The school first came into existence on its present site in 1837, as a private boys school. Girls were accepted in 1972 and a separate junior school opened in 1999. The school lies on the southern side of Wellington, at the foot of the Blackdown Hills; it has pleasant well-equipped buildings in gardens with extensive playing fields. Examination results are consistently very good. Music, art and drama are strong, with large numbers of pupils participating in the many productions throughout the year. A wide range of sports and games exists, including fencing; high standards are achieved (a large number of representatives at county and national level). There is considerable commitment to local community schemes, a flourishing CCF (with army, airforce and naval sections) and much emphasis on adventure training. An excellent record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 11-18; 740 pupils, 600 day (303 boys, 297 girls), 140 boarding (80 boys, 60 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs including English and maths (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. A number of pupils from own junior school (enquiries to the Registrar, Wellington Junior School, tel 01823 668700, email junior@wellington-school.org.uk).
Academic and all-rounder scholarships awarded at 11 and 13; music scholarships at 11, 13 and 16. Variable number of bursaries and reduced fee places based on parental income and academic/all-rounder ability. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
20+% come from Armed Forces; 30+% are in industry or commerce. 30+% live within 30 miles; up to 8% live overseas (international pupils).
Headmaster: Martin Reader, in post from 2006. Educated at St Olave's Grammar School, Orpington, and at universities of Oxford (English and MLitt) and Hull (MBA international school leadership). Previously Senior Deputy Head at Reigate Grammar School, Deputy Head at Laxton's and taught at St Edward's, Oxford. Teaching staff: 70 full time, 12 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 35.
GCSE: 116 pupils in fifth: 97% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects (25% with straight A/A* grades). A-levels: 84 in upper sixth: most students pass 3+ A-levels (30% with 3+ A grades).
Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses, 8% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, 43% in science, maths and engineering, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 7% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. Every effort made to accommodate student choice in the timetable. Special provision: Extra English tuition provided by qualified EAL teachers for international students. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level; Greek to GCSE. Regular exchanges.
Music: Some 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 30 musical groups, including chapel choir (which has toured extensively in the UK and overseas). Pupils selected for National Youth Orchestra and National Children's Orchestra. Drama: Drama offered to GCSE and A-level and as cross-curricular activity. Large number of pupils involved in school productions.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket compulsory for boys; netball, hockey, rounders for girls; athletics, cross-country, swimming, tennis for all. Other sports optional, including fencing. National representatives in rugby and athletics; regional hockey reps; county reps in all sports. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards. CCF optional (including Corps of Drums); takes part in Ten Tors and the Nijmegen Marches. Community service optional. Over 30 clubs, eg chess, riding, bridge, textiles, drama, debating, cookery.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses, with house tutor system. School captains/vice-captains appointed by Headmaster.
House system discipline in operation, with merits and demerits; detentions for seniors. Drugs-misuse policy in place.
Single-sex houses of approx 45. Resident qualified sister, doctor on call. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. 4 weekend exeats per term and others at discretion of house staff. Visits to local town allowed after school.
Sir Freddie Viggers (Black Rod; former Adjutant General), Tom Singh (retailer, founder of New Look), David Suchet (actor), Jeffrey Archer (author), Simon Singh (mathematician and TV presenter), Keith Floyd (gourmet/broadcaster), Michael Green (ITN correspondent), Prof Ellis Baker (pharmacologist); Judge John Baker, Verity Sharp (TV presenter).
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