HEADMASTER’S WELCOME MESSAGE
Welcome to Wetherby Pembridge!
I am thrilled that you have chosen to join our inclusive, aspirational community of learners, where the sheer joy of learning is central to who we are. I am very much looking forward to welcoming your child into Emberton House on 3rd September as they begin their journey with us.
At the heart of what we strive for every day is nurturing every child to feel safe, happy, valued, supported and known, so they can become the very best version of themselves.
In the pages that follow, you will find a wealth of information to support you and your child as you prepare to join our community. Our goal is to ensure that their experience with us is smooth and enjoyable from the very outset. If you have any questions or concerns at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
As we look forward to welcoming you to our school, please be assured of my very best wishes for the remainder of the summer term and an excellent, restful summer.
Nick Page
JOINING THE SCHOOL
We are delighted that you have chosen Wetherby Pembridge for your child, and we look forward to welcoming your family to our community. This booklet provides essential information to support you before your child starts and throughout those all-important first few weeks.
SETTLING IN
Our priority is for your child to be happy at our School and to achieve their fullest potential. Once they are settled, we know they will feel confident to embrace every learning opportunity and grow as an individual. A full induction programme over the first three days of term, beginning on Thursday 3rd September 2026, will help students settle in, meet their teachers and classmates, and become familiar with school routines. Students should arrive at school by 8.30am on the first day of term. Staff will be on hand at Reception to greet them and direct them to their Tutor rooms, where the day will begin with a welcome and introduction. Afterwards, they will gather for a whole-school assembly.
OUR VALUES
Our values define what it means to be part of our school community – whether as staff, students, parents, or alumni. They guide our decisions, inspire us to be our best selves, and shape the unique culture that underpins everything we do. These shared values are central to our offering, helping us cultivate a strong, connected community and prepare our students to become the leaders of tomorrow.
At Wetherby Pembridge, our values are:
Kindness
This means:
» Putting others before ourselves
» Keeping empathy and consideration for others at the forefront of every interaction
» Actively seeking ways to make others’ lives better
» Doing the right thing, even when it is hard
» Actively building positive relationships that help us all, jointly, to thrive
Respect
This means:
» Treating others as we would wish to be treated ourselves
» Remaining polite and constructive in all of our interactions, even when we may disagree or feel frustrated
» Keeping integrity and humility at the heart of our actions
» Remembering that embracing diversity makes us, collectively, stronger
Resilience
This means:
» Accepting that we make mistakes and that things do not always go according to plan, but that we pick ourselves up and try again
» Having the courage to challenge adversity and take risks even when we may fail
» Seeing failure as a learning tool, teaching us to adapt and find new ways to succeed
Ambition
This means:
» Always seeking to challenge and stretch ourselves, even when it is difficult
» Never being content with staying in our comfort zone
» Seeking constantly to grow and develop to be the best version of ourselves
» Seeking to bring out the best in others
THE HOUSE SYSTEM PASTORAL CARE
All students join one of our four Houses for the duration of their time at the School. This means that the Housemaster builds a strong relationship with every student in their care. They are able to offer a complete 360-degree view of each child’s progress and wellbeing.
Students are assigned to a House by the School and typically remain in the same House throughout their school career. Changes are only made in exceptional circumstances, following careful consideration and discussion. Allocations aim to ensure a well-balanced community within each House.
A number of House competitions take place during the school year, encompassing the academic, co-curricular, sporting and super-curricular areas of school life. Commendations for excellent work and exemplary conduct also contribute to House awards each year
Our Houses are named after historical figures who, together, reflect our values, shaping the culture of our community from the very start. Our four Houses are:
SOCRATES
Greek philosopher credited as the founder of Western philosophy
SMYTH
Dame Ethel Smyth – English composer and suffragette
CURIE
Marie Curie – pioneering winner of Nobel Prizes in both Physics and Chemistry
MLK
Martin Luther King Jr – one of the most prominent leaders of the US Civil Rights movement
SOCRATES HOUSEMASTER
Miss Harrison
“In Socrates House, we are inspired by a commitment to truth, curiosity and the courage to question. Like Socrates, who challenged accepted ideas and encouraged others to think deeply, we strive to embody resilience, integrity and a passion for learning. We aim for every member of our House to be thoughtful, inquisitive and principled, embracing challenge and remaining true to their beliefs, even when it is not the easiest path.”
SMYTH HOUSEMASTER
Ms Graves
“Smyth fought against societal restrictions present in the Victorian era which dictated that a woman should not have a profession. It is these qualities of determination, resilience, passion and loyalty that I intend to emulate in our House - inspired by Smyth’s ability to be true to herself, even when it was difficult to do so.”
CURIE HOUSEMASTER
Dr Staniford
“In Curie House we embody everything that Marie Curie stood for by being confident, curious, conscientious and compassionate. These values mix so well with our school aims and we hope that every member of Curie House will head out into the world to make a real difference whilst remembering both the example of Marie Curie and embodying our values.”
MLK HOUSEMASTER
Mr Findlay
“In MLK House we are inspired by the enduring legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., whose courage, conviction and unwavering commitment to justice changed the course of history. We strive to embody his values by showing integrity, empathy, resilience and a strong sense of purpose in all that we do. Just as Dr King stood up for equality and unity in the face of adversity, we encourage every member of MLK House to use their voice, support one another and work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.”
TUTORS
In addition to their Housemaster, every student also has a Personal Tutor. Tutors are phase specialists, meaning that students change Tutor between Lower and Middle School, and again as they move into the Sixth Form. Each day begins with Tutor time, providing a regular check-in and an opportunity for Tutors and students to build strong relationships. This daily contact enables Tutors to monitor student progress and wellbeing effectively. Tutor groups are arranged by House, creating a joined-up approach to pastoral care between Tutor, Housemaster and family.
GETTING TO KNOW THE SCHOOL
Our school is housed in the stunning and purpose-built Emberton House, located just outside Kensington Olympia overground station. Providing the very latest specialist facilities for teaching and learning, the building is a light-filled, warm and welcoming environment that supports and encourages our joyful approach to school life. Teaching areas are airy and spacious, while our wider facilities – including the theatre and sports floor – offer outstanding spaces designed to support our rich co-curricular programme. Communal areas offer calm, inviting spaces for informal interaction and private study, while our striking dining hall opens directly onto a spacious terrace –providing outdoor access without leaving the building.
In addition to Emberton House, the Wetherby Pembridge Sports Ground – just ten minutes away by coach at Wood Lane – offers exceptional outdoor space for our Games programme, featuring grass and floodlit astro pitches, netball and tennis courts, and a first-class pavilion. All students take part in Games here every week, with travel organised and supervised by the School.
WETHERBY PEMBRIDGE SPORTS GROUND, WOOD LANE
With 15 acres of premium sporting facilities, Wetherby Pembridge boasts one of the largest outdoor sports grounds among London’s independent schools, setting a new benchmark for excellence in sports provision and athletic development.
Just ten minutes from our main campus, this exceptional space offers year-round sporting opportunities, from rugby, football, and hockey in the autumn and spring to cricket, tennis and netball in the summer. With floodlit astroturf, first-rate grass pitches, and a state-of-the-art pavilion, our students benefit from an outstanding environment to develop a passion for sport, lifelong healthy habits, and essential skills like teamwork, leadership, resilience, and discipline.
UNIFORM
We take pride in our uniform, which fosters a shared sense of identity and belonging while setting a smart, professional tone that reflects the academic focus of daily life at Wetherby Pembridge. All students should arrive at school wearing their full, correct uniform each day. Blazers may generally be removed during lessons, but should be worn when moving around the school site and for all formal occasions such as Assembly, House Meetings and other events. Ample changing facilities are available on site for students to change into their sports kit for PE and Games.
Standard uniform requirements are as follows:
BOYS
• Blazer
• Long-sleeve white shirt
• Short-sleeve white shirt
• Tie
• Jumper
• Trousers
• Charcoal socks
• Plain black leather shoes (these should be formal dress shoes – leather trainers are not permitted)
GIRLS
• Blazer
• Long-sleeve white shirt or blouse
• Short-sleeve white shirt or blouse
• Jumper
• Skirt and/or trousers
• Black tights and/or charcoal socks
• Plain black leather shoes (these should be formal dress shoes – leather trainers are not permitted)
SPORTS KIT
As with our school uniform, our sports kit is designed to be both comfortable and practical, while also setting the right tone and reinforcing students’ sense of pride and belonging at Wetherby Pembridge. The standard items of sports kit required for all students are as follows:
BOYS GIRLS
• Reversible rugby shirt
• Technical t-shirt
• Technical shorts
• ¼ zip midlayer
• Waterproof contact top
• Tracksuit bottoms
• Striped sports socks
• Kit bag
• Reversible rugby shirt
• Technical t-shirt
• Skort
• ¼ zip midlayer
• Waterproof contact top
• Tracksuit bottoms
• Striped sports socks
• Kit bag
All of our uniform and sports items can be purchased online via the School’s uniform supplier www.perryuniform.co.uk. Please follow the link to create an account and place your order from the convenience of your own home.
To ensure your uniform items and sports kit arrive before the start of the school year, we strongly recommend that you place your order before 31st July 2026.
For those who would like a little extra help, Perry is offering fitting appointments for Wetherby Pembridge families on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th July 2026. Please book here for your fitting appointment:
Thursday 9th July Friday 10th July
If you have more than one child, please book multiple appointments. Children must be present and accompanied by their parent/guardian.
In advance of your appointment, please ensure you have created your online profile via the Perry website and have your username and password to hand at the beginning of your appointment. We kindly ask that you arrive ten minutes early to ensure you benefit from the full 20-minute appointment. During the session, a Perry advisor will measure your child, assist with trying on different items, and add the agreed sizes to your online basket.
Please note that an appointment is not required to place an order - this service is simply offered as additional support.
STATIONERY
The general stationery requirements for all students are:
▪ Black or blue ink pens (fountain, biro or erasable)
▪ Pencils, rubber, sharpener
▪ Scissors, glue and Sellotape
▪ Ruler, compass and protractor
▪ Colouring pencils, thin-nibbed and thick-nibbed felt tips
▪ Highlighter pens
For Maths, in addition, students will need a scientific calculator - we recommend the Casio fx-991CW Advanced Scientific Calculator. The RRP is around £35, but you can usually find it for closer to £20 on Amazon.
STUDENT DEVICES
All students will need a laptop to support their learning, and we are pleased to have partnered with Easy4U to offer an affordable rental scheme. Please register for a device that is fully compatible with our systems, meets all security and safeguarding requirements, and for which we can provide technical support as needed.
Please do ensure you register by 1st July 2026 so we can have everything ready for the start of term.
LOCKERS AND STORAGE
Each student is allocated a locker near their House base at the start of the year. The locker is sized to accommodate books, laptops, and pencil cases. Students are advised not to leave valuables in the changing rooms as these are not locked.
LOST PROPERTY AND LABELLING
All equipment and uniform must be clearly labelled with the student’s name. If students lose equipment or uniform, they should initially visit Reception. Items are stored at Reception for 24 hours and then transferred to the lost property store. We store unlabelled items for a month before transferring them to our second-hand uniform shop.
SUSTAINABILITY
TRAVELLING TO SCHOOL
We are fortunate that our central location means that we are very well connected by public transport, as well as within easy walking or cycling distance for many families. In line with our commitment to sustainability, families are kindly asked not to drive students to school, as there are no parking or drop-off facilities in the immediate vicinity of the premises. For those travelling by public transport, Kensington Olympia Overground station is located just outside the School, while Baron’s Court, West Kensington and Hammersmith underground stations are all within a short walk. Numerous bus routes also drop off nearby, including the 9, 27 and 28 routes. For students wishing to cycle to school, we have an ample supply of bike racks on site.
Transport Service
We offer a bus transport service, providing convenient access to and from school across designated locations. This service is designed to support families with safe and reliable travel options. Bookings will open in the summer, and we will share further details, including routes and schedules. Please do look out for this information via email
The proposed routes for the 2026/2027 academic year are as follows:
EAST ROUTE
WEST ROUTE
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
We seek to avoid single-use plastic across the school site. All students are provided with a reusable Wetherby Pembridge water bottle when they join the School and are asked to carry this with them each day. There are numerous water fountains around the School and sports ground where bottles can be refilled, ensuring that students remain hydrated throughout the school day. Replacement or additional water bottles can be purchased from the Front Desk.
PRINTED MATERIALS
We aim to keep our use of hard-copy printed materials to a minimum. Most of our communication with families is electronic, either by email or via the Parent Portal. Similarly, teaching materials are routinely distributed and stored electronically via the Global Study Platform.
SHAPE OF THE WEEK
The school day begins with Tutor time each day at 8.15am; students should arrive from 8am. There are six 55-minute lessons each day, with a mid-morning break and just over an hour for lunch. Many academic societies, as well as music and drama rehearsals, take place during the lunch break. Students also have the opportunity to be accompanied to Brook Green for some fresh air. Our large open-air terrace is available at all break and lunch times, ensuring students have regular access to outdoor space throughout the day. Clubs and activities run from 4-5pm daily, and students are encouraged to sign up to attend at least three of the five available slots each week.
LESSON TIMINGS
8.15am - 8.35am TUTOR PERIOD
8.40am - 9.35am PERIOD 1
9.40am - 10.35am PERIOD 2
10.35am - 11am BREAK
11am - 11.55am PERIOD 3
12pm - 12.55pm PERIOD 4
12.55pm - 2pm LUNCH
2pm - 2.55pm PERIOD 5
3pm - 3.55pm PERIOD 6 4pm - 5pm ACTIVITIES
ASSEMBLIES
Period 1 on Mondays is devoted to a whole-school assembly, during which we gather as a community to hear news and updates, celebrate achievements, look ahead to upcoming events and reflect on matters of the moment. House assemblies take place on a rotating basis across the week and occur in the Tutor period.
TERM DATES
Term dates are published on our website: School Calendar | Wetherby Pembridge
AUTUMN TERM 2026
STAFF RETURN Tuesday 1st September
START Thursday 3rd September
HALF TERM
Monday 19th October - Friday 30th October
(Return to school on Monday 2nd November)
FINISH Friday 11th December
SPRING TERM 2027
STAFF RETURN Monday 4th January
START Tuesday 5th January
HALF TERM
Monday 15th February - Friday 19th February
(Return to school on Monday 22nd February)
FINISH Thursday 25th March
SUMMER TERM 2027
START Tuesday 20th April
BANK HOLIDAY (EARLY MAY) Monday 3rd May
HALF TERM
Monday 31st May - Friday 4th June
(Return to school on Monday 7th June)
FINISH Friday 9th July
STUDENT WELLBEING
REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
We strongly believe in positive reinforcement and use commendations and prizes to recognise both achievement and effort across all areas of school life. For example, a staff member may award a commendation for an excellent piece of academic work, for exceptional effort on a particular project or talk, or for behaviour embodying one of the School’s values.
Gold Notes
Commendations (known as Gold Notes) are cumulative and can lead to awards and school prizes. They are awarded during House and School Assemblies, as well as at the annual Prize Giving Ceremony each summer, alongside academic and co-curricular prizes recognising excellence.
Red Notes
We also employ a system of Red Notes for when students’ attitude or conduct does not meet expectations. These act as a flag to parents, Tutor and Housemaster that there is a concern. Red Notes are managed by the Tutor, who will escalate or resolve matters as appropriate. They count against the House points tally. All Gold and Red Notes are recorded in iSAMS, with running totals visible to individual students, their Tutor, and Housemaster via the Global Study Platform.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones are a significant part of modern life, particularly for young people. At Wetherby Pembridge, however, we believe that the drawbacks of mobile phone use during the school day –including distractions from learning and potential safeguarding concerns – outweigh any benefits.
To support focused learning and positive social interactions, we use the Yondr system, which ensures that students do not have access to their mobile phones during the school day. Upon arrival at school, students will be required to place their phones in a Yondr pouch, which is then securely locked. They will keep the pouch in their possession, but it cannot be unlocked until the end of the school day using a designated unlocking station. This allows students to be fully present in lessons and engage meaningfully with their peers, while still ensuring they have access to their phones after school to contact home if needed.
The pouches are issued by the School and the cost (£25) is added to the school bill.
MEDICAL MATTERS
It is important that students’ medical information — including any allergies, whether they carry an EpiPen, and/or require regular medication — be kept up to date. Please ensure that the Medical Form is completed prior to your child’s first day at school.
If, during the day, your child feels unwell, they may go to the Front Desk, where the School’s First Aid Coordinator will assess whether they should remain at school or return home. Should they need to go home, the Front Desk Manager will contact you and arrange for you to collect them. In line with all schools, we ask that your child be free from infectious diseases, sickness, or diarrhoea for 48 hours before returning to school.
If there are any serious pastoral matters of which we should be aware (e.g. family bereavement), please contact the Deputy Head (Pastoral) to arrange a confidential discussion on how we can best support your child’s pastoral and emotional wellbeing.
FOOD AND DRINK AT SCHOOL
Our excellent school caterers provide a hot, nutritious lunch every day, with a choice of main courses, vegetarian courses, salads, bread and soup. Please inform us (via the Student Medical Form) if your child has allergies or is on a restricted diet. At morning break each day, a nutritious snack is provided for all students.
Numerous water fountains around the school site ensure that students can keep their reusable school water bottles regularly topped up, remaining hydrated throughout the day
SNACKS FROM HOME
Nut-Free School
Please note that Wetherby Pembridge is a nut-free school. No food or snacks containing nuts should be brought onto the school premises at any time.
Supplements
The School takes great care to provide students with a nutritious and balanced diet during the school day. Students are not permitted to take sports nutrition supplements, except those on a specific athletic programme with the written consent of the Director of Sport.
ACADEMIC LIFE
OUR CURRICULUM
Our academic curriculum is purposefully broad, blending traditional academic rigour with the latest educational technology. This approach ensures all students, regardless of their future specialism, graduate with a strong foundation in Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, and the Arts.
All students in the Lower School (Years 7 and 8) study a broad and balanced curriculum, including Maths, English, Science, Geography, History, TPR (Theology, Philosophy & Religion), Computer Science, Music, Art, Drama and PE. Students select two Modern Languages from French, Spanish and German. In addition, they choose between Latin and Classical Civilisation. Alongside their academic studies, students benefit from a full afternoon of Games each week and take part in a timetabled programme of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).
From Year 9, students continue with most core subjects, with Science taught as separate disciplines – Physics, Chemistry and Biology. They also choose two languages from French, German, Spanish, and Latin, with the requirement to continue at least one modern language through to GCSE.
Please complete the languages option form on your Open Apply portal by 12th June 2026 to indicate your preferred language options.
THE SUPER-CURRICULUM
We believe that true scholarship extends beyond the constraints of a standard examination syllabus, embracing a limitless pursuit of knowledge. Our Super-Curriculum provides a structured framework of enrichment activities designed to challenge, inspire, and ignite our students’ academic passions.
Through the Super-Curriculum, students are encouraged to stretch their minds beyond the classroom, explore new ideas and develop the skills that will serve them well at school and beyond. This includes wider reading, debate, public speaking, independent research, lectures, academic competitions, and educational visits.
These activities, combined with our academically ambitious Senior School curriculum, not only deepen students’ subject knowledge but also develop the critical thinking and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through our comprehensive Super-Curriculum, we aim to shape our students into well-rounded, intellectually curious individuals prepared for success at the world’s leading universities and beyond.
THE LIBRARY
The Wetherby Pembridge Library is a vibrant and inspiring central hub, fostering a lifelong love of reading and academic excellence. Deliberately located at the very heart of the School, at the base of a seven-storey glass atrium, the Library is bathed in natural light, creating an inviting environment for learning and exploration. It offers a diverse collection of books, digital resources, and educational materials tailored to support students across all year groups.
Managed by a full-time Librarian and with dedicated spaces for quiet study and collaborative learning, the Library encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual development. Regularly updated with new titles and engaging displays, it serves as a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing imagination and achievement in every child. Whether exploring literature, conducting research, or engaging in creative projects, the Library provides the perfect setting for students to thrive.
SCHOLARS’ PROGRAMME
Our Academic Scholarships are awarded on academic merit and are designed to celebrate, recognise and support motivated and ambitious students who demonstrate exceptional capabilities. They reflect our commitment to nurturing future leaders by offering a transformative educational experience that emphasises academic success, creativity, and resilience.
Wetherby Pembridge Scholars follow a tailored programme of academic enrichment, mentoring, and support. They are encouraged to pursue excellence through regular stretch and challenge activities and to lead by example – setting the tone for a culture of scholarship that inspires the wider school community. Our Scholars’ Programme is led by the Deputy Headmaster and includes:
» Leadership of Academic Societies
» Mentoring
» Playing a leading role in planning the School’s annual lecture series
» Scholars’ Symposium – an annual opportunity to collaborate with Scholars from other schools on a real-world problem. Students present their research and findings, developing leadership, collaboration, research and presentation skills
» Biannual Scholars’ Forum – an opportunity for Scholars to volunteer to present to peers, staff and parents on current research or projects
» Scholars’ lunches – termly opportunities for Scholars to gather over lunch with the Headmaster to discuss and debate a particular topic of academic interest
CYCLE TESTS
Cycle Tests are utilised across the Inspired group of schools and have been hugely successful in improving student outcomes. They run on the principle of ‘spaced retrieval practice’ which suggests that students learn best when they are revising and recalling little and often. Every week, our students have a scheduled Cycle Test slot. A timetable of all Cycle Tests, for all year groups, is published at the start of the year – as well as Assessment Planners showing students what they will be assessed on. Following the Cycle Test, teachers provide students with a grade, accompanied by a full feedback lesson known as CRAFT (Correction, Reflection and Acting on Feedback Time).
CRAFT lessons encourage students to engage in metacognition, while also giving them opportunities to learn from mark schemes and model answers. These lessons enable students actively to close the gaps in their learning, thus facilitating further progress and increasing attainment.
MISSED LESSONS
If your child misses a lesson, they should email their subject teachers to ensure they are clear on what work needs to be caught up. All teachers use the Global Study Platform to store lesson materials and additional reading, as well as to set homework tasks and assignments, so catching up on missed lessons is usually straightforward. If students know in advance that they will need to miss a lesson (e.g. for an instrumental music lesson), they should email their subject teacher at least 24 hours in advance to make arrangements to cover the relevant material, and any associated homework.
HOMEWORK
Regular independent work is an important part of the learning process, helping to consolidate learning undertaken in the classroom. It also provides an opportunity for students and teachers to assess understanding on an ongoing basis. This allows teachers to provide targeted feedback and support, while students can identify gaps in their understanding and seek further guidance and practice. Students receive 90 minutes’ homework each day, following a set timetable that provides equitable coverage across subjects, ensuring the amount of homework set is balanced across the week.
PARENTS’ MEETINGS
In the Autumn Term, we hold a Parents’ Evening for the parents/guardians of all new joiners. The focus for this event is to discuss with the Tutor how your child has settled. If you need to have a longer conversation, you or the Tutor may ask to make an appointment to speak on another occasion. Throughout the year, each Year Group has a specified Parents’ Evening. Year group dates are published in the newsletter and will be available on the Parent Portal. All Parents’ Evenings are held in person at School. In advance of a Parents’ Evening, we will write to you to explain how to book appointments with the teachers you wish to see. All appointment bookings are made via your Parent Portal so that you have flexibility in choosing times to suit you.
REPORTS
We provide formal reports on your child once per term. In the Autumn and Summer Terms, these are full reports with written comments from each subject teacher, as well as feedback on overall progress and areas for development from the Tutor and Housemaster. These reports include data on progress, attainment, and attitudes to learning, as well as grades for subjects in which an end-of-term examination has been sat. In the Spring Term, you will receive a data report showing cumulative data for progress, attainment, and attitudes to learning. This report will usually be followed by a Parents' Evening, to give you the opportunity to discuss the report with your child’s teachers.
LEARNING SUPPORT AND INCLUSION
We encourage you to share any details that might help your child settle in smoothly — from anxieties and friendship concerns to any educational support needs. We have access to a team of specialists who are available for one-to-one or small-group lessons during the school day, at an additional cost. Our Head of Learning Support and Inclusion, who is the School’s SENDCo, is available to meet with all parents about any diagnosed or suspected educational need.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)
We are delighted that Wetherby Pembridge students represent a rich and diverse range of cultures and first languages. To support our students for whom English is an additional language, we offer one-to-one and small-group lessons at an additional cost.
THE CO-CURRICULUM
Alongside the academic life of the School and our outstanding pastoral care, the co-curriculum – encompassing sport, the performing and creative arts, trips, clubs and activities – is fundamental to developing the well-rounded, ambitious, resilient and adaptable young people we aim to send out into the world.
SPORT
Our philosophy is ‘sport for all’. Our inclusive sporting programme offers a wide range of activities to suit all interests and abilities. It promotes physical literacy, educates students on nutrition, and fosters healthy habits that support lifelong wellbeing.
All students have four hours of timetabled sport per week, comprising two hours of curricular PE and two hours of Games. We are extremely well provided for, with a full-floor sports area at the top of our building, a dedicated dance and yoga studio, and access to our outstanding 15-acre Wetherby Pembridge Sports Ground in Wood Lane, just ten minutes away by coach. We run a full programme of competitive sports against other London schools, as well as regular House competitions and a range of additional sporting opportunities through the Clubs and Activities programme. The main team games are rugby, football, cricket, tennis and athletics for boys and football, hockey, netball, tennis and athletics for girls. Students also take part in swimming, and in rowing from Year 9.
Teachers are supported in delivering the sport programme by a range of professional coaches. This ensures that our programme challenges and supports students at every level, from beginner through to international-level athletes.
MUSIC
Wetherby Pembridge works with a talented team of peripatetic music teachers who offer individual or small-group lessons to your child. The range of instrumental tuition offered is adjusted annually, according to demand. Parents wishing to request individual instrumental lessons should complete the Music and LAMDA Lessons form in Open Apply. Our Head of Music organises the timetable; lessons are scheduled throughout the school day and are rotated to mitigate the impact on any one subject.
DRAMA
We are delighted to offer LAMDA lessons at school, delivered by visiting teachers at an additional cost. These take place during the school day on a rotating basis, in much the same way as individual instrumental lessons. Parents wishing to request LAMDA lessons should complete the LAMDA form in Open Apply. Our Director of Performing Arts organises the timetable and will contact interested families nearer to the start of term to make arrangements.
TRIPS AND VISITS
Trips and visits are an integral part of bringing the curriculum to life and we encourage cocurricular visits. Parents will be contacted with details of the visit’s purpose, travel and catering arrangements, uniform requirements, timings, and cost. The cost of the trip will be added to the school bill unless parents specifically request for their child not to attend by the date given in the letter. Wetherby Pembridge also offers international trips from time to time, including the annual ski trip. Details of these trips will be sent to parents and included in our newsletter.
OUTWARD BOUND AND LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and the Combined Cadet Force offer superb opportunities for students to develop leadership and teamwork skills while experiencing a range of outward-bound challenges, including orienteering, field craft, survival skills, and adventurous training. These activities are available to students in Year 9 and above. Further details will be communicated to families in due course.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
We offer a wide variety of clubs and activities each day in our Activities slot, 4-5pm. Students are encouraged to take part in after-school activities on at least three days per week, though they may choose to participate in more if they wish. Students commit to activities for a term at a time and the range of activities available each term is published towards the end of the previous term. The activities offered vary each term and are driven by the interests of the students and of the staff delivering them. The activities in a given term typically include additional sports, such as karate or climbing, clubs such as Debating or MUN, and skills-based courses such as new languages. Some activities are included in the fee, while others — usually those requiring external coaching or facilities — are offered at an additional cost. Parents are asked to sign up for after-school activities online. Details of this, along with the activities to be offered, will be provided nearer to the start of the Autumn Term.
SAFEGUARDING
Wetherby Pembridge is a listening school. If a student has any concerns, they are encouraged to speak to their class teacher, Tutor or any member of staff – regardless of their job role – who will take appropriate action and aim to resolve the issue. Students can also use ‘Whisper’, which allows concerns to be reported anonymously. If a student is worried about someone else (for example, if they have witnessed unkind behaviour), they are similarly encouraged to speak to a member of staff. Copies of Wetherby Pembridge’s policies, including our Anti-Bullying and Child Protection Policies, are available on our website or on request.
WHO TO TALK TO
If you have a question, please contact your child’s Tutor in the first instance, copying the Housemaster. Tutors aim to respond to emails within 24 hours, but please do remember that they often have full teaching timetables, duties at lunchtime and may run an activity into the evening, so it may take some time to access the message.
If your message is urgent, please telephone the Front Desk: 020 4553 3330
INTERNET SAFETY
Email and internet communication at Wetherby Pembridge is monitored. This means that unapproved sites are blocked by our firewall, Lightspeed. Details of our Acceptable IT Use Policy are available on request from Reception. Our filtering and monitoring software will pick up any concerns.
COMMUNICATION
OUR NEWSLETTER
Every week of term time we publish our newsletter. In it we celebrate our students’ successes, remind the community about calendar events, share details of the focus for our academic programme, highlight any upcoming competitions or performances, and much more.
GETTING IN TOUCH
We hope that this Welcome Pack has provided useful information. Should you wish to contact us, please find some useful email addresses below:
► Front Desk: reception@wetherbypembridge.co.uk
► General Enquiries: contact@wetherbypembridge.co.uk
► Admissions: admissions@wetherbypembridge.co.uk
► Headmaster’s Office: headmaster@wetherbypembridge.co.uk
FRIENDS OF WETHERBY PEMBRIDGE
Friends of Wetherby Pembridge (FWP) is a voluntary group created and formed by parents and is open to all parents and guardians at Wetherby Pembridge.
The group supports the School by acting as positive ambassadors in the wider community. They build community by organising social events to bring parents, students, and staff together. They also help to raise funds to enrich school life, and run services, such as the pre-loved uniform store.
To contact or join the FWP, please email: fwp@wetherbypembridge.co.uk
ACTIONS CHECKLIST
We are conscious that there is a lot to do ahead of your child’s first day at Wetherby Pembridge. This page summarises the key actions that require your attention. We greatly appreciate your support and co-operation in completing these documents.
Most of the forms can be found in your Open Apply portal:
» Complete Medical Information Form (Open Apply)
» Complete the Media Consent Form (Open Apply)
» Complete the Direct Debit Form (Open Apply)
» Complete the Laptop Rental Scheme (Open Apply)
» Complete the Languages Form (Year 7, 8 & 9 students only) (Open Apply)
» Complete the Individual Music & LAMDA Lessons Form (if applicable) (Open Apply)
» Book your uniform fitting session (if desired) and order school uniforms (www.perryuniform.co.uk)
Wishing you a very happy and successful new school year, from all of us at Wetherby Pembridge!