Main School Prospectus 2023/24

TRANSFORMING BOYS’ LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION

From the first day I arrived at Whitgift

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

Whitgift felt the most ‘real’ of the independent schools I had seen and I was struck by the humility of the staff and boys I had met. It was welcoming from the get-go, warm, and I instantly thought my boys would thrive here if they were lucky enough to get a place

Whitgift parent

Exceptionally diverse and inclusive, there’s a wonderful sense of normality here with a giving back mindset that’s admirable Talk Education

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

Whitgift is one of Britain’s finest schools with an exceptional record of academic achievement and an impressive range of cocurricular facilities. Situated in 45 acres of serene parkland, within what was formerly a royal estate, we believe that ours is a truly inspirational school environment.

There are many reasons to consider Whitgift for your son. Our vision is to educate bright and talented young men, whatever their background, to become independent learners and thinkers and to achieve beyond what they believed they could. We do this by offering a unique learning environment: our site is one of the gems of London, with excellent onsite facilities and inspiring teachers who are passionate about ensuring your son will develop academically and personally, learning skills that will serve him whilst at Whitgift and in his life beyond.

Students come to us from a variety of places and backgrounds but are all articulate, bright, happy and purposeful. They have hugely varied interests, but are united in their pursuit of excellence in all they do. There is a huge pride and sense of gratitude in being a member of the Whitgift community. We strive to help

the boys in our care reach their full potential, whilst advocating there are no limits or glass ceilings. We want them to leave us ready to give back to the society in which they will be leaders.

Our innovative curriculum has a focus on independent thinking and in the Junior Years global citizenship and digital literacy are major subjects, laying the foundations for a life-long love of learning. The range of academic pathways offered includes GCSE and iGCSE, A Level, Pre U and the International Baccalaureate. Being part of the John Whitgift Foundation allows us to offer one of the most generous programmes of bursary support in the UK, so no one should be deterred from applying for a place.

We have over 100 co-curricular activities to explore ranging from beekeeping to basketball and philosophy society to Warhammer club, there is always an opportunity to try something new. The pastoral care structure, with a strong ethos around getting to know each child as an individual, means that there is a broad network to offer support and encouragement at every stage of their school journey.

Our values of enquiry, respect, confidence and courage pervade the community. Through Whitgift Connect and our linked charity, Whitgift For All, we are part of a huge community of wonderful people. We look forward to sharing more about the School, and inviting you to consider joining us.

Chris Ramsey Headmaster

COMMUNITY ENCOURAGING

1. The Junior Years perform on stage as a collective, often singing to large audiences

2. Regular House events build connections across year groups

1. A celebration of 10 years since Founder’s House opened its doors to boarding students

2. A festive Boarding Christmas dinner in the School’s dining hall

1. Students in the Junior Years rehearsing for a Whitgift production

2. Learning outside of the classroom is a regular and enjoyable feature of the School curriculum

3. The Junior Library is often used as a venue for English classes and provides a tranquil environment for reading

1. Each year students and staff raise awareness and funds for the mental health charity Young Minds

2. The Second Form’s Biology Investigation Week included an opportunity for students to learn about exotic creatures

3. Culture Day was an idea put forward by the Senior Prefect Team and happened for the first time in June 2023

MINDS INSPIRING

Inspirational visitors regularly hold talks and workshops for Whitgift students as part of the Academic Enrichment programme

1. Old Whitgiftian Joseph Choong (Olympic and Senior World Modern Pentathlon Champion)

2. Kathryn Evans (awardwinning author of young adult novels)

3. Old Whitgiftian and former School Captain SSegawa Kiwanuka (artist, producer and musician)

4. Bobby Seagull (mathematician, writer and TV personality)

5. Professor Brian Cox (British physicist) discussed the physics of Black holes and the role of quantum computing with the Junior Physics Society

Guest of Honour, Lucy Pearson (former England Women’s Cricketer, HMC Head, and current Director of Education at the Football Association) handing out prizes at a Celebration of Whitgift Life (CoWL)

1. Our STEM subjects help students to learn using engaging resources

2. The ‘Destination Mars’ themed Group 4 Science Project was an exciting week-long event for International Baccalaureate students

3. GCSE results day is a chance to gather in celebration with family, friends and tutors

1. Our curriculum seeks to find engaging ways for pupils to learn

2. A private view of artwork created by exam students offering inspiration to a pupil in the Junior Years

3. Notable authors, poets and writers are invited to facilitate workshops during National Days such as World Poetry Day

4. Old Whitgiftians often return to the School to inspire, mentor and guide younger pupils

1. Old Whitgiftian and GB hockey international player, Rhys Smith, visited the School with members of Hockey Inner City, a charity he founded helping children who do not have the opportunity to play the sport in their school

2. The ACE Programme, a charity designed to engage young people of African and Caribbean heritage in cricket, using the sports and boarding facilities at Whitgift

3. Saturday Masterclasses for local Year 5 Primary children take place with help from Whitgift pupils

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 offered a chance for students to explore more about Japanese culture

1. A company of Sixth Formers performed a play, When it Rains , at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival

2. Original music was commissioned for the Senior Drama production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle , brought to life by the Sixth Form Rock Band

1. Whitgift’s 1st XV Rugby team training before their tour to South Africa

2. Students can attend Outdoor Education trips which promote a love of the outdoors and allow them to build long lasting connections

1. Origami Club is one of several student-led lunchtime activities that make up Whitgift’s extensive co-curricular programme

2. Students in the Junior Years experimenting with monoprinting during a workshop style Art class

1. A wide range of subjects are offered through the Whitgift curriculum, including four languages in the Junior Years

2. Puppeteering has been a part of several Whitgift productions and students attend skills workshops to learn about techniques

3. Junior House Competitions often require students to engage in problem-solving activities, building their communication skills

LIFESTYLES ACTIVE

1. House events, sports days and on and offsite team building events are thoroughly enjoyed across all year groups

2. Hockey teams have had a record-breaking season in 2023 reaching and winning several indoor and outdoor finals

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. Sailing trip for the Lower First Form

4 Outdoor Education surf trip to Devon for all year groups

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 offered

ENERGISING

GIVING

ENERGISING GIVING

1. Whitgift helped to fund a water pump project in Uganda in collaboration with our catering partners Chartwells

2. Whitgift House

Residential Home is based in the grounds of Haling Park. Students regularly join residents to play croquet or perform music, songs, poems and stories

3. Christmas gifts donated by members of the Whitgift Community for one of the charity appeals we support

ENERGISING GIVING

Over half of Whitgift’s Sixth Form take part in community volunteering, either teaching at Saturday Masterclasses or as teaching assistants for local Primary School partners

ENERGISING GIVING

1. Whitgift Community Summer School has now completed its fourth year with around 240 students joining for a full week of lessons and activities over the summer months

2. Facilities such as sports fields and Whitgift’s swimming pool are used by several local Primary Schools

1. An Art lesson for Whitgift Community Summer School students

2. Chris Philip (Member of Parliament for Croydon South) on a visit to the Whitgift Primary Project that has been running since 2000

3. Whitgift was included in the Independent Schools Council 2022 Celebrating Partnerships report, launched at the House of Commons

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

Sports Centre solar electricity panels (PVs) were installed on the roof of the Sports & Conference Centre in 2022. Each month Whitgift is now able to avoid around 13.5 tonnes of C02 emissions (the equivalent of planting 18 trees)

Our biennial outdoor Summer Arts Festival is a wonderful two-night showcase for the talents of our musicians, choristers and actors

OUTLOOK GLOBAL

1. Whitgift has strong links and exchange programmes with prominent schools around the world, including Urawa International School in Japan

2. Japanese Calligraphy is one of over 60 clubs that are run by staff and students

1. Director of International Education, Mr Bates, 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

Visit to a school in Langa Township in South Africa during the 2023 Rugby tour

1. Boarding students celebrate the end of their Whitgift career with friends and family on graduation day

2. Founder’s House is the School’s onsite boarding facility housing over 100 boarders from all over the globe

AMBITION LIMITLESS

The Greenpower car challenge, to build a car from scratch and enter a race against other schools, is one Whitgift enters each year

1. Students are encouraged to move away from their comfort zones within a supportive environment

2. GCSE students achieved great success in this year’s exams

The following images portray a number of highachieving Old Whitgiftians

1. Tarik O’Regan, contemporary classical music composer (accolades include composition of a piece played at the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III)

2. Dominic Sibley and Rory Burns, England cricketers

3. Jamal Musiala, professional footballer playing for Bayern Munich and Germany

4. Jack Waller, England and Great Britain hockey player

5. Neil Gaiman, internationally-acclaimed author

6. George Jaques, actor, director and writer

7. General Sir Peter Wall, former Chief of the General Staff

8. Marcel Hedman founded Black Alumni of Whitgift School (BAWS) and studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge

9. The late Kevin Kalkhoven, owner of Long Beach Grand Prix Association, Cosworth Racing and Cosworth Electronic

1. Joseph Choong claimed his gold medal in Modern Pentathlon, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

2. Derren Brown, television illusionist and hypnotist

3. Lord Freeman, former Cabinet Minister

4. OW JB Gill, actor, farmer, TV presenter, singer and songwriter

5. Martin Jarvis, actor

6. Chris Cook, Policy Editor of BBC Newsnight

7. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nottingham Forest, former Chelsea and U17 England World Cup winner

8. Lord Tedder, Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Deputy Supreme Commander, Allied Forces WWII

9. The Rt Hon Lord Justice Keith Lindblom

10. Anthony Strong, jazz pianist, singer and songwriter

11. Loyle Carner, Mercury Prize nominated hip hop musician

12. Elliot Daly, Saracens, England and Lions back, playing for the Lions in New Zealand

TRADITIONS HISTORIC

On 22 March each year, the Founder’s Day service takes place to pay tribute to the life and work 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

Whitgift provides choristers of the highest musical calibre to the Choir of Croydon Minster, as well as performing in other prestigious venues

1. The Combined Cadet Force is an intergral part of our annual Remembrance Service

2. The entertaining Second Form Shakespeare Evening has been a part of the Whitgift calendar for many years

3. 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the opening of Founder’s House – the home of our boarding students

4. A student-designed mural was installed to commemorate the 425th anniversary of Founder’s Day. It was in 1596 that John Whitgift laid the stone that represented his vision for supporting the people of Croydon

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

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

Boys speak openly about the palpable community spirit here

Talk Education

The School took the opportunity to really discover the uniqueness of each candidate which I find amazing and a proof of inclusive and empowering education

Whitgift parent

The inspirational grounds and gardens foster calmness, peace and an opportunity to appreciate a sense of place and self-awareness

ISI Inspection Report

We chose Whitgift because of the amazing facilities – for academics, sport, drama, and STEM. We were also impressed by the diversity of students, the fabulous grounds but most of all the ‘feel’ of the School and the boys we met when we looked around. They are confident and genuine without the arrogance or privilege that can sometimes be felt in the independent sector

Whitgift parent

One of the main reasons for choosing Whitgift was the amazing talented diverse community

Whitgift parent

Whitgift School

Haling Park South Croydon

United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8633 9935

Email: admissions@whitgift.co.uk

www.whitgift.co.uk