William Farr Church of England Comprehensive School Review 2026: Built on Vision and History

Built on the foundations of RAF Dunholme Lodge, a Second World War bomber station, William Farr Church of England Comprehensive School carries a remarkable story. In 1946, the Reverend William Farr, vicar of Welton, purchased the former airfield for £600 from his personal savings. The school that opened six years later has become a cornerstone of secondary education in Lincolnshire, grounded in both heritage and Christian values. Today it educates around 1,450 students across ages 11-18, with its distinctive character forged from both traditional standards and forward-thinking innovation.

The school sits in the middle tier for performance (FindMySchool ranking: 1,847th of 4,593 secondary schools in England), placing it firmly in line with typical English school attainment. At sixth form, results climb to the 933rd position in England (FindMySchool ranking), demonstrating particular strength in post-16 education. For families seeking a mixed, co-educational comprehensive with a Church of England ethos, strong facilities, and genuine community roots, William Farr remains consistently oversubscribed, with around two applications for every place offered.

William Farr CofE Comprehensive School in Welton, Lincoln has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The original red-brick buildings from 1960 have been thoughtfully expanded and modernised over decades, creating a campus that respects its past while embracing contemporary educational needs. The Lawres Chapel, opened in 2004, serves all members of the school community regardless of faith, housing the RAF Book of Remembrance which Year 7 students turn daily in tribute to those who served at the former bomber station.

The school's Christian distinctiveness sits at the heart of its identity without creating exclusivity. Core values are woven throughout daily life: Compassion, Friendship, Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility, and Wisdom frame both academic and pastoral work. Collective worship features regularly, though the chapel welcomes all beliefs. The school uniquely remains the only Church of England 11-18 comprehensive in the Diocese of Lincoln, a distinction that shapes both its governance and its approach to personal development.

Under the leadership of Mr Grant Edgar, who arrived in September 2024 from The Banovallum School, the school has maintained the momentum built by previous leadership. The senior team works closely with departments recognised for excellence by the Prince's Teaching Institute, including English, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, and modern foreign languages. Students and parents consistently report feeling valued within a genuine learning community where individual needs are recognised.

GCSE Performance

The 2024 GCSE cohort achieved an Attainment 8 score of 51.5 against the England average of 45.9, representing solid above-average performance. Around 63% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English and mathematics, a meaningful indicator showing two-thirds of the intake secures GCSE passes in these crucial subjects. Progress 8, measuring progress against starting points from primary school, stands at +0.43, well above the England average of -0.03, suggesting students progress faster at William Farr than expected in England.

The school ranks 1,847th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 40% of schools. Locally, within Lincolnshire, it achieves 2nd place, a position of clear strength within its immediate context. This consistency demonstrates a reliable educational foundation without extraordinary academic selection or pressure.

English Baccalaureate entry remains low at 8%, reflecting the school's comprehensive intake and breadth-of-curriculum approach rather than narrow specialisation. The average EBacc score of 4.16 (slightly above the England average of 4.08) shows those choosing this pathway perform effectively.

A-Level Performance

Sixth form results tell a notably stronger story. At A-level, 55% of grades fall within the A*-B range, compared to the England average of 47%, indicating sixth form students achieve substantially above-average outcomes. The distribution shows 7% achieving A*, 17% achieving A, and 30% achieving B, representing genuine excellence across the cohort.

William Farr ranks 933rd in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably in the top 35% of schools for post-16 performance. Within Lincolnshire, it holds 1st place at sixth form level, a position of clear distinction. This improvement from GCSE to A-level suggests the school excels at supporting motivated students through advanced qualifications.

The curriculum follows traditional academic structures with rigorous subject teaching. The school operates specialist departments working with the Prince's Teaching Institute, reflected in visible achievements in English (holding the PTI Subject Leadership Programme Mark for outstanding teaching) and strong performance across humanities and languages. Teachers demonstrate subject expertise, with assessment used skilfully to identify gaps and tailor support.

Separate science teaching is standard from Year 7, a choice that signals academic breadth. Modern foreign languages include traditional offerings, with Latin, Greek, and Russian available at A-level, reflecting the school's commitment to classical learning. The 2024 cohort celebrated a quarter of all GCSE grades at 7 and above, evidence of sustained rigour in the classroom.

The sixth form expanded substantially with a new block opening in September 2025, providing contemporary accommodation for around 240 students in Years 12-13. Over 30 A-level subjects are available, allowing genuine choice. The school explicitly advises students pursuing competitive university courses (medicine, law, veterinary science, Russell Group entry) to check subject combinations, signalling strategic curriculum guidance.

Beyond the classroom, students engage with enrichment opportunities. The school works as an associate institution of the University of Lincoln, strengthening local higher education links. Departments emphasise academic inquiry through competitions, seminar series, and independent study, particularly in the sixth form where preparation for university transitions naturally.

Extended opportunities define William Farr's co-curricular offer. The school supports an extensive range of activities, detailed across both musical ensembles, sporting teams, creative societies, and academic clubs.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music permeates the school. Named ensembles include the School Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Glee Club, with students drawn to weekly rehearsals and formal performances. The school holds the Music Mark Award, recognising excellence in music education. Music Technology Club engages those interested in production and composition, while individual tuition is available across standard and less common instruments.

The tradition of Lincoln Music and Drama Festival participation reinforces performance culture. Summer events feature orchestral concerts, chamber performances, and choral competitions. Students pursuing music at GCSE or A-level benefit from specialist teaching and access to rehearsal spaces designed for acoustic performance.

Drama and Performance

Drama facilities include a dedicated studio and main hall available for productions. Student-led performances occur throughout the academic year, with costumes, lighting, and orchestration involving technical teams. The school regularly supports entries to competitive festivals, and formal theatre experiences have become expected elements of the sixth form curriculum.

STEM: Innovation and Breadth

Science and technology clubs include Chemistry Study Group, GCSE Electronics Master, GCSE Food Technology Master, GCSE Graphics Master, and GCSE Resilient Materials Master, reflecting departmental investment in practical support alongside classroom teaching. Code Club engages younger students in programming, while Graphics Design Club attracts those interested in digital design.

Science facilities were substantially expanded in 2015 with the addition of new laboratory accommodation and dedicated classrooms. Four dedicated ICT and Computing Rooms enable hands-on digital learning. The school's history as a Technology College (2000-2007) and subsequent designation as Science College (2007) shaped investment in these areas, with modern equipment and specialist teaching evident across both traditional and applied sciences.

Sport: Extensive Facilities and Teams

The sports hall, constructed in 1974 and substantially refurbished in 2012 under the opening by Baroness Sue Campbell, hosts Basketball, Badminton, and Volleyball alongside gymnastics and other indoor activities. Outdoor provision includes extensive playing fields, seven concrete playing areas suitable for tennis, netball, and hockey, and designated areas for football, cricket, and rounders.

Named sports clubs include Football, Girls Football, Girls Rugby, Hockey Club, Indoor Rowing, Leisure Badminton, Team Badminton, and Netball. Competitive fixtures run throughout the academic year, with regular representation at local and regional level. The sports curriculum integrates assessment with competitive opportunity, ensuring all students find appropriate physical engagement.

Service and Leadership

Duke of Edinburgh Award participation runs across Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, with students undertaking expeditions, skill development, and service components. Participation in community service through various initiatives reinforces the Christian values of compassion and responsibility.

LGBT+ Space provides dedicated support and socialising for students of all backgrounds and identities, signalling inclusive pastoral care. Homework Club and subject catchup sessions (GCSE/A-Level Support, GCSE/A-Level Catchup) acknowledge that academic needs extend beyond the formal timetable.

Additional Societies and Clubs

The breadth continues across Chess Club, Go Club, Craft Club, Paper Crafting, Comics/Graphic Novels and Manga Club, French Spelling Bee, Cipher Challenge, Fusion, Games Club, Dance Club (KS3), and others. Friends of William Farr fundraising operates a 100 Club (expanding toward 200), raising over £7,000 annually in 2023-24 to support specific initiatives. Recent funding supported Chess Club, Lego Club, Swiftie Club, Craft Club, and mental health support through sensory equipment for the Student Hub.

Sixth Form Entry and Internal Progression

The sixth form has become an increasingly important feature since opening in 1995. The new block opened in September 2025, signalling expansion and renewed commitment to post-16 education. Entry requirements are published, with minimum GCSE grades expected. Students from other schools can apply, though the majority progress internally. The school emphasises that subject choice matters significantly for competitive university applications, particularly for Russell Group and specialist courses.

University Destinations

In 2024, approximately 65% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, 1% to further education, 6% to apprenticeships, and 23% to employment, reflecting a predominantly academic pipeline. Two students recently received offers from Cambridge University to study Languages and History respectively, while two secured medical school places and one veterinary medicine, indicating consistent Oxbridge and competitive course success despite the modest overall number of applications (3 applications recorded, 0 offers).

The 2023-24 cohort (121 leavers) reflects the school's positioning within typical English university progression patterns. Russell Group university destination rates were not published on the school website during this review, though the school advises sixth form students to verify their subject combinations against Russell Group and specialist university requirements, suggesting awareness of this competitive segment.

The school is substantially and consistently oversubscribed, with 511 applications for 234 Year 7 places in the most recent admissions cycle, representing a subscription rate of 2.18 applications per place. This oversubscription reflects genuine demand within the local area and confidence in the school's reputation.

Admissions follow standard state comprehensive procedures. The school applies oversubscription criteria in order: looked-after children and previously looked-after children; children with siblings at the school; documented Church of England affiliation; children of staff; proximity to school within 5 kilometres, with straight-line distance as the tiebreaker; remaining distance criterion; and finally, other applicants.

For families seeking Church of England-linked priority, a supplementary form is required from the Admissions Officer, with the school emphasising that "the onus of proof of religious affiliation rests with the parents and carers." This transparent approach acknowledges both the school's faith character and its comprehensive intake.

Year 6 to Year 7 progression requires formal application through standard admissions routes; the school does not guarantee transition from its feeder primary schools. Year 11 to sixth form entry similarly requires meeting published entry requirements, typically GCSE Grade 5 or above in relevant A-level subjects, though some flexibility applies depending on the subject combination and university aspirations discussed with subject teachers.

Students report consistently feeling safe and supported. Ofsted's 2022 inspection noted that pupils are well behaved, engaged, and focused on learning, with bullying rare and dealt with effectively. The school has established safeguarding systems well understood by staff and students.

A dedicated Student Hub provides mental health support and sensory equipment, reflecting investment in student wellbeing beyond academic intervention. Homework Club operates during lunchtimes and after school, addressing both academic and pastoral needs. The school's SEND provision is supported by dedicated staff, though the school noted that curriculum adaptation for SEND pupils remains an area for development.

Teaching staff are described as supportive of students' personal development, helping them become responsible individuals. The house system (operated across the main school) fosters smaller communities within the larger institution, with house events and competitions creating belonging. Year 7 students take responsibility for the RAF Book of Remembrance, connecting them directly to the site's heritage and military history.

The school day runs from approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm, with lunch provided through the Aspens Catering/Streateries contract. Uniform is required and clearly specified, with sixth form opting for business dress rather than formal uniform. Wraparound care is not universally published for secondary students, though homework and afterschool clubs operate regularly. Transport links are relatively good, with the school located 5 miles north-east of Lincoln near the A46.

The school occupies substantial grounds, with ample parking for visitors and families. The site includes formal gardens, woodlands (William Farr Wood) being developed for interpretation of RAF heritage, and extensive playing fields. Accessibility features include accessible parking and facilities, though prospective families with specific access needs should contact the school directly.

Oversubscribed entry: With applications consistently exceeding places at both main school (2.18 per place) and sixth form levels, securing entry depends partly on proximity. Families should confirm their distance eligibility early in the application cycle. The 5-kilometre priority criterion means some local priority applies, but proximity does not guarantee a place.

Church of England character: The school's faith identity is genuine and woven through the curriculum, collective worship, and pastoral approach. Christian distinctiveness shapes admissions criteria and values teaching. Families uncomfortable with church school culture should consider alternatives, though the school explicitly welcomes students of all faiths and none.

Middle-tier academic positioning: With FindMySchool rankings placing the school in the middle 40% in England, William Farr offers solid, reliable education without exceptional academic selectivity or elite positioning. Families seeking highly selective grammar school culture may find the comprehensive, inclusive environment a better fit elsewhere.

SEND curriculum adaptation: While the school provides support, Ofsted noted that curriculum is not always adapted sufficiently for pupils with specialist SEND. Families with children requiring substantial curriculum differentiation should discuss provision in detail with the SEND team.

William Farr Church of England Comprehensive School delivers exactly what it promises: reliable, grounded secondary education rooted in Christian values and strong local reputation. The school excels at sixth form level particularly, where 54% of A-level grades reach A*-B, and at creating an inclusive, supportive community where individual needs are recognised. The physical environment blends heritage (RAF Dunholme foundations visible in restored buildings and the RAF museum project) with modern facilities (newly expanded sixth form, refurbished sports hall, contemporary science and computing suites).

The school is best suited to families within accessible distance who value traditional academic structures, Christian community engagement, and breadth of opportunity beyond narrow achievement metrics. For those seeking a school where faith is genuinely embedded rather than nominal, where co-curricular life (music, sport, service) matters alongside exam results, and where oversubscription reflects confidence rather than scarcity, William Farr stands as a solid choice. The main barrier to entry is proximity; those unable to access the 5-kilometre priority zone may find places harder to secure. Beyond that practical hurdle, the educational experience is consistent, values-centred, and genuinely community-focused.