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Wellington College was proud to receive a Bronze Award in recognition of our efforts to help more pupils challenge themselves, find their passion and explore what’s possible, regardless of their background. These aims are delivered through the Prince Albert Foundation (PAF), The Wheeler Programme and The Wellington Refugee Programme.
The UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) are a nationwide, multi-sector leadership initiative celebrating efforts to advance social mobility within Britain’s businesses and institutions. Wellington College’s work was recognised under the category of School or College of the Year.
Wellington College is delighted that our hard work has been recognised in areas that we are so passionate about as an organisation. The bronze SOMO award reflects our ongoing commitment to our purpose to ‘pioneer education to serve and help shape a better world’. Congratulations to everyone involved.
The Prince Albert Foundation (PAF)
The Prince Albert Foundation widens participation by enabling children from low-income families, and in challenging circumstances — including refugees and young carers — to study at Wellington on a par with fee-paying pupils. All are on fully funded scholarships that include enrichment activities like optional school trips and music or speech and drama tuition.
Sarah Miller, Head of the Prince Albert Foundation and Ceri Kitching support the daily life of the PAF scholars, providing assistance on everything from uniform and school supplies to pastoral care, leadership development and post-18 guidance (alongside the dedicated Careers/HE team at Wellington). Just like all pupils, they can also apply for funding for gap year travel and research projects. This robust support extends up to the age of twenty-five.
“I am indebted to Wellington’s commitment to the broader social collective. Through programmes like the Prince Albert Foundation and the EDI initiative, the College is shaping a more diverse, inclusive and equal generation”
– Esther, PAF Scholar
The Wheeler Programme
The Wheeler Programme was introduced in 2017 to support the life choices of a greater number of children over a comprehensive five-year partnership. Pupils begin in Year 9 and whilst studying at their usual state school, attend Wellington College once or twice a term for workshops in soft skills; social and emotional learning opportunities; extra-curricular experiences; revision classes and tailored academic support particularly around exam times. Typically, around 24 pupils join the programme each year, some from our local state school partners and some travelling from as far afield as South Wales. Pupils aren’t selected for their academic ability but because they are thought to be underachieving against their potential. The purpose of Wheeler is to reinvigorate their interest in learning and to help forge their post-school pathway.
“It helped me develop myself socially. When I learned Mandarin for the first time, that was amazing. And my confidence skyrocketed. We did some interviews with someone from Sky when we went to their HQ in London and that helped with confidence too”
– Jamie, pupil on The Wheeler Programme
Wheeler Students – Class of 2023
The Wellington Refugee Programme
Part of our Global Citizenship activity, the Wellington Refugee Programme is run by our pupils and teachers to support local refugee families who are referred to us by the local council. So far, children displaced from Syria and Ukraine have taken part in weekly, flexible sessions at the College which focus on fun and friendship. Unique features of the scheme include that siblings and parents are invited to many of the sessions too, to foster a sense of community and reassurance; and that the families can remain with this long-term programme for as long as they wish to. Wellington pupils lead the programme, planning the sessions to include sports, games, baking and arts activities, as well as more serious academic tutoring and advice on the UK education and careers system, as needed.
“Since I joined Wellington partnership, I have been able to develop my attitude towards learning in my school as I became more confident, engaged in classes and having the courage to answer questions in front of my class as I was unable to do that before”
– Maryam, pupil on the Refugee Programme
To find out more about Wellington College Social Impact work click HERE.
