As my final weeks at Abingdon have
drawn to a close, I have felt moments of
real sadness. Abingdon gets under the
skin, but the time has come to hand on
the mantle and open the door to whatever
comes next, for me personally, and the
School. I can, however, look back on
six happy, vibrant and successful years
where so much has been achieved for
the boys, thanks to the team effort of my
colleagues and governors.
There have been many highlights.
Inspection reports have been glowing
and the record number of boys who
want to come here, and the very strong
school roll, are clear indications of
Abingdon’s success and popularity. The
Other Half, with some 130 activities and
clubs, continues to be as extensive as
it is exciting and diverse. It is what the
boys do, achieve, explore and enjoy
which really counts, and the list of boys’
highlights is quite extraordinary. They
lead very busy, productive lives and
achieve remarkable things and I pay
tribute to them all.
It has been a wonderful adventure
being part of the lives of so many young
people, and my time at Abingdon over
the past six years has been the greatest
privilege for me. My guiding mantra
underpinning every decision I’ve made
during my time here has been “what is
best for these boys?” – and at my first
assembly in September 2010, I told the
boys that I wanted them to have the best
possible education. I also encouraged
them to ask questions and not be afraid
to take risks. I said that we were rather
cramped for space and that I’d want to
do something about that … So much
has been achieved since then. The
governors have embraced the need to
move on, from endorsing the end of
Saturday morning lessons, to agreeing
an ambitious programme to enhance and
develop exciting new facilities. We’ve
even introduced football as a mainstream
sport!
We can see the impact of these decisions
on our lives but what is less obvious
are the many steps taken to encourage
greater awareness of boys’ mental health,
and the importance of understanding how
significant emotional wellbeing is, on how
we live and enjoy our lives.
My hope for every boy who enters
Abingdon is that he will leave as an adult
who is secure in his own skin; that he is
accepting of who he is and that he will
want, to the very core of his being, to
make a positive difference, wherever life
takes him.
Much is made of the privilege an
independent school education bestows
on these fortunate young people. This
doesn’t, however, just happen; the
boys who attend this school do so not
because of some lucky random stroke of
fate. No – they are here because of the
hard work, commitment and aspiration
of their parents and families who want
their sons to aspire, achieve and become
ambitious for themselves and, eventually,
others. They are here because of the
talent, intelligence and dedication of
their teachers and all those who work
here supporting Common Room in their
endeavours.
I have been fortunate in my fantastic
Senior Leadership Team: gifted
individuals who have helped me to make
things happen. My ambition and vision
for Abingdon as set out in 2010 has been
realised thanks to the commitment of
governors, colleagues, Old Abingdonians,
the boys and their parents. I have asked
questions, lots of questions, and I have
taken risks.
My challenge for all Abingdonians remains
unchanged. Ask questions, take risks.
Above all, be kind and nice to others,
even when it’s really hard!
I have grown to love Abingdon and I’ve
been happy here. I wish you all the
brightest of Abingdon futures, happiness
and enjoyment of life, wherever your path
takes you.
Thank you
Felicity Lusk
Abingdon School Head,
September 2010 to September 2016
Felicity’s Farewell
2
September 2016
