Westonbirt Senior School prospectus

Inspiring young minds

WELCOME

Parents increasingly appreciate that a greenhouse, not a hothouse, is the optimum environment for children to flourish. At Westonbirt, we combine this with the passion and commitment from staff which fuels learning and holds the expectation that each child will fulfil their potential and beyond.

This holistic approach to education is well supported by the abundant outdoor space for our breadth of co-curricular activities. A small school that proudly punches above its weight; Westonbirt pupils are regularly selected to play for county and national sports teams, drama students appear at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and over two-thirds of pupils play at least one musical instrument.

University preparation is fundamental, but a continued, individual approach to life even beyond our stunning surrounds, remains paramount. Individuality is celebrated and our pupils develop a level of confidence which is neither arrogant nor taken for granted.

I look forward to welcoming you to our School and challenge you to look below the surface of this magical atmosphere.

Natasha Dangerfield Headmistress

WHY WESTONBIRT?

At Westonbirt you will find an inspired community set within 210 acres of parkland grounds and a breathtaking Victorian mansion. Success of any kind is celebrated and development is nourished. Class sizes are small and the School is rated excellent for academic achievement and personal development by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Westonbirt has also been regularly shortlisted for various awards and receives good reviews from publications such as the Good Schools Guide.

The boarding school ethos benefits day students and boarders alike and our strong sense of community is key to ensuring pupils feel valued and well supported in becoming the best version of themselves.

Staff know students exceptionally well and it is their passion and commitment that ensures the learning environment is rich and filled with an expectation that each child will reach their potential. The abundance of outdoor space for sports at Westonbirt and a broad co-curricular programme supports a holistic approach to education.

Academic scholars benefit from a variety of enrichment and extension activities and pupils with additional needs are supported to achieve their potential through our dedicated Learning Support team. Westonbirt is also proud to offer a strong English as an Additional Language Language (EAL) department and enjoys a vibrant international and inclusive community.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Westonbirt offers a broad curriculum with the ability to tailor subject options to individuals where possible. Class sizes are small and achievement is high; in 2023, 41% of our A Level entries were at A*-A grades and 69% of GCSE entries were at 9-5 grades.

We offer a wide range of both academic and vocational qualifications in the Sixth Form, including A Levels, BTECs, Leiths and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). We aim to be as flexible as possible with subject choices; allowing students to build a bespoke programme of learning that is right for them and which meets their needs and aspirations. 90% of students are accepted by their first-choice university, going on to study a huge variety of subjects including Medicine, Sports Science, Law, Architecture, Drama and much more at a range of Russell Group, UK and international universities.

Pupils with additional needs are supported to achieve their potential through our dedicated Learning Support team and academic scholars benefit from extension activities, in addition to being stretched and challenged in lessons. Specific support is given to those intending to apply to Oxbridge or for other specialist degrees such as Medicine.

“The opportunities that we are given here are amazing, from academic to music; the teachers push you as they know that you can do better which really helps me as sometimes I can doubt myself. They are very caring and really listen to you if you have any concerns.”

Year 11 pupil

INSPIRING SURROUNDINGS

Located in 210 wonderful acres of Cotswold parkland and gardens, Westonbirt students are extremely fortunate to have a hugely inspirational setting in which to live and work. The main School house is an historic and striking building, a Victorian mansion with nothing short of stately home proportions.

Within its wonderful 150-year-old walls you will find a thoroughly modern school with excellent facilities. Students appreciate the magnificent state rooms and make the most of the elegant spaces in which they work and rest. The School has recently invested in teaching and learning spaces including new Walled Garden classrooms; a newly-refurbished teaching kitchen; and sports facilities including a new Astroturf, cricket nets and tennis courts.

Westonbirt is situated in the middle of Royal Gloucestershire close to Tetbury, with Highgrove House nearby and Westonbirt Arboretum opposite. The arboretum, which originally stemmed from our grounds, makes an impressive heritage partner and is a fabulous option for students to extend their walks. With a drive of about an hour and a half from Heathrow airport and frequent school mini-bus runs in and out, students find us accessible and in a Cotswold country setting which can offer those from the city a breath of fresh air in a safe and secure environment.

Woo on Basse Wroughton

Purton

Cricklade Highworth

South Cerney Kemble

ames

EXAMINATION RESULTS

Tailored teaching and small classes mean that Westonbirt students are well supported to achieve their potential and results are good.

GRADES 7-9

GRADES 6-9

GRADES A*- A

GRADES A*- A

GRADES 6-9

GRADES 5-9

GRADES A*- B

GRADES A*- B

GRADES 5-9

GRADES 4-9

GRADES A*- C

GRADES A*- C

90% of students achieve their first-choice university with pupils going on to study a wide variety of courses at prestigious Russell Group Institutions as well as other UK and international universities.

“My son moved from a school where the focus was almost exclusively on results, to Westonbirt where great results come about through focus on the individual. The Sixth Form staff team is totally invested in their sixth formers, and never more so than in the run up to and during A Levels. Subject teachers have repeatedly gone above and beyond to give individual attention, including giving up their own time, to make sure that everyone is ready for the exams and assessments.”

Year 13 parent

MUSIC, ART & DRAMA

Music is truly at the heart of the School with large numbers singing in choirs and two thirds of the students playing at least one musical instrument. Music lessons incorporate performance, composing and appraising as well as the study of different musical genres from Baroque and classical, to musical theatre, reggae and popular music. Composition work is carried out using Sibelius software in our dedicated Music Technology Suite.

Performances in Music and Drama are frequently staged in the Orangery, the Great Hall and the Chapel as well as in the nearby cultural centres of Bristol, Bath and Cheltenham. Drama productions are of extremely high quality and are regularly enjoyed by large audiences. Recent performances have included “We Will Rock You,” Jazz Night and “Romeo and Juliet.”

The School has its own light and spacious Art studios, providing the perfect environment for creativity. In recent years, students have gained unconditional offers to read at the prestigious Central Saint Martin’s; Glasgow School of Art and the Architectural Association School of Architecture. The School also puts on its own Art Exhibition each year for public display where works from a range of media are presented and appreciated.

Individual students have previously won ISA national Art and Music competitions, including Musical Theatre and Sketchbook.

SPORT

With extensive playing fields and wonderful facilities, including a 9-hole golf course, sport is a significant part of School life. Major sports include Rugby, Cricket, Football, Lacrosse, Hockey, Netball, Athletics, Swimming and Tennis, whilst Golf, Equestrian, Polo and Basketball are also available. Sports coaches are experts in their fields and many students go on to play at county level and beyond. Students are encouraged and supported to extend their talents as far as they possibly can.

At the heart of sport provision is a £3m Sports Centre including a 25m indoor swimming pool, sports hall and aerobics room and a full gymnasium. A new Sports Zone opened in 2023, comprising an Astroturf pitch, new cricket pitches and netball and tennis courts.

Westonbirt enjoys an enviable reputation for producing highly successful individual and team performances in a wide variety of sports, always punching above its weight against much larger schools. Teams have won ISA national championships in cricket and rugby, whilst individuals have been selected to represent England in lacrosse, and Gloucestershire at the English Schools’ Track and Field National Championships.

A range of Physical Education activities are also offered through the curriculum with GCSE PE and BTEC Sports.

CO-CURRICULAR

Westonbirt offers all students extensive additional learning through the co-curricular programme. Students are encouraged to participate in activities that are enjoyable and contribute hugely to Westonbirt life, helping to develop well rounded, confident individuals.

Examples of regular co-curricular activities in addition to Music, Sport, Arts and Drama include:

• A Leadership programme

• The Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold)

• Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

• FameLab Academy in conjunction with Cheltenham Science Festival

• Service Projects to Nepal and Southern India

• History of Art evening classes

• Debating and Socratic Societies

• Breakfast and Politics with the Headmistress

• Participation in competitions such as Science Olympiads, Maths Challenges, F1 in Schools and FIRST LEGO League

• Leith’s Certificate in Food and Wine (Sixth Form)

• Bee-keeping.

Year 13 pupil

“The School doesn’t just cultivate one personality or character; it adapts to who you are, what your passions and hobbies are and how you want to develop them. I feel very understood by my tutors.”

FLEXIBLE BOARDING OPTIONS

Westonbirt offers full and weekly boarding as well as flexi-boarding for three nights a week. Many of our local students take up this opportunity which supports a focus on prep and School activities during the week and also provides the opportunity to have supper and socialise with friends.

Boys’ boarding was launched in September 2021 with over 40% of Key Stage 3 now made up of boys. A new Junior boarding house, Sedgwick, will open in 2024, providing additional space for Year 7 and 8. Sixth Form boarding is designed to replicate university living to prepare students for the next stage in their educational journey; this is enhanced by a new co-educational Year 13 boarding house located offsite a few miles away, which provides even more independence.

“It is the sense of community and the beauty of the house we occupy that makes boarding here such a magical experience. Routines are established in the boarding environment that enable teenagers to form successful habits and learn to manage their time, and ultimately their studies, more effectively. At Westonbirt, our boarders find that friends really do become family.”

Natasha Dangerfield Headmistress

PASTORAL CARE

Ensuring the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our students has never been more essential and pastoral care is embedded throughout every aspect of School life. Our approach focuses on well-being, mindfulness and the management of stress and exam anxiety. It also looks at achieving a better work life balance and is designed to help pupils manage their own mental health. Students use their tutors and the Health and Wellbeing Centre for support and advice, with a School Listener also available.

The School has outstanding pastoral aspects as recognised by our ISI inspection, but also recognised by students themselves. They consider the School to be very open and find it a safe space to talk to staff, especially when something is going wrong for them. Staff know students exceptionally well and it is the sense of community fostered by this that contributes to the wellbeing of all.

“Top marks here for pastoral care and wellbeing.”

Good Schools Guide

VALUES AND ETHOS

Westonbirt was founded as a Church of England School and retains a spiritual approach for all students, no matter their faith or cultural background. We have a beautiful Chapel in the School grounds with regular services.

Our Christian ethos underpins our approach to School life and, regardless of religious belief or faith, all our students receive support for their personal spiritual development. Westonbirt offers a true community spirit and an atmosphere in which students flourish and feel supported.

Many students choose to take confirmation during their time at Westonbirt. Others may enjoy the Chapel during assemblies and key events through the School year such as Remembrance Day. It provides a magical setting for our annual candlelit service in December and a space to find some peace during the busy weeks of term.

“I genuinely think that my children will have a better chance of withstanding the ups and downs of life, armed with the values, skills, courage and kindness, instilled in them by Westonbirt. It really is a very special place.” Parent

SIXTH FORM LIFE

Westonbirt offers a vibrant Sixth Form community with a broad range of A Levels and BTECs on offer and a unique leadership programme.

Westonbirt Sixth Form provides the perfect balance between supporting students to achieve their potential and offering a stepping stone to university living; students enjoy communal Sixth Form study and social spaces, study bedrooms and a Year 13 coeducational boarding house offsite, a Sixth Form Café and bar and access to our leisure centre, fitness suite and 9-hole golf course.

Westonbirt Sixth Form offers its students the opportunity to develop the right kind of independence. Where it comes to academic work, we provide a supportive environment that encourages and fosters self-discipline; where extra-curricular opportunities present themselves, our students develop their leadership potential and organisational skills. Ultimately, students grow into the sort of young people that universities and employers desire: those with the organisational, employability and social skills to enrich their environment and with the confidence and ability to hold and present themselves wherever their educational journey takes them.

BEYOND WESTONBIRT

We take great interest in our students’ future paths, whatever route they choose and delight in hearing from our alumni on their wide-ranging achievements. Past pupils are often invited back to address the School at our annual Speech Day and many more keep in touch with us via the Westonbirt Association. Recent leavers are studying degree subjects such as Law, Criminology, Artificial Intelligence, Pharmacy, Architecture and Veterinary Medicine at a wide range of universities including Oxford, Exeter, Nottingham, Warwick, Leeds and King’s College, London. Others have been offered degree-level apprenticeships at companies such as Unilever.

Our Aspiring Futures Days draw specialists and experts from a range of careers to come to School and open hearts and minds to the options that exist beyond Sixth Form, many of whom also offer some semblance of work experience, apprenticeship or intern work. Westonbirt students are linked to industry early and the employability skills this provides them with, are as valuable in some instances as their A Level and BTEC/Level 3 qualifications.

westonbirt.org

Prep: +44 (0)1666 881400

Senior: +44 (0)1666 880333

Westonbirt School, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QG