Our school opened in September 1954 as Orpington Grammar School for Girls in response to the rapid growth of Orpington and Petts Wood over the previous forty years. The first single form entry was housed temporarily at Midfield Girls’ School. The present site was acquired in 1954 and we moved in as a three-form entry school on 23rd September 1957.
Our school has grown considerably over the past 60 years and our buildings have expanded to accommodate our growing numbers. The site now includes a purpose-built Sixth Form block, a dedicated Music Block, a Technology Block and Engineering suite, Sports Hall, and, of course, our Tennis Centre.
In 2017, we reached our current full capacity with six forms of entry in each year group. At this point, our new house was established as we added Pheonix House to the previous five houses of Nightingale, Wren, Swift, Falcon, and Griffin. As is always the case at Newstead, this was chosen by a student vote. We believe fully in embracing fundamental British values and this was just one example of how we embrace democracy at Newstead.
We are proud of our school and its excellent academic success. However, we know that this academic success is only possible with the right support, a kind and nurturing environment, and extensive co-curricular provision. We encourage all students to build resilience and to balance their academic studies with sport, music, and culture. Examples include trips to Japan, New York, Borneo, and Malta, our elective program which features film studies, stand-up comedy, and archery, our Year 7 Foundation Studies program as well as extensive careers and University application support.
Newstead prides itself on providing an exciting learning environment, both in terms of resources and expectations, so that each individual can flourish. We recognize the range of students’ abilities, both in terms of specific subjects and personal and social education, and try to respond, often through links with the wider community. Newstead is nationally and internationally renowned for offering the best ways to provide for the needs of very able students both through the formal curriculum and beyond.
Newstead Wood School is a very special place that provides an excellent opportunity for all its students. In 2017 we joined United Learning, the next chapter in our life, and are looking forward to working alongside some of the very best schools in the country as we continue to ‘grow in strength’!
We are proud to offer a full and rounded educational experience with over 300 educational trips and visits taking place each year. We know that these are so important, both to complement and develop the academic studies, but also to offer cultural experiences, and enrichment opportunities to our students. We value the importance of public speaking and opportunities for leadership and will strive to develop these in all our students.
There are many opportunities to develop talents in sport and music along with Duke of Edinburgh, Young Enterprise, and Community Sports Leader Awards. Enrichment Week provides an additional forum for cross-curricular studies and the exploration of subjects in depth. Finally, our extensive links with the local community ensure students become involved and develop an appreciation of the wider world.
As students progress through school they can become involved in a wide range of influential leadership opportunities. Our Head Student and Deputies are complemented by the House Captains, Subject Leaders, School Parliament, Eco Captains, and Sports Captains. These students have an integral role in representing the school.
The support we offer our students is excellent. This can be in the form of emotional support for students and their families when they need it, and also in terms of the support on offer for making subject choices or University applications. Our Careers provision and Beyond Newstead events are tailored to our student's needs and always very popular.
At Newstead Wood School we share, celebrate, and are inspired by:
- A passion for learning
- Respect based on freedom and trust
- Local, national, and international partnerships
- Creative and demanding learning experiences
- All achievements, both in the class and beyond
- Each individual for who they are and who they can become
- Confidence in our ability to improve ourselves and our future
