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The Wheeler Programme was one of a trio of projects that saw Wellington College receive a Bronze Award in recognition of its efforts to help more pupils challenge themselves, find their passion and explore what’s possible, regardless of their background.
Along with the Prince Albert Foundation (PAF) and The Wellington Refugee Programme, the Wheeler Programme helped the college secure a bronze at The UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs).
The nationwide initiative celebrates efforts to advance social mobility within Britain’s businesses and institutions and Wellington College’s work was recognised under the category of School or College of the Year.
The award is the second this year involving the Wheeler Programme and the PAF, which were also instrumental in the college being named as a finalist in the Independent School of the Year awards for Contribution to Social Mobility. This award is for the school that has made the most inspirational and decisive contribution to upward social mobility within its community in the past year.
Dr Helen Wright Chair, Independent Schools of the Year 2023, said: “It has been truly wonderful to receive nominations which showcase transformative and innovative projects that are underway across the country, and it is with great pleasure that I am able to tell you that Wellington College has been shortlisted for an award in the Independent School of the Year for Contribution to Social Mobility.”
The Wheeler Programme was introduced in 2017 to support the life choices of a greater number of children over a comprehensive five-year partnership. Pupils begin in Year 9 and whilst studying at their usual state school, attend Wellington College once or twice a term for workshops in soft skills; social and emotional learning opportunities; extra-curricular experiences; revision classes and tailored academic support, particularly around exam times.
Around 24 pupils join the programme each year, some from our local state school partners and some travelling from as far afield as South Wales. Pupils aren’t selected for their academic ability but because they are thought to be underachieving against their potential. The purpose of Wheeler is to reinvigorate their interest in learning and to help forge their post-school pathway.
“It helped me develop myself socially. When I learned Mandarin for the first time, that was amazing. And my confidence skyrocketed. We did some interviews with someone from Sky when we went to their HQ in London and that helped with confidence too” – Jamie, pupil on The Wheeler Programme
Wheeler students who graduated from the programme in 2023, with founder Nick Wheeler
The Prince Albert Foundation widens participation by enabling children from low-income families, and in challenging circumstances — including refugees and young carers — to study at Wellington on a par with fee-paying pupils. It currently enables 26 children from low-income families to attend Wellington.
Each award is for 110% of the fees, which is unusual – just 15% of all means-tested bursaries offered by independent schools do this. The extra money is used for school essentials such as uniform and commuting, but also for enrichment activities and providing diverse experiences.
Pupils are funded to take music tuition and participate in optional school trips; and in the holidays, theatre trips for the whole family and volunteering expenses are paid for. PAF pupils also participate in leadership training, designed to build resilience and ambition.
“I am indebted to Wellington’s commitment to the broader social collective. Through programmes like the Prince Albert Foundation and the EDI initiative, the College is shaping a more diverse, inclusive and equal generation” – Esther, PAF Scholar
The Wellington Refugee Programme, which is part of the college’s Global Citizenship activity, is run by pupils and teachers to support local refugee families who are referred by the local council.
So far, children displaced from Syria and Ukraine have taken part in weekly, flexible sessions at the college which focus on fun and friendship. Unique features of the scheme include that siblings and parents are invited to many of the sessions too, to foster a sense of community and reassurance; and that the families can remain with this long-term programme for as long as they wish to.
Wellington pupils lead the programme, planning the sessions to include sports, games, baking and arts activities, as well as more serious academic tutoring and advice on the UK education and careers system, as needed.
“Since I joined Wellington partnership, I have been able to develop my attitude towards learning in my school as I became more confident, engaged in classes and having the courage to answer questions in front of my class as I was unable to do that before” – Maryam, pupil on the Refugee Programme
Wheeler students on a study day at Wellington College
Wellington College also makes grants totalling £500,000 a year to state schools to help fund their priority teaching and learning projects; and to extracurricular providers working with disadvantaged children.
To find out more about Wellington College’s Social Impact work click HERE.
