Academic

Wellingtonians study GCSEs, followed by the IB Diploma or A Levels. Whichever route students take, results are superb:

In 2020, 95% of A-Level grades were A*-B and the IB cohort achieved an incredible 40.03 average, with five students achieving the maximum 45 points. At GCSE, 72% of grades awarded were 9/8, 91% 9-7 and 98% 9-6.

100 Wellington students have been offered Oxbridge places over the past four years, while on average 25-30 move on each year to American universities, including several to Ivy League universities.

Sports

The College has an outstanding reputation for boys’ and girls’ sport, with over 30 different activities offered with emphasis placed on both excellence and general participation (every year sees over 2,000 fixtures).

In 2019/20 national team success came in Cross Country, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Polo, Rackets, Real Tennis, Rugby (where the boys’ 1st XV became the first side to defend the RFU Champions Trophy title), Sailing, Skiing, and Shooting.

In addition to team success, many individuals gained national or international honours across 11 different sports, with several going on to take up professional contracts, scholarships at US universities and places on UK based performance squads in Rugby and Hockey.

Performing Arts

Performing Arts are equally strong. Music and Drama are stunning, with nearly two-thirds of pupils taking music or LAMDA lessons.

Recent activities have included a choir tour to Germany, a recording of carols, an orchestral recording, an annual musical (this year Sweeney Todd), contemporary Shakespeare productions and imaginative and inclusive junior plays.

Dance enjoys a purpose-designed studio and two spectacular shows each year play to packed houses. The G.W. Annenberg Performing Arts Centre, Wellington’s 900-seat performing arts venue, opened in September 2018. It was no surprise that Wellington was awarded Artsmark Gold by the Arts Council. 

Leadership and Service

Leadership and service to others are central: co-curricular activities include its outward-facing Global Citizenship programme in which pupils create and run innovative social action projects, as well as the CCF and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Over 70 clubs and societies provide unique opportunities, from WTV (Wellington’s own television company) to the pupil-run radio station, DukeBox, which broadcasts 24/7, reaching listeners in 41 countries across the globe.

Famous Alumni

George Orwell (Author: Animal Farm, 1984), Will Young (Singer), Rory Bremner (Comedian), James Hunt (Race Car Driver: F1 World Champion), Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee (Actor: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun, Star Wars)