Agent Newsletter
January
2026
My role as EAL Co-ordinator here at Loughborough Grammar School encompasses so much more than just helping the boys improve their English; I get to know them on an individual level, discover their interests and passions, and provide pastoral care as a familiar face within our Boarding Houses. I feel privileged to be part of such a vibrant and inclusive boarding community.
I’ve been a member of staff at the School since January 2020, having joined LGS with a background of working in higher education and, before that, as a GCSE and A Level English teacher. So, I have deep-rooted knowledge of the British education system at every stage of a student’s journey. I feel this really helps me to prepare the boys for a fulfilling future, helping them to navigate what life after LGS looks like.
One of the things that I enjoy most about my role is seeing how improved English language skills positively impact all the subjects pupils are studying. From working in small groups or in a 1-2-1 setting, it’s hugely rewarding to see the support pupils receive with speaking, writing and reading. This encourages a pattern of achievement to ripple through every part of their academic life.
On a pastoral level, it’s wonderful to get to know the boys as individuals and it is often the topic of what they’re interested in that provides the greatest opportunity for conversation! By building up rapport, I naturally start to notice when the boys might not be quite themselves. As a part of the boarding community, I have a responsibility to also provide pastoral support with their wellbeing. Whether this is a chat in the kitchen about something they might be struggling with, a quick check in here and there or attending social events like weekend trips or evening activities, my role gives me the unique opportunity to support our pupils from all angles.
Ann-Marie Slater EAL Co-ordinator
Pupils prepare for Oxbridge and beyond
Following rigorous application and interview processes, we are delighted to share that a total of 11 students have received offers from Oxbridge, with 8 offers for Cambridge and a further 3 for Oxford.
Three offers have been received from the University of Oxford and eight from the University of Cambridge, spanning a broad range of courses including Medicine, Psychology and Linguistics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, History, Natural Sciences, Economics, Mathematics and Classics.
Students receive dedicated support from our Director of Future Pathways, as well as a wide range of subject specific guidance to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the post-18 options open to them from the beginning of Year 12.
Music School receives ABRSM accreditation
In January, we were delighted to welcome Alistair from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) to present the Music School with our Partner School plaque. This highlights the Foundation's commitment to fostering musical excellence and providing pupils with an outstanding quality of musical education.
The ABRSM Partner Schools programme celebrates the schools globally who share ABRSM's values and enter a significant number of students for ABRSM examinations. As a result of this partnership, we gain access to a variety of valuable benefits, including INSET training.
A top UK boarding school
We’re delighted to have been named within the ‘Top 100 UK Independent Boarding School by GCSE’ by Education Advisers Ltd - an education consultancy which aims to provide clear information, advice and services to parents and students seeking an independent education in the UK.
Each year, Education Advisers collects results from all independent schools in the UK and uses these to collate internationallyrecognised League Tables.
Ranked 75th in the UK, this achievement reflects our commitment to academic excellence and the outstanding effort shown by our GCSE pupils.
Holocaust Memorial Week
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, pupils took part in a week of educational activities designed to deepen understanding of the Holocaust. Focused on exploring artistic responses to Holocaust Memorial Day themes, pupils have created a dedicated art piece in commemoration.
Alongside this, just a selection of these activities include; a Junior History Society discussion led by Dr McKay on “What Makes People Perpetrators”; creative writing sessions in KS3 English in which pupils used literature to explore empathy, memory, and personal reflection; access to a curated display of Holocaust-related books suitable for all year groups in the Library.
History Society speech
Special guest speaker, Rachel Ayrton, Learning and Interpretation Manager at the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester, visited the School to talk to our pupils about the The Historiography of Richard III. She spoke to the pupils about the ways King Richard III has been portrayed in the media, from Shakespeare all the way to modern day television shows, and the importance of critically analysing texts, encouraging the pupils with further reading in order for them to form their own opinions on King Richard and his legacy.
Formula 1 fun!
To combat the rainy winter weather, weekends in January have included a range of exciting trips. From visiting the F1 arcade in Birmingham and being served more pizza than they could eat to trying out Loughborough’s Noodle Bar for dinner, our boarders have enjoyed spending time with their friends and visiting new places.
LGS alum’s flying visit
Excitement bubbled on campus across the Loughborough Schools Foundation in January as pupils and staff eagerly awaited a visit from Loughborough Grammar School alum, Tom (2016) in a RAF Chinook helicopter. With fond memories of his time in the RAF section of the CCF, where Tom experienced RAF camps, leadership courses, fundraising, flying planes and shooting, he set himself a goal to become an RAF Officer. Now a Chinook Pilot, Tom and his crew paid the School a flying visit as the helicopter hovered above the cricket pitch – an incredible sight for the Foundation community to witness. Watch here!
On the horizon...
Culture week! A variety of lunchtime workshops give pupils the opportunity to share their own culture and discover more about their peers.
We’re ready for a weekend full of fantastic musical performances at our East Midlands Music Festival, with categories including; brass, piano, percussion, strings, singing and woodwind.
Rehearsals for our lower school production of Treasure Island are well underway and we look forward to seeing our pupils bring this story to life.