Address Walthamstow Hall Junior School, Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3LD
Region Kent (see also London - Outer)
Description Founded 1838, it is in a residential area of Sevenoaks, ten minutes walk from Walthamstow Hall Senior school. The Edwardian school building is set in grounds which include an adventure playground and two netball/tennis courts. Specialist facilities include a science laboratory, ICT suite, music centre and a well-equipped stage and auditorium; pupils also make use of facilities at the senior school, including the swimming pool and theatre. The school aims to enable each girl to achieve her potential, to value pupils as individuals and to celebrate their achievements, and to prepare them for life in the twenty first century. There is a range of musical activity and pupils are involved in the community and in raising money for charity. Girls go on to a range of secondary schools, though over half go on to Walthamstow Hall Senior school.
School Head Head: Mrs Penelope Austin, in post since 2004. Educated at Trinity College of Music, and at universities of London and Brighton (music and drama). Previously Deputy Head at Ardingly College Preparatory School. Also ISI team inspector. Teaching staff: 31 full-time, 17 part-time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 44.
Results Pupils take entrance exams for independent schools (including Walthamstow Hall Senior), and Kent 11+ exams for entry to grammar schools. All pupils achieve Level 4 standard in Key Stage 2. Some 18% gain entrance scholarships to secondary schools.
Furtherhigher Some 60% go on to Walthamstow Hall Senior school; entrance by its own exam.
Arts Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. 9 musical groups, including wind band, ocarina club, choirs, string groups, recorder consort. All pupils involved in school drama productions - recently The Wind in the Willows (Year 6). Dedicated rooms for art and DT, including a kiln. Music, drama, dance and art all offered as extra-curricular activities.
Sport Compulsory sports: netball, rounders, pop-lacrosse, swimming, tennis, gymnastics and athletics. Optional: table tennis, skiing, modern dance, ballet. On-site courts, indoor hall/gym; sports field, swimming pool and sports hall at senior school nearby. Regular matches against local schools, county level matches, IAPS national sports competitions. Activities: Music to elderly local residents; Fiesta Day for charity fundraising; special events to raise money for international emergencies. Some 30 clubs and activities, eg chess, art & craft, news, Latin, first aid, computers, cookery, gardening and various music and sport clubs.
Alumni The Walthamstow Hall Old Girls Association, email WOGAmembership@hotmail.co.uk
