CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME TO THE TEAM
This staff handbook provides essential information to support you as you prepare to join the Wetherby Pembridge team and throughout those all-important first few weeks.
HEADMASTER’S WELCOME MESSAGE
I am delighted to be welcoming you all to Wetherby Pembridge. I have greatly enjoyed meeting each one of you during the recruitment process and I am very much looking forward to working with you, as we continue our journey to build this extraordinary school together.
We will begin the 2026-27 academic year with a little under 200 students, spread across two classes in Y7, three in Y8, three in Y9 and three in Y10. We continue to be really pleased with the calibre of student applicants that we have seen, and plan gradually to grow the School to its capacity of just under 500 students over the coming years All families have recently received a copy of the Welcome Pack [click here to download a copy] as they look ahead to joining us in September I hope that you will find that information, along with the content of this booklet, helpful as you get ready to join us in Emberton House this autumn
We recently welcomed an inspection team from Ofsted, who carried out a full inspection of the school against the new government framework. Inspection by Ofsted is a requirement for any new school in its first year of operation, and this was a welcome opportunity both to demonstrate and to celebrate all that has been achieved here in the space of just a few months. The inspectors commented in particular on the pride taken by students and staff alike in their school, and on the strong sense of identity felt by the Wetherby Pembridge community. I am excited for you to experience that culture for yourself as you join our team and get to know our bright, articulate and talented students and our extraordinarily gifted staff team
I am very much looking forward to seeing you all again at the pre-induction day for new staff, and to welcoming you formally to the team at the new staff INSET at the end of the summer break In the meantime, should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to be in touch at any stage
With every best wish, Nick Page
ABOUT US
HEADMASTER
SENIOR DEPUTY HEAD
DEPUTY HEAD (PASTORAL)
HOUSEMASTER (SOCRATES); DIRECTOR OF SPORT
HOUSEMASTER (SMYTH); DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS
HOUSEMASTER (MLK); HEAD OF LANGUAGES AND PHSE
HOUSEMASTER (CURIE); HEAD OF SCIENCE
HEAD OF MATHS
HEAD OF MUSIC AND PARTNERSHIPS LEAD
HEAD OF LEARNING SUPPORT AND INCLUSION
HEAD OF ENGLISH
HEAD OF HUMANITIES
HEAD OF CREATIVE ARTS
HEAD OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
TEACHER OF LATIN
TEACHER OF FRENCH AND SPANISH
TEACHER OF HUMANITIES
TEACHER OF BIOLOGY
TEACHER OF ENGLISH
TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS
TEACHER OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
TEACHER OF GERMAN
TEACHER OF MATHS AND PHYSICS
HEAD OF ADMISSIONS
PA TO THE HEADMASTER, EVC AND SCHOOL SYSTEMS MANAGER
SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
OPERATIONS AND LETTINGS MANAGER
PREMISES MANAGER
TECHNICAL THEATRE MANAGER
SCHOOL LIBRARIAN
Nick Page*
James Mower*
Oliver Calmonson*
Evie Harrison
Carla Graves
Barnaby Findlay
Matt Staniford
Anthony Lee
Christopher Head
Michelle Copeland
Nicola Ford
Isla Neilson
Amy Owens
Kunal Patel
Juliette Wise
Camille Girardot
Henry LeJeune
Emma Faire
Danielle Mulhearn
Joseph Eno
Oliver Bone
Vicky Dribusch
Robbie Bird
Michaela Doan-Tran
Hannah Tunstall
Elliott Whysall
Yann Kerneis
Antonio Torres
Reece Baskett
Kitty Shaw
OUR VALUES
Our values define what it means to be part of our school community – whether as staff, students, parents, or alumni. They guide our decisions, inspire us to be our best selves, and shape the unique culture that underpins everything we do These shared values are central to our offering, helping us cultivate a strong, connected community and prepare our students to become the leaders of tomorrow
At Wetherby Pembridge, our values are:
KINDNESS
This means:
Putting others before ourselves
Keeping empathy and consideration for others at the forefront of every interaction
Actively seeking ways to make others’ lives better
Doing the right thing, even when it is hard
Actively building positive relationships that help us all, jointly, to thrive
RESPECT
This means:
Treating others as we would wish to be treated ourselves
Remaining polite and constructive in all of our interactions, even when we may disagree or feel frustrated
Keeping integrity and humility at the heart of our actions
Remembering that embracing diversity makes us, collectively, stronger
RESILIENCE
This means:
Accepting that we make mistakes and that things do not always go according to plan, but that we pick ourselves up and try again
Having the courage to challenge adversity and take risks even when we may fail
Seeing failure as a learning tool, teaching us to adapt and find new ways to succeed
AMBITION
This means:
Never being content with staying in our comfort zone
Seeking constantly to grow and develop to be the best version of ourselves
Seeking to bring out the best in others
SCHOOL SITES & FACILITIES
The School has two sites: Emberton House, our stunning, purpose-built school building located in the heart of the Olympia redevelopment, where all teaching and learning takes place, as well as much of the co-curriculum; and Wetherby Pembridge Sports Ground (WPSG), which is ten minutes away at Wood Lane and provides superb outdoor sports facilities for our Games and PE programmes All students take part in Games at WPSG, and travel there and back by coach under
CAMPUS FACILITIES
Emberton House provides the very latest specialist facilities for teaching and learning The building offers a light-filled, warm and welcoming environment that supports and encourages our joyful approach to school life Teaching areas are airy and spacious, while our wider facilities – including the theatre and sports floor – offer outstanding spaces designed to support our rich co-curricular programme Communal areas feature calm, inviting spaces for informal interaction and private study, while our striking dining hall opens directly onto a spacious terrace, providing outdoor access without leaving the building
STAFF GYM ACCESS
Staff have free access to the school’ s full-floor gym, located at the top of the building, every weekday from 5:00-7:00pm The gym features a Techno Gym cardio area, a full weights section, and an open-plan space for stretching and functional mobility
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
The School benefits from excellent public transport links. Kensington Olympia overground station is immediately outside Emberton House, while Baron’ s Court, West Kensington and Hammersmith underground stations are all within a short walk Several bus routes, including the 9, 27, and 28, also stop nearby
For staff wishing to cycle to School, we have an ample supply of bike racks on site, and there are changing facilities are provided on site Please note that there is no parking available at Wetherby Pembridge and, in line with our commitment to sustainability, staff are asked not to drive to school
STAFF INDUCTION
INSET AND INDUCTION
An induction INSET day for new staff will take place on Thursday, 27th August, and whole staff INSET will take place the week following, on Tuesday 1st September and Wednesday 2nd September. Please arrive at Emberton House in time for a prompt 9:00am start in the Library. Refreshments will be available from 8:30am
A detailed schedule will be circulated nearer the time. Please rest assured that these sessions will cover everything you need to know to be fully prepared for the first day of term (Thursday, 3rd September), including annual Safeguarding training for all staff
The induction will also include full training on our bespoke teaching and learning platform, the Inspired Global Study Platform (IGSP), with dedicated time to explore the system and begin populating your subject areas with curriculum maps, lesson materials, and more
We are holding a pre-induction session for all new staff who are able to attend at on Thursday, 2nd July, at Wetherby Pembridge, Emberton House, London, W14 8UX. You should have received an email inviting you to this event - thank you to those of you who have already replied.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This will be a valuable opportunity for you to meet staff, students and one another ahead of the formal start of term, to cover some important administrative matters, and to discuss key topics as we prepare to welcome our cohort of students in September
The formal part of the day will conclude around 4pm, after which you are warmly invited to join us for drinks nearby
HR DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Those attending in person are kindly asked to bring the following documentation if you have not done so already, so that HR can complete the remaining checks ahead of your start with us this autumn:
» 2 forms of ID (including right to work - e.g. passport and driving licence)
» Proof of address (e g bank statement/council tax bill)
» Any qualification certificates (e g degree certificates)
» Overseas police check documents, if applicable
Please note: Only original documents can be accepted copies are not valid
More details on acceptable documents can be found under Point 7 (‘The 2 Route ID Checking Process’) on the GOV UK site:
Basic check ID checking guidelines from 22 April 2025 - GOV.UK
SCHOOL DETAILS
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Our academic curriculum is purposefully broad, blending traditional academic rigour with the latest educational technology This approach ensures all students, regardless of their future specialism, graduate with a strong foundation in Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, and the Arts.
All students in the Lower School (Years 7 and 8) study Maths, English, Science, Geography, History, TPR (Theology, Philosophy & Religion), Computer Science, Music, Art, Drama, PE, two Modern Languages from German, French and Spanish, in addition to either Latin or Classical Civilisation Students also have a full afternoon of Games each week and follow a timetabled course in PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education)
From Year 9, students continue with most core subjects, with Science taught as separate disciplines – Physics, Chemistry and Biology They also choose two languages from French, German, Spanish, and Latin, with the requirement to continue at least one modern language through to GCSE.
SHAPE OF THE WEEK AND DAILY ROUTINE
The school day begins with Tutor time each day at 8:15am; staff should arrive at School by 8:00am. There are six 55-minute lessons each day, with a mid-morning break and just over an hour for lunch Many academic societies and music and drama rehearsals take place during the lunch break, and clubs and activities run from 4:00 to 5:00pm each day
LESSON TIMINGS
8:15 - 8:35am
8:40 - 9:35am
9:40 - 10:35am
10:35 - 11:00am
11:00 - 11:55am
12:00 - 12:55pm
12:55 - 2:00pm
2:00 - 2:55pm
3:00 - 3:55pm
4:00 - 5:00pm
ASSEMBLIES
TUTOR PERIOD
PERIOD 1
PERIOD 2 BREAK
PERIOD 3
PERIOD 4 LUNCH
PERIOD 5
PERIOD 6
ACTIVITIES
Period 1 on Mondays is devoted to a whole-school assembly, during which we gather as a community to hear news and updates, celebrate achievements, look ahead to upcoming events and reflect on our values and on matters of the moment House assemblies take place on a rotating basis across the week and occur in the Tutor period.
CLASSROOMS
To make the most efficient use of the building, teaching staff do not typically ‘ own ’ a specific classroom While we will make every effort to schedule all of an individual staff member’ s lessons in the same room whenever possible, please note that the room may be used by more than one teacher Staff offices and hot-desking spaces are provided throughout the building for staff to work outside of their timetabled lessons
DEVICES AND SCHOOL SYSTEMS
We are a Microsoft school, and all staff are provided with a Microsoft Surface device for teaching and administration Devices will be distributed at the start of the induction period ahead of the Autumn Term
All incoming staff will be set up with school email and Office 365 accounts Our core platforms include iSAMS and Microsoft Teams for school administration. All teaching and learning will be managed via the Inspired Global Study Platform (IGSP), as outlined above.
CYCLE TESTING
Cycle Tests are utilised across the Inspired group of schools and have been hugely successful in improving student outcomes They run on the principle of ‘spaced retrieval practice’ , which suggests that students learn best when they are revising and recalling little and often Every Monday, our students have a scheduled Cycle Test slot A timetable of all Cycle Tests, for all year groups, is published at the start of the year – as well as Assessment Planners showing students what they will be assessed on Following the Cycle Test, teachers provide students with a grade, accompanied by a full feedback lesson known as CRAFT (Correction, Reflection and Acting on Feedback Time) CRAFT lessons encourage students to engage in metacognition, while also giving them opportunities to learn from mark schemes and model answers. These lessons enable students to close the gaps in their learning, thus facilitating further progress and increasing attainment.
STAFF LUNCH OPTIONS
School lunch is provided free of charge to all staff during term time Our excellent caterers serve a hot, nutritious lunch every day, offering a choice of main courses, vegetarian options, salads, bread, and soup
Please note that Wetherby Pembridge is a nut-free school As such, no food or snacks containing nuts should be brought onto the premises at any time
STAFF DRESS CODE
Wetherby Pembridge maintains a formal environment, and our dress code reflects this, aligning with the uniform we expect all our students to wear with pride The standard dress code for all
also worn on formal occasions, including the whole-school Assembly on Monday mornings and other significant school events throughout the year
SPORTS KIT
Most teaching staff also contribute to the Games programme to some extent, and all are involved in leading or supporting co-curricular Clubs and Activities To this end, all staff are provided with a school-branded sports kit. This information sheet outlines the available items within the range, along with the supplier’ s sizing guide Each staff member will receive: 2 tops (long- or shortsleeved), 2 bottoms (shorts or long trousers), 1 warm layer, and 1 coat
Please complete this form with your item selections and sizes by 8th July 2026.
SCHOOLCALENDAR
TERMDATES
Relevant term dates for the coming academic year are published on our website: School Calendar | Wetherby Pembridge
DATES TONOTE
The School Calendar, which includes details of all activities outside the standard daily timetable, is currently being finalised for the upcoming academic year However, please note the following important dates for your diaries:
Tutor Meetings:
» Thursday, 17thSeptember, 5:15-6:15pm
AutumnTermOpenDays:
» Friday, 25thSeptember
» Friday, 9th October
AdmissionsAssessments Days*:
» Saturday, 21thNovember2026, 8:30am-4:30pm
» Saturday, 16thJanuary 2027, 9:00am-4:00pm
» Saturday, 23thJanuary 2027, 9:00am-4:00pm
» neededfor student interviewsoneachoccasion
Wednesday, 24thand Thursday, 25thFebruary2027, 6:00–7:30pm
NOMENCLATURE
Teaching staff at Wetherby Pembridge areidentified in school communications, notices, and related materials by their initials Please send an email to Hannah and she will compile a list for reference with your full initials,
CODEOFCONDUCT
Inspired operates a group-wide Code of Conduct for all staff across its schools around the world
This is to ensure that all staff recognise, understand and adhereto the high standards that define all Inspired schools You can access the Code of Conduct here, along with several other groupwide policies that we encourage you to review
Alongside the academic life of the school and outstanding pastoral care, theco-curriculum, which includes sport, performing and creative arts, trips, clubs and activities, is fundamental to developing the well-rounded, ambitious, resilient and adaptable people we seek tosend out into the world
SPORT
Sport is, along with Academics and Creative & Performing Arts, one ofthe three fundamental pillars of a Wetherby Pembridge education All students take part in sportforat least four hours per week, and many will do significantly more
The core sport offering is split between curricular PEand the Games programme Most full-time teaching staff are involved in the deliveryof the Games programme, led by the Director of Sport and supported by external specialist coaches You should expect, therefore, tosee Games on your timetable Please do not worry if you do not have significant previous experience of involvement in school sport; all necessary training and support will beprovided
If you would like to supervise or coach a particular sport in which you have an interest or expertise, please let Evie Harrison know at your earliest convenience
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
The Clubs and Activities programme runs from4:00 to 5:00pm each day after schooland offers a broad range of enrichment opportunities forour students Activities span sporting, cultural and academic spheres (e g Fencing, Judo, Debating, MUN, Chess, Musical Theatre, among others). Some are overseen and delivered by school staff, while othersaredelivered via external specialist providers
Full-time staff ordinarily oversee or deliver a club or activity on two days each week*. This might involve delivering the same activity twice a week, or two different activities onceeach per week Please give some thought to which club(s) or activity(ies) you may wish to offer in 2026-27, and let Evie Harrison know in the first instance, ideally by the end of the summer term
*Part-time staff typically run or help with clubs or activities on a number of occasions corresponding to their FTE commitment.
PROPOSALS FOR TRIPS AND VISITS
A varied and engaging programme of trips and visits, whether academic, cultural or sporting, is an essential element of our wider curriculum Our enviable locationin the centre of London means that many visits, such as museum trips, external lectures, galleryvisits, etc., can be planned on a relatively ad hoc basis as we construct the calendar for each term.
For more ambitious or extended trips, however, and particularly those involving an overnight stay and/or travel abroad, a longer timescale and more detailed planning procedures will naturally apply. In the 2026-27 academic year, we arekeen to offer at least one ski trip, a sports-related tour, and a cultural trip (e g., musical tour, language study trip, etc.) as a minimum If youare interested in organising and leading any of these trips in the coming academic year, please email Hannah Tunstall in the first instance to discuss.
SUMMARY OF REQUESTED ACTIONS AND DEADLINES
»
Confirm availability to attend pre-induction on 2nd July.
Email your full initials to Hannah Tunstall for internal communications reference
Bring documents for HR checks to the pre-induction on 2nd July or contact Victoria Whitehouse in HR to make alternative arrangements if you are unable to attend
Let Evie Harrison know if you would like to coach and/or supervise a particular sport
Inform Evie Harrison of the club(s) or activity(ies) you would like to offer for 2026–27
Email Hannah Tunstall if you are interested in organising or leading a trip during the coming academic year.
Thank you for your attention to these details. We look forward to welcoming you to Wetherby Pembridge!
