Breakfast Time
Our Boarders enjoy a delicious breakfast in the Dining Room
Life at Wrekin senior
LOVE THE JOURNEY
The Wrekin Way in Action
Day-to-Day Life with Purpose, Energy and Joy
At Wrekin College, we live by the belief that our pupils should be at the centre of our school. The happiness and fulfilment of every child at Wrekin is the primary concern of the staff, and we pride ourselves on offering individual care and attention to all. We are justifiably proud of our pastoral care, which sets us apart from our competitors and is highly valued by our pupils and parents.
your children at our centre
Our Priority is your child
We understand that good mental health is the key to young people doing better in every way, enjoying their teenage years and being able to deal with stress and difficult times when needed. With you as partners, we want to help create resilient young people who are therefore able to learn better, be happier and navigate the online world they grow up in.
Our three-tier structure enables us to offer a distinctive experience for the First and Second Form (Years 7-8) in Lancaster; the Third, Fourth and Fifth Form (Years 9-11) in the main school, and Years 12-13 in the Sixth Form. Effectively, we are several different schools in one, creating a united but diverse community in which everyone has a place and a sense of belonging. Pupils of all ages have a voice in the running of the school through the active and energetic School Council, for which elections are held every year.
Pastoral care
Guiding every step with care
Pastoral care at Wrekin is organised around a traditional House structure. The Houses group pupils together for pastoral purposes, but academic tutoring is also based in Houses.
Most importantly, perhaps, for the pupils, Houses compete with each other for sporting, dramatic, musical and many other prizes. Wrekinians are fiercely loyal to their Houses, and take great pride in the House’s history and its achievements.
We know that life at school can have its ups and downs. However, at Wrekin College there is always someone who can help.
- Houseparents and Tutors
- Prefects, Head of House, Deputy Head of House or Matron
- Peer Support team - This is a group of fully trained Sixth Form students and whatever the worry, their friendly confidential service can help you. Peer supporters wear a yellow badge on their blazer lapel.
- School Counselling Team - If you wish to, you can speak to our school counsellor.
- Director of Wellbeing
- Chaplain
A Day in the Life of A Pupil
Purposeful, busy and active
From arrival at their House, to the buzz of lessons, sport, and co-curricular activities, a day at Wrekin College is anything but ordinary. The day varies enormously depending on a pupil’s option choices, activities, responsibilities and whether they are a day pupil or a boarder, a Lancaster or a Sixth Former. However, a typical day for one of our younger pupils (Year 7-11) might look like this. Sixth Formers will also have study periods built within their timetable.
Registration
Morning registration in House
Starting the Day
This might be in Chapel, Assembly or time with your tutor
Lesson Time
The timetable begins with lessons one and two, which may well include a Games or PE session.
Morning Break
Pupils return to House for morning break where they can spend time with their friends and enjoy a morning snack.
Lunch Time
Pupils enjoy lunch in our Dining Room, and have fun with their friends, or perhaps attend a music or choir practice.
Activity / Games Session
Take part in a games session or one of our many activities, depending on the day of the week.
Tea time
Boarders enjoy tea to round off their day
Prep and Relax
Boarders have time to do prep and relax with their friends before bedtime.
the senior journey
A house for everyone
Our youngest pupils join us into Lancaster House, especially designed to support our Year 7 and 8 pupils, as they start their senior school journey. It provides an extra layer of support during a formative time in their education. Lancaster House acts as a supportive stepping stone between primary school and a senior school education.
On entering Year 9 pupils join one of our senior Houses. Day pupils and boarders are fully integrated into Houses with day pupils benefiting from our boarding ethos, round the clock care and extensive activities. After GCSEs our Year 12 pupils enter Sixth Form, an important and distinctive part of Wrekin. The best elements of a traditional boarding ethos and those of a Sixth Form college creates a unique Sixth Form experience that offers a real stepping stone a bright and exciting future.
OUR HOUSES
With freindly but fierce rivalries the House system is at the heart of every pupil’s academic journey and pastoral care at Wrekin.
Bayley
Bayley is a senior day and boarding House for boys.
Clarkson
Clarkson is a girls’ day house.
Hadden Hall
Hadden Hall is a girls’ boarding House.
Lancaster
Our youngest pupils join us into Lancaster House.
Roslyn
Roslyn is a day House for Girls.
Tudor
Tudor is a day and boarding House for boys.
York
York is a day House for boys.
Employability
Preparing Pupils for Life Beyond the Classroom
Our Employability curriculum is not solely for our Sixth Form students, or those studying business-related subjects. Employability permeates everything we do at Wrekin College, from the first day of a pupil’s journey with us, to long after they leave through our Old Wrekinian Association. If exam results open a door, Employability teaches our pupils how to walk through it, and what to do on the other side. It is about the life skills needed to be the employers, employees and the entrepreneurs of the future.
R-Mentality
Character and Learning in Action
We want all of our pupils to grow and develop the qualities possessed by good learners and employees. We call this approach to education ‘R Mentality’. Pupils are taught and encouraged to:
- take calculated risks, getting out of their comfort zone
- apply reasoning
- show resilience
- be reflective
- take responsibility for their learning and behaviour
- be resourceful
- have respect: for others and themselves and for the world and can be found in the Chapel or vestry when not in a lesson.
Chapel
Reflection and Inspiration
Our Chapel, shared with Wrekin Prep, is the nerve centre of the school and the focus of our life together where all kinds of connections are made and fostered. It is where we value the importance of our whole community joining together as one. At Wrekin we welcome all faiths and none, and while the Chapel has a Christian focus, its value as a place of common ground and community.
Boarding
Experience Independence and Belonging
Boarding allows pupils to enjoy the independence and community spirit which comes from living with their peers. The school is based in the heart of Wellington, in beautiful and historic Shropshire, providing pupils with the opportunity to explore the local area.
The experience of boarding can be great fun, and it also helps young people develop self-discipline, confidence, and an ability to get on with others. Some pupils join as day pupils but choose to become boarders later in their school careers, especially in the Sixth Form when it offers a stepping stone towards university life. For others, particularly those whose parents live abroad or have to travel extensively or move around for their jobs, boarding offers stability and continuity throughout their time at school.
Global Perspective
International Exchange Programme
Wrekin College offers a range of international exchanges for pupils in the Fifth and Lower Sixth Forms. Exchanges take place at host schools in Australia, South Africa, Argentina and India. The way in which previous participants talk about their exchange experience and the benefits they so clearly accrue from their time abroad is the real testimony to the success of the programme. They not only make new friends but also begin to appreciate the wider world: geographically, educationally, socially and politically.
It is an opportunity not to be missed.
Taking place for Wrekinians from the middle of July to the end of August, their exchange counterparts come to the UK at various times of the year, according to their convenience.
Diet
Fresh flavours, healthy choices
We provide an extremely high standard of dining for our pupils, prepared by our award-winning catering company, Holroyd Howe. Holroyd Howe focus on nutrition through fresh and innovative food, whilst providing a tailored experience for pupils, staff and visitors at the school. Their menus are designed specifically to provide nutritious food.
Our chefs take pride in sourcing and using the best seasonal, local produce available to create exciting menus; these include traditional favourites, international dishes, healthy and sustainable options. For our boarders we offer an excellent ‘home from home’ selection. This allows them to explore authentic international dishes and new eating experiences.
Our catering team works closely with the school to ensure that the nutritional needs, allergies, dietary requirements, preferences and desires of all pupils are consistently and thoughtfully met.
Friends of Wrekin
Strengthening our school community
The Friends association is Wrekin’s equivalent to a PTA. The Friends are made up of a dedicated group of parent and staff volunteers who help organise social events as well as raise funds for additional projects. The Friends contribute to the strong community feel across Wrekin College, and are a brilliant way to get to know people.
