Endless choices, greater diversification

Tim Head, Deputy Director of Admissions and Teacher of English at Wellington College, believes that an independent education will help your child find their identity.

Your child is unique, so perhaps the chief reason for choosing an independent school is to find somewhere that not only recognises that but actively seeks to engage your child as the individual you know they are. When it comes to education, one size certainly doesn’t fit all, and the very best schools are able to provide a bespoke learning experience.

At Wellington, for example, we understand that there is no such thing as a single school. The truth is that there are over 1,000 different Wellingtons, as each child builds their own school around them. Take the example of twins who joined over three years ago: now in the Sixth Form,

one is studying the IB Diploma with a programme based around their love of humanities and languages; the other is following a rigorous course of A-level sciences. One enjoys team games, the other excels at individual sports. James spends much of his co-curricular time in the music school, Jemima is a dancer who also finds time to pursue her passion for debating. They may go to the same school, but their experience of it could not be more different.

The choices begin the moment children start at their senior school. Beyond the core academic subjects of Maths, English and Science they can choose between French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Mandarin; Greek and Latin, Geography, History or Philosophy; Art, Computer Science, PE, DT, Dance or Drama. The chances of any pupil following the same academic programme are slim indeed, so varied are the permutations.

When it comes to sport the choices are also endless. At Wellington there are over 20 sports to choose from spread over three different terms, and provision for elite athletes as well as those who enjoy a more participatory role. The 21st-century child’s physical needs are extensively and imaginatively catered for; gone are the days of shivering on the wing simply so the school can get a team out. Parents may worry about the size of an independent senior school, compared to many preparatory schools, but in truth with size comes greater diversification, and it’s the ratio of teachers to children that is the most important metric.

Perhaps the true jewel in a school’s crown is the range of co-curricular enrichment activities. Clubs and societies allow children to pursue their own interests, or explore new ones. Model United Nations, Debating, Current Affairs, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurial and Business clubs all broaden horizons, as do Robotics, Engineering and TV and Radio societies. Fancy a career in the media? See yourself as a MasterChef? Imagine what it would be like to design a green-powered racing car? Seek to make a difference through international charity work? The chances are the best independent schools will cater for such dreams and visions, and that so many of these societies are student-led also provide countless and invaluable leadership opportunities.

But the all-important journey towards self can only happen if student wellbeing and rigorous safeguarding are front and centre of a school’s provision. Dedicated pastoral teams, a well-regulated tutorial system and frequent reporting and feedback all speak of a school’s desire to place the individual at the heart of their education. Adolescence is a time of great opportunity and growth, but it is also a time of confusion and uncertainty. The best schools understand this and provide the space, time and stability all youngsters need if they are to truly grow and flourish.

In short, the very best reason for choosing an independent school is that your child will feel safely empowered to make their own choices on their journey towards true independence.

This article first appeared in the 2024 edition of Which School? You can view the digital version of the guidebook here: