Our co-curricular programme is an integral part of the Windlesham House experience, recognized by ISI inspectors as a “significant strength” in December 2024. With over 120 activities available weekly, every pupil finds opportunities to explore interests, discover talents and develop skills beyond the classroom.
The co-curricular programme at Windlesham House is exceptional in its breadth, quality and accessibility. Our ethos is one of inclusive involvement and enjoyment, opportunities for all and a risk-taking approach. Pupils want to be involved, are keen to try and experience new opportunities and embrace challenges with enjoyment and enthusiasm.
With over 120 different activities on offer throughout the year, pupils can explore diverse interests from traditional sports to cutting-edge technology, from creative arts to outdoor adventures.
Activities are led by passionate specialists including teachers, professional coaches, and external experts. For example:
85% of our co-curricular programme is included in fees, ensuring all pupils can participate regardless of financial circumstances. Only specialized individual tuition (like instrumental music or LAMDA) and certain activities incur additional charges.
Pupils choose activities that genuinely interest them. They can try new things, commit to activities long-term or sample different options throughout the year. This freedom develops decision-making skills and helps pupils discover their passions.
Included activities
Chargeable activities
Included activities
Chargeable activities
Included activities
Chargeable activities
Included activities
Chargeable activities
Included activities
Included activities
Most co-curricular activities run after the school day ends at 4.45pm, continuing until 5.25pm. This timing allows day pupils to participate before going home or into wrap-around care.
Some activities run during lunch breaks, providing quick bursts of activity or allowing participation without staying late.
Wednesday afternoons are dedicated to co-curricular time with extended sessions for activities like textiles, art and other creative pursuits. This protected time allows for deeper engagement and completion of projects.
For boarders staying at weekends, extensive co-curricular programmes run including
Our co-curricular programme extends beyond school grounds with regular trips including
Cinema trips
Latest films appropriate for children
Sports venues
Trampolining at Flip Out, bowling, ice skating
Beach trips
Brighton, Worthing, and south coast destinations
Cultural visits
Arundel Castle, Wetlands Centre, museums
Shopping trips
Worthing or Horsham town centres with pocket money
Theme parks
Chessington, Paulton’s Park and others
Seasonal activities
Christmas markets, fireworks, summer fairs and others
Many trips support curriculum learning include
As part of the Charterhouse family of schools, there are many opportunities for our pupils to experience cross curricular lessons and activities at Charterhouse and include science, history, robotics, STEM, digital technology, languages, drama and music.
Regular away fixtures and tournaments provide opportunities to represent the school and compete against other schools, building teamwork and school pride.
At the start of each term, pupils receive information about available activities. They indicate their preferences and are allocated places. Popular activities may have waiting lists, managed fairly.
We encourage pupils to
Staff guidance helps pupils make appropriate choices without over-committing or under-challenging themselves.
Activities develop skills rarely taught in classrooms: craftsmanship, physical coordination, artistic technique, strategic thinking, and more.
Trying new activities and mastering skills builds self-efficacy. Pupils discover they can learn anything with effort and good teaching.
Activities create friendships across year groups and boarding/day divides. Shared interests bond pupils who might not otherwise interact.
Physical activity, creative expression, and enjoyable pursuits contribute to mental health and wellbeing. The variety ensures pupils can decompress from academic pressures through activities they love.
Many pupils discover lifelong passions through co-curricular activities. A chance pottery session might reveal artistic talent. A reluctant try at chess might create a strategic thinker. These discoveries shape futures.
Senior schools value well-rounded pupils with diverse interests and achievements. Our co-curricular programme provides experiences and accomplishments that strengthen senior school applications.
Yes, over-scheduling is possible. We monitor participation and discuss with parents if we feel a child is over-committed. Balance is important – pupils need free time for homework, rest and unstructured play. Quality over quantity is our advice.
We encourage pupils to try activities for at least half a term before deciding. Sometimes initial difficulty or shyness passes with persistence. However, if a child genuinely dislikes an activity after fair trial, we support switching to something more suitable. The goal is enjoyment and growth, not forcing participation in unsuitable activities.
Yes, activities are offered across age ranges from Reception to Year 8. Some are age-specific while others are mixed-age. Activity information specifies which year groups can participate. Pre-prep pupils have their own co-curricular programme appropriate to younger ages.
Time management is an important skill. Most pupils manage homework and activities successfully with good organization. Boarders complete prep (homework) during dedicated supervised time. Day pupils attending activities may complete homework during wrap-around care or at home afterward. If workload genuinely becomes unmanageable, we work with families to adjust commitments.
The activities available and their schedules are published each term. Details are available from the school office or co-curricular coordinator, Samantha Robinson (Head of TPR and Co-curricular Coordinator). Email office@windlesham.com or call 01903 874700 for current information.
Our December 2024 ISI inspection report specifically highlighted our co-curricular provision as a significant strength, noting that “pupils thrive personally and socially” due to the broad and diverse range of activities provided. This external validation confirms what our pupils and families already know – our co-curricular programme is exceptional.
