Windlesham Diploma

Preparing our pupils for the future

The Windlesham House Diploma is a bespoke two-year course followed by all pupils in Years 7 & 8. It is unique to Windlesham House and is designed to equip pupils with the skills and attributes required to flourish at senior school and beyond. As a prep school, this is our priority!

It has become clear over the past few years that there are now more forward thinking, alternative and exciting educational routes than the current Common Entrance (CE) syllabus and examinations at the end of Year 8. Additionally, the majority of senior schools no longer require it as a condition of entry.

The Windlesham House Diploma replaces and enhances the CE route with a rich and rigorous curriculum and the addition of essential social, leadership and team skills. In conjunction with the school’s ACE Learning Habits, it will ensure our pupils become accomplished, confident and resilient young people.

Progress and achievement are recognised through a system of continuous assessment. At the end of the two-year course, each pupil will be awarded the Windlesham House Diploma with either a pass, merit or distinction. Pupils will leave our school knowing they will be going to their best choice of senior school armed with the tools for an exciting future.

Pupils in years 4 to 6 have the opportunity to take part in the ‘Windlesham Challenge‘.

″Our pupils will learn essential skills like problem solving, taking risks, being part of a team and leadership...″

Ben Evans

What we will do

Learning for Life

In addition to the core curriculum of academic, creative and sports subjects taught at Windlesham, we are introducing ‘Learning for Life’. This is an exciting addition to the curriculum incorporating four core elements

Leadership and team spirit
Personal development
Community responsibility
Outdoor education

Windlesham House will provide pupils with a unique opportunity to develop qualities and skills that extend beyond the traditional academic subjects. This holistic approach to education aims to prepare our pupils not only for the next stage of their academic journey but also for a fulfilling and successful life beyond school.

Saturday Enrichment

The Saturday morning programme offers enrichment opportunities which will complement the taught elements of the diploma curriculum. A non-compulsory element of the Windlesham House Diploma, pupils have the opportunity to work towards collaborative leadership and entrepreneurship projects, outdoor orienteering and charitable endeavours which culminate in the summer charities fair. An additional option of basic first aid with the Red Cross First Aid Champions course is included in the spring term for Year 7 and the summer term for Year 8.

What does the Windlesham House Diploma cover?

Leadership and team spirit

An exploration of the theory of leadership and practical application, collaboration and team work. Pupils will explore themselves as leaders as well as the essential elements of effective team spirit.

Personal Development

This element of the Diploma will cover a number of areas of academic and co-curricular enrichment including entrepreneurship, the attributes of an effective learner, pupils’ individual social development and essential life skills. The modules will primarily be taught practically and collaboratively.

Community Responsibility

It is essential that our pupils understand their place in society and that they grow and develop the skills necessary through their school years to take up a valuable and worthwhile role in their future lives.

Outdoor education

Physical development and challenges together with exposure to the great outdoors foster a sense of achievement, self-worth and encourage risk-taking, involvement and a healthy life-style. This module will take full advantage of the school’s extensive grounds, comprehensive facilities and location with the South Downs National Park and proximity to the coast.

″The ethos. The kids are open, curious, well-rounded and kind. They support each other and importantly the international environment prepares them for today’s world″

Windlesham parent

There’s plenty we could tell you about life at Windlesham, but it’s much better to experience a taste of it in real life

Please come to meet staff and pupils and see the school – we are located just over an hour from London and a short drive from Worthing, on a private estate in the Sussex countryside. Contact us to book a tour of the school with our pupils.

Book A Tour Open Days

The Windlesham Diploma