Woodbridge School Recognised for Community Enrichment Programmes

Woodbridge School has been Commended for its contribution to social mobility in the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026, recognising the significant impact of its Primary and Secondary Enrichment programmes. The commendation highlights the School’s long-standing and continued commitment to widening educational opportunities for young people and providing inspiring learning experiences that extend to the community.

Built on the belief that every child should have access to opportunities that inspire curiosity and ambition, the enrichment programmes are designed to complement and support teaching and learning in schools – while introducing students to exciting subjects, specialist facilities and hands-on experiences that they may not otherwise encounter. By working closely with local primary and secondary schools, the workshops help students develop new skills, explore future possibilities and build confidence through exciting and memorable learning experiences.

Reflecting on the award commendation in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2026, Shona Norman, Head, shared,

“We are delighted to have been recognised in the Social Mobility Award category. This commendation is a wonderful reflection of the collaborative work of our staff, partner schools and the thousands of young people who have engaged with these programmes over the years. Our enrichment programmes are built on a belief that every young person should have access to opportunities that inspire curiosity, raise aspirations and support their personal development. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the other schools recognised in this year’s awards and thank everyone who has contributed to the success of our enrichment programmes.”

Creating opportunities for thousands of young people

Woodbridge School’s Primary Enrichment Programme has become a well-established part of the local educational landscape, welcoming children from at least 20 local primary schools each year. Through engaging workshops spanning a wide range of curriculum areas, approximately 1,900 children participate annually in activities designed to encourage exploration, creativity and a love of learning. The scale of the programme’s impact continues to grow; by the end of the last academic year, more than 15,000 children had taken part in workshops since the initiative was first introduced.

Secondary Enrichment Programme launched

Building on the success of the primary programme, Woodbridge School launched its Secondary Enrichment Programme last year to provide Year 9 students from the local community with additional opportunities to broaden their horizons and explore future pathways.

The workshops allow students to develop new skills and gain hands-on experience across various curriculum subjects and beyond, strengthening and broadening their knowledge of possible career prospects. The programme also incorporates and considers The Gatsby Benchmarks, a series of guidelines that were developed by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation for schools, colleges and educational institutions, to ensure students receive high quality careers advice and support. The Secondary Enrichment programme is aligned with these benchmarks, supporting students’ personal development and career readiness through targeted, high quality experiences.

Looking ahead

The Commendation received from the Independent Schools of the Year Awards reflects not only the success of Woodbridge School’s enrichment programmes to date, but also the School’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that educational opportunity is accessible, engaging and transformative for young people from across the local community.

With a full programme planned for again for this upcoming year, Woodbridge School looks forward to welcoming even more students into the School for Primary and Secondary Enrichment. The workshops are free of charge and can be tailored to year groups, transport can also be arranged.

Visit Primary Enrichment for more information, to view the programme and to book your school’s place.

Visit Secondary Enrichment for more information, to view the programme and to book your school’s place for Secondary Enrichment.