Westonbirt

Westonbirt School is a highly successful girls’ school where every pupil achieves her full potential without the pressures associated with a hothouse environment. The school has performed consistently well in both GCSEs and A-levels for its ‘value-added’ scores (generated by the University of Durham) which measure how much pupils improve their performance during their education. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) 2011 recognised that the “girls’ overall achievement at Westonbirt School is excellent, academically, in their community service and in their outstanding personal development.” Virtually all pupils go on to the university of their choice.

‘We are confident that no girl at Westonbirt will underachieve,’ says the Headmistress, Mrs Mary Henderson. To ensure this is the case, every girl has a personal tutor to act as her cross-curricular mentor, directing and motivating her to optimise her performance, manage her time and acquire effective study skills.
As a result of this positive and nurturing attitude, pupils really enjoy their academic studies and also find time for fulfilling activities beyond the classroom, particularly art, drama, music and sport.

The girls appreciate the School’s exceptionally beautiful setting – a stunning Victorian mansion in over 210 acres of private parkland and gardens. Against this wonderful historic backdrop, there are excellent modern facilities, such as a science and art block, a £3m sports centre with indoor swimming pool, and a new sixth-form accommodation block. The inspection praised the boarding areas for being “attractive and welcoming.” Other sports facilities include a nine-hole golf course, and numerous pitches, courts and tracks. Many girls enjoy riding lessons at nearby stables and polo at the neighbouring Beaufort Polo Club. The Orangery Theatre is at the heart of a thriving drama department, and the music school is widely used and much enjoyed by girls of all ages.
Westonbirt is renowned for its happy, caring community. Deep friendships are formed across the year groups, and healthy relationships, both academic and pastoral, thrive between pupils and staff. The ISI inspection recognised how “this is a happy school, in which pupils are encouraged to become successful and confident, independent young adults.” This compassionate environment is underpinned by the strong Christian ethos of this Church of England school, though girls of other faiths are also welcomed and respected.

Westonbirt’s positive, nurturing approach ensures that every girl achieves her potential and enjoys her education.