Whitgift School Guide – Programmes, Admissions, Fees and More
Enter the world of Whitgift School, where learning is a cherished experience every day! Discover a place where intellectual skills, engaging activities, and a caring community make school life distinctive and thrilling. Read more to explore what this prestigious school has to offer students, local and abroad.
Table of Contents
Whitgift School Summary
Summary Of School
- Type of school: Boys
- Age range: 10-18
- Pupils: 1550
- Boarders: 10%
- Fees: (Full boarding) £51,120 per annum
- 2024 A Level Results: 64% A*-A
- 2023 GCSE Results: 86% 9-7
- 2024 IB Results: 37 point average
Overview
Whitgift School believes in holistically nurturing students while they pursue their education. The state-of-the-art facilities and inspiring classrooms are just the beginning. From the moment students step onto the campus, they’ll be greeted by an array of extracurricular activities designed to ignite their interests and talents. Whether you’re a budding artist, a future scientist, or a sports enthusiast, there’s something here for you. Their impressive sports programmes, creative arts offerings, and leadership opportunities ensure that every student finds their unique path.
The school’s dedicated and passionate teachers are committed to making learning engaging and meaningful. They use innovative teaching methods to bring subjects to life, making sure you not only grasp the concepts but also see their relevance in the real world. But it’s not all about academics; the school knows that social and emotional growth is just as important. At Whitgift, you’ll find a supportive environment where friendships flourish and personal development is encouraged.
However, don’t just take our word for it—their vibrant community of students, parents, and alumni will tell you that Whitgift is a place where memories are made, and lifelong friendships are formed. The school’s rich history and strong traditions blend seamlessly with a forward-thinking approach, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.
Whitgift School Courses and Programmes
Junior Years
In the Junior Years, covering the Lower First Form through to the Second Form, students embark on a broad educational journey. Lower First Form pupils engage with 14 subjects, including English, Korean, Maths, Science, Geography, Global Citizenship, Language Awareness, Computing and Digital Literacy, Theology and Philosophy, Art and Design, Drama, Music, PE and Games, and PSHEE. Notably, Whitgift includes Korean in its curriculum, offering students the chance to explore a non-Latinate script.
For First Form students, alongside core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and others, are required to choose three out of six available languages: French or Spanish, German or Latin, and Japanese or Mandarin.
In the Second Form, pupils continue with the same subjects but narrow their language study to two options. Sciences are taught as distinct subjects, and an additional module, IGNITE, is introduced. IGNITE focuses on Independent Research, fostering deeper intellectual curiosity and passion for learning alongside Global Citizenship and Digital Literacy.
GCSE
Whitgift’s GCSE curriculum is centred around six core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and the three Sciences. Pupils must also select a Modern Foreign Language and at least one Humanities subject. The school encourages students to choose subjects that ignite their passion and align with their future academic goals. Through Whitgift’s PRISM initiative, students benefit from enrichment talks by guest speakers, aimed at promoting higher-level thinking and academic ambition.
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
The IB programme at Whitgift involves studying six subjects, with three at Standard Level and three at Higher Level. Beyond these subjects, students complete three additional components: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS), and an Extended Essay.
A Level
In the A Level programme, students initially select four subjects from a wide range of options. Typically, they continue with three of these subjects in their Upper Sixth year. Lower Sixth students are required to engage in Critical Reflection, and General Studies is integrated throughout the Sixth Form. Additionally, Whitgift promotes the completion of an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), where students conduct research on a topic of their choice and write a brief dissertation.
Whitgift School 2024 Results
In 2024, Whitgift School celebrated exceptional exam results. At A-Level, 64% of students achieved A*-A grades. The school’s IB cohort also managed to achieve 37 Point Average for their 2024 result. Meanwhile, for their 2023 GCSEs, 86% of students obtained grades 9-7. These results underscore Whitgift’s dedication to academic excellence and the outstanding achievements of its students.
Whitgift Admissions Process
10+ Entry
Whitgift School’s entrance exams consist of a computer-based assessment and written testing. The computer-based portion includes Mathematics, English (non-adaptive), Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Problem-Solving Skills. This section features multiple-choice questions and does not require typing or keyboard skills. In addition, written tests will cover Creative Writing in English and Problem Solving in Maths. Candidates who progress to the next stage will be invited for an interview with a Senior Member of staff, offering a chance to evaluate the student’s academic fit and learn about his extracurricular interests. This is followed by a brief meeting with the student’s parents or guardians.
11+ Entry
For entry into Whitgift School, prospective students undergo entrance exams that cover English, Maths, and age-appropriate Thinking Skills. Students who advance in the selection process will be invited for an interview with a Senior Member of staff. This interview allows the school to assess the student’s academic potential and learn more about his interests and extracurricular activities. Following the student’s interview, there will be a brief meeting with the parents or guardians and the same Senior Member of staff to discuss further details.
13+ Entry
Meanwhile, for 13+ entry to Whitgift School candidates are assessed in English, Maths, and Science. Those who progress through the initial stages will be invited for an interview with a Senior Member of staff. This interview offers a chance to evaluate the student’s academic potential and learn about his interests and extracurricular activities. Following the student’s interview, there will be a brief meeting with the parents or guardians and the same Senior Member of staff to discuss the next steps in the admission process.
16+ Entry
To gain entry into Whitgift School’s Sixth Form, students must achieve a minimum of 62 GCSE points from nine subjects, calculated by summing grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. This typically requires at least eight grade 7s and one grade 6, or an equivalent combination. The entrance process includes a Critical Thinking Skills paper and two exams in subjects chosen for A Levels or the IB programme.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with a Senior Member of staff, providing an opportunity to further assess the student’s academic potential and learn about his extracurricular interests. This interview is followed by a brief meeting with the parents or guardians to discuss the next steps in the admissions process.
Overseas Applicants
International students are required to follow the same application process as UK applicants, including taking Entrance Examination papers suited to their age group. If English is not the applicant’s first language, they may need to complete an English as an Additional Language (EAL) examination, which will be determined in consultation with the Head of EAL. Examinations can be administered abroad at the nearest British Council location. Students who are being considered for admission will then be invited for an interview, which can be conducted either at Whitgift or via Teams.
Whitgift School Application Deadline
For 13+ boarding entry, applications are due by Friday 4 October 2024, with entrance exams on Saturday 9 November 2024 and interviews from 20 to 27 November 2024. Decisions will be emailed to parents on Friday 6 December 2024.
International boarders for 13+ and 14+ also have a closing date of 4 October 2024, with exams from 2 to 8 November 2024 and interviews from 20 to 26 November 2024. Decisions for 13+ will be sent on 6 December 2024, and for 14+, timing will be advised. Acceptance deadlines will be confirmed at the time of the offer.
For 16+ boarding entry, applications are due by 4 October 2024, with exams on 9 November 2024 and interviews from 20 to 26 November 2024. Decisions will be emailed on 6 December 2024, with the acceptance deadline on 20 December 2024 by midday.
Whitgift School Fees 2024/2025
The fees cover the cost of most stationery, textbooks, games, and school societies. However, they do not include certain items like public examination fees and UCAS entry fees.
Day Pupils: £26,055 per annum / £8,685 per term
Boarding Pupils:
- Weekly Boarding: £43,110 per annum / £14,370 per term
- Full Boarding: £51,120 per annum / £17,040 per term
Applications Fee: £160 (non-refundable)
International Application Fee: £250 (non-refundable)
Acceptance deposit:
- Day Student – £1,600
- UK Boarding Students – 50% of one term’s fees
- International Boarding Students – one term’s fees
Whitgift School Extracurricular Activities
Whitgift School’s extracurricular experience is meticulously designed and organised to nurture, inspire, and challenge students. Students have access to outstanding facilities and the passionate, dedicated staff, who are committed to fostering exceptional relationships and a caring community.
Drama
At Whitgift, their elite production programme extends pupils’ skills in performance, direction, and design, while introducing them to a diverse range of performance styles and historical texts. Theatre encourages students, as well as those who create and watch it, to express themselves, consider others’ experiences, and envision the world both as it has been and as it could be in the future.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
Whitgift’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) includes sections for the Army, Navy, RAF, and Corps of Drums. Participation is optional, beginning in the Third Form (Year 9) for the Army, RAF, and Navy sections, and in the First Form (Year 7) for the Corps of Drums. Each section equips cadets with a diverse range of skills, including navigation, target shooting, first aid, and adventurous activities such as hill walking and water sports.
As cadets progress, they have the opportunity to become instructors, where they further develop their leadership, communication, confidence, and resilience.
Music
Whitgift offers exceptional music opportunities that cater to all interests. They have a variety of music programmes like orchestral music, academic music, choral music, chamber music, etc. There are a broad range of opportunities available to assist budding musicians of all levels in building their confidence and provide numerous chances to perform throughout the year.
Sport
Sports play a significant role in nurturing students’ minds and bodies throughout their journey at Whitgift School. There is a wide range of competitive and recreational activities for pupils to choose from, from core sports like cricket, football, rugby and hockey to other exciting options such as archery, basketball, fencing and racket sports.
Most notably, Whitgift boasts an excellent track record in competitive sports, having won more than 300 national titles across various disciplines, which led to its recognition as the Top School for Sport in 2020. The school also offers tailored programs for students aiming to enhance their skills and performance in their chosen sport.
Whitgift School Reviews from Parents/Students
My son attended the Pre-IB summer programme and was excited. He experienced a top-level programme with likeminded students at a prestigious institution which has shaped his thinking about his future education.
You have an amazing school! I have never seen anything like it.
The school has quite a broad range of academic ability, but the top sets are very strong indeed and talented boys are catered for well. There is a good range of academic subjects, and once they are in 6th form, having the option to choose IB or A levels gives good flexibility. The Learning Support department is very on the ball about help with study skills and exam access arrangements.
We are incredibly happy with how our son has thrived at Whitgift – the opportunities and the broad spectrum of sports and clubs on offer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitgift School
Whitgift School is known for its extremely high standards of education, as well as their diverse pathways to qualifications.
The school offers a range of activities including sports, music, drama and various clubs. For example, Music club, Drama club, Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Duke of Edinburgh, and more.
Whitgift School prioritises pastoral care by fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. Each student is assigned a form tutor who provides guidance and support throughout their time at the school. The school also has dedicated staff to assist with emotional and personal development, ensuring students’ well-being and academic success.
To apply, complete the online application form, submit the required documents, sit for entrance exams, and attend an interview if you are shortlisted.
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Apply To Whitgift School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!