Westonbirt School

The school is guided by a belief in the endless potential of every child, promoting a culture of curiosity, creativity, and courage. It emphasizes holistic development, encouraging pupils to be compassionate, independent, and resilient. The educational approach integrates academic excellence with a strong connection to the natural environment, utilizing biophilic design principles to enhance wellbeing and learning.

The school offers a continuous educational journey from Nursery through to Sixth Form. The Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, focusing on play-based learning and the development of independence. The Prep School provides a broad curriculum for ages 2-11, while the Senior School and Sixth Form offer a wide range of subjects and qualifications, including A levels, BTECs, Leiths, and the EPQ. The school also hosts an international summer school for ages 10-16, featuring English language learning, leadership programmes, and technology-focused courses.

Westonbirt School was voted ‘Co-educational Independent School of the Year’ at the 2023 Independent School of the Year awards and is included in the Fortune ‘World’s Leading Boarding Schools’ 2023 report. In 2025, 46% of Sixth Form grades were at A*/A, and 90% of students secured their first-choice university, with destinations including Durham, the University of Warwick, and the University of Exeter.

The school maintains small class sizes to ensure students are supported and challenged to reach their potential. In the Nursery, daily sessions focus on building understanding of numbers, sounds, and language, while the Senior School provides bespoke programmes of study and academic support for qualifications including A levels, BTECs, and the EPQ. Summer school students receive continuous monitoring by class tutors and an end-of-stay report.

Westonbirt School welcomes applications for children aged 2 to 18 years. Prospective families are encouraged to attend Open Mornings, which are held in the autumn and spring, or to book a personal tour to meet the senior leadership team and observe learning in action. The admissions process includes opportunities for taster sessions and boarding experiences.

The school operates on a term-time basis, with the academic year running from September to August for the Nursery. The Westonbirt Summer School runs in July and August, offering four one-week sessions for students aged 10-16. Termly fees are payable in advance on or before the first day of each term.

Set within 210 acres of parkland, the campus features a historic mansion and modern facilities including a 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, and a full-size 9-hole golf course with a practice putting area. Sports facilities include three rugby and lacrosse pitches, seven tennis courts, grass cricket pitches with four-lane nets, and a Sports Complex featuring an AstroTurf pitch and three lit netball courts. The school is currently developing new Prep School buildings designed with biophilic principles, featuring vaulted spaces, natural ventilation, and dedicated outdoor play areas.

The school offers a wide range of activities, including music, French, games, swimming, and forest school for younger pupils. Older students participate in competitive sports such as rugby, lacrosse, cricket, netball, and tennis, as well as an active equestrian programme that competes in national dressage, show jumping, and eventing events. Additional academies include golf, performing arts, and robotics, alongside leadership and development opportunities.