I have felt very much at home here… I find myself interacting with people of different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures on a day-to-day basis across many activities which all contribute to providing me with an incredibly unique, enriching and fulfilling education
Boarding pupil
A place rich in ability and steeped in high endeavour. All-out effort seems to be the default setting, and this is reflected amply in the results
Good Schools Guide
The quality of pastoral care is outstanding; a calm and courteous approach pervades the School
ISI report
The staff at Whitgift are inspirational. A friend told me that by the end of the first term they will know your son better than you do. I thought given the number of boys that this was an exaggeration, but it is actually true
Whitgift parent
Whitgift communicate really clearly with us and we feel secure that our son’s pastoral needs and academic needs are being met. We feel very lucky to be part of the community and are excited for our son’s next experiences at Whitgift!
Whitgift parent
Whitgift not only supported me through extremely challenging personal circumstances, but did so in a way that made me feel valued and prioritised that ultimately enhanced my levels of resilience and determination to be the best I could be
Old Whitgiftian
What makes a school outstanding?
Teachers who love their subject and love teaching it; supportive and attentive pastoral care that makes every pupil feel he is as important to the School as it is to him; a whole world of sports, music, drama and activities beyond the classroom; excellent onsite facilities; and of course a body of pupils who care as much about the successes and happiness of their friends as about themselves. It is my task as Whitgift’s Headmaster for the academic year 2024/5 to try to make everything I have mentioned here as good as it can be.
But there is more to Whitgift than this. The School is also a forward-thinking and an innovative place in which to learn. It embraces not only A Levels, but the International Baccalaureate for its Sixth Form; it runs an extraordinary variety of sports and activities with a genuine drive for participation and support for performance.
Former pupils include internationals in rugby, cricket, football, hockey, athletics and fencing and a total of four Old Whitgiftians represented Team GB at the 2024 Olympics in
Paris. Music and drama are also exceptional, with termly productions to showcase talents. The sentiment of giving back has been at Whitgift’s core for over 425 years - friendly and purposeful partnerships have been built with several local Primary Schools and over 1,000 pupils come to Whitgift for the Primary Project. Everyone involved in this project, staff and students, and the participants, feel its positivity, and its benefits are immeasurable.
This prospectus is intended to convey to you a sense of student life at Whitgift. What it cannot demonstrate is just how many parents and boys tell my colleagues that they feel Whitgift is a very special school where a remarkably vibrant, inclusive and supportive atmosphere helps everyone achieve their best at whatever they wish to excel in.
I hope you will come to see for yourself whether they are right, by coming to visit us soon.
Andrew Halls
Headmaster for the academic year 2024/5
MINDS INSPIRING
Inspirational visitors regularly hold talks and workshops for Whitgift students as part of the Academic Enrichment programme
1.
3.
2.
4.
5.
discussed the physics of Black holes and the role of quantum computing with a packed audience of students
Professor Brian Cox (British physicist)
Old Whitgiftian Joseph Choong (Olympian and Senior World Modern Penthalon Champion)
The Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence (youth engagement specialist and motivational speaker)
Old Whitgiftian and former School Captain Ssegawa Kiwanuka (artist, producer and musician)
Katja Hoyer (German historian and journalist)
1. Vatsa Dubey (School Captain 2024–25) delivering a talk to younger students on how to get involved in his Politics Outlook podcast and forum
2. The Theory of Knowledge element of the International Baccalaureate is presented to students and staff
‘The Apocalypse’ was the theme for the Group 4 Science project in 2024 – an exciting week-long science-based event for International Baccalaureate students
1. Old Whitgiftians often return to the School to inspire, mentor and guide younger pupils
2. The Greatness Fest was held for the first time in 2024, with OW Oluwani Akintunde masterminding a vibrant and informative programme that brought successful early-career professionals to Whitgift to engage with Sixth Formers
3. One of several Business Breakfasts hosted by the Student Futures team and attended by sector specialists and students interested in particular career paths
PASSIONS EXPLORING
1 Whitgift offers diverse musical ensembles, cultural exploration and a platform for students to showcase their musical talents
2 A Taiko drumming workshop allowed students to explore more about Japanese culture
Drama is popular across all year groups at Whitgift, with ambitious productions and sets designed and a tradition of students of all ages being involved onstage and backstage
1. Whitgift’s 1st XV Rugby team training before their tour to South Africa in 2023
2. Outdoor Education trips take place regularly and range from mountain biking to sailing and climbing both in the UK and overseas
There is something for everyone in the co-curricular programme at Whitgift with over 100 clubs, societies and sports to choose from
Horticulture Club has been running for a few years at Whitgift and pupils enjoy activities such as planting trees around the School grounds and wreath-making. This is all supported by the Whitgift Gardens team
1. A wide range of subjects is offered through the Whitgift curriculum, including three languages in the Junior Years
2. Junior House
Competitions often require students to engage in problem-solving activities, building their communication skills
LIFESTYLES ACTIVE
Hockey teams have had another record breaking year in 2024, winning several indoor and outdoor National championship titles
The Junior Years’ Sports Day is always a memorable event – each House competes in a range of athletic events, cheered on by their families, and in the hope of winning the trophy
1. Teak House celebrating winning the Junior House Cup at Sports Day 2024
2. The sports mentorship programme at Whitgift allows sports scholars to access additional support through a structured programme of physical and mental strength training
1. Students using the elite performance centre and gym within the Sports Centre
2. Fencing is a popular sport and trial lessons are offered to all First Formers
3. Outdoor Education is a great chance to get involved in new sports and activities, as well as travel to different parts of the country and overseas
1. North Field is a venue for thrilling cricket matches over the summer and is often used by international touring teams as a training venue
2. Whitgift offers a thriving aquatics programme in which every pupil can fulfil their potential
Students enjoy staying active by exploring the many sports and activities
ENCOURAGING
COMMUNITY
1. Regular House events build connections across year groups
2. Senior leaders at Whitgift enjoy hearing from groups of students on a regular basis
1. Sixth Formers leading a maths workshop for pupils in the Junior Years
2. The Junior Library often hosts English lessons and provides a tranquil environment for reading
3. Humanutopia is part of the Whitgift 7 programme and helps pupils to build lasting confidence and friendships
1. Culture Day was an idea put forward by the Senior Prefect team – the first one was held in June 2023
2. Learning outside of the classroom is a regular and enjoyable feature of the School curriculum
GIVING ENERGISING
Whitgift House nursing home is located in the grounds of Haling Park. Students regularly join residents to play croquet or perform music, songs, poems and stories
Over 100 of Whitgift’s Sixth Form take part in community volunteering, either teaching at Masterclasses or as teaching assistants for local Primary School partners
Partnering with over 40 local primary schools provides huge reciprocal benefits for Whitgift students, staff and the partner schools
1. Over 100 pupils from local primary schools were nominated by their Headteacher to attend a 6 week Masterclasses programme covering English, Maths and Science
2. The Whitgift Primary Project was established almost 25 years ago and hosts 1,000 pupils each year to enjoy an action-packed week of lessons at the School
2024 marked the fifth anniversary of the Whitgift Community Summer School. Students and staff support the programme that invites over 400 pupils to attended and delivers the equivalent of 7,000 hours of lessons and activities
Whitgift For All, the School’s charity, raised nearly £40k for bursary funding during the 2024 Philanthropy Week, Whitgift Gives
The philosophy of giving back and making a difference with acts of kindness at home, in the community, and at school, is widely encouraged
OUTLOOK GLOBAL
1. Whitgift has strong links and exchange programmes with prominent schools around the world, including Urawa International School in Japan
2. A visit from the Director of Sagebrook Academy, Mr Praveen Raju. Sagebrook is Whitgift’s first international partnership and will bring many benefits to UK students
3. Whitgift hosted a study trip for 10 members from the education sector of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
1. Mr Chisholm (Director of International Education) with Summer School students – the role encompasses managing the School’s international education partnerships
2. Whitgift’s International Summer School sees Founder’s House transformed into an international language school for six weeks of the summer
1. Third Form Spanish Exchange trip to Valencia, Spain
2. Visit to a school in Langa Township in South Africa during the 2023 Rugby tour
1.
during their Beijing trip
Students visit the Great Wall of China
2. Lower First Form
Residential trip to Brussels, Belgium
3. Fourth and Fifth Form Geography trip to Iceland
Founder’s House is the School’s onsite boarding facility housing over 100 boarders from across the globe
AMBITION LIMITLESS
1. The Greenpower car challenge, to build a car from scratch and enter a race against other schools, is one Whitgift enters each year
2. The £100 Enterprise Club successfully used their seed funds to design and produce their own game that was sold at Christmas to staff and other students
1. Students are encouraged to move away from their comfort zones within a supportive environment
2. A Level, IB and GCSE students achieved great success in this year’s examinations
The following images portray a number of highachieving Old Whitgiftians
1. Jamie Smith, England cricketer scored his maiden century in the Test against Sri Lanka in 2024
2. Dominic Sibley and Rory Burns, England cricketers
3. Tarik O’Regan, contemporary classical music composer (accolades include composition of a piece played at the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III)
5. Zack Wallace, England and Great Britain hockey player
4. Jamal Musiala, professional footballer playing for Bayern Munich and Germany
6. Jack Waller, England and Great Britain hockey player
7. The late Kevin Kalkhoven, owner of Long Beach Grand Prix Association, Cosworth Racing and Cosworth Electronic
8. General Sir Peter Wall, former Chief of the General Staff
9. George Jaques, actor, director and writer
10. Kit Connor, actor
11. Marcel Hedman founded Black Alumni of Whitgift School (BAWS) and studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge
2.
3.
1. Loyle Carner, Mercury Prize nominated hip hop musician
Elliot Daly, Saracens, England and Lions back, playing for the Lions in New Zealand
Derren Brown, television illusionist and hypnotist
4. Lord Freeman, former Cabinet Minister
5. OW JB Gill, actor, farmer, TV presenter, singer and songwriter
6. Martin Jarvis, actor
7. Chris Cook, Policy Editor of BBC Newsnight
8. Anthony Strong, jazz pianist, singer and songwriter
9. The Late Raman Subba Row, CBE England cricketer and administrator/Chair of Surrey and Test & County Cricket Board
10. The Rt Hon Lord Justice Keith Lindblom
11. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nottingham Forest, former Chelsea and U17 England World Cup winner
12. Joseph Choong claimed his gold medal in Modern Pentathlon, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
AMBITION
ENVIRONMENT UNIQUE
1. Students have access to our serene 45-acre parkland site for study and relaxation
2. The Andrew Quadrangle takes its name after the 20th Headmaster of the School, Mr S. O. Andrew and is a popular spot for Whitgift’s resident peacocks
1. The Water Gardens are home to many species of wildlife and provide a reflective space for pupils to visit during their breaks
2. A pair of mating peacocks was gifted to the School in 1936 and since then the peacock feather has become a widely recognised emblem
are housed in
3. Three species of Flamingo
our Water Gardens
Onsite sports pitches at Haling Park are maintained with great precision.
Flood lights installed on Big Side in 2023 have allowed access to training in the winter months, and opportunities for the Whitgift community to get together and watch matches in support
Our biennial outdoor Summer Arts Festival is a wonderful two-night showcase of the talents of our musicians, choristers and actors
TRADITIONS HISTORIC
On 22 March each year, the Founder’s Day service takes place to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Archbishop John Whitgift
1 Members of the Sixth Form, along with all staff, are given a white flower to wear on Founder’s Day
2. The Whitgift and Old Whitgiftian Corps of Drums played together, welcoming the congregation to Croydon Minster
1. The Combined Cadet Force is an intergral part of our annual Remembrance Service
2. The Second Form Shakespeare Evening has been a part of the Whitgift calendar for many years
Big School is Whitgift’s main assembly hall and continues to be an important venue. It has been a place of gathering since the 1930s when the School opened at the current Haling Park site
Fairfield Halls in Croydon has been the venue for the Autumn Collection Concert for several years. All First Formers sing in the choir accompanied by musicians of all ages
Whitgift provides choristers of the highest musical calibre to the Choir of Croydon Minster, as well as performing in other prestigious venues
The curriculum goes far beyond the teaching of traditional academic subjects, encouraging students to explore creative subjects, master the latest technology, and develop independent research skills. As one student said on a school open morning, “Before I came to Whitgift I thought about what I couldn’t do, now my favourite phrase is that I can’t do it yet”
Which School Advisor
This is not a place for showing off; it’s about working and playing hard, thinking of others and getting to know yourself, nurturing your passions and sharing your talents with others. Exceptionally diverse and inclusive, there’s a wonderful sense of normality here with a giving back mindset that’s admirable
Talk Education
The inspirational grounds and gardens foster calmness, peace and an opportunity to appreciate a sense of place and self-awareness
ISI Inspection Report
My son comes home with a smile everyday, which says a lot about his time at school and reassures us that we made the right decision for him. Whitgift provides a happy learning environment for children to explore and realise their potential and thrive
One of the main reasons for choosing Whitgift was the amazing talented diverse community
