At the beginning of a brand new year, this piece from James Lockwood, our Headmaster, reminds us about what it means to be a Grovian.

Years before he became Headmaster, James was a pupil at Woodhouse Grove. From the ages of 13 to 18, James walked the same corridors as the students he has care over now. He fidgeted in the same classrooms, scored under the same posts and batted on the same pitches. This history, this sense of growing up as a Grovian, gives James a depth of insight into the school above and beyond that of most head teachers.

While the lessons may have changed somewhat, the Values that Grovians learn from being at this school have remained true over the years. These are the Values that were instilled in James when he was a pupil and that he – and the friends he made at The Grove – have carried with them throughout their lives. Here, James describes his vision for the school – and what it means to be able to say, “I am Grovian”.

I am Grovian

James Lockwood, Headmaster

During their time at the School, Grovians will have, quite rightly, been set high academic expectations; the School expects everyone to work hard. However, an authentic Grovian is a true all-rounder who shows wide ambition; mental toughness in their spiritual life, their intellect and their all-round involvement in School life. The Grove has a long and proud history of encouraging its young people to look outwards, beyond the confines of the classroom. Such an outlook takes away arrogance and replaces it with true confidence; the confidence that enables Grovians to ‘walk with kings yet not lose the common touch’.

Grovians are team players who possess the qualities of courage and integrity, and value the importance of service. Grovians look after each other, and go out of their way to show kindness to those in need. This attitude flows from the fact that Woodhouse Grove is more than a school; it is a learning community, in which ‘wholeness’ is the key. This ‘wholeness’ flows from living and working alongside others; learning how to give and take; when to follow and when to lead; how to deal with people of very different temperament and character; of understanding the nuances of a shared life and of being a part of one learning community; this is what makes The Grove such a special place, and this is how it nurtures and develops Grovian values; which have stood the test of time.

We are understandably very proud that the results of our latest Independent Schools Inspectorate Inspection officially rank Woodhouse Grove’s unique approach to education as “Excellent”, demonstrating that our school ethos and Grovian Values are clearly evident, not just to those closely associated with Woodhouse Grove – but to everyone that enters the school. I am delighted that the hard work of both staff and pupils has been acknowledged.

It is my desire that all Grovians leave the School with great academic results, golden prospects and fond memories.  More importantly, I hope that, as a result of their time at the School, all Grovians will make their way in the adult world with ideas and dreams, a vision of what you want to achieve in life, a strong set of values, a compassion for those in need, and above all, a love of life, and a passion for living it to the full.