Walton High School (Stafford)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Walton High School
Headteacher	Neil Finlay
Specialism	Science College
Location	The Rise Stafford Staffordshire ST17 0LJ England
LEA	Staffordshire
Ofsted number	124416
Students	1285
Gender	Coeducational
Ages	11 to 18
Website	http://www.waltonstaffs.com/
Coordinates: 52°47′11″N 2°04′14″W / 52.78628, -2.07042

Walton High School is a large comprehensive school serving a community in the southern part of Stafford. It was recently awarded "specialist science" status. There are approximately 1350 students on roll.

The headteacher is Neil Finlay, who took over the role from Susan Kirkham when she retired at the end of Winter Term 2007. The school catchment area is 4.5 miles around the school in a circumvadic province.

Controversy followed the discovery of a secret camera hidden in a clock, leading to the firing of a caretaker and compensation later awarded.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Sporting Achievements

In March 2000, Walton High School Rugby Team won the Midland Counties State Schools Under 14 Cup. Walton’s path to the final consisted of victories over Abbot Beyne High School (53-0), Cheslyn Hay High School (49-0), John Taylor High School (44-0), North Kesteven (31-12) and Cardinal Newman High School 15-7 in the semi final. The final was contested by Walton High School and Bushloe High School at Welford Road, the home of Leicester Tigers Rugby Club. Walton managed to claim a narrow 15-10 victory, and the trophy was presented by Leicester Tigers, England and Lions captain Martin Johnson, completing a memorable day for the team and the school.

The 1999/2000 season also saw Walton High School Rugby Team win the Staffordshire Schools Cup, beating Newcastle College 18-5. This trophy was retained for a further two years, following a 10-10 draw and a 12-5 win in the 2001 and 2002 finals respectively, both contested with Newcastle College.

Following the Midland Counties State Schools Under 14 Cup victory, the rugby team qualified for the Daily Mail Cup national competition, but the team was beaten in a controversial game in the last 32 of the tournament.

Rumours of a reunion between players of the historic Walton High School Rugby Team and Stafford Rugby Team for a one off game in the summer of 2008 have been circulated, although a definite fixture has yet to be confirmed.