Prospectus 2023-2024

Prospectus

Academic Year 2023-2024

"The origin of Wellingborough School has been attributed officially to the Year 1595; though both Bridges the historian of the county and Carlisle the historian of schools have suggested, without showing, an earlier origin, which is in fact certain."

Welc A very warm

C o n t e n t s

Headmaster Welcome from the

Wellingborough School has a proud tradition of educating girls and boys from Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties, and today teaches more than 850 pupils aged 3 to 18. Comprising a Nursery and Prep School (3-11 years), a Senior School and Sixth Form (11-18), we offer a complete education which places the interests of the individual child at its centre

We hope this prospectus will give you an insight into the Wellingborough School way, but it can only scratch the surface of the amazing opportunities that are on offer every day

We urge you to visit us with your family and learn first-hand how we can equip your son or daughter with the confidence, qualifications, resilience and commitment to be successful in life

We look forward to welcoming you to our School

Andrew Holman Headmaster

ISI Report

March2022

In March 2022, Wellingborough School was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the body approved by the Government for the inspection of independent schools Inspections take place roughly every six years, and allow an opportunity for the school to be scrutinised in considerable depth

Pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding develop to a high level as they move through the school

Pupils are highly successful in a range of activities, especially in sport, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), music and drama

Pupils are highly eloquent and articulate, confidently expressing their views in and out of the classroom

Pupils of all ages, including those with SEND and EAL, make significant progress from their starting points

Pupils develop and display strong leadership, teamwork and resilience as they progress through the school

Pupils' spiritual understanding and appreciation of the non-material aspects of life are excellent

Pupils show extremely high levels of respect for one another and celebrate the diversity within the school community

Pupils have a mature understanding of right and wrong and readily take responsibility for their own behaviour

“ The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent ”

“ The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent ”

Our Values

At Wellingborough School we provide children and young adults with a world of opportunity. We aim to nurture pupils throughout their education, empowering them with the aptitude and tools to be life-long learners who are passionate to develop their knowledge and are unafraid of rising to new challenges

Excellence Independence

Empathy Dynamism Inclusivity

Learning and teaching are at the heart of our provision, and across the schools, our dedicated and specialist teachers are devoted to getting the best out of pupils We are firmly focused on the future of our pupils and seek to equip them with the skills and qualifications they will need to achieve their dreams beyond school, whether at university or in their chosen vocation Complementing our robust academic provision is an extensive co-curricular programme which develops a rounded character and allows pupils to follow their own interests, whether in drama or on the sports field

Our History

Originally founded in 1595 as a boys' school

1595 1619 1881

The School moved to its present site in 1881, and grew rapidly under the Headmastership of Dr Henry Platt

1979

The School began to admit girls in the 1970's and became fully coeducational in 1979

The impressive school building, constructed in 1619, can still be seen in the town centre today

1913

The Preparatory School, was established in 1913 The following years saw the introduction of the House and Club systems

2022

Present Day.

Project Copernicus

Well Built - 30 Year Plan

Building the future, and keeping the past alive, are one and the same thing

Hideo Kojima

In late 2021 the Governors undertook a review of the preferred location for the School, almost 150 years after their predecessors had undertaken a similar exercise that saw the School move from its town centre location to the current site on London Road. The top-level outcome was that the School would remain on its current 55-acre site on London Road

Immediately after that decision was taken, the Governors took the opportunity to consider ways that the site should develop in order to sustain the margin of excellence that has distinguished a Wellingborough education for 425 years.

Click Here for our Project Copernicus Brochure

Head of Prep Welcome from the

As Head of Wellingborough Prep School, I am delighted to provide you with an insight into the fantastic activities and opportunities offered at the School

Whether this is your first experience of the School or if you have visited before, the ethos of the School is clear to see from our wonderful pupils and staff.

The following pages will give you a flavour of what to expect at the School, including the extensive range of opportunities available for pupils both inside and outside of the classroom. However, nothing can match the experience of actually visiting, seeing and feeling for yourself the friendly atmosphere and enthusiasm for learning that I believe pervades from the moment your child joins us.

I would be delighted to show you round and provide an opportunity for you to meet my colleagues and our pupils.

Katharine Owen Head of Prep School

The Prep School

Girls&Boysaged3to11

Our Lower Prep School lays down the foundations not just for a child’s time at Wellingborough School, but for a lifetime of learning We provide a stimulating environment supported by dedicated, specialist teachers, where children thrive and grow in character, responsibility and knowledge

In spacious, well-equipped classrooms, Nursery and Reception children are engaged through structured play and carefully co-ordinated activities. The children also benefit from a stimulating and secure outside area where they have the opportunity to develop essential social skills and a sense of independence

We are a forward-thinking school, keen to embrace the best in new ideas and technology From playing with programmable toys in the Nursery to more advanced app coding in Year 2, the children are well prepared for an increasingly digital world, but we are careful to ensure that the traditional subjects are embraced, too Exciting learning awaits in Science, Art, PE, Humanities and Mathematics classes, Spanish is introduced early, and ’cello or violin are played by all in Year 2

We know our children; with our small class sizes, we are quickly able to identify personal strengths and weaknesses at an early stage, ensuring each and every child is challenged, encouraged and supported to achieve their very best

Beyond the classroom, there are clubs and activities to suit all tastes, from gardening to cookery and multisports Learning in Lower Prep is fun and engaging, and the children are well prepared for the transition to the Upper Prep School

The Upper Prep School guides pupils through the growing challenges of their education, exposing them to more specialist teaching plus close monitoring and assessment This middle tier of schooling provides a smooth transition for pupils as they leave the Lower Prep School and prepare to advance into the exam years at the Senior School The size of the School ensures they are undaunted by new surroundings and able to focus on the increasing curriculum demands

As well as the core subjects of Mathematics, Science, English and French, Computing is taught throughout the Prep years, from basic programming to learning and applying some of the fundamental principles of computer science, such as logic and algorithms Drama and Music are a part of daily life at the School Our sport-for-all ethos allows pupils to take part in a range of individual and team games Visits to theatre productions, talks from renowned authors and the Science field trip to Kew Gardens, among many other trips, excite young imaginations and inspire pupils to want to learn more about their subjects Learning is also supported by the School’s first-class facilities, including an extensive sports provision, airy Art classrooms and a dedicated Music School.

Every pupil is assigned to a Club and the Club President oversees their pastoral care All pupils will also have a Form Tutor who will be the first contact for any pastoral or academic concerns Support inside the classroom and beyond is highly personalised Most important of all, the Upper Prep School is a happy and safe environment in which pupils thrive and look forward to returning to each day

My daughter has blossomed since joining the Prep School Opportunities in sport and music, and being nurtured in her studies by caring teachers, have instilled a new-found confidence in her and a love of going to school each day

Parent

Saying thank you doesn’t sound enough, when compared to the monumental amount of care and kindness shown to my daughter, not to mention the academic expertise, creativity, endless enthusiasm, passion and commitment

Parent

The Senior School

Girls&Boysaged11to16

Quality learning and teaching is continued in the Senior School, and pupils start to take ownership of their future as they make decisions about their curriculum Excellent facilities, such as the dedicated Art Building and the Music School, support pupil learning and enable dynamic teaching

Our Senior School comprises over 550 pupils from 11-18 years of age Pupils are organised into four boys’ and three girls’ Houses and follow GCSE and A level courses Well over 90% of our Upper Sixth pupils normally proceed to the leading English universities

Pupils of all ages set themselves realistic targets for improvement in their academic work and in their development of skills beyond the classroom, affirmed and supported by their teachers and tutors, who encourage them to be ambitious When given the opportunity, pupils love to take charge of their learning and to extend their knowledge

ISI Inspection, March 2022

CLASS SIZE OF 18 PUPILS

21 GCSE COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM

The Sixth Form

Age16-18Years

Welcome to Wellingborough Sixth Form, a vibrant, friendly and aspirational community where we develop the whole pupil in preparation for life beyond school

Academic work and success are central to this community and the over-riding ethos is that the pursuit of intellectual curiosity is both expected and encouraged in partnership with our experienced subject teachers

The Sixth Form offers a vast range of opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, enabling our pupils to be well equipped for the challenges that lie ahead

I look forward to meeting you and showing you what our outstanding Sixth Form has to offer

Mrs Baxby, Head of Sixth Form

The Sixth Form Centre

Our Brand New Sixth Form Centre is now Open

This September we saw the handover of the Sixth Form Centre and what a fantastic space this is This is a much anticipated build, and it has not disappointed The space looks amazing and allows the students to work in an environment which enables them to develop their independent study skills We look forward to inviting our parents and prospective students to view this space at our future events

Co-Curricular at Wellingborough School

Our Co-Curricular programme blends inside the classroom with outside the classroom and is an extremely important part of the life and ethos of Wellingborough School Pupils can choose from a wide variety of co-curricular activities, which aim to accommodate all abilities and most interests, at lunchtimes, after school and at weekends – so you can be sure to find something that suits you!

We offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award, from Bronze level through to Gold

Combined Cadet Force

A School tradition since 1900, the CCF aims to develop cadets’ personal qualities and leadership

Pupils start their compulsory CCF journey in Year 9 and apply for one of four sections: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army or Royal Air Force At the end of Year 10, pupils can choose to begin their CCF leadership training or choose to try some other leadership options Click

Drama

The School’s Drama Department produces one major production each year, at the local Castle Theatre, as well as a number of smaller performances These provide pupils with the opportunity to take part in the full theatrical repertoire and in recent years we have performed Les Misérables, Oliver, A View From The Bridge and Sweeney Todd.

Music

The Music Department offers individual music lessons throughout the week for a wide variety of instruments, from voice to percussion As well as House Music Competitions, pupils can perform in bands, choirs and quartets and musical events are a highlight of the school calendar

Sport for All

At Wellingborough School we offer a wealth of sporting activities which form an integral part of school life We strive to offer pupils every opportunity to enjoy sport and to experience success Those who have the desire to excel and those who just wish to participate, benefit from expert coaching and positive sporting experiences

Wellingborough School has an enviable sporting reputation, and our ‘Sport for All’ ethos has uncovered many fine talents We aim to give every pupil the opportunity to represent the School in a sporting event or fixture It is hoped that this superb provision for sport at Wellingborough School will instil a lifelong love for sport as well as providing individuals with the added benefits that sport provides such as self-discipline, teamwork and fair play

Click below to find out more

Pastoral at Wellingborough

Pastoral Care is central to our philosophy; at each level pupils have a safety net The personal welfare of pupils revolves around our House system This arrangement is unique in that almost no other co-educational Day School in the UK has a single-sex pastoral structure Pupils testify to its success and the pride in one ’ s House is palpable

AdmissionsatWellingboroughSchool

At Wellingborough School we provide children and young adults with a world of opportunity. Our main points of entry are Nursery, Reception, Years 3, 7 & Sixth Form. We also welcome new joiners at all entry points throughout the School, adding to the richness of our community.

The School wishes for prospective parents and pupils to fully understand our environment and ethos before committing and we encourage you to get to know us as you make that important decision of where to send your child to school.

Bursary

About us

Wellingborough School

London Road

NN8 2BX

www.wellingboroughschool.org

5 bus routes

5 minutes from Wellingborough Station

30 minutes from Northampton

Direct trains from London

Take a closer look at Wellingborough School