King Edward’s Witley
Godalming, Surrey, England
King Edward’s Witley
Godalming, Surrey, England
Overview
Founded in 1553 and set amongst 100 acres of woodland, King Edward’s is only an hour by train from central London. Traditional values, excellent facilities and wide ranging academic, cultural and sporting opportunities are important at King Edward’s, but equally important are the relationships which exist in a happy, secure and caring community, where staff are dedicated to bringing out the very best in those for whom they are responsible, whatever their background or ability.
At a glance
Academic
The IB Diploma has been central to the academic offering since 2004 and average IB scores are comfortably above the world average, whilst the ‘Pre-6th’ course is well-suited to international students. Wifi extends throughout the campus and a new Business & Finance Centre complete with boardroom and conferencing facilities has recently opened. Tutor groups meet twice a week with one-to-ones as required, and ideally tutors stay with a group throughout their tutees' time at King Edward’s Witley.
Boarding
King Edward’s Witley's unique paired houses system, whereby two houses share common rooms, a kitchen and television and music rooms, allow girls and boys to mix naturally. From sharing a room with up to 3 others in year 9, by the Upper Sixth students are normally in single-study bedrooms. All boarding house staff live on site and ensure that boarders enjoy community life to the full, including the much anticipated inter-house competitions, but with the right balance of study, relaxation and challenge.
Sports
Pupils can develop their sporting interests through regular fixtures against local schools in the major sports, an extensive inter-house sports programme or recreationally. Excellent facilities include an Astroturf pitch, a sports centre with a fully-fitted cardiovascular suite and weights room, a swimming pool, squash courts and a dance studio. Other competitive sports include cross-country, athletics, basketball, tennis, volleyball, water polo, golf, and rowing.
Creative arts
Pupils are encouraged to experience, enjoy and appreciate art in its widest sense, and the Bunker Gallery provides a permanent exhibition space for work by both students and artists. The Charter Hall and the recently refurbished multi-function Selborne Room offer well-equipped venues for the performing arts. 20 ensembles, termly concerts, the annual house drama competition, whole-school productions and a musical put on every other year ensure there are plenty of opportunities to perform
Did you know?
- The School was founded in 1553 when the then Bishop of London Nicholas Ridley persuaded the young King Edward VI to give up one of his palaces.
- The School buildings were requisitioned during the Second World War for top secret work on the development of naval radar.
