Wellington College is an all-round co-educational boarding and day school where education is for life, not just for passing exams. It seeks to be a vibrant, inspiring and challenging place which opens the minds and hearts of its pupils.
The College is building upon its honourable past while adapting its values and traditions for the twenty first century. Under the direction of its Master, Dr Anthony Seldon, the school has acquired an admirable reputation for its approach to education, underpinning an academic foundation with innovative ways of developing the emotional, physical and spiritual sides of its pupils.
The purpose of learning at the school is to acquire skills and knowledge that will be useful for life, producing young adults who question and think, and who are capable of independent learning. They gain an international outlook and the right attitudes to work, service and society that will set them apart as adults and help them succeed in their careers.
Wellington is deeply committed to all-round excellence. This approach is under-pinned philosophically by the belief that everyone has eight principal aptitudes or 'intelligences:' mathematical or sequential (logical or scientific thought), linguistic, inter-personal, intra-personal, aesthetic and musical, kinaesthetic or physical, spiritual and moral intelligences. The curricular, extra-curricular and pastoral life of the College are all designed specifically to develop different aspects of these eight aptitudes, building confidence and a sense of self-worth.
Since Dr Seldon's arrival, the school has pioneered the teaching of well-being in collaboration with the Well-Being Institute at the University of Cambridge. These classes help pupils learn how to look after their minds, bodies and emotions better, how to develop relationships and pursuits which will nourish them through life, and how to identify their priorities and to fulfil their own goals and aspirations for their lives.
The school has also experienced the biggest ever improvement in its exam results since league tables began, with a rise into the Premier Division. There are high academic expectations of the pupils, expressed through encouragement and support, with the aim being a personal best. The Middle Years and Diploma programmes of the IB are available, as well as GCSEs and A-levels.
Wellington College was granted its Royal Charter in 1853 as the 'Royal and Religious Foundation of The Wellington College,' the national memorial to the Great Duke. It was opened in 1859 and quickly became one of the great national boarding schools, and remains intensely proud of a fine tradition of service and of its Royal connections. Wellington is a Christian foundation, though remaining open to and respectful of children from all religious faiths.
The magnificent original College buildings are set in 400 acres of parkland alongside newer arts, science, technology and other facilities. A significant proportion of the grounds is set aside for sport, a major strength at the school. At present there are 630 boys and 310 girls, of whom 185 are day pupils.
The College is a school for enthusiasts who wish to make the most of their opportunities, both in and out of the classroom.
