A Final Roundup from the Headmaster, Ian Wilmshurst

Dr Corrigan and I have meetings at the end of each term to finalise the calendar for the following term. Dr Corrigan is expert at ensuring that we have a coherent, joined up calendar. However, I think that her PhD may be in alchemy as this is a far from easy task given the incredible array of events, fixtures, talks and trips that make up a King’s education. This term has been as busy as ever and, having just signed off the 2025 Christmas Term calendar, I know that the new Headmaster, Matt Radley, will be impressed with the commitment and energy of the staff and pupils in his first term.

It is impossible to summarise this term without leaving something or somebody out, but I am so proud to be departing King’s after such a successful term. The boys’ 1^st XI cricket has been exceptional, with a great victory over the MCC the girls’ cricket continues to flourish while pupils have also shown excellence in athletics and tennis. I don’t really like the phrase. but we definitely do ‘punch above our weight’ in sport and our pupil participation levels are an envy of other schools.

Our musicians continue to excel in their many concerts. Being present when the Chapel Choir sang choral evensong this term in Salisbury Cathedral, is a very, very proud Headmaster moment, while listening to the May Madrigals at the top of St Mary’s Church tower at 8.00am on a bright, sunny morning was truly memorable.

The outstanding junior play,The Canterbury Tales, showed that the depth of acting talent in 3^rd and 4^th Form is unprecedented, certainly in my 16 years as Headmaster, while our three Ten Tors teams showed resilience, determination and teamwork to all finish strongly in great times. Having siblings in both the 35- and 45-mile teams finish together was a powerful moment for staff and parents alike. The Army and Navy CCF contingents have had very busy terms with camps and visits, while both Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh groups have had successful expeditions to the Lake District and Exmoor respectively. Add in all the public examinations, the House events, the charity initiatives, the academic talks and trips, alongside the major whole school events like Commemoration and one can understand why Dr Corrigan has such a complex task making the calendar work.

None of the above would be possible without our staff being prepared to give so much of their time to provide so many opportunities for the pupils in all aspects of school life and I am very grateful for their dedication and sense of service. I had my final handover meeting with Matt Radley on the penultimate Friday of term, so it is now time for me to pass the Headship of King’s into his capable hands. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to be the 33^rd Headmaster for the past 16 years of this ‘Royal and Ancient Foundation’. I wish everyone in the King’s community a relaxing summer holiday and bright, prosperous and safe future.

Ian Wilmshurst - Headmaster 2009 - 2025

Read the Dolphin 2025 for a roundup of 2024/25

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