Foundation and First Years

Walton Girls’ School was founded in 1958. It was based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and initially, it was a secondary modern girls’ school. The founding principle for this school was based on providing quality education to young females. Initially, the number of students at Walton Girls’ was very small, and it had very few facilities and resources. Quite soon, the school earned a good reputation because of its setup, comprising dedicated staff members with a nurturing environment.

• • 1970s: Comprehensive education has broadened the curriculum and pupil intake.

• • 1980s: Special facilities, like the ultra-modern Science Laboratory and the purpose-built Sports Hall, were developed.

• • 1990s: Grant-maintained status achieved; greater autonomy over curriculum development and spending.

• • 2000s: Achieved specialist school status for Business and Enterprise and extended the already available provisions in those areas.

• • 2008: Celebrated Golden Jubilee, completing 50 years of academic glory.

• • 2010s: Academy status with more freedom over the teaching and being run.

• • 2018: Celebrated the Diamond Jubilee, 60 years of educating girls to be empowered.

Year	Event
1958	Founded school
1970s	School became comprehensive
1980s	Extension of specialist facilities
1990s	Grant-maintained status
2000s	Specialist school status
2008	Celebrated Golden Jubilee
2010s	Converted to academy status
2018	Diamond Jubilee commemoration

These are milestones in the ongoing evolution of Walton Girls’ School in pursuit of high-quality education for young women throughout Grantham and beyond.

Celebrating the Anniversary

Walton Girls’ School celebrated its milestone anniversaries with various activities and events symbolizing the colorful history of the school and its achievements. The events brought together old students, staff, and the community in appreciating the milestones the school has covered.

Key Events and Activities

Diverse events aimed to showcase the achievements of the school marked the anniversary celebrations.

• • Commemorative Assembly: Featured performances by current students along with reminiscences of alumni.

• • Historical Exhibition: Pictorially depicted photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia across the ages of its existence.

• • Sporting Competitions: Included inter-house tournaments and matches against alumni teams to foster friendly competition.

• • Gala Dinner: A grand event where generations of Walton girls met each other, providing an avenue for networking and sharing memories.

The school also released a special magazine for the anniversary, outlining its trajectory with stories from former and current students and staff.

Special Guests and Speakers

Many distinguished guests and speakers greatly added to the prestige of the anniversary celebrations.

• • Former Headteachers and Long-Serving Staff: Shared their experiences and anecdotes about how the school has evolved over the years.

• • Distinguished Alumnae: From fields like business, science, arts, and sports, motivated current students with encouraging talks.

• • Local Dignitaries: The Mayor of Grantham and members of the Lincolnshire County Council attended major events, recognizing the school’s service to the community.

• • Academicians: Delivered workshops and seminars on issues like the empowerment of young women and the future of education for girls.

Academic Achievements Over the Years

Throughout its history, Walton Girls’ School has demonstrated a continuous commitment to academic excellence. Its strong quality of education for young women is repeatedly recognized with numerous achievements and accolades.

Exemplary Alumni

Walton Girls’ School has been the alma mater to many accomplished individuals. Some notable alumni include:

• • Dr. Sarah Thompson: Leading neuroscientist, pioneering researcher in Alzheimer’s disease.

• • The Rt Hon Emma Parker MP: Served as Secretary of State for Education from 2015 to 2019.

• • Claire Davies: Multi-award-winning journalist and foreign correspondent for the BBC.

• • Professor Laura Jenkins: Renowned expert in environmental law at the University of Oxford.

• • Helen Roberts: Campaigner for women in business and chief executive of a FTSE 100 company.

These alumni exemplify the school’s commitment to nurturing talent and preparing students for success in various fields.

Examination Results and Awards

Walton Girls’ School consistently achieves above-average examination results, coupled with high academic achievement:

Year	GCSE Pass Rate A*-C	GCSE Pass Rate A*-C
2018	85%	92%
2013	82%	89%
2008	78%	86%

Accolades for academic performance include:

• • Rated Outstanding by Ofsted: 2016 and 2020

• • Ranked among the top 10% of schools nationally for student progress in 2019

• • STEM Award for Excellence in STEM Education by Times Educational Supplement 2017

• • Department for Education Character Award 2015 for delivering Programs of Personal Development

• • Gold Award in the Teaching Awards for Excellence in Secondary Education 2012

These results and recognition underscore Walton Girls’ School’s commitment to academic excellence.

Impact on the Local Community

Walton Girls’ School’s influence extends far beyond its boundaries, playing a significant role in shaping the Grantham community and its surroundings. The school’s commitment to quality education and community involvement is evident in many aspects of local life.

Partnerships and Community Involvement

Walton Girls’ School maintains close-knit ties with local employers, enterprises, and educational institutions, benefiting both the school and the community. For example:

• • Employer Engagement: The school invites local employers to meet students, offering work experience opportunities and bridging the gap between education and employment.

• • Outreach Programs: The school shares its resources and expertise with the community, promoting healthy lifestyles and providing educational seminars and workshops on adult literacy, computer skills, and parenting.

Economic Impact

Walton Girls’ School also contributes to the local economy by:

• • Creating Job Opportunities: The school employs teaching, administrative, and support staff, providing income that benefits other local businesses.

• • Boosting Tourism and Hospitality: Events like the school’s anniversary celebrations attract visitors, supporting the local retail and service industries.

Cultural Contributions

The school enriches local culture through drama performances, concerts, and art exhibitions, which are key events in Grantham’s cultural calendar. Additionally, Walton Girls’ School’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity has fostered a more inclusive and tolerant society in the community.

Educational Leadership

Walton Girls’ School has played a pivotal role in raising educational standards throughout the region. Its innovative teaching methods and curriculum development have inspired other schools to improve their educational offerings. Collaborative projects and teacher training programs further extend Walton Girls’ School’s positive influence on education in Grantham and beyond.

Looking to the Future

Walton Girls’ School continues to pursue excellence with a forward-looking strategy, positioning itself at the forefront of educational innovation and development.

Planned Developments

The school has ambitious plans to expand and improve, including:

• • Classrooms: 15 updated teaching classrooms equipped with the latest technology.

• • Facility Expansion: A new multi-sport complex and cultural arts facility.

• • Digital Infrastructure: Implementation of high-speed broadband throughout the institution.

• • Sustainability Initiatives: Installation of solar panels and the creation of a biodiversity garden.

• • New Courses: Integration of vocational courses and international exchange programs.

These developments aim to provide students with the best resources and diverse learning opportunities, preparing them for the evolving demands of higher education and the workforce.

50-Year Milestone Celebrations

To mark its 50th anniversary, Walton Girls’ School engaged in various activities and initiatives, including:

• • Gala Dinner: A formal evening of reunions for alumni, staff, and supporters.

• • Memorabilia Exhibition: A history exhibit showcasing artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia from the school’s 50-year history.

• • Commemorative Book: A book highlighting the school’s journey and contributions to the community was published.

• • Tree Plantation Ceremony: The planting of the ‘Golden Jubilee Grove’ on the school campus.

• • Scholarship Fund: Establishment of the 50th Anniversary Scholarship for future students.

These celebrations honored the school’s rich heritage and reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the future of education for years to come.