#BeCurious
Welcome to Westbourne Your place to Be Curious ...
Curiosity is the very foundation of Westbourne Prep. Offering a sector-leading curriculum nurturing the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Smaller classes, with an average class size of just 16, combined with one-to-one attention from staff, ensure that pupils quickly build their skill level, developing a love of learning that carries them into their futures. We inspire our pupils to be enlightened global citizens, supported by our growing network of schools and global partnerships.
A leading STEM curriculum furnishes pupils with future-ready skills through interactive learning opportunities and access to the latest AI-supported technology. Our dynamic extracurricular programme builds resilience, problem-solving and independence in new environments, stimulating pupils’ curiosity and encouraging them to surmount the unknown.
“The thing I like most about Westbourne is that the classes are small. At my other school there were much bigger classes. I was in a class of 30 but now there are always teachers about and they help you. Our class is quite small, there are only 15, which I think is really good for our education.”
BEATRICE, YEAR 5
Be Curious about learning
Focused on academic excellence, our sector-leading curriculum supports pupils to reach their full potential, with continuous opportunities to challenge themselves.
A PERSONALISED APPROACH
Westbourne Prep’s small school environment, with class sizes capped lower than any other Cardiff or Vale school, allows us to tailor the learning journey to the individual. Teachers work with the children on a one-to-one basis to ensure that they gain confidence to be active, inquisitive learners.
EXCEPTIONAL OUTCOMES
We are proud that the literacy and numeracy abilities of our pupils far exceed their ages.
PUPIL READING AGE BY YEAR 5 60% 100% 3+ years above their age 1+ years above their age
Over and above traditional academic subjects, we offer an innovative Philosophy curriculum, encouraging pupils to question the world. Children learn foreign languages from Year 1, including Spanish for its global reach, as well as coding and robotics classes.
MORE ABLE & TALENTED
Our More Able and Talented (MAT) provision, offered from Year 1, focuses on exploring individual interests and fascinations, and on problem-solving and lateral thinking. In Year 5, the children work together to launch their own small business.
Be Curious about STEM
We are one of the UK’s leading schools for STEM study. Recently included in the high-profile EdTech50 list and Finalist for ‘Best Use of Technology’ in the Tes Schools Awards, as well as for the Independent School of the Year Innovation Award.
INNOVATION
Innovation is central to every child’s educational experience at Westbourne. Pupils gain confidence in coding, computer science, robotics and 3D printing, mastering advanced skills in the latest technology.
STEM EXCELLENCE
In addition to classroom learning in the core subjects, children benefit from regular immersive STEM afternoons, with a focus on hands-on, practical study.
The latest UK Government data highlights the increasing demand for STEM graduates, with STEM jobs growing at 2x the rate of other occupations.
Critical Thinking
“I always thought this school would be good, I hoped that this school would be great, but I didn’t expect this school to be incredible.”
PREP PARENT
Leadership
Be Curious about yourself
Our wide-ranging co-curricular programme is carefully curated to extend the competencies developed academically, and nurture well-rounded young people.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Pupils hone their decision-making and leadership skills by taking on roles in our Student Council and Sports Council from Year 1 onwards, and as Head Boy or Girl, Prefects, and House Captains in Year 5. Taking an active role in school life also promotes close friendships across year groups.
“Many clubs and activities are for children across the age groups. This fosters extremely positive working relationships across the school and further strengthens the school’s exceptionally caring and supportive community.”
ESTYN INSPECTION REPORT
SPORTS
A broad sporting programme makes full use of our exceptional setting on the Welsh coast, frequenting Penarth Pier, the beach and Cosmeston Lakes. Beyond the traditional, sports on offer include basketball, tennis, white water rafting, ice skating, horse riding, rock climbing, sailing, skateboarding, and many more. Prep Pupils are also invited to take part in our thriving Saturday Sports sessions to further improve their fitness and teamworking skills.
Resilience
MUSIC & DRAMA
Pupils develop their own distinctive voice through performance. As well as hosting concerts throughout the year, students also have the option to build their drama skills through LAMDA classes.
Children can choose lessons in a wide range of instruments, including harp, trumpet, piano, flute, violin, cello, drums, flugel, guitar, organ and singing.
CLUBS AFTER SCHOOL
Our dynamic after school clubs programme is updated termly and includes everything from climbing, sailing, ice skating, horseriding, skateboarding and a range of team sports, to cookery, STEM Club, Lego, 3D printing, Slime Club, and arts & crafts.
40+ different club options s
BUILDING SKILLS CONFIDENCE INDEPENDENCE LEADERSHIP RESILIENCE TEAMBUILDING
“Tomos came first in the Cardiff regatta today. He only got into sailing this summer because of the brilliant after school sailing club organised by Westbourne. He wouldn’t have discovered sailing had it not been for Westbourne! We can’t thank you enough!”
PREP PARENT
TRIPS & EXCURSIONS
We offer regular trips and excursions, from challenging and rewarding adventures in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to cultural trips to some of Europe’s most exciting cities. We also run a STEM trip annually, recently visiting the groundbreaking Silverstone Interactive Museum, the home of motorsports.
“One of my favourite lessons is FaB School. Sometimes we go to the farm to talk about the seasons, or hunt for berries or pine cones, and sometimes we go to Penarth beach or Sully Island to find out more about sea creatures and different types of rocks.”
HUGO, YEAR 1
Be Curious about the outdoors
Classroom study is further enhanced by our FaB (Forest & Beach) School – an immersive outdoors learning and wellbeing initiative with origins in the Danish approach to education, promoting the importance of contact with nature from an early age.
ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE
Our experienced FaB School teacher leads interactive sessions around core topics and themes in a variety of nearby countryside and coastal locations. The children explore and engage with their natural surroundings, developing skills including problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity.
OUR PRIVATE FOREST
A regular location is our private Forest School site. Set on a 20-acre farm - complete with log circle, hammock, tree swing, natural building area, digging area and fire pit - pupils listen to a story around the campfire or in one of the barns, enjoying hot chocolate and toast prepared on the fire, and try out activities including whittling, knots and den building.
Exploration Wellbeing
“Evan
has grown in confidence since joining Westbourne Prep, but the big difference is the academic side; he is hugely curious and learns by interaction and discussion.”
PREP PARENT
Be Curious about the world
An enhanced curriculum offers a wealth of learning opportunities designed to inspire pupils to become enlightened global citizens. This is supported by our growing network of global schools, currently in Sydney, Singapore and, launching imminently, Mumbai.
INSPIRED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
In addition to regular talks from leading thinkers across a range of industries, in previous years Prep pupils have visited INSEAD in France thanks to our strong connections with the world-leading business school.
An unprecedented opportunity for learners of this age, the children are inspired to think about their own role in changing the world, as well as developing their creativity and critical thinking.
As part of an International Baccalaureate World School, with students sitting the IB Diploma in Year 13, study in the Prep School is underpinned by the IB Learner Profile, which encourages the development of key competencies and attitudes to prepare our children for future global success.
Community
THE BEST PREPARATION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
Students are introduced to life at Westbourne Senior from the beginning of Year 5. Their school calendar includes a full day each week at the Senior School.
With access to specialist teaching staff, exposure to new subjects, and the opportunity to use the Senior School facilities including our senior science labs and sports grounds, they are well prepared for the next step in their educational journey.
A GLOBAL FUTURE
In Year 6, students move to our Hickman Road site and follow our future-focused Middle Years curriculum, uniquely designed to prepare Years 6–9 for GCSE, Sixth Form and the workplace beyond.
Real-time workshops with students from our schools in Sydney and Singapore, powered by cutting-edge technology, support them to collaborate and share learnings globallyin STEM, business and core topics required to excel in the modern world.
READY TO START AN APPLICATION?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and there is no fee to apply. Upon completion of the application form, our Admissions Team will be in touch to support you and your child through the process, including settling in and Taster Days where necessary, as well as with any scholarship or bursary applications.
Pupils applying for entry into Year 2 and above are invited for entrance testing in Reading and Maths, alongside an informal interview with Vice Principal, Miss Chinnock.
Be Curious about your future Opportunity
to access the registration form
“At Westbourne, all of the teachers are absolutely amazing! They are kind, helpful and understanding. If you are struggling with something the teacher will immediately come to your aid and help you.”
MICHAEL, YEAR 5
