ROSSALL NEWS
Community Notices
Dates For Your Diary
Open Day - Saturday 21 March, 2026
Boarding Options at Rossall School
The International Festival
Eco Club Partners with Prep School to Promote Litter-Free Grounds
Rossall School Shines with Stunning Footloose Production 2026
Rossall Students Achieve Fifth Place at UKMT Team Challenge
History Revision: Thinking Outside the Books!
Headmaster’s Awards
Senior School Concert
Rossall School Hosts First Ever DIY Maths Feast for Local Year 10 Students
A Spoonful of Languages Helps the Medicine Go Down
Rossall Piano Academy Hosts RNCM Workshop
Lancashire Red Crowned U12 North West Hockey Champions
A Spoonful of Languages Helps the Medicine Go Down
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 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
Open Day - Saturday 21 March, from 10am.
Shrek Jr - March 25-26 at 6:30pm.
Reverend Richard Coles Reading and Book Signing - 27 April, at 1:30pm.
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.
the international festival
Thursday marked the International Festival at Rossall School, a joyful celebration of culture, community and connection. The event was organised by Year 13 students Adeiteoluwa OF and Finlay S, whose vision brought the whole school together for a truly memorable day.
Sixth Form students from a wide range of nationalities and cultures gathered to celebrate one another and share a taste of home. The dining hall was transformed into a colourful showcase of the world, with each country hosting its own table, beautifully decorated with flags, traditional trinkets and meaningful symbols.
The food was a true highlight. From delicious samosas from India to flavourful pad Thai from Thailand, there was an incredible variety of dishes and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Students and staff alike were invited to explore, taste and experience the rich diversity that makes the Rossall community so special.
There was no shortage of activities to get involved in. From intricate henna hand art to vibrant flag face painting, the festival offered something for everyone. Laughter, music and conversation filled the room as students shared stories, traditions and pride in their heritage.
It was a vibrant, fun and fantastic day that perfectly captured the spirit of Rossall. The International Festival was not just an event, but a celebration of unity, friendship and the cultures that bring our community to life.
“The International Festival is Rossall's annual celebration of the diverse community that is so integral to our school. This year, we had just under 30 different nationalities represented, including Kurdistan, the Philippines, and many others from across the globe. The students were able to share their unique cultures through food, presentations, and other activities that they designed themselves.
The showcase was a great success, as it allowed all students, from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form, to fully immerse themselves in the different cultures of their fellow pupils. We believe that the International Festival is an essential part of the school calendar, and because of this, it was important to us, as leaders of the committee, that the festival ran as smoothly as it did.
We would especially like to thank all those who hosted stalls and the teachers who supported the event, particularly Mr Fairhurst, who played a crucial role in planning and running the day.”
- Adeiteoluwa OF and Finlay S, Year 13 students
Eco Club Partners with Prep School to Promote Litter-Free Grounds
The Eco Club in Senior School recently partnered with the Prep School to run a poster competition aimed at encouraging litter picking and keeping Sandy Lane, by the sports centre, clean and tidy. The standard of entries was fantastic, with thoughtful and creative designs from all participants. Congratulations go to Azuri in Year 4, who was awarded runner-up, and to Lexi in Year 4, who was the overall winner.
Looking ahead, Eco Club activities continue next week. Year 8 students will take part in a beach clean and litter-picking afternoon, while groups from Years 7 and 8 will plant bedding plants during tutor time to help enhance the school grounds in preparation for Open Day.
- Mrs Rachael Threlfall, Head of Mathematics & Coordinator of Mathematical Outreach and Enrichment
As part of our conservation initiatives, our Eco Society proposed a challenge to the whole school to design a poster to help inform and inspire our community to take better care of our environment. We were delighted to celebrate the winners of the challenge; congratulations to Lexi (Year 4) for her winning design, and Azuri (Year 4) for being the runner-up. Their creative and thoughtful designs remind us all of the importance of keeping our environment free from rubbish. Well done to Lexi and Azuri for inspiring us to take pride in our community. Keep an eye out when walking down Sandy Lane for the winning designs proudly inspiring the wider community.
- Mr Jonathan Drake, Year 4 Class Teacher
Winner - Lexi, Year 4
Runner Up - Azuri, Year 4
Rossall School Shines with Stunning Footloose Production 2026
What an incredible production of Footloose at Rossall School 2026.
From the high energy opening number to the unforgettable performances of Holding Out for a Hero and Footloose, our students brought outstanding talent, commitment and confidence to the stage. Every moment reflected the hard work and dedication that has gone into months of preparation, and the result was truly something special. We are immensely proud of everyone involved.
It was also fantastic to see such a supportive audience, whose enthusiasm and encouragement helped create an electric atmosphere throughout the performances. Events like this highlight the strength of our school community and the joy of coming together to celebrate student achievement.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the many staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the production possible. From rehearsals and creative direction to technical support, costumes and organisation, this was a true whole school effort and a memorable show for all.
Read more about the shows here, including students’ experiences and reviews from staff and audience members.
Rossall Students Achieve Fifth Place at UKMT Team Challenge
A team of four students represented the school at the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Team Mathematical Challenge at LUSOM, achieving an excellent fifth place out of 19 competing schools. The competition is a highly regarded national event that tests not only mathematical ability but also teamwork, communication, and problem-solving across a series of fast-paced rounds, including group challenges, crossnumbers, and relay-style questions.
Competing against strong regional opposition, Oskar N, Jack H, Luca G, and Sebastian M demonstrated outstanding collaboration and resilience throughout the day. This is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of their performance and commitment to mathematical excellence.
- Mrs Rachael Threlfall, Head of Mathematics & Coordinator of Mathematical Outreach and Enrichment
We had four students from Year 8 and Year 9 taking part in the UKMT Team Challenge Regional Finals. Nineteen teams from local schools attended LUSOM (Lancaster University School of Mathematics) in Preston. Rossall came a respectable fifth place overall, having performed exceptionally in the final two rounds. Not only that, but the students (Oskar, Jack, Seb, and Luca) thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and hopefully Seb and Luca can go one better next year and win it!
- Mr Alex M Shaw, Teacher of Mathematics
History Revision: Thinking Outside the Books!
This week, our Year 11 historians took a break from their traditional notebooks to turn the classroom itself into a giant canvas for revision. In a collaborative session, students worked in groups to map out the complexities of life in Nazi Germany, literally writing and drawing directly onto the tables.
The session followed a three-step process designed to cement their knowledge ahead of their upcoming GCSEs:
Step 1: The Memory Challenge. Students started with nothing but a blank table and their own recall, brain dumping everything they knew about key themes such as the treatment of minorities, the role of women, and the machinery of the Nazi police state.
Step 2: Strengthening the Detail. Using their textbooks and primary sources, students then filled the gaps, adding specific dates, statistics such as rising birth rates or unemployment figures, and key terminology to their mind maps.
Step 3: From Maps to Marks. Finally, students used these comprehensive visual guides to tackle exam questions, turning their collaborative mind maps into high-quality written responses.
By working collaboratively, students were able to share and challenge each other's understanding. Seeing the connections between different social groups and state policies laid out on a large scale helps them to understand the big picture of history, making it much easier to structure complex exam responses.
The energy in the room was fantastic, and the level of detail captured on the tables was truly impressive. It is clear that our Year 11 students are not just memorising facts, they are mastering the narrative of history.
Well done, Year 11.
GCSE History revision clinics are held every Wednesday from 13:20 to 14:15. They are delivered by different teachers from the department and follow an interleaved programme that focuses on different elements of the course each week to support knowledge recall and key exam skills. If you have not already attended and you are preparing for your History GCSE, try something different and come along.
- Mrs Jessica Robertson, Head of History & Politics
Celebrating Our Headmaster’s Award Winners!
We are thrilled to celebrate four outstanding students whose talent, dedication, and hard work shine across music, sport, golf, and dance.
Richard [Y13 Maltese Cross House] triumphed in the North Regional Final of the EPTA UK National Piano Competition (18 & Under), beating stiff competition from top music schools. He now heads to the National Final in London - Good luck, Richard!
Frankie [Y13 Maltese Cross House] may have battled injuries this season, but he still had some brilliant highlights. Representing ISFA against Scotland, he scored in the opening minutes and earned selection for both U17 and U18 squads, making the final international playing squad. Frankie’s achievements were honoured with his very own ISFA shirt and cap, which he has since proudly donated to the Alumni Wall of Fame - a lasting legacy of his talent and commitment.
Ella [Y10 Wren] shone on the golf course at the U15 SWIFTS Tournament, representing Years 8, 9, and 10 over two days of tough competition. Not only did she contribute to the team’s efforts, but she also claimed the Girls’ Individual prize, demonstrating remarkable focus, skill, and composure under pressure.
Sofia-Belle [Y8 Dolphin] earned a coveted place in the English Youth Ballet’s production of Swan Lake at Manchester Palace Theatre, performing in three shows this June - a testament to her dedication, talent, and the hard work she has put in as a valued member of our Dance Academy.
From piano keys to football fields, golf greens to the stage celebrating excellence across every corner of Rossall!
Headmaster’s Awards
Our Lent Senior School Concert on Thursday evening was a magnificent celebration of musical talent and dedication. The programme offered a wonderful breadth of repertoire, showcasing the Chamber Choir, Rock Band, Guitar Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Trios, alongside various accomplished soloists.
It was a joy to witness the students perform with such poise and confidence. Each piece served as a testament to the incredible progress made this term; the technical growth and musicality on display were truly impressive. Congratulations to all our performers for a stellar evening that perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of our music department.
- Miss. Elizabeth Leung, Head of Academic Music
Senior school concert
Rossall School Hosts First Ever DIY Maths Feast for Local Year 10 Students
Rossall School was delighted to host its first ever DIY Maths Feast, welcoming Year 10 mathematicians from across the local area for an exciting day of problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity.
Students from AKS, Morecambe Bay Academy, Highfield Leadership Academy, and Carr Hill School joined two Rossall teams to take part in the event. The competition featured four engaging rounds, each designed to challenge students’ mathematical thinking in different ways. One of the highlights of the day was a particularly fun and inventive “broken calculator” round, which tested not only numerical skills but also ingenuity and teamwork.
Throughout the event, the atmosphere was lively and focused, with students working exceptionally well together to tackle a wide range of mathematical problems. It was a wonderful opportunity for young mathematicians to shine, share ideas, and develop their problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment.
Rossall was proudly represented by Alexis CMI, Henry HTH, Isaac M, Rohan M, Oun PJ, Dharmika S, Sam W, and Clayton WLH.
All participants demonstrated enthusiasm, resilience, and excellent teamwork throughout the day.
Congratulations go to Team A from AKS, who were crowned overall winners. They were closely followed by the two strong teams from Carr Hill School, who secured second and third place.
The event was a great success and a fantastic example of collaboration between local schools. Both staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it is hoped that this will become a regular fixture in the school calendar, continuing to inspire and challenge future mathematicians.
- Mrs Rachael Threlfall, Head of Mathematics & Coordinator of Mathematical Outreach and Enrichment
A Spoonful of Languages Helps the Medicine Go Down
Our first "A Spoonful of Languages…Helps the Medicine Go Down" day was a tremendous success, giving our Year 9 linguists a real insight into how languages can be vital in the world of medicine.
We began the morning with a quick-fire quiz on key facts about the World Health Organization (WHO), which set the scene for our keynote video from Alison Brunier on "Languages at the World Health Organization." Students learned how language skills are used every day in global health work and were able to see how their own studies could lead to similar careers. They then received tips on how to write an engaging children’s storybook before being introduced to the main challenge.
Working in teams, students selected a health-related topic, created their own characters, and began drafting stories in German, French, and Spanish. They worked to tight deadlines across the morning to complete a series of tasks, from story planning to final presentation, and showed impressive creativity and collaboration to ensure everything was finished on time. Alongside their storybooks, teams also designed original board games to teach key vocabulary linked to different aspects of health, reinforcing both language and subject knowledge in a fun, interactive way.
In the afternoon, students took part in a Mandarin taster session, widening their linguistic horizons even further before moving on to a carousel of storybooks and games and voting for their favourites. The day concluded with evaluations and prizes. We were delighted to announce that our French team, Jessica S, Eva C, Will H, Riley M, Finley F, and Tade I, won the award for best storybook with their imaginative character "Dave le Donut." Their work, alongside that of all participating teams, showcased just how powerful languages can be in bringing health messages to life.
- Mrs Carla Winchester, Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Rossall Piano Academy Hosts RNCM Workshop
We were delighted to welcome Dr Adam Swayne and students from the Royal Northern College of Music to Rossall last Friday.
As part of the Piano Academy Contemporary Piano Project, they led an inspiring workshop with our Piano Academy students on Stephen Montague’s Autumn Leaves. The workshop gave students the opportunity to explore the piece’s special sound effects, vocalisations, and range of extended techniques, while benefiting from the performers’ expert insights and experience.
We are now very much looking forward to visiting the RNCM next week, where our students will take part in a special performance.
- Mr. Victor Lim, Director of International Piano Academy & Head of Keyboard Studies
Lancashire Red Crowned U12 North West Hockey Champions
This weekend, Marianne B took part in the North West County Hockey tournament as a member of the Lancashire Red squad. The team won all four of their games, securing the tournament victory and becoming U12 North West Hockey Champions.
Last year, they were runners-up to Greater Manchester, so it was especially rewarding for Marianne and her teammates to take the top spot this year.
A Spoonful of Languages Helps the Medicine Go Down
Major Emma Williams, Deputy Head (Safeguarding and Boarding) at Rossall School, is also a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and Contingent Commander of the Combined Cadet Force (Army) at Rossall.
As part of Women’s History Month, she recently took part in an interview with the Combined Cadet Force alongside her daughter, Ruby. In “In Conversation with Major Emma Williams and Corporal Ruby W”, Emma reflects on the highlights of her career so far, while Ruby shares her aspirations for the future.
We are incredibly proud of Emma and all she contributes to life at Rossall.
From supporting our boarding students and leading safeguarding initiatives, to her continued dedication to the CCF, her impact across the school community is invaluable. We are very fortunate to have her as part of Rossall.
Read the full interview here.
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
It has been a particularly busy and engaging week in the world of PSHE here at Rossall.
In addition to our regular PSHE lessons, all students in Years 7 and 8 attended workshops delivered by Lancashire Constabulary, focusing on online safety and cybercrime. This was an excellent opportunity for students to hear directly from experts in the field. A memorable and practical tip shared during the session was the idea of creating strong passwords using three random words, which is simple, effective, and something we can all adopt. Students also explored key issues such as online scams, the risks of sharing personal information, and age-appropriate discussions on topics like sextortion. These sessions are invaluable in helping our young people navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
On Monday, our Sixth Form students attended a powerful talk from a former gambling addict. He spoke candidly about the wide-ranging risks associated with gambling, not only financial but also the impact on relationships and overall wellbeing. The session also highlighted behaviours that may indicate a higher risk of developing a gambling addiction. Importantly, students were reminded that activities such as purchasing in-app loot boxes can also be considered a form of gambling. This thought-provoking talk encouraged students to reflect critically on habits that are often normalised.
Recently, you may have come across the term “manosphere,” particularly in light of wider media coverage following the release of the new Louis Theroux documentary Inside the Manosphere. This is currently a national topic of conversation and something schools have been increasingly aware of in recent years, especially in relation to the influence of certain online personalities and the role that social media and algorithms can play in exposure to these ideals.
From September, all schools will be required to include lessons in PSHE that address misogyny and violence against women and girls, with a strong emphasis on promoting safe and inclusive environments. At Rossall, this is already an established part of our PSHE curriculum. We focus on fostering a positive culture, encouraging students to think critically about the information they encounter online, and equipping them to challenge harmful stereotypes and narratives.
It is vital that both students and families feel confident discussing these complex topics. To support this, we will be sharing useful resources and guidance links below. In addition, this week’s parent guide includes explanations of common online slang, some of which is associated with content emerging from the “manosphere.”
As always, thank you for your continued support in helping us create a safe, informed, and respectful school community.
ways to be WELL AT ROSSALl
Yesterday was our International Festival. You might have seen photos and videos on social media. It is one of my favourite days of the year here at Rossall. Not just because there is an extraordinary amount of amazing food to taste, although there is, but because it is a day that is so full of heartfelt joy and celebration. Students of every age plan which part of their culture is most exciting and what they would like to share with others. They cook, set up traditional games, share spices and sports, teas and traditions, costumes and customs. The kitchens in the boarding houses are taken over by exhilarating smells and ecstatic students trying to figure out how their grandmothers had cooked their favourite food so well.
There is a genuine pride when they share their heritage with everyone around the school, admire each other’s outfits, taste each other's dishes, and engage with all the activities they have set up for the smallest to the tallest of Rossallians. There is a seemingly endless amount of traditions and cultures on display in the dining hall, and an array of languages can be heard as you pass the stalls, as students celebrate their own and each other’s heritage with big smiles and excitement.
Why can the real world not be more like International Day at Rossall?
We are all God’s children, just placed into different parts of His world, ready to learn from each other, share with each other, and be joyful with each other. We are all part of God’s creation and share in the same amazing world He has made.
On International Day at Rossall, this is something you can experience first-hand. That is why it is one of my favourite days.
With Love from the Chapel,
- Mrs Dixon, Rossall School Chaplain
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!