At Leweston, we often talk about success. It’s a word that appears in prospectuses, on websites, and in conversations with parents. But what does it really mean?

To us, success is not a single destination—it’s a journey. It’s not just about grades, trophies, or university offers, though we are proud of our pupils who achieve all of these. True success is about discovering who you are, what you value, and how you respond when things don’t go to plan.

We believe that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it.

In a world that often celebrates perfection, we teach our pupils that mistakes are not only inevitable, they are essential. They are the stepping stones to growth. Whether it’s a missed goal on the sports field, a disappointing test result, or a friendship that didn’t go as hoped, each experience is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and try again.

At Leweston, we create an environment where pupils feel safe to take those risks. We encourage them to try everything on offer—from debating to drama, coding to climbing—because it’s only through new experiences that they discover their strengths, passions, and resilience.

We will allow them to experience failure, but we will never let them fail. And like you, we will never fail them.

This philosophy is woven into every aspect of school life. It’s why our pupils cheer each other on at sports day, regardless of who finishes first. It’s why our alumni go on to become not just successful professionals—engineers, medics, entrepreneurs—but thoughtful, grounded individuals who lead with integrity and compassion.

We understand that every child’s journey is different. That’s why we personalise learning, support emotional wellbeing, and celebrate effort as much as achievement. We know that confidence doesn’t come from always getting it right—it comes from knowing you can get back up when things go wrong.

To the families who entrust us with their children, we offer more than an education. We offer a partnership. A shared belief that success is about becoming the best version of yourself—kind, curious, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

So when we talk about success at Leweston, we mean something deeper. We mean the quiet courage to try again. The joy of discovering a hidden talent. The strength to stand up for what’s right. And the confidence to walk into the world knowing who you are.

That, to us, is the true meaning of success.

John Paget-Tomlinson, Headmaster of Leweston School
B.A. (Hons), M.A, MSc, MRes, PGCE.