A Message from the Headmaster

Winchester College is one of the world’s most famous and distinguished schools. Since its foundation in 1382, Winchester has been dedicated to cultivating the country’s most original thinkers and minds.

Pupils live and work in a truly beautiful setting, surrounded by reminders of the school’s long history. However, our educational ethos extends beyond these visible attributes. At its core, it is founded on encouraging an originality of thought and an in-depth understanding of subjects which go far beyond the examined curriculum.

An example of this is div, our unique programme of cultural studies which defines the liberal character of Winchester academic life. Div gives pupils the opportunity to discuss, debate and embrace learning for its own sake, unrestrained by any examination syllabus. They develop a holistic understanding of subjects, equipping them with the intellectual tools necessary to face the challenges and complexities of the world around them.

Full boarding at Winchester allows the time and freedom for focused learning, to make friends and develop independence. Pupils can pursue their interests and the many extra-curricular activities on offer, including those in our recently opened Sports Centre.

Whether they are passionate about sport, music, art, culture or everything in between, a Winchester education will allow them to pursue it to their highest level, even as it also nurtures kindness, curiosity, the art of friendship, and a strong sense of community – the foundation for success and happiness in their adult lives.

I hope that you will accept this invitation to visit Winchester to see these wonderful qualities in action. It is a truly remarkable place and school, and it will be a privilege to welcome you here.

Ms Elizabeth Stone

An Introduction to Winchester College

Headmaster's Biography

Ms Elizabeth Stone brings a wide range of previous experience from both co-educational and single-sex, day and boarding schools in Australia and the UK. Prior to Winchester, she spent nine years as Principal of Queenwood School, Sydney, a leading independent girls’ school with 900 pupils. She was Vice Principal of Cheltenham Ladies' College from 2012-14 and, immediately before this, she spent three years at Winchester, as a maths teacher and Undermaster.

Elizabeth was educated at Ascham School and has undergraduate degrees from the University of New South Wales, where she studied Maths, German and Law. At Oxford University she studied as a Rhodes Scholar and completed a master’s degree at University College. She worked at the Supreme Court of New South Wales and held an academic appointment at the University of New South Wales Faculty of Law, one of Australia’s leading law schools, where she specialised in commercial contract law before commencing her teaching career.

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