Preparing to take
the next steps in life
Preparing to take
the next steps in life
Preparing to take
the next steps in life
We are Willingdon
We are a united, vibrant community which demonstrates personal excellence in all that we do. Learning at Willingdon transforms lives by igniting curiosity and expecting the very best from staff and students alike. We value opportunities, aiming for success today to prepare for challenges and opportunities tomorrow. We are respectful, honest and courteous to empower each other on our unique learning journeys. We look after ourselves and each other, and show empathy, respect and compassion to all people and our environment along the way. We encourage tolerance, resilience and reflection, which in turn allows everyone to make progress every lesson. We work together as a harmonious community to be the very best versions of ourselves.
This makes us Willingdon
We are looking forward to our Transition events including our Open Evening and Open Mornings.
We are Willingdon.
Trailer - We are Willingdon - Technology & Enterprise
Values and Ethos
At Willingdon Community School, we aim to develop, in all our students, key values which we consider contribute to the achievement of what we refer to as, Personal Excellence.
Ambition
Respect
Compassion
Courtesy
Honesty
Our GCSE Exam Results
For a third year running, we have sustained the high attainment that Willingdon Community School is renowned for.
70% of students leave with a grade 4 or above in English and Maths. This is a achievement, particularly given the recent educational changes which have led to more rigorous assessment in all subject areas.
Our Senior Leadership Team
Emily Beer
Headteacher
Charly Dryer
Acting Assistant Headteacher
Alison Walters
Deputy Headteacher
Fionnuala Rodgers
Deputy Headteacher
Emily Beer
Headteacher
I achieved a History Degree from Roehampton Institute, University of Surrey and completed my PGCE in History at Christchurch University.
I have worked in a number of Kent and London schools from a top performing outstanding grammar school to schools in special measures and requiring improvement. I enjoyed being a Head of History and Director of Key Stage Five for many years followed by a Deputy Headteacher.
I believe that we are all life long learners and I embrace CPD at all levels to ensure that we are providing the very best for each and every child. I really enjoy having the chance to teach a History Year Nine group this year.
Finally, I believe in talent managing my staff to provide them with similar opportunities that I was afforded throughout my career by fantastic colleagues who invested in my personal development. I hope I can pay that forward to my staff and students.
Charly Dryer
Acting Assistant Headteacher
I completed a Fine Art degree at Southampton and then went onto complete a Master’s degree in History of Art at Sussex university. I spent a few years running a nightclub and bar before completing my PGCE, where my second teaching placement was here at Willingdon, 16 years ago. I have been very lucky to have been mentored by Mrs Rodgers who has encouraged me to challenge myself and go from teacher of art to Leader of Learning to Director of the arts faculty, Associate Assistant Headteacher and now to Assistant Headteacher. I love this school, the staff and students are fantastic and I believe that we promote a real love of learning.
Alison Walters
Deputy Headteacher
Ali Walters, Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Responsibilities include; whole school safeguarding, curriculum and timetabling. I also line manage the English, Geography and RSHE departments across the school.
After completing my degree in Geography at the University of Hull, I realised that I could combine my love of my subject with an exciting and dynamic career working with young people. I came to Willingdon in September 2002 after 5 years teaching in Norfolk and after completing my Masters in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Brighton. I came as Head of Geography and I am still passionate about my subject and thrive on working with the amazing young people we serve. I have been fortunate to do a range of roles whilst at Willingdon and have been Deputy Headteacher here for 2 years.
Fionnuala Rodgers
Deputy Headteacher
My responsibilities as a Deputy Headteacher include teaching and learning, overseeing Initial Teacher Training, quality assurance and line management of arts subjects, science and history, sociology and child care.
Prior to training as a teacher, I completed a Foundation course in art and design and a degree in fine art. Early in my career I completed a Masters degree in Art and Design in Education at London University which convinced me that art is an essential subject for young people to learn. I have taught both GCSE and A level and have experience of working in different schools in London, the south east and in the midlands. I joined Willingdon as Head of art and went on to enjoy many roles since then such as arts co ordinator and head of the school`s specialist media and visual arts status. Whatever my roles, I have never stopped learning!
What People Are Saying
"Please can I just let you and the rest of the SLT know what E said today, whilst listening to the forum audio? "I love that our teachers are so human...I mean, some are just so (pulled face of looking down nose), but ours talk about what it's really like, and share what it's like for them as people." I think that's pretty high praise."
"Thank you so much for the extremely well organised, and smooth running of covid testing in school. You have prepared for everything, including putting anxious minds at rest with information and videos. My son was really quite anxious about it, but came home relieved, and just glad he had actually been to school! Your staff are a credit to the school, and really have given fantastic support to all pupils and parents."
"I would like to take this opportunity to say how very impressed I have been with Willingdon Community School, not just with the testing, which is clearly extremely well organised, but throughout the last year. Live lessons have worked brilliantly and the ongoing communication and support is outstanding."
"Thank you and the Willingdon staff so much for arranging such a professionally delivered parents evening. What has been such a difficult year I am so entirely grateful that I can be kept up to date with A’s progress. At a time when we are all dealing with so much to know my son is getting the best care, education and compassion from all at Willingdon really does mean so much. Thank you again."
"Firstly thank you for a lovely parents evening. It was a real moment for F to shine and l am so impressed with him. He made the choice to come into school over Easter to complete art which is just so mature and l am blown away by how each teacher had the same positive message. None of this that I see in him would happen if he had not been supported and nurtured by staff. Thank you."
"Thank you to all the staff at Willingdon – you are all marvellous! Not only through all this madness when your support has been fantastic but also before this. We thank god every day that we chose Willingdon for J. It could easily have gone either way with – he wasn’t the brightest student at primary school but from the minute he joined Willingdon he has been pushed, challenged and encouraged."
"I would also like to say thank you for your continued support at Willingdon. My Son is in his last year with you and you’ve been a great Head Teacher throughout his journey within the school and especially keeping us informed during the COVID pandemic. So a big thank you from me and the family."
Sussex Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to two of our teachers who have been awarded Sussex Teacher of the Year. Both members of staff are very hard working and are inspirational to our student body. Mr Elwood regularly received feedback from ex students who have gone on to read History at university. Mrs Borrell currently leads our information, advice and guidance and has just achieved the top award for investors in careers too.
