How are students admitted to Wilsthorpe?
We always look forward to welcoming new students to the school and have an Admissions Policy drawn up by Governors. Parents of children in Year 6 will receive a letter from the Local Authority inviting them to apply for a place at their preferred secondary school early in September. Wilsthorpe has 210 places available for the Year 7 intake; places are allocated in accordance with the admissions criteria. More information can be found on our admissions page.
What links do we have with feeder primary schools?
Several visits are made by staff to all partner primary schools during Year 6 with the aim of building a comprehensive picture of each student so that they can be allocated appropriately to a tutor group. Student friendships are considered carefully when forms are being constructed. We have a focus for the more vulnerable students who might be daunted by the prospect of moving schools and will offer extra transition in accordance with individual needs. In June each year, we invite Year 6 students to Wilsthorpe for a two day Induction programme, where they will get an experience of school life at Wilsthorpe, these will be on Wednesday 24th June and Thursday 25th June 2026.
What contact will I have with the School before my child starts at Wilsthorpe?
Once places have been allocated, we will send a welcome letter to all new students and their parents which will provide you with relevant information. Following the Induction days, you will be invited to an Open Evening event which will include a presentation by the Headteacher.
What support can my child expect when they arrive at the school?
Students will be allocated to a form group. Where possible, the same Form Tutor will stay with students from their arrival in Year 7 to the end of Year 11. This enables a close and positive relationship to develop between individual students and their Tutor. There is close professional relationship between Form Tutor, Progress Manager, the Senior Leadership Team and Subject Teachers, which ensures that the progress and behaviour of individual students is monitored.
I have heard that you are very strict about school uniform. Is this true?
Students will be allocated to a form group. Where possible, the same Form Tutor will stay with students from their arrival in Year 7 to the end of Year 11. This enables a close and positive relationship to develop between individual students and their Tutor. There is close professional relationship between Form Tutor, Progress Manager, the Senior Leadership Team and Subject Teachers, which ensures that the progress and behaviour of individual students is monitored. A – Yes! Students at Wilsthorpe must look smart and professional at all times. This means we check uniform at the start of every day and in every lesson. Shirts must be tucked in; blazer to be worn at all times unless in the classroom where permission has been given: black socks must be long enough to cover the ankle fully (trainer socks are not allowed); students may wear one pair of plain small gold or silver stud earrings and a watch – no other jewellery is allowed; Trousers must be straight-cut or boot-cut – tight-fitting trousers are not permitted. Nail varnish and visible make-up are not allowed; Trainers or trainer-style shoes are also not allowed, shoes must be smart/formal and finally no hoodies are allowed anywhere in school. We are able to lend students items of uniform if they forget something but students who refuse to work in collaboration with us or who persistently choose to break uniform rules, are sanctioned. Full details of our uniform policy is available on the school website and can viewed in our transition information booklet or by visiting our Ready to Learn page. Details will also be available on our Transition Evening for parents on 25th June 2026.
My child has additional educational needs. What extra help is available?
Inclusion is a core value at Wilsthorpe and we have very high expectations of all our students, whatever their additional needs. Our SEND Team will meet with the SENCO of your child’s primary school to make sure that we understand your child’s individual needs and to plan for any support that needs to be put in place, to allow your child to access a full and varied curriculum. We also intend to offer extra transition dates in July to those that might benefit, an invite will be sent in the post offering this opportunity.
What is behaviour like at Wilsthorpe?
We believe behaviour is a real strength of the school. Ofsted agrees: ‘Pupils behave in an exemplary fashion. They are civil and respectful to each other and to staff. Staff ensure that they reward good behaviour. The rate of fixed-term exclusions is low and declining. Pupils see the value in behaving well. Consequently, this is a highly motivated, positive and caring school community’ (Ofsted 2020). More information can be found via our Behaviour for Learning Page.
Will my child be safe in school? Are students taught about risks?
Absolutely! Leaders have created a strong culture of safeguarding. We make special efforts to provide a high level of care for all students to ensure that they settle well and work hard to fulfil their potential. We take safeguarding procedures very seriously and take all possible steps to ensure the safety of our students at all times. Our policies dealing with issues such as Safeguarding are available on our website. Above all, we strive to ensure that all students are happy at Wilsthorpe. More information can found on our Safeguarding Page.
Does the school teach the same subjects as other schools?
In harmony with other schools in The Two Counties Trust, Wilsthorpe offers the full curriculum entitlement for all students. We operate a three-year Key Stage 3 (Y7-9) which provides a wide and varied educational experience acting as a strong foundation for Key Stage 4 (Y10/11) where some specialisation is allowed. Further details of Wilsthorpe’s curriculum can be found on our Curriculum webpage.
Will my child be able to take part in any clubs?
Character education is central to the experience of all students at Wilsthorpe. All students will be encouraged and supported to take part in a wealth of opportunities, including sport, music and the performing arts, creative activities, cultural visits, outdoor learning experiences including the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, work experience and opportunities to develop leadership skills. There are a range of extra-curricular clubs on offer most evenings of the week. For a timetable and more information, please see our Enrichment page.