“Let us thank God joyfully”. That is the motto of Woodford County High School for Girls.
Woodford County High School stands as a beacon of academic excellence for girls. It is located in Woodford Green. Although the school is in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, it is part of the Redbridge school system.
Established in 1919, Woodford County High School has a rich history. The main school building was once Highams Manor. William Newton built it in 1768. Its exterior boasts Ionic order pilasters. A polygonal roof lantern tops it off. Inside, a stone staircase with a wrought-iron balustrade catches the eye. Humphry Repton designed the grounds originally including Highams Park Lake.
The Warner family acquired the house in 1849. They owned many properties in Walthamstow. Later, the building served as a hospital. Florence Nightingale even worked here. Winston Churchill used it as accommodation during the Second World War. In 1951, the building became a Grade II listed building.
To gain entry to Woodford County High School, girls take the 11-plus exam. Redbridge offers places to the top 180 girls. The school provides a range of GCSE subjects. This includes Classical Civilisation. Woodford County High School has expanded. A new teaching block opened in September 2017. It includes 13 science laboratories and 11 classrooms.
Woodford County High School encourages a broad curriculum. Girls start two languages in Year 7. These are French and either German or Latin. Three separate sciences are studied at GCSE. The school has strong A-level groups in all areas. It encourages uptake of the Extended Project Qualification. All girls do work experience at the end of Year 11. They also commit to 25 hours of Voluntary Service in Year 12.
Woodford County High School offers many extra-curricular activities. These include choirs, orchestras and sports teams. Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and drama. Debating societies and an after-school club are also available. The House system provides opportunities for inspiration. Drama festivals and sports days are organized. Charity events and House quizzes are also part of the school life.
Notable former pupils include Julie Marson, a Conservative MP. Jane Lomax-Smith became the Lord Mayor of Adelaide. Crystallographer Kathleen Lonsdale attended here. TV presenter Jenny Powell is also an alumna. Playwright Lucy Kirkwood and actress Sarah Winman are former pupils as well. Journalist Mona Chalabi also studied at Woodford County High School.
Woodford County High School has a strong alumni network. It uses Future First to keep in touch with ex-students. Woodford Old Girls’ Association is also available. The school’s atmosphere is vibrant and purposeful. The school community is strong and valued. Woodford County High School was named London State Secondary School of the Year in 2019. This coincided with the school’s centenary year. Woodford County High School continues to inspire and empower young women. It offers them an excellent all-round education.