11th December 2020 — The Christmas season at Loughborough Schools Foundation is usually one where parents and pupils enjoy many concerts and carol services. It soon became clear however that this would not be possible in 2020 and so Elizabeth York, School Chaplain, and colleagues from the Music department, devised a digital Advent calendar so that the Schools’ community could still enjoy a collection of performances from pupils across the Foundation.

The calendar is a wonderful collection of 15 musical items and 10 readings performed by more than 700 children, from 18 months to 18 years, from all four Schools of Loughborough Schools Foundation (Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School, Loughborough Amherst School, Fairfield Prep School) and the Nursery. Everyone who took part in the project thoroughly enjoyed the experience and felt festive after the recording of their piece.

The digital calendar is planned with a new window going live every day from 1 to 25 December and can be viewed at www.lsfadvent.org

4th December 2020 — Exciting news! Building on the continued success and popularity of Loughborough Nursery, they have opened two new rooms to meet the ever-growing demand for places.

A greater number of 2 to 3-year olds can now be welcomed with the opening of a second Pathfinders room, and a new 3 to 4-year-old room.

Called Innovators, this new room is for children progressing out of Pathfinders and introduces them gently to Pioneers, the final stage before school, with phonics work, topics and of course the free, messy and creative play the children love so much.

The additional rooms provide a much needed, additional 42 places for children from Loughborough and the surrounding communities.

Speaking on hearing the news, Mrs Harris, said, “Our two boys have been attending The Nursery since 2017, and we have been so impressed by the way that the Nursery is managed, the quality of care our boys receive, and the fantastic facilities that they can access. Their safety is always of paramount importance and we could not be happier that we have chosen an excellent nursery to look after our little ones. This reassurance is invaluable.”

These new extended facilities come with another added bonus; they offer a larger, natural, outdoor play space where along with the regular playtime staples of bikes and scooters, there is the opportunity to get grubby, build dens and go on mini-beast hunts! Such valuable and enjoyable learning opportunities.

“This is such an exciting time in the life of The Nursery, not just for me but for my team as well.” said Nursery Manager, Carla Brindley. “During the first lockdown normal life was on pause, we stayed open for keyworkers’ and vulnerable children throughout, and the team posted fun activity videos on our Facebook page to support those stuck at home. Now, as we emerge from a second lockdown it is brilliant that we are again able to move forward to meet the changing needs of parents. By opening these new rooms and supplying more spaces for local children, there are opportunities for internal staff promotion, and external staff recruitment – a win-win for everyone!”

Anyone wishing to enquire about a place for a child aged 2 to 4 should contact Carla Brindley, Nursery Manager on 01509 276820 who will be happy to help.

10th March 2020 — More than 100 pupils from across the Foundation joined together to perform the iconic musical in Loughborough Grammar School’s Hodson Hall, as part of the School’s 525th anniversary celebrations.

The Grammar School has a close history with the musical after they made what is believed to be the biggest block-booking for a West End show in 1995 during the school’s 500th anniversary celebrations. Occupying all 1,500 seats of the Palace Theatre, they made a big impression on the cast, especially when antagonist Inspector Javert was loudly booed by the boys at the curtain call.

As the School’s anniversary year of celebrations commenced, it was thought to be quite fitting to pay homage to the show.

Commenting on staging the production Sally Bruton, Head of Drama, at Loughborough Grammar School, said Les Mis was a fitting choice of production. She said:

“Les Misérables is a huge show. With the anniversary, performance space and a cast, crew and orchestra of over 100 students from three schools performing to an audience of 1400 people, it was quite a daunting prospect.

“That being said, the popularity of Les Mis meant that many of the cast were already familiar with the production, plot and all of the intricacies of its themes before the first rehearsal. The amazing technicians, estates, compliance, networking and catering departments worked hard to make the logistics happen whilst the hours of practice by the orchestra of Loughborough Schools Music and the team of technical students and staff backstage, all added to this amazing production.

“The sell out of the show created a massive buzz around campus, and the hard work of those involved created a real joy of theatre. It was such pleasure working on this project, and seeing these young men and women grow into their roles, bond as a team and create the epic saga.”

2020 marks the 525th anniversary of Loughborough Grammar School following its founding in 1495 by Thomas Burton, a local wool merchant who left endowments for the teaching of boys in his will. George Davys, a tutor to Queen Victoria, Johnnie Johnson, RAF flying ace, and Sir Thomas Abney, the first Governor of the Bank of England are listed amongst its alumni.

Speaking about the anniversary and schedule of celebrations Duncan Byrne, Headmaster of Loughborough Grammar School said:

“The programme of events is designed to celebrate the rich and varied education that the Grammar School has long stood for and it is a pleasure to share these events with current and past pupils, parents and the local community.”

To find out more about the events planned for Loughborough Grammar School’s 525th anniversary, please visit www.lsf.org/525

11th February 2020 — Musicians are being encouraged to compose pieces that encapsulate a sonic imagination of objects such as chopsticks, bubble wrap, feathers and space blankets alongside the ability for the piece to musically accompany the playing of the sensory object. The winner of the competition will have their piece selected to be used as part of ongoing music therapy sessions for young people at Rainbows Children's Hospice.

The competition was launched by the Loughborough Schools Foundation Music department following a powerful and moving talk from Music Therapist, Rosie Robinson who spoke about the challenges and joys of music therapy as a career, the nature of the music therapy that she offers to the children and young adults in her care, and to demonstrate some of the unusual musical instruments that aids her work.

Rainbows Children’s Hospice, who are also based in Loughborough, provide vital care and support to families impacted by life-limiting conditions.

Music Therapist, Rosie Robinson explained that “music therapy is an important part of what we offer at Rainbows as every child or young person can access music in some form. Sometimes this can be through listening, creating our own sounds together or even song writing and composing. Music is a universal language that doesn’t require verbal ability and everyone can make and respond to sounds in some way. This can give the children and young people a voice and a means of expression. It’s also a fabulous way to connect and have fun as a family and to off load from often very challenging situations. “

More information on the Sensory Music Composition Competition including how to apply be found at: https://lsf.org/whats-on/sensory-music-composing-competition

28th January 2020 — A total of eight boys have received offers from Oxford and Cambridge University to study for their undergraduate degrees.

James – Classics at Jesus College, Cambridge

Matthew – PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford

Mingwei – ASNAC (Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic) at Selwyn College, Cambridge

Hamzah – Chemistry at a yet to be decided College, Oxford

Jamie – Geography at St Hilda’s College, Oxford

Thomas – Natural Sciences at Girton College, Cambridge

Jiahaonan – Natural Sciences at Emmanuel College, Cambridge

David – Modern Languages at Trinity College, Cambridge

22nd January 2020 — Local residents are encouraged to attend a series of events which are planned over the course of 2020, including a Heritage Open Weekend, History Display in Loughborough Town Library, and a prestigious Lecture Series featuring eminent alumni and Loughborough University’s most famous student, legendary Olympian Lord Sebastian Coe.

Founded in 1495 by Thomas Burton, a local wool merchant who left endowments for the teaching of boys in his will, the Grammar School lists Rev. George Davys, a tutor to Queen Victoria, Johnnie Johnson, RAF flying ace, and Sir Thomas Abney, the first Governor of the Bank of England amongst its alumni.

Professor Rachel Thomson, Professor of Materials Engineering and Pro Vice Chancellor for Teaching at Loughborough University will kick off the Foundation Lecture Series on 4 February at Loughborough Schools Foundation.

Her lecture will look at the ‘future of the motor car’, how technology will impact future cars and discuss the potential and drawbacks of electric and autonomous vehicles.

Eminent alumni of the Grammar School will also be contributing to the lecture series. QC, James Flynn will be highlighting the legal consequences of Brexit on 27 February, while prize-winning historical novelist, Giles Kristian, will be talking about his literary career in March.

Speaking at the launch of the 525th anniversary celebrations, Duncan Byrne, the 35th headmaster of the Grammar School, explained that he was honoured to lead the school on an historic day. He said:

“It is a great pleasure to celebrate the start of our 525th anniversary celebrations which are an opportunity to give thanks to all those who have translated the foresight of the school’s benefactor Thomas Burton into a lasting legacy, not only for the Foundation but also for the town of Loughborough as a whole.

“The programme of events is designed to celebrate the rich and varied education the Grammar School has long stood for and it will be a pleasure to share these events with all, including current and past pupils, parents and the local community.

“This landmark anniversary also provides a welcome opportunity to look ahead to the future as we build on the traditions and heritage established since 1495 to create the next chapter for our school community.”

Dates for the diary – Foundation Lecture Series

● 4 February – Professor Rachel Thomson, ‘The Future of the Motor Car’.

● 27 February – James Flynn, QC, After the Break: United Kingdom law, EU law and Brexit.

● 24 March – Giles Kristian, How to be a writer: the long and winding road to creativity.

● 5 May – Professor John Dickie, “Why do the Italians eat so well?” – A History of Italian Cooking.

● 22 September – Professor Andrew Thompson, Nelson Mandela on Robben Island – Do political prisoners have human rights? If so, who should protect them now?

● 4 November – Rt Rev Mark Tanner, What is a Healthy Community in the 21st Century?

● 14 December - Lord Sebastian Coe, The 2012 Olympics and its Legacy

To find out more about the events planned for Loughborough Grammar School’s 525th anniversary and to book tickets for the Lecture Series, please visit www.lsf.org/525