Our Vision and Values
In Pursuit of Excellence is the school motto and this conveys our school vision:
We aim to encourage everyone within our community to pursue excellence and set their sights extremely high. We recognise however, that we are all developing at every stage of our life and that there will always be new challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The markers of excellence along the way come in many guises, be that academic success, sporting success, musical success or relationship success.
At the heart of our community is the desire to nurture a passion for learning and help our students to secure successful futures through providing an inspirational, challenging and nurturing learning environment where everyone is valued equally.
We help our girls to graduate from WGSG with essential qualities such as independence, resilience, tenacity and creativity and provide an environment where success is celebrated and where students are at the centre of the decisions we make.
Our core values are based on:
Respect and Resilience
Equality
Achievement
Community
Honesty and Integrity
Prospectus and Virtual Tour
Please click on the video on the left to view our School Tour and a welcome from Mrs Lawson, our Head Teacher
History
The site occupied by Wilmington Grammar School for Girls is rich in history and one of the special features of this school is the array of quirky buildings and mixture of old and new. The School is situated on both sides of Parsons Lane. Wilmington Grange is a beautiful old building, in which administrative offices and classrooms are currently located. In 1754 it was called The Orchard, was later mapped as the site of Wilmington Workhouse in the early 1800’s but was purchased by Kent County Council in 1954, before becoming a school for Girls which opened its doors in 1962. Behind The Grange is a more modern building, which has grown in size over the years and is still undergoing significant growth to provide room to educate the ever increasing number of students wishing to attend the school.
On the opposite side of Common Lane is Wilmington Manor. This building first received a mention in the 12th Century and was later part of the manorial property of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. Past newspaper accounts have also associated it with Dick Turpin. We are very lucky to have such a historically interesting building as part of our school premises.
I N P U R S U I T O F E X C E L L E N C E
Governance
Endeavour MAT
Wilmington Grammar School for Girls is part of Endeavour MAT, which has its own website to explain the overall strategic Trust structure. At local level however, each school has its own Local Governing Body (LGB).
A message from John Webster, Chair of Local Governing Body:
It is both a responsibility and a privilege to be Chair of Governors. WGSG is special because its focus is broader than purely academic performance. Staff, students, parents, and governors work together in different ways to ensure that students achieve all that they are able, both academically and in terms of personal development.
Within the Endeavour Trust, the role of our local governing body is strategic, to oversee the direction and policies of the school, to monitor its standards and be responsible to the Trust Board for its conduct and performance. We also support the work of our excellent Head Teacher and her senior leadership team, who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the school.
Our Governors have different backgrounds, providing different perspectives, but having a common interest in helping WGSG build on its strengths. We learn more about our school through staff briefings and visits and conversations with staff, students, and parents. All the Governors have a deep commitment to the continued success of the school, ensuring that our students achieve their full potential, within a caring, harmonious, and supportive environment.
John Webster, Chair of Local Governing Body
To contact John Webster, please email [email protected] marking your message for his attention.
Being a governor is an important role; training is provided. If you are interested in learning more, please contact the Clerk to the Governors via the school office on the above email address.
Governing Body | Term of Office | Appointed By | |
John Webster (Chair) | John is married to Jenny, with three grown-up daughters, two of whom are currently living in Botswana. John is now retired from 12 years as a Civil Servant making competition work in the CMA after 25 years in banking, working on the dark side! Initially an economist, he moved to financial analysis as a management accountant. In his retired life, John remains the under-gardener at home. He is active as a Licenced Lay Minister (formally a Reader) in the Church of England and volunteer for Prison Fellowship, facilitating on a course focussed on restorative justice at HMP Rochester. John had been looking for the right role as a school governor and hopes to add value to Wilmington Girls Grammar School. | 11.03.20 -10.03.26 | Trust |
Joy Price | Joy has been a Governor for the last 10 years at WGSG and previously for 8 years at her daughters’ primary school as a parent governor where she was Vice Chair and then Chair for 4 years. She was a staff governor at WGSG for many years and is now a community governor. Prior to joining the governing board for WGSG Joy was the Finance Trustee of a local children's registered charity for 15 years. Joy has worked in the Education Sector for the last 19 years both in primary and secondary and prior to this, worked for 15 years in IT as project manager and systems designer of finance and information management systems. Joy is the governor with responsibility for health and safety and works with the Chair of Governors on safeguarding and parent and student voice. | 18.09.19-17.09.25 | Trust |
Michelle Lawson | Mrs Lawson has focused her educational career around instilling in young people a love of learning and a demand to explore the ‘big questions’ that life throws at them. As a self-confessed philosophical geek she is never happy with the simple answer and always strives to open up the students to the world of alternative possibility. Mrs Lawson is determined that Wilmington Grammar School for Girls continues to meet the demands of an ever-changing world, by equipping its students with the resilience and determination to overcome the obstacles that life can throw, whilst supporting them to grow as intellectually independent thinkers capable of coping within an increasing stressful world. | N/A | Ex-Officio |
Laura Iles | Laura has worked as a teacher at WGSG since 2016. She is currently Head of Physical Education and PSHE. She is mum to two boys who keep her busy in her spare time. Laura was elected as staff governor in February 2021 and is keen to support the school in providing all students with the best possible education whilst ensuring each individual reaches their true potential. | 25.02.21-24.02.27 | Staff |
Manjit Gill | Manjit joined the Local Governing Body as Parent Govenor in November 2022 and in November 2024 she was appointed as Community Governor. After graduating with a Business Studies degree, she then acquired a wealth of experience in management, sales and marketing in the Conference & Exhibition sector. Her career has allowed her to travel the world which has broadened her outlook and enhanced her professional ability across commerce. Manjit is a good empathetic communicator being able to understand and bring forward multiple ideas to help achieve a wider goal for the partners she has worked with. Manjit has a dedicated interest in her role a Community Govenor, she hopes her skills and experience will enable her to contribute new ideas towards the WGSG vision to improve the outcomes of the students, staff and overall management of WGSG. | 08.11.22-28.11.27 | Trust |
Nishita Rana | Nishita joined the Governing Body on 15th November 2023. | 15.11.23-14.11.26 | Staff |
Gurpreet Singh Jandu | Gurpreet joined the Governing Body on 18 December 2023. Having studied for a BSc in Biology, and then a Master's degree in Applied Biology (Infectious Diseases and Virology), Gurpreet has been working in the MedTech sector in various commercial divisions, primarily as a Medical Affairs or Clinical Affairs specialist. He also studied further for a Graduate Diploma in Law and has completed in-house work-related courses during his employment. As a keen athlete and UKA official, as well as having an overall interest in sports for children and adults alike, Gurpreet is involved with a local athletics club and assists with the running of various league and club events. In 2023 he completed both the National 3 Peaks challenge and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge in under 24h and 12h respectively (the target times for both challenges), whilst raising money for Make-A-Wish. Approachable, committed, and not afraid to ask questions, Gurpreet has a daughter at WGSG and so is keen to bring some of his experience and skills to the Governing Body in order to achieve the best outcomes for the students, staff, and school. | 18.12.23-17.12.26 | Parents |
Sarah Tattam | Sarah joined the Governing Body as a Community Governor on 29th November 2024. | 29.11.24-28.11.27 | Trust |
Historic Members | Stepped Down |
Neil Benson | 19.02.20 |
Michael Isola | 01.07.20 |
Stephen Thomas | 01.07.20 |
Michele Dooley | 18.11.20 |
Diane Connell | 31.08.21 |
Chetan Kotecha | 12.07.22 |
Laura Wakeling | 02.03.23 |
Bridget Ampofo | 18.05.23 |
Laura Wakeling | 31.07.23 |
Catherine Goodhind | 10.11.23 |
Shola Ojo | 31.08.24 |
Governor | Responsibility |
Joy Price | Safeguarding |
John Webster, Laura Iles & Manjit Gill | Education / SEND / Pupil Premium |
Laura Iles, Gurpreet Jandu & Nishita Rana | Sixth Form |
Joy Price | Health and Safety |
John Webster | Finance |
John Webster, Joy Price & Manjit Gill | Leadership, Management and Coaching |
John Webster, Joy Price & Nishita Rana | CPD and Development |
Staff Organisation Chart
Senior Leadership Team | |
Mr C Guthrie | CEO - Endeavour MAT |
Mrs M Lawson | Headteacher |
Mr D Fuller | Head of School |
Mrs M Dhaliwal | Deputy Headteacher |
Mrs S Munden | Assistant Headteacher – Personal Development Behaviour & Welfare, DSL, oversight of Y9-Y11 |
Mr R Atkins | Assistant Headteacher, Head of WG6 |
Mr J Dufton | Assistant Headteacher – Teaching & Learning, oversight of Y7 & Y8 |
Ms M Dooley | Associate Assistant Headteacher – Operations & Extra Curricular |
Mrs A Brushett | School Business Manager |
Mr S Good | School Site Manager |
Art Department | |
Mrs J Cregan | Head of Art |
Mrs E Sokolova | Teacher of Art |
Computer Science Department | |
Mr C Green | Head of Computer Science |
Mr T Slade | Teacher of Computer Science |
Design Technology Department | |
Miss C Armstrong | Head of Technology |
Mrs E Fuller | Teacher of Technology (Food & Nutrition) |
Miss F Armellino | Teacher of Technology |
Mrs S Baillie | Teacher of Technology & SENCO |
English Department | |
Mrs M Dhaliwal | Head of English |
Mrs L Sloane | Teacher of English |
Miss B Mead | Teacher of English |
Ms S Thomas | Teacher of English |
Mr J Williams | Teacher of English |
Miss H Osmond | Teacher of English |
Geography Department | |
Mrs K Barclay | Head of Geography |
Mr G Simmons | Teacher of Geography |
Mrs L Drew | Teacher of Geography |
History Department | |
Mr F Lennon | Head of History |
Mr S Biggenden | Teacher of History |
Miss J Slade | Teacher of History |
Mathematics Department | |
Mr N Harrison | Head of Mathematics |
Mrs L Atkins | KS5 Lead - Teacher of Mathematics |
Mrs F Maycock | KS3 Lead - Teacher of Mathematics |
Miss M Dooley | Teacher of Mathematics |
Mrs L Anane | Teacher of Mathematics |
Ms S Bocus | Teacher of Mathematics |
Mrs K Soulika | Teacher of Mathematics |
Dr P Suman | Teacher of Mathematics |
Mrs M Hasa | Teacher of Mathematics |
MFL Department | |
Mr J Dufton | Head of MFL |
Mrs A Rubbera | Teacher of MFL |
Mrs J Cai | Teacher of MFL - Mandarin |
Mrs C Pickstone | Teacher of MFL |
Miss E Serra | Teacher of MFL |
Miss M Tavares | Teacher of MFL |
Mrs E Bright | Teacher of MFL |
Music Department | |
Mrs A Dent | Head of Music |
Drama Department | |
Head of Drama | Miss G Cullingham |
PE Department | |
Mrs L Iles | Head of Physical Education Department |
Mrs G Selfe | Teacher of Physical Education |
Mrs H Shooman-Taylor | Teacher of Physical Education |
Miss G Cullingham | Teacher of Physical Education |
Miss E Skrine | Teacher of Physical Education & Head of Year 7 |
Science Department | |
Mr Barnes | Head of Department |
Dr R Nisi | Head of Physics |
Ms W Aggrey | Head of Chemistry |
Mr S Munden | Teacher of Science & Forensics |
Mrs I Ahmad | Teacher of Science |
Mrs M Benn | Teacher of Science |
Mrs L Bryant | Teacher of Science |
Mrs N Carwithen | Teacher of Science |
Miss G Mbu | Teacher of Science |
Dr K Newson | Teacher of Science |
Dr G Novikova | Teacher of Science |
Miss S Pinder | Teacher of Science |
Religious Studies Department | |
Ms M Clark | Head of Religious Studies Department |
Miss J Slade | Teacher of Religious Studies |
Mrs K Oseni | Teacher of Religious Studies |
Mr J Alexander | Teacher of Religious Studies |
Social Science Department | |
Mr J Alexander | Teacher of Sociology and Law |
Miss J Smith | Teacher of Psychology & Deputy Head of WG6 |
Mrs M Develeski | Teacher of Sociology |
Support Staff | |
Mrs N Rana | Head Teacher's P.A. & Office Manager |
Mrs J Bassett | Exams Officer & Admissions Officer |
Mrs P Addanki | Attendance Officer |
Mrs L Cowey | Data & Cover Manager |
Mrs K Pirapakaran | Exams & Data Assistant |
Mrs K Russell | Receptionist (AM) |
Miss S Mullins | Receptionist (PM) |
Miss G Wellcoat | Marketing and Communications Officer |
Mrs J Murray | Careers & Work Experience Officer |
Ms E Booth | Librarian |
Mrs C Pike | Safeguarding & Pupil Premium Manager |
Mrs E Smith | Pastoral and Wellbeing Manager SEN |
Mrs J Robertson | Pastoral and Wellbeing Manager SEN |
Mrs R Martin | WG6 Administrator |
Mrs L Hatton | Pastoral and Wellbeing Manager Year 7 |
Miss G McKay | Pastoral and Wellbeing Manager Year 8 & 9 |
Ms H Gaines | Pastoral and Wellbeing Manager Year 10 & 11 |
Mrs S Wheatley | Student Support WG6 (WGSG site) |
TBC | Medical Teaching Assistant |
Mr C Willis | School IT Manager |
Mr D Smith | IT Technician |
Miss R Holden | Senior Science Technician |
Mrs H Lloyd | Science Technician |
Miss T Jarvis | Science Technician |
Mrs L Waite | Science Technician |
Mrs O Bukoye | Food Technician |
Mrs S Daniels | Art & DT Technician |
Mr G Richards | Head of Premises & Estates |
Mr S Good | Premises Manager |
Mr R Booker | Assistant Premises Manager |
Mr B Woodbridge | Assistant Premises Manager |
Ms E Russell | Cover Supervisor |
Mrs R Adeshina | Cover Supervisor |
Our Senior Leadership Team
Meet our dedicated team of educators and administrators at Wilmington Grammar School for Girls. They are committed to nurturing our students’ minds and talents, providing a supportive and enriching learning environment.