AN UPATE FROM THE HEADMASTER DAN HARRISON REGARDING THE SCHOOL MOTTO

I would like to thank all those who have written to the School or commented on social media regarding the change of the Sedbergh School motto. I recognise that for some the old motto will forever be part of who they are. I fully respect this view and very much appreciate the strong emotional ties that Old Sedberghians have to their time at Sedbergh, of which the motto is a defining symbol.

There have of course been many Old Sedberghians and parents who have been kind enough to send me messages of support for the change of motto. However, amongst these respondents there has been a common feeling that although using a lyric from ‘The Long Run’ is a most appropriate choice, the contraction of the lyric to ‘Never strive in vain’ has meant that it has lost, and perhaps even reversed, the meaning of the original line ‘Never shall you strive in vain’.

The opinion of OS, staff, pupils and parents is highly valued at Sedbergh and will always form part of our decision-making process. I am grateful that since the consultation process about Sedbergh’s motto began in December 2023, many have contributed to the discussion. It has been appropriate therefore that we engaged with feedback about the motto as a continuation of this consultation period. I can confirm that following this last stage of discussion the full line of ‘Never shall you strive in vain’ will be adopted from January 2025 as the new School motto.

With best wishes.

Dan

Dan Harrison, MA (Cantab)

Headmaster