Sir William Perkins’s School

Chertsey  I   600 Pupils  I   Girls 11-18 years

Making your mark on the world begins on day one at Sir William Perkins’s School.

We are an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18 where Great Things are expected, and where Generosity, Curiosity and Ambition thrive. We are home to approximately 600 students from independent and maintained schools, who flourish within a diverse, vibrant and happy community.

We take pride in knowing our students and their talents, hopes and aspirations. We work with them to develop confidence, leadership skills and an ability to perform well with others, meaning SWPS students are accomplished and successful all-rounders.

Headteacher’s welcome

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Sir William Perkins’s School – a wonderful school and a lively and welcoming community where generosity, curiosity and ambition thrive, and where Great Things are expected.

At SWPS, students are at our heart. We expect the best from them, and in return they can expect the best from us; both in terms of teaching of the highest quality – where each individual is stretched and challenged – and in receiving the tailored support and attention they need to achieve.

SWPS is a warm and friendly school: the staff know our students, their talents, hopes and aspirations, and we work with them to develop innate confidence, leadership skills and an ability to perform well with others.

With access to a diverse co-curricular programme, students are accomplished all-rounders with university statements studded with personal achievements and successes. Our students leave us in Year 13 with determination and clearly defined ambition – ready to make their mark on the world.

The power of potential

Each student at Sir William Perkins’s School is challenged to grow through academic aspiration and active participation.

Students are taught to expect Great Things of themselves, because the school’s belief is that every individual is capable of Great Things.

Academic success is always the priority at SWPS, but the culture is such that education is about far more than achieving top grades.

Staff believe in educating the whole person and equipping students with the confidence to make their mark on the world.

Students are encouraged to become involved in the many co-curricular activities on offer. Taking every opportunity to develop their interests and creativity, their interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills, to be forward-thinking and to reach into the wider community.

A SWPS student is

• Generous with their thoughts, their gifts and their time.
• Curious about their world and their future.
• Ambitious for themselves and for others.

Space to grow

Set in 13 acres of attractive green-belt grounds in Surrey, Sir William Perkins’s School is a beautiful environment in which every student can flourish.

Easily reached by road or public transport, the school is less than a two-minute walk from Chertsey Train Station, with direct links to London Waterloo and surrounding towns.

With first-rate facilities equipped to the highest standard, students have space in which to study, relax, exercise and express themselves.

On the side of every student

A happy experience at school is vital to student wellbeing so the staff work hard to offer the right support, as well as lots of opportunities for fun alongside learning.

The focus is always on students as individuals. They are encouraged to achieve their potential and explore their interests in an atmosphere where they feel supported, encouraged and appreciated.

Underpinning this, the school’s dedicated Wellbeing Room can be used by any student when they need to take some time out or reflect when things are a little bit tougher. In this caring environment, students open up to difficulties they may be experiencing, and ways for students and staff to work through them together are found.

Stand out subjects

With strong credentials in Drama, Music and Sport, there are opportunities for every student to excel at Sir William Perkins’s School.

There are 10 rooms dedicated to music, and around 500 students learn a musical instrument during their time at SWPS. Their achievements are showcased in annual concerts where musicians of all abilities perform for students and parents.

Netball and hockey are the cornerstones of a broad and inclusive sports programme, with all students taking part in competitive fixtures from inter-form up to county level and beyond. The extensive indoor and outdoor facilities have seen SWPS students go on to become European champions in karate and judo.

The jewel in the school’s sporting crown is the SWPS Rowing Club boathouse on Laleham Reach. From here, many students have gone on to represent their country, win medals and enjoy success at the Henley Royal Regatta. SWPS alumna Hattie Taylor also rowed for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics.

Learning beyond the classroom

Some of the most valuable learning students experience happens away from a school desk. Sir William Perkins’s School offers over 150 co-curricular activities, from sports and travel to performing arts, allowing students to follow their passions and explore their potential.

The dedicated estates team constantly maintains and improves the facilities, such as the purpose-built Art Department as well as a contemporary Drama space, Careers Centre and Sixth Form.

The school offers more than 10 trips overseas each year, to places such as France, Greece, Italy, North Africa and China.

SWPS’ Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme is one of the largest in the country, with almost all Year 9 students completing the Bronze Award and 37 students achieving the Gold Award in the last 5 years.

Results that raise the standard

The talented students at Sir William Perkins’s School consistently achieve outstanding results in STEM subjects including Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science.

The staff work hard to foster creative talent too. The Art Department includes two art rooms, a printmaking studio, darkroom and facilities for ceramics and 3D work – giving students all the tools they need to express themselves and fully explore their creativity.

With strong credentials in Drama, Music and Sport, the school offers opportunities to excel for every student.

Transport

Sir William Perkins’s School has excellent transport links. Only a two-minute walk from Chertsey Train Station, it offers a coach service covering much of the surrounding area, including Windsor, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham, Hampton, Camberley, Cobham and Esher.

A Sixth Form built on success

SWPS students are prepared for all aspects of life beyond school – and their educational journey continues in Sixth Form, where they are empowered to become confident and successful young adults.

The school’s Sixth Form Centre offers education to the highest standard, as well as welcoming spaces for students to study or relax.

Alongside the pursuit of outstanding academic results, many leadership opportunities are provided to help students develop their skills and talents outside the classroom and explore a wide range of potential career paths.

Sir William Perkins’s School’s UCAS preparation programme starts mid-way through Year 12 and continues to the end of Year 13. This focused approach also includes a Higher Education Fair featuring 50 of the most prestigious learning establishments, and a UCAS conference day with specialist speakers providing advice on a wide range of subjects.

Sir William Perkins’s School
01932 574 900
office@swps.org.uk
www.swps.org.uk