ROSSALL NEWS
Community Notices
Dates For Your Diary
Open Day - Saturday 21 March, 2026
Year 7 Taster Day
Boarding Options at Rossall School
Celebrating Kathryn Stott’s Royal Honour
Rossall Dance Academy Welcomes Preston College for an Inspiring Day of Dance
Young Seasiders’ Art Competition Success
Rossall Visits Tickhill Music Society in Doncaster
Languages Masterclass at Lancaster University
Spotlight on Psychology Week
Welsh Language & Literature Event
An Exciting Rossall Golf First!
Headmaster’s Awards
Purple for Progress: Rossall Supports Refuge
Community Swimming at Rossall School
LAMDA Success
Edinburgh Boarders Trip
Ways to be Well at Rossall
With Love from Chapel
New Edition of The Rossallian
IN THIS ISSUE
PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Community Swimming at Rossall School
This exclusive offer for the Rossall community starts this Saturday, 7 March 2026.
Choral Evensong
Please note that Choral Evensong will be taking place this Sunday, 8 March at 6:30pm in Rossall’s chapel, and on Sunday 22 March at 3pm in Christchurch, Thornton-Cleveleys. All members of the community are welcome to attend.
Rossall Decoration
We are delighted to announce that, in partnership with Tinker Tailor Ltd, founded and directed by Caroline Apfel (OR 1995), Rossall School has commissioned a beautifully bespoke Rossall decoration for this year.
As a generous gesture of support, Tinker Tailor Ltd will donate £3 from each of the first 500 decorations sold to the Rossall Foundation, helping to enrich opportunities for both current and future Rossall pupils.
Each decoration is priced at £23 plus delivery. Once stock arrives in May, they will be available to purchase online via the Rossall Shop and in the RossShop on campus, click here to visit the online shop.
Revision Hub
Following the Examination Information Evening, please find a link to our Revision Hub, here.
Examination Information Evening
If you were unable to attend our Examination Information Evening, please find recording of the presentation delivered, here. You can also find a shortened PDF version of the presentation here.
Sleeping Out for Street Life
The students and teachers of Rossall School are taking part in a Sleep Out for Street Life, raising awareness and funds to support vulnerable young people in Blackpool.
Please support this incredible cause and donate if you can. Every contribution makes a difference. Please click here to donate.
Community Notices
Footloose - March 12-13 at 7:00pm, March 14 at 2:00pm.
Year 7 Taster Day - Friday 13 March, register your interest here.
Senior School Concert - Thursday 19 March, 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Open Day - Saturday 21 March, from 10am.
Shrek Jr - March 25-26 at 6:30pm.
Rossallian Club, London Dinner - Thursday 7 May, at 6:30pm.
Rossallian Club, Midlands Drink Reception - Thursday 11 June, at 6:30pm.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
OPEN DAY - Saturday 21 March 2026
Choosing a school is a significant family decision and we want to give all prospective pupils and their families an opportunity to experience all that Rossall has to offer.
We want you to know that this is the right school for you and your child.
An Open Day at Rossall provides an insight into the vibrant and varied life of our wonderful community.
You will be able to visit any departments or specialist programmes your child is interested in and talk directly with both staff and students who will be there to answer any questions.
Celebrating Kathryn Stott’s Royal Honour
We are absolutely delighted to share that Kathryn Stott, Associate Professor at the International Piano Academy here at Rossall School, has been named one of the two recipients of The King’s Medal for Music for 2024 - 2025, one of the most prestigious honours in the UK music world.
Kathryn’s extraordinary career as a world-renowned pianist and chamber musician, alongside her dedication to mentoring the next generation of musicians, exemplifies the calibre of expertise our students benefit from every day.
At Rossall, our Piano Academy provides bespoke learning, performance opportunities, and specialist coaching with inspirational musicians like Kathryn, ensuring that our students are guided by some of the very best in the field.
This recognition is a testament not only to Kathryn’s immense talent but also to the global standard of musical excellence nurtured at Rossall School.
Please join us in congratulating Kathryn on this remarkable achievement!
Boarding options at rossall school
At Rossall School, we recognise that family life looks different for everyone and boarding should be just as flexible.
Our range of boarding options is designed to support busy households while helping pupils grow in confidence and independence. Whether choosing regular or occasional stays, flexible boarding allows pupils to benefit from school life, evening activities, structured prep time and strong pastoral care, while still enjoying time at home.
Exam periods can be demanding for both pupils and families. Boarding offers a calm and structured environment with additional access to academic staff, helping students to focus and prepare effectively. Our flexible, ad hoc and dedicated exam boarding options for Year 11 and Year 13 pupils provide the space and support they need to approach their exams with confidence.
At Rossall, boarding is designed to fit around family life, providing care, structure and opportunity when it matters most.
For further information or to express your interest, please contact Emma Williams, Deputy Head (Safeguarding & Boarding), at e.williams@rossall.org.uk.
Rossall Dance Academy Welcomes Preston College for an Inspiring Day of Dance
At Rossall Dance Academy, we are committed to providing exceptional training and meaningful industry experiences for our dancers. On Tuesday 3 March, we were delighted to welcome professional dance teachers from Preston College to Rossall School for an inspiring two hour workshop.
Led by experienced teachers from Preston College, the session gave our students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and gain fresh insight into different styles and techniques. The workshop featured both a dynamic commercial class and a beautifully expressive lyrical class, each designed to challenge versatility, musicality and performance quality.
The choreography was outstanding and demanded both technical precision and emotional connection. Our dancers embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones and demonstrating real commitment to their development. It was inspiring to witness the focus, resilience and passion that filled the studio throughout the afternoon.
Opportunities like this are central to the vision of Rossall Dance Academy. By welcoming visiting professionals into our studios, we ensure our students benefit from a breadth of experience that strengthens their confidence and prepares them for the next stage of their training. These collaborations enrich not only technical ability but also artistic maturity.
We are incredibly proud of every student who took part and represented Rossall with such professionalism and enthusiasm. A heartfelt thank you to the dance teachers from Preston College for sharing your expertise and energy with us. We look forward to future collaborations as we continue to nurture the next generation of performers at Rossall Dance Academy.
- Miss Alice Kilmartin, Teacher of Dance & Head of the Dance Academy
YOUNG SEASIDERS' ART COMPETITION SUCCESS
Year 9 pupils have recently had their artwork on Famous Classical Composers, exhibited at the Blackpool University Campus Gallery Building for the Young Seasiders’ Art Competition.
Amber F, Ryu S, Nori M, Sophie C-T, Michael C and Sophia C all had work selected to represent Rossall School in this competition.
Warm congratulations to our two competition winners Amber F with her painting of Ludwig van Beethoven and Ryu S with his portrait of Guiseppe Verdi.
ROSSALL VISITs Tickhill Music Society in Doncaster
Students from the Rossall International Piano Academy delighted audiences at last Saturday’s annual concert at Tickhill Music Society in Doncaster.
Sam, Yuchu and Richard delivered an inspiring programme featuring works by Beethoven, Liszt and Bartó.
Their performances were warmly received by an enthusiastic audience, the largest ever recorded for the concert series, marking the event as a memorable highlight of the season.
Languages Masterclass at Lancaster University
On Wednesday we had a wonderful trip to Lancaster University. We started the day by being introduced to the university by a former student and a Student Ambassador.
After that we had a tour of the campus, which showed us how life at university can look, and we had an excellent impression. We took part in an exciting masterclass with a teaching fellow from the School of Global Affairs, who talked to us about why we should pursue studying languages and the opportunities gained by doing so.
We had a fantastic and informative day, and gained a valuable insight into what it is like to study Languages at university, and to study at Lancaster University.
- Mr Barnes, Lead Teacher of German
An Exciting Rossall Golf First!
We are thrilled to celebrate a historic achievement for the Rossall Golf team at the SWIFTS School Golf Strokeplay Championship at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Course.
For the very first time in the Academy’s history, our golfers secured the treble, showcasing incredible skill, focus, and determination.
Tom P was crowned Boys’ Division Champion and earned a World Amateur Golf Ranking, an outstanding personal milestone.
Molly C continued her remarkable run with her fourth SSGT title of the year.
Lila B delivered a superb performance to secure 2nd place overall.
Cameron G rounded out the team with an excellent Top 5 finish.
This success is a testament to our players’ hard work, resilience, and the outstanding support they receive through the Rossall Golf Academy, one of the UK’s leading golf programmes combining world‑class coaching with a first‑class education.
Well done to the whole squad, once again flying the flag for Rossall on the course!
Spotlight on Psychology Week
Students in Year 12 enjoyed an inspiring visit to the Liverpool John Moores University Psychology Department as part of this year’s Psychology Week.
During the visit, they engaged with researchers from several key areas within the cognitive science team, gaining first-hand insight into current studies and real-world applications of psychological research.
The experience offered a valuable opportunity to see psychology in action, helping students make meaningful connections between their A Level syllabus and cutting-edge work taking place in the field. It was a motivating and memorable day for all involved.
Welsh Language & Literature Event
Seren M in Year 12 prepared, presented and led a superb Literary Farrell Society session on Welsh Language and Literature.
This was very topical as it was Wales' national St David's Day on Sunday 1 March 2026. We all learnt lots about Welsh history, culture, linguistics and some of Wales' most famous stories and writers.
We had fun with the pronunciation of the characters' names when reading "The Story of Blodeuwedd" together! Seren even baked two tins full of chocolate chip and raisin Welsh cakes for the occasion which were delicious and went down a treat!
- Mr Tom McNab, Second in English
This week, we celebrate two exceptional students who embody curiosity, dedication, and creativity.
Antonia (Year 13 Rose House) has approached biology with infectious enthusiasm, producing a university-level IB extended essay on COVID-19 genetic mutations. She read over 40 medical journal articles, devised her own method to reanalyse secondary data, and critically evaluated her conclusions - skills that have already earned her offers to study medicine at Edinburgh and Aberdeen. We look forward to seeing her name on medical research papers in the future!
Michael (Year 9 Spread Eagle) impressed us with a highly detailed, hand-painted Western Front trench diorama as part of an optional mini-project on WWI. His meticulous craftsmanship and personal commitment to stretching himself beyond expectations perfectly reflect the spirit of our school. Photo below.
Well done to both students!
Headmaster’s Awards
In honour of International Women’s Day, Rossall School is proud to support Refuge through our Purple for Purpose campaign. Throughout March, students have the opportunity to wear purple nail colour on their natural nails to show their support.
On Monday, a pop-up salon was set up in Mondos, where The Nail and Beauty Lounge generously gave their time to paint nails for students and staff. Each participant made a £15 donation to Refuge. Boarding houses have also been taking part, painting each other’s nails and contributing independently to the cause.
Together, the salon event raised over £400, with the Charity Committee adding an additional £140.
We thank everyone who has supported Purple for Purpose so far.
If you would like to donate, you can do so here.
Purple for Progress: Rossall Supports Refuge
community swimming at rossall school
We are excited to announce the launch of community swimming at Rossall School, starting Saturday mornings from 7 March 2026. This opportunity is exclusive to members of the Rossall community.
All children under 12 must be accompanied by a swimming adult. Lane swimming will take place from 8am to 9am, followed by family swimming from 9am until 12noon.
Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for children.
We look forward to welcoming families for some fun and fitness in the pool.
Over the past three years, our students have achieved outstanding success in their London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations. From Year 1 through to Sixth Form, where students can earn valuable UCAS tariff points to support university applications, every student has achieved a Distinction. This consistent record reflects high expectations, excellent teaching and learning, and the creativity and individuality that each student brings to their work.
In our most recent examination block, Hope R achieved an exceptional 98% in her Grade 6 Verse & Prose examination, earning 24 UCAS points to strengthen her university application. Hope’s achievement reflects years of dedication and a genuine passion for literature. She approaches each text with intellectual curiosity, carefully exploring context, language and meaning. Her performances demonstrate sensitivity, maturity and authenticity. Rather than simply reciting, she interprets and shapes each piece to communicate ideas with clarity and emotional depth. Her success is thoroughly deserved.
What truly distinguishes our LAMDA provision is the individuality each student brings to their learning. No two performances are ever the same. Students choose material that resonates personally, discovering writers and characters that reflect their interests and imagination. Some are drawn to classical verse, others to contemporary prose; some excel in characterisation, while others shine through emotional nuance. This celebration of diverse voice and perspective makes the learning journey both meaningful and rewarding.
LAMDA encourages independent thinking, creative interpretation and confident self-expression. Through verse and prose study, students develop a deeper understanding of language, storytelling and performance. These skills strengthen communication, critical thinking and presentation abilities, supporting success across academic subjects, particularly English and the humanities, while building confidence and poise for future study and employment.
Our 100% Distinction rate over the past three years reflects the commitment, hard work and enthusiasm of every student involved. LAMDA is more than an additional qualification; it is an opportunity for young people to develop confidence, express creativity and pursue excellence alongside their academic studies.
- Janet Royle, LAMDA Teacher
lamda success
Edinburgh boarders trip
Last Saturday, four members of staff accompanied a group of 31 students from across Years 9 to 13 for an unforgettable weekend exploring the history and towering monuments of Edinburgh. This visit gave our students the opportunity to take a tour through history, culture, and, of course, some fantastic food!
The journey began in the heart of the Historic Old Town. Students stepped back in time as they navigated the legendary Royal Mile, soaking in the atmosphere before ascending to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Standing atop Castle Rock, the group enjoyed panoramic views of the city skyline, learning about the fortress that has shaped Scottish history for centuries. In the evening we headed to the Edinburgh Street Food Market, a bustling hub of international flavours, which fuelled our evening exploration of Edinburgh by night.
Sunday was all about discovery and we started the day with a stroll down Princes Street for some shopping and iconic views of the Scott Monument. We followed this with a visit to the National Museum of Scotland, where everything from giant dinosaur skeletons to cutting-edge technology captured the group's imagination. It was a fantastic weekend filled with laughter, learning, and a lot of walking! Our students represented the school brilliantly, showing great curiosity and spirit throughout the trip.
It was wonderful to welcome parents this week, both in person and online at this term’s Wellbeing Bridge event. We welcomed Susie Peter from UCL who spoke about emotional regulation in children and teens in a great interactive workshop. If you were unable to attend but would like more information, please feel free to contact me at j.moore@rossall.org.uk.
From September 2026, updates to the national PSHE guidance will place greater emphasis on healthy relationships, respect and the impact of harmful stereotypes. There will be increased focus on topics such as dignity in relationships, misogyny and violence against women and girls. The key message within this work is that we all play an important role in creating positive change. We want all of our pupils to feel proud of who they are, and confident in demonstrating strength through kindness, integrity, and respect, whilst ensuring they feel empowered and supported.
At Rossall, these themes are already reflected in school life and within our PSHE provision. This year we have promoted positive men’s mental health through our Movember campaign, welcomed the organisation Voicebox to explore stereotypes and the creation of positive culture, and are marking International Women’s Day this month with its theme of “Purple for Progress.” While International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women and highlights the work still to be done around equality, it also reminds us that progress is made when everyone works together.
Through PSHE, we aim to equip all pupils with the understanding, empathy and confidence they need to build respectful friendships and healthy relationships, both now and in the future. While the parent guide below has a focus on bullying, many of the principles apply when speaking to children and young people about equality and progress. I hope it is useful in guiding conversations at home, too.
ways to be WELL AT ROSSALl
Today is the Women’s World Day of Prayer, which is celebrated by women (and men) all around the world, and each year forms a prayer-chain surrounding the globe. It begins in Samoa and moves across the world in a continuous wave of prayer, finishing 38 hours later in American Samoa.
The day is a powerful demonstration of global solidarity, so we thought we should mark it in chapel as well.
In 2026, the World Day of Prayer has been prepared by women in Nigeria, and it was lovely to have Toluwani, Simniloluwa, Alicia and Olivia to help present the theme for this year: “I will give you rest!”
The assertion comes from Matthew’s gospel, where Jesus explains:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
At a time when people worldwide are carrying heavy burdens, these verses offer an insight into finding rest in God. Women in Nigeria face all kinds of burdens every day: such as shame, systemic oppression, religious persecution, poverty and despair. When they focus on these words in the Bible, they help us understand both the weight of human suffering and the depths of being able to rest in God.
A message that rings home not just in Africa, but all around the world. This weekend, I hope you can find rest in God, whatever your current burdens are.
With Love from the Chapel,
- Mrs Dixon, Rossall School Caplin
with love from chapel
New Edition of The Rossallian Released
Rossall School is delighted to share the latest edition of The Rossallian, click here to read. This is our school newspaper that celebrates life across both the Senior and Preparatory Schools. The publication highlights recent activities, achievements, and events that showcase the vibrancy of our community.
Available in both print and digital formats, this edition will be shared with alumni, parents, staff, friends of Rossall, and visiting families.
Thank you to everyone who contributed. We hope you enjoy reading the new issue!