Welcome to a new year at The Worthgate School. We are pleased to offer a fresh start for those just joining us, and a chance to grow even further for all those who are returning.
Additionally, our students had the opportunity at our Electives Fair to discuss the extra activities they could take part in to prepare them for their careers, further their interests and develop their outlook on the world. We welcomed all our new and returning students at the grand Westgate Hall, where they got to hear from teachers, pastoral teams and other students talk about future activities, outings, excursions, school expectations and academic achievement.
In our first week we welcomed students arriving at The Worthgate School and made sure they were involved in our induction activities. Induction is a chance for all students (returning and new) to meet, make friends, and learn a little about The Worthgate School and the beautiful city of Canterbury itself.
Our A Level students continued to uphold our record of going on to study at top UK universities, and we are delighted that 92% of the Russell Group universities have received our students this year. Students went on to attend world class universities such as London School of Economics, St Andrews University and Durham University.
Our 2023 International Baccalaureate students achieved great accomplishments with 89% of the cohort achieving grades 6 or 7. Our University Foundation Programme excelled in key areas, such as the 58% of psychology students who were awarded an A* or A.
This year we have just over 300 students joining us from over 50 nations. 115 students are returning to school to continue their educational journey and secure a place at a top UK university. First and foremost, we are here to inspire our students for their future and empower them to achieve it; for many this is their first step towards that future.
We are proud of how quickly students find themselves at home at The Worthgate School and to help students settle in we have been running activities to introduce them to the wider area with an educational scavenger hunt around Canterbury, a Campus BBQ to get to know one another, along with a variety of sports and social activities. Our returning students have firmly found their feet here at the school. They are a testament to everything students can accomplish when they throw themselves into the varied and diverse life of our school community. We are excited to watch as they continue their passion for student-led initiatives such as Student Mental Health Champions as well as the Diversity Committee and welcome all our new students into the fold.
We are delighted to be starting a positive school year with so many happy faces and bright eager minds. We very much look forward to a year full of ambition, achievement and success.
Dr Ian Gross, FCCT
Principal, The Worthgate School