Aspire Endeavour Achieve Charles Darwin School
A school with good morals and standards.
Year 7 parent
Welcome
It is with the greatest pleasure that I welcome you to Charles Darwin School. I hope you enjoy reading this prospectus and finding out more about us.
We are proud to be a truly comprehensive school, where all students are valued, supported, and inspired.
Charles Darwin School is a creative and dynamic school where our students flourish and succeed. Above all we want our students to enjoy their learning experiences and to leave with the skills, values, and memories that will stay with them, and equip them throughout their adult lives.
We have calm, positive and engaging learning environments. Our high expectations of students and their attitudes to learning combined with a strong pastoral system, ensures our students are in a positive and productive learning environment.
Learning at Charles Darwin extends beyond the classroom. We actively encourage and support students to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, activities, trips, competitions, and charity work.
The breadth of our curriculum offers students the greatest choice and opportunity for personalising their studies, allowing them to pursue their passions and achieve to the highest standards.
We believe all our students have talent, and everyone can succeed. This is one of the many reasons Charles Darwin School is a school of choice and one that is so successful.
Aston Smith Headteacher
Aspire Endeavour Achieve
Our values of Aspire, Endeavour, Achieve are embedded in all aspects of school life. They are pro-actively taught and celebrated at every opportunity.
Aspire
We believe there is no limit to what our students can achieve. We nurture aspiration by promoting self-belief, encouraging every student to aim high and develop strong character alongside academic excellence. Through daily school life, students are supported to discover their talents and fulfil their potential in all areas, from examinations to school productions, sports, and community involvement.
Endeavour
We value endeavour and teach the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and personal ambition. Our students are challenged to try their best in everything they do, knowing that progress comes from effort. Staff work closely with families to build a culture of continuous improvement, high expectations, and mutual support.
Achieve
Achievement is not measured by grades alone. High aspirations drive our students to aim beyond the expected, while endeavour ensures they put in the effort to get there. Success comes in many forms – academic progress, personal development, confidence, and resilience. Through a rich and balanced education, students develop independence and strength of character. By the time our students leave us, they are not only well prepared academically but ready to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world. They reflect Darwin’s belief that adaptability, combined with determination, leads to lasting success.
Teachers are very committed to helping my child achieve her potential.
Year 11 parent
Great teachers with effective teaching methods for all abilities.
Year 10 parent
Our Curriculum
At Charles Darwin School, our students benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum that supports both academic achievement and personal development. Full details can be found on our website.
We are proud to be part of the Inicio Educational Trust, and we work closely with our family of schools to support each other in ensuring the very best curriculum, with highquality teaching and learning. Our curriculum provides all students with the opportunity to learn through engagement in a broad range of academic, creative and practical subjects.
At Key Stage 4 and in the Sixth Form, students are encouraged to personalise their learning by selecting courses that reflect their interests, strengths, and aspirations. We provide guidance and support to help them make informed choices at each transition point.
At Key stage 3 our students study a broad range of subjects, including discrete lessons in Performing and Visual Arts.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure every student develops a strong sense of self-worth, a determined and disciplined approach to learning, and the confidence to pursue their goals.
Extra Curricular & Enrichment
We offer an engaging enrichment programme with a wide range of extra-curricular activities available to all students. These opportunities are designed to grow cultural capital, boost confidence, and support personal development beyond the classroom.
Our state of the art 3G pitch supports an extensive sports programme, while theatre trips, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and other cultural experiences further enrich student life.
There is something for everyone in our extra-curricular offer, and we welcome student input when launching new clubs and activities tailored to their interests.
We encourage every student to take part in at least one activity each week to support their personal growth, develop new skills, and build friendships.
Learning outside the classroom takes place both locally and internationally - from exploring the surrounding countryside and visiting local businesses like Biggin Hill Airport, to school trips abroad to destinations such as Iceland, Germany, France, and Austria.
Pastoral Care
Charles Darwin School offers a warm, welcoming environment built on strong pastoral care. Each year group has a member of the senior leadership team assigned to it, alongside a Pastoral Manager and an Achievement Co-ordinator, to ensure the highest levels of pastoral support.
Students are placed in tutor groups with a form tutor who they see twice a day. The form tutor works as the first link with families regarding a child’s day to day school life.
We are able to provide a school counselling service for our students through our experienced team of counsellors. Opportunities for mindfulness, drama therapy, mentoring via adults or trained peer mentors and our very own wellbeing dog, provide comprehensive opportunities for in school support should it be needed.
Personal Development
The Personal Development programme develops students’ thinking around healthy lifestyle choices, keeping safe, looking after mental health, as well as education on relationships and internet safety. Year teams have a Student Voice Council and representatives on the School Council to consider their views in decisions which impact them. They also lead on charity events across the school. Further leadership opportunities come via the elected prefect and senior prefect teams. Students engage in a wide range of experiences to develop character, through reflection, expand their global awareness, develop a strong moral compass and learn to communicate on the journey from child to adult.
Children feel supported and motivated.
Year 8 parent
Sixth form has helped me grow in confidence, take on new challenges and prepare for life beyond school.
Year 13 Student
Sixth Form
Charles Darwin Sixth Form is a vibrant, inclusive community where academic excellence, personal growth, and student wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
We offer a broad range of A Level and vocational courses, allowing students to tailor their education to suit individual strengths and aspirations. With smaller class sizes, and a supportive pastoral team, we foster a nurturing environment focused on wellbeing, character development, and mutual respect. Students benefit from enrichment opportunities, mentoring, and dedicated guidance for university, apprenticeships, or employment. Beyond the classroom, a rich programme of social events, leadership activities, and team-building experiences ensures a balanced and fulfilling Sixth Form journey.
The
support from teachers and the sense of community here have made my
transition into sixth form really positive and enjoyable.
Year 12 Student
Transition & Induction
Students joining us from primary school are supported by a dedicated and experienced Year 7 team.
Before transfer from primary to secondary school, we work closely with primary schools to ensure each student is placed in a setting that best supports their individual development. Our aim is to provide a smooth and positive transition for every child.
Our Open Day and Open Week offer families a valuable opportunity to visit the school, meet staff, and experience our learning environment before applying. As we are often oversubscribed, we strongly recommend listing us as your first-choice school when applying for Year 7.
Our popular induction programme in the summer term includes:
Individual Induction Meetings
with every family, conducted by a senior member of staff or a member of the Year 7 pastoral team.
Singles Day
for pupils coming from primary schools without peers, this day provides a chance to enjoy taster lessons and meet fellow new Year 7s.
Summer School
a programme of enrichment activities held on-site during the holiday, designed to help students meet staff and form new friendships.
In September, our Ready to Learn induction programme continues to support pupils, helping them settle quickly and confidently into secondary school life.
We warmly invite you to attend our Open Day and Open Week, and we encourage you to book a personal tour to see what makes our school special.
If you are joining us into another year group you will benefit from a personalised supported integration through our pastoral team.
