Everyone associated with Pinewood School was deeply saddened to hear of the recent death of our former Chairman of Governors, Peter Lapping. Our thoughts are very much with his wife, Diana, and the Lapping family.
Peter was a very capable, wise, experienced and warm-hearted man. Born in India and brought up in South Africa, he went to Lincoln College, Oxford and taught at Reed’s, Cobham and Loretto, where he also became a housemaster. He went on to be Headmaster at Shiplake, before taking over as Head at Sherborne School in 1988 until 2000.
Following his retirement and the decision to live locally, Pinewood was very fortunate to attract Peter to the school as Chairman of Governors from 2001 until 2012, and his role in the development of the school into the Pinewood of today should not be understated.
In 2002 he helped to appoint Philip Hoyland as Headmaster. Working closely with Philip and his wife, Henrietta, Peter threw his support behind the Head’s vision for the school, and was instrumental in working to improve the facilities and grow the reputation of the school.
Peter was a very able Chairman, who knew the importance of good governance. He introduced a committee structure so that governors had clearer roles and responsibilities, aligned to their areas of expertise. He governed very much by consensus and was prepared to make difficult decisions.
When not at Pinewood, Peter had a great love for cricket and he was often seen at the first day of the Test Match at Lord’s. He was a very accomplished player himself, especially for the Cryptics Cricket Club. He recounted many cricket anecdotes and often described educational difficulties in cricketing terms!
We give enormous thanks to him for all that he contributed to Pinewood – the strength of the school today is helped enormously by the foundations established during his Chairmanship.
Robin Badham-Thornhill (Chairman of Governors)
Uncategorised
As we close 2025, Pinewood School celebrates not just another successful year, but an absolutely remarkable milestone, our 150th anniversary. A year of exceptional achievements, joyous celebrations, and unmistakable Pinewood spirit have made this anniversary year one we will remember for generations.
Uncategorised
Outdoor learning represents more than fresh air and exercise. It is about developing confident, capable young people who understand what they are actually capable of.
Uncategorised
We are thrilled to announce that Pinewood has been chosen as a Finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2025, in the category Pre-Prep School of the Year.
