Whitgift School

Since September 2024, Andrew Halls OBE, previously head of KCS Wimbledon and Magdalen College. He is leading the school through the 24/25 academic year.

From September 2025, Toby Seth will be the new head. Currently head at the Pocklington School

Always a selective school, it has become more so in the last few years. The junior school has a small intake of 60 places at 10+, the main intake is at 11+ with 120 places available, then for middle school a further 20-30 places are available at 13+.

At 16+, a few choose to go to sixth form colleges, majority stay on for the sixth form. At 18+ excellent record of university destinations both at home and abroad (mostly North America). A small number are starting to opt for degree apprenticeships.

In 2024, 87 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 92 per cent A*-B at A level; average IB score 37.4 points.

Academic, musical and sporting expectations are exceptionally high across the departments. Big take-up of STEM subjects but refreshing to see a selective boys’ school encouraging and promoting the arts as equally important. Lessons are fast paced and

Learning support is run by a small team of qualified and experienced staff. All pupils entering the school are screened for spelling and writing difficulties, anyone identified as needing support can attend small group sessions before or after

Drama is an integral part of the school. A cross-curricular subject, it forms a specific part of the lower school English lessons. Drama clubs and performances are enhanced with dance, movement, speech and language classes: ‘Teachers like to stretch

Terrific sports and sporting facilities, both indoors and out. Olympic-size swimming pool, elite performance centre, classroom and a gym make up part of the indoor sports centre. Whitgift has a long tradition of providing places for boys from a

Boarding starts at 13+. Opposite the main school terrace is Founders House, with up-to-date accommodation, study bedrooms, comfy recreational sitting rooms and a kitchen for boarders to make snacks and drinks. Most are full boarders, a good number

Senior leadership team has recently worked with outside advisers and governors to review and update all safeguarding policies and procedures. The school has its own medical centre, mental health first aiders, nurse and in-house counsellors. Parents

Parents mostly professional, from a wide mix of cosmopolitan backgrounds; everyone shares in the pursuit of opportunities and excellence without arrogance. Wider than average socio-economic mix for a London independent school due to the number of

Approximately half of Whitgift’s pupils receive some sort of financial assistance. Between 20 and 25 academic scholarships are offered at 11+, then a further few at 13+ and 16+. Prospective pupils can also apply for music, drama, art, design and

One cannot help but be inspired by the spirit of enterprise, tranquil setting and wealth of opportunities at Whitgift. Suits hard-working, ambitious and energetic types who know the sky is the limit to what they might achieve. Musician, mathematician