SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON'S MATHEMATICAL SCHOOL in Kent, Rochester

Education Centre Information: Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Controlled School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Medway
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 31/03/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 1176
Number of boys: 1113
Number of girls: 63
Admissions: Selective
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Boys
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Background:

Founded in 1701 with funds bequeathed by Sir Joseph Williamson, the boys' grammar admits a small number of girls to the sixth form. It moved from the centre of Rochester to its current 30-acre site on the outskirts of the city in the 1960s and a purpose-built sixth form centre was added in the 1990s. The school is surrounded by extensive playing fields and outstanding facilities include a floodlit all-weather playing surface, heated indoor swimming pool, sports hall, gymnasium, sports pavilion, rugby, hockey, cricket and football pitches and athletics track. All pupils study two modern foreign languages initially and ICT, with three networks, continues to expand. The range of sports includes basketball, table tennis, fencing, squash, cross-country running, badminton and skiing in addition to traditional team games. More than 20 extra-curricular clubs are offered and the school has an exceptional reputation for music. Inter-house competitions for music, sport and academic success. The English and music departments, and sixth-form students pursuing a Sports Leaders award, work with local primary schools and the school supports initiatives such as Artist in Residence and Composition Projects in Music. Termly concerts and annual school productions are staged and much charitable work is undertaken. The school is a venue for community sport and the sixth form centre is in demand as a conference facility. Specialist mathematics and computing college status. Before-school care, from 8am; after-school care, until 5pm. Over-subscribed, with nearly two applications per place. Local authority Inclusive School Award (2005); IT mark (2006). Sportsmark Gold (2005); DfES achievement award (2002). Ethos: 'An environment which is safe and caring and which promotes and encouages effective teaching and learning'.