King William’s College and The Buchan has announced the publication of their Strategy for the Future to mark the launch of a new plan of engagement and communication, designed to provide for continual investment into the school’s infrastructure and community. Published following consultation with parents, stakeholders and alumni, the document outlines the results of a wholesale re-evaluation of the independent school’s core values, aims and priorities and establishes its Five Year Development Plan.
The development marks a new stage in capital investment in faculty and pupil facilities, and includes plans to further modernise and enhance offerings in performance and visual arts, sports and academia. Proposals for the construction of premier indoor sports facilities for use by both College and Buchan students, a wholesale IT upgrade, refurbishment of the Sixth Form Centre, landscaping and groundwork and upgraded teaching facilities are included, while an increased emphasis has been placed upon further diversifying the school’s extracurricular offerings.
In order to support, oversee and guide this extensive programme, Ellen Epstein has been appointed to the position of Development Director and the Board of Governors has established a Development Committee , which will work in partnership with the Barrovian Foundation. The document also outlines the school’s intention to consult with key stakeholders and establish a broadly based Development Steering Group to support the development programme.
Martin Humphreys, Principal, commented on the move: “We are committed to providing a first class independent education on the Island, for those who live here and for those who travel here from all over the world. We offer choice, individuality, breadth and an outstanding preparation for the next step on the educational journey. We focus on the individual and our small class sizes mean that we can stretch the strong and support those who need that little extra focus. This strategy is about matching excellent teaching with excellent facilities and about raising funds for bursaries to allow wider access. Our key capital project is to invest in new indoor sports facilities. We have planning permission for a new sports hall and pool and I am looking forward to working with the Development Committee to raise the funds we need.”
Sammy Leahy, Governor and Chairman of the Development Committee, also commented: “This strategy document marks the launch of our new communication initiative. We will re-energise our development programme by creating an on-going culture of giving by alumni, parents, former parents and friends. We now have the vision, priorities and structures to achieve our aims. Success will depend on the support of the whole school community and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with parents, alumni and all stakeholders to realise these exciting plans.”
“This is a first for us”, added Nigel Wood, Chairman of Governors. “We may have 180 years of history, but this is the first time we have published our long-term strategy and invited support and comment. The school has also enjoyed and had the benefit of immense philanthropy over the years from individuals, Trusts and many organisations. We are deeply grateful to them for their support and one of the things we wish to do is to get better at recognising and celebrating generosity. We feel that there is a passionate and unique “heartbeat” that runs through this delightful school. We now want to build upon our core values, to take the school even further towards our academic, sporting and artistic goals. Our vision is ambitious but realistic.”
Photo - Nigel Wood, Chairman of Governors, Sammy Leahy, Governor and Chairman of the Development Committee, Martin Humphreys, Principal of KWC and Ellen Epstein, Development Director.
