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Willington Independent Preparatory School has a proud history of educating boys between the ages of 4-13 since 1885. Based in the heart of bustling Wimbledon, the School is renowned for its highly successful learning environment, where boys are encouraged and supported at every stage of their educational development. We aim to provide a nurturing environment where each boy is inspired to reach his full potential, not only in terms of academic, creative, and sporting attainments but also in terms of his self-confidence and happiness as a thirteen-year-old boy ready to meet the demands of his future life – an education for life. Pastoral care is paramount - boys thrive within a community of warmth, care, and personal development, where parents, boys, and teachers work together to ensure the best possible outcome for every student. Self-esteem, happiness, and consistent encouragement create the foundations of success, both in and out of the classroom. At Willington, individual strengths are celebrated, the effort is rewarded and self-worth fostered, cultivating quiet confidence that develops boys into exceptional young men. Academic results are important, of course, but our boys also achieve independence of spirit, and empathy for others, excellent communication skills, and a quiet self-confidence that equips them for the challenges of the modern world. The outstanding quality of our teaching and our emphasis on the individual is a proven Willington formula, illustrated in the places our boys are offered at some of the country’s leading senior schools at 13+. Willington School offers an education to boys who would benefit from the all-around experience we provide. For admission to the Reception Class, early registration is advised and many parents like to register with us even before their son has celebrated his first birthday. Although registration at least 12 months in advance of the September in which your son would join Willington is encouraged, this is not a requirement of the process. A small number of places are available for boys wishing to join Willington at 11+ to study for Common Entrance. Years 7 and 8 are a unique program of teaching, with small class sizes and boys individually guided to meet the needs of their specific Senior School. Boys blossom during these two years and many are made Prefects or Captains of Sport and flourish with additional responsibility. As the academic pressure increases, the boys feel secure in our Prep School environment where their abilities and personalities are well-known and understood. The study and exam skills learned, and the revision required, for Common Entrance are the perfect training ground for GCSEs just a couple of years later. There is no specific type of boy at Willington and nor do we teach in a prescribed, formulaic way. Our proudly non-selective entry policy ensures that our teaching methods adapt to each boy’s needs using a creative and inspired approach. From the moment a boy enters our Willington Sports program, they are very quickly aware of the high standards we strive for in the PE and Games department. Our committed group of coaches knows exactly what it takes to produce a “Willington Sportsman” – the pursuit of excellence, strong technique across a range of sports, a good knowledge of the rules, sportsmanship, and, most importantly, to thoroughly enjoy what you do, whatever your ability. By the time a boy leaves Willington, he will have sporting skills set for life, which will serve as a foundation for long-term player development, or simply as a social skill to join in with friends. We do not believe that a boy is “un-sporty”, simply that he hasn’t been exposed to the right sport yet. Throughout a boy’s time at Willington, he will be supported and encouraged to try a vast range of both team and individual sports, to find the one that fits him best. We do this through our comprehensive sports program which includes curriculum sports, clubs, and external trips. In keeping with our all-inclusive ethos, all boys have the opportunity to represent their school as we arrange fixtures for A to F teams. We run a comprehensive Inter-House program from Years 1 to 8 in all our curriculum sports as well as Cross Country. Our boys are fiercely passionate about their House competitions which slowly build to a crescendo in the Spring and Summer Terms with the Swimming Gala and Sports Day respectively. Parents and teachers matches, 6 Nations Fantasy League, and other exciting events bring the whole school together in a fun and engaging way. View full school