Westonbirt School

Mission statement

“Our mission is to provide a caring and inspirational learning environment that will support the development of each individual intellectually, emotionally, morally and spiritually. Students will be prepared to thrive and contribute as curious, creative and courageous global citizens within an ever changing and increasingly challenging world.”

Academics

In addition to the traditional GCSE and A Level curriculum, Westonbirt offers a BTEC programme and a Leith’s Certificate in Food and Wine for students who want to have a more vocational educational experience. In 2021, 90% of students were accepted to their first-choice university; leavers destinations included the Universities of Oxford, Edinburgh and Madrid.

In 2022, 79% of A Level students achieved grades A* - B. This included 100% of maths students achieving A*, and all chemistry and art students receiving grades A* - B. In the same year, 42% of GCSE students scored grades of 7-9.

Year 12 pupils have the option to participate in the ‘Learning to Lead' programme, run by ex-England rugby international Lee Mears.

Activities & sports

The school’s ethos dictates that students get a balance between their schoolwork and recreational activities. Westonbirt students learn to become leaders and develop their confidence and individuality through the school’s extra-curricular programme. The school has an excellent arts programme, with students encouraged to play a musical instrument, or join a choir or orchestra. . Students have the option to participate in two drama productions every year with a part either on or off stage for everyone. The school also has an impressive array of facilities for students to use, including a state-of-the-art music technology centre with a recording studio and computer suite and multiple performance spaces for dance, drama and music performances.

Sport is also a very important part of life at Westonbirt, with the main games being lacrosse, rugby, netball, tennis, cricket, golf and horse riding. Many students represent the school at county or national level in various sports. Facilities include a 25-meter swimming pool, nine-hole golf course, sports hall, tennis and netball courts. Equestrian facilities are also available for students.

International student community

Westonbirt welcomes students form 29 different countries around the world, making up 27% of the student population at the school. This promotes tolerance and understanding as students are in contact with people from different cultures and life experiences daily and therefore must learn to respect others and celebrate their differences. English as an Additional Language is provided for students who are not fluent, and it is taught in small groups so they are able to learn and become fully integrated into the school quickly.

Boarding life

Westonbirt has a long and rich boarding history with a welcoming and vibrant community of boarders. The boarding facilities are constantly improving, with the recent addition of boys’ boarding in 2021 and refurbished boarding houses on offer as of September 2022. Each boarding house has a communal space encouraging a warm and comfortable community environment. Pastoral staff work hard to make sure that the children’s boarding and school experience is as enjoyable as possible. There is also a rich weekend activities programme, with movie nights, trips to Bath and Bristol as well as London and Oxford, barbecues and house outings. This is on top of any sports or other extra-curricular activities that students may be participating in.