Prospectus Final

SALUS IN ARDUIS FULFILMENT THROUGH CHALLENGE

Contents

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8. Headmaster’s Welcome

36. House Identity

10. Our Core Values

38. Pastoral Care

13. Prep Head Welcome

40. Curriculum

14. Lower Prep

42. Creative Arts

19. Outdoor Learning

45. School Performances

20. Upper Prep

46. Sport

22. IPC Curriculum

50. Co-Curricular

24. Club System

56. Old Wellingburian Club

26. Senior School

58. How to Find Us

28. Sixth Form

62. FAQs

32. Our History

63. Entrance and Scholarships

34. Our School Identity

64. Get in Touch

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WELCOME TO

WELLINGBOROUGH

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

Wellingborough School has a proud tradition of educating girls and boys from Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties, and today has more than 860 pupils aged 3 to 18. Comprising a Nursery and Prep School (3-11 years), a Senior School and Sixth Form (1118), we offer a complete education which places the interests of the individual child at its centre.

We urge you to visit us with your family and learn firsthand 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 8

The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is EXCELLENT. ISI Inspection March 2022 9

EXCELLENCE OUR CORE VALUES

DYNAMISM

INDEPENDENCE 10

EMPATHY INCLUSIVITY 11

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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, 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 around and provide an opportunity for you to meet my colleagues and our pupils.

Katharine Owen Head of Prep School

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Lower Prep Pupils of all ages are

excellent communicators.

They are fluent, articulate and confident in using language to express their views in and out of lessons. Throughout the school, pupils are excellent listeners.

ISI Inspection, March 2022

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.

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In spacious, well-equipped classrooms, Nursery and Reception children are engaged through structured play and carefully coordinated 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.

From the first day we support your child to develop positive relationships through structured play and individual interests.

Head of Nursery

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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 multi-sports.

Learning in Lower Prep is fun and engaging, and the children are well prepared for the transition to the Upper Prep School.

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Nurturing Curious Minds The impact that learning in a natural environment has on our pupils is amazing, both for them and our dedicated staff. The focus and enthusiasm with which they use skills learnt in the classroom and apply them to real-life experiences is an absolute joy to witness.

Last year, pupils embarked on learning adventures that took them far beyond the classroom, from diving in to investigate maths problems to constructing impressive shadufs worthy of the River Nile. This year promises even more fun, adventures and learning.

All pupils from Nursery to Year 3 now have regular Outdoor Learning Lessons.

Here, they will learn essential skills, such as identifying local flora and fauna species, mastering different types of knots, exploring fire safety, and even building an effective campfire.

These lessons are running alongside the International Primary Curriculum, ensuring pupils have a well-rounded educational experience.

The Outdoor Rangers is now part of our after school co-curricular activities. We have some hugely exciting projects planned for them that will enhance the learning experience for all of our Prep School pupils.

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Upper Prep Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent.

They concentrate hard, question enthusiastically and are keen to improve their work and hone their skills.

ISI Inspection, March 2022

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.

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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.

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

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IPC Curriculum Wellingborough is a School which provides the opportunities that enable our pupils to discover their potential and decide who they want to be. It achieves this in a warm, supportive and challenging environment where pupils, staff and parents work together to ensure that every child flourishes.

Our unique IPC Curriculum offers a variety of entry point activities to help pupils make connections between subjects and discover new passions.

Scan here to find out more about our IPC Curriculum

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Club System 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 Prep School is a happy and safe environment in which pupils thrive and look forward to returning to each day.

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Lions

Tigers

Wolves

Panthers

Bears

Jaguars

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Senior School 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

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.

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Our Senior School comprises over 600 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.

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Sixth Form The Sixth Form offers a vast range of opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom 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.

Sarah Baxby Head of Sixth Form

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In the sixth form pupils often display excellent analysis and hypothesis and the ability to work independently.

ISI INSPECTION, MARCH 2022 29

The Sixth Form Centre In 2022 we saw the completion of the new Sixth Form Centre and what a fantastic space this is. It was 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.

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EXCELLING SINCE 1595 With more than 400 years of history, we are proud of our traditions but progressive in our thinking. At the core of our ethos is the wellbeing, happiness and development of our pupils. We are a family of schools, which enables us to provide a considered and consistent model of teaching from Nursery to Sixth Form.

Founded in 1595, Wellingborough School prides itself on its rich history and enduring traditions. These are visible today in our architecture, our House system and, most importantly, our values. Our mindset, however, is thoroughly progressive and we are keen to embrace innovations which make our pupils better learners, whilst retaining the ethos and integrity of our School.

We also welcome new joiners at entry points throughout the School, adding to the richness of our community.

From Our Archives

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1595 1619 During its early years there were just two masters, the Headmaster teaching Latin and his deputy teaching English, each on separate floors. A great rivalry developed between the two, culminating in the first floor (known as the Upper School) emerging as the present Wellingborough School, while the Lower School later evolved into the town’s Grammar School.

1907 He was succeeded by Philip Fryer in 1907, during whose tenure the fine School Chapel was built, and the School’s proud heritage and prominent status continued to be consolidated by a succession of eminent and forward-thinking educationalists.

1979 In 1970, the School started to admit girls and became fully co-educational in 1979. In 1995, the School celebrated its 400th Anniversary.

Originally founded in 1595 as a boys’ school, Wellingborough School has a long and distinguished history with strong roots in the local community.

1881 After moving to its present site in 1881, the School grew rapidly in both size and reputation under the Headmastership of Dr Henry Platt.

1913 The Preparatory School, originally known as Junior House, and later as the Junior School was established in 1913. The following years saw the introduction of the House System to the Senior School (1924) and the Club System to the Prep School (1940).

2020 to the Present From September 2020 onwards, it was announced that the school would be restructured from a three-tier school to a two-tier school. Known as Project Chrysalis, the Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory Schools have joined together to form the Prep School, whilst Year 7 and 8 have moved up to become a part of the Senior School.

The school also announced in 2020 the construction of a new Sixth Form Centre to celebrate its 425th anniversary.

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Our School Identity

The logo has been created to reflect our strong heritage, reworking the traditional shield to reflect the rich history and tradition.

Salus in Arduis Fulfilment through Challenge

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House Identity Each House has its own dedicated building with locker, meeting and social facilities and these have been upgraded in the last three years as part of a deliberate on-going process. Tutor groups have on average around 12 pupils in them from Year 9 onwards. New pupils are helped to integrate through support from the School Prefect Pupil Leads and the House Prefects. Tutors meet their tutees daily and there are weekly Tutor sessions and 1-to-1 meetings to discuss topical issues and pupil progress. A weekly House assembly is held where the whole House comes together.

The House system provides close pastoral support, but also gives a sense of identity to each of the pupils who generally strive hard to earn their House colours; earning academic commendations and competing in events which range from sports to quizzes, dodgeball, charity shows, debating, drama and music.

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Though pupils compete in House teams and meet within their House group, they also develop life-long friendships throughout the Senior School; good friends can be fierce rivals when they meet in key House finals. 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.

Every House has its own character, colour and charity, and is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress; there are 4 boys’ Houses and 3 girls’ Houses in the Senior School. Pupils are allocated a House when they enter the School. Year 9 upwards are based entirely in their House, whilst the Year 7 & 8 pupils are initially based in separate Year Group areas, under Heads of Year.

Marsh

Platt’s

Nevill

Garne’s

Weymouth

Parker Steyne’s

3 Girls’ Houses

Cripps’

4 Boys’ Houses

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Pastoral Care The School has a Wellbeing Team and counselling service, which are designed to complement the strengths of the pastoral system and provide an opportunity for pupils to address their concerns in a calm and neutral environment. We place wellbeing at the heart of our school, providing excellent mental health support, understanding and intervention.

AWARD-WINNING WELLBEING TEAM

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FULLY STAFFED MEDICAL AND PASTORAL TEAM 5 DAYS A WEEK

12 AVERAGE TUTOR GROUP SIZE

The award-winning Wellbeing Team offers guidance and support to pupils and their families. They recognise that change is difficult and work with the wider pastoral team to gain an in-depth understanding, to ensure every pupil feels supported as they integrate and transition into or up through the School.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IS OFFERED TO PUPILS WHO EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES IN ANY ASPECT OF THEIR LEARNING AND TO HELP BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM.

BUILT IN 1907 THE SCHOOL’S PROUD HERITAGE AND PROMINENT STATUS CONTINUED TO BE CONSOLIDATED THROUGH THE BUILDING OF THE CHAPEL

OUR CATERING TEAM SERVE OVER 1200 DELICIOUS NUTRITIOUS MEALS EVERY DAY AS WELL AS HOT SNACKS

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Curriculum

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Quality learning and teaching enables pupils to take ownership of their future in the Senior School 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 exam results are strong and the majority of students stay on for Sixth Form.

Senior

Sixth Form

Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 have the opportunity to study the full range of subjects before making their GCSE option choices in Year 9.

Careers conventions throughout the year 41

Spaces for Inspiration and Exploration We have a reputation for excellence in the Creative and Performing Arts, which are fully integrated into the curriculum.

There are many exciting opportunities to explore individual talent, creative expression and imagination.

Our Art, DT, Music and Drama Departments consistently produce outstanding work, from breathtaking stage productions to impressive art exhibitions. Thanks to our exceptional facilities and specialist staff, pupils can give full rein to their imagination

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6 DT STUDIOS WITH 3D PRINTER AND CREO 3.0 CAD SOFTWARE

6 DEDICATED ART STUDIOS, INCLUDING SCULPTURE AND TEXTILES

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Taking the stage 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.

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.

PLAYS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

25 DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS TO LEARN AND 16 VISITING MUSIC TEACHERS

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Sport for All 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.

154 TEAMS ACROSS UPPER PREP AND SENIOR SCHOOL

LINKS TO LOCAL PROFESSIONAL TEAMS

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PARTICIPATION RATE 90% OF ALL STUDENTS

20+ COACHES

50 County Representatives

Termly sports trips to professional matches

Talented Athlete Programme

8 National Representitives

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Netball Rugby Golf Gymnastics Badminton Trampolining

Athletics Tennis Climbing Outdoor Adventure

Football Basketball Volleyball Cricket Cross Country Hockey

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Sporting Alumni

James Sales Will Chudley Northamptonshire Coventry County Cricket RFC and England U19

Mark Stockdale England Under 25 Amateur Champion

Lydia MacDonell GB Women's Squad, former England Under 21

David Howells England and Northampton VI Cricket Team

Ethan Waller Northampton Saints RFC

James Sales Northamptonshire County Cricket and England U19

Alex Waller Northampton Saints RFC

Anne Panter England Hockey

Joseph Stockdale Potential Paris 2024 Olympic Showjumper

Jasmine Titmus Former Lancashire Women’s Cricket Captain

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Beyond the classroom 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!

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.

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250 pupils take part in DofE Gold - sailing, walking, cycling Silver - canoeing, walking, cycling Bronze - canoeing, walking, cycling

4 sections of CCF Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army or Royal Air Force

Fundraising for 6 charities a year

Volunteering in the local community

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Extending Learning Beyond walls With over 30 trips on offer each year, we provide pupils with a wealth of opportunities to broaden their horizons and extend their learning. Recent trips have included: World War 1 Battlefields in Northern France Year 9 English Visit to the Royal Theatre, contributing to the cultural capital of the school Cold War Museum, Cosford, for a deeper understanding of economic and military implications Year 13 Physicists and Computer Scientists visit to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland Exploring Art galleries in London Exploring glaciers and valleys in Iceland Ski Trip to Austria Harry Potter Warner Brother Studios visit, exploring the work of set and costume designers, animators, and concept artists Iceland Trip 2023 452

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Offering a diverse range of 125+ weekly activities Pupils have the opportunity to nurture their passions and explore new interests; our offerings cater to all with options such as:

Acting Art Astronomy Chess Choir Cookery Craft Cross Country Culture Club Debating Design and Making Electric Guitar Italian Eco Club

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Film Club Hockey Just Dance Loom Band Making Mindfulness Minecraft Club Multi Sports Outdoor Rangers Poetry Reading Robotics and Coding Rugby Science Storytelling

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Building Lifelong Connections The Old Wellingburian Club was formed in 1897 and has an active body of over 4,000 supporters around the world who are just as passionate about the School’s future as they are about its past. The Club enables former pupils to keep in touch with the School as well as each other, and to meet with other OWs of all age groups for social and sporting events.

The Club arranges regular year group reunions and sends out a hard copy Newsletter each year, as well as periodic emails. We have a wide presence on social media and our LinkedIn Group is a great way to network and exchange careers advice and support.

If you haven’t heard from the Club for a while, it’s probably because we do not have a current email address for you.

Please contact the Club with your up-to-date contact details, we would love to hear from you.

Sophie Timms (82-92, W) OW Club President 2023 – 2024

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In the Heart of England Our location in the Northamptonshire countryside of Spires and Shires, is a setting accessible by road and rail.

Railway

Cambridge

Direct trains to London St Pancras (1h 5m), Nottingham (1h 17m), Bedford (19m) and Corby (21m)

(46 miles)

Within a ten minute walk and 5 minute bus journey from Wellingborough station, our central location offers a green large campus just a short distance from Wellingborough town centre and amenities.

Luton Airport

London (76 miles)

(47 miles)

Wellingborough

Northamptonshire is home to the world-famous Silverstone circuit track which hosts the British Grand Prix and houses Mercedes engine manufacturing factory.

Bus routes Minutes from Wellingborough Station

Minutes from Northampton

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Originally named "Wendelingburgh", the town was founded in the early 6th century Saxon period by a Saxon leader called Waendel and is mentioned in the Domesday Book under the name of "Wendelburie". The town was granted a royal market charter in 1201, by King John of England.

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Wellingborough School Map 1. London Rd Entrance 2. Visitor Car Park 3. Reception 4. Admissions & Marketing 5. Senior Walk 6. Nevill House 7. Garne’s House 8. Art 9. The Chapel

10. Weymouth House 11. The Dining Hall 12. Sixth Form Centre 13. Platt’s House 14. Study Centre 15. Senior Hall 16. Parker Steyne’s House 17. Cripps’ House 18. Headmaster’s Office

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19. Bursar’s Office 20. Garrett Building 21. Marsh House 22. Prall Building 23. Robinson Centre 24. Sports Hall 25. The School Shop 26. Lower Prep 27. Nursery 28. New Technology Centre Construction Site

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The Grounds

G. Astroturf 2 H. Cabbage Patch I. 1st XV and XI J. Co-Op K. Embankment L. Prep Field

A. Staff Car Park B. The Grove C. Thatched Pavillion D. Astroturf 1 E. Floodlit Grids F. Bottom Courts

About Us

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D K I

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6 Bus Routes 5 Minutes from Wellingborough Station with a shuttle bus provided 30 Minutes from Northampton Direct trains from London www.wellingborough.org

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01933 222427 reception@wellingboroughschool.org London Road, Wellingborough Northamptonshire NN8 2BX

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FAQs What are the costs of the admissions process?

To register your child you will need to pay the £100 nonrefundable Registration fee. If your child is offered a place and you choose to accept it you will need to pay the £500 Acceptance deposit, which is refundable upon your child leaving the School.

Do you offer sibling discount?

A 10% discount is applied to the third child and 25% to the fourth (and additional children thereafter). The discount is applied to the termly bill of the youngest child. More information on fees can be found online at www.wellingboroughschool.org/fees

Is there transport to and from school?

The School runs various bus routes through the county. We currently have 5 routes running and details can be found at www.wellingboroughschool.org/transport

Do you take pupils at any stage of entry?

Pupils can join different year groups at various times of the academic year, subject to available spaces and meeting the entrance requirements. Our largest intake year groups are Year 7 and Sixth Form, but places in Nursery, Reception, Year 3 and Year 9 are also very popular.

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Entrance and Scholarships Entry quickly fill up. Speak to a member of the Admissions team if you are We have available spaces for 2024 entrance; however year groups

interested in a 2024 space. Entrance to Sixth Form is dependent on GCSE results and therefore doesn’t require the candidate to sit an entrance exam. All candidates must be registered with us to sit Entrance Examinations.

Scholarships prized title of Scholar is one way in which talent is recognised. A

Exceptional ability is celebrated at Wellingborough, and the highly Scholarship is applied for by the pupil, and there is a rigorous selection process including an interview. The title of Scholar is accompanied with a small monetary award - up to £100 per year in Years 7-11 and up to £200 per year in Sixth Form.

Bursaries which believes that our fees should not present a barrier to children Wellingborough is a diverse and welcoming community, a School

who are in a position to benefit from the opportunities that we offer.

We can offer eligible parents or guardians financial assistance with tuition fees. Such support is known as a Bursary and is aimed towards the Senior School, usually for pupils joining us in Year 7 or Lower Sixth. The Bursary fund is finite and demand usually exceeds available resources. It is important therefore that bursary applications are received on time.

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Get in Touch 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.

i Make an Enquiry

Step-by-step Admissions Process

Entrance information

Contact our dedicated Admissions Team for more information 01933 222427 admissions@wellingboroughschool.org Wellingborough School London Road NN8 2BX www.wellingboroughschool.org

Fee Information

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Transport Information

Bursary Information

SALUS IN ARDUIS FULFILMENT THROUGH CHALLENGE

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01933 222427 www.wellingboroughschool.org