A peaceful Cotswolds location and wraparound care make Wycliffe College a first choice for local, military and international families alike – and it’s a vibrant and welcoming place to grow and learn. Absolutely Education finds out more
Words: Libby Norman
There’s something refreshing about Wycliffe College. It has independent-school history and traditions, but it wears them lightly. Indeed, there’s a phrase first coinedby an ISI inspector to describe pupils here – ‘confident and unpretentious’ – that has stuck, becoming part of the school’s Aims, Purpose & Vision. It’s easy to see why it is popular among locals, military families and international students alike.
Wycliffe does have a unique history, which may explain its grounded approach. Founded by educationalist G.W. Sibly in 1882, it got its name from the pioneering 14th-century theologian, philosopher and reformer John Wycliffe – Sibly deeply admired his independent thought. There’s a strong Christian heritage, with a wonderful chapel that is well used. All faiths and none are welcomed here, and services are part of the rhythm of school life.
When it comes to location, the College is in that Cotswolds sweetspot where you have easy access to cities and international airports but sit in a bucolic setting. Stonehouse scores really highly on setting. Arrive at the picturesque railway station (around 90 minutes from London Paddington) and you are greeted by a plaque commemorating the Stonehouse Brick & Tile Company that once shipped Cotswolds bricks and wares by the million around the world. A fair few day pupils catch the train to and from school – a safe and scenic journey home to Stroud, Gloucester and other points along a reliable mainline route.
Just as the town is well placed for a broad catchment of families, so too the through-school nature of a Wycliffe College education – girls and boys can join at Nursery and leave at 18+. It has been co-ed for more than 30 years (so no awkward boy/ girl imbalances) and parents are attracted by both the stability and the harmony of its single identity – and the facilities, specialist teaching and easy transitions afforded by a Pre-Prep & Nursery, Prep and Senior in one single location, albeit one where each age range has its own dedicated buildings and team.
“Wycliffe is in that Cotswolds sweetspot where you have easy access to cities and international airports but sit in a bucolic setting”
Balance is critical to the College culture, with careful design to ensure the right blend of international and UK students – and around a third are boarders. Having so many local day pupils ensures that the school is rooted within its community. Also, many Wycliffe College teaching and support staff live locally and educate their children here. The Head of Prep Helena Grant joined in 2020 – after a teaching and leadership background that included Hillcrest Prep, Kenya and Monkton Prep, Bath. Her focus is on bringing the vision of the school to life through curriculum changes, with a strong focus on Round Square, extracurricular and enrichment.
This academic year, the College welcomed a new Headmaster in Christian San José, who travelled down from North Yorkshire to Gloucestershire with wife Rosie (an English teacher and writer) and three young children. He was previously Senior Deputy Head at Giggleswick and, prior to that, a boarding housemaster at Radley – also running the CCF there. His leadership credentials are stellar. Before moving into teaching he was an Army Officer, awarded the Sword of Honour and Mentioned in Dispatches (2007). He studied Geography at Oxford and even had a spell in the City in financial PR before heading off to Sandhurst for military training. It’s a CV that ticks a lot of boxes for prospective and existing Wycliffe families. Speaking about his new role as the eleventh Headmaster, Christian San José said he was attracted by the “grounded” quality of the College, and the fact that it’s not stuck in the past. He is keen to emphasise a ‘One College, One Community’ approach with a clear, aligned pathway from Prep to Senior, through the important transition period of Years 7-9.
Wycliffe is not afraid to do different, and that’s certainly true when it comes to sport. With 52 acres of glorious grounds for all things outdoors (and CCF is a strong element of that in Senior years). The College has earned a strong reputation in a diverse range of sporting pursuits. Rowing is a national-level strength – girls’ rowing is especially strong right now. It is a top international destination for budding squash stars, with four prized glass courts. This attracts pupils from far afield – currently there are young people from New Zealand, Malta and France here to learn while refining their game. Basketball is a rising star (also very attractive to international pupils), with coaching provided by an American ex-pro, who also coaches students at Bath University.
While rugby is played to a decent standard – and Gloucester RFC’s academy is down the road for the most promising talent – there’s also a healthy track record in football, played by boys and girls, and in girls’ netball and hockey. Choice is the name of the game as pupils grow up. Fencing, pistol and small-bore shooting, yoga, Zumba, CrossFit and strength and conditioning are all on offer. Inter House competitions are fiercely contested – those wins really matter and the College’s ‘Bold & Loyal’ motto is never taken more seriously. The fact that Wycliffe maintains Saturday school, and packs in an hour’s enrichment at the end of every school day after lessons and before homework, means that there’s plenty of time to try out lots of different sports – along with drama, music, beekeeping, DofE, cookery, Model United Nations and more. There are some 60 extracurricular clubs and societies happening each and every week of the school year.
The attachment to Houses – competitive and social – is central to life at Wycliffe, beginning in Prep where pupils join one of four Houses for the duration. These are not to be confused with the two cosy and colourful Boarding Houses where around 65 Prep children are boarders (most are full, with flexi available). Many of these are from Forces families, with parents overseas, and the longstanding CEA provision is a draw – although military families are often drawn here based on word-of-mouth recommendation. At Senior there are seven Houses, each shared by day pupils and boarders – also a separate Day House, Collingwood, for pupils in Years 9-13.
“House competitions are fiercely fought – those wins really matter and the College’s ‘Bold & Loyal’ motto is never taken more seriously”
It’s considered essential that Day pupils enjoy exactly the same House culture and benefits. Each Boarding House has its own unique identity – Haywardsend Girls’ House, for instance, has the rather daring motto ‘be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons’. You get the sense that these are spaces that belong to their young people. Rather pleasingly, they also reflect the history and development of the school. Haywardsfield, for instance, is the oldest House and a harmony of mellow Cotswold brick and stately bay windows. In contrast, Loosley Halls, for Sixth Form pupils, offers three cool and modern single-sex buildings ranged round a secluded private garden.
A lot of care goes into finding the right fit for each individual. Some Houses have pets and a lively atmosphere, while others are more tranquil. International boarders tend to opt for single ensuite rooms, but many UK families prefer the dorms. There’s a proper family feel, as each House has three dedicated staff for wraparound care. This, of course, means ‘eyes on’ their charges, both academically and pastorally. Rebekah Wilkins, Wycliffe College Director of Admissions, says that this reassurance is critical for families – especially those who embark on the boarding journey. “I say to families: ‘your child will be happy; they will be safe, and they will be successful. But our priority is that they are happy. Because if they are happy, they will learn,” she says. “Once they’re happy, we can start working them hard.”
Children being what they are, this inevitably means that some are encouraged to get out in the fresh air and kick a ball around, while others are nudged to catch up on work. Getting it right is a matter of knowing the child and their strengths and weaknesses – also how much gentle persuasion is needed to ensure they reach their potential. “We have pupils who are smart cookies who come out with three A*, but then others who come out with three Cs but, for them, that is almost more of an achievement.”
Wycliffe College has a highly rated approach to both SEND and Gifted & Talented – both need extra support. Openness is encouraged at admissions stage. “We always say to parents, if someone has a learning need, don’t tell us in September when they’re not happy,” says Rebekah Wilkins. The process of helping children adjust and achieve their best is a well-rehearsed process – small class sizes and one-to-one academic and pastoral support mean staff are geared up to help children settle in well, find their strengths and then shine.
There are 20 GCSEs to choose from and 28 subjects at A level. Wycliffe also offers EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and a small number of vocational-based courses (three BTECs and a CTEC in Digital Media). There are SAT preparation sessions for students looking to the US for degrees (a popular choice here), alongside Oxbridge preparation. Individual careers guidance means pupils are steered towards courses and institutions that best suit their aspirations. Some of the 2023/24 leavers secured hard- to-find degree apprenticeships.
“There’s careful design to ensure the right blend of students – having local pupils ensures this is a school rooted within its community”
The buzz of Wycliffe is down to the pupil mix. On the one hand there are international students from some 30 different countries, some here for the duration and others for a shorter period. (At Senior, the College runs a popular Pre-A Level Development Year programme.) And on the other, you have the military and local families – some are second or third-generation Wycliffians. “It’s quite lovely when you’ve got generations that have been to the College,” says Rebekah Wilkins. Flexi boarding is very popular. In fact, one challenge is capping the numbers on Fridays – parents love the fact their offspring can enjoy a Friday night social and get up bright and bushy-tailed for Saturday school while they get a lie in.
On a visit to the College’s impressive glass-walled Senior dining hall – a hub also used for social events – you can see groups of pupils making their lunch choices (lots to choose from, all appetising) and then sitting down for a sociable lunchtime chat. It’s all very civilised – the social skills aspects of life here are really important
to many parents, says Rebekah Wilkins.
Indeed, beyond the strong academic outcomes that all parents want for their children, there’s the confidence building for career and life. And at Wycliffe College, both are ably covered. In fact, you can’t help but feel it’s one of the most distinctive USPs of this ‘Bold & Loyal’ Cotswolds school – a resolutely grounded approach to life and learning that equips young people with both the essential academic qualifications to succeed and the quiet confidence and spirit needed to thrive and adapt in our interconnected and fast-changing world.
Wycliffe College at a glance
FOUNDED: 1882
HEAD: Christian San José
HEAD OF PREP: Helena Grant GENDER: Co-educational
NUMBER OF PUPILS: 650
DAY OR BOARDING: Day,
Flexi and Full Boarding
AGES: 3-18
POINTS OF ENTRY: All years (Year 11 and Year 13 not always possible)
ADMISSIONS:
Director of Admissions, Rebekah Wilkins [email protected]
Senior Admissions Manager, Fiona Lawson-Best [email protected]
Prep Admissions Manager, Mike McDonnell [email protected]
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Built on Christian values
FEES: Per term Prep: Day – £6,995; Boarding – £12,175. Per term Senior:
Day – £9,200; Boarding: £16,175
ADDRESS: Wycliffe College,
Bristol Road, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2AF
wycliffe.co.uk
Further reading: Focus on Eltham College / Education for life
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