We regard Willingdon Community School as the hub of our local community and the service we provide reaches far beyond the students on our roll and their lessons. As an Extended School we provide a range of services and activities, often beyond the school day to help children realise their potential both inside and outside the classroom. Our students, their parents and the whole community can get the most out of us as your local school.
What’s on offer?
Outlined below are some of the services that we offer or can sign post you to. Further, more detailed information, including who to contact can be found by following the individual links.
Clubs before and after school Monday to Friday (Our Study Support programme)
The purpose of our study support programme is to raise levels of students’ achievement through extending and enhancing learning beyond the classroom. Learning takes place in a variety of settings and the students’ ability to learn in the classroom is stretched through involvement in a wide variety of activities that enrich the formal school curriculum. We provide opportunities for children to take part in extra curricular clubs that embrace many activities enabling students to pursue wider interests, develop new skills and access extra help, where needed.
Being part of a club or team, with interesting activities before or after school, can help motivation, self-confidence and self-esteem. Research tells us that behaviour and attitude to learning can improve with access to a broad range of stimulating activities. Above all, it raises attainment.
We are taking part in the Quality in Study Support Recognition Scheme which is supported by the DCSF. This national award recognises good practice and illustrates aspects of well-run study support in which a visitor would expect to find clarity of purpose, and good planning and provision.
Breakfast Club runs 8am until school starts at 8.30am providing a safe environment where healthy breakfast options can be bought.
Enrichment Clubs are provided by school staff after school until 4pm. They cater for a wide variety of interests and can include: Drama, Art, Chess Club, Animation, Music, Digital video making, Band, Rugby, Basketball, Warhammer and Signing choir. Enrichment club attendance is at no cost.
Homework Clubs and Catch Upsessions provide students with the opportunity to extend their learning.
Extended Activitiesare different clubs and projects that are provided by adults outside of the school staff or even off the school site which we signpost students to. There is a small charge levied to cover the cost of buying in expertise for extended activities.
Cophall Kids after school club for 4-12 year olds (Year 7 only) until 6pm Monday to Friday. Minibus transfer is provided from Willingdon Community School. There is a charge for this that is payable directly to Cophall Kids.
Parenting Support
We firmly believe in the partnership between parents and the school and strive to support parents in their role in preparing young people for their futures.
Our Year6/7 Transition Teaching Assistants (TA) are two dedicated members of staff who work in Willingdon Primary, Polegate Primary and Pevensey & Westham Primary School and here at Willingdon Community School. Their time is shared across the school year. Their role is to ease the transition between Primary and Secondary for all students and to target support to some students and their families.
The Parent Information Contact (PIC) is a dedicated volunteer to act as your first port of call if you want information on the services available in the local area. Whatever your situation, our PIC can signpost you in the right direction.
Swift & easy access to a wide range of specialist services
Problems need to be resolved quickly so we work closely with a number of specialist services such as: youth workers, Social Services, Sussex Police, Connexions, CAMHS, Educational Welfare Service, and the School Nursing Service to name but a few. Where needs are identified, we act promptly in order to build a plan around the child.
The Link Social Worker is attached to our school and provides useful advice and input, often without the need for formal referrals.
Sussex Police provide us with a Police Community Support Officer and a Schools’ Liaison Officer. Both of whom have invested a great deal of time building up warm relations with students and their families.
The School Nurse oversees vaccination programmes and is available fortnightly for drop-in advice and support.
Our Connexions Personal Advisor offers young people aged 13 - 19 information on a wide range of topics as well as confidential advice and practical help.
What do you think?
We would love some feedback. Maybe you have some ideas on what sort of service you could get involved in or even some expertise to offer us and your local community. You can really make a difference to what is available.
For more information about extended services, please contact Mel Brown at school on extension 219 or via the school e mail address
All staff are OFSTED and CRB checked.
