- Sir William Perkins's School
Headmistress Mrs Del Cooke Chairman of Governors Dr Alun Jones Founded 1725 School type Independent Religious affiliation Secular Specialism Everything Forms 4 (L,M,P,Q) Location Chertsey ,England Enrollment 600-ish pupils Campus surroundings Suburban: skirting the River Bourne Sports Rowing, netball ,hockey ,tennis ,rounders ,English traditional dance Mascot Helmet School colours Royal Blue ,Yellow School Motto A Spe in Spem (From Hope to Hope)
Sir William Perkins's School is an independent day school for girls aged 11-18 in
Chertsey ,Surrey . It is situated on 12 acres of greenbelt land on the outskirts of Chertsey in Surrey, and has approximately 550 pupils of whom 130 are in the Sixth Form (the school includes a Sixth Form College on its premises).The current headteacher is Mrs Del CookeAcademics
The school has an excellent academic reputation, consistently producing outstanding GCSE and A-Level results every year. It was ranked number 58 in the FT (Financial Times) Top 500 Schools in 2005.In 2006 over 77 % of GCSE grades were at A* or A grades, and 100% of pupils achieved A* to C grades. At A level, 79% of the results were at A and B grades, and there was a 100% pass rate. Sir William Perkins's School has a fine academic record built on the enjoyment of learning and sound habits of work. In the words of the school: "Our aim is to help each girl to develop her talents and abilities and to cultivate practical and creative skills. In an ever-changing world it is important to gain qualifications but also to prepare girls to adapt and make the most of every opportunity. We want her to grow in confidence, to think independently and to become a responsible, unselfish member of the community. We hope that every girl will enjoy her years at school and will gain the foundation for a fulfilling and satisfying life."
History
The school was founded in 1725 by a wealthy Chertsey merchant, Sir William Perkins. Originally for twenty five boys, the school extended its education to include twenty-five girls in 1736. This century the school became a voluntary controlled Grammar school for girls maintained by Surrey Education Authority and in 1978 became fully independent as an educational foundation administered by trustees. The policy is to keep fees as low as is consistent with the quality of education that is offered.
The school has approximately 550 pupils from 11-18, including a very strong sixth form and is situated on Green Belt land in twelve acres of pleasant gardens and playing fields. The school is easily reached by road and public transport and girls travel here from a wide area.
Alumni
The school has fostered a number of notable talents, including but not limited to:
Trisha Goddard - Television PersonalitySusie Amy - Television Personality and star ofFootballers' Wives Celina Hinchcliffe -Match of the Day commentator and journalist.Lara McAllen - SingerTrivia
*The school stages an Awards Ceremony every year in November.
*The school's code of conduct is based around the principle of RESPECT.
*SWPS is a supporter of theNational Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth .
*SWPS is situated in Chertsey, Surrey. Chertsey is mentioned byWilliam Shakespeare in Richard III::"Come, now towards Chertsey with your holy load" - Lady Anne
*One of the school's longest serving teachers, Margaret Bourne, pioneered the installation of a Wildlife Garden in 2005.
*On a clear day, the famous amusement parkThorpe Park can be seen from the top storey of the school's new Art Block.
*Occasionally, theRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) uses the school's bright and well-appointed Sixth-form centre as a meeting place.
*The school'sDesign and Technology teacher Martin Hussey is also anEsher -basedvicar .
*The school'sInformation Technology teacher Mrs Smith was also a pupil at the school.External links
* [http://www.swps.org.uk/ Sir William Perkins's School Website]
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