The Willink School Review 2026: Community Education with Global Outlook

Since opening in 1957 as a comprehensive secondary modern, The Willink School has transformed into a thriving learning community of over 1,200 students aged 11-18 across Burghfield Common in West Berkshire. Named after Henry George Willink, the former chairman of the Berkshire County Education Committee, the school reflects its namesake's commitment to educational excellence. Today, under the leadership of Head Teacher Ms Nicolle Browning, who took up the position in September 2023, the school continues to deliver solid academic outcomes and meaningful pastoral care within a genuinely inclusive environment. The school earned Good ratings across the board in its 2023 Ofsted inspection, with particular strength in behaviour and attitudes. With an international school ethos and heritage as Berkshire's first Language College, The Willink offers students a broad, well-balanced curriculum designed around its core values of Engage, Respect, and Achieve.

The Willink operates as a genuine community school serving the local catchment whilst welcoming students from across Berkshire and neighbouring Hampshire. The atmosphere is purposeful but calm, underpinned by respect rather than fear. Students speak positively about the school as a place where they belong, and staff take time to know individuals beyond their academic record. The school's motto, "Village School, Global Outlook," captures its philosophy precisely: rooted in the local community yet ambitious about developing globally-minded citizens.

The physical campus reflects decades of thoughtful expansion. The original Victorian buildings coexist with the Willink Leisure Centre, added in the 1980s and expanded in 1997 to include a 25-metre swimming pool. This blend of heritage and contemporary facilities gives the school its distinctive character. The seven house system, which divides the school community into groups named after world cities (Berlin, London, Mexico, New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo), creates smaller communities within the larger school. This encourages cross-year friendships and genuine pastoral connection.

Staff commit strongly to student welfare. The 2023 Ofsted inspection specifically praised the culture of care created by committed staff, noting that students feel genuinely supported. Safeguarding is taken seriously, and students report trusting the adults in their school. The Learning Support Centre provides dedicated help for those facing personal, social, emotional or behavioural challenges, recognising that barriers to learning sometimes lie outside the classroom.

GCSE Performance

The Willink achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 49.1 in 2024, placing it in the middle 35% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). This solid performance reflects a school that serves a comprehensive intake and delivers consistent, credible results. Across GCSE entries, 22% achieved grades 9-7, with an additional 11% achieving grade 7 and a further 11% achieving grades 5-6. The school's Progress 8 score of +0.04 indicates that pupils make progress broadly in line with national expectations from their starting points.

The EBacc (English Baccalaureate) entering rate of 22% is modest but reflects a flexible approach to curriculum choice. With a pupil premium intake of lower than the national average, the school has successfully narrowed attainment gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers. Ofsted noted the school's very effective tracking system, which identifies struggling students early and triggers timely intervention.

A-Level Performance

In the sixth form, the picture is consistent with GCSE. The school achieved 44% of grades at A*-B at A-level, meaning that students securing places at top universities is achievable but not automatic. A-level ranks 1264th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it among the middle 50% of schools nationally. The school's strength lies in its steadiness rather than spectacular outlier performance, which suits the comprehensive sixth form well. A high proportion of sixth form students achieved the highest grades, particularly in STEM subjects and humanities.

The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed that teaching is generally good, with some outstanding practice. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and create purposeful learning environments. Teaching assistants support effectively across lessons. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, spanning humanities, sciences, creative arts, and languages with rigour. The school's heritage as a Language Specialist School continues to influence provision; language learning is taken seriously and embedded into the ethos.

In English, the department offers a creative writing club, book journalling, debate club, and participates in national competitions including the Magistrate Mock Trial competition, Poetry by Heart, and shadowing the Carnegie book prize. This enrichment beyond the standard curriculum helps develop independent thinking and communication skills.

Mathematics provision benefits from the school's role as lead school for the Mobius Maths Hub, a national centre of excellence for mathematics teaching covering Berkshire and Wiltshire. This strategic partnership elevates the department's influence and brings specialist professional development to staff.

Physical Education teaches a broad range of sports and activities, with particular breadth at Key Stages 3 and 4. House-based competitions in rugby, netball, cross-country, football, hockey, cricket, rounders, swimming, handball and athletics encourage participation across the ability spectrum. The department runs extensive clubs, some year-round and some seasonal.

For GCSE Leavers

The majority of Year 11 students progress to the school's sixth form or continue their studies at alternative institutions. Among those leaving at 16, a significant minority enter apprenticeships or move to further education colleges. The school's inclusive approach means it serves students with different educational pathways post-16.

For Sixth Form Leavers

In 2024, the leavers cohort of 105 students split as follows: 45% progressed to university, 35% entered employment, 4% began apprenticeships, and 1% entered further education. This reflects the school's strength in preparing students for diverse post-18 routes rather than a purely university-focused pipeline. For those progressing to higher education, Southampton and Bristol represent particular strengths in computer science, whilst other leavers pursue study at universities across the Russell Group and beyond.

The Willink is a non-selective comprehensive, meaning all students are admitted on the basis of residence within the local authority and sibling ties. The school is slightly oversubscribed at primary transfer (reception), with 359 applications for 195 places in recent years, indicating demand from local families. Applications are coordinated through West Berkshire Local Authority.

For sixth form entry, the school operates selective admissions based on predicted GCSE grades (minimum typically grade 5 in most subjects) and an entrance interview. This allows the school to manage sixth form size and ensure students are equipped for A-level study.

The feeder primary schools are spread across the local area, including schools in Aldermaston, Burghfield, Burghfield Common, Mortimer and Ufton Nervet. However, the school also receives applications from families across Berkshire and North Hampshire. This breadth ensures a socially and geographically diverse student body.

Pastoral support is genuinely a strength of The Willink, as evidenced both by parent feedback and by Ofsted's specific commendation. The house system creates vertical groupings where older students support younger ones; this mentoring culture helps younger students feel welcomed and safe during transition. Peer mentors play an active role in supporting year groups through key transitions.

Students speak highly of the adults they trust and the approachability of staff. Teachers and form tutors work together to raise aspirations and help students achieve their goals. The school employs a Family School Support Worker to extend support beyond academic issues; staff recognise that some barriers to learning are rooted in family circumstances or external challenges.

Behaviour is managed consistently across the school. The vast majority of incidents are low-level disruption, and more serious misbehaviour is rare. Students understand the school's behaviour system and expectations are clearly communicated. Fixed-term exclusion rates have fallen over recent years and remain well below national average.

Attendance has improved and is now above the national average for all groups of learners, reflecting both good pastoral support and the appeal of the school community.

Extracurricular activity is substantial and genuinely embedded in school culture. The school facilitates over 220 sports fixtures annually, over 18 large-scale performances, and more than 70 local and international trips and visits. This exceptional breadth of opportunity means most students can find something that excites them.

Sports and Physical Activity

Sports clubs span traditional team games and individual pursuits. Football, netball, badminton, basketball, rugby, hockey, cricket, swimming and rounders are among the regular offerings. House competitions drive participation beyond the school teams. The Willink Leisure Centre provides excellent facilities on campus, including the 25-metre swimming pool, which hosts aquatic activities and enables water polo training. Students representing the school compete in fixtures against neighbouring schools throughout the year.

Drama and Performing Arts

Drama teaching happens in a purpose-built studio equipped with professional lighting and sound systems. Students at Key Stage 3 experience mixed-ability drama lessons that develop confidence and creativity through practical work. At GCSE and A-Level, drama becomes more analytical and technical. Beyond the curriculum, performance opportunities are regular; the school organises theatre visits throughout the year and invites touring companies to perform adapted versions of key texts (such as abridged productions of GCSE drama texts). Recent major productions have included original works and established plays, with "Willink Meets Broadway" performances providing ensemble opportunities for aspiring performers.

Music and Performance

Music is taught across all key stages and remains a popular GCSE choice. The department teaches listening, composition and performance using a broad repertoire from classical to film music and musical theatre. Students compose using notation software and develop arranging skills. Instrumental and vocal music-making beyond the classroom is encouraged; the school runs GCSE PE revision sessions and A-level music takes an analytical approach to composition.

The school holds a Christmas Music Concert annually, demonstrating the importance placed on musical celebration in the calendar.

English and Literacy

The English department enriches curriculum with clubs including creative writing, book journalling and debate. Students participate in the Magistrate Mock Trial competition at Reading Crown Court (a genuine highlight that develops oracy and legal understanding). Poetry by Heart competitions encourage memorisation and performance of classical verse. Author visits and theatre company visits bring literature to life beyond the classroom. The school's "Read to Achieve" initiative promotes reading for pleasure, supported by fortnightly library lessons led by the school librarian and weekly homework through Sparx Reader.

STEM and Innovation

Science is taught as three separate subjects from Key Stage 4 onwards. The school's designation as lead school for the Mobius Maths Hub brings enhanced mathematics provision and allows the school to lead professional development for other schools in the region. The curriculum emphasises practical work, with students developing investigative skills and understanding the applications of science in the world.

Science clubs cater to those wanting to go deeper, and competition opportunities exist for more able students.

Languages and International Dimension

The school's heritage as Berkshire's first Language College (designated 1996) continues to shape provision. Languages are taught from Year 7 with breadth and depth. In partnership with the PE department, the school organises a Barcelona trip for Year 9 students focused on Spanish language immersion as well as PE activities, exemplifying how language learning is integrated across the curriculum. The school holds International Schools Award status, reflecting genuine commitment to developing global perspectives.

Educational Visits and Trips

The scale of trips is impressive. Over 70 local and international visits occur annually, ranging from Iceland expeditions for older students to Berlin visits for GCSE learners. Year 9 students travel to Barcelona. These trips enrich curriculum learning and build resilience through shared experiences. The Educational Visits Coordinator ensures robust planning and safeguarding.

Leadership and Personal Development

The school intentionally develops leadership through house-based roles, form representative positions, and sixth form mentoring. The Sixth Form Committee allows older students to have voice in school decision-making. Duke of Edinburgh Awards are available, with students working towards Bronze and beyond.

Charity work is embedded; KIVA charity fundraising is mentioned as a routine activity, encouraging global citizenship and understanding of international development.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:05pm, offering a structured timetable with adequate time for break and lunch. Students access dining facilities, with provision for those requiring specific dietary accommodation.

The school occupies School Lane in Burghfield Common, with access via Stagecoach buses on local routes. Walking and cycling are viable for students in the immediate area, whilst those from further afield rely on bus services. The nearest public transport facilities are accessible, though journey times vary depending on location.

Uniform is required and contributes to a sense of school identity. The house system uses different coloured elements to create visual distinction between houses.

Non-selective intake and comprehensive results. This is a community school serving all ability levels. GCSE and A-level results are solid but not exceptional; students achieving nine grades at GCSE are relatively uncommon. This is a school where steady progress matters more than extraordinary outlier performance. Families seeking a hothouse environment should look elsewhere; families wanting a supportive, inclusive school where their child is known as an individual will find it here.

Balanced rather than specialised. The breadth of the curriculum means no single subject dominates the culture. Music, drama, sport, languages and science are all genuinely valued. This suits students with diverse interests but may leave those seeking a deeply specialised environment (such as a music or sports specialism) wanting more intensity in their chosen area.

Sixth form entry is selective. The majority of Year 11 students stay on, but the school carefully manages sixth form admission to ensure students are equipped for A-level. Those not meeting the grade criteria, or those choosing alternative providers, should plan in advance; there are other sixth form options in the locality.

Strong community ethos means conformity is expected. The house system and behaviour expectations create a cohesive community, which most students value. Those seeking a more anarchic or individualistic environment might find the atmosphere constraining.

The Willink School delivers what it promises: a caring, inclusive, comprehensive education where most students make solid progress and emerge as confident, respectful young adults. The school serves its community genuinely, with particular strength in pastoral care, behaviour, and student wellbeing. Academic results are credible if not dramatic; this is a place where steady effort is rewarded and all students are known.

The school is best suited to families seeking a stable, supportive environment where their child will be included, challenged appropriately, and cared for genuinely. It works particularly well for students who benefit from clear structure, consistent expectations and warm relationships with staff. For those wanting to remain within their local community and build friendships across a broad ability range, The Willink offers genuine education and real belonging.