The Skills to Succeed in a Fast-Changing World
Throughout your time with us, you’ll learn many of the crucial ‘soft’ skills that will serve you well on any future path. Leighton Park leads the UK for its Future Skills programme, winning the national Award for Future Readiness.
We combine an exceptional values-led education with our innovative Future Ready Curriculum, helping you find your sense of purpose and providing you with the tools to flourish in the world you will inherit. But we don't stop there.
Every detail of our programme is designed to help you become who you're meant to be - from sector-leading personal development programmes to national-award-winning debating and oracy; from tailored mentorship to help you become a compassionate leader or effective changemaker to an innovative Futures and Aspiring High programme - we'll provide you with the support to achieve your goals.
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Personal development programmes
Our national-award-winning personal development programmes are carefully designed to equip you for a fast-changing world.
| Approaches to Learning |
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In Years 7 and 8, our innovative Approaches to Learning curriculum helps build your understanding of things like critical thinking, metacognition, the harnessing of Artificial Intelligence (AI), collaboration, presentation skills, coaching and, perhaps most importantly, self-understanding. You will work on a significant research project as part of your programme culminating in a celebration evening where you present your Fryer Project Qualification to your family and other guests. |
| Creativity, Action, Service |
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As an IB World School, considered the gold standard in international education, all our students from Year 7 to Upper Sixth benefit from the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) Programme, which we have carefully adapted to complement our Quaker values and focus on future-ready skills. As part of CAS Programme, you will contribute to our School and Community Partnerships, benefitting from the opportunity to learn more about yourself and gain the proven wellbeing boost of helping others. Examples include:
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| Duke of Edinburgh |
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Begin a journey that builds confidence, character and independence beyond the classroom. You will develop resilience through challenge, teamwork through shared responsibility, and leadership through planning, decision-making and reflection. Nearly all students take the Bronze Award in Year 9, and can progress onto the Silver Award in Years 10 & 11 and the Gold Award in the Sixth Form. |
| Sixth Form Oakleaf Diploma |
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The Oakleaf Diploma is a Sixth Form personal development programme, focusing on compassionate leadership, academic prowess, and holistic growth. Celebrate your accomplishments and plan for the future with our personalised programme, designed to maximise your potential. |
Changemaking & Advocacy
Quakers have a proud tradition for standing up for what's right, from being at the forefront of the Abolishonist Movement to winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947; from co-founding advocacy groups like Amnesty International, Greenpeace and Oxfam to establishing businesses to create social good, like Rowntree and Cadbury.
We aim to give our Quaker values currency and purpose today by advocating for positive change in the world, including through the following initiatives:
| Amicus Student-Led Charity |
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When you become part of the student-led Amicus charity at Leighton Park School, you take ownership of meaningful change and learn what it means to lead with purpose. You develop leadership, collaboration and communication skills as you plan initiatives, manage projects and inspire others to get involved. Through real-world problem-solving and social action, you grow in confidence, empathy and responsibility. Above all, Amicus empowers you to turn compassion into impact and discover the difference your voice and commitment can make. |
| Student-Led Co-curricular Activities |
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Student-led activities like our Amnesty Club, STEMinists and Eco-Club mean you can take the lead on social issues that your care about. |
| Female Lead |
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Leighton Park is one of ten Ambassador Schools in the UK for the Female Lead and also one the national Feminista Award for its role in advocating for a fairer and more inclusive society. The Female Lead club at Leighton Park gives you a supportive space to explore your potential, grow your confidence, and develop your leadership skills. Inspired by The Female Lead organisation, you’ll meet inspirational role models, explore issues affecting women today, and challenge stereotypes through discussion and creative projects. By joining, you’ll build practical skills - like teamwork, public speaking, and critical thinking - while gaining a stronger sense of self-belief and ambition. Ultimately, the club helps you recognise your own power to make a difference and contribute to a more inclusive school community. See one of our latest Female Lead opportunities | Interviwing Disney and Pixar stars |
| Student Council |
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Making the world a better place starts at home. The Student Council at Leighton Park gives you the chance to shape school life and have your voice heard. As a representative, you’ll work with students and staff to discuss ideas, raise concerns, and help make positive changes that benefit the whole community. By taking part, you’ll develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, while gaining confidence in speaking up and representing others. |
Debating and Oracy
Excellence in debating and public speaking goes back to our foundation in 1890. Our 110-year-old JBH public speaking competition was designed to give students the skills to succeed in the Houses of Parliament. We are regional coordinators for both the Model United Nations, and the European Youth Parliament – with students last year going through to the European Finals in Strasbourg.
Weekly debating clubs explore topics from ethics to international policy, with entries into national contests like the ESU and ISA, with Leighton Park winning the Oxford Debate Matters Championships and the national Independent Schools Association Debating Competition this year and coming 5th in the European Debate Conference held by ECNAIS.
Developing oracy and debating skills starts early, with students gaining key skills in Years 7 & 8, including through our Fryer Project Qualification and Arguably Awesome junior debate club. Our students also benefit from a wide range of related House competitions, from House Debating, to Polyglot Poetry.
Futures and Aspiring High Programme
Our Futures and Aspiring High Programmes will support you to aim high and find your role in the world. Benefit from an incredible Careers Department and the support of our Old Leightonian community. Refine your interests and gain valuable skills through our Futures and Aspiring Programme, including:
- Individual and group tutorials
- Mentoring from senior staff
- Attending public lectures at leading universities, with four of Englands top five universities within 45 minutes travel time
- Careers Fairs, featuring experts from a broad range of professions including many Old Leightonians
- Visits to meet our former students who are now studying at leading universities
- Interview preparation with our impressive network of former students
- An interview exchange partnership with Lord Wandsworth College
- Support applying for internships and apprenticeships
- A programme of inspirational speakers throughout Sixth Form. Learn more about the Oakleaf Diploma.
Where Next
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How To Apply
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Open Days & Visits
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Our Fees
Learn more about our school fees, which cover many of the things that other schools charge extra for.
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Scholarships & Bursaries
Find out about Leighton Park scholarships, and how our means-tested bursaries can offer financial support for your education.
