Wellington School

Since September 2024, Dr Alex Battison, BSc PGCE MSc (Oxon) EdD, previously senior deputy head at Lord Wandsworth College and before that assistant head at Wells Cathedral School. He has also been director of learning and innovation, as well as

At year 7 and indeed year 9, as much emphasis placed on the individual child’s interests and personality as on academic achievement. Hopefuls for either year group will attend an annual assessment day in January (year 7) or February (year 9) where

After GCSEs, some head to the local (excellent) sixth form college, Richard Huish in Taunton. Replaced by some from secondaries in the area without sixth forms, or international students. After sixth form, about 70 per cent to Russell Group

In 2025, 34 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 17 per cent A*/A at A level (34 per cent A*-B).

Though by its own admission an academically selective school, academics are not the be-all and end-all here. Classes of about 20 in year 7, with no setting except for maths. French and Latin compulsory to start with, plus German or Spanish in year 8.

All new arrivals are screened for dyslexia, so provision mostly supports students with SpLD and dyslexia in particular, according to the school. These days however the department is seen as a source not only of academic support, but also pastoral.

Les Misérables was about to open when we visited and we were treated to Jean Valjean’s soliloquy performed by a drama school applicant. The great hall provides a relatively modest theatre compared with some schools, so major productions run over

Make no mistake, this is a very sporty school where the traditional termly timetable of rugby and hockey carries on for two terms using indoor sessions or as rugby sevens; cricket and tennis for everyone in the summer. What marks the offering out

Not great numbers of boarders (just over a quarter), but an integral part of the school for years, adding to its student diversity. Grouped by age and gender into houses (more details on the website would be helpful - and are coming, promises

Pastoral care much vaunted by the school. Initial responsibility for general wellbeing lies with tutors, who get a good press both from students and parents. ‘They have dual role to encourage the reluctant to step forward and to manage any danger of

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

‘Ordinary kids and ordinary families,’ in the words of one mother – and indeed we kept hearing how there is really no place for the arrogant and entitled, nor those who don’t or won’t muck in. ‘Lots of families work very hard to make this happen,’

Fees typically towards the lower end of the scale, but watch for charges for lunches and public exam fees, which are not included. Scholarships - usual range, to a maximum of two – offer a top reduction of 20 per cent of fees. Usual bursary

Super school stepping out of the shadow cast by the Taunton schools down the road and garnering wider media recognition. Striving to make its students the best they can possibly be in all fields, by concentrating on strong values and process, rather