King William’s College and The Buchan School has announced a series of bold proposals designed to secure the future of independent education on the Isle of Man. These transformative initiatives, integral to a comprehensive School Improvement Strategy, reflect a visionary outlook for the next five years.
Headline Priorities for School Improvement Strategy
1. Securing Academic Excellence;
2. Maintaining Outstanding Pastoral Care;
3. Expanding Co-Curricular Activities;
4. Fostering Global Mindset;
5. Integrating with Local Community.
Bold Initiatives for 2024-25 Academic Year
Proposal 1 – Consolidation on a Single Site
The proposal is to consolidate both schools onto a single site, with The Buchan School relocating to its own dedicated facilities within the King William’s College site. The Fourth Form (Stenning House) and Boys’ Boarding (Colbourne House) would move to newly designated areas within the College premises; The Buchan School would occupy newly refurbished modern facilities, offering the Buchaneers access to 33 acres of outdoor space, including wooded areas, a beach school, and new play zones.
This proposed integration aims to provide a comprehensive and seamless educational experience for ages 2 to 18 and would see a faster realisation of a “whole school ethos,” enhanced connections
between age groups and a more integrated learning environment. The move would also facilitate a smoother transition for pupils and greater convenience for parents.
Proposal 2 – Teaching Reorganisation
At The Buchan School and King William’s College the reorganisation of teaching would enhance the learning experience. Buchan would continue to deliver subject specialist teaching and offer wraparound care. College would introduce a new ‘shape of the day’, featuring one-hour lessons, six timetabled lessons per day and a two-week timetable. The revised structure would minimise transition time between classes, integrate PSHE seamlessly, and allocate dedicated study periods for Sixth Form students. These changes support the introduction of new sixth form pathways, increased time for Higher Level subjects in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and realigned time allocations across subjects.
Principal Damian Henderson, who arrived in post in September 2023, said: “We are thrilled about the transformative potential of these initiatives in shaping a more enriching educational experience for our children. They mark the inception of a comprehensive, long-term strategic plan for our school. With an ambitious agenda ahead, we are confident in our ability to achieve these goals and elevate the overall quality of education we provide.”
