with whom to After considerable investment and collaborate and share best changes in structure, the schools and practice. nurseries are all thriving.
• Focus With centralised Foundation business – with some leadership tasks functions, the schools and nurseries can now handled centrally, each of our concentrate on looking after their pupils schools’ Heads can focus fully on and delivering the best education possible to each and every one. leading their school.
6 Dean Close Timeline
1886
Dean Close School For boys aged 9 –18 1938
1968
The first girls come to Dean Close Schools, Dean Close Junior School formed, gaining Senior and Junior membership of IAPS in 1949. Now known as Dean Close Preparatory School 2003 2015
Dean Close Pre -Preparatory School ‘Squirrels’ established St John’s on-the-Hill School, Hedgehogs, Robins and Teddies Nurseries join the Dean Close Family 2016 2017
Formation of the Dean Close Foundation. Dean Close House becomes ‘DCHQ’ – the administrative Treetops Nurseries base of the Foundation Cheltenham and Gloucester join the Foundation 2020
7 Clos eFormation
This year, we have made some key senior appointments to strengthen the leadership of important areas of the Foundation’s work, particularly in the areas of HR, Marketing and Admissions.
8 Foundation Leadership Team
Emma Taylor
Warden
Carolyn Shelley Paddy Moss Bradley Salisbury Jason Dobbie
Dean Close Pre-Prep Head Dean Close Prep School Head Dean Close School Head St John’s on-the-Hill (until Dec 2020)
Nick Thrower Adrian Bowcher
St John’s on-the-Hill (2021 onwards) Dean Close Foundation bursar
Senior Team Leaders
Jennifer Thomas David Evans Emily Harris Rebecca Chaplin Steve Ewence
Directo(arp opfo HintRed, F2o01u9n) dation Director of External Relations, Director o(fa pMpaorinkteetdin 2g0,2 F0o) undation Director of Admissions, Foundation Operations bursar, Foundation Foundation
9 Clos eFoundation
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During the year, we have worked hard to establish our ‘Foundation Stones’ – a clear statement of the aim and values of the Foundation. In the new academic year, we will develop these further, considering how they should make a practical difference to the life of every pupil and member of staff, and to the way we think about ourselves, other people, the world and God. Each area of the Foundation has provided some practical examples of the Foundation Stones at work.
10 Love s, do good to th mie em, ene and ur le in practice yo nd ve Galati to o .’ an t t l lf s h u e 5 e s from : m B r comes God. 8 1 u ve …G 4 w 5 r lo od i :3 o fo i th Julie & Becky (Catering) 6 y r, s l he ov F o e ot e. u – Julie and becky k s n 9 o t a u a e T r e L h x n is r o t p have very important jobs keeping us all . e is v h e d u h c o o e l t w e i k o s u n nourished and care deeply about the welfare c G i t g b e o e l w d t , o h s s n d d h of staff and pupils. They are never too busy to g o n g n t e e w a i i t r i e l f r e d a r lend an ear and will always stop to ask how u
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she was doing and was always making sure she was supported. Boarding House Parents – boarding parents who go over and above their care of the pupils in their houses. The Chaplaincy Team quietly offer pastoral support across the Foundation throughout the year, offering a listening ear and wise counsel to many pupils and staff. 11 Evan Courage – Evan is incredibly passionate about in practice academics, in particular Science, and this year showed courage by stepping out of his comfort zone and initiating a Dean Close , for ot fear I am w Science week. He solely organised an o n ith d yo So u experiment to create an electrical current on Phil ; d 10 h. ip o : t p n Chapel Close and also set up a Termly School 1 g that in me yo i 4 so u m a o n gs, a t h e in y h n b newsletter to discuss current issues of interest ia th a e a r e ve s s t s p d I e e i to his fellow students. s th a 4 s c m . u e d o . : e a Annabelle and Thomas y I 1 n n y a d – both pupils started l t e h 3 h o d t m i t s , e new in the Lent Term in Year 1 and 2, when w v f h a o g s o I i h r r
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Contribution in practice
Brecon – brecon is four years old and goes to St John’s. He was inspired by his neighbours who were doing a challenge to raise money for a charity and approached his parents asking if he could do something too. He said he wanted to help “boys and girls in danger”, so the family decided the best charity would be the NSPCC. He decided he wanted to complete a climbing and biking challenge. Over the course of 10 days, he would bike the distance of a full marathon, 42,195m, and climb the equivalent of the Eiffel Tower, 300m. Part way through his challenge, brecon came off his bike quite spectacularly. An x-ray confirmed he had a buckle fracture, so he ended up running the distance instead of biking. He was determined not to give up. He has raised £872 to date. Izzy – Izzy has been quietly visiting the elderly residents of a local care home. Izzy arranged this on her own and does not look for any recognition or reward; she does it because she cares deeply about the elderly in the community. Grace in Year 2 climbed ‘Everest’ on her stairs for charity during lockdown. Pupils in the Schola Cantorum sing four times a week at Tewkesbury Abbey and have to re - hearse early each morning. They show great dedication (as do their parents) and commitment with long hours, often having to miss school events .
1 13 It would be impossible to capture the diversity and richness of a Dean Close education, but we have attempted to set out an overview and some helpful statistics.
A total of 1,630 children in our care
475 296 161 160 556 pupils currently on roll pupils currently on roll pupils currently on roll pupils currently on roll pupils currently on roll
Leavers’ Destinations GCSE Subjects (2019) (Class of 2019)
St Andrew’s Edinburgh Durham 34% Manchester A* / 9, 8 Leeds
Nottingham Liverpool Warwick
Cambridge Gloucester Oxford
Swansea Cardiff London 59% Reading bristol brighton A* – A / 9, 8, 7 Southampton Exeter bath
4 GAP YEAR PUPILS
14 385 Total rehearsal hours 490 17.5 pupils hours spent involved performing
9,920 100% minutes of music lessons of pupils involved in school sport per week 490 10,490 623 minutes of music matches minutes of per week 95 ensemble practice played teams per week
A Level Subjects (Class of 2019)
% pass rate A*-B 80 41 UCAS points 70 per exam
60 50 26 28% subjects 40 A* –A
30 20 99. 7% 10 pass rate 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
15 Clos eCircles
Partnerships 2019 –20
artnership activity in the Dean Close Foundation operates on four levels: locally, regionally, nationally and internationally; P since we have schools and nurseries in Cheltenham, Chepstow, Gloucester and Newport, the local and regional links are quite varied geographically! What follows tries to give a good flavour of all the activity that has taken place, with an attempt both to assess the impact of our partnerships as well as to tell some stories of those who are involved both in our schools and in the wider community.
16 Local ‘ I just wanted to say once At the local level, we have many partnerships with primary schools, and other organisations within the local community, including our membership of the again thank you for the newly formed Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP). partnership links. My students and staff are gaining lots from Primary Schools working togethe r ... the quality
Many primary school pupils attend concerts and plays at DCSJ, DCPS and DCS. of the provision from your young ’ Christchurch pupils enjoy DC Forest School once a week. leaders is excellent . Kevin Day Head Teacher of Belmont, The Bacon Theatre hosted Lakeside’s a Commun,i ty Special School Christmas Concert
DCS L6th linguists’ assembly at Holy Apostles
Sports Skill Days for Hockey, Netball Community Action and Rugby Arts and craft, music and sport for St James’ as part of the Community Action Field Day programme. Charlton Kings Primary DCSJ pupils take part in an intergenerational (19 girls, 16 boys) project with Castleford Hose Care. Lakeside Primary Teddies Nursery donated food items to families (18 girls, 10 boys) in need by giving to a local community church. St James' Primary Teddies also raise money for the (12 girls, 13 boys) Save the Children charity at Christmas time
Morris Court Residential Care Hesters Way Primary Community Home St Mark’s Primary Action Field Days Ambleside Residential Care Home Belmont Community Special School Hatherley Road Residential Care Home Tree Tops Nursery
Goals for Grass Charity Priors Park Neighbourhood charity in Tewkesbury Christchurch Primary Gloucestershire Bundles Lakeside Primary charity in Gloucester Holy Apostles’ Primary 40Sixth Formers involved Pied Piper Charity Shop with 15 partners St James’ Primary in Gloucester 17 Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP)
This year has seen the launch and first year programme of CEP, a partnership of 10 state and independent schools and the University of Gloucestershire, supported by a number of town and county organisations.
Other events included: - climate change ’Change Makers’ project initiated by the Science Festival
- Biomedical Ethics Seminars hosted at Dean Close for aspiring medics, dentists and vets
- astronomy taster sessions • CEP’s objective is to provide outstanding educational - Heads of Science meeting opportunities for young people in Cheltenham - Young Enterprise Business Challenge led by a team from • The launch took place during the Spirax Sarco 2019 Literature Festival followed by the first main event of an Education Question Time pupil panel
‘ I feel like I have really given back to my community today and that I have learnt even
more about society and the man’y different people Sixth Form pupil after a visit that we have thriving within i t.
18 ‘ We were not sure what to expect from today but we have found out that independent ’ Cleeve Sixth Form pupils school pupils are just like us. 9,3 37 pupils in total Education Question Time Pupil Panel
The CEP event, featuring pupils from its nine member schools, took place immediately prior to a sell-out Education Question Time, chaired by the bbC’s 1, 65 3 Jeremy Vine, at the bacon Theatre on the PP/FSM/LAC question ‘Does our education system Expand to Pupil Premium/Free prepare current pupils for the world of School Meals/Looked tomorrow?’ These pupils, while warm in After Children their comments about their own schools, challenged school leaders and politicians to think again about such areas as political education, climate change, financial skills and the provision for the creative and performing arts. Many of these questions were later explored by 26 the expert panel, consisting of former DCS pupils and 5 DCS Secretary of State for Education Lord staff involved actively blunkett, Alex Chalk MP, cyber-security in events and AI expert Professor Richard benham, Eleanor busby, Education Correspondent for the Independent, and EmmaTaylor, our Warden. The debate was energetic and lively; questions included ‘Should the voting age be lowered to 16?’; ‘Are mobile phones the enemy?’ and ‘How much responsibility for education lies with parents?’ Jeremy Vine chaired both the 18 pupil panel discussion and the evening session with verve, challenging the separate events panellists’ views and ending by racing around the auditorium with a microphone eliciting the judgement of the Sixth Formers on the opinions expressed.
19 Sporting Links
Sporting links exist with Gloucester Rugby Club, Highnam Equine, Summerhouse Equestrian, Hucclecote Netball and David Lloyd Tennis Centre
Regional
There are many links in Gloucestershire and the South West, strongly supported of course by the location of St John’s on-the-Hill and Hedgehogs Nursery in Tutshill, Robins Nursery at St Arvans and Teddies Nursery at Celtic Springs. Chaplaincy
DCF Chaplaincy Team partner in annual Chaplains’ meetings and Christian Union days out with Kingham Hill Schola Cantorum and Monkton Coombe and Tewkesbury Abbey
Schola Cantorum sing evensong three times each week at Tewkesbury Abbey
The Abbey hosts our annual Commemoration Service and other Business Links occasional school services
Membership of Circle2Success with branches Abbey clergy are invited to speak in in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Bristol. DCS or DCPS Chapel services
Dean Close House hosted a conference ‘A Celebration of Business Women’ with key-note speaker Nicola Whiting MBE, which saw 70 local business executives come together on International Women’s Day
20 PDT Department Protective Visors
Hospitals: fter the closure of schools Gloucester Royal – Ward 3A towards the end of March, Orthogeriatrics, Ward 3b, Emily Kent a request was received Ward; Cheltenham General – ICU, asking whether Dean Critical Care; Queen Elizabeth, AClose’s PDT Department birmingham – ENT; Tewkesbury, Charlton would be able to help local medical and Lane Community health care workers by making protective Medical Care providers: Cheltenham equipment. Dom Evans and his team Cobalt Unit; Cotswold District Nurses; immediately went into action and helped Complex Care at Home Service; these organisations: Gloucestershire NHS Trust GP surgeries: Gray Hill, Newent, Portland Practice, Hatherley, Hatherley Midwives, Overton Park, Forest Healthcare, Clevelands Medical Centre Pharmacies: Rowlands Chemists Residential Care Homes: Ambleside, Lidnum (Swindon), Kate Nursing Home, Monkscroft, Aspirations, Sue Ryder Leckhampton, bishop’s Cleeve, Sandfields, Queensbridge, Gloucestershire House Leonard Cheshire Local carers: Up Hatherley Vets: Hook Norton Schools: Richard Pate’s
‘ The masks flew through the infection control test and all the ladies on her team were completely taken aback by them; they tho’ught the messages Cheltenham General Oncology written on them were amazing! 21 National
There are several national organisations, with whom Dean Close are partners. Apart from school associations (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, Independent Association of Prep Schools, boarding Schools’ Association), the Foundation is fully committed to the Armed Forces Covenant employer recognition scheme and DCPS is a member of the Choir Schools' Association.
‘ The talks altered my way of thinking and were invalu’able
to learning about lePuapil dership. at the TISCA Prefects' Day at Dean Close House 22 No. of pupils No. of pupils at No. of pupils at currently in ROC Nyakatukura, No. 7 High School, programme: Chengdu: 69 380Ibanda: 6,000
International
Some of our international links are long-standing but others are new. DCSJ has had pupil exchanges with South Africa and China for some time, and DCS now has exchange links with two schools in Cape Town alongside the 16-year partnership with Nyakatukura Memorial Secondary School in Uganda and a brand-new partnership with No. 7 High School in Chengdu, China. Chengdu ‘ 2019 saw the formal establishment of a partnership between DCS and No. 7 We really treasure our friendship between High School in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Mr Hu and Ms Zhang visited Dean Close in February Dean Close and No.7 High School 2019, with a return visit by Jacquie Davis, DCS Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Rachael Vest (DCS Head of English Language Training) in October and hope you are well. Please remember Pupil and staff cultural exchanges will ’ take place when circumstances you have always been in our thoughts . allow in the future Spring Li, School Liaison Officer at No. 7 High School
Uganda Link
New Head Teacher Caleb Tusingwire has been appointed at Nyakatukura
Bishop Amos Magezi hopes to visit for Commermoration
Regular exchange of messages of mutual support and goodwill, although visits to Uganda in 2019 and to Dean Close in 2020 were both cancelled due to viral outbreaks
69 orphaned children attend primary and secondary schools, vocational colleges or universities due to the financial support of members of the wider DCF community through ROC
23 clos eaccounting
Financial Year 01/09/18 to 31/08/19
he financial year 2018/19 saw a similar outturn to the previous year. We saw a profit before T depreciation/amortisation of £0.9m. The Foundation’s trading subsidiaries have continued to deliver excellent financial results, which were Gift Aided back to the Foundation. This income stream is a key element to help support the Foundation’s primary activities and long-term financial sustainability of the charity.
The independent schools sector faces still tough challenges, in particular with increased employer’s costs with National Insurance, the national minimum wage and the Apprentice Levy, the pension scheme increase, and threat to our charitable (partial) exemption for property taxes, and the latest pandemic which brings uncertainly around our pupil numbers and affordability for parents as a result of the pandemic.
At the time of writing, the impact of the current pandemic on our financial performance for 2019 –20 is still unclear due to regular changes in government announcements. We are taking sensible precautions to protect our income and limit outgoings and have taken advantage of any schemes that have been applicable to us so far and will be able to report the impact in next year’s Annual Report.
Adrian Bowcher, Bursar
Dean Close Foundation 24 Income
School Fees
Nurseries
Dean Close Services
0 £2M £4M £6M £8M £10M £12M £14M £16M £18M £20M
Earnings before Interest, Tax and Depreciation 2018/19 (EBITDA)
£700,000
£600,000
£500,000
£400,000
£300,000
£200,000
£100,000
£0
£-100,000 Schools Nurseries Dean Close Services
Profit and Loss (EBITDA)
£1,500.00
£1,000.00
£500.00
? £0
£-500.00
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 (F2o0r1e9c/a2s0 t)
Expenditure
Teaching
Welfare
Premises
Administration
Other Costs (including Fundraising & Governance)
11500 2656 Trading Expenditure 2162 4095 205 3450
25 clos etalk
‘Pupils have a strong awareness and appreciation of other cultures.’
ISI inspection DCSJS 2018
Inspection success Other voices ‘Children develop excellent knowledge, skills and understanding across all areas Tatler of the curriculum because of the quality and range of activities on offer, especially Dean Close is a ‘people place’ the frequent opportunities for exciting and SoGlos stimulating learning on themed activity days.’ DC ‘Dean Close is small enough Every pupil has a ‘thirst for knowledge’ to allow everyone to know one and an ‘excellent attitude to learning another, feel valued and get reflecting the school’s aim to fully involved in the life of the encourage independent thinking.’ DC school. However, it is large enough to have a strong The report commended pupils’ ‘highly boarding community, vibrant confident attitudes to learning, because and exciting creative arts, the positive feedback and personalised impressive academic results guidance from the staff create a and great sports results across purposeful and focused learning all ages.’ environment’ ensuring that individual needs are addressed. DC The inspectors noted that ‘the ethos of the school and its Christian foundation Good Schools pervades all aspects of school life, and Guide is the basis for the strong pastoral care, resulting in a caring and thoughtful society respecting ‘Safe, happy, comfortable’ was individual needs, differences and how one parent summed up the sensitivities.’ DC Dean Close experience. Others said it was a school where ‘Pupils notice when someone else needs pupils are ‘expected to be kind’, help or support. They go out of their way that it was ‘good for square to give a word of support or an offer of pegs’ and there was ‘no one help which has an extremely positive type, no cool crowd.’ impact on the behaviour and morale of the staff community.’ DC 26 Parent testimonials
‘As a Sixth Former, she has the confidence to select the A Level subjects that inspire her and which will allow her to follow her ambitions and afford the best opportunities to study at the university of her choice. We would have no hesitation in recommending Dean Close to other parents.’ DC Online reviews ‘I appreciate the way you have guided the children and explained and answered questions I couldn't. You ‘We've been absolutely delighted – the should be so proud of everyone at DC. boarding provision is just the right balance We are blessed to be part of it.’ DC of home comforts, fun and structure. Music is second to none, amazing facilities and everyone encouraged to join ‘Our daughter is happy, motivated, in, whatever their musical talents – big challenged and is learning. I wanted to part of school life. We found the Christian say thank you and applaud you all.’ DCSJ ethos underpins the whole attitude to ‘We couldn’t have asked for more teaching, inclusion and pastoral care but from your teachers since our son has it's definitely not "in your face" if those been working from home – we’re so aren't your beliefs. It seems a very impressed.’ DCSJ balanced, happy school; good social mix with high standards where independence is encouraged but with plenty of support.’ DC Facebook Review ‘Very grounded school but with high expectations and very encouraging, ‘Excellent extracurricular but not pushy – we've really felt that activities and pastoral care.’ as a school, they "do what it says on the tin".’ DC
‘Academically, Dean Close has equipped our daughter with a strong learning ethos and important study skills that enabled her to achieve excellent GCSE results.’ DC
27 clos ecommunity
‘ ... it is a dream come true for me to be able to take music
lessons and play with the orchestra. The biggest thank
you from the bottom of my heart goes to all the individuals
who have generously donated to the appeal. Without
them, I would never have been able to go to Dean Close
and enjoy all the exciting opportunities it offers. Words ’ Dennis Carnill Foundation Award Holder cannot express how grateful I am.
28 The immediate goal now is to establish a ‘Community Fund’ to support current pupils, whose families have been seriously impacted financially by COVI D-19, to enable them to continue their education here with us. This ambition has been wonderfully embraced already by some of our current parents, who have asked that their fee remissions be redirected to this cause.
Community
We are delighted with the way the two key nabling a wider group of strands of the Community and Campus have pupils to participate in a Dean moved forward in the last 12 months and, while Close education is one of our future planning for each strand has now been founding charitable objectives re-shaped in the light of the COVID -19 global and this is as relevant today pandemic, our determination to build on the E as it has ever been. There are now three past and shape our schools for the future is Foundation Award holders, who are undimmed. We are enormously grateful to the bringing their considerable gifts, talents many friends and supporters of the Dean Close and individual contributions to their Foundation who have given generously to various schools of the Foundation. The support us and have indicated that they share first holds the Denys Carnill Foundation our vision and desire to open our doors wider Award, named after Dean Close School’s and improve our facilities further. former Head of History and Economics, Housemaster of Field House and Master I/c Hockey (he was a Gb Olympian Captain after all). The second holds the Leavers of 2019 Foundation Award and the third holds the Old Decanian Foundation Award. Their successful Dennis Carnill Foundation Award Holder integration makes us only more determined to increase their numbers in the years to come and we are hugely grateful to those who have made these awards possible by their generous donations. 29 clos equarters
Campus The Day House Village (Phase 1) has now opened in Dean Close School at the top of the Hatherley Road entrance access drive and is providing excellent facilities for all our Day Pupils. Easier access to the houses has been much appreciated by pupils and parents alike and there is a stronger sense of community amongst the pupils of Dale, Field, Hatherley and Mead. The educational and pastoral benefits are becoming increasingly clear to confirm the good sense of this decision.
The boys in Field prefer the location of the Day House Village. Whereas they used to have to fight their way up and down five flights of stairs (if going to the very top) now they can be dropped off near the astro and enjoy a leisurely walk to and from the House. They appreciate being inside a building that looks smart and is comfortable and homely. In terms of layout, the new House is much better with the downstairs being dedicated to changing, washing, socialising and eating facilities, whereas the upstairs has been given over to study and getting on quietly with work. This demarcation means that the boys are developing a mindset that there is a place The Day House Village has breathed new life to relax and chill out and there is a different into Hatherley. Not only do we now have fresh place to think and do serious academic running water and our own toilets (!) but the work. The Common Room area has also relationships between the girls have been a place where different year groups strengthened immeasurably. Groups of mixed can play table tennis or chess or board year friends are now the norm in the common games in their spare time. This has spaces, and our 'Sisters' programme is helped integrate the House vertically and thriving, as the younger girls come to know horizontally. The location of the office for the older girls much better, much faster. The the member of staff on duty downstairs and facility for quiet academic study upstairs, with upstairs has meant that staff are more the provision for happy tea-and-toast accessible and more aware of all that is gatherings downstairs, makes the going on in the House. In addition, being environment truly multi-purpose. The girls part of a Day House Village has been adore the space, and it has revolutionised my special. This has meant other day pupils, experience in my job, as having my office just and boarders, have been allowed to come off our 'dining area' means I have so many into the Common Room area downstairs to more informal chats, and as a result, I feel, the socialise at appropriate times, and it has standard of pastoral support I am able to offer been a delight to see the Day Pupils chat has risen. outside their respective Day Houses. Kate Milne, Paul Montgomery, Housemistress of Hatherley Housemaster of Field 30 Moving into the Day House village has been fantastic! The new facilities have provided a new opportunity for social interaction between pupils from different houses, which was never quite as easy in the old house structure. I think that most people have really enjoyed this opportunity. Alongside this, the Day House Village has provided an improved working environment; the open plan rooms allow for collaborative and private work to take place at the same time, but their separation from the Common Rooms ensures that one cannot be distracted too easily. Overall, I think that The new Day House Village has been a moving into the Day House Village has huge success and we have all benefitted had significant benefits for everyone and hugely from its development. The new it has been a very positive change. facilities are great, with lots of space Tom Richardson, Field pupil for both changing and working. The downstairs area is large and light, making it ideal to hold social events and to enjoy house time. The biggest benefit from the Village is the interaction. being so close to all the other Houses is great; we are no longer scattered around the school, but altogether as one, meaning friendships are developed both in and between Houses. Olivia Moss, Hatherley pupil
Attention now turns to Phase 2 , in which our plans have been reassessed due to the current situation. However, it remains the intention of the Foundation to develop facilities in the academic heart of Dean Close School, where the relocation of the Day Houses has provided a sizeable area for redevelopment. There will be a prudent refurbishment of some of these areas, given the need for wise stewardship of financial resources in these far from certain times, but a number of our supporters have indicated their commitment to fulfil their pledges of financial support and so we intend to proceed with cautious optimism and, of course, with immense gratitude to those who will enable us to make significant improvements to the quality of our campus.
31 clos efriends
It was four o'clock in the afternoon on 3rd since, with much rivalry on the sports September 1975. It was the day and time fields with Gate, the Derby of Houses one I was setting off to start my school years might say. Richard Padfield was my at Dean Close. My parents had packed housemaster. Again, such incredible fond my trunk, including the regulation square memories for me of the Senior School too white handkerchiefs, and told me I had be and that would include 'congo practice' in in my uniform for 4pm. Well, I was ready, the Chapel because, in my day, we had dressed in my cap, by midday! I had a the wonderful Chandos Morgan as our lovely time at DCS – I just seemed to Chaplain and he made it really interesting settle immediately at the tender age of and fun, even getting myself and friends eight, boarding in Wilton House and to join the choir – who would have quickly making many friends who each thought I was once a soprano? Our came back to my home when it was a teachers and school staff were Sunday Exeat, as many were from far characters, each and every one: Mr flung places. I excelled in sport in all three Kenyon, Mr Odell, Pete Cairns, Mr majors – rugby, hockey and cricket – Gibson on his motorbike roaring from becoming the captain of our hockey Court House to school and of course, throughout each year and opening bowler Margaret in the Dining Hall. We had in the cricket season (possibly, I was a Sunday trips out ice skating, the quirky left- arm medium pace over the Argonauts rambling across the Malverns wicket, which really confused batsmen and the highlights of the weekend would back then). I have many fond memories be the big match followed by a sprint into throughout my five years in the Junior town for an hour and then a school film in School as it was called then. I lived in the Flecker Hall, a school disco or a three houses: Wilton, Fortfield, and balmy summer evening hanging out with eventually in the Senior House where the friends on Chapel Close. It is the friends cool kids were, Caldicote, run by Mr Piper that stay with you physically and the who told incredibly detailed ghost stories many in your heart throughout your entire to us at night in the dark, great times. I life that sometimes even today puts a would not be able to swim even now I do lump in my throat. I still meet, call or write not think if it was not for the wonderful, to a few, and even today, they feel more enigmatic Major ben Chapman, a proper like close family than friends. I am now 53 gentleman with a great moustache. I went years old and I have known them since I up to the Senior School in 1980 and was was eight, they are certainly friends for placed in Tower House. I have been a life. DCS gave me those and I thank you. Tower boy through and through ever I left school and continued to work hard, 32 ‘ ’ leaner, better and stronger
then even harder, became focused on doing well, never work shy and strived to succeed. Today, I am on the board of a family-owned business employing 700 people around the world and I can confidently say Dean Close made me the person I became, the person I am today. What I lacked in qualifications academically, the school gave me oodles of confidence, ‘ independence and the ability to strive hard for what I wanted. Fifteen years ago, I wanted to give something back and It is the friends that stay became a member of the OD Society's Committee being seconded by my old mate Nick Akerman and in 2018, when Nick wanted to step down from years of service with you physically as Chairman, I was voted into the role of Chairman for a five year tenure, to do what I can to help support the school that helped and many in your heart me all those years ago. We have now been facing one of the hardest periods of the school's life, if not the hardest since the last throughout your entire World War, and so now, me and my fellow Committee members are helping the school every way we can financially, life that sometimes even commercially and with communications to all our ODs around the world. We live in strange times right now, but we are getting today puts a lump through it and will be leaner, better and ’ stronger; the Foundation has great people at the helm steering through this health in my throat. crisis. I look forward to continuing to support the school and meeting as many of you as I can at events throughout 2021. Robin ‘Bic’ Bayliss , OD Chairman, DCPS 197 5–1980, Tower 198 0–1983 33 ‘ From the very beginning, it was very clear th’at this was a community.
September 1972 was when I first of PSHE, Housemistress, and supporting became a member of the Dean Close my husband as Head of Social Services Community, and I still feel that I am and organiser of the charity Midsummer considered to be a member today. Dean Fayre. As a parent of two children Close was my husband's first teaching educated at the school I still teach some post. We moved straight from being Dean Close pupils on a one-to-one basis. post-graduates at Warwick University to a new town and with a six-month-old All this means that I have seen many daughter. It was all very different. From changes, and could argue that Dean the very beginning, it was very clear that Close is a very different place now. this was a community. Keith was clearly However, with all this change there are very involved in school; however, I was two constants which make it the special not ignored. The then Headmaster, and community it is. The first is its Christian Keith's Head of Department and their foundation, the core values of which wives, ensured that I was very much are at the heart of everything, and the included. It was a very good beginning, second is the educational philosophy that although I remember being quite nervous everyone has special talents and it is our about taking the baby to Dean Close role to enable them to develop them. House for Sunday lunch; she behaved Dean Close, therefore, to me is a vibrant though. forward-thinking community whose In the intervening years, I have had success owes much to it maintaining its several roles within the school from Prep core values. School Science Teacher, Senior School Mrs Vanessa Aris MBE MSc biology Teacher, Head of Careers, Head (former member of staff) 34 ‘ The best decision we ’ have made in our lives.
We have had the great opportunity to educate all three children in schools in the Dean Close Foundation and that’s the best decision we have made in our lives. Our son, Kameel, is at Dean Close and our two daughters, Mariam and Hannah, are at St John’s on-the-Hill. They are thriving throughout their school lives academically and in sport, not to mention the best pastoral care they receive. both schools have guided all my children, responding to their needs and enabling them to achieve great things in life. All of our children represent at a higher level in sports at county and national level. We are pleased with the schools’ approaches, tailor made to our children’s capabilities, and encouraging them to perform at their very best. Thank you for all your effort and dedication towards our children. Mr Rikaz and Mrs Agnieszka Sahabdeen (current parents)
Our children were at Dean Close for a span of nine years. They were all happy to board from the outset and keen to fully immerse themselves in everything the ‘ school had to offer. Penny and I seemed to be visiting every few days, especially for matches. Ollie soon had the job of the drummer in the jazz band and Greg Now, assisting enjoyed singing in the choir when rugby permitted. The boys (Tower) loved rugby but Philli (Shelburne) was an all-rounder; chapel choir, drama, netball, tennis, and the school as a hockey. The choir tours to Venice, barcelona and New York, which we joined, as well as the many outstanding drama productions, providing many Member of the cherished moments for us as parents. Even though the children have now transitioned through university and into the world of work, Penny and I still visit Dean Close regularly for the wonderful Council feels music events, drama productions, sports matches, the Christmas carol service, and many others. Now, assisting the school as a Member of the Council feels like a very like a very natural step. In a sense, we feel we ’ haven’t really ‘left’ Dean Close, and are proud of our long association. John & Penny Hall natural step. (former parents and Member of the Council) 35 ‘ I owe a huge debt of gratitud’ e to Dean Close. I came to Dean Close from Malaysia, joining Court House, followed two years later by my sister, Lydia, who went into Shelburne. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dean Close, which I firmly know helped make me the person I now am, and especially to the then Headmaster, Christopher bacon, who offered me the position of Head of School in my final year. I was so happy to return in April last year (2019) with my father, Lydia and our older sister, Cecilia, to meet up again in Cheltenham with Mrs Jill bacon, Mrs Sue ‘ Padfield, Mr and Mrs Tony Forbes and contemporary OD Charlie Montgomery. It was also my pleasure to host David Evans (DCF’s Director of External ... helped make Relations) during his visit to Malaysia last September (2019) and show him some of the KL sights. Since my son, Andrew, is applying later this year for entry into UK me the person universities, I am looking forward to spending more of my time in the UK and ’ engaging more closely with the Dean Close Foundation. Datuk Chris Thiagarajah, I now am... OD, Court 1978 – 83 36 ‘ ... the roots cultivated are ’ now clearly blossoming...
As parents of three children that went to St John’s on-the-Hill, we can honestly say that the inclusion of the school as part of the Dean Close Foundation has been fantastic. between the schools within the Foundation there is a clear and shared thread of friendliness, compassion and community spirit that marks the education out as exemplary. Our two daughters, who Circle2Success work with leading have now moved to Dean Close Senior organisations across the South West, School, are truly enjoying and thriving in including educational establishments, the environment created by the Head and charities, corporate businesses and staff. The journey began with St John’s SMEs. It’s important to have engagement and the roots cultivated are now clearly and representation from the whole of the blossoming at Dean Close. community to make a vibrate and Brian Davies and Tracey Skirton-Davies sustainable place to live and work. businesses have a vested interest in their (current parents) communities whether that be through their need for a strong pool of local workers to choose from, access to consumers who can afford their products and services, and at the very least as part of their CSR policies – many businesses genuinely want to give to the community ‘ and invest in it. Schools also benefit from these partnerships, providing students Working with Dean Close with opportunities for success in the local workforce and with experiences in the world of work, encountering inspiring stories and role models, and highlighting has been fundamental in getting the exciting opportunities the world of ’ work can offer. Working with Dean Close has been fundamental in getting business business and education together. and education together and making them better connected and better informed about each other’s roles and providing opportunities for collaboration. Suzanne Hall-Gibbons (Founder Director of the regional business group Circle2Success) 37 clos econtribution
DIRECTORY OF Thank you to all those who have supported the Dean Close Foundation by donating generously. We would not have been able to support the educational experience of MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES so many pupils without you.
COUNCIL The Abbott Family Mr D. Ford Mr McCartney Mr & Mrs H. Acland Mr J.H.K. Forster Mr & Mrs I. McHardie-Jones ALLEN Revd Malc Mr & Mrs M.J. Adams Mr C.R.F. Foulkes Mr R.M. McMahon AUSTEN The Revd Simon b.Sc, M.A, Dip.Min Mr H.M. Al-Darmaki Mrs S. Fowler Mr P.R. Mercer-Wilson bIRD Anthony R., bA Mr L. Allington Mrs R. Fraser Ms L. Millward Mr J.O. Alpass The Friends of St John’s Mr J.H. Moir bOWEN Meurig Mrs S. Amos Mr & Mrs C. Friessner-Day Mr R.J. Moreland bRADbY Hugh Mrs V. Aris Mr M. Gammon Mr I. Morton bYRD Russel FCA, FCCA Mr P. Avery Mr & Mrs E. Gillespie The Napier Family Mrs J. bacon Mrs J. Gillman The Neale Family CARTWRIGHT Mike J., bA, FCA Mr D.F. bailey Mr M. Girling Mr Neubauer & Dr Wright CLAYTON, Sarah Mr D.T. barham Mrs A. Godley Mr C.A.P. Newman DAVIES brian Rhys ObE Dr M.R. barnes Mr Goldingham Mr & Mrs T. Odell DICK Mrs R., bA, ACA Mr I. bassett-Smith Mr T.J.C. Goudie Revd M. Oram Mr M. bateman Mr & Mrs A. Greenwood Mr R. Oram DOWLER, Caroline Mr M.W. bawden The Gregory Family The Osicki Family DREW John, MEng Mr R.G. bell Mrs Griffin Mrs L.J. Overbury EDEN Rebecca Mr & Mrs S. bell Mr & Mrs R.C. Grimshaw Mrs S. Padfield Mr & Mrs T.H. bence The Gupta Family The Paget Family FOSTER Simon Mr P. bennett Professor & Mrs R.M. Haine Parents’ Hockey Club GOODE David, MA, MPhil Dr A.G. blyth The Hall Family Mr & Mrs H. Paxton HALL John Mrs S. boden Mr F. Hand Mr J.M. Peach Mr A. bolton & Family Mr I.G Handy Mr J. Postlethwaite THE EARL OF HARROWbY, Conroy, MA, FRICS Mr & Mrs R. bolton Mrs L.S.M. Hardy Mr b. Powell HAYNES, Dr Jonathan bM bCh. MA FRCPsych Mr C. bown Mr J.A. Harington Hawes Mr & Mrs S. Ralph HODGKINS Henry J, ACIb Dr W. bowring Mr R.S. Harman Mr & Mrs C. Regan Lt Col A.J. briggs Mr & Mrs J. Harris Mr A. Reid HOLMES The Revd Dr Jonathan M. Mrs J. brown Lord & Lady Harrowby Lord b.F. Ribeiro HUNT Andrew J. Mr T.C. brown Mr R.E.H. Hawes The Richardson Family JUDGE Andrew Revd L. browne Professor & Mrs P. Helm Ms A. Richardson KNIGHT Frankie Louise Mr N.G. bryan Mr b.V.G. Helsdon The Riding Family Mr P. bryan Mr & Mrs G.N. Henderson Mr & Mrs C.A. Rogers LEWIS Timothy Robin Mr C. buckett Mrs MJ Henderson Mr & Mrs C. Roberts LOCK AVM Ray, CbE, bSc Mr J. burgon Colonel J.R. Hensman Miss R. Rowley-brooke MACKAY Revd Rupert Mr & Mrs N. burroughs Mr S. Herbert The Ryan Family Lady D. butterworth Mr P. Hilltout Mrs L. Peri Samuels MAYNARD, Peter Mr & Mrs S. Cahill Mrs A.E. Hirani Mrs R. Scott Payne MULLINS, Dale Mr P. Cairns Mrs S.L. Hirst Mr R. Searle MUNRO The Revd Duncan J.S. MA, MbA Mr b. Cappuccini The Hodgkins Family Dr A. Shepherd The Carducci Quartet Mrs C. Horne Lady Shields NAPIER Mrs Patricia G. Mr C. Carmell Mr P.D. House Mr H.L. Silvanus-Davis PATTERSON Norman Mr & Mrs D.J. Carnill The Howell Family Mr A. Simpkin PINSENT Mrs Katherine J. Mr J.S. Carpente Mrs S. Huxster Miss J. Slatter PHILIP-SORENSEN Mark Mr & Mrs J. Carter Mr J.G. Jenkins Mr G. Smallbone Mr J. Chen Mr D.W. Jones Mr M. Smith PORTER Amanda Mr Chin & Ms Kong Mr P. Jones Mrs C. Stebbings THE LORD RIbEIRO, bernard, kt, CbE, FRCS Mr Y. Choi Revd Canon Dr S. Jones The Stocks Family RObERTS Dr Chris Mr J. Cigarini Mr S.N. Jones Mrs J.S. Stratford Mr T. Clink Mr & Mrs b. Kent Revd H. Symes-Thompson SHAW, Francis Miss H.F. Colley Mr N. Kent Mr A. Tang SILVESTER, Paul ACIb, bA Revd R.J.M. Collins Mr E. Kent Mr & Mrs R.S. Taylor SYKES Mrs Jane, bA Mr & Mrs D. Conway Mr & Mrs C. Kenyon Lt Col E.T. Taylor Mr J.R.b. Cook The Hon J. Kirkham Mr J.N. Taylor THOMAS Simon bA, LLM & Solicitor Revd R. Coombs Mr & Mrs b. Knight Mr S. Thomas THOMAS Stephen, bA, LLb Mr I. Cooper Mr P. Knight Mr D. Till TOWNSEND James, MA Mr & Mrs D. Cormack Mr b.W. Knight Mr C.R.G. Timson Mr & Mrs Craig and Family Mr P.H. Knight Mr C.J. Townsend WILLIAMS The Revd Canon Paul R., MTh Dr J. Crossley Mr & Mrs S Lainé Mr J.E. Townsend WILLIAMS Rt Revd Paul Mr & Mrs T. Daltry Mrs C. Laine Revd & Mrs C. Turner Mr A. Dankov Mr & Mrs J. Lancashire Mrs S. Vaus BOARD Dr M.G. Dash Mr G. Lane The Viney Family Mr J.N. Deakin Mrs J. Langdon Mr & Mrs Warren bULLINGHAM, Simon MSc, bSc Mr R. Deasy Mr T.J. Lawrence The Wells Family Lt Col J. Denley Mr P. Lebedev Rt Revd J. Went CARDEN Mrs Kathryn, MPhil, bA Mr & Mrs H. Dent Mr J.M. Lee Revd & Mrs P. Wheaton CHAFFEY, Jane Frances MA, bA Mr & Mrs Dickinson The Leishman Family Mr S.K. White COOMbS The Revd Richard M, bSc, MA Miss R. Donaldson Mr R.C. Letchworth Revd & Mrs C.E. Whitney Mr J. Drew Mr D.R. Long Mr H.F. Wickham DALTRY Mrs Helen, bA Revd Dr A. Dunning The Lovatt Family Mr W.J. Wickham DREW Stephen, MA Mr J.W. Eaden Mr & Mrs I. Lowdon The Williams Family DUFFIN Ian, FCA, bcom Mr A.b. Edginton Mrs R.A. Luard Mr J.C.b. Winter The Elliott Family Mr C.P. Lynam Mr M.C. Womersley HIRST Mrs Sara L., bEd Mr S. & Mrs Entts Miss L.J. Mackenzie Mrs V. Wong MARSDEN, Audrey MSc, bSc Mr D.A.W.S. Esson Mrs N. MacKenzie The Woods Family MCDONALD, Gary Mr H. Evans Mrs H. Mao Mr & Mrs D. Woods RIDING Mrs Karen, LLb Professor R.J.W. Evans Mr & Mrs A.R. Marchand Mrs P. Worden Mr & Mrs I.F. Ferguson Canon & Mrs I. Marsh Dr & Mrs M. Workman SMITH Matthew P., MA Mr M.S. Fincham Lt Col b.K. Martin Wg Cdr J. Worrall TAYLOR Lt Col Edward T., bA, RA Mrs G. Firth Sir P. & Lady Marychurch The Youde Family 38 Financial Support/Giving
If you would like to support the Dean Close Foundation and help to enable a wider group of pupils to participate in a Dean Close Education or contribute to the development of our educational provision, there are a variety of ways of doing this.
Please visit https://www.deanclose.org.uk/about/support-us/how-you-can-help/ for information on
Making a pledge Making a regular gift Sending a cheque Sending a charity cheque or voucher Making a bank transfer
You can find a Donation and Gift Aid Form at the following link: https://www.deanclose.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Donation-Form.pdf
For further information, please contact David Evans by telephone on 01242 267446 or by e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected].
We are grateful for the donations we receive and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in supporting the Dean Close Foundation.
Thank you
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