Willington School
Worcester Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 7QQ
Pupils
198
Ages
3 - 11
Gender
Boys
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Keith Brown
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£5,133 to £5,767
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
About Willington School
Willington School, located in the vibrant area of Wimbledon, is a co-educational primary school that has undergone significant transformation in recent years. With a relatively tight catchment area, most pupils come from nearby locations such as Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Southfields, South Wimbledon, and Earlsfield. The school is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where about 40% of the students walk to school, often seen skipping or running with enthusiasm.
The school operates on a first-come-first-served basis for nursery places, ensuring a seamless transition for nursery pupils into reception. This approach, combined with stay-and-play sessions, allows staff to assess the readiness of children and the supportiveness of parents towards the school’s ethos. For Year 3 entry, an assessment morning is conducted, along with reports and references from current schools. Occasional places require children to attend a taster day, where they are observed in a classroom setting and assessed in English and Maths.
The school has a strong track record of preparing students for their next educational steps, with many Year 6 boys receiving offers from prestigious schools such as Whitgift, Hampton, St John’s, and Epsom College. The leadership team is also focused on building relationships with girls’ schools to ensure a smooth transition for the first cohort of girls reaching Year 6.
Under the leadership of Mr. Brown, the school has embraced a co-educational model, with girls joining the nursery and reception classes since 2019. This shift has been accompanied by a focus on the 11+ exams rather than the 13+, and the school is now the only independent co-educational prep school in Wimbledon. The school’s motto, Non scholae sed vitae discimus (we do not learn for school but for life), is reflected in its approach to education. The head has abolished setting and school exams, opting instead for standardised tests twice a year, and has reduced homework, with Wednesdays now being homework-free.
Parents are described as supportive and engaged, with regular coffee mornings and an active Parents of Willington (POW) group. The school fosters a sense of community, with class representatives meeting regularly with the head and senior leadership team. While some parents express concerns about the limited outdoor space, the advantages of the school far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
The school places a strong emphasis on pastoral care, catering for a range of special needs with early diagnosis and intervention. Initiatives such as maths clinics and nurture clubs support both students and parents. The school is inclusive, providing a nurturing environment for all children, regardless of their abilities.
Extra-curricular activities are abundant, with a variety of clubs and activities available after school. The school also offers a weekly Oates afternoon for Year 6 pupils, where they explore outdoor venues and participate in an entrepreneurial project. The 11+ accelerate program nurtures individual interests and boosts confidence and performance.
The school is refreshingly honest about the prevalence of tutoring, acknowledging that it happens and understanding why parents might choose this route. Fees are competitive, with means-tested bursaries available in extreme circumstances.
Overall, Willington School is a friendly and unassuming place, where the four pillars of humility, kindness, respect, and honesty are constantly reinforced. It is a school for parents who want their child to be valued and happy in the often high-pressure world of London prep schools. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
Willington School, an independent day school established in 1885, is located in Wimbledon, London. The school serves children aged 3 to 11 and is divided into three sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), pre-prep for Years 1 and 2, and prep for Years 3 to 6. The school has a strong commitment to providing a broad education that emphasizes kindness, honesty, respect, and humility, aiming to develop confident young individuals who contribute positively to society.
The school has undergone significant changes since its last inspection, including the opening of a nursery and the transition to a co-educational model, with female pupils now present in every year group up to Year 2. The current headmaster, Mr. Keith Brown, has been in position since 2018. The student body primarily consists of children from professional and business families in the local area, with standardized data indicating that their abilities are above average compared to national benchmarks. The school supports 40 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and nine pupils are identified as having English as an additional language (EAL).
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a focused compliance inspection combined with an educational quality inspection in March 2023. The inspection assessed the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and the quality of education provided. The findings indicated that the school meets all regulatory standards, with no further action required. The quality of education is characterized by effective teaching that enables pupils to make good progress, supported by a well-documented curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects.
The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with effective measures in place to safeguard students and promote good behavior. The school maintains appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff and has suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs. The premises are well-maintained, providing a safe and conducive learning environment.
The school effectively communicates with parents, providing a range of information about its ethos, curriculum, and policies. Complaints are handled through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed appropriately. Leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
In terms of educational quality, the inspection revealed that the pupils' academic achievements are excellent. They demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and mathematics, preparing them well for their transition to secondary education. The curriculum is broad and stimulating, allowing pupils to develop strong knowledge, skills, and understanding across various subjects. Pupils are competent in information and communication technology (ICT), although there is room for improvement in applying these skills more widely across the curriculum.
Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent. They exhibit confidence, humility, and a strong understanding of right and wrong. Their decision-making skills are well-developed, and they are aware of the impact of their choices on their success. The school promotes physical and mental health, with pupils demonstrating a good understanding of how to maintain their well-being.
The school encourages pupils to engage in community projects and charity work, fostering a sense of social responsibility. Pupils are involved in various roles, such as anti-bullying ambassadors and members of the school council, contributing to the school's positive environment. They display strong moral development, understanding the importance of kindness and respect in their interactions with others.
Overall, the inspection findings highlight Willington School as a nurturing and effective educational institution that successfully meets the needs of its pupils. The school provides a high-quality education, promoting both academic and personal development in a supportive environment. The commitment to fostering a sense of community and encouraging pupils to contribute positively to society is evident throughout the school's ethos and practices. The leadership team is dedicated to maintaining high standards and continuously improving the educational experience for all pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024