Adam Williams

Adam Williams has been Headmaster of Lord Wandsworth College for nearly a decade. The College (or LWC as it is known) traces its history back to a generous bequest to educate children who had suffered as a result of bereavement. And this link with the past remains true today and resonates strongly with the Headmaster.

'At LWC, we take immense pride in our Foundation, a cornerstone of the school that has supported over 2,500 young people who have faced the profound challenge of losing one or both parents, often through bereavement,' says Adam Williams. 'Our role is to create light from darkness, offering these pupils not just support, but opportunities for growth and resilience. This commitment is further enriched by our truly remarkable 1,200-acre site, where breathtaking sunrises and sunsets provide a daily reminder of the beauty around us.'

As Headmaster, Adam is passionate about his role as Head of a school with a very strong community. 'I would defy anyone not to be inspired by the dedication we show in transforming lives,' he says. 'The kindness and integrity of our community only deepen the sense of belonging we foster.'

For Adam, the key to the school's success is its vision, focused on 'Widening Worlds'. It's a philosophy for pupils, parents and staff alike. 'This vision is more than just a goal,' he explains, 'it is a mindset and a culture that inspires us to be curious, creative, tech-savvy, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent. It embraces the very best of academic innovation, health, fitness, sport, adventure, sustainability and the philosophy of Kurt Hahn, while drawing inspiration from the Blue Zones to foster long, fulfilling lives. Above all, we believe in having fun and not taking ourselves too seriously. We are committed to ensuring that our community lives happy, healthy and engaged lives, never settling for the ordinary, but always striving for excellence and joy in everything we do.'

The school believes in offering pupils endless opportunities – be it through sport or other activities - which broaden the mind and provide inspiration. And at the end of their journey through the school, Adam believes LWC has fully prepared each pupil for the world beyond: 'When our Year 13 students take to the stage for their final Speech Day, it is always a moment of real pride both for me and most importantly for them. They are young people ready to launch into their next chapter; ambitious, adventurous, kind and funny, but most importantly, they are rounded and grounded individuals. They thrive in the vastness of big skies, relish big challenges, and are eager to explore the wide world beyond. We encourage them to be inspiring in their actions, characterful in their demeanour and expansive in their outlook.'

Above all, Adam recognises that 'there are countless paths to be explored beyond LWC' and so it's vital that pupils leave as individuals and 'are not cookie-cutter versions of one another'. He concludes: 'Each student brings something unique, and we celebrate the diversity of thought and experience that shapes them into the individuals they are destined to become.'