It was fantastic to welcome so many prospective students and families to Wallingford School last night for our annual Open Evening. As ever for this highlight of the school calendar, the school was busy, vibrant and full of energy.
As I explained in my talk last night, Wallingford School is a school at the heart of its local community and that is very important to us. We are comprehensive and inclusive – determined to serve the town and its surrounding villages. I highlighted the importance of our ethos of “able and qualified” and it is weaved through everything we do. Our results are excellent and students leave us to go to their destinations of choice; these results are so good because teaching and learning is first-rate and staff are both expected to, and always do, deliver lessons of the very highest quality. Equally, our provision for enrichment, extra-curricular activities, trips and visits is quite remarkable – the breadth and depth of what is on offer for our young people is second to none and ensure that they have experiences which will support their development as they become mature, well-rounded young citizens. A highlight of the past year has also been the further development of our House system with the aim of there being something for everyone to be involved in – both to participate and compete, to feel part of something and to thrive.
Our ethos and values are clear and well-understood. Our biggest assets however are our staff and students – they make this great school community what it is. What always stays with me following Open Evening is the enthusiasm and passion of the conversations, the desire to engage with the next generations of Wallingford School students and the vibrancy and zest of everything which is going on. It was a great evening and we roll on next Wednesday with our Sixth Form Open Evening for entry in September 2024.