About Wrekin senior (11-16)

LOVE THE JOURNEY

Designed for the Individual

Full potential, eager for challenge

When Sir John Bayley founded Wrekin College in 1880, he wanted to establish a school that would be different. In particular, he said “the danger of any school is that of falling into a narrow groove of teaching all children as though they were turned out by Mother Nature in stereotyped fashion, of failing to realise that any successful school is one where each pupil receives individual attention”.

This philosophy has been Wrekin’s guiding principle ever since, contributing to our aim of providing exceptional education standards that enable every pupil to achieve their best.

wrekin senior emblem

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More Than Grades

Academic Ambition Meets Personal Growth

Everything offered at Wrekin is designed to stretch and challenge our pupils and make them better people, for life. Academic achievement is at the heart of all we do; we foster an ethos of encouraging our pupils to be the very best they can be, and their own personal bests are all they are ever measured against.

Together with our Character Adventure Training, which marries Employability with the skills learned in our Duke of Edinburgh Award programme and our Combined Cadet Force, Wrekin truly offers the all-round curriculum necessary for 21st Century life.

Our Ethos

Founded on Sir John Bayley’s enduring philosophy of individual attention for every pupil, Wrekin College provides a continuous, holistic journey from Reception through to Upper Sixth (ages 4–18). Combining a rich tradition with a forward-thinking approach, we nurture a warm, inclusive, and values-driven community where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to discover their unique potential both within and beyond the classroom.

  • Individual Value and Inclusion: Every child is known, cared for individually, and given an equal opportunity to thrive within a respectful, inclusive community built on courtesy, kindness, and common sense.
  • Holistic Excellence: We deliver a broad, balanced education that develops intellect, character, physical and emotional well-being, and moral groundedness at every stage of a pupil's school life.
  • Supportive and Safe Environment: High-quality pastoral care and robust safeguarding form the foundation of our community, ensuring pupils feel secure, happy, and confident enough to take on challenges.
  • Partnership with Families: We view parents as crucial partners in the educational journey, maintaining open dialogue to ensure the best outcomes and personal growth for every pupil.
  • Community and Purpose: We foster a strong sense of responsibility, instilling pride in our traditions while preparing pupils to be active, thoughtful, and contributing members of both local and global communities.

Our Aims

Across the entire college, our shared commitment is to guide every pupil along a seamless path of personal and academic development, equipping them with the confidence, integrity, and skills to flourish in the modern world.

We aim to:

  • Inspire Curiosity and Challenge: Spark a lifelong love of learning and empower every pupil to be the best version of themselves.
  • Nurture Well-Being and Resilience: Build character, emotional strength, and the confidence to take on responsibility and new challenges.
  • Celebrate Individual Excellence: Recognise every success—academic, creative, or personal—and value each pupil’s unique contribution.
  • Instil Strong Core Values: Guide pupils to act with kindness, courtesy, and respect for others, their community, and the environment.
  • Prepare for Life Beyond: Seamlessly equip confident, balanced young people to thrive in every stage of their education and, ultimately, in higher education, careers, and the wider world.

Learning to Lead, Learning to Live

Character and Confidence Built Through Experience

We don’t just talk about character; we build it. Our Character Adventure Training brings together physical challenge, leadership, and teamwork, drawing on the best of our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Combined Cadet Force programmes.

Whether it's learning resilience on an outdoor expedition or leading a team exercise on the parade ground, these experiences help shape young people into capable, self-assured adults ready for the real world.

History

Character and Confidence Built Through Experience

Wrekin College was founded in 1880 by Sir John Bayley with a bold idea: that every child should be seen as an individual. His belief that education should prepare young people for life beyond the classroom still shapes everything we do today.

Rooted in tradition but future-facing by design, Wrekin has spent over 140 years following the Wrekin way and helping pupils grow in confidence, character, and ambition.

Discover our heritage

team

Leading with Purpose, Teaching with Passion

 

At the heart of our school is a dedicated team of educators who are passionate about creating a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. Each member of the Wrekin team, whether they be teaching or non-teaching brings a unique blend of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to their role, helping to shape a community where every pupil can thrive. 

Wrekin senior SLT

Steve Green

Steve Green

Headmaster
David Blackham

David Blackham

Senior Deputy Head - Pastoral and Supervising Designated Safeguarding Lead
Ben Smith

Ben Smith

Deputy Head (Academic)
Simon Platford MBE

Simon Platford MBE

Director of Music/Head of Sixth Form
Angus Harper

Angus Harper

Bursar
Kate McMahon

Kate McMahon

Teacher of Business (Wrekin)
Michelle Warner

Michelle Warner

Head of PE/ Housemistress (Clarkson)

teaching staff

Explore our Senior and Sixth teaching team

Explore the team

Joining Us

Start your Wrekin journey

Starting your own Wrekin journey at Wrekin Senior is easy. Our friendly admissions team will help every step of the way with bespoke guidance and advice.

Discover admissions