Wellington College

Wellington College is a vibrant and inspiring coeducational boarding and day school set in 400 acres of parkland, 40 minutes from Heathrow. The College, whose educational philosophy is based on values of kindness, courage, respect, integrity and responsibility, is celebrated not only for its academic achievements but also for its sporting, artistic and dramatic provision which are second to none. Although in many ways a traditional English boarding school, Wellington is both outward looking and modern, proud of its position in the vanguard of educational innovation and pleased to count students of 40 different nationalities amongst its number. Most students join in Year 9, but it has a particularly strong Year 12 entry.

Wellingtonians study GCSEs, followed by the IB Diploma or A Levels. Both routes see superb results: in 2022, 95% of grades at A Level were A*- B while the College’s incredible IB average of 41.3 made Wellington one of the UK’s highest achieving IB schools. This year 20 gained Oxbridge places with a further 21 students going on to US universities, many to Ivy League institutions.

The College has an outstanding reputation for boys’ and girls’ sport, with over 30 different activities offered with emphasis placed on both excellence and general participation. 2021-22 has seen Wellington teams and individuals carrying all before them in county, regional and national competitions: golf, netball, rugby, hockey, rackets, real tennis, polo, equestrian, and fencing have all been particularly successful.

Wellington’s 900-seat theatre provides a fitting venue for all our students, with full scale musicals, drama productions, full orchestral, jazz and rock concerts, a stunning dance show and the annual end of year outdoor Shakespeare medley. Every year sees a reprise of all these acts in the iconic Speech Day extravaganza, playing to an audience of 4,000 in the Big Top.

Leadership and service to others are central: co-curricular activities include its outward-facing Global Citizenship programme, as well as the CCF and DofE. Over 70 clubs and societies provide unique opportunities, from WTV (Wellington’s own television company) to the pupil-run radio station, DukeBox, which broadcasts 24/7, reaching listeners in 41 countries across the globe.

Wellington prides itself on the outstanding levels of pastoral support we offer, and House life lies at the heart of each pupil’s experience. Housemasters and Housemistresses, dedicated tutor teams, teachers, coaches, and matrons all ensure that Wellington truly is a home away from home.