Academic
LOVE THE JOURNEY
Academic life
Challenge, learn, enjoy
The core purpose of Wrekin College is providing exceptional educational experiences through teaching and supporting pupils to enable them to reach their full academic potential.
Wrekin is proud of its strong academic record, achieved through stimulating intellectual curiosity, providing excellent and inspiring teaching, and making learning exciting. Our guiding principle is to help every child achieve the most they are capable of, preparing them for the competitive world they will enter, and to give them a lasting sense of the pleasure and value of learning that will enrich their future lives.
Teachers are highly experienced, expert and approachable, and give a great deal of time to pupils both inside and outside the classroom. Our excellent tutoring system means each pupil has personalised academic support. Our learning support staff can help those with additional needs, and our enrichment programme stimulates and stretches our more able students.
We offer a wide range of subjects for GCSE, A level and BTEC, and guide pupils in choosing subjects that suit their interests, abilities and future plans. Our Head of Careers advises pupils throughout their time at school, and the Head of Sixth Form offers expert advice on university applications.
year 7 - 8
Lancaster learning
In Years 7 and 8, our Lancaster Learning programme sparks curiosity and inspires a genuine love of learning. Pupils explore a wide range of subjects—often for the first time—broadening their horizons and discovering new interests. These years are packed with enriching activities that build confidence, independence, and a lifelong desire to learn.
year 9 - 11
Development and Consolidation
After the Lancaster Learning programme, pupils start their GCSE curriculum in Year 9, preparing for their first external exams in Year 11. Early in Year 9, pupils take school exams and meet with tutors and parents to make thoughtful subject choices that align with their strengths and ambitions. They study core subjects and also choose four options to carry forward into Year 10 and 11, tailored to their abilities and future goals, supported by PSHEE through tutoring.
Target Grades
Review and Report
Wrekin Senior’s Target Grade system helps pupils reach their full potential while keeping parents informed about progress. Target Grades set aspirational but realistic goals based on assessments and teacher judgement, with regular reports comparing current performance and effort against these targets. Through termly reports and progress reviews, pupils and parents get clear, ongoing feedback to understand achievements and areas for improvement.
academic co-curricular
an intellectual adventure
At Wrekin College, academic life goes beyond the classroom with a rich co-curricular programme that sparks curiosity, debate, and real-world learning. From the prestigious Academic Poster Conference and lively Debating Club to global Model United Nations and tailored study support, pupils develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Our vibrant activities, including mentorship, enrichment programmes like Square Circle, and a culture of academic excellence, prepare every pupil to thrive both now and in the future.
Support for learning
Personalised Support to Help Every Pupil Thrive at Wrekin
The Support for Learning department at Wrekin ensures every pupil receives tailored support to thrive, working closely with teachers to create an inclusive environment. Pupils are assessed on entry and monitored regularly, with Individual Education Plans guiding personalised strategies. The team also manages exam access arrangements and keeps staff informed to provide consistent support based on each pupil’s needs.
Results
excellence in education
Wrekin College takes pride in academic excellence, celebrating every pupil who achieves their personal best with their Target Grades. In 2024, we achieved our best A Level results in a decade, with 51% of grades at A* to B and strong GCSE outcomes as well. Our 2024 results highlight the success of our broad academic range and commitment to helping every pupil excel.
EAL
English as an Additional Language
International pupils at Wrekin have a fine reputation for high academic achievement and personal endeavour. Throughout their time at Wrekin College, pupils are supported and assessed to ensure their pastoral and academic needs are met, helping them to flourish and grow in confidence.
International pupils are integrated into every aspect of life at Wrekin, they follow a full curriculum and take advantage of free English language teaching where it takes the place of one other subject or forms parts of the Saturday academic programme. This should be sufficient for the majority of international pupils. In cases where additional assistance is required, such lessons are chargeable.
Depending on the level of their English, pupils are prepared for either GCSE English, IGCSE in English as a Second Language or IELTS. It is expected that all our international pupils will acquire the required level of English for entry into a UK university.