Hi All,
I have been reading on and off a number of threads on Wellington College, where opinions - quite often snobby and rude - are given by people who have no connection with the school, but are formed by what they read in the press. So, here's my insider opinion.
I have 2 children at the school a DS just finishing and a DD in 4th form - both day pupils. Personally I am not privately educated, so I was always a bit dubious what £20-odd k in fees could bring. However I have to say that I have been mightily impressed, and don't regret it one bit. Obviously it is not perfect - what school is? - but overall my DS has loved it and my DD is loving it.
The Good
- academically it is rapidly climbing up the ladder. You can really see it at the school. Teaching is generally outstanding - History and English depts are amazing, according to my DS, but he managed to achieve straight (12) A*s at GCSE so all departments are strong.
- IB: my DS is just finishing it and has really enjoyed it. No pressure to do IB - out of 250 in each 6th form year about 70 do IB, the rest A levels. I think they push it to make sure that parents have really considered it as an option, and not just gone for A levels as a default position. Teaching across both exam systems is good
- Pastoral care is really good - the well-being lessons are genuinely useful.
- Sports - especially for boys
- Music - full orchestra, concert band, jazz orchestra, various ensembles all at a very high level.
- Drama - plenty of high quality productions in dedicated theatre
- Food - well at least what I've eaten is really good. Lots of choice.
- Beautiful and spacious grounds and buildings
- Seldon. I know he's retiring, but he has really grabbed what was a declining school and turned it completely round. Yes, I know some people don't like him, but have they ever met him? He can appear a bit distracted, but once you get to know him he really is a genuinely amazing man who puts the students first.
The could be improved
Athletics in the summer is a bit so-so, but cricket is good and there are other sports such as rock climbing, tennis etc.
Girls sport in the lower teams don't have enough fixtures - I think this is to do with the size of the school, but it still needs looking at.
Things beyond the school's control
- quite london-centric, but there are a lot of students who live locally, and as well as internationally
- although full boarding, my DS reckons 80% leave after Saturday sport - they do have a closed weekend every 6 weeks or so
Happy to answer questions if anyone has them!