Upper Sixth field trip to Porlock Bay and Minehead
In March, Upper Sixth Geographers travelled to Minehead to analyse the hard engineering defences constructed to protect the town from coastal flooding including seawalls, stone... Read More
INDEPENDENT SIXTH FORM IN WELLS
Welcome to Wells Cathedral Sixth Form, a private sixth form college with a rich and long history, whilst very much looking to the future.
This page describes some of the many opportunities that our private sixth form college offers, although it can never fully capture the unique atmosphere that makes Wells what it is. We have prepared this Virtual Tour to provide an overview of what we have to offer:
If this has piqued your interest, we would be delighted to either arrange a visit to meet us in person (nothing beats seeing our school in action!) or set up an online meeting. Please contact our Admissions team to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
Pastoral
We want every pupil to enjoy their time at Wells whilst developing into their best possible self and preparing for their next steps...
At Wells we aim to provide all pupils with a family environment within a kind and caring community where they can be happy, healthy and, most importantly, who they are. With the houses situated in the heart of the school, this warm atmosphere extends into the day to day life of every student making Wells not just a school but a home.
Our purpose is to ensure all members of our community have a sense of belonging and are contented, balanced and confident individuals who have the necessary tools to live safe, joyful and fulfilling lives. We understand growing up is a learning process – young adults will make mistakes and need to be allowed to learn from them in a safe, supportive environment. We seek to make sure that all members of the community have a high level of spiritual awareness, emotional intelligence and self control and are also active and responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to the school and the wider world.
We achieve our aims through having a strong set of values and beliefs and a culture of learning around pastoral care. Our pastoral professional development programme continually raises the standard of our staff expertise, and our staff working parties look into the latest research and best practice. We have an extensive PSHE programme that invites input from high calibre speakers, and we involve pupils in developing their own well-being initiatives.
Available to each pupil is a team of dedicated staff, which includes tutors, houseparents, heads of year, professional counsellors, qualified nurses and doctors and a deputy head responsible for pastoral care whose primary role is to support pupils through the challenges that growing up presents. Having such a range of staff available to help with anything and everything ensures each pupil has someone they can trust to turn to if they need it. We believe that we must work in close partnership with parents to ensure each child can develop into their best self. We seek to initiate and always welcome frequent, open and honest communication.
Boarding at Wells
Ritchie House is our bespoke, sixth form only co-educational house designed to provide a stepping stone from school life to university. There are three distinct areas: the main house, a modern wing (Ritchie Gardens) and a satellite house (Brock House). Ritchie has a modern design with en-suite rooms, a beautiful university campus feel and a large walled garden. A resident houseparent and assistant, along with a non-resident matron and a number of regular staff, support our sixth formers and ensure the house runs smoothly.
House life is purposeful and fun. Sixth form committees help lead the house to encourage greater independence. Boarders mix with our day sixth formers who are also assigned to the house and take part in our friendly house competitions. Find out more about boarding at Wells.
Dining at Wells
The school chefs provide three cooked meals a day, including a vegetarian option and salad bar in a modern, airy dining hall. The dining hall is a place for pupils to meet and enjoy healthy fresh food and catch up with friends; the separate snack bar is another option for healthy food when schedules become hectic. Pupils have access to their houses throughout the day, and they can make toast and sandwiches in the house kitchens.
Curriculum at our Sixth Form
Our motto be what you are is reflected in our approach to our curriculum. All of our pupils extend their 'core' education with the vast range of co-curricular activities on offer - ranging from sport and creative arts to outdoor education, CCF and beyond - these opportunities allow them to develop their talents and discover new ones both in and outside of the classroom within an accepting community that encourages everyone to be exactly what they are and become the best version of themselves.
Our independent sixth form college gives pupils the inspiration and independence that they crave along with the flexibility and vast range of opportunities needed to help them meet their potential. The curriculum caters both for those who want breadth and variety of academic possibilities and for those requiring depth and intensity. We vary our subject choices across the traditional divisions of the arts, sciences and humanities on demand. Musicians can adopt a flexible programme, which allows them more time for music practice and performance.
Our Sixth Form pupils study A levels together with the opportunity to work for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which we believe provides the best structure for both specialisation and breadth.
We offer a broad and flexible range of subjects, tailored to the needs of our pupils. This means the final subjects on offer in any particular year will vary depending on their interests. Please see below for our current A level subjects on offer. In recent years this has meant the addition of subjects such as History of Art and Classical Civilisations. Please contact us if you would be interested in studying something other than what is currently on offer, and we’d be delighted to explore your request further, subject to demand and resources.
Wells also provides a full and rich programme around and beyond academic choices. All pupils study PSHE, life skills and take part in a regular enrichment programme of visiting talks through our DeWinton Series. We also encourage you to commit to a range of other activities, such as music, sport, drama, public speaking, Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, community service and many others.
With all the opportunities on offer, many parents (and Sixth Formers) worry about the possibility of overload! We find that careers advice and tutor consultation are vital, and we ensure that pupils enjoy a range of co-curricular activities and non-academic commitments alongside their programme of academic education.
A Level Subjects
Art
Art History
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Classics: Classical Civilisations
Classics: Latin
Computing
Economics
English Literature
French
Geography
Geology
German
History
Mathematics
Further Maths
Music
Music Technology
Philosophy & Ethics (RPE)
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Spanish
Theatre Studies
Scholarships
We award academic scholarships to talented young pupils. Please see this page for more information and how to apply. We also have mathematics scholarships for pupils who take part in our Specialist Mathematics Programme.
Latest Academic News
-
-
Year 9 Geography trip to Cardiff
In March, pupils from Year 9 travelled to Cardiff to investigate themes related to retail developments in the Central Business District. They conducted a retail... Read More -
Intermediate Mathematics Challenge 2024
In February, 98 pupils from Years 9, 10 and 11 sat this year’s Intermediate Mathematics Challenge, a 60 minute problem-solving multiple choice test designed to... Read More -
Fysics Pun Phun
Stressed by the challenge of required practicals for A level, Lower Sixth Physicists strained to measure the Young’s Modulus of copper. Pupils were challenged to... Read More -
Sixth Form Stammtisch
In March, pupils from Lower and Upper Sixth German classes enjoyed their first Stammtisch, an informal gathering with the aim of connecting pupils studying German... Read More -
An evening of TED-Talks
At March’s TED-Talk event, our Lower Sixth speakers delved into a wide array of thought-provoking topics, offering unique insights and perspectives.Magdalena discussed “The Variety of... Read More -
Geneva exchange
A big thank you to the families and Houseparents who hosted Swiss pupils from our partner school, Institut Florimont in Geneva.The visitors took part in... Read More -
Thriving Minds conference
The Thriving Minds conference in Oxford was an enlightening event that left a profound impact on our group of eight Lower Sixth pupils. Throughout the... Read More
Creative Arts
We provide a vast range of various creative arts opportunities with the aim to inspire the future generation to be freely expressive, imaginative and resourceful in an ever changing landscape of challenges. By doing this, we find that our pupils obtain ‘that extra spark’ that makes them stand out.
We are the
Independent School
of the Year 2020
for Performing Arts
Children at Wells are enthusiastic, creative, and open minded. They achieve amazing results.
John Dyer (Internationally renowned painter and Wells parent)
Our philosophy
We aim to inspire a lifelong passion for the creative arts by giving pupils of all abilities – even those who might not consider themselves as ‘naturally creative’ – the confidence and opportunities to perform and try a variety of styles.
Our curriculum is complemented by workshops by visiting artists, trips and co-curricular activities. Because of our approach to creative arts, our pupils achieve success across the arts, whether seen in their quality of art or performance, or in the excellent results achieved in their Trinity or A-level qualifications.
Dance
In addition to our curriculum lessons, we offer 1:1, paired and group tuition in many dance styles. We can provide examination classes in Modern Theatre with ISTD. Modern Theatre dance is often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. We also offer a range of styles without examination – contemporary, street, jazz, musical theatre dance and beginners ballet – that build upon dance skills, technique and confidence from lessons and support any further dance tuition.
Our Dance Companies have competed in national dance competitions such as The Big Dance Off. Dance Troupes are formed to choreograph impressive routines for various dramatic and musical productions. We support pupil-led initiatives, such as the recent Street Dance outfit ‘Blanc’ and the multi-disciplinary project ‘Reborn’: a Dance, Lighting, Drama, Music Tech and Percussion Project, providing the pupils with performance opportunities in Cedars Hall and at showcase events.
Drama
Our varied programme of opportunities ranges from the classics to the eclectic. We often take our shows out to professional venues, and our recent shows for pupils in Years 10+ include A Christmas Carol, Grease, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Strode Theatre) and Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful (Cedars Hall). Our production of Les Misérables was even attended by its original producer, Sir Cameron Mackintosh. We also produced a professionally filmed production of Our Country’s Good.
Our House Drama competition ‘The Bigny Cup’, and smaller ‘Fringe’ productions that run throughout the year ensure that all have the opportunity to perform.
For all pupils, our private sixth form college offers individual, pair or group tuition in both Speech and Drama and Musical Theatre as well as an extensive programme of theatre visits and professional theatre workshops.
Scholarships are available for current ability and potential.
Senior School production of A Christmas Carol
December 2021
Cedars Hall
Senior School film of Our Country’s Good
June 2021
Filmed in Cedars Hall
Senior School production of Grease
December 2019
Strode Theatre
Senior School production of Private Peaceful
December 2018
Cedars Hall
Senior School production of Beauty and the Beast
December 2017
Strode Theatre
Senior School production of The Crucible
by Arthur Miller
December 2016, Cedars Hall
Senior School production of Les Misérables
December 2015
Strode Theatre
Fine art
A level pupils each have their own studio space and may work in drawing, painting, sculpture, 3D construction, installation, printmaking, photography, film, video and mixed media.
We have regular trips to art galleries, and pupils have the opportunity to attend workshops with a diverse range of local and world-renowned artists. Our pupils’ work is regularly exhibited in our gallery space in the John Baxter Foyer of Cedars Hall. Scholarships are available based on current ability and potential.
Food studies
Pupils study Food Studies in Lower Sixth as part of their life skills curriculum. In addition to our food studies curriculum, we offer a wide range of other opportunities to experience cooking, such as: Christmas cake club, make your own lunch club, after school cookery club, senior cookery activities and holiday cookery courses. We also support pupils who wish to enter the Rotary Young Chef annual competition.
Music
We are unique in being one of the four Specialist Music Schools in England but within a setting of an independent sixth form college. This allows us to cater for musicians of exceptional talent on specifically designed programmes that puts music at the centre of the pupil’s daily school routine, but it also enables us to be able to provide a very broad range of musical opportunities for those who pursue music as a hobby.
One-to-one instrumental lessons are available with world-renowned teachers, and pupils can make the most of our many and varied ensemble opportunities, including choirs, orchestras, instrumental groups in all genres and music theatre. Music scholarships are based on current ability and potential.
Click here to find out more about our specialist music programme.
Photography
Pupils can progress their Photography with our A level course, which aims to provide them with the creative skills and understanding of a variety of photographic genres, media and processes.
We mainly use digital cameras and software, however pupils have opportunities to explore alternative media, such as film and sunography. We have visited Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery and the Photographer’s Gallery, and had workshops from Clive Barda and Ziggy Jacobs.
We emphasise developing independence and pursuing personal lines of enquiry. Our moderators have remarked: “Creative making was a strength amongst all candidates at Wells. They experimented purposefully with a range of photographic techniques. This led to a range of quality outcomes.”
GCSE and A Level Photography Examples
Venus Cheung, A Level
Venus Cheung, A Level
Doyeon Kim, A Level
James Manning, A Level
James Manning, A Level
James Manning, A Level
Jamie Ng, A Level
Michelle Ng, A Level
Michelle Ng, A Level
Suzy Zhang, A Level
Suzy Zhang, A Level
Amy Law, GCSE
Daisy Barrow, GCSE
Harry Barrow, GCSE
Karina Chan, GCSE
Lily Osborne, GCSE
Luke Lane, GCSE
Tom Stringer, GCSE
Zheng Yi, GCSE
Latest Creative Arts News
-
All the world’s a stage
A huge congratulations and massive well done to all the Years 7-9 cast of As You Like It and Romeo & Juliet for an outstanding... Read More -
Rambert acceptance for Alfie
After 16 months of intensive dance training, Alfie (Upper Sixth, photographed by Maple & Fleur Dance Photography) has received a place at the globally renowned... Read More -
Dance Showcase tickets released!
Tickets for this years’ Senior School Dance Showcase, titled ‘Don’t Turn Back’, have now been released! This years’ performance combines all of the senior Dance... Read More -
Woman in Black theatre trip
On Monday 11th March, 61 excited A level and GCSE Drama and Theatre Studies pupils were treated to a night out at the theatre in... Read More -
Antonia Showering visit to Art Department
On Wednesday 7th February, Old Wellensian and leading contemporary figurative painter Antonia Showering visited the Art Department to have a tour of the Art studios... Read More -
‘My only love sprung from my only hate!’
As the Years 7-9 Shakespeare Production Ensemble prepares to enter the final leg of rehearsals of Romeo & Juliet and As You Like It, excitement is building and... Read More -
Mayor’s New Clothes project
Huge congratulations to Creative Arts Captain Emily (Upper Sixth) and the Creative Arts team for taking part in the Mayor’s New Clothes project, Tanys Transformations.... Read More -
Meg releases new album: Heart Grows Fonder
Meg (Upper Sixth) is celebrating the release of her new album, Heart Grows Fonder. Meg made an appearance on GWS Radio (Glastonbury, Wells and Street)... Read More
Sport
We hope every pupil will find a sport he or she can enjoy and will continue with after they leave school to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so we make sport and physical activity an integral part of our overall education. We offer our pupils a wide range of sports to play, and we give them support and expertise to help them to develop their performance in the areas they choose.
When you come to Wells, the first thing that strikes you is our amazing grounds – we’re so lucky to have one of the most stunning cricket pitches in the country. But even more important than that is the quality of the staff. I’m so proud to have an amazing team here who are incredibly talented and deeply dedicated to supporting our pupils.
Our philosophy is to enable and empower our pupils – whatever their ability level – to understand their own bodies and what they need to do progress and improve. Happily, we have some great success stories of Wells pupils representing their county and even their country.
I’m passionate about what we do, and I’d love to show you around our beautiful part of the world. Please get in touch – I look forward to hearing from you.
Tom Webley, Director of Sport
Overview of Performance Sports at Wells
Our Private Sixth Form College Sport Facilities
Our outstanding facilities include:
- Cedars Field, widely recognised as being one of the finest cricket pitches in the county
- a state-of-the-art new astro used for hockey in the winter and tennis in the summer
- a large sports hall that boasts a fitness suite and climbing wall
- an open-air swimming pool with a retractable roof that is enjoyed year-round
- hard courts for tennis and netball
- a dance studio
- two full-size pitches suitable for rugby, football, cricket and athletics
- a new Sports Pavilion, providing lovely views of Cedars Field for spectators.
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Our Sport Coaches
Our Director of Sport, Tom Webley is a former professional cricketer for Somerset CCC and has completed his ECB Level 4 Master Coach Award. He is supported by a team of passionate qualified coaches and teachers. Our Heads for each sport include Daniel Trick (Cricket and Rugby), Tammie Williams (Netball), Charlotte Tibbs (Football), James Mayes (Hockey) and Gemma Pritchard (Girls’ Tennis).
The in-house team is complemented by regular visits from professional sport consultants, who inspire our pupils through masterclasses and lectures. We have outstanding links with Bath Rugby, Bath Netball, Somerset County Cricket Club, and England Hockey, which further enhances the opportunities we provide for our elite athletes to gain County, Regional and National honours.
It’s fantastic working with the Wells Cathedral Staff and pupils. They are pioneering an empowering approach to developing innovative, problem solving, self sufficient learners.
Brian Ashton, former England Rugby Head Coach and our current Sports Mentor
Options
We offer a number of sport options across the year, including:
- Air Rifle Club
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Circuit Training
- Cricket
- Fencing
- Football
- Hockey
- Judo
- Netball
- Rounders
- Rugby
- Running Club
- Strength and Conditioning
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Opportunities
Our competitive 1st teams play regularly on a strong circuit across the region in all major sports. We provide training pre-season and during the week and support our pupils who represent the County or above in their chosen sports, some of whom have gone on to represent Great Britain and help win County and Regional Championships. We extend our offering through our links to local clubs – such as Bath Rugby Club, Clifton Robinsons HC and Tor Netball Club – and by providing workshops from visiting professional athletes. Some of our athletes have extended their development with overseas tours to experience sport abroad.
Pupils of all abilities have opportunities to take part in sport at an appropriate level to enable them to develop their skills and be part of a team. Every term, day and boarding pupils are encouraged to take part in competitions for house trophies, and everyone has a healthy competitive spirit for the house championships. Our fitness suite stays open after school.
We have a Sport Scholars Programme for pupils who have the potential to make an outstanding contribution to Sport at Wells.
Leadership opportunities
We offer an outstanding Sports Leadership Programme. In Lower Sixth, our sports leaders undertake a practical-based course to learn how to deliver sport safely as well as earn their Young First Aider qualification. The programme culminates in a sports leader-led tournament.
Scholarships
We award scholarships for current ability and potential. In addition to a financial award, scholars flourish with extra sport sessions, mentoring, regular personal fitness meetings and specialist support. Our sport enrichment programme aims to support each pupil to balance academic lessons with extra training and competitions so that all of our sports scholars will be able to achieve the best of his or her ability. We review our scholarship programme regularly. Please see this page for more information and how to apply.
Pupil perspectives
Latest sport news
-
Badminton players’ tournament success
We were thrilled to hear that five of our Badminton players won medals at a tournament on Sunday 24th March. Key (Lower Sixth) won the... Read More -
Tilly selected to represent Hockey Wales
We are thrilled to share that Tilly (Year 11) has successfully trialled to represent Wales in their U18 Hockey team. Furthermore, she was selected as... Read More -
Wells named home to one of the 10 most picturesque cricket grounds in Britain
Wells Cathedral School has been named home to one of the 10 most picturesque cricket grounds in Britain.The list, compiled by Chief Cricket Writer Scyld... Read More -
Somerset Schools Golf Championship
On Wednesday 20th March, six pupils travelled to the Weston-Super-Mare Golf Club to play in the Somerset Schools Golf Championship. In the past, the School... Read More -
Hockey players compete beyond Wells
Tilly (Year 11) played against Linsey (Year 11) in the U16 Supra League for Clifton Robinsons and Team Bath Buccaneers respectively. The game finished 3-3... Read More -
Netball performances
We previously reported that Sylvie and Ada (Year 11) would be playing in Gibraltar for Northern Ireland and Wales respectively, while Mrs Williams, the School’s... Read More -
Horse riding success for Sophie
Sophie (Year 7) has successfully achieved The British Horse Society – Junior Progressive Riding Test, Equitation Lever Four at Currypool Equestrian. An excellent achievement, well... Read More -
Senior Swim Squad compete in Bath Cup
On Friday 1st March, the Senior Swim Squad travelled to London Olympic Park to take part in the Bath Cup, a relay-based swimming competition. The... Read More
Activities
Pupils can choose from a wide variety of co-curricular activities, which aim to accommodate all abilities and most interests, at lunchtimes. Our extensive range of indoor or outdoor pursuits take place during lunch, after school and at weekends so you can be sure to find something that suits you.
See Our Leaflets For More Information
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning complements and reinforces the excellent learning that takes place inside the classroom. Learning through adventure, preferably in the outdoors, is one of the most effective ways to develop character traits such as resilience, resourcefulness and self confidence.
Learning in the outdoors, being exposed to risk, appreciating the natural world and working in teams are some of the most effective ways to develop character traits such as resilience, courage, resourcefulness, creativity and self-confidence.
Our pupils enjoy an extensive outdoor education programme which is experiential and reflective.
Stuart Elks Director of Outdoor Learning
Opportunities
We have a thriving optional Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award scheme. Pupils can enrol on the DofE Award at any of the three levels: Bronze, Silver or Gold. They achieve a DofE Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections. They’ll find themselves doing activities such as helping people in the community, getting fitter, developing skills and going on an expedition. We offer Bronze in Year 9, Silver in Year 10 and Gold in Lower Sixth. Over 100 pupils sign up for the scheme each year with an incredible rate of success.
Our co-curricular activity options include: camp craft, natural navigation, teamwork, orienteering, expedition first aid, marksmanship, problem solving and decision making. We organise camping trips, rock climbing, hill walking, archery, bushcraft, adventurous activity residentials and expeditions to far flung parts of the globe, such as skiing in the Alps and trekking to Everest Base Camp and Machu Picchu.
Our team
A former Royal Marine, our Director of Outdoor Learning, Stuart Elks has a degree in Outdoor Education and is a qualified teacher. When not running Shrewsbury Boarding House, he can be found running in the Mendip Hills with his spaniel and searching for a good surf break on the North Devon Coast with his wife Hannah.
Glyn Lancey is the CCF School Staff Instructor and Training Officer. He holds numerous qualifications in both Cadets and the DofE Award.
Stuart and Glyn are supported by a passionate team of teachers who are qualified to instruct rock climbing, mountaineering, canoeing, caving, sailing and skiing.
Where we go
Our pupils are able to walk north from the school into the beautiful limestone Mendip Hills or to the sprawling Somerset levels. We benefit greatly from having two richly diverse environments on our doorstep. Our extensive programme includes abseiling at Split Rock Quarry and rock climbing at Fairy Cave Quarry. Our climbing wall is reset biannually and used every day for Games options. Bushcraft skills are taught in the woods surrounding the school, and archery is taught on site. Every pupil has the opportunity to try caving and make the most of this rich tradition here in Somerset.
Our Royal Air Force cadets take to the skies at Boscombe Down in Dorset most Wednesdays. Our Royal Navy cadets learn to sail at Cheddar Reservoir as well as scuba dive in our swimming pool. Our Army cadets use the brand new Army Cadet Force shooting range in Wells and Yoxter Combined Cadet Force training area to develop their marksmanship skills each week.
Pupil perspectives
CCF
We are one of only 257 schools in the UK with a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent, which is a unique educational partnership. Through enjoyable military-themed and adventurous activities, our cadets have the opportunity to take responsibility and develop skills, such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.
Our CCF is an optional activity, and alternative opportunities are available for those who would prefer not to take part. The CCF is not part of the UK Armed Forces. While adult volunteers and cadets do wear uniform, they do not incur any liability for service or compulsory training in the Armed Forces as a result of being a CCF member.
The Combined Cadet Force at Wells currently has 130 pupils, and they can join either the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army or Royal Marines Band sections which all offer fantastic opportunities whether it be gliding, sailing, scuba diving or fieldcraft to name but a few.
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE Award) is optional and entirely voluntary. In Lower Sixth, pupils can enter the DofE Award at Gold Level. They achieve a DofE Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections. They’ll find themselves doing activities such as helping people in the community, getting fitter and developing skills. Gold Award participants need to complete a Practice Expedition and a Qualifying Expedition; both are four days and three nights. The Practice Expedition takes place during the Easter Holidays and the Qualifying Expedition over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Latest Outdoor Education News
-
CCF finish busy Lent Term
CCF cadets enjoyed a busy week to end the Lent Term, including an indoor clay pigeon shoot! Our congratulations to the Year 9 Army cadets... Read More -
Royal Navy cadets visit HMS Raleigh
In March, 19 Royal Navy cadets visited HMS Raleigh in Torpoint to take part in the Damage Repair Instruction Unit (DRIU) and Fire-Fighting demonstration. The... Read More -
CCF RN visit RNAS Yeovilton
On Tuesday 19th March, 18 Royal Navy cadets visited the airbase at RNAS Yeovilton. During our last visit to the airbase, the Commander of the... Read More -
CCF Royal Navy Try-Dive
On Wednesday 13th March, 23 Navy cadets took part in a Try-Dive session in the School swimming pool. Two instructors from the Dive and Adventure... Read More -
Petty Officer Hamlin talk
The Royal Navy cadets were visited in March by Petty Officer John Hamlin who is a Marine Engineering submariner. PO Hamlin is currently based at... Read More -
CCF enjoy range of activities
Our cadets enjoyed a busy week of activities as February turned to March. The Year 9 Rifles got covered in plenty of mud whilst team... Read More -
South West Boulder League
Thirteen pupils between Years 10 and the Upper Sixth competed in the first climbing competition of 2024 in January and February. They represented Wells for... Read More -
CCF cadets go underground
The last two weeks have seen the first CCF adventurous training trips of 2024 get off to a flying start. Cadets have had the opportunity... Read More
Leadership Opportunities
Our leadership opportunities available throughout the School are great experiences for individual development and play a significant role in developing the School’s community atmosphere. In the Sixth Form, these opportunities become especially prominent.
Pupils in the Lower Sixth have the opportunity to be part of our Sports Leadership Programme and are also invited to form part of the Sixth Form Council. In the Upper Sixth, pupils are able to become leaders within the whole School and contribute to the Wells community through the pupil leader/prefect system.
Working alongside the Head Boy and Head Girl is the pupil leader team, comprised of House captains, sports and music representatives and other prefects. Pupil leaders and prefects play an extremely important role in the day-to-day running of the School. Being a leader is a very fulfilling job. The duties provide the chance to talk and work with other pupils of all ages, be a role model and act as an approachable peer.
Event on the Lawn
Event on the Lawn, a musical extravaganza event, is 100% organised by our sixth form pupils. The aim of the event is to raise money for the School’s charitable project called The Sierra Leone Project. This project started in 2009 and aims to support academic and musical work in schools across Freetown, but mostly with the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA), and the JT Reffel French Memorial School.
Results
Academic results are an important part of what we do as a school, but for us they are the results of a good education not the target. Our focus is on producing well rounded pupils who will go on to be successful individuals in society throughout their lives, and for that reason we are more interested in the types of people they will be in 10, 20 or more years after they have left school. That said, we believe that because of this approach our academic examination results continue to be some of the best of any co-educational day and boarding schools in the South West.
A Level Result Summary 2023
A Level Result Summary 2022
A Level Result Summary 2021
Destinations of Leavers
We start the journey to higher education and offer advice and information on university courses, careers and vocational training that are geared towards each individual pupil.
Preparing for the next step
Our UCAS Advisor talks to all pupils entering our Sixth Form to ensure they are happy with their course choices and works closely with all pupils as they begin to think about universities and careers.
We organise an information morning in the spring of the Lower Sixth with talks from admissions tutors and former pupils from universities. Our advisor organises a trip to the UCAS fair, Oxford as well as practice interviews and work experience. Pupils are encouraged and supported in attending university open days.
We have a very honest and open process in which parents are encouraged to participate fully, and our advisor is available for individual appointments if parents or pupils would like to discuss anything. This support continues through to results day and beyond as pupils confirm their choices or even change their minds!
Results
Most of our pupils progress to some form of higher education, many with places at Russell Group universities. In 2022, 93% of our leavers got into their first choice university; please see the following lists for more information. Please note that the destinations of our music specialists are listed separately here.
Join Us
Take the next steps...
