This petition requests the Warden and Fellows of Winchester College to consult broadly with members of the school community, including Old Wykehamists, dons, existing pupils, parents and donors to ensure a broad consensus is achieved before proceeding with its proposed ‘Winchester in the 21st Century’ agenda.

The nature of this consultation should be based less on how these proposed changes are implemented but about whether they should happen at all.

The school community needs to agree on an appropriate way forward for Winchester College. This could include proceeding with the changes as outlined, amending the changes, or indeed proceeding with the status quo.

The authoritarian lack of transparency leading up to the Governing body’s announcement coupled with the unfortunate leaking of the decision to the media in advance are a less than ideal backdrop to what will be a critical period of wider consultation.  Failure to achieve broad agreement across the full school community will quite simply result in a disastrous implementation with significant instability and adverse consequences for the future of the school.

A transparent public analysis and proper consultation would not only be reflective of Winchester’s proud history of intellectual rigour, but would also set a strong example for the students the school seeks to educate.

The imposition of a wholly undemocratic decision made by a small number behind closed doors with future consultation only covering ‘how best to implement these changes’ is not in line with Winchester’s values.  Nor does it fit with the stated aim of the governing body’s agenda, to benefit “intellectual challenge and diversity of thought”. Failure to consult appropriately is quite simply not the way an institution which hopes to produce ‘leaders of the future’ should act.

We would appreciate it if you raise any further points of debate you may have within the comments section; after all, if you are part of the school community, you should have a say.

This petition has been created by a group of concerned OWs and is not indicative of a singular persons views.