AN INDEPENDENT BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11 - 18
Founded in 1884, St Swithun’s is set on an impressive and attractive campus of 45 acres overlooking the Hampshire Downs on the outskirts of Winchester, yet only a 60-minute train journey from central London. It offers girls excellent teaching, sporting and rec.
OUR VISION
Our vision is of a single-sex girls’ school well-known for its excellent all-round education, its forwardlooking teaching methods, its scholarship and the attitudes of mind it fosters in its students. It will house a civilised and compassionate community in secure and well-maintained buildings, and it will thoroughly prepare all its pupils for life beyond its gates. It will be regarded by teachers as a desirable school in which to work and develop one’s craft. By the time a girl leaves she will be courageous, compassionate, committed and self-confident with a love of learning, a moral compass and a sense of humour.
OUR AIMS
The school’s aims are as follows:
Academic
To prepare girls for public examinations and higher education in a stimulating and scholarly environment in which the girls develop intellectual curiosity, independence of mind and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning and to encourage them to achieve their personal best.
School community
To provide a happy, safe and supportive community based on Christian values in which all girls are given the space to develop their spirituality and are encouraged to understand and celebrate difference, and to be kind to others.
Co-curricular
To provide a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom so that girls can discover individual passions and develop a range of characteristics such as resilience, initiative, creativity, perseverance, selfconfidence, the ability to work in a team and to honour one’s commitments. To encourage habits to ensure good physical and mental health both at school and in the future such as exercise, healthy eating and the art of relaxation.
Beyond the school gates
To teach the girls compassion, an understanding of the wider world and their role in it, a sense of duty and a desire for justice.
Looking towards the future
To provide high-quality higher education and careers advice and a supportive alumnae network.
Keeping in touch
To communicate in a timely and constructive fashion with parents and other members of the St Swithun’s family in order to develop relationships conducive to offering the best possible education.
SCHOOL STRUCTURE
The school offers weekly-boarding, full-boarding and day options for girls aged 11–18. There is an adjoining prep school for girls aged 4–11 with a co-ed preschool.
The senior school has approximately 520 girls from age 11–18. Entry to the senior school is primarily at year 7, year 9 and year 12 (sixth form).
The senior school has six boarding houses for its 225 full and weekly boarders, with separate houses for those in their first year and those in the upper sixth.
The school buildings are modern and well equipped. As well as the normal academic classrooms and science laboratories, there is a magnificent performing arts centre with a 600-seat auditorium, a music school, an art and technology block, the Jill Isaac Centre - a unique study space that is exclusive to the sixth form students - a sports hall and a full-size swimming pool. There is an impressive library, a higher education and student guidance department and ICT facilities. The grounds are spacious and encompass sports fields, tennis courts and gardens.
St Swithun’s is a registered charity and is governed by the School Council.
CURRICULUM
Year 7 and 8 subjects – lower 4 and upper 4
Girls study English, mathematics, science, geography, history, RPE (religion, philosophy and ethics), Latin, French, German, art & design, computing, design & technology, drama, food & textiles, music, physical education. They also follow the whole-school enrichment programme known as Stretch and Thrive, our wellbeing programme.
Year 9 subjects – lower 5
Girls study English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, history, RPE (religion, philosophy and ethics), a choice of two modern foreign languages from French/German/Spanish, Latin/Classical civilisation and physical education. They also select three creative/technical subjects from the following six options: art & design, computing, design & technology, drama, food & textiles and music. They also follow the whole-school enrichment programme known as Stretch and Thrive, our wellbeing programme.
Year 10 and 11 subjects – middle 5 and upper 5
All girls take (I)GCSEs in English literature, English language and mathematics. They also take a nonexamined physical education programme, continue to follow the whole-school enrichment programme, Stretch, and our wellbeing programme, Thrive. In addition, girls choose six or seven (I)GCSE subjects from the following: biology, chemistry, physics, science (double award), French, German, Spanish, Classical civilisation, geography, history, religious studies, art & design, design and technology: resistant materials, computer science, fashion & textiles, food preparation and nutrition, drama, Greek, Latin, music and physical education. Their choices must include at least one modern foreign language and at least two sciences (either separate or double award). They are also strongly encouraged to include at least one of the humanities. Further guidance is given in year 9.
Sixth
form subjects
In addition to the whole-school enrichment programme known as Stretch and Thrive, our wellbeing programme, sixth formers may also choose to do the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which gives girls the opportunity to research an area of personal
interest. Once the research has been completed they will write an essay, produce an artefact or give a performance, as well as compiling a log of the process. The final stage is to give a presentation.
Lower sixth: Girls generally choose three or four A-level subjects from the following (four or five if choosing maths and further maths): art (fine art), biology, chemistry, Classical civilisation, computer science, drama & theatre, English literature, economics, French, geography, German, government & politics, Greek, history, history of art, Latin, mathematics, further mathematics, music, physical education, physics, product design, psychology, religious studies, Spanish. GCSE Italian is also offered.
Upper sixth: Girls continue their lower-sixth subjects and complete three or four full A levels.
All year groups
All girls follow an enrichment programme known as Stretch. This consists of taught short courses and lectures from visiting speakers. Courses are wide-ranging and topics such as mathematical puzzles, Arabic, art history and German plays. Year 10 girls undertake community service during Stretch
All girls also follow our PSHE programme, Thrive, which introduces the girls to the habits conducive to lifelong mental and physical health. One of our aims, both through this programme and more broadly, is to give the girls confidence in themselves so that they do not feel they necessarily have to conform to society’s expectations.
Digital Learning
All staff and students are strongly encouraged to make the most of technology to enhance and enrich the learning experience. Digital learning is entrenched across the curriculum, with iPads and Microsoft 365 playing a central role as we seek to become creative and innovative users of technology, collaborating with one another and exploring how we can go beyond the confines of the classroom to personalise learning and enhance achievement. School iPads are provided for all girls in years 7 to 9, and from year 10 students are expected to bring their own devices to utilise the Microsoft 365 suite of applications.
Learning support
Pupils with specific learning difficulties may be identified in a number of ways, including routine testing, staff referral or parental concerns. Support is provided by the learning support department on a one-to-one basis as appropriate. The needs of any statemented pupils admitted to the school will be met in full and the review procedures thoroughly implemented.
English as an additional language (EAL)
Girls for whom English is not their first language receive help on a one-to-one or small-group basis from a suitably qualified teacher. It should, however, be noted that pupils are only admitted to the school if they have reached a level of competency in English commensurate with the demands of the academic curriculum.
School policies
Copies of the school’s policies are available on request from the school office or at www.stswithuns.com
School Council
Our chairman of School Council is Mrs Alison McClure. She can be contacted either by letter addressed to the school or by email on chairofcouncil@stswithuns.com.
9
I/GCSES GRADED A* TO G
1 The results above include qualifications awarded to candidates in U5 in the summer 2023 examination series and previous series.
INSTITUTION COURSE
Cardiff University
Durham University (x5)
Falmouth University
Loughborough University
Newcastle University (x2)
Oxford Brookes University (x2)
The University of Edinburgh (x4)
University of the Arts, London
University of Bath (x4)
University of Bristol (x5)
University of Cambridge (x4)
University of Dundee
University of Exeter (x9)
University of Glasgow
University of Leeds (x2)
Dentistry
Anthropology and Sociology; Chemistry; Classical Civilisation; Natural Sciences; Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity
Fine Art with Integrated Foundation Year
Architectural Engineering with placement year
Biochemistry; Portuguese and Latin American Studies; Spanish
Business Management and Geography; Psychology
Computer Science; Economics; German and English Literature; Linguistics
UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Architecture with professional placement; Chemical Engineering; Psychology with work placement; Sport and Exercise Science
Anthropology; English; Medicine; Politics and Sociology; Religion and Theology
Human, Social, and Political Sciences; Modern and Medieval Languages; Natural Sciences; Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
Dentistry
Economics; Engineering; Geography; Marine Biology; Marketing and Management; Medical Sciences; Medicine; Natural Sciences; Psychology
Aeronautical Engineering
Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year; Modern Languages and English
University of Liverpool Medicine
University of London, Brunel
University of London, City
University of London, Imperial College London (x2)
University of London, King’s College London (x4)
University of London, London School of Economics and Political Science (x3)
University of London, Royal Holloway
University of London, University College London (x6)
University of Nottingham (x2)
University of Oxford (x4)
University of Reading
University of Southampton
University of St Andrews (x2)
University of Surrey
University of Warwick (x4)
BSc Computer Science (Cybersecurity)
Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Professional Placement
Chemistry; Medical Biosciences
Biomedical Engineering; Global Health and Social Medicine with a Year Abroad; Religion, Philosophy and Ethics; War Studies
Accounting and Finance; Economic History and Geography; Language, Culture and Society
Law with a Year in Industry
Chemistry; Economics; History x 2; Medicine; Natural Sciences
Physics and Philosophy, ; Politics and International Relations
Beginners’ Italian and Linguistics; English Language and Literature; History (x2)
Psychology with Professional Placement
Criminology and Psychology
Chemistry and Physics; Philosophy
University of Surrey Veterinary Medicine and Science
Biological Sciences; Design and Global Sustainable Development; Philosophy and Law; Philosophy with Psychology; Politics
BOARDING
Boarders at St Swithun’s very often say that boarding is their favourite thing about school. They like being with their friends, having time to take part in activities, being part of a community and being able to roll out of bed into school via breakfast. Being situated only 60 minutes away from London by train gives Londonbased families the flexibility of a country-based school for their daughters within easy reach of home.
We also offer a popular coach service from St Swithun’s to London on a Friday evening and a return journey on Sunday. The coach leaves school at approximately 1630hrs on Friday and currently travels to Richmond, The Old Deer Park and Sainsbury’s, Cromwell Road. The Sunday evening bus leaves Sainsbury’s car park on Cromwell Road at 1830hrs and Richmond Park car park at 1900hrs.
There are six boarding houses: Le Roy for year 7 boarders, Finlay for upper-sixth boarders and four senior houses for year 8 to year 12. Each is purposebuilt and boarders from year 8 upwards have individual rooms. All the houses are close to the main school so that day girls and boarders mix easily.
We offer both weekly and full boarding. Weekly boarders return to school on a Sunday evening and typically go home on a Friday evening, but a number choose to stay in school on Friday night if they have an activity on a Saturday such as a lacrosse match or Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Some also stay in for the whole weekend if they wish to participate in our varied weekend-activity programme. We also offer flexiboarding for those who wish to stay with us for one or two nights a week. Weekly boarding is perfect for many busy families, allowing the girls to take part in a wide range of activities and do most of their homework at school during the week thus keeping the weekend for spending time with their families.
Full boarders make up just over half of our boarders. We offer a diverse range of activities on and off site at weekends and full boarders are also allowed to stay with friends or relatives if they wish.
We believe that boarding has many advantages, not least of which is learning about the tolerance, compromise, kindness and responsibility so necessary when living in a community. We expect all boarders to play a full part in the school’s boarding community and to seek to improve it for the good of everyone. The girls learn to care for all members of the community, not just their friends.
Both boarders and their parents speak persuasively of how they enjoy a better relationship with each other because the vast majority of the reminders so necessary in bringing up children can take place in school. Housemistresses and teaching staff are the ones who ensure that homework is done, that uniform is worn correctly and that boarders leave for school on time. Parents can therefore enjoy more relaxed weekends and holidays with their children.
Caring for young people can be challenging, but it is also great fun. Our boarding staff naturally set standards and enforce rules for the good of all, but they seek to do so with a lightness of touch. They are dedicated to providing support, care and a framework in which the girls can develop as individuals. We recognise that good communication with parents is essential and we work hard at keeping in contact.
SIXTH FORM
By choosing the sixth form at St Swithun’s you are opting for small classes, individual attention and warm relationships with teachers. Sixth form students are treated as intellectual equals and given every chance to enjoy the cut and thrust of stimulating debate. Pupils realise that the teachers at St Swithun’s are witty human beings who enjoy nothing more than passing on enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, their subject. Now is the chance to question and to be questioned, to hone critical faculties in small groups and to delve deeply into the subjects of each girl’s choosing.
The sixth form offers rich opportunities not only to blossom academically, but to develop and refine softer skills such as leadership, public speaking, creativity, commitment, time management and empathy. Pupils will have increasing freedom such as being able to choose when to study, and they will also have greater responsibilities, often involving fundraising or house events. Taking leadership roles in their house demands commitment, negotiating skills and patience.
Our sixth form students benefit from a complete education, that is truly holistic in nature. Our “6 Pillars of Sixth Form” framework encourages our students to achieve in six areas, namely Leadership, Concern for Society, Employability, Challenge, Scholarship and Wellness. From public-speaking courses, to the Ivy House Leadership Award, high-level sports fixtures to co-ed Model UN evenings and the Three Peaks Challenge, our students grow through their endeavours, leaving them more capable, and more confident, when they embark on life beyond the school gates.
We are proud to offer a tailored approach to each member of our sixth form. Girls receive exceptional individualised support from a range of staff members and are encouraged to become independent learners and to think for themselves, setting challenging yet realistic goals which make the most of their strengths.
But the key characteristic of sixth form life here is that it is tremendous fun. Former pupils consistently say that their time in the sixth form, was the best part of their school days.
SPORT
At St Swithun’s we believe that sport and exercise are a vital part of each girl’s life. We want girls to leave with the desire, competence and confidence to continue their sporting journey beyond school. We hope to achieve this by providing all girls with a wide variety of options and ensuring they have positive and purposeful experiences within these. We are also aware of the broader impact of sport and emphasise cooperation, leadership, teamwork, competition and respect. Our girls learn how to deal with success and failure, how to be self-disciplined and how to communicate with each other.
Many girls represent their county, region or even country in sports as diverse as lacrosse, netball, cricket, football, swimming, athletics and tennis and we are naturally very proud of these individuals. We aim to provide these girls, and any others who wish to accelerate their development in sport, with support through athletic development and a lecture programme that explores a variety of topics related to performance. Whilst we celebrate success and our teams aspire to excellence, we value effort and sportsmanship as much as winning and we are proud to run first, second, third and sometimes fourth teams for all age groups.
Here at St Swithun’s - we recognise that the need to activate all pupils is greater than ever before, which is why we have been diversifying our offerings through our extra-curricular sports programme and creating active opportunities to inspire, entice and engage absolutely everybody. Aside from the more traditional clubs that are dedicated to development in our competitive sports, the lunchtime and after-school timetable now resembles something that you might expect at a commercial health club. Girls of all ages and abilities can access group exercise classes every day of the week, making it a genuine possibility for the whole community to foster active habits and forge a sense of belonging in the space of health and fitness.
We offer sports tours in lacrosse, netball and tennis and also a multi-sport tour to Club La Santa in Lanzarote. These sports trips are not merely about competing on the field; they are about building character, encouraging resilience, forging lifelong memories and friendships.
We understand the profound impact that such tours can have on our girls - as they step out of their comfort zones and explore sport and life in different counties and cultures.
Games
Lacrosse, netball, athletics, tennis, cricket and swimming are our six major competitive sports. These are taught to all girls during curriculum PE from year 7 to year 9 and as an option from year 10 and up. We run up to five teams per year group for year 7 to year 9, four teams for year 10 and up to five senior teams. We never turn a girl away from a practice and will find a team for anyone who wants to compete. We have regular fixtures with other schools including our ‘Super Saturdays’ which involve both netball and lacrosse. Many girls represent their county and region with a handful of girls training with national development programmes. Inter-house and inter-form competitions are also organised to give everyone an opportunity to play in a competitive environment.
PE
Gymnastics, dance, and trampolining are also taught during curriculum PE from year 7 to year 9 and as an option for the older year groups. We also offer lunch-time and after-school clubs for girls with a keen interest in these activities.
All girls also have the opportunity to take part in the following:
• Aerobics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Croquet
• Cross-Country
• Dance
• Fencing
• Fitness
• Football
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Judo
• Karate
• Pilates
• Water Polo
• Polo
• Riding (co-curricular)
• Skiing
• Synchronised Swimming
• Tennis
• Touch Rugby
• Trampolining
• Volleyball
• Water Safety
• Yoga
MUSIC
Music is an integral part of St Swithun’s, forming an important part of our sense of community and allowing our many talented girls to express themselves in a variety of different ways. Each day begins with the entire school singing a hymn and there are over thirty ensembles rehearsing each week. Over 65% of girls have instrumental or singing lessons from a choice of twentyfive instruments. From formal concerts in Harvey Hall to rock concerts with lasers and smoke machines, we provide the opportunity for musicians of all standards and styles to flourish. The musicians are busy and ambitious: the choirs regularly sing for services at the cathedral, take part in concerts with professional musicians in London, attend masterclasses and workshops provided by top-class coaches, and go on tours to Europe and the Far East. Some of our top musicians also play and sing in county and national ensembles.
Music as an academic subject is also very strong, with students regularly achieving the top grades at GCSE and A level and many going on to study it at university. Lower down the school girls are taught to appreciate many different styles of music from all over the world and from different historical eras. They are taught to analyse, compose and perform from an early age.
Our aim as a department is to encourage, enthuse and support our young musicians whilst maintaining high standards. We have a plethora of different groups they can be involved in on a weekly basis, an annual music competition for soloists, a flourishing music-scholars programme, and many collaborations with other schools and professional groups. Below is a list of some of the ensembles we have on offer, each one coached by one of our team of 39 staff.
• Chamber Choir
• Phoenix (lower-school choir)
• Symphony Orchestra
• Jazz Band
• String Orchestra
• Wind Band
• Wind Ensembles
• Horn Trio
• Clarinet Ensembles
• Flute Ensemble
• Flute Quartet
• Brass Quartet
• Harmony Choir
• Baroque Ensemble
• Rock Groups
• String Ensembles
• Brass Ensemble
• Horn Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble
DRAMA
Drama at St Swithun’s is taught by experienced specialists and is part of the curriculum for girls in years 7 to 9 before it becomes an option at GCSE and A level. Many girls also choose to have speech and drama lessons to further develop their communication and performance skills.
The department is based in purpose-built facilities and all activities including lessons take full advantage of the auditorium, studio theatre and the small performing space in Harvey Hall, the school’s performing arts centre.
Extra activities typically on offer for girls include; junior drama club for year 7 and year 8, scratch performances and stage make-up open to all students, two largescale school productions, including a musical every other year, theatre trips, showcases, an Awards night and specialist workshops with professional theatre companies and practitioners. We also take part in the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival. Performances for A level and GCSE examination performance work are also open for family and friends to watch.
Although being a performer has undoubted appeal, many girls enjoy learning about the technical elements in theatre - such as design, lighting and sound and thus have the opportunity to work backstage on productions with the support of our superb technical crew. Other girls may explore prop making, costume design and directing or producing plays, and indeed writing scripts. And when the applause has stopped, every girl will have improved her ability to be creative, to interpret, to work in a team and to communicate; skills vital onstage and off.
ART & TECHNOLOGY
We are all infinitely creative and this wonderful potential, with its relevance to everyday life, is identified and nurtured by both the art and the design & technology departments. Anyone walking into the purpose-built centre which houses both departments enters a world of inspiration and industry. Within fully-equipped suites of specialist rooms lessons and clubs enable girls not only to explore their creativity and self-expression but also to develop a wide range of practical skills.
The facilities, teaching expertise and enthusiastic support remain a popular attraction for all girls whether they go on to take exams, attend one of the many thriving clubs or simply pursue their own ideas. Regular art exhibitions are held to showcase girls’ individual work and the department also exhibits the work of local artists and former pupils to create a stimulating and vibrant atmosphere.
A variety of art excursions are available to different year groups, spanning from visits to Roche Court Sculpture Park and London, to weekend getaways in Paris and Venice. Additionally, we have established an Artist-inResidence programme, where our students benefit from a two-week residency with a professional artist who conducts workshops for students across all year levels.
In technology, girls are given the opportunity to enter local and national design and engineering competitions and many win prizes for innovative ideas and products. Each year a number of girls compete in the national Greenpower electric car racing challenge, which involves designing, constructing, developing and racing a batterypowered vehicle around motor-racing circuits.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
At St Swithun’s we are proud of our academic excellence but also believe in the concept of being ‘appropriately academic’ which means encouraging the girls to work hard in class but also then providing them with opportunities to do something else. The ‘something else’ is as important as academic lessons, and sometimes more so. We expect the girls to try new things, to make mistakes and learn from them, to develop commitment, perseverance, teamwork and organisational skills.
We accept that some girls will naturally want to take part in many activities and that others will need some gentle persuasion. We would be failing in our duty to the latter if we did not emphasise the importance of balancing academic work with other activities. After all, the girls will never again have so many opportunities to try such a wide range of activities.
Boarders are expected to sign up to a certain number of co-curricular activities that take place after school. (This number depends on which year group the girls are in but, generally speaking, the younger girls are expected to do more activities when their workload is lighter). Day girls are also encouraged to sign up to these activities.
Pupils commit to an after-school activity for one term and the sign-up process happens at the beginning of each term. Form tutors help with this process to ensure that the girls have a good balance of co-curricular activities and that they honour any priority sport, music or drama activities for which they are required.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
It is our firm belief that our boarders should have a weekend schedule that provides a diverse range of engaging activities, takes them off-site and broadens their horizons. We encourage all boarders to take part in weekend activities and the majority of these are included as part of boarding fees. Day girls are also welcome to join our weekend-activities programme.
In addition to a comprehensive sports fixture list, there are a number of activities per weekend for girls to choose from (at least 10 per weekend). The following are some examples of activities that our boarders have access to throughout term time:
• Aquadome visits
• Art workshops
• Baking
• Bowling
• Beach trips
• Cinema trips
• Day trips to London
• Duke of Edinburgh awards training
• Golf
• Horse riding
• Ice skating
• Kayaking
• Laser quest
• Mountain biking
• New Forest walks
• Paintball
• Restaurant outings
• Rock-climbing
• Sailing
• Shopping trips
• Socials with other schools
• Swimming
• Stand-up paddle boarding
• Takeaway evenings
• Theme parks
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Academic enrichment is central to education at St Swithun’s. We run an exciting programme of talks, reading groups, and student-led projects that aim to inspire each student to delve beyond the syllabus and discover new ideas. Whether hosting discussions with visiting academics, presenting their own research to peers and teachers at academic lunches, or contributing to our academic journal ‘Oracle’, students develop their intellectual and social confidence in a welcoming, inclusive environment that spans all year groups.
We actively encourage students to take risks, pursue their passions, and introduce new initiatives: recent student-led activities have included Makaton club; a whole-school personal history project; languages from scratch; poetry club; and a weekly reading group on quantum physics. We also advise on external opportunities for enrichment such as entering university essay prizes or creative-writing competitions - challenges that our intellectually curious students are often keen to embrace.
ENTRANCE PROCEDURE
Entrance procedure for year 7
Most girls join St Swithun’s at year 7 or year 9 from independent and maintained schools. Year 7 candidates take the ISEB Common pre-test at their own school or at St Swithun’s in mid-November of their year 6. UK-based candidates take our own entry papers in English and mathematics during an assessment day at St Swithun’s in that November. Overseas-based candidates should also sit the ISEB Common Pre-test by 8 November and sit our entry papers at their local British Council; year 7 2025 candidates should take their papers on Saturday 26 October 2024.
Places at the school each year are limited and offered from mid-November to early December based on competitive performance in the examinations and a reference from the candidate’s current head teacher. An acceptance deposit is required and details may be found on the school’s website.
Entry procedure for year 9
Candidates who are sitting Common Entrance in the UK are required to take the ISEB Common Pre-test in the autumn term of year 7, by mid November. Candidates are made firm offers in December after their pre-test and a report from their current head teacher. Places are secured by 31 January of year 7 by payment of a deposit. (Details may be found on the school’s website.) Candidates go on to take summer ISEB Common Entrance in the following year; they should achieve at least 60% and their results are used for setting purposes. Candidates who are applying for means-tested awards must take our own entry papers in the November of their year 8.
Overseas-based candidates who wish to be considered for an early offer should be registered by 30 June of their year 6 and have taken the ISEB Common Pre-test in November of their year 7. Year 9 2026 candidates’ deadline for the Pre-test is 22 November. Late-entry UK and overseas-based candidates take our entry papers in the November prior to entry. Syllabuses and sample questions are available on request to the registrar’s office.
Please contact the registrar’s office (registrar@stswithuns.com) as soon as possible if you are interested in 2025 or 2026 entry.
Entry procedure for year 12 (sixth form)
Applicants for year 12 places take papers in the subjects which they propose to study at A level.
Examinations and interviews take place in November of the year prior to entry. Firm offers are made on 1 December and places must be secured by payment of an acceptance deposit (details on website) by 9 December of the year preceding entry.
Overseas-based candidates must register for UKiset testing no earlier than 31 May of their year 10, and all candidates must submit their latest school reports for review and advice, prior to submitting a registration form.
Other entry points
Occasionally we have a limited number of places at other entry points. Girls can be accepted subject to satisfying our requirements and enquiries are always welcome.
Candidates for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate an appropriate standard to support their education: for sixth form candidates a certificated IELTS (Academic) score of at least 6.5 (with a minimum score of 7 in the listening and reading components, 6 in the writing component and 6.5 in the speaking component) is needed by 30 September of the year preceding entry. Younger candidates must achieve a good grade C in the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) by 30 September of the year preceding entry. Full EAL guidelines are available on request from the registrar’s office.
Candidates who require sponsorship with a Child Student Visa
Child Student Visa applicants should read the school’s current Child Student Visa policy which will be sent with our confirmation of registration. Applicants will need, as part of the visa process request, to use the school’s nominated third-party immigration lawyers to whom a professional fee will be directly payable.
MEANS-TESTED AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Means-tested Awards
Candidates for an assisted place follow the same assessment procedure as all other applicants. A completed registration form should be submitted as early as possible.
Means-tested-award applications should be submitted by 30 September in the year prior to entry. However, in certain circumstances applications may be considered outside this timescale. For further information and a means-tested-award application form please contact the school office on office@stswithuns.com or 01962 835700.
Decisions regarding the allocation of MTA funds are made in early December. Guidance and further information is available from the school office manager on 01962 835700.
The level of financial assistance offered to an eligible applicant may be up to 100% of tuition fees. All awards are at the discretion of the awards committee whose decision is final.
An MTA is intended to be for the duration of a girl’s time at the school. An award is subject to satisfactory educational progress and to an annual financial review. Girls allocated an award are normally expected to complete their education in the school up to and including the sixth form.
ARMED FORCES BURSARIES
We offer a number of 20% boarding bursaries to new regular HM Armed Forces families joining the school who are eligible for CEA.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Academic
Available for year 7, year 9 and year 12 entry. Academic scholarships carry a fee subsidy of up to 10% and are awarded at the discretion of the scholarship awards committee.
External candidates
Year 7 candidates are selected based on the results of their assessment papers and are invited to attend an interview. Year 9 candidates take Common Academic
Scholarship examinations and attend interviews at St Swithun’s. Year 12 scholarship candidates are selected based on the results of academic assessments in the subjects that they intend to take at A level and on the results of cognitive ability testing; these take place in the November preceding the year of entry.
The scholarship interview dates for year 7 and year 9 entry (2025)
year 7: Monday 13 January 2025
year 9: Monday 24 - Wednesday 26 February 2025
The year 12 written assessments and cognitive ability tests take place throughout Saturday 9 November 2024
Internal candidates (year 9 and year 12)
Academic scholarships at year 9 and year 12 which carry a fee subsidy of up to 10% are also open to girls already in the school. Internal candidates are selected based on the results of academic assessments and will be considered alongside external candidates.
Music
Music scholarships may be awarded each year to suitable applicants at year 7, year 9 and year 12. The minimum Associated Board standard required for music scholarships is Grade 5 at year 7 entry, Grade 6 at year 9 entry and Grade 7 at year 12 entry on two instruments. All candidates who are offered a music scholarship must also fulfil the school’s academic entrance requirements. Auditions are held in January (year 7 and year 9 entry) and in November (year 12).
The exact dates are published each year at www.stswithuns.com.
Music scholarships carry a fee subsidy of up to 10%.
Music tuition costs on two instruments, per annum, for the duration of the scholar’s time at the school are also offered. In addition, a number of music exhibitions are awarded each year to girls who show flair and enthusiasm for performing. The award of an exhibition equates to the music tuition costs on one instrument, per annum, for the duration of the scholar’s time at the school. Music scholars may also make a separate application for a means-tested award in exactly the same way as any other applicant to the
school. Applications for a music scholarship must be accompanied by a completed registration form which should be completed as early as possible.
Internal scholarship candidates (year 9/year 12)
Music scholarships are also open to girls already in the school. Internal candidates must meet the Associated Board standard required for music scholarships: Grade 6 at year 9 entry and Grade 7 at year 12 entry on two instruments. Internal candidates will be nominated by their music teachers with reports submitted to the director of music. They will be invited to audition on the same dates and in the same way as the candidates from other schools.
For further information and a music scholarship application form please contact the music school (music@stswithuns.com or 01962 835746).
Overseas candidates.
Applications must be received by year 7 entry 4 October 2024. Video recordings of the performances must be submitted by 6th November and online interviews will take place on 13 November. The video recording should consist of the following:
a) First Study Instrument
Performance of a pair of contrasting pieces (or songs) of the candidate’s choice.
b) Other Instruments
Performance of one piece (or song) of the candidate’s choice.
All pieces should be accompanied unless specified otherwise.
Interview and Discussion: Auditions and interviews will be held 13 November 2024. During this session the candidate will speak with the Director of Music and Head of Instrumental Studies to talk about her musical interests, aspirations and achievements.
Sports
Scholarships may be awarded each year to suitable applicants at year 9 and year 12 entry and carry a fee subsidy of up to 10%.
Once a scholarship has been awarded, it is retained to the end of the upper sixth subject to annual review.
Successful applicants will be playing at county level or above for one of the school’s major sports (lacrosse, netball, cricket, tennis and athletics).
Ideally, they will also offer a second major sport to school A-team standard or have reached county level or above in one of the other sports played at St Swithun’s. There is an expectation that sports scholars are fully committed to sport at St Swithun’s, which includes attendance at matches and team practices. All candidates who are offered a sports scholarship must also fulfil the school’s academic entrance requirements.
Candidates are invited to an interview and an assessment day. For external candidates we may include a visit to watch them play for their current school or club.
For further information and a sports scholarship application form please contact the sports department
External year 12 entry candidates
All year 12 candidates who are offered a sports scholarship must also meet the school’s academic entrance requirements.
Year 12 candidates may also make a separate application for a means-tested award in exactly the same way as any other applicant to the school.
If you consider that your daughter fulfils the criteria for the award of a sports scholarship please submit a sports CV to include all previous sporting achievements and qualifications plus a covering letter from your daughter explaining why she thinks that she would make a good sports scholar. In addition, please submit the name and contact details of your daughter’s coach.
Applications for sports scholarships should be emailed to our head of sport at sportsawards@stswithuns.com.
A number of girls will then be selected and invited to attend an assessment comprising physical tests and an interview.
FEES – SCHOOL YEAR 2024-2025*
a. Academic
Boarder
£15,212 ex vat per term
Day Girl
£9,001 ex vat per term
b. Extra Subjects
There are supplemental fees for certain subjects (e.g. music tuition) and a few co-curricular activities. The rates for these are available on request.
c. Registration (non-returnable)
£350 for all registrations
d. Deposit
Deposits for boarding places (any entry point) by overseas-based non-UK nationals are a term’s fees. All but £500 will be offset against the first term’s fees; the remaining £500 will be returned after payment of the final term’s fees and extras.
UK-resident candidates’ deposits are: year 7 entry (£1500) year 9 entry (£3200) year 12 entry (£5000)
All bar £500 of the deposit will be offset against the first term’s fees; the remaining £500 will be returned after payment of the final term’s fees and any extras.
In addition to the deposit, parents of Child Student Visa girls will be required to make payment of the first year’s fees in full in the spring term before entry. This will enable the school to confirm to UKVI that this payment has been received, as part of the ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ (CAS) process.
e. Monthly Payments
It is possible to pay fees by monthly direct debit, through a monthly payment option.
Please see the school website for details.
f. Old Girls’ Association
Life membership of the Old Girls’ Association is free to all girls.
*Fees correct as at 1 September 2024.
FINDING ST SWITHUN’S BY CAR
Our postcode is SO21 1HA
FROM WINCHESTER TOWN CENTRE
Follow the one-way circuit along City Road, North Walls, past the old Police Station, to the King Alfred Statue roundabout. Turn left and go over the bridge. Take the first exit off the mini-roundabout and go up the steep hill signposted to Alresford. Cross over the motorway and the school is situated on the left.
FROM LONDON HEATHROW
Take the M3 South and leave at Junction 9. From the roundabout on top of the motorway, take the first exit signposted to Alresford and the A31. At the next roundabout, take the first exit signposted to Alresford and the A31. Continue on this road for 2 miles and take the first exit (B3404) at the next roundabout, signposted to Winchester city centre. After 1 mile, the school is situated on the right.
FROM OXFORD AND NEWBURY
Take the A34 South until the road intercepts with the M3 at Junction 9. Then take the second exit signposted to Alresford and the A31 and follow instructions as above.
FROM SOUTHAMPTON
Take the M3 North and leave at Junction 10. Take the second exit from the roundabout signposted to Winchester city centre (B3404). Go straight over the first mini-roundabout and then take the second exit (right) away from Winchester city centre on the B3404. Cross over the motorway and the school is situated on the left.
FROM GUILDFORD
Take the A31 to the Winchester Science Centre roundabout just outside Winchester. Take the second exit (B3404) towards Winchester city centre. After 1 mile, the school is situated on the right.
FINDING ST SWITHUN’S BY TRAIN
Winchester Railway Station is a 10 minute taxi drive from the school. Trains for London Waterloo (approx.1 hour) leave twice each hour.
BY AIR
Southampton Airport is 20 minutes by train to Winchester station.
ART
Art Scholars at St Swithun’s School will benefit from the following:
• A scholar’s sketchbook and art kit for creative work and artist research
• Access to school art clubs
• An art mentor
• Participation in a scholars’ exhibition to showcase their work
• Regular meetings with the Head of Art each half term to discuss opportunities and review their sketchbooks
• An additional gallery trip
• Opportunities to design posters for school events and publications
Expectations for Art Scholars:
• Regular attendance at a weekly art club
• Participation in both school and external art competitions
• Commitment to studying GCSE and A-Level art
• Leading by example by actively participating in artistic events such as exhibitions, talks, and cultural activities throughout the year
• A willingness to assist the art department, including helping curate exhibitions and open events.
As Art Ambassadors, scholars are also expected to:
• Display intellectual confidence by supporting or delivering school assemblies
• Share insights from their wider engagement with art to inspire others
• Encourage peers to engage with the subject
• Contribute ideas to improve the art department
Guidance for applications:
We are looking for portfolios with 7-10 pages/sheets that show:
• A range of work demonstrating a variety of skills and techniques
• Sketchbook pages or sketchbooks
• Observational drawings
• A range of work that has been produced either in and/or outside the classroom.
A portfolio may contain the following:
• Observational drawings
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Sketchbooks
• Film/animation
• Sculpture
• Photography
• Illustrations
For further information and online application form please visit our website or contact the Art Department at: artsawards@stswithuns.com.
DRAMA
Applications must be received by 11 October. Drama auditions will take place for year 9 entry 8 November and year 12 entry 13 November. Scholarships may be awarded each year to suitable candidates at year 9 and year 12 entry and carry a fee subsidy of up to 10%.
Candidates will be expected to be an actively involved pupil in their current school’s drama department and are able to offer either acting or design as their skill. The over-riding factor in whether a candidate receives an award will be whether they show exceptional promise in Drama. If you are in any doubt about suitability for an award, please contact the Head of Drama Pepe Gudiño Resendiz in advance at Drama Department.
The format of the audition will be designed to allow each pupil an equal opportunity regardless of experience. The auditions will be held in a small workshop group, offering each pupil the opportunity to perform individually and with others. The workshop will last approximately one hour. Candidates will be assessed in either acting or design in the following ways.
Candidates will be required to perform two contrasting speeches from plays of their choice, lasting a maximum of two minutes each, performed ‘in role’ and script-free. One classical and one contemporary monologue.
Both pieces should come from full-length published plays and not from speech-only audition books. Pupils should choose a role from a contemporary/classical play and their monologue should provide them with a versatile platform to showcase their acting strengths. Candidates will have a chance to ask the head of drama questions.
Candidates should present two short demonstrations of design from plays of their choice. Candidates may choose one or more of the following design skills to show:
• Set
• Masks
• Puppetry
• Lighting
• Sound
• Hair, Costume & Make-up
Pupils should bring evidence of their design work, either in photographic form, recordings or the actual articles.
Candidates should be prepared to introduce their approach to design in terms of their influences, stylistic approach and process. Those specialising in Lighting and Sound may choose to demonstrate their practical expertise using equipment provided by St Swithun’s school (lighting board, lanterns, sound player sources) – you must notify us ahead of time if you wish to do this. Candidates will have a chance to ask the head of drama questions.
All candidates will have the opportunity to expose their ideas and reasons of why they should be considered for a scholarship in a short interview with the Head of Drama and the Head.
The Head of Drama’s decision is final. Brief written feedback for all shortlisted candidates will be included in the letter informing you of the outcome.
International Candidates
Candidates will follow the same steps as above with the exception of the workshop. The whole process will take place online (facetime) via Microsoft teams or zoom.
St Swithun’s School, Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HA 01962 835700 office@stswithuns.com www.stswithuns.com Registered Charity Number 307335