Joining a new school marks the beginning of an exciting chapter. Whether a student lives locally, boards during the week or moves to Canterbury from another country, a warm welcome and clear guidance can make all the difference.
As Registrar at The Worthgate School, Miss Alison supports students and their families from their first introduction to the school through to enrolment, graduation and beyond.
“My role is very varied, I work with prospective students, current students and alumni which means no two days are ever the same,” Alison says.
A warm and personal welcome
Miss Alison leads the Student Communications Team, helping to ensure that every interaction with Worthgate is welcoming, helpful and personal.
“I’m proud to lead a team dedicated to delivering a five-star service and making sure every student and parent feels welcome, supported and valued whether in person, by phone or by email.”
Working closely with the sales and Admissions teams, Miss Alison interviews prospective students, speaks with parents, and helps families understand what life at Worthgate could offer. She also organises school tours and familiarisation visits, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the school’s learning environment and community firsthand.
Depending on their location, prospective students may meet Alison during a visit to Worthgate or through an online interview.
“I love interviewing new students and telling them all about the school,” she says.
Once a place has been offered, families are guided through the next stages of joining. For those coming from overseas, this can include support with the visa process.
From enrolment to graduation
Miss Alison’s role continues throughout each student’s time at Worthgate. She supports registration and enrolment, assists with visa matters where required and helps students prepare for graduation.
She is also an important link between students, parents, agents and colleagues across the school.
Her responsibilities also include organising two of the most memorable occasions in the school calendar: the annual Celebration of Christmas Service at Canterbury Cathedral and the Graduation Service.
“These occasions are wonderful opportunities to celebrate and showcase the achievements and talents of our students,” Miss Alison says.
The relationship does not end when a student leaves. Miss Alison remains in touch with alumni through LinkedIn, helping former students stay connected to the friends, teachers and experiences that shaped their time at Worthgate.
Helping every student find their place
Every student experiences a period of adjustment when joining a new school. Some are getting to know unfamiliar teachers and classmates, while others may also be adapting to boarding, greater independence or life in a different country.
Worthgate’s induction programme helps students become familiar with their learning environment, curriculum, expectations and support networks. Academic preparation is combined with practical orientation and pastoral guidance so that students can begin their studies with confidence.
For boarding students, a varied programme of events encourages friendships, independence and a sense of belonging. Worthgate Weekender events, sport, karaoke, gaming, cooking and local outings give students plenty of opportunities to spend time together beyond the classroom. Practical activities, such as a trip to IKEA to personalise bedrooms, also help new boarders make themselves at home.
Students can access support through the Wellness Centre, where the team can discuss physical or mental health needs, medications and allergies. International students are also helped to register with a local GP and health centre where appropriate.
“Our students are respectful, eager to learn and keen to embrace all the opportunities they are given at the school,” Miss Alison says.
A memorable Worthgate journey
One former student’s experience has stayed with Miss Alison and captures how quickly Worthgate can begin to feel like home.
“A few years ago, a young Brazilian student called Ana came into my office sobbing. She had been at the school for less than two days and felt terribly homesick.” Alison alerted the boarding and academic teams so they could keep a special eye on Ana. She also arranged for the student to visit her office each day for a catch-up.
“After a few days, Ana’s visits became less regular as she settled into school. For the next ten months, she would greet me enthusiastically in the corridor and tell me about her exciting plans for the weekend or how well she had done in a particular lesson.”
One week before the end of the summer term, Ana returned to Alison’s office in tears.
“This time, she didn’t want to go home!”
Her story is a touching example of the confidence and sense of belonging that can grow when a student feels known, cared for and encouraged.
Inspire, Empower, Achieve
Asked to describe the culture of Worthgate in three words, Alison chooses those at the heart of the school’s values: Inspire, Empower, Achieve.
“These three words are embedded in everything we do at the school.”
For Alison, what makes Worthgate distinctive is the collective commitment shown by colleagues throughout the community. Whether they work in boarding, the classrooms, the dining room, maintenance, our domestic teams, student support or the Senior Leadership Team, our staff go the extra mile. Everyone wants to make sure that each student feels safe, secure and ready to embrace the opportunities available both inside and outside the classroom.
It is the people who make Alison’s own experience at Worthgate so rewarding.
“What I enjoy most is our inspirational students, our dedicated staff and the welcoming atmosphere.”
Her advice to prospective students whether they live nearby or are considering moving to Canterbury is to embrace the possibilities ahead.
“Joining The Worthgate School is an amazing opportunity to experience new things, become more independent and receive a high-quality education in a safe and secure home-from-home environment.”
At Worthgate, joining the school is more than an admissions process. It is the beginning of a journey in which every student is welcomed as an individual, encouraged to take new opportunities and supported in achieving their ambitions.
