ROSSALL NEWS
Community Notices
Dates For Your Diary
Open Day - Saturday 21 March, 2026
Year 7 Taster Day
Boarding Options at Rossall School
Senior School Ski Trip 2026 to Kaprun, Austria
Rossall Senior School Shines in Footloose Opening Night
Headmaster’s Live Q&A - Careers, Pathways and Decisions
Celebrating a Love of Reading at Rossall School
Headmaster’s Awards
Rossall Senior Brass Ensemble Shines at Millfield Celebration of Music
Celebrating World Mario Day: Exploring Video Games as Storytelling
Geography Week Photography Competition Winners
Rossall CCF Enjoys Action-Packed March Field Day
Inspiring Careers: Dr John Devine Visits Rossall
Boarders Enjoy Saturday Runs at Fleetwood Parkrun
Year 12 and 13 Art Students Capture the Wild at the Zoo
Rossall School Supports Fleetwood Air Cadets During Temporary Closure
Flossie H Selected for Lancashire 2026 U12 Pathway Programme
Purple for Progress: Rossall Supports Refuge
Community Swimming at Rossall School
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.
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.
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.
Senior School Ski Trip 2026 to Kaprun, Austria
“In the early hours at the start of half-term, 44 excited travellers set off from Rossall for the Austrian Alps. Forty students from Years 9, 10 and 12, accompanied by Mr and Mrs Dixon, and Dr and Mr Bradburn, flew to Kaprun for an unforgettable week of skiing and après-ski adventure.
The mountains greeted us with everything from dramatic snow blizzards and temperatures as low as −16°C at 3,000 metres to brilliant sunshine over snow-covered forests and peaks, where our first-time skiers began their journey. Every single student skied their heart out and made incredible progress. Despite aching muscles, sore throats and frozen fingers, they pushed on with determination, climbing higher, skiing faster and growing in confidence each day. It was no surprise, therefore, that even our beginners took to the racecourse in style, although some of our more experienced skiers found it a little on the gentle side.
Our evenings were just as full as our days on the slopes. From pizza nights and relaxing in the spa to exploring the local shops, there was always something to enjoy. Two particular highlights stood out: an exciting ice hockey match that saw the reigning Austrian champions defeat their local rivals, and a thrilling 3 km floodlit toboggan run, which some of our skiers found even more challenging than the slopes they tackled during the day.
We are incredibly proud of every student and everything they achieved during the week. We sincerely hope that those who experienced skiing for the very first time will continue to enjoy the sport and perhaps even inspire their parents to give it a try.
Meanwhile, the staff are already preparing for the Ski Trip 2027, which will take us to the French Alps. If your son or daughter is currently in Year 9 or Year 11, we would love them to join us. There are still a few places available. Find all the details HERE or email Mrs Dixon if you have any questions.”
- Mr and Mrs Dixon, Dr and Mr Bradburn
Rossall Senior School Shines in Footloose Opening Night
After weeks of dedicated practice and rehearsals, the curtains rose last night for the opening performance of Footloose by our Senior School. The energy, talent, and commitment of every student on stage were evident from the very first note, making it a truly memorable evening.
A special thank you goes to Michael Holdsworth, Dawn Harris, and Simon Walker for their exceptional guidance and support behind the scenes. Their hard work, passion, and expertise have been vital in bringing this production to life.
The students have worked tirelessly to perfect every song, dance, and scene, and their effort shone through in a performance full of enthusiasm, precision, and heart. The audience was captivated from start to finish, and the standing ovation at the end was a testament to their incredible achievement.
With four shows in total, running from Thursday to Saturday, there is still a chance to experience the magic of Footloose live. Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to secure your seats and join us for an unforgettable celebration of Rossall talent. Purchase your ticket here.
Headmaster’s Live Q&A - Careers, Pathways and Decisions
We are delighted to invite all parents to join us for our upcoming Headmaster’s Live Q&A on Friday, 20 March at 12:45 pm (UK time) via Zoom.
This Q&A will focus on Careers, Pathways and Decisions.
Independent schools often highlight examination results and university destinations, but the most important conversations often happen long before those outcomes, when pupils and families are considering options, exploring pathways and making key decisions about the future. Our live Q&A session will share how we guide and support students through these important stages.
The discussion will also highlight something that sits at the heart of Rossall: our support does not end when pupils leave the school gates. When students leave Rossall, they do not simply disappear; they become Rossallians, and the relationship, guidance and community continue well beyond their time at school.
With the Headmaster currently away, the session will be hosted by Senior Deputy Head Catherine Stacker, with Careers Coordinator Oliver Barnes leading the conversation and sharing insight into how Rossall supports students as they navigate choices about careers, university and life beyond school.
There will also be time for parents to ask questions live, making this an open and informative discussion.
We hope you will be able to join us. Parents will find the Zoom link and invitation to join in their inbox.
Celebrating a Love of Reading at Rossall School
Our senior school students came together to celebrate World Book Day by sharing their favourite reads. While dressing up might not have been on everyone’s agenda, the students thoroughly embraced the joy of reading during dedicated “switch off” time.
Teachers have been setting aside time for students to immerse themselves in their chosen books, from fan favourites like Maze Runner to lesser-known gems. This special reading time has been a wonderful opportunity for students to connect over shared stories, spark conversations about characters and plotlines, and exchange book recommendations.
The benefits of this initiative go far beyond enjoyment. Students are developing stronger focus and concentration, expanding their vocabulary, and enhancing their empathy and creativity through engagement with diverse perspectives and stories. Most importantly, it has encouraged a genuine love of reading that students are eager to carry into their daily lives.
At Rossall, we are proud to see our senior school students discovering new worlds within the pages of a book and sharing their passion with one another.
Congratulations to Kevin (Year 12, Dragon House), who has been awarded the Headmaster’s Award for Academic Excellence in recognition of his creativity and initiative.
Kevin has designed the very first official logo for the School’s Eco-Society, a piece of work he developed entirely in his own time. His thoughtful and imaginative design will now become the official emblem of the Society, representing its commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness within the school community.
Creating a visual identity for a new student initiative is no small task. Kevin’s design captures the spirit and purpose of the Eco-Society, providing it with a symbol that will be used across its activities and communications going forward.
This award recognises not only Kevin’s artistic ability but also his willingness to contribute his talents to the wider life of the school. His work leaves a lasting legacy for the Eco-Society and highlights the creativity and initiative our pupils bring beyond the classroom.
Congratulations also go to Maggie (Year 13, Wren House) and Sofia (Year 12, Wren House), who have been awarded the Headmaster’s Award in recognition of their outstanding achievement in the British Biology Olympiad, organised by UK Biology Competitions.
Both students achieved Gold Awards, placing them in the top 5% of more than 18,800 students from over 1,000 institutions who took part in this prestigious national competition.
Their exceptional performance has also qualified them to enter the selection process to represent the UK at the International Biology Olympiad, which will take place in Lithuania this summer. This is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects the dedication, hard work, and academic excellence they have demonstrated in their studies.
Congratulations to Kevin, Maggie, and Sofia on this well-deserved recognition.
Headmaster’s Awards
“On Monday 2nd March, Rossall Senior Brass Ensemble made their debut at Blackpool’s Opera House in the famous Winter Gardens during the annual Millfield Celebration of Music. The concert was called “World in Harmony.”
Over Wyre Brass, a local youth band, opened the evening with a fanfare from The Traitor, arranged by Rossall Sixth Former Jasmine S-E. Several brass musicians from Rossall Brass Ensemble also play in Over Wyre Brass. The band was formed 25 years ago by Rossall’s brass teacher, John Squires-Evans.
Guest performer with Over Wyre Brass was Year 11 pupil Harry M-H on electric drum kit. He was brought in at very short notice and gave a thrilling performance in their second piece, Mr Blue Sky, with outstanding drum kit playing. He is certainly a star of the future.
Millfield School contacted Rossall just a few weeks ago when some schools pulled out of the show at short notice. The Senior Brass Ensemble worked hard to prepare a very difficult John Iveson arrangement of Frère Jacques in time for the big performance.
Seventeen schools performed many genres of music throughout the evening, and Rossall was the only brass ensemble to take the stage. In front of more than 2,000 people, they performed magnificently. The large cheer from the appreciative audience at the end reflected the high quality of the young ensemble’s performance.”
- Mr John Squires-Evans, Teacher of Brass
Rossall Senior Brass Ensemble Shines at Millfield Celebration of Music
“At the Literary Farrell Society on Tuesday, Prisha and Tise gave a presentation on video games and their narratives to celebrate World Mario Day. They explored whether video games can be considered a form of art and the ways in which they contain elements of storytelling shared across more conventional mediums like novels and plays. Their presentation highlighted the importance of modern media in engaging with audiences. We had an animated discussion, ably assisted by the encyclopedic knowledge of Mr Daniel Hall, and of course, we played one or two games, including video games.”
- Prisha V. , Year 13 Student
Celebrating World Mario Day: Exploring Video Games as Storytelling
The Geography Department would like to take a moment to recognise the exceptionally high standard of entries this year. The photographs submitted were not only visually striking but also demonstrated a real geographical awareness of the world around us. What was particularly impressive, however, was the quality of the accompanying descriptions. Many of you were able to explain clearly the geographical processes, landscapes, and human interactions captured in your images, showing that geography is not just about seeing places, but understanding them.
The judges had a very difficult task selecting the winners because the combination of creativity, observation, and thoughtful explanation made so many of the entries stand out. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate and share your perspective on the world through geography.
It is now our pleasure to announce this year’s winners.
Geography Week Photography Competition Winners
1st Place: Sofia F - Human Impact
“This photo was taken at Pendle Hill. A stone-pitched footpath cuts across a steep hillside, revealing upland agricultural land use below in a patchwork of fields divided by hedgerows. The worn surface shows erosion from trampling and runoff, providing evidence of human impact on fragile slopes. The scene highlights rural land management, relief, drainage patterns, and the tension between access, conservation, and farming.”
2nd Place: Alice P
“I took this photo at Goad Cay in the Bahamas, near Royal Caribbean Coco Cay. The clear water shows changing depths, while the trees and tropical plants protect the shoreline from erosion. My cruise ship, Star of the Seas, in the distance illustrates tourism in tropical areas. The scene highlights how human activity and natural features attract people from everywhere. On the speedboat ride back, I noticed the water changing colour behind us from a deep blue to a light baby blue; the driver later told us it was caused by moving plankton. This demonstrates that, when there is no human interaction, nature maintains its natural beauty.”
1st Place: Timofei O - Human Impact
“This photo captures the alpine glacial geomorphology in the Austrian Alps, where, during the Ice Age, Pleistocene ice carved a U-shaped valley. The ski infrastructure visible in the photo demonstrates how humans have modified high-altitude environments for tourism. The engineered ski pistes and chairlift systems highlight the area’s economic dependency on seasonal recreation. This raises questions about sustainability, climate change, and environmental vulnerability.”
“WOW! Rossall CCF had a busy and exciting day for their March Field Day. All three sections were engaged in training relevant to their service.
The Royal Navy Cadets attended the Blackpool and The Fylde College Nautical Campus, where they took part in an “offshore” survival experience in the college’s specialist survival facility. Cadets learned how to board life rafts, jump safely into the water from height, and cope with waves, wind, and spray in realistic conditions. They had a fantastic time and were thoroughly exhausted by the end of the session. After returning to school for lunch, they completed a series of leadership and teamwork exercises.
The RAF Cadets visited RAF Museum Cosford. During their trip, they were given a tour of the museum and had the opportunity to interact with members of aircrew and pilots, who delivered talks and shared advice about careers in the Royal Air Force. It was a fantastic and inspiring day.
The Army Cadets remained at school, but their day was immensely busy. Senior cadets undertook a full day of fieldcraft revision and practical training, culminating in a mock section attack on an enemy position. The exercise was made even more challenging by the very wet and windy weather.
Junior cadets spent the morning completing fieldcraft training in preparation for annual camp this summer. In the afternoon, they moved on to marksmanship activities, including Scorpion Air Rifle shooting, archery, and a session on Rossall’s own Digital Cadet Training Centre (DCCT) range, where several cadets achieved their first shooting badges.
Overall, it was an action-packed day in which cadets gained valuable experience and training while having an immense amount of fun.”
- Captain D. Lindsay, School Staff Instructor CCF
Rossall CCF Enjoys Action-Packed March Field Day
“On Tuesday, we were very fortunate to host the first of our Careers guest speakers. Dr John Devine spoke to us about his career, which led him to work at a leading medical technology business. Students in Years 11 to 13 were inspired by Dr Devine's journey. His visit marks the start of our comprehensive programme of guest speakers, which will continue until the end of the academic year.”
- Mr Oliver Barnes, Lead Teacher of German, Careers Coordinator, Deputy Houseparent of Spread Eagle House
Inspiring Careers: Dr John Devine Visits Rossall
“Students in our boarding community regularly enjoy attending the Boarders’ Run Club at Fleetwood Parkrun on Saturday mornings. The weekly run gives students the opportunity to work on their fitness and improve their 5K times while enjoying the spectacular views along Fleetwood Promenade.
It is also a wonderful chance for our boarders to take part in a local community event, meeting and running alongside members of the Fleetwood community. The atmosphere is always positive and encouraging, making it a rewarding and enjoyable start to the weekend.”
- Mr Oliver Barnes, Lead Teacher of German, Careers Coordinator, Deputy Houseparent of Spread Eagle House
Boarders Enjoy Saturday Runs at Fleetwood Parkrun
“This week, the Art Department took their Year 12 and 13 students to the zoo. Students managed to take some fantastic photographs of the beautiful animals, providing first-hand resources that will inform their upcoming projects. Many of these projects will feature several of the animals they observed during the visit. The weather was kind, and everyone enjoyed a memorable afternoon. We look forward to seeing these examination projects completed in the coming weeks!”
- Miss Laura P. Heap, Head of The Art Department
Year 12 and 13 Art Students Capture the Wild at the Zoo
“Rossall School has opened its doors to support members of the Fleetwood Air Cadets while their usual headquarters remains closed. In a strong display of community partnership, Rossall’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) has welcomed cadets from Fleetwood Squadron to use its facilities once a week so they can continue their training and parade nights.
The temporary closure of the Fleetwood Squadron building meant that local cadets faced the possibility of losing valuable training time and regular contact with their unit. Recognising the importance of continuity in cadet activities, Rossall School stepped in to offer a practical solution.
By hosting the cadets on a weekly basis, Rossall CCF has ensured that the young people involved can continue to develop the skills and experiences that the Air Cadets programme provides. Parade nights are a central part of cadet life, offering opportunities for leadership training, teamwork, aviation studies, and personal development.
Staff from Rossall CCF have worked to make the visiting squadron feel welcome, creating a supportive environment. The arrangement highlights the spirit of cooperation that exists within the cadet community and reinforces the importance of supporting youth organisations across the local area.
For the Fleetwood cadets, the opportunity to continue parading has meant maintaining friendships, progressing through their training syllabus, and keeping up the momentum of their activities despite the challenges caused by the building closure.
Rossall School’s willingness to support its neighbours reflects the school’s long-standing commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement. By opening its facilities, Rossall has helped ensure that local young people can continue to benefit from the unique opportunities offered by the Air Cadets.
The partnership stands as an excellent example of how local organisations can work together to support youth development and keep important community programmes thriving.”
- Captain D. Lindsay, School Staff Instructor CCF
Rossall School Supports Fleetwood Air Cadets During Temporary Closure
“We are delighted to announce that Flossie H, a Year 7 student, has been selected for the Lancashire 2026 U12 Pathway Programme. Following a highly competitive assessment process involving over 200 candidates, Flossie’s exceptional talent and dedication have been recognized at the county level. This achievement reflects both her hard work and the strong tradition of excellence in Rossall Cricket. We are immensely proud to see another of our students progressing to represent Lancashire.”
- Mr Joshua Boyne, Head of Cricket
Flossie H Selected for Lancashire 2026 U12 Pathway Programme
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.
It was wonderful to welcome parents last week, both in person and online, to this term’s Wellbeing Bridge event. The session focused on emotional regulation in children and teenagers, exploring practical ways we can support young people as they learn to understand and manage their emotions. Opportunities like these are a valuable way for our school community to come together, share experiences, and strengthen the support we provide for our students’ wellbeing.
If you were unable to attend but would like to watch the recording of the session, please email me at j.moore@rossall.org.uk, and I will be happy to share the link with you.
Monday, March 16, marks Neurodiversity Awareness Week, an important opportunity to celebrate the different ways people think, learn, and experience the world. To recognise this, our Wellbeing Ambassadors will be hosting a quiet evening in Mondos on Friday. The space will be calm and inclusive, with board games available to help spark conversation and encourage connection in a relaxed environment. It is always inspiring to see the empathy and understanding that our students show towards one another, and this event is a lovely reflection of the supportive culture within our school community.
For families who would like to learn more about neurodiversity or connect with other parents, Autism Central is a wonderful resource. The organisation provides helpful information, guidance, and opportunities to engage with a supportive community of like-minded families. A link to their website can be found here.
ways to be WELL AT ROSSALl
A ‘Moderate wind’ warning for Fleetwood, the little yellow triangle letting us know about the wind, already appeared on the weather at the start of the week. We had the chance to prepare mentally for the wind sweeping through the arch, the sea foaming across the fields, and the chapel doors rattling.
The other day, someone told me that they had been to Rossall in the 1990s, and the one thing they remembered was that it was ‘very windy’. Of course, what we might call ‘moderate wind’ would be classed as a full-blown storm elsewhere.
When we celebrated Holy Communion in the chapel on Wednesday, the wind would not stop blowing through the corridors, reminding us that it could not be kept out. If you walk past the science gates, you might even notice that the holes in the gateposts howl their own little melody. It is worth listening to.
The Old Testament has a marvellous word for this ‘wind’. It is ‘ruach’ (students have to bear with the fact that it is my favourite word ever) and describes much more than ‘wind’. It is also ‘breath’ and ‘spirit’ and so much more. Throughout the Bible, it often refers to God’s presence moving through our lives—invisibly, yet noticeably, and with enormous power.
So when the wind pipes around you, when it messes up your hair, tugs at your coat, and blows your hat and scarf away, think of it as a touch from above: God letting you know that he is right there, surrounding you and all of us.
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!