Rossall Impact Report 2023

IMPACT REPORT 2023

CONTENTS 5

INTRODUCING ROSSALL SCHOOL

6-7

AIMS & VALUES

8-9

STUDENT NATIONALTIES

10

OUR STAKEHOLDERS

10

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

11

PUPIL NUMBERS & FEE DISCOUNTS

12-13

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

14-16

LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS

17

CO-CURRICULAR

17

SPORTS SUCCESS

18-19

KEY EVENTS IN 2023

20

WEEKEND PROGRAMME

20

PUBLIC BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES

21

THE TRAPNELL SCHOLARSHIP

22

THE ROSSALL FOUNDATION

22

THE HERITAGE PROJECT - 2023

23

THE ROSSALL ROSE SOCIETY

24

PUBLIC OUTREACH

24

BROADWAY ACADEMY

25

LAWRENCE HOUSE SCIENCE CENTRE

25

SHARING FACILITIES WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

25

ROSSALL CHAPLAINCY

26

UKRAINIAN HUB

26

DA VINCI ACADEMY

26

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

27-28

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT OUR STUDENTS THINK?

28

PROGRESS MADE IN 2022/2023

29

INCLUSION & RELIGION

30

SUSTAINABILITY A GREENER FUTURE

From the Chairman of Council It is a tremendous privilege to be the Chairman of Council and my longstanding association with Rossall stretches back over sixty years. I have experienced firsthand the lifelong benefits that an outstanding education at Rossall provides for children. The connections made at School have endured throughout my life and the support network that the global community of Rossallians provide to one another is quite remarkable. The vitality, energy and vision of Rossall is apparent for all to see and I believe that this report provides a glimpse into the many dimensions of our community’s vibrant life.

The desire to develop and improve is a golden thread which runs through the very DNA of our School.

Our values and traditions endure from one generation to the next but in this fast-paced and ever-changing world, schools cannot afford to stand still. The independent schools market is not static, and political, social and economic factors impact the future shape and strategic priorities. In this regard, Rossall is no different from any other school, though we face the added responsibility of serving as custodians of a spectacular but complex architectural heritage.

My colleagues on Council are committed to investing in the fabric of our historical buildings whilst continuing to ensure that our pupils benefit from state-of-the-art facilities well into the future.

This report highlights and celebrates the impact that Rossall has had across so many different areas during the last year. From stunning academic results to local partnerships, from our extraordinarily generous ‘Changing Lives’ bursary programme to the success of our signature programmes in sports and the performing arts; the value of the contribution made by members of our community is felt in this area of Lancashire and far beyond.

We are immeasurably proud of our position as one of the UK’s leading independent schools and, increasingly, we are a powerful voice within the sector. This report demonstrates the very real difference that we are making not just within School but within the wider community here on the Fylde.

Christopher Holt B.Sc (Hons), Chair of Council

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

3

857

304

Students in the School

Staff members in the School

(September 2023)

4

(September 2023)

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

Introducing Rossall School SHAPING LIVES, INSPIRING EXCELLENCE It is our mission to inspire young people to develop a life-long love of learning within a pastorally nurturing, culturally diverse and intellectually exciting community.

VISION Rossall School is a charity, the objectives of which are “to provide, at a moderate cost, for the sons and daughters of clergymen and others, without limit of age, a classical, mathematical and general education of the highest class.” (1844) Rossall is one of the leading independent schools in the north of England. Initially founded in 1844 to educate the sons of clergymen, the School rapidly acquired a reputation for academic and sporting excellence. One hundred and eighty years later, we pride ourselves on the outstanding quality of our pastoral care along with the

diverse and inclusive nature of our school. We are a kind, compassionate and caring community and we provide a supportive context within which young people are inspired to become the very best possible versions of themselves. The distinctive ‘knowable’ character of Rossall is attributable to our clearly defined aims and values.

The School is committed to inspiring young people to develop their potential by providing them with a first class educational experience within the context of an intellectually exciting and culturally diverse community.

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

5

SHAPING LIVES, INSPIRING EXCELLENCE AIMS AND VALUES INSPIRING INTELLECTUAL EXCITEMENT AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Rossall School inspires a lifelong love of learning through the outstanding quality of teaching and learning that it provides for young people. Children are encouraged to develop their intellectual interests beyond the confines of the formal curriculum and they are challenged to engage critically with the multitude of opportunities that the School provides to develop skills,

knowledge, understanding and empathy.

Children are encouraged to become self-motivated independent learners with an intrinsic desire to explore both the physical and metaphysical aspects of their existence. We are an openminded community receptive to new ideas. Children are encouraged to share their ideas and learn through collaboration and debate.

DEVELOPING COMPASSIONATE AND CARING YOUNG PEOPLE Rossall School’s unique educational offering provides a perfect context within which young people may acquire the emotional knowledge and interpersonal skills necessary to live happy and purposeful lives. The School’s inclusive and progressive ethos is complemented by the outstanding quality of our School community which serves to nurture resilience and develop

maturity. Young people leave Rossall with the confidence and strength of character necessary to pursue their personal dreams and fulfil their professional aspirations. Above all, the School endeavours to develop young people who are caring and compassionate and we provide an extraordinary diversity of opportunities for young people to develop these attributes.

ENSURING PUBLIC BENEFIT Rossall School is an internationallyminded community yet resolutely committed to the concept of localism.

We recognise our extraordinary potential to serve the local communities of the Fylde Coast and we are committed to sharing our resources and skills with the people of Fleetwood and Blackpool.

The School is committed to ensuring that the lives of local people and communities continue to be enriched by our presence. We are an integral part of the rich fabric of this area of the North West and we actively embrace our social responsibility to serve others.

ENGENDERING CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ARTISTIC CREATIVITY Rossall School is committed to providing children with the opportunity to explore and develop their creative sensibilities through the outstanding quality of its performing arts and visual arts provision. Children are encouraged 6

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

to develop their creative skills and their aesthetic sensibilities so that they may appreciate, comprehend and contribute to the world of infinite beauty that lies beyond the certainties of everyday life.

PROMOTING SPORTING EXCELLENCE Rossall is justifiably proud of its illustrious sporting history and recognises the many health and social benefits to be derived from regular exercise and participation in team sports.

Striving for excellence within a sporting context helps young people develop

transferable character attributes such as resilience, self-discipline and leadership skills. Alongside a lifelong love of learning, we provide an education which, for many young people, will result in an enduring love of sports.

AN EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE Rossall is committed to ensuring that it prepares young people for an uncertain future by developing transferable skills within a techologically enriched and well resourced environment.

A Rossall education is outward facing and encourages children to become

politically literate and engage with themes of contemporary relevance such as environmentalism, social justice and humanitarianism.

Creating a ‘green’ and sustainable community is our responsibility to future generations.

A GLOBAL EDUCATION - A HUMANITARIAN COMMUNITY We are a truly global community and our students are drawn from over fifty different countries. In 2022, we were joined by a number of students from Odessa, Mariupol, Kharkiv and Kyiv.

We are delighted to continue providing a safe haven for a growing number of Ukrainian children and, in some cases, their families. The impulse to reach out to those in need is a common thread

running through the School’s history and Rossall’s contribution to the Kindertransport is an important part of our cultural heritage.

We are an internationally-minded School and children from this area of Lancashire benefit enormously from living and learning alongside children from an extraordinarily diverse array of backgrounds.

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

“Young people leave Rossall with the confidence and strength of character necessary to pursue their personal dreams and fulfil their professional aspirations. “

7

Student Nationalities Country of Residence

Students

Latvia

1

Afghanistan

1

Lebanon

3

Argentina

1

Lithuania

1

Australia

5

Malawi

1

Austria

1

Malaysia

1

Belgium

3

Maldives

1

Bosnia

1

Mexico

10

Botswana

1

Morocco

1

British Overseas Territories

1

Motswana

1

Burma

2

Nigeria

8

Canada

1

Norway

1

Chile

2

Papua New Guinea

1

China

16

Poland

2

Czech Republic

1

Russia

8

Denmark

2

Slovenia

1

France

1

South Korea

Germany

58

Spain

Holland

2

Sudan

Hong Kong

39

Switzerland

India

7

Thailand

Indonesia

2

Uganda

Ireland

6

Ukraine

Italy

2

United Kingdom

857

578

Japan

8

United States of America

7

Jordan

1

Vietnam

9

Kenya

4

Zimbabwe

1

8

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

1

22 1 2 8 1

19

students

29 countries

32%

international students

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

9

Our Stakeholders IPS SH R E TN

ORS VERN GO

EMPLO YEE S

PU PI LS

FEE-PAYERS

LOCAL COMMUNIT Y

Schools such as Rossall are more than the number of pupils on roll at any one moment in time. Our deep roots on the Fylde are also reflected in our links and partnerships with local charities, schools and businesses. These close relationships are predicated upon shared values and a shared commitment to improving the lives of people on the Fylde. Rossall is incredibly important to the local economy of Fleetwood and Wyre. Given the socio-economic context of the locality, we feel an enormous responsibility to our employees, their families and the many businesses directly and indirectly dependent upon the success of the School.

S NT RE PA

GU AR DIA NS

PA R

Rossall has a diverse range of stakeholders, all of whom have a vitally important role to play in terms of ensuring that Rossall thrives and successfully fulfils its charitable aims and objectives.

S)

ER RM FO ENTS R PA

IND E P SEC ENDE TO N T R

S

L CA OLS LO O CH

(RO AL U S SA M LL N IA I N

TIVE SPEC PRO RENTS PA

DONO RS

ROSSALL SCHOOL COMMUNITY BENEFITS ROSSALL SCHOOL COMMUNITY BENEFITS ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION

304 304

339 339

Direct Employees Direct Employees

Total local jobs Total local jobs

438 438

Local children educated Local children (including nursery) educated (including nursery) 10

£11.9m £11.9m

Estimated contribution Estimated to local GDP to contribution local GDP

£2.91m £2.91m

Annual scholarships Annual and bursaries scholarships and bursaries

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

Pupil numbers and fee discounts 2023 Not including children coming to the nursery, there are 358 school age students from FY postcodes educated at Rossall.

In addition, there are a further 80 children in our nursery whose families have FY postcodes.

Bursaries, scholarships and other discounts from September 2023 total almost £3m per year. Within this figure, the amount awarded to children with an FY postcode is £1.35m.

Of 358 pupils, 253 (71%) have a discounted fee and the average discount for those pupils is 40%.

179 of these children come from the immediate locality (FY7 and FY5 - Fleetwood and Thornton-Cleveleys).

142 of these children (79%) have a discount and the average discount for those pupils is 44%.

358

80

£3m

£1.35m

school age students from FY postcodes educated at Rossall

per year in bursaries, scholarships and other discounts

304 90% of which nearly

permanent members of staff

7

jobs in the supply chain (local indirect jobs)

have an FY postcode

28

jobs supported by staff spending and local suppliers staff

339 jobs supported by Rossall School

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

children in Rossall nursery whose families have FY postcodes

awarded to children with an FY postcode

EMPLOYMENT As of September 2023, Rossall School directly employs 304 permanent members of staff and is one of Fleetwood’s largest employers.

Nearly 90% of Rossall’s employees have an FY postcode and 195 employees (64% of the workforce) live in Fleetwood or Thornton-Cleveleys.

Based on a local impact assessment carried out in September 2023 against the national survey conducted by ISC, the total number of jobs in our local authority (Wyre) supported by the school’s activities in 2022-23 was: 7 jobs in the supply chain (local indirect jobs).

28 jobs supported by the spending of staff and local suppliers staff (local induced jobs).

Therefore together with the School employees, the total number of local jobs supported by the School is 339.

11

Academic Highlights 2023 This year has been full of successes within the academic sphere. Rossall students have excelled in Science Olympiads, regional debating competitions and national essay writing competitions. The intellectual and cultural life of the School has been enhanced by an impressive programme of guest speakers who have addressed students on topics ranging from the history of witchcraft in Lancashire to the work of UNHCR in Lebanon. We have welcomed cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham and rising pop star Tom Gregory (himself an Old Rossallian). From economists to GAA star, and selfconfessed gambling addict, Malachy McNulty, Rossall students have benefitted from reflecting upon the lived experience of those with a story to tell.

Providing rigorous challenges beyond the confines of the curriculum and inspiring children to think critically, reflectively and creatively has been a key focus of this academic year.The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) have both provided superb vehicles for the development of independent research interests and the IB Learner Profile continues to be successfully embedded in all areas of School life.

The resurgent careers programme helps to prepare Sixth Formers for life beyond School and our outstanding outcomes in terms of the post-Sixth Form destinations achieved by our students is in no small part attributable to the vitality of this programme.

The success of the academic side of School life is not to be measured in academic results alone. It is reflected in our students’ high level of political literacy and their commitment towards advancing the cause of social justice and environmentalism. The burgeoning number of studentled academic societies, such as the Farrell Society, is testament to the very real intellectual ambition of our students.

Indeed, the contribution of Rossall to the intellectual and cultural life of the local area is exemplified by our public concert series which, this year, attracted worldleading artists such as Martin Roscoe, Jennifer Pike and Rob Houchen. It is also reflected in the Da Vinci Academy which is run on Saturday mornings with the express purpose of providing ‘stretch and challenge’, as well as fun and excitement, for young children from local primary schools and our own Preparatory School.

EXAM RESULTS POSITIVE VALUE ADDED We work very hard to ensure that our innovative approach to teaching and learning prepares our children well for the rigours of public examinations. We are an unashamedly inclusive school and we are proud of the achievements of all Rossallians. When measured against other schools, CEM data indicates that we are successful in adding value significantly above and beyond the expectations of schools within the sector.

Indeed, this commitment to academic excellence continues to yield outstanding outcomes for our students. This year’s superb results were achieved against a national backdrop of grade deflation.

12

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

12

In 2023: Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students achieved an average diploma score of 34 points (35 points - three year average) which places Rossall significantly above the world average of 30 points.

2022

2023

A level entries achieving A*,A, B, C

85%

83%

A level entries achieving A*/A

34%

34%

GCSE entries achieving 9-4

92%

93%

GCSE entries achieve 9-7

33%

37%

Over 80% of our BTEC entrants achieved a Distinction (the equivalent of an A*/A grade at A level).

IBDP Average

35 points

34 points

37% of GCSE entries achieved grades 7-9.

This is almost double the regional average for the North West and much higher than the national average, which fell to 21% in 2023.

>1/3

>80%

Over a third of all A level entries were awarded an A* or A grade.

These results are remarkable given that: Over 50% of our A level and IBDP students are taking qualifications in their second or third language.

The School has 106 pupils on the SEND register. The fantastic outcomes for children at Rossall with identifiable SEND needs are a source of immense pride.

In terms of UCAS points, almost 50% of the Upper Sixth Form cohort at Rossall come away from their examinations with the equivalent of AAB (at A level) or above.

of all A level entries were awarded an A* or A grade.

37%

of our BTEC entrants achieved a Distinction (the equivalent of an A*/A grade at A level).

of GCSE entries achieved grades 7-9 (almost double the national average).

“The fantastic outcomes for children at Rossall with identifiable SEND needs are a source of immense pride.”

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

13

Leavers’ Destinations HIGHER EDUCATION DESTINATIONS OF OUR 2023 LEAVERS Every year Rossall students progress to some of the most prestigious university courses here within the UK. This year is no exception and this autumn, Rossall students have begun undergraduate studies at Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Warwick, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds, UCL, King’s College London, Loughborough, Sheffield, Queen’s Belfast and countless other Top20/Russell Group universities. They are studying an extraordinarily diverse range of subjects including Medicine, Architecture, Biochemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Music, Physics, Psychology, Graphic Design, Economics, English Literature and Aviation Management.

In addition, a growing number of our students have moved on to study at some of the most academically sought after destinations around the world including Australia, USA, Spain, Japan and the Netherlands. No less than two thirds of those opting to go to university within the UK are now attending Top 20/ Russell Group universities.

“No less than two thirds of those opting to go to university within the UK will go to Top 20/ Russell Group universities.”

Sam Easterbrook, a current England International, has been awarded a full Golf Scholarship to Purdue University, Indiana and top footballers Francesca Sarsfield and Sophia Woods have set off to the USA on full scholarships in order to pursue their sporting dreams. Seven students, including Keito Lipovschek, (who achieved the equivalent of A*AA) are now in receipt of professional footballing contracts from teams in the UK and abroad. Keito has begun playing football professionally in Dubai.

Additionally, a record number of students secured places on highly competitive degree apprenticeship programmes. Six students have taken up training positions with companies as diverse as JP Morgan, PwC, and BAE Systems. Their success is reflective of an industrious culture amongst the student body as well as the multiple opportunities available at Rossall to develop the social and communication skills necessary to succeed in some of the most competitive international companies.

14

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

International Destinations

UK Destinations

City University of Hong Kong Financial Academy, Moscow, Russia Fordham, USA Frankfurt Business School, Germany Georgia Southwestern State, USA IE University, Spain Link University, Italy Monash, Australia Purdue, USA Ritsumeikan, Japan Schweizerische Hotelfachschule, Switzerland Saint Leo University, USA Temple University, USA University of Amsterdam, Netherlands University of California, Santa Barbara, USA University of Malta Wirtschaftsuniversität, Austria Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

Buckinghamshire New University Cambridge University Durham University Goldsmiths, University of London Istituto Marangoni, London Kingston University Lancaster University Leeds Art University Liverpool Hope University London Film Academy London Metropolitan University Loughborough University Manchester Metropolitan University Myerscough (University Centre) Northumbria University Nottingham Trent University Nottingham University Oxford Brookes University Queen’s University Belfast Reading University Royal Holloway University of London Southampton University Sussex University Swansea University The University of Edinburgh UA92 University College London University of Birmingham University of Central Lancashire University of Exeter University of Hull University of Leeds University of Liverpool University of Manchester University of Oxford University of the Arts London University of Westminster University of York Warwick University

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

15

Full List of Leavers Destinations Institution

Subject

University of the Arts London

University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Business Informatics

Graphic Communication Design Psychology of Fashion

Loughborough University

University of Birmingham

PGA Degree

Buckinghamshire New University

Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training

Business Management International Business Marketing and Management Sports Management

University of Malta

Music

University of California, Santa Barbara, USA

Management

University of Manchester

Cambridge University

Education

Biomedical Sciences with Entrepreneurship Medicine

University of Central Lancashire

Neuroscience

Manchester Metropolitan University

Mathematics

City University of Hong Kong

Information Systems

Monash, Australia

Accounting and Finance

University of Chester

Chemical Engineering Digital Marketing

Myerscough (University Centre)

Veterinary Nursing

Northumbria University

Durham University

English Literature x2 Sport and Exercise Science

Physiotherapy Sport and Exercise Science

Nottingham University

Architecture

The University of Edinburgh

Psychology and Linguistics

Nottingham Trent University

University of Exeter

Business and Environment

Creative Writing Real Estate

Financial Academy, Moscow, Russia

Business

Oxford Brookes University

Business and Finance

Purdue, USA

Fordham, USA

Business Management

Business Business and Digital Marketing

Frankfurt Business School, Germany

Business

Queen’s University Belfast

Politics

Georgia Southwestern State, USA

Business

Reading University

Consumer Behaviour and Marketing

Goldsmiths, University of London

Business Management

Ritsumeikan, Japan

University of Hull

Politics

Community and Regional Policy Studies

IE University, Spain

Economics and International Relations

Royal Holloway University of London

International Relations

Istituto Marangoni, London

Fashion Business

Schweizerische Hotelfachschule, Switzerland

Hotel Management

Kingston University

Business Management and Entrepreneurship Graphic Design

Southampton University

Medicine Philosophy

Lancaster University

Chemical Engineering

Saint Leo University, USA

Sport

University of Leeds

International Relations

Sussex University

Accounting and Finance

Leeds Art University

Graphic Design x2

Swansea University

Ancient History

Link University, Italy

International Finance

Temple University, USA

Film and Media

University of Liverpool

Architecture Biological Sciences

UA92

Sports and Exercise Science

Warwick University

Film Studies

Liverpool Hope University

History Musical Theatre and Psychology

University of Westminster

Finance and Business Management

Wirtschaftsuniversität, Austria

Business Studies

London Film Academy

Filmmaking

University of York

London Metropolitan University

Fashion

University College London

Architectural and Interdisciplinary Studies Biomedical Sciences Latin and English Management Science Physics x2 Science and Engineering for Social Change

Electronic and Computer Engineering Film and Television Production History of Art

Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

Business

16

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

Degree Apprenticeships - a growing trend!

Co-curricular The rich diversity of co-curricular activities at Rossall is one of the defining hallmarks of our educational offering. At Rossall, children discover their interests and develop their aptitudes. Our co-curricular programme is intentionally designed to support lifelong learning.

Rossall has an enviable reputation as one of the UK’s leading schools for sports. Success on the pitch and elite performance matters to us but so too is the provision of a programme that is inclusive and provides an abundance of opportunities for participation. A lifelong love of learning and a sense of adventure is fostered by a programme that provides considerable scope for the development of character.

Sports Success - 2023

31

pupils and Old Rossallians have played representative sport for their countries in the last

10 years

At Rossall, we balance inclusivity with a commitment to elite performance. Enjoyment is a key factor and the very high levels of participation are reflective of a vibrant programme where students compete in a diverse range of sports. We believe that sports should be accessible to all children; regardless of background or ability.

Our sports programme promotes healthy living and the development of physical literacy. It provides opportunities for young people to grow in self-

confidence, develop resilience and enhance their teamwork skills. Sports is an important part of the social fabric of our School community and sits at the heart of our co-curricular provision.

Striving for excellence inspires young people to develop selfdiscipline. The pursuit of elite performance demands both courage and determination.

These qualities are to be found in abundance amongst our students and they are virtues that they take with them into many other areas of School life including the academic and creative spheres.

28

current Rossallians have represented their country whilst studying.

• Thirty one pupils and Old Rossallians have played representative sport for their countries during the last ten years.

• Since 2017, twenty eight current Rossallians have represented their country whilst studying.

• Our pioneering girls’ football programme has played an important role in the development of the game at school level. Our U18 team were national champions (ISFA) in both 2022 & 2023.

• Rossall’s golf teams are ranked number one in the country (at both senior and junior levels).

• Rossall teams reached four national sporting finals during the academic year 2022/23.

• In 2022/23, over 70% of pupils across the Senior and Preparatory School participated in competitive inter-school fixtures.

• During the same period, we are particularly proud of the fact that 98% of girls in Years 7 & 8 have competed in inter-school competitive fixtures.

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

17

Families choose Rossall School because of the quality and variety of opportunities we offer. They choose us because of the warmth and richness of our community as well as the strong ethos and values of the School. Above all, they tell us that they choose us because we develop young people with the confidence and desire to go out into the world and achieve good things. Evident from our many amazing alumni, Rossall is hugely successful at nurturing these character attributes and equipping young people with the skills, resilience and emotional intelligence necessary to make a resounding success of their lives.

KEY EVENTS IN 2023

18

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

• Weekly lunchtime concerts • MUN Conference • Debating Club • Football Tour to Holland • House music • Duke of Edinburgh expeditions • CCF Summer Camps • Ghana Expedition • Summer Arts Festival • 850 sporting fixtures • Launch of Broadway Academy • House Residentials • Development of International Piano Academy • Girls U18 ISFA Final (Won) • Christmas Fair and Nine Lessons and Carols • International Day • Sunday Evensongs • Launch of Christian Union Society • Pride Week • Black History Month

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

19

Weekend Programme Weekends at Rossall are incredibly busy with the majority of day and boarding pupils involved with some form of activity on Saturdays and/ or Sundays. Competitive home and away fixtures against other schools and sports academies are traditionally played on Saturdays. The Broadway Academy (our new performing arts academy) operates for those children who enjoy dance, singing, acting and

drama.Various departments such as Art and Design Technology are open to those wishing to focus upon completing their portfolios. House residential trips are a key event in the life of our boarding community.

Our boarders enjoy town leave every Saturday afternoon. Every Sunday, during term time, we run trips for our boarders. In 2023, cultural trips

to Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Edinburgh ran alongside fun activities such as paintballing, bowling and walking in the Lake District and Trough of Bowland.

Ordinarily, the weekend concludes with Evensong in Chapel which is led by our Chaplain and our fantastic Chapel Choir which is steeped in the Anglican choral tradition.

Public Benefit — Scholarships and Bursaries At Rossall, we recognise our responsibility to serve our local community.

All available indices highlight the extremely high levels of deprivation experienced by young people on the Fylde.

• The English Indices of Deprivation (2019) rank Blackpool unitary authority as the most deprived lower-tier local authority in terms of income, health and percentage of people unemployed. Childhood deprivation is a particular problem.

• Eight of the ten poorest neighbourhoods (LSOAs) in England are located in Blackpool.

• 20% of children in Fleetwood live in poverty.

• 36% of people living in Fleetwood have no qualifications.

• People in Blackpool have the lowest life expectancy (from birth) of any local authority in the UK.

Rossall is an integral part of the fabric of the local community and this is reflected in our commitment to enabling as many local children as possible to be able to attend the School. It is reflected in our desire to serve the local community through partnerships and charitable initiatives, and by sharing our resources with those beyond the School.

From September 2023, we have committed to spending £2.912m on means-tested bursaries, scholarships and other discounts.

This represents 15.3% of gross income.

Within these figures: • 71% of local pupils receive some form of financial support • 22 pupils are in receipt of 100% scholarships • A further 9 Ukrainian students are currently studying at Rossall on 100% bursaries

20

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

of local pupils have some form of financial support

22

pupils are in receipt of 100% scholarships

9

Ukrainian students are studying at Rossall on 100% busaries

In terms of financial support, as a percentage of fee income, Rossall currently provides

150%

for UK independent schools

The extraordinarily high level of means-tested bursaries at Rossall is reflective of the charitable purpose of the School. We are not asset rich and nor do we benefit from significant levels of endowment funds.

Furthermore, we produce no discernible surplus. Our priority is not resources and facilities; we invest in people.

Our outstanding teachers and support staff are our greatest asset.

Generations of Rossallians have benefitted from transformational scholarships and bursaries. The Foundation’s Changing Lives project aims to continue to raise funds over the course of the next decade in order to ensure that a growing number of local children are able to attend Rossall regardless of parental income.

There are a number of charitable trusts that support scholars at Rossall and these include the Globe, Trapnell, Jackson and Centenary funds.

The Trapnell Scholarship Roger Leigh Trapnell was born in December 1908 and at the age of eleven gained a scholarship to attend Rossall School as a boarder. During his seven years at the School he excelled both academically and on the games field and on completion of his time at the School he was awarded a scholarship to read Mathematics at King’s College, Cambridge.

During his distinguished business career Leigh always attributed his success to the start he had received at Rossall and remained a strong supporter of the School, for many years being a Member of the School

Council (school governor).

However, in later life he became very concerned with what he perceived to be a lack of emphasis on mathematics and the sciences. This led to him establishing the Trapnell Fund in 1985.

Over 70 pupils have benefited from Leigh’s generous endowment and the vast majority have progressed to scientific or mathematical courses at leading UK universities including Oxford and Cambridge. Other Trapnell Scholars have left Rossall to read veterinary science or medicine at university.

Established

1985 Over

70

awards made

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

21

The Rossall Foundation The Rossall Foundation was founded in 2005 with the sole purpose of supporting the School and helping to ensure that it flourishes. Rossall has a fine tradition of benefaction and the Foundation has been able to play its part in ensuring that the excellent education that Rossall has provided over the years will continue to benefit generations to come.

The Foundation continues the tradition of giving back to the School so that the School and its pupils can continue to prosper, flourish and enjoy the opportunities afforded by a Rossall education. Since the Foundation was formed in 2005, it has raised over £3 million for theSchool and amongst other things, helped finance our Sports Centre and Performing Arts Studio.

Over the past few years, educational priorities have been important when

looking at where to utilise the funds best and, as a result, the Foundation has helped to provide iPads for the Preparatory School, science equipment for the wider School and also contribute towards the refurbishment of two science laboratories. Rossall life extends into Sports and previous donations have helped the Rossall Golf Academy by funding equipment for the initial set up, including the Golf simulator, nets, flooring and also computer equipment.

The wider School experience is also important to all Rossallians, that is why the Foundation has previously supported investment in the Dining Hall, a key part of Rossall life.

One of the key deliverables in 20232024 is the Chapel Organ project.

The Chapel Organ is a historic part of the fabric of the Chapel. The Chapel

is one of a number of Grade II listed buildings on the 167 acre campus.

The Organ has, unfortunately, fallen into a state of disrepair over the years and it is in desperate need of a major overhaul. Without this work, the Organ is of limited use as an accompanying instrument or as a teaching instrument.

The work will enable the Organ to serve not only the school, but the wider community. We host regular public services and welcome visitors and students from other Schools to experience our Chapel.

The Foundation’s Changing Lives project aims to continue to raise funds over the course of the next decade in order to ensure that a growing number of local children are able to attend Rossall regardless of parental income.

The Heritage Project - 2023 Our most iconic buildings date from the mid-nineteenth century. The Sumner Library, Big School and the Chapel of St John the Baptist are all listed buildings. Indeed, no less than 20% of Fleetwood’s listed buildings are contained within the School campus.

Time has not stood still and these buildings are now in need of urgent repair. Wind, rain and salt have exerted a toll on the physical fabric of our listed buildings. It is the case that crumbling masonry, corroded metal, rotten roof beams and leaking pipes threaten the very existence of our buildings.

Safeguarding the future of these buildings will cost in excess of £1.5 million and the Rossall Foundation is committed to working with the School to raise the funds necessary to ensure that these

22

buildings are preserved for future generations.

Following the safeguarding of the fabric of the buildings, further future development plans will ensure that the Sumner Library becomes a modern study space within which children can work together collaboratively.

Similarly, we will look to transform Big School into a flexible performance space capable of supporting our rapidly expanding performing arts programme.

This year, we are especially grateful to the extraordinary generosity of brothers David and Keith McKee, both of whom are ORs who have contributed towards the Heritage Project. Their kindness will ensure that we are in a position to begin the process of restoration.

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

The Rossall Rose Society The foundation of the society responds to and builds upon the extraordinary goodwill and energy that exists within our community. It recognises the desire of Rossallian families to become participatory members of a community that extends beyond School life. It is reflective of our desire to nurture relationships with Rossallians in such a way that they endure for a lifetime.

Furthermore, we work to ensure that those connected with Rossall feel that sense of belonging that is treasured by so many of us.

Community Our community consists of pupils past and present. It also includes current and former members of staff and members of Council. Parents and grandparents of pupils or former pupils constitute a very important dimension of our community. It is a community that extends across the Fylde and includes local businesses, charitable organisations and partners. It is also a global community.

Friendship

sports facilities. From time to time, the Rossall Rose Society raises funds to support long standing friends on the Fylde Coast such as Donna’s Dream House and Brian House Children’s Hospice.

In 2023, the society gave a cheque for £8,000 to the Boathouse Youth a charity which works with some of the most disadvantaged children in Blackpool.

The Rossall Rose Society was also instrumental in the establishment of Rossall’s Ukrainian Hub which now receives partnership funding from Lancashire County Council.

Members of the society refurbished a house on the School site which now accommodates a family from Kharkiv in Eastern Ukraine.

Outreach The Rossall Rose Society is at the heart of our relationships with local charitable organisations such as the Fleetwood Town Community Trust.

We work to build strong relationships within both the commercial and charitable sectors to ensure that Rossall enhances the lives of as many people as possible on the Fylde Coast.

Membership includes Past pupils, current parents, past parents, future parents, current and former members of Council, current and former members of staff and all those associated with Rossall and desiring to remain active members of our community.

The Rossall Rose Society has raised significant funds to support a number of individual students from Ukraine and Afghanistan who are now studying at Rossall.

The School’s Ukrainian Project has been profiled in the media (both regionally and nationally).

The Rossall Rose Society provides opportunities for Rossallians to socialise here at School. It organises events for new parents and plays an important role in terms of welcoming new families into our community.

Balls, lunches, coffee mornings, trips to sporting fixtures, carol services and much more besides provide an opportunity to enjoy existing friendships and make new connections.

“In recent years, Rossallians have raised over £50,000 for good causes.”

Charity

In recent years, Rossallians have raised over £50,000 for good causes. The charitable aspect of the Rossall Rose Society is dedicated towards helping the School bring to fruition specific projects that serve to enrich the lives of our children both here in School and within the local community.

Fundraising focuses upon providing for non-academic items of capital expenditure such as playground equipment, musical instruments and

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

23

“Rossall School is an internationallyminded community but yet resolutely committed to the concept of localism.”

Public Outreach Rossall School is an internationallyminded community but yet resolutely committed to the concept of localism.

We recognise our extraordinary potential to serve the local communities the Fylde Coast and we are committed to sharing our resources and skills with the people of Fleetwood and Blackpool.The School is committed to ensuring that the lives of local people and communities are enriched by our presence.

The School continues to put a great deal of effort into building teaching links with local schools and other feeder schools.

24

Annually, local schools are invited to a wide variety of educational and sporting events. Schools receive visits from staff and pupils from Rossall whilst a growing number of children in Fylde and Wyre have visited Rossall in an educational capacity.

The School is proud of its heritage and the part it plays in the fascinating history of Fleetwood. Supporting our local community remains a priority for the School not only in terms of widening access through our bursary policy but also through formal and informal partnerships.

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

The Broadway Academy was launched in September 2022 and provides local children with access to first class coaching in the Performing Arts.

It operates on Saturday mornings and it has rapidly grown in numbers, drawing children from a diverse variety of local primary schools, including our own Prep School.

Music, Dance and Drama workshops are age specific with groups working towards termly showcase performances.

Lawrence House Astronomy and Space Science Centre Rossall is incredibly fortunate to have its own Astronomy and Space Centre, complete with planetarium, and Resident Astronomer, Dr Nick Lister. We offer the facility to local primary schools and voluntary groups with visits facilitated

by Dr Lister and to provide GCSE tuition in Astronomy to local senior schools.

Sharing Facilities with the Local Community Throughout the year, we offer the use of our facilities to local schools and sports groups and this is usually free of charge. This includes use of our Sports Centre, Astroturf, MUGA and swimming pool. We also host activity afternoons for local primary schools ranging from taster sessions in various sports, use of the Rossall Kitchens and academic enrichment activities such as Coding Days.

Rossall Chaplaincy The Chapel offers a programme of religious worship including weekly Evensong and Compline, Remembrance and Carol services, led by the Chaplaincy team.The Chapel is also used by a number of local primary schools for religious worship and this includes Christmas and Easter services.

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

25

Finalists in Independent School of the Year Competition 2023 (International Experience)

118

people registered in the Ukrainian hub

42

families/households

41 children

70

Ukrainian Hub

Da Vinci Academy

In response to the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent humanitarian crisis, Rossall initiated several programmes of support for Ukrainian refugees moving to the Fylde. These initiatives included refurbishing a house on the School site for use by a Ukrainian family. This project saw an outpouring of support from the wider School community, with donations of time, materials and household essentials.

Rossall School’s Da Vinci Academy was founded in September 2019 and provides enrichment activities in science (including Astronomy) and maths for local primary school children. This Saturday morning school has proved enormously popular and over sixty local children attended lessons on Saturdays.

Our teachers volunteer their time in order to ensure that we inspire a new generation of young scientists and mathematicians here on the Fylde.

In addition to this, boarding and day places were secured for a further eight children from Ukraine. This was made possible through individual donations and the extensive fundraising efforts of the whole School community.

These 100% bursaries and scholarships have proved vitally important to these children and their families. The creation of Rossall’s Ukrainian Hub was almost organic and developed in response to the unfolding crisis. It has grown into a place where people from the Ukrainian diaspora can meet, share experiences and coordinate mutual support and cultural events while receiving help to integrate into life in the UK. Navigating the necessary bureaucratic steps to allow them to open bank accounts, receive national insurance numbers and begin working sit alongside the more person centred support that is essential to help those coming to terms with the trauma of having to leave behind their homes and loved ones.

people involved in various activities

26

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion In March 2023, we welcomed an ISI pilot inspection visit. In advance of the launch of the new framework, the team sought to explore issues related to student voice and EDI. We received no formal report but the summative feedback at the conclusion of the visit was tremendously positive.

The inspection team was delighted with the diverse and inclusive nature of our community. They felt that the values that we embrace were not just taught but actively lived in our day-to-day lives.

How do we know what our students think?

Student Council

Food Committee

Membership is drawn from all year groups (Years 7-13).

Students are encouraged to think about how we might improve the School. Issues raised in 2022/23 included:

This committee meets with the Head of Catering once every half term. Menus for the forthcoming weeks are discussed and any issues relating to the overall provision are explored. This group has requested greater diversity and themed days/evenings to celebrate the diverse culinary tastes that exist within our community.

• a request for bikesheds for pupils cycling to school • the formation of a photography club • year group passes to control lunchtime queues • more clearly designated play areas at lunchtime • improved bathroom facilities in the Farrell building • greater number of options for lunch on Fridays • reintroduction of Computer Science at GCSE • better heating in Chapel • more energy efficiency around the School • outdoor study environment for the Sixth Form • provision of more opportunities for older pupils to coach younger children (sports etc.)

On occasions, the Student Council subdivides into specific year groups and this allows for more nuanced and age-appropriate discussions.

Boarding Committee The Boarding Committee is tremendously important.

Student feedback helps to inform future weekend activities and trips/visits. It is also a forum within which general concerns about the quality of facilities may be addressed. Other issues, such as perceived differences between routines or the nature of the provision within different houses is also brought forward for consideration.

International Society This group meets weekly as part of the activities program. They are very much involved in the planning of International Week. This year saw the inaugural International Day which was an enormous success.

Students from around the world set up display stands and wore national costumes. They danced, sang, cooked and celebrated one another’s cultural heritage. The series of events that we held for Black History Month were also organised by the International Society.

LGBTQ+ Society Membership is open to all. Its primary focus is to raise awareness of lesbian, gay and transgender issues and to ensure that the School is a welcoming community for all.

During Pride Month, they organise a number of events.

In 2023, this included inviting a transgender guest speaker to School to talk about their life experiences. It included holding a concert of music composed by LGBTQ+ composers and delivering talks in Chapel about Alan Turing and others. Flags and posters around School are also use to celebrate diversity.

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

27

Monitors Meetings Director of Sixth Form, Nick Crombie, meets with the Senior Monitors every week to discuss issues as they arise. The monitors share with us any concerns that they may have. Meetings cover a whole host of topics and the Monitors are very good at proposing solutions.

Wellbeing Wellbeing surveys are sent out each half term and our Health and Wellbeing Centre team includes both a counsellor and mental health nurse.Vertical (houses) and horizontal (year group) support structures are in place and tutors meet with their tutees at least once a day - usually twice.

Academic Pupil attitudinal surveys completed in a number of departments, are used to inform department development plans. These are discussed in department meetings.

Appointment of staff Pupils interview all candidates for senior posts within the School. We almost always solicit feedback from them and their observations tend to be very astute.

Progress made in 2022/23 •Black History Month has assumed much greater prominence •LGBTQ+ group launched in September 2022 •Student Council expanded and meets more frequently •Assemblies have covered topics such as Apartheid, the Civil Rights Movement and the Holocaust. (Holocaust Memorial Day is a significant moment in the School’s calendar) •Uniform and Appearance Policy adjusted to ensure greater gender inclusivity •Afro-Caribbean Society established

by Sixth Formers

28

Rossall’s commitment to EDI is embedded in our Mission Statement and attendant policies most notably in the following: • Relationships and Sex Education Policy • Code of Conduct for Staff • Admissions Policy • Bereavement Policy • British Values Policy • Accessibility Plan • Behaviour Policy • Equality, Diversity for Staff and Students Policy • PSHE Policy • Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development Policy • Pay Policy • Dignity at Work Policy • Separated Parents Policy • Visiting Speakers Policy • Menopause Policy • Safer Recruitment Policy • PREVENT Policy

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues are explored in the following formats and forums: • Whole School Assemblies • Tutor Periods • Informal conversations within boarding houses etc.

• Chapel (it is central to the Christian ethos of the School) • The PSHE Curriculum • Staff INSET sessions • Discrete subject lessons • Workshops with parents • Blogs, Twitter, Instagram etc.

• Contributions to the national debate (BAISIS Conference, BSA Magazine, BSA Conference 2022) • Our work with refugees (profiled by BBC, Grenada Television and The Times) We are particularly committed to our work with those fleeing persecution and war. This builds on the legacy of Rossall’s involvement in the Kindertransport during the late 1930s.

Inclusion Our commitment to widening access and ensuring that we are a diverse and inclusive community is reflected in our extensive outreach programme and support of charitable endeavours such as The Boathouse Youth which works with some of the most deprived young people in Blackpool.

It is also reflected in our extensive scholarship and bursary programme which in 2022/23 (including the Trapnell and Jackson scholarship funds) made awards to pupils totalling £3,007,372 which equated to 17.3% of fee income.

Religion We are a Church of England foundation and the Chapel is central to the spiritual life of the School. Alongside the traditional chapel services during term time, the Chapel Choir sings Evensong every other Sunday evening and the service is opened up to parents and members of the public.

Recently, a contemporary worship group has performed on a number of occasions and this represents the more evangelical wing of the Church. The Christian Union has a more evangelical feel. Boarders who are Catholic have the option of attending mass at St Wulfstan’s in Fleetwood on Sunday mornings.

We have a prayer room and a good number of students are observant and fast during Ramadan. Eid-al-Fitr celebrations grow every year. We are also a community that contains Sikhs, Jews and Buddhists. Of course, many of our children are of no faith but we hope that an understanding of different religions and the quiet contemplative space offered by the Chapel will serve to nurture the spiritual dimension of their beings.

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

over

£3million in awards

equalling

17.3% of fee income

29

Sustainability - A Greener Future ENSURING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IS KEY TO OUR VISION. In a world where companies are increasingly expected to take decisive climate action, Rossall is determined to lead by example.

The establishment of net-zero targets underscores our commitment to ensuring a greener future. Furthermore, taking proactive measures today enables us to preempt future risk. It allows us to prepare for forthcoming emissions-related regulations.

A potential consequence of embracing sustainable practices is the potential for significant cost reduction. Achieving our net-zero objectives can yield substantial savings through reduced energy expenditures. The installation of a 900 MWh wind turbine on our campus offers substantial promise in this regard.

30

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

At present, our annual on-site electricity consumption stands at 171,300 kWh. Based on calculations pertinent to our geographical location and prevailing wind speeds, the 900 MWh wind turbine is projected to generate 2,142 kWh. Of this output, 46% will directly fulfil our site's energy needs, with the remaining 54% channelled into the battery storage system. This affords us the potential to offset up to 39.9 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Transitioning from conventional gas heating to ground source heat pumps presents a greener alternative, reducing energy usage by 30%-60% in typical applications. These pumps will be powered by our own on-site green energy sources, further diminishing our carbon footprint.

171,300 kWh annual consumption

By promoting awareness of our actions, we can inspire our children to adopt environmentally conscious behaviours.

Our School's 167-acre campus encompasses valuable habitat that supports a diverse ecosystem.

It is imperative that we leverage this invaluable asset by seeking opportunities to enhance biodiversity, while serving as stewards of existing habitats. We are actively exploring the possibility of developing a new expanse of woodland on Shepherd’s Field. By collaborating with Natural England and Wyre Council, we hope to transform this land into an outstanding example of biodiversity.

2,142 kWh projected from turbine

Rossall School Impact Report 2023

39.9 tonnes of CO2 offset annually

31

INSPIRING

excellence

32

Rossall School Impact Report 2023