Located at the heart of Wimbledon, Willington School offers a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged three to eleven. With a rich history spanning over 135 years, this co-educational primary school has recently embraced a new chapter by welcoming girls into its community, transforming it into a truly family-friendly institution. The school’s ethos is rooted in providing a high-quality education that fosters self-confidence and happiness in its pupils, while upholding values such as kindness, honesty, respect, and humility.
Under the leadership of Keith Brown since 2018, the school has undergone significant changes to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. Mr. Brown, with his background in sports science and education, has brought a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to the school. His commitment to using technology effectively in education is evident in initiatives like incorporating ChatGPT into creative writing lessons for Year 6 pupils. This approach not only enhances learning but also prepares students for the digital age.
Willington School operates from a relatively tight catchment area, drawing most of its pupils from Wimbledon and surrounding areas. The school prides itself on being ostensibly non-selective, catering for a range of abilities while ensuring that every child can access the opportunities available. This inclusive approach is further supported by stay-and-play sessions for nursery entrants and assessment mornings for Year 3 entry.
The school’s curriculum is broad and enriched with a variety of co-curricular activities from Nursery onwards. Pupils are encouraged to explore their interests through art, drama, music, and sports. The introduction of STEM learning across the school reflects its commitment to providing an education that is both relevant and forward-looking. The school’s motto,
on scholae sed vitae discimus (we do not learn for school but for life), is deeply ingrained in its teaching philosophy.
In recent years, Willington School has made bold decisions to ensure its sustainability and relevance. The transition to a co-educational model was accompanied by the addition of a nursery and a shift in focus from 13+ to 11+ education. These changes have revitalised the school, resulting in healthy enrolment numbers and positive feedback from parents who appreciate the school’s nurturing environment.
The pastoral care at Willington School is exemplary, with mental wellbeing champions supporting children on an individual basis. A psychologist is available to address any social or behavioural needs, ensuring that all pupils feel supported and valued. The school’s inclusive nature extends to catering for special educational needs through early diagnosis and intervention.
Extracurricular activities abound at Willington School, with many clubs offered free of charge after school hours. From art and design technology projects to entrepreneurial initiatives in Year 6, pupils are encouraged to develop their skills and interests beyond the classroom. The school’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging is reinforced by an active house system and regular inter-school sports fixtures.
The Head’s Curiosity Club invites older children to engage in thought-provoking discussions, while younger pupils participate in Wonder Club to enhance their critical thinking skills. These initiatives reflect the school’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future challenges.
Parents play an active role in the school community through events like coffee mornings and regular meetings with class representatives. The Parents of Willington (POW) group fosters strong relationships between families and staff, ensuring that any concerns are addressed promptly.
While outdoor space is limited due to the school’s location on a residential street, it is carefully utilised for playtimes and physical education. Pupils travel a short distance to access extensive sports grounds for activities such as dodgeball and football tournaments involving parents and alumni.
Music education is experiencing a resurgence at Willington School, with choir participation open to all pupils from Years 1 to 6. Instrumental lessons are gaining popularity, with around half of the students now learning an instrument.
The school’s commitment to providing an exceptional education was recognised in its latest ISI Inspection (2023), where it was awarded Excellent in All Areas. This accolade reflects the dedication of its passionate teachers who deliver a broad curriculum supported by a rich co-curricular programme.
Willington School’s fees are notably competitive within the independent sector, with means-tested bursaries available for families in need. This approach ensures that high-quality education remains accessible to a diverse range of pupils.
As Willington School continues on its journey towards becoming fully co-educational by 2025, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide an exceptional childhood experience in collaboration with parents. With exciting changes underway and confidence building among families, applications are expected to rise as more parents recognise the value of this lovely, friendly institution.
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