There are currently approximately 1,410 students on roll including a vibrant and successful Sixth Form. The school is oversubscribed for the Year 7 intake each September. The school employs approximately 85 teachers and a similar number of support staff, representing a good gender balance and a mix of younger and more experienced staff. The governing body is very active and supportive in working alongside staff in meeting the school’s aims. There is an excellent programme for staff development at all levels including a comprehensive support programme for teachers new to the profession and middle/senior leader development activities.
Warlingham is a school in which young people flourish both academically and socially. The motto of ‘Wide Horizons, High Expectations’ underpins the ethos of the school. The school has high expectations in terms of learning, behaviour and attendance, which leads to excellent academic progress.
“The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.” – Ofsted 2017
The school also provides an environment that excites, motivates and challenges its students to place no ceiling on achievement and to develop an interest in the world around them. Its ambition is for students to leave Warlingham as successful, confident, young people ready to face all of life’s challenges and make a positive contribution to society.
“There is an open culture where everyone works together to improve progress for all students” – Ofsted 2017
Warlingham offers a wide and varied learning experience across fourteen departments. Student numbers allow for considerable flexibility at Key Stage 4 & 5 and the options are subject to annual review depending on the needs of the students. The timetable is always based around student choices and not “pre-blocked”. Prior to that, at Key Stage 3, students are taught in a variety of ability groupings, frequently being set according to ability.
Many aspects of work in departments are enhanced through links with the wider community. The curriculum is enriched by a variety of trips, home and abroad, after school clubs, vocational workshops, guest speakers, more able activities and community projects. The school has also forged links with partner schools within the local area.
A broad range of sporting activities, including team and individual sports, is offered, maximising use of our extensive facilities. We also run the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, which is very popular with our students.
“Our four children have all benefited in very individual ways from the opportunities offered by the school” – Parent
The school buildings and facilities have been extended in recent years. Although the main building is typical of those constructed in the 1950s (with all the associated shortcomings), there is a good range of specialist facilities. Teaching spaces are of a good standard, appropriately resourced with attractive displays. There has been significant investment in ICT facilities across all departments as well as a well-resourced Learning Resource Centre. Due to the open site we are fortunate in having good outdoor PE facilities, including a floodlit synthetic turf pitch, an indoor pool and fitness suite.
Most visitors to the school comment on the purposeful learning environment and its open, friendly ethos.
“The calibre of teaching and the support network is in our opinion unparalleled in the local area. Warlingham School has allowed our son to grow and grow as a person and instilled in him a confidence that is amazing.” - Parent
Our House System supports the social and academic progress of students and provides pastoral support. It also promotes friendly competition with a high level of student commitment to community and extra-curricular events.
Working in any school in the current climate is challenging. Warlingham aims to ensure that its staff also find their work stimulating, rewarding and, mostly, good fun!
“Teachers have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities and they actively share good practice, which is improving the quality of teaching overall” Ofsted 2017