Approximately 1 in 10 pupils receive a bursary or scholarship. We are committed to ensuring an MCS education is open to the brightest pupils, no matter their personal circumstances.
Approximately 1 in 10 pupils receive a bursary or scholarship. We are committed to ensuring an MCS education is open to the brightest pupils, no matter their personal circumstances.
We hope last weekend’s snow brought a welcome change of scene – School House certainly looked beautiful! A selection of MCS grounds photos through the seasons can be found here, should you be inspired to use one for your next Zoom call.
It’s great to hear of many YOWs volunteering to assist with the vaccination programme. We are also pleased to see stories of OWs having received the vaccine arrive in our inbox; do keep us updated.
This week’s news brings a variety of MCS, OW, and fundraising stories for you to read as you start your weekend. May it be a relaxing one.
MCS was recently informed of Hansi’s passing at the age 96 by his daughter, Joanna. Hansi came to MCS as a Jewish refugee from Vienna in 1938 aged just 14, and was amazed to find himself ‘amongst people who expressed no anti-semitism at all’ during his time here at school.
Joanna tells more about her father’s story – and the ‘tolerance, civilisation and humanity’ MCS showed to Hansi and other boys during those dark days – on our website. There is also an obituary in the Telegraph.
Joanna will be speaking to MCS pupils about her father’s life next week.
Thank you again to all OWs and Friends who donated toward our drive to secure laptops for local primary schools. We are thrilled to report that a total of 82 laptops have now been provided to four schools, making remote learning possible for children who were previously unable to access it at home.
Asylum Welcome
Local Oxford charity Asylum Welcome is seeking donations of used (but functioning) laptops to benefit refugee children and their families who are seriously disadvantaged by lockdown.
Asylum Welcome will arrange for the machines to be securely wiped and the necessary software installed. Laptops will then be distributed to refugee families, allowing them to participate in online learning and access much-needed remote support.
There are two places to donate your used machines:
Join this online event to find out more about teaching in the independent school sector in the UK, and the different ways you can gain experience and teaching qualifications in the sector.
OWs and Friends are welcome to attend the virtual Waynflete Presentation evening. Join us to hear some of the most engaging Upper Sixth Waynflete Studies Projects from last year – from the comfort of your own home.
Click here to see summaries of the talks on offer, and to sign up.
OW News
Sea Shanties
You may have been enjoying the current trend for sea shanties – 2007 OW Will Graydon’s (aka 220 Kid) version comes particularly recommended! Find out here why a 19th century OW is responsible for preserving the sea shanty tradition.
Covid Vaccine
OW Ben Goldacre (1992) authored the study behind this BBC article, exploring links between ethnic minorities and low vaccine take-up. A timely and relevant read.
National Service Memoirs
OW Charles Pasternak (1948) wrote an illuminating piece for The Oldie magazine about his time doing National Service over 60 years ago.
Yvonne Pye, Honorary OW
We are saddened to share that long standing supporter of MCS and Honorary OW Mrs Yvonne Pye, widow of OW Graham Pye (1959), passed away last weekend.
Catch OW Jonathan Bailey (2006) playing the dashing Viscount Antony in Netflix’s acclaimed Bridgerton!
Season Two, which will focus on the Viscount, has now been confirmed- we’re looking forward to it!
Save the Date
How Resilient is the Creative Industry?
11th March, 1-2pm
OWs Jim Hawker (1992) and John Caird (1966) will host a virtual panel of accomplished creatives from across the sector to discuss how the creative arts will bounce back after the pandemic.
Sign-ups will be available soon.
Connect with MCS and OWs
We hope that our MCS community is keeping well in these challenging circumstances. It is again our privilege to keep people connected during this time, and to bring you news from MCS.
A full run-down of Michaelmas school news can be found in the school newsletter available here.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media! It provides a great opportunity for OWs to connect and share, and we regularly post news and updates about the school. Click below to find us.
MCS ranks among the top independent secondary schools, and in 2024 was awarded Independent School of the Year for our contribution to social mobility.
MCS ranks among the top independent secondary schools, and in 2024 was awarded Independent School of the Year for our contribution to social mobility.
28 of our pupils achieved 10 or more 8 or 9 grades in 2024.
In 2023-24 MCS received over £448,000 in donated funds. 70% was spent on bursaries, 17% on partnership activities and 13% on pupil activities.
28 of our pupils achieved 10 or more 8 or 9 grades in 2024.
In 2023-24 MCS received over £448,000 in donated funds. 70% was spent on bursaries, 17% on partnership activities and 13% on pupil activities.
