Leweston School

The school operates under the motto 'rejoice and do well,' focusing on building a child's capacity to use knowledge, think independently, and recover from failure. It utilizes the 'Leweston Learner' model, which promotes five key characteristics: confident, adventurous, inquisitive, resilient, and creative. The community aims to be inclusive and supportive, treating each pupil as an individual rather than asking them to fit a specific mould.

The school offers a continuous educational pathway from Nursery (ages 0-4) through Prep (ages 5-11) and Senior (ages 11-15) to Sixth Form (ages 16-18). The curriculum includes GCSEs in the Senior years and A Levels in the Sixth Form, supported by a Talent Pathways Programme for gifted pupils. Specialized pathways are available in subjects including Academic, Art and Design, Drama, Equestrian, Pentathlon, Music, and Sport.

The school focuses on preparing pupils for life beyond the classroom, with students moving on to a variety of colleges, universities, gap years, or employment. The Sixth Form maintains a strong work ethic, with students achieving high grades and receiving support for their future destinations. The school emphasizes the development of independent thinking, resilience, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.

The school provides individualised learning support through a dedicated team, including a SENCO and specialists in individual needs. EAL support is available for international students throughout the year, and the school maintains a pastoral care system that includes tutors, a school counsellor, and a wellbeing hub. Bespoke development plans are created for pupils on the Talent Pathways Programme to ensure academic and personal growth.

The school welcomes prospective families for individual visits throughout the year, which include a tour of the grounds, classroom observations, and meetings with leadership staff. Following registration, pupils participate in a taster day within their potential year group. The admissions process includes online registration and the payment of a deposit to confirm a place, with specific support available for international families, including a funded two-day taster visit.

The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Each term includes scheduled half-term breaks and voluntary exeat weekends, during which full boarders may remain on campus. The school provides specific term dates for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years, including staff inset days and designated international travelling days.

Set in 46 acres of Dorset parkland, the campus features a Grade I listed Manor House, a bespoke Nursery building, and a Prep School housed in a former Coach House. Specialist facilities include an Art and Design Centre with pottery and darkroom studios, a Senior Science Centre, the Pensabene and Eleanor libraries, and a purpose-built Music School. Sports facilities comprise an all-weather hockey pitch, a sports hall, six netball and tennis courts, an indoor heated swimming pool, and a 300m grass track.

The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities, including sport, art, design, drama, and music. Pupils have access to a Talent Pathways Programme for those showing exceptional ability in disciplines such as academic research, equestrian, pentathlon, and the performing arts. Additionally, the school hosts regular events, charity weeks, and outdoor education opportunities, including Forest School for younger pupils.