Established in 1379 by the Guild of the Holy Trinity in a small room above the south porch of St Peter's Church, Wisbech Grammar School is among England's oldest educational institutions, with nearly 650 years of continuous schooling in one of East Anglia's most historic market towns. Today the school stands on North Brink, a Georgian riverfront setting where tradition and contemporary ambition coexist, serving 593 pupils from ages two to nineteen across its Kindergarten, Magdalene House Preparatory School, Senior School, and Sixth Form.
Mr Barnaby Rimmer, who took the helm in September 2022, arrived as a returning Old Grammarian with over twenty years of state school experience, bringing fresh perspective to an institution accustomed to nurturing local family ties spanning generations. The school's recent ISI inspection (April-May 2025) confirms that all regulatory standards are met, whilst internal momentum has intensified around academic rigour without sacrificing breadth.
In 2024, 39% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7, with the school's Attainment 8 score of 48.3 positioned just above the England average. At A-level, 49% achieved A*-B grades. The school ranks 1,938th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle performance band nationally, though strength is concentrated in specific cohorts and subjects. For sixth formers, the A-level ranking sits at 1,220th nationally (FindMySchool data).
Wisbech Grammar has grown strategically over three decades as an independent fee-paying school (having converted from state-aided status in 1983), attracting pupils from across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire, with international boarders joining since 2019.
The school occupies a 34-acre campus anchored by the historic Harecroft House, the former Peckover family residence, which remains the visual and administrative heart of the North Brink site. Around this Victorian foundation sit interconnected buildings, some Victorian red-brick, others contemporary additions: the Skelton Hall refectory (opened 2015, named after Robert Skelton), the Dwight Centre sixth form hub (2010), the Performing Arts studio (2017), and the recently opened 'Space' wellbeing hub (September 2024). The campus layout preserves sight lines and green space despite dense development.
Teachers are described as mentors and coaches actively invested in sport, clubs, societies, and pastoral care — not merely subject specialists delivering curriculum. Parents consistently praise the school's supportive tone and the sense that individual pupils are known and championed. The school's ethos emphasises pupils taking responsibility for their own learning, building resilience and independence alongside subject knowledge.
The student population feels purposeful without being hypercompetitive. Pupils travel from distances up to an hour away by car (from Lincolnshire, Norfolk), suggesting families view the school as worth the commute. Internal progression from Magdalene House prep to senior school is high (85% move up at Year 7), creating continuity for many pupils, though some leave for selective state grammar schools in Lincolnshire, reflecting the region's academic options.
In 2024, 39% of pupils achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE, reflecting solid but not exceptional strength in the cohort. The school's Attainment 8 score of 48.3 sits above the England average of 45.9 — evidence of above-average attainment overall. However, the English Baccalaureate entry rate of 16% remains well below the England average of 41%, indicating the school does not systematically push breadth across English, Maths, Sciences, Languages, and Humanities. This suggests subject choice flexibility rather than a mandated broad pathway.
The school ranks 1,938th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle tier of secondary schools nationally and sitting in line with the typical performance band across England. Locally, the school ranks 1st among comparable schools in Wisbech.
Students achieving grades 5 and above at GCSE include high achievers alongside a spread of ability, reflecting the school's policy of accepting a range of attainment at entry but maintaining high academic expectations. Roughly one third of Year 11 pupils move to vocational pathways, further education, or apprenticeships after GCSE, suggesting the school serves both academic and vocationally-oriented students.
At A-level (2024), 49% of grades reached A*-B standard, with 20% achieving A* and 18% achieving A. The school's performance sits marginally above the England average (47% achieving A*-B). The A-level ranking of 1,220th nationally (FindMySchool data) places the school solidly mid-range for sixth form provision in England.
Results demonstrate that sixth formers achieve competitive grades suitable for university progression, with the school reporting consistent annual send-offs to Oxbridge, Medical, Veterinary, and Dentistry programmes, as well as placements at Ivy League universities in the United States. In the latest cohort measured, one Cambridge place was recorded from two applications.
The school offers over 26 A-level subjects, including Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art, alongside traditional sciences and humanities. This breadth allows niche intellectual pursuit — a defining feature for schools seeking to differentiate beyond core provision.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
49.35%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum follows a traditional academic framework, enriched beyond the national baseline. Modern Languages begin in Year 1 of the preparatory school; Latin is offered from Year 7; and Greek becomes available at A-level. Sciences are taught separately (not combined) from Year 7 onward, reflecting the school's focus on subject depth.
Teachers receive recognition in internal staff surveys and external validation for subject expertise and clarity of explanation. Pupils report enthusiastically about their learning. The school has invested in technology integration and evidence-based teaching strategies (cognition and learning science inform staff professional development). Marking practices include constructive feedback, particularly noted in prep school writing across English and other subjects.
For lower-achieving or struggling readers, the school provides learning support programmes tailored to individual need. Pupils develop reading fluency rapidly in the prep school, with reading ages closely monitored. The school identifies approximately 87 pupils across the school with SEND or disabilities, supported through learning support assistants and differentiated provision within mainstream classes.
Teaching extends well beyond formal lessons through the timetabled co-curricular programme. During lunch breaks and after school, the school runs a substantial menu of clubs, now numbering over forty and growing year on year. Named clubs include Archaeology, Astronomy, Philosophy, Politics, Shakespeare, Steel Band, Young Enterprise, Young Engineers, Maths Challenge, Photography, Gardening, Archery, Electronics, and Gardening. Two-thirds of the student body participate in the national Maths Challenge competition, with a dedicated Maths Help Club for support.
Music holds prominence in school life. The Music Department oversees rehearsals for the school orchestra, chamber choir, wind band, brass ensemble, and steel bands among other ensembles. Individual and group instrument tuition is offered across a broad range, with specialist music staff providing bespoke instruction. Approximately one third of prep school pupils take extra-curricular instrument lessons from Year 3 onward, and all pupils learn an instrument in class from Year 3, embedding musicianship across the cohort. Three choirs operate within Magdalene House alone. Musical performances occur throughout the year, showcasing student achievement and fostering confidence in public presentation.
Drama and theatre arts are central to school culture. The school stages regular theatrical productions in two dedicated venues: the Russell Hall and the Dwight Centre drama studio. Recent productions include She Stoops to Conquer, The Recruiting Officer, My Fair Lady, Amadeus, The Duchess of Malfi, Pride and Prejudice, Oh What a Lovely War!, and Twelfth Night — a repertory spanning classical comedy, tragedy, musical theatre, and contemporary works. Notable recent productions Shout and Return to the Forbidden Planet played nightly to full houses at The Angles Theatre in Wisbech, demonstrating production quality and community reach. Drama and Theatre Studies is now an A-level option, reflecting the subject's institutional priority. The Dance Studio offers pupils access to top-level coaching from visiting professional dance companies, providing performance and training pathways beyond GCSE.
Sport operates at multiple tiers. An all-inclusive sports curriculum means every pupil engages in physical education, with core provision in team sports (Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Athletics) and individual sports plus fitness sessions. Simultaneously, an Elite Sports Programme caters to pupils seeking competitive pathways, offering expert coaching from highly qualified specialists alongside support from a Strength and Conditioning Team, including a dedicated physiotherapist on staff. This structure accommodates both recreational and elite ambition.
Science and mathematics feature strongly. The Mathematics Department runs regular Maths Help Club and coordinates challenge participation. Roughly two-thirds of pupils enter the national Maths Challenge competition annually, indicating mathematical curiosity across ability levels. Science facilities include modern, purpose-built laboratories; the school reports strong attainment in sciences reflected in consistently high GCSE and A-level outcomes in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Technology and Computing are developing areas, with dedicated computing facilities and staff.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is central to extended learning, with pupils able to progress from Bronze through Silver to Gold, embedding outdoor skills, teamwork, and personal challenge. Additionally, sixth form pupils undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), enabling independent research on topics of personal academic interest. Young Enterprise initiatives develop entrepreneurship and business acumen.
Beyond the 40+ named clubs, the school publishes two periodicals: Riverline, a yearly school review magazine largely written by students, and The Wisbechian, a shorter newsletter circulated at school events. These publications foster student voice and institutional reflection. The school maintains named house systems; pupils belong to residential or social houses, creating smaller communities within the larger school and fostering healthy competition and fellowship.
Fees are structured by year group (2024-25 basis):
Registration fee: £125. Acceptance deposit required at admission. Fees include tuition, text and library books, scientific materials, games apparatus, and personal pupil accident insurance. Optional extras include transport, uniform, meals, public examination fees, private music or drama lessons, trips, visits, and other co-curricular activities.
Means-tested bursaries are available up to 100% in exceptional circumstances, reflecting the school's commitment to broadening access. Specific bursary percentages and income thresholds are not published; families are encouraged to contact the admissions office to discuss individual circumstances confidentially.
Scholarships are offered at entry points of 11+, 13+ and 16+ in areas such as academics, music, art, drama and sport. All-rounder awards are also offered, recognising excellence across multiple areas. Scholarships typically offer 10-25% fee reduction and may combine with bursary support for families with demonstrated financial need.
Sixth Form scholarships carry specific entry requirements aligned to A-level subject choices and achievement thresholds.
Kindergarten, welcoming children from age 2, operates with a tiered fee structure and offers government-funded hours (15 hours for eligible 2-3 year-olds; 15 hours for all 3+ year-olds). Kindergarten hours run 07:45-17:30 term-time only, providing wraparound flexibility. Lunches and snacks are provided in-house. For specific kindergarten fees, families should consult the school website or contact admissions directly.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
Primary entry occurs at Kindergarten (age 2), Reception (age 4-5), Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13-14), Year 10 (age 14-15), and Sixth Form (age 16). The school frequently admits into other year groups, subject to availability.
For Magdalene House (prep) entry, informal assessments occur within the school day, with candidates participating in two taster days. This reflects a holistic, low-pressure approach to early years entry.
For Year 7, entry is via an assessment day; it includes CAT4 (verbal and non‑verbal reasoning). This selective entry point ensures the senior school admits academically capable pupils, though the school explicitly states it accepts a range of ability and emphasises commitment to bringing out individual potential rather than cream-skimming only top scorers.
Sixth Form entry requires GCSE results meeting published thresholds and subject-specific entry criteria. Students from Magdalene House and the senior school move up, but external candidates also apply; internal progression is not automatic.
Registration for entry is conducted online through the school's admissions portal. Open Days occur multiple times annually, typically September-November, with individual tours available by arrangement. The Whole School Open Morning is scheduled for late September each year, offering families the opportunity to meet Headmaster, staff, pupils, and tour facilities. Sixth Form Open Evening runs in November. Year 5 pupils enjoy taster programmes (Super Science, Marvellous Maths, Taster Days) in November to familiarise younger learners with senior school life.
Leavers data from the 2023-24 cohort (39 pupils) shows that 44% progressed to university, 28% entered employment, 8% began apprenticeships, and 3% pursued further education. These figures indicate significant diversity in post-18 pathways, reflecting both university-focused and vocational trajectories.
The school consistently sends pupils to Oxbridge annually. In the measurement period, one Cambridge place was secured from two applications. Medical and Dentistry placements occur regularly alongside specialist degree study at Russell Group and leading independent universities. The school emphasises support for university applications through careers guidance, personal statement coaching, and interview preparation. Sixth Form Extended Learning includes a dedicated Onward Journey programme covering university destinations, careers support, and preparation for higher education or alternative pathways.
Extended Learning within the sixth form includes EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), allowing independent research; MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) enabling self-directed study in niche subjects; Life Skills workshops; Volunteering and Charity initiatives; and Social enrichment events building sixth form identity and leadership. The Leavers' Service and Dinner celebrates departing Year 13 pupils, bringing pupils, parents, and staff together to reflect on their school journey.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 50%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Pastoral care is highly regarded. Each form or tutor group comprises 6-8 students with a dedicated tutor providing academic oversight and pastoral mentoring. Form tutors know pupils well and work collaboratively with parents on any emerging concerns.
The school employs a trained counsellor visiting weekly, available for pupils needing additional emotional and mental health support. The newly opened Space wellbeing hub (September 2024) provides a dedicated physical location for wellbeing resources and support. Learning Support staff collaborate with classroom teachers to implement differentiated strategies for pupils working below age-related expectations or with identified specific needs.
Behaviour is described as calm and consistent, with clear behaviour policies anchored to school values (Curiosity, Kindness, Perseverance). Child protection is taken seriously with designated safeguarding leads across senior school, sixth form, and prep school. Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff. The school maintains regular contact with parents regarding pastoral matters, fostering transparent communication.
Two international boarding houses (Hazel House and a second facility opened in 2019) accommodate pupils predominantly from mainland China, each housing 12-16 pupils. Boarding pupils in Years 9-13 experience full integration into school life during the day, then return to house accommodation after lessons. Weekends incorporate sport, recreation, and community activities. Boarders may stay during half-term breaks. Trips to Cambridge, Peterborough, and the Norfolk coast (45 minutes away) provide weekend variety. The boarding philosophy emphasises "home from home" provision, maintaining emotional wellbeing whilst enabling pupils to focus on academic progress.
School day typically runs 08:50am to 15:20 (3.20pm) for senior pupils, with variations for prep and kindergarten. The school operates on a traditional English calendar with three termini plus holidays. Full term dates and calendar are published on the school website.
The school is centrally located on North Brink, close to Wisbech town centre. Rail access is available via Wisbech railway station, though direct London connections are limited (via Peterborough). Pupils travel from across the Fenland region, with some journey times exceeding one hour by car from Norfolk and Lincolnshire. The school provides transport information and liaisons with local authorities regarding school bus provision. Parking on or near the North Brink site is limited; families are encouraged to plan journeys accordingly or explore public transport or lift-sharing arrangements.
Kindergarten offers extended hours 07:45-17:30. For prep and senior school pupils, before-school breakfast provision and after-school clubs are available, enabling families to manage working parents' schedules. Holiday club operates during main school holidays, providing continuity during extended breaks. Details of specific wrap-around arrangements are available from the admissions office.
Solid but not elite academic standing. GCSE and A-level results are above average but not among the highest nationally. The school ranks in the middle performance tier in England (FindMySchool data). Families seeking a proven pathway to leading universities should recognise that academic outcomes here reflect solid teaching and engaged pupils rather than exceptional hothousing. That said, the school does place pupils at Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, and specialist programmes (Medicine, Dentistry) annually.
Limited breadth push at GCSE. The English Baccalaureate entry rate (16%) falls well below the England average (41%), suggesting the school does not systematically encourage breadth across sciences, languages, and humanities. Subject choice is flexible, which suits some learners but may disadvantage those who benefit from structure and breadth requirements. Parents favouring a truly broad education may want to enquire about GCSE subject selection closely.
Geographic reach and commute. Pupils travel from across three counties, with journeys up to an hour each way. Whilst this reflects the school's regional reputation, commute burden is material for families. Before committing, families should verify transport practicalities and exeat (home leave) patterns if boarding is not intended.
Market-town location. Wisbech is a historic but economically modest market town. Unlike schools in university cities or metropolitan areas, the school lacks direct proximity to cultural venues, research facilities, or sustained employer partnerships. Extra-curricular and university preparation must be built internally or accessed through school-organised trips. This is not a limitation unique to WGS, but worth noting for families seeking an urban buzz.
Wisbech Grammar School delivers solid academic education within a genuinely supportive community, blending six centuries of heritage with contemporary ambition. Results are respectable, pastoral care is warm, and the co-curricular offer is genuinely broad. The school suits families seeking a well-rounded education in a caring environment who live within reasonable commute distance and do not require elite academic streaming. It is particularly well-matched to pupils who thrive in smaller-to-medium-sized schools where staff know them well, and who engage across sport, arts, and academic life simultaneously. The school is at its best when pupils take responsibility for their own learning and access the numerous enrichment opportunities available. Families prioritising the highest academic rankings, or seeking intensive grammar school preparation culture, may prefer neighbouring alternatives. Those valuing community, individual attention, and genuine all-rounder development will find much to value here.
Yes. The school's most recent ISI inspection (April-May 2025) confirms all regulatory standards are met. GCSE results show 39% of entries at grades 9-7 (2024), with A-level outcomes at 49% A*-B. The school ranks 1,938th nationally for GCSE performance and 1,220th for A-level (FindMySchool rankings), placing it in the solid middle tier of England's schools. Pupils progress to Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, and medical programmes annually. Parents consistently praise pastoral care and the breadth of opportunity beyond academics.
Day school fees (2024-25) are £5,666 per term or £16,998 per year for senior school (Years 7-13). Prep 5-6 costs £3,999 per term or £11,997 per year. Reception to Prep 4 costs £3,899 per term or £11,697 per year. Registration fee is £125. Means-tested bursaries up to 100% are available in exceptional circumstances. Scholarships (10-25% reduction) are awarded for academic, music, art, sport, and drama achievement at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry points.
Magdalene House prep entry uses informal school-day assessment plus two taster days. Year 7 entry involves an assessment day including CAT4 (verbal and non-verbal reasoning), reflecting selective admission. The school states it accepts a range of ability but maintains high academic expectations. Sixth Form entry requires GCSE results meeting published thresholds plus subject-specific criteria.
Two international boarding houses (opened 2019) accommodate pupils aged Years 9-13, primarily from mainland China. Boarders experience full integration into school life during the day, then return to house accommodation. Boarding philosophy emphasises "home from home" with weekends incorporating sport, recreation, community activities, and trips to nearby cities and coast. Boarders may remain during half-term breaks.
The school runs an all-inclusive sports curriculum (Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Athletics) plus individual sports and fitness. An Elite Sports Programme offers expert coaching and strength and conditioning support. Beyond sport, over 40 clubs operate, including Archaeology, Astronomy, Philosophy, Politics, Shakespeare, Steel Band, Young Enterprise, Young Engineers, Maths Challenge, Photography, and Gardening. Music Department oversees orchestras, choirs, wind and brass bands, steel bands, and individual tuition. Drama productions occur regularly, with recent productions including My Fair Lady and Twelfth Night. The school runs Duke of Edinburgh Award from Bronze to Gold and Extended Project Qualification for sixth formers.
Approximately 85% of Magdalene House pupils (prep school) progress to Wisbech Grammar Senior School at Year 7. Some pupils transition to selective state grammars in Lincolnshire or other independent schools, but the majority continue within the WGS family, creating strong continuity and stability.
Get in touch with the school directly
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