Withington Girls' School

Withington Girls’ School was founded in 1890 by a small group of eminent and far-sighted Manchester families who wanted the same educational opportunities available for their daughters as were already available to their sons. In keeping with the Founders’ wishes, the School has remained relatively small, with approximately 650 pupils; 90 in the Junior School (Years 3 – 6) and 170 in the Sixth Form.

Public examination results consistently place Withington among the top ten schools in the UK. In 2011, our pupils were awarded over 97% A* and B grades at A Level, with over 40% at A*, and over 97% A*/A grades at GCSE. Sixth Formers leave to study a wide range of degree courses, the vast majority at one of the country’s 30 most selective universities.

Academic excellence is secured alongside an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities, including Music, Drama, Sport, Mathematics and Science Olympiads, Duke of Edinburgh and Young Enterprise Schemes, Model United Nations, Bridge and Robotics. Sixth Formers work as voluntary assistants in local primary schools, a centre for severely disabled children, residential homes, hospices and hospitals. All girls, throughout the School, engage in charity fundraising, collectively raising over £24,000 in 2011. There are special links with Barnardo’s, two schools and a hospital in Kenya and a school in Uganda. A group of Upper Sixth Formers engage in voluntary projects in The Gambia each December and pupils take part in biennial World Challenge Expeditions, with Sri Lanka on the itinerary for 2013. Academic departments offer subject-related trips and activities in addition to cultural trips at home and overseas.

Pupils come from a wide geographical area and from many different social and cultural backgrounds, creating a diversity in which the School rejoices. The School is nondenominational and girls of all faiths, or none, are equally welcome. Through the WGS Trust, approximately 90 means-tested bursaries are offered to Senior School pupils each year and the forward-looking development programme has, over the last ten years, provided new Sports, English, Drama and Music facilities, an extended and refurbished Science Wing and a multimedia
Language Laboratory. A state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre, together with six new classrooms, opened in May 2009. The Development Office is strengthening links with alumnae and organised the 100+ Bursary Appeal which reached its £2 million target in 2011. The Withington Onwards (past pupils) and Parent Teacher Association Committees are active in, and committed to, supporting the School and there are close links with the local community. The Governing Body is forward-looking and supportive of all areas of the School.

The quality of teaching is a major factor in the outstanding level of achievement secured by pupils, both within and outside the classroom. Staff are eager to share their passion and enthusiasm for their individual subjects and give willingly of their time to assist individual pupils outside lesson times; a particular strength of the School is the relationship between pupils and staff.

The School runs on the 3 Rs of Respect for self, Respect for others, and Responsibility for personal actions and its pupils thrive within the warm, friendly and supportive environment. At home or abroad, Withington girls attract positive comments and we are just as proud of them as they are of their school.