A functioning radio station, a commercial-grade planetarium, and Specialist Sports College status set The Winston Churchill School apart from the typical state secondary. Located in St Johns, Woking, this comprehensive school serves 1,500 students with a facility-rich environment that rivals many independent schools. It combines the scale of a large academy with niche opportunities in media, astronomy, and athletics.
The campus is defined by its outward-looking features. The silver dome of the planetarium and the broadcast tower for Radio Woking signal immediately that education here extends beyond the textbook. The atmosphere is energetic and purposeful; with 1,500 students moving between lessons, the site is busy but managed with clear expectations.
Mrs Zoë Johnson-Walker has led the school since 2013, establishing a culture where innovation is central. The school operates as a specialist college for sports, but the ethos has broadened significantly to include science and media. The "Winston Extra" programme encourages students to engage with these unique assets, creating a vibe that is active and participatory rather than purely academic.
The latest Ofsted inspection in November 2023 rated the school Good, highlighting an inclusive culture where leaders have "high ambitions for all pupils". Inspectors noted that behaviour is "generally calm and respectful", creating a safe environment for learning.
In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.5, placing it above the England average of 46.2. This indicates that students, on average, leave with strong qualifications across their best eight subjects.
The school ranks 1,371st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 5th among secondary schools in Woking. This performance reflects solid academic provision, sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).
Progress 8 data shows a score of -0.01, suggesting that students make progress broadly in line with national expectations from their starting points. While not an academic pressure cooker, the school delivers consistent outcomes that enable students to access their chosen post-16 pathways.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is designed to leverage the school's unique facilities. Science lessons frequently utilise the planetarium to visualise complex astronomical concepts, offering a depth of understanding that standard classroom tools cannot match. This "Discovery Space" is central to the STEM offer, inspiring students to look beyond the syllabus.
Teaching groups are set by ability in core subjects, ensuring support is targeted where needed. The Ofsted report noted that the curriculum is "effectively sequenced", helping students build knowledge systematically.
Support for students with Special Educational Needs is a priority. The school has a dedicated learning support area and staff are trained to manage a mixed-ability intake effectively.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
As a Specialist Sports College, the physical education provision is extensive. Facilities include floodlit all-weather pitches, a fitness suite, and expansive playing fields. Competitive sport is a major pillar; teams compete locally and regionally in football, rugby, netball, and athletics. The focus balances elite performance with mass participation.
The extracurricular offer is distinctive.
The school is a popular choice in Woking and is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 589 applications for 343 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.7 applications per offer.
Admissions are coordinated by Surrey County Council. The deadline for applications is 31 October for entry the following September. Places are allocated based on:
There is no fixed catchment area; the distance cut-off varies annually based on applicant density. In recent years, successful applicants have typically lived within a relatively tight radius of St Johns.
Applications
589
Total received
Places Offered
343
Subscription Rate
1.7x
Apps per place
The school operates a year-group system, with each cohort supported by a Head of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Support Assistant. This ensures that a dedicated adult is always available to address concerns during the school day without interrupting lessons.
Mental health support includes a "Sanctuary" space for students who need a quiet retreat from the busy school environment. The transition from primary school is managed carefully, with induction days and summer schools helping Year 7s adjust to the large campus.
The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Located in St Johns, the site is well-connected by local bus routes from Woking town centre. Parents should be aware that traffic on Hermitage Road can be heavy during peak times. Wraparound care is not provided for secondary students, though the library and clubs offer supervision after school.
11-16 Provision. There is no sixth form. Students must move to a new institution (typically Woking College or Brooklands College) for Year 12. This offers a fresh start at 16 but breaks the continuity found in all-through schools.
Large Environment. With 1,500 students, the school is large and busy. While this scale enables the impressive facilities, quieter students may initially find the environment daunting.
Oversubscription. Entry is competitive. Families living on the fringes of the typical intake area should not assume a place is guaranteed and should check historical distance data carefully.
The Winston Churchill School offers a state education with features usually reserved for the independent sector. It is not just a place to get GCSEs; it is a place to broadcast on the radio, study the stars, and compete in high-level sport. Best suited to students who are eager to seize these practical opportunities and who will thrive in a bustling, large-school environment. The main challenge is securing a place.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in November 2023. Inspectors praised the inclusive culture and the high ambitions leaders have for all pupils.
The Winston Churchill School is the first state school in the UK to have a permanent on-site planetarium. It also hosts Radio Woking, a community radio station where students can train as presenters and producers.
Applications are made through Surrey County Council. The closing date is 31 October for Year 7 entry the following September.
There is no fixed map. Places are allocated based on straight-line distance from the school. Because the school is oversubscribed, the effective catchment radius changes every year.
No. The school caters for students aged 11 to 16. Leavers move on to local sixth form colleges for their post-16 education.
This is a state-funded school with no tuition fees. Parents may be asked to contribute to the cost of trips, uniform, and optional music lessons.
Get in touch with the school directly
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