True to the classical roots of the word ‘education’, the College aims to provide an ambitious and aspirational environment in which the potential of each pupil is ‘brought out’ and developed across all aspects of themselves as unique individuals.
James Dahl on the future of Wellington College
James Dahl on the future of Wellington College
Wellington is blessed with an enviable location, beautiful campus and astonishing facilities, so everything is in place for our pupils to thrive. What sets us apart is our restless desire and ambition to be the very best we can be, and to instil that attitude in all our pupils. It is their journey to self that matters most, which is why we take their growth as independent learners and individual characters so seriously — and why Wellington becomes not just a school but a way of life.
At Wellington the pervading culture of ambition and aspiration creates an atmosphere which not only encourages every pupil, teacher, and parent to believe anything is possible, but also recognises that each Wellingtonian has immense potential which must be nurtured and realised. Choice lies at the heart of this: one size does not fit all at Wellington, which is why every pupil experiences the school in their own unique way. We challenge our pupils to dare to dream – and they in turn learn to do just that as we guide them through the early choices they make while their unique journey starts to emerge.
Wellington College is a pioneer among schools and produces a unique educational experience.
We were the first to teach Wellbeing as part of the formal curriculum, to weave Harkness pedagogy into the classroom experience, to add the teaching of Mandarin to our suite of Modern Languages, and we have just embarked on a ground-breaking, pupil-led provision around sex and consent. Since adopting the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form, we are among a handful of schools with an even split of pupils taking A Levels and the International Baccalaureate.
Lessons are noticeably different from most schools, too. Our Harkness philosophy, where discussion and debate are encouraged, with pupils often sitting at round tables to encourage a more discursive model of teaching and learning, and the investment in EdTech as a leading Microsoft School, both ensure that all pupils are able to thrive and be involved.
But Wellington’s influence on education reaches far beyond our beautiful grounds: through hosting the annual Festival of Education – the UK’s foremost professional development event for teachers and those interested in Education – and developing one of UK’s most successful and ambitious partnerships between independent and state schools – the pioneering Wellington College Learning Alliance – we are determined to remain at the forefront of the educational debate and to share pedagogical research and development generously for the benefit of every school, teacher and learner.
Most importantly, we continue to evolve and grow as a school and community. Since I was appointed Master, one key focus has been thinking about “What next?” What purpose and strategy should shape the future of the College to ensure that we develop stronger than ever? We have many ideas and plans, so please visit ‘Our Future’ page to find out more about our strategic vision and purpose, and to see how we are investing for the next decade of Wellington College’s future.
Everything we do is built upon our Values, the foundation of kindness, responsibility, respect, integrity, and courage. We also passionately believe that coeducation has never been more important – when boys and girls live and study together, they are also learning the value of respecting new and diverse ways of thinking.
We are uncompromising in our ambition to provide our pupils the opportunities to flourish, to become their very best selves, and to serve and help shape a better world.
I hope that our website paints a vibrant picture of Wellington life and all that lies in wait for your child here, but I do hope you will come and see the school for yourself. Please do book a place on one of our regular Visitors Days held throughout the year. After all, the most wonderful journeys always start with the smallest steps, and it would be wonderful to see your child’s potential realised at Wellington College.
James Dahl
Master of Wellington College
