THE POWER OF POTENTIAL
We challenge each student to explore their potential through academic aspiration and active participation.
We teach our students to expect great things of themselves, because we know every individual is capable of great things.
Academic success is always our priority, but education should be about far more than achieving top grades. We believe in educating the whole person and equipping our students with the confidence to make their mark on the world.
Well-rounded and prepared for the real world
We encourage students 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
Curious about their world and their future.
Ambitious for themselves and for others.
Generous with their thoughts, their gifts and their time.
A PROUD HISTORY
Sir William Perkins, a wealthy Chertsey merchant, founded the school in 1725 to educate the town’s children.
The school moved to its present site in 1914 and later became one of the first grammar schools in the country to educate girls, eventually becoming a voluntary controlled Grammar School in 1944.
In 1978, it became fully independent as an educational foundation administered by trustees, who also form the Board of Governors.
An exciting future
Today, our school has approximately 600 students aged 11 to 18, joining us from many different backgrounds and both independent and maintained schools. In fact, the proportion is typically equal, which helps to make us a diverse, vibrant and happy community.
“
EXCELLENT RESULTS ACHIEVED WITH A BIG DOLLOP OF HUMOUR, HUMANITY AND FREEDOM OF THOUGHT. ”
WE BELIEVE THAT LEARNING TRULY SUCCEEDS WHEN IT INSPIRES
That’s why our curriculum is constantly under review to offer the most distinct, thorough and stimulating education experience possible.
The SWPS curriculum – including learning beyond the classroom – develops students’ sense of curiosity and encourages them to independently seek out information to complement their studies and academic interests.
Our Academic Ambition seminar series is designed to inform and provoke our intellectually ambitious students, inspiring them to read and think more deeply beyond taught subjects.
“ STAFF ENGAGE WITH STUDENTS INDIVIDUALLY, BRINGING OUT THEIR STRENGTHS AND SKILLS. ”
Independent Inspection Report
A SIXTH FORM BUILT ON SUCCESS
We prepare our students for all aspects of life beyond school, and their educational journey continues in our Sixth Form, where we empower them to become confident and successful young adults.
Our 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, we provide many leadership opportunities to help students develop their skills and talents outside the classroom, and explore a wide range of potential career opportunities.
The best further education
Our UCAS preparation programme starts mid-way through Year 12 and continues to the end of Year 13. Our 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.
I WANT TO GO FAR AND ENJOY EVERY STEP OF THE JOURNEY.
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THE MAJORITY OF OUR STUDENTS ACHIEVED THEIR FIRST CHOICE OF UNIVERSITY –INCLUDING OXFORD, CAMBRIDGE, RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES AND TOP ART COLLEGES.
”
Director of Sixth Form
RESULTS THAT
RAISE THE STANDARD I NEVER KNEW I COULD ACHIEVE SO MUCH, SO FAR OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE.
We’re proud to say that our talented students consistently achieve outstanding results in STEM subjects including Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science.
We work hard to foster creative talent too. Our purpose-built 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, we offer opportunities to excel for every student.
“ PULLS IN THE GRADES.
ENGLISH AND MATHS NEARLY ALWAYS DO THE SCHOOL PROUD AT GCSE. AT A LEVEL, ART, CHEMISTRY, ENGLISH AND ECONOMICS ARE THE SHINING STARS.
STAND OUT SUBJECT:
As well as exploring the art of stagecraft, our students have the chance to develop a range of skills across the backstage disciplines.
Our contemporary Drama space includes two impressive studios where students are always encouraged to take the lead in managing lighting, sound, visual effects, costumes and sets.
Opportunities for co-curricular activities – including an annual production, externally certified Speech and Drama lessons and Junior Drama competition written and directed by Sixth Form students – are also a key part of our wide-ranging drama curriculum.
Our students regularly benefit from working with visiting theatre companies and West End performers as well as attending top London theatres.
“ STUDENT-LED PRODUCTIONS ARE AT THE HEART OF DRAMA AT SWPS, WITH LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES TO SHINE. ”
Head of Drama
I WANT TO TURN MY CREATIVITY INTO A CAREER.
NOW I CAN SEE HOW TO BRING MY VISION TO LIFE.
STAND OUT SUBJECT:
ART & DESIGN
In our purpose-built Art Centre, every student is free to discover the unlimited joy and potential of creative self-expression.
Open since 2003, our Art Centre allows students to develop their skills and interests in two large, well-lit art rooms, a printmaking studio, facilities for ceramics and 3D work, a photographic darkroom, a Sixth Form painting studio and – for the latest in digital design – a computer studio.
As well as honing their technical abilities across a wide range of media, our students also explore the work of key artists and designers, with classroom learning enhanced with visits to galleries and museums, including the Tate and National galleries.
“ THERE REALLY ARE NO RESTRICTIONS TO YOUR IMAGINATION HERE, THEY REALLY LET YOU GO FOR IT. ”
SWPS student
STAND OUT SUBJECT:
MUSIC
One of the most universal art forms, music allows our students to develop lifelong skills for creative expression.
Across the school there are 10 rooms dedicated to music, from practice rooms to performance spaces. The Music Department provides opportunities for all our Year 7 to 9 students, from beginners to more advanced performers, enabling them to take part in a rich and varied programme of activities.
Live performance experience
Our music students showcase their hard work at our annual Spring and Autumn Concerts, where musicians of all abilities perform for students and parents, building their confidence and love of music. These are supplemented by a programme of lunchtime concerts giving everyone the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Our shared passion for music is so great that around 500 students learn an instrument during their time with us.
“ THERE’S NO GREAT DIVIDE BETWEEN THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS – THEY JAM TOGETHER WITH THE MUSIC. ”
The Good Schools Guide
I KNOW THAT BEING A LEADER TOMORROW STARTS WITH FOLLOWING MY PASSIONS TODAY.
Our sports programme has been designed to help students turn their talent, skill and dedication into success.
Supporting all abilities, the curriculum covers a broad range of activities including gymnastics, athletics, tennis, badminton, crosscountry, rugby, volleyball, football, cricket, softball, fitness training, circuits, trampolining, aerobics and pilates.
Netball and hockey are the cornerstones of our sports programme, with all students taking part in competitive fixtures from inter-form up to county level and beyond.
Top-class competitors
Our extensive indoor and outdoor facilities have seen SWPS students go on to become European champions in karate and judo.
The jewel in our sporting crown is the SWPS Rowing Club boathouse on Laleham Reach. Here, students train and many 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 Paris Olympics.
SPORT IS A POWERFUL WAY TO PROMOTE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND A HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE.
ON THE SIDE OF EVERY STUDENT
A happy experience at school is vital to student wellbeing so we work hard to offer the right support, as well as lots of opportunities for fun alongside learning.
We always focus on students as individuals, encouraging them to achieve their potential and explore their interests in an atmosphere where they feel supported, encouraged and appreciated.
Personal pastoral care
Underpinning this, our 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 we find ways to work through them together.
“ PUPILS HAVE AN EXCELLENT UNDERSTANDING OF RIGHT & WRONG; THEY ARE KIND TO EACH OTHER AND CONSIDERATE TO THEIR TEACHERS. ”
School inspection report
SPACE TO GROW
Set in 13 acres of attractive green-belt grounds in Surrey, SWPS is a beautiful environment in which every student can flourish.
Easily reached by road or public transport, we are less than a twominute 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.
“ FEELS UNPRESSURISED IN A WAY THAT NOT MANY PRIVATE SCHOOLS DO AROUND HERE –LOTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO HAVE A LIFE AND ENJOY OTHER THINGS THAN STUDY. ”
SWPS parent
TREASURED MEMORIES, BRIGHT FUTURES
When you join SWPS, you become a Perkonian for life. Many of our alumnae have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields.
Hattie Taylor, class of 2012
Bronze Olympic Medallist, Paris 2024
Clare James, class of 1986
Director of HR, Corinthia Hotel, London
Ezzy Pearson, class of 2005, Astrophysicist, Author
Katie McDonnell, class of 2009
Hollywood stunt performer
Rachel Farago, class of 2012
Opera singer and actor
Professor Nicola King, class of 1999
Associate Dean, University of Exeter
Enjoli Liston, class of 2004
Deputy Head of News, Guardian US
Olivia Greathurst, class of 2017
First officer, Ryanair
START YOUR SWPS JOURNEY
To see for yourself why SWPS is a school where great things are expected, join us at one of our Open Events, hosted by the Head.
Our on-site Open Mornings give parents and students the opportunity to hear directly from the Head, subject staff and student ambassadors with question and answer sessions encouraged throughout the morning.
We also offer Taster Days for students in Years 5 and 6 and Workshops for students in Year 4.
Just visit www.swps.org.uk to book your place.
IT’S SIMPLE, I WANT TO BE THE BEST I CAN BE.
