Lowewood Academy

Lady Jessica Fawcett, Upper Sixth, Head Girl and House Captain, Dashwood House
Jessica Fawcett, in addition to being a former ‘Endowed Girl’ at Lowewood is the adopted daughter of The Marquess of Bathwick, Lord Fawcett, chairman of the Lowewood governors. Tragically orphaned at 10 by a runaway sheep, she was initially taken in by a business partner of her father’s who immediately sent her to Lowewood, with the idea being ‘out of sight – out of mind’.  Since her guardian’s death in mysterious circumstances in 2007, Lord Fawcett, a generous benefactor and philanthropist first became her new guardian, then, in happy circumstances, adopted her in February 2008.

Despite having an excellent brain and artistic talents, Jessica’s wild streak was an impediment to getting on at Lowewood and she was by far from being a model pupil. However, with Lord Fawcett’s stern encouragement, Jessica knuckled down and finally found her metier, excelling academically and in the dramatic arts. This, coupled with her generous nature lead to her appointment as Head Girl, despite her humble origins, proving the true meritocractic nature of Lowewood Academy. Much to her surprise. And everyone else’s.

Jessica or Jess is best friends with Lady Elizabeth Somerton, the former Lowewood Games Captain and Sylvie Barnable, former editor of the school newspaper. Although not a natural autocrat she was determined to continue the fine traditions of Dashwood House and to encourage its participants to sparkle in every way.

Jessica has begun her first year at Yale University and is also planning her wedding to Richard Farthingdale – with the help of her Father, Lord Fawcett

Email Jessica at Jessica@lowewood-academy.co.uk

Lady Elizabeth Somerton, Upper Sixth, Games Captain, Dashwood House
Lowewood considered it to be a great catch when the Marquess of Sale decided to send his only daughter, Elizabeth, to join its sixth form in 2006.  Having been educated closer to home until then, at the rather alarmingly liberal Charnforth College (where, unbelievably, corporal punishment had been phased out!), the good Marquess was given to believe that it was not an environment in which she had thrived.  A change of scenery was called for when she reached the rigours of her advanced studies, and the Marquess’ enquiries led to a most enlightening meeting with Lowewood’s esteemed Headmaster, Mr Shaftebotham.  Clearly these two gentlemen understood one another very well, and Elizabeth was enrolled forthwith.

Elizabeth herself proved to be considerably less enthused than her father about this disruption to her comfortable life.  Known as Beth to her friends (she hates Elizabeth, the use of which automatically makes her feel naughty), she fitted in well socially and quickly became very close to Jessica Davies, her room-mate in Dashwood during the lower sixth.  Generally bright and a quick learner (except for her mental block over physics!), she has nonetheless been rather too easily diverted from lessons by more interesting activities (like boys) and proved harder to tame than Mr Shaftebotham would have liked, requiring regular and sometimes severe discipline throughout her first year at Lowewood.

However, Beth thrived under Lowewood’s regime, particularly its keenness (some would say obsession) with team sports.  During the lower sixth she gained her school colours in hockey, lacrosse, netball, the equestrian team, athletics and tennis, and was named as Lowewood Games Captain.  Only the most churlish of observers could speculate that this was due to the Marquess’ donation to build and equip the new school rowing club, his daughter’s brainchild and pet project for her final year.  Being Games Captain also confered on Beth the status of prefect, so she found behaving well and setting a good example more important than ever.

Beth displayed a healthy interest in the young men of Lowewood during her time there – perhaps a result of growing up with three older brothers.  Her clandestine affair with the English master, Mr Croft, remains secret from all bar Jess.

Beth has gone up to Cambridge University and continues to pursue her dual passions for rowing and Alex Swinton there.

Email Beth at Beth@lowewood-academy.co.uk

Sylvie Barnable, Upper Sixth, Prefect, Dashwood House
Sylvie Barnable got a shock of her life when her guardian announced that she was going away to boarding school. Tragically orphaned after her parents were struck by lightning, she had been taken in by a distant relative of her father’s, who neither knew, nor strived to find out anything about raising girls. He was completely duped by Sylvie’s tale of the horrors of her previous school, and, not wishing to traumatise the poor child, allowed her to be home-tutored. 

However, even the most benevolent and clueless of guardians could not have failed to notice that despite the most careful choice of tutors and unlimited resources, the girl was growing up spoiled and unruly. Luckily - or, from Sylvie’s point of view, unfortunately - her guardian found the late Mr Barnable’s correspondence with his old school chum Lord Fawcett. It appeared, before the lightning had struck, Sylvie’s father had intended to send the girl off to Lowewood, which appeared to have a regime ideally suited to meet her educational and disciplinary needs. Neither tears, nor impeccable behaviour for 48 hours at a time didn’t sway Sylvie’s guardian, and off she went to Lowewood Academy.

Although you wouldn’t know it from her behaviour, Sylvie enjoys an intellectual challenge. She hopes that if she gets good grades, she will get to go home, back to the life of luxury. However, having never had to do what she was told, she has a real problem with authority. In her first three weeks in Lowewood she has managed to earn a punishment from each member of staff except the caretaker. To her knowledge, this has set a record, and she consoles herself with this fact when her bottom gets particularly sore.

Sylvie is beginning her journalistic career with a stint on The Times.

Email: Sylvie@lowewood-academy.co.uk

Robert Trelawne, Upper Sixth, Deputy House Captain, Dashwood House
Born in Truro, Robert is the son of Hugh and Geraldine Trelawne. When he was 7, his parents moved to Africa where they have set up a successful safari holiday company. Robert remained in England, as Hugh is a firm believer in the quality of British education. Having been at boarding school for the majority of his life, Robert has become fiercely independent and resourceful – in fact he usually only sees his parents at Christmas. He knows all the ‘tricks of the trade’ and likes to enjoy a comfortable, stress free life. Although not a disruptive person, he doesn’t care much for rules – as he constantly proves by being caught smoking in the shrubbery. He’s a valuable member of Lowewood’s rugby team, and in the summer of 2007 also managed to break into the cricket team. He receives a decent allowance from his parents (enough for him to be able to keep a small flat in St Ives, where he spends most of his holidays), and although he does not come from a family of aristocrats, his humour and general good nature make him a popular member of the school community.
Robert has moved into professional rugby – catch him on the telly!
Email Robert at Robert@lowewood-academy.co.uk

Joshua Bradley – Upper Sixth, Prefect, Dashwood House
Josh (only his mother calls him Joshua) came straight into the upper sixth at Lowewood and for just a single term.  This unusual state of affairs came about due to the sudden closure of Westwood Grange, his previous school.   It seems there has been a financial crisis at Westwood not unconnected to the sudden disappearance of the school bursar – rumoured to have fled to South America.

With a September birthday Josh is one of the oldest in his year group. His dark hair and ever-present five o’clock shadow give him a look that belies his eighteen years.  He finds it very easy to pass for someone a whole lot older and is not afraid to use this to his advantage. He stands just over six feet tall and would make a fine member of the rugby team were it not for the fact that he despises all sport.  He cultivates a deliberately laid back style, slouching around in black leather jacket and shades when he can.   His main interests in life are obscure rock bands, women and alcohol (in that order).  Despite appearances, he is no fool academically, consistently getting good marks whilst seemingly putting in zero effort.   At Westwood, to his surprise, he was made Deputy Head Boy (the fact that Josh’s father is Bishop of Lincoln may have had something to do with it, but that is a piece of information that Josh keeps very close to his chest.)

He was somewhat bemused to find himself at what was, to all intents and purposes, a girls’ school but is keen to make the most of the opportunities it presents.

Josh is studying Human Biology at Durham University.

Email Josh at Joshua@lowewood-academy.co.uk

Richard Edward Farthingdale, Former Head Boy and House Captain of Dashwood House
First son of Lord Gregory Farthingdale of Staffordshire, Richard had risen to the position of Head Boy at Lowewood Academy. He excelled in all aspects of Academy life, his academic performance only matched by his ability on the sports field. Richard’s all round ability, combined his impeccable family background led to him being given rights, powers and privileges that no previous Head Boy has been allowed (though those with a suspicious nature believe that this may have more to do with the fact that Lord Fawcett, the Academy patron, and Lord Farthingdale are both members of certain notorious gentlemen’s establishments for which Richard himself is now a member). Richard was very much ‘the eyes on the ground’ for Mr Shaftebotham and, along with the other prefects, had the authority to administer ‘reasonable’ levels of corporal punishment to other pupils. It should not be thought, however, that Richard was a teacher’s pet - he’s was quite happy to bend and break rules himself, and had no reservations about exceeding his authority when he knew he was able to get away with it. Many of the female pupils of the Academy believed that Richard’s appetite for administering corporal punishment is unusually high….

Richard is taking some time out from his history degree as Entertainments Manager on the good ship Carolina and planning his wedding. Without his mother’s help.

Email Richard at Richard@lowewood-academy.co.uk

Jason Oak, Former Games Captain and Deputy House Captain, Dashwood House
Jason Oak (Jay to his many friends) comes from the leafy English Home Counties and a family richer in talent than wealth. Raised overlooking the celebrated cricket green on Ladybower Common, Suffolk, the game is as important to him as it was to his father, his father’s father and selected other male members of his long and occasionally distinguished patriarchal line. Many of these old Oaks spent their schooldays at Lowewood and the family’s name can be found on much of the silverware in the school’s sparkling trophy cabinet. (It might even be true to say that there are more Oaks on cups than Farthingdales, but rarely does either boy feel the need to raise this fact).

Jay’s passion for the fair game is matched only be his interest in the fairer sex, an interest which – when the time and the female in question are right – he follows up with a quiet but graceful ease. The exact nature and numbers of his “conquests” are unclear; only a fool would take Lowewood gossip seriously. But it is hard not to believe some of the more persistent rumours that circulate – including the one about him and Madame Couchette.

Although generally thought of as a good natured kind of young man, any biographer worthy of their name would be remiss not to mention a peculiarity of the young man’s character; that is, a certain fondness for the female bottom and a love of the sound of leather on buttocks, to match his love for the sound of leather on willow

Jason has taken up residence in a commune in Peru.

Email Jason at Jason@Lowewood-academy.co.uk