ST DUNSTAN’S COLLEGE IN CATFORD WINS GLOBAL AWARD

from Issue 26 of The Lewisham Ledger

village people

In February, St Dunstan’s College, in Catford, was delighted to be named Independent School of the Year at the 2023 International Elite 100 Global Awards.

The awards, which are judged by professionals from across the world, were established to celebrate the achievements of organisations who showcase the extraordinary power to lead in their various industries.

Speaking about the award, St Dunstan’s Head, Nick Hewlett said: ‘We are delighted to have been recognised in this way, and my gratitude goes to everyone who has contributed to St Dunstan’s incredible journey.’

A spokesperson for the International Elite Awards explained: ‘Our nominees are shortlisted via a process of in-house scrutiny and assessment, which utilises a variety of methods to identify those firms and individuals demonstrating outstanding achievements.

‘These methods include reviewing specific market research, client nominations, referrals, press coverage and industry awards. In each award category a final three nominees are shortlisted who are then reviewed against our selection criteria using our own proprietary process with industry leaders from multiple sectors across the globe.’

The award comes at an exciting time for St Dunstan’s College. Last year, St Dunstan’s was named Independent Senior School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards in central London.

The awards, known as the Oscars of Education, celebrate the work of teachers and schools across the United Kingdom. The event was held in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic, and for the first time in Tes’s history the awards brought together both state and independent schools for the ceremony.

Judge David James has worked in independent schools for over 20 years and is an experienced inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. He said:

‘There’s a very clear and coherent vision of what they want to do, both with the curriculum and the local community.

‘The head is asking interesting questions of the sector, including areas like privilege and responsibility, which go beyond the usual platitudes. It’s a really interesting school in a tough market, trying to not just survive but actually make something different for the children and families they’re working with.’

In 2021, the College’s new £25million Junior School, STEM and Sixth Form buildings officially opened, which were the most significant developments since the school opened in 1888. The College’s forward-thinking approach is now matched by modern, bright, and inspirational facilities. This was followed by the opening of a new Performing Arts Centre, which includes dedicated learning spaces for the arts and a 170-seat theatre. The state-ofthe-art facilities are also regularly used by local schools and community groups.

Since arriving at St Dunstan’s, Head, Nick Hewlett, has been committed to working closer with the local community and providing life-enriching opportunities for local residents.

St Dunstan’s, in collaboration with the Westside Young Leaders Academy (WYLA) and Lewisham Council, established the Lewisham Young Leaders Academy (LYLA), a ground-breaking academy for young people in the borough.

The academy was established in response to research and evidence showing disparities in attainment and outcomes for Black Caribbean and dual heritage (Black Caribbean/White) children and young people, not just in Lewisham, but throughout London and the UK. Through weekend classes, Lewisham Young Leaders Academy provides additional support to young people from across Lewisham through transformative teaching in life skills, including leadership, teamwork, presentation skills and CV building.

Last year the project was shortlisted for an award at the Independent School of the Year Awards. Speaking about the shortlisting, St Dunstan’s Head, Nick Hewlett said: ‘I am delighted that this unique partnership has been recognised by the Independent School of the Year Awards. St Dunstan’s College is passionate about, and dedicated to, providing life-enriching opportunities to our local community. We realise that we hold a privileged position as an independent school both in terms of our facilities and the experiences of our staff and pupils, and we are proud to work closely with Westside Young Leaders Academy (WYLA) and Lewisham Council on Lewisham Young Leaders Academy (LYLA).

‘The team at LYLA are changing the lives of the young people attending each week, and I look forward to growing our continued partnership.’

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham added: ‘We live in the wealthiest city in Europe, and for too long many of our young people here in Lewisham, and particularly those from

African and Caribbean backgrounds, have found it difficult to access those top jobs and opportunities.

‘I’m very grateful to St Dunstan’s for hosting the programme and working with us on this brilliant initiative, that is already making such a difference. I’m excited to see what happens next for the programme.’

Most recently the school has won praise for its groundbreaking Stuart Curriculum, which looks at relationships, skills for the future and critical thinking. Stuart lessons have tackled the rise of toxic masculinity and, in particular, individuals such as Andrew Tate. Speaking about the lessons, St Dunstan’s Deputy Head Academic, Jonathan Holmes, explained: ‘As well as having the confidence to react to specific examples such as Andrew Tate, it is important that our teaching is predominantly proactive and enables students to independently understand when views are harmful and dangerous, and how they can protect themselves from being exposed and influenced by them online.’

St Dunstan’s offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for pupils joining at 11+ and 16+. Find out more information at an upcoming spring tour. Book at www.stdunstans.org.uk The College and Instagram (@StDunstansCollege).

Whether it’s the small but perfectly formed Espresso Cartel on Doggett Road or the popular Beats & Grind on Adenmore Road, Catford town centre is home to a handful of independent cafes and coffee stands. From a morning caffeine fix or fry-up to a quick sandwich or leisurely cup of tea while watching the world go by, they cater for a wide range of tastes.

One local spot has even been immortalised on the small screen too – fans of the BBC’s adaptation of the Cormoran Strike novels by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling) may have spotted the Stage Door Cafe on Catford Broadway in series three of the detective drama, when Strike’s business partner Robin Ellacott visits the cafe to talk to a contact.