Wellington School, Somerset

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Wellington School, Somerset, is a co-educational public school catering for both boarders and day pupils. It should not be confused with the better-known Wellington College, or with a large number of schools worldwide which are also called "Wellington School", or those in other locations called "Wellington".

The school is the second largest employer in the town of Wellington, Somerset, where it is situated near the centre of the town. It was founded in the 19th century.

The school opened a new junior school in 2000, having previously only catered for pupils 10 and over. In 2003 the Princess Royal opened the Princess Royal Sports Complex[1], a £2.65 million indoor sports facility. Now they are raising funds for a new performing arts centre. Work is set to begin on this in July 2007.

The school has its own marching band (Corps of Drums) and active Combined Cadet Force.

September 2006 saw Alan Rogers replaced as headmaster by Martin Reader, after almost 18 years in charge.

The headmaster recently announced that Saturday lessons are to be scrapped as of September 2007. This is seen by some as a controversial choice but equally a breath of fresh air by others.

1 Scandals
2 Notable Alumni
3 External link
4 Schools in Somerset

[edit] Scandals

A maths teacher, Andrew Crozier, was forced to quit in March 2003 after starting a sexual relationship with the 18-year-old head girl. [2]
Another maths teacher, Ian Sarginson, was convicted of indecently assaulting an underage male pupil in March 2004 and sent to prison. [3]

[edit] Notable Alumni

Jeffrey Archer, Author, politician and convicted fraudster who, it is alleged, falsely claimed as a young man that he had attended the more prestigious Wellington College;
Keith Floyd, Food critic
David Suchet, Actor known for playing Hercule Poirot;
Simon Singh, Science author
Tom Singh, founder of the New Look chain of stores.