Lomond School is thrilled to announce that it has been chosen as a finalist for the esteemed ‘Independent Schools of the Year 2024’ awards in the category of Independent Boarding School of the Year. This awards programme, hosted by Independent School Parent magazine, aims to highlight schools’ success stories and celebrate exceptional experiences offered to students. Lomond School’s recognition has come less than a year since the Care Inspectorate rated their Boarding House as ‘sector leading’ and ‘excellent’, awarding a perfect score.
Lomond School is selected alongside distinguished finalists: Ludgrove Prep School, Milton Abbey School, Roedean School, Scarborough College, Strathallan School, Sunningdale School and Worth School. A respected panel of judges will evaluate the nominees, with the winner to be announced at a ceremony in London on 8 October.
The boarding house at Lomond School, known as Burnbrae, currently accommodates fifty children from around the globe, aged 10 to 18. The diversity of ages and backgrounds in the house fosters a genuine family atmosphere, where residents feel they have the same rights and responsibilities as in their own homes. Staff and students, regardless of gender, live, work, dine, and socialise together in this relaxed and secure setting.
The honour of being selected as Independent Boarding School of the Year is testament to the unwavering dedication of Lesley Serpell, Head of Boarding, and her team. Together, they ensure that each and every child is cared for as a member of their ‘family’. Every child has a personalised plan, which they develop themselves, in collaboration with an assigned member of staff. These are not simple care plans, they are life plans. The plan and the process nurtures potential and supports the realisation of dreams, whilst empowering students to take ownership of their goals and aspirations..
Lesley commented: “Everyone in Burnbrae is thrilled to be nominated, alongside such fabulous schools. Our lifestyle in Burnbrae is reflective of a strong family unit and recognition of the strength of family in raising robust, adventurous and happy young children is tremendously important. Having siblings, and boys and girls of differing ages, brings many intangible benefits, which can be seen in the dynamics of support through study,sport or day to day life. As Head of Boarding, it is a privilege to know every boarder and their families, and to welcome them all into our family……and family is forever.
Claire Chisholm, Principal of Lomond School said: “We are thrilled to be chosen as finalists for this award and are very proud and honoured to be listed amongst such prestigious company.
Our aim is that every child feels completely at home at Lomond, and Burnbrae is the beating heart of this. Life at Burnbrae encompasses all that we want for our children: that they are free to be exactly themselves, to feel part of a family with brothers and sisters around, and to grow and learn in a secure and supportive place filled with love and joy. Helensburgh is small enough to be absolutely safe for our boarders to socialise and develop independence; yet big enough to offer adventure, opportunities and fun. Being a child or young adult living at Burnbrae, you have the best of everything.
The Burnbrae team, led by Lesley, is exceptional and the people make it the special place it is. Whatever the outcome of the award, I am delighted that they have received the recognition that they so richly deserve.”
You can read all about the awards here – https://www.independentschoolsoftheyear.co.uk/