Community Service

Service to others - a 150-year tradition at Wellington - is taking centre stage again. Scientists have shown that those who serve have lives which are happier in the long run.

That has never been our motive, but it is a welcome side effect. Our commitment to service stems from our belief in education in the broadest sense and the development of individual integrity. The Community Service programme at Wellington aims to achieve both of these ends by integrating a strong sense of community awareness with goodwill towards others through service.

The programmes and projects vary from year to year, but they maintain basic similarities. Specifically, the programmes involve the outside community - which not only supports Wellington's role in the community at large, but also provides a broader, richer perspective within which students may learn. The programmes also foster leadership development. Many of the programmes are organised and run by the students - which provides a tangible forum beyond the classroom in which the application of interpersonal skills may be tested and refined.

Some past Community Service projects include volunteering at a local centre for the mentally handicapped, tutoring students at local schools, and reading to the elderly. Students also traditionally volunteer their time with the National Trust and the College Estate.

Wellington College also administers the Crowthorne Trust.  Money from the sale of the old Boys' Club in Walworth was invested to provide the capital for the Crowthorne Trust which reinforces existing organisations (such as Youth Centres, Scouts, Guides and similar), as well as extending their scope and providing help for young people.