Westonbirt School

The Good Schools Guide Review of Westonbirt School, Tetbury, GL8 8QG

Our View

Has got even better since our last visit with a more viable sixth form and greatly improved recreational facilities. ‘If you want a small boarding school you can’t beat it – miles ahead of others we looked at,’ said satisfied parents of a year 8 boarder. 'My daughter has found it brilliant,’ said another mother. Head runs a tight but happy ship and girls flourish in a setting which is second to none.

Head

Since 1999, Mrs Mary Henderson MA PGCE (mid-fifties). Educated at Berkhamsted Girls' then read French at St Andrews and played lacrosse for Scotland. PGCE from Durham before teaching French at Cheltenham Ladies’ where she became a housemistress. Four years at co-ed Warminster School before appointment to Westonbirt in 1996 as head of modern languages. Since our last visit, she has consolidated numbers and raised standards: still oozes savvy whilst remaining wholly approachable. Champions single sex education for girls and loves working in such inspiring surroundings. Married to retired senior lecturer from Bath University with whom she sings in local choirs and tours Europe. No children of her own but ‘really knows every girl in the school,’ said one mother. Keen on music and all things Scottish (particularly dancing - which she teaches the girls). Has proved an effective and successful head: setting high standards for girls and staff alike. Popular with girls for the right reasons, parents rate her as ‘passionate about the school’ and are amazed that ‘she seems to be at every event.' Admits to being ‘very competitive,’ enjoys seeing girls motivating each other ‘to perform beyond reasonable expectation.' Respected as ‘traditional without being old fashioned.’ Clearly pleased by how girls’ work ethic has improved: ‘It’s in their soul now to do well,’ she says.

Moving on in 2013.

Academic Matters

Rigour has taken hold across the curriculum but still lots of nurturing: plenty of 'late bloomers' thanks to small classes throughout and a 'tried and tested' learning support department. Inevitable seepage (for a variety of reasons) at 16 is more than counterbalanced by increasing numbers of girls arriving for sixth. Numbers opting for harder subjects have grown in recent years. Notwithstanding, the percentage of A and B grades at A level has levelled out around a respectable 60 - 70 per cent. Flexible timetable allows for unusual subject combinations. Sciences doing particularly well - biology and chemistry (75 per cent A grades) lead the way but English and maths more than hold their own. Art continues to flourish, Latin survives to GCSE with the occasional candidate at A level; languages have regained some popularity - year 9 girls recently wrote and performed their own French plays. Saturday lessons survive here though year 13 get weekends for revision from the Lent half-term onwards.

Most parents thrilled at daughters' progress. In past four years, the percentage of girls achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE (including English and maths) has increased from 71 per cent to almost 100 per cent - quite an achievement given the numbers receiving learning support. We observed an English lesson with some strident year 11 girls who were articulate and mature in their analysis of each others' contributions to a commendably interactive lesson. Teachers appear 'on side' here, giving plenty of praise and encouragement. Displays are better than in many senior schools and help to create a positive learning environment. A level historians we observed looked set for good results and knew their stuff, as did the sixth form geographers we saw studying the effects of monsoon climate (except that the 'stuff' of geography is no longer about knowing where places are). By the time we reached the professional-looking chemists we were completely out of our league, so we didn't try our luck with questions there.

Twenty per cent receive some form of learning support. Close liaison with prep school SENCo. Initial screening to ensure none escape radar. Many come with psychological report and range from a very few 'almost non-readers' to girls needing relatively little individual help. Three in successful, caring department; dyslexia-trained staff deliver up to four 35 minute lessons a week according to need. Emphasis may be on reading, spelling, short-term recall etc. School can handle mild Aspergers or dyspraxia within limits. Girls are not taken out of mainstream lessons for learning support and therefore feel no stigma. All staff trained in differentiation, which includes stretching gifted and talented in all lessons.

Games, Options, the Arts

Highly successful in sport, especially lacrosse (coach is ex-international); all girls enjoy superb outdoor and indoor facilities. Early morning training demonstrates girls' greater commitment. Triennial lacrosse tour to USA a highlight for many. All play lax to year 9 then around 50 seniors continue and generally reach national finals; similar numbers opt for tennis (year-round coaching available). Netball, rounders and hockey all get a look in. Swanky new sports hall includes heated 25 metre pool and fitness/aerobics suites upstairs with viewing gallery - facility plays host to several hundred locals each week which helps to finance its high overheads (offered free of charge to local state primaries thereby earning charity status brownie points). No stabling for horses here but polo (girls play by arrangement with Beaufort Polo Club) is a particular favourite.

Art department boasts two large studios and makes its creative presence felt around the school. When we visited, year 10 were inspired by Van Gogh (having just visited the Royal Academy exhibition). Westonbirt was one of the first two schools to pioneer the Leith's Food and Wine course and its popularity is as great as ever - nearly all sixth formers participate over five terms to gain the coveted certificate, which provides access to jobs (particularly useful for gappers) on the Leith's list. 'Inspirational' director of music (escapee from banking but with PhD in music) 'takes the girls with her' and is certainly making waves: musical participation in all areas has leapt up since she took over the reins, and the full-on samba band has also helped to stir things up. Some outstanding musicians here and a really impressive programme of orchestral and choral concerts - 'it's cool to be in the choir now,' say girls. 'I never knew my daughter could sing,' crooned one mother. Drama also very strong but HoD on maternity leave when we visited. Lunch-time current affairs sessions for sixth formers help to broaden political horizons. D of E is popular and is offered at bronze and gold award levels.

Background and Atmosphere

Few schools match the setting of Westonbirt: a magnificent neo-Renaissance pile built for ludicrously wealthy Holford family (who also founded nearby arboretum) at height of Victorian expansionism. Belongs to Allied Schools group (includes Stowe and Harrogate Ladies' amongst its five members). Girlguiding a strong influence in early years and some traditions survive: eg vespers sung whilst stood around edge of Great Hall. Christian life important but not dominant - Sunday chapel (on site) is still compulsory for boarders. Imbued with excellent taste, Robert Holford spared no expense here, and since the school opened in 1928 they have been worthy custodians of the grade 1 listed building and ornamental gardens, not to mention 250 acres of parkland. Library has recently been renovated (thanks to deep pockets of some worthy old girls) with exquisite pelmets re-fashioned at Royal School of Needlework and wall fabric hand-dyed to match original colour. Adjacent reading room is next for the top drawer make-over. Some dorms are exquisite with plum billet in Lady Holford's boudoir: individual dressing tables here not just wardrobes. Girls' lasting memories tend to be of delightful gardens rather than of marble columns or frescoes. All sixth formers have personal study bedrooms, and their boarding provision has been much improved by a recent Cotswold stone fronted (shame about the rear side) addition. Classrooms in the converted stables are adequate but showing their age; newer Francis Rawes building accommodates science, IT, art and DT not to mention the multi-use lecture room. Camelia House has been exquisitely refurbished (period drama producers please note) and provides a pre-Raphaelite backdrop for informal concerts. An appeal has been made to replace eyesore of a music department - not before time and a project close to the head's heart.

Friendly atmosphere throughout; good balance of male and female teachers who put up with a cramped staff room - 'money goes to the children,' quipped one colleague over coffee. More girls studying in sixth has definitely improved the work ethic since we last visited. Lots of trips and activities for all ages with special events thick on the ground - head (doyenne of the school's Caledonian Society) particularly enthusiastic about those with a Scottish flavour. Some girls would like more contact with boys' schools but sixth formers were preparing for a dinner debate with Abingdon when we visited and had just been to Eton for Scottish reels.

Pastoral Care and Discipline

Former is effective to a level where latter is now a rarity. Senior girls tend to defuse potential difficulties in many cases. Beaufort house provides haven for girls in year 7; three houses for 12-16 year olds with designated (mainly non-teaching) pastoral staff. Housemistresses often assigned other responsibilities, and parents praise 'mature approach' of house staff and say that moving girls around helps to ensure there are no major friendship issues. Academic tutor makes up trio of carers for each girl. Sixth form includes prefects ('Study One') who operate from summer term in year 12 until start of A levels. Counsellor comes regularly to lend confidential support; 'star' of a chaplain whom girls 'really trust'. Active approach to Christianity involves girls taking a lead but religion is not rammed down throats. Qualified nursing staff operate sanatorium 24/7. School likes ISCO careers support and believes in girls getting a wide range of work experience: '10 different sorts if possible,' said head of careers. Fines for rare instances of smoking (part of growing up); glass of wine permitted to sixth formers on special occasions but never spirits; tough on drugs. Night-time high jinks avoided by alarmed doors and night watchmen who patrol the grounds. Parents say that any problem is 'dealt with properly.'

Pupils and Parents

'Turns out polished and lovely girls,' beamed one parent. 'Not immaculate' and more down to earth than you'd expect - no riffraff but many families are making 'huge sacrifices'. Appeals to a broad cross-section of girls, mainly within a two hour travelling radius but increasing numbers of Londoners board here, and other enclaves of boarding families have sprung up in Cornwall and Wales; fewer overseas pupils these days (ceiling is now 25 per cent, we were told, which belied some parental observations but, says school, is absolutely true). Sociable, hearty girls in the main who enjoy the atmosphere and sporting opportunities. Some shrinking violets (present head girl admitted to having started in this category) who blossom over time. 'No naughtiness now,' claimed senior girls who 'get cross' if girls step out of line. Reading is part of the culture, as is throwing oneself into all aspects of school life. Percentage of boarders increases as girls move through school. Day girls can sleep over once a week for free and some buy extra nights to be with friends. Many 'convert' as a result of trying out boarding this way. Girls who leave at 16 sometimes live to regret their decision (and even return). Overseas pupils benefit from effective ELT teaching and bring an extra dimension; many short-term German pupils want to stay longer if it can be arranged.Famous old girls include children's author Georgia Byng (Molly Moon series), TV's Hotel Inspector Ruth Watson, TV producer Patricia Llewellyn (Two Fat Ladies, Jamie Oliver), and socialites Lady Emily Compton, Lady Sybilla Hart and Lady Natasha Rufus-Isaacs.

Entrance

Common entrance at 11 and 13; own exam for those outside CE system and for sixth formers outside of GCSE system (otherwise minimum 5+ GCSEs at A-C are needed). Most Rose Hill Westonbirt girls proceed here at 11+; local primaries also provide some day girls. Beaudesert Park and St Margaret’s, Calne have been favourites alongside Leaden Hall and Godstowe but net is being cast wider and wider it seems. Head regularly visits Garden House to recruit from ‘the smoke’. Daughters of clergy still receive a 30 per cent bursary. Educational psychologist’s report if special needs – girls are only turned away if really unable to cope. Overseas pupils increasingly from Europe rather than Far East with German and Spanish girls coming for between one term and two years.

Exit

About half the sixth form leavers take a gap year. Most sixth formers proceed to reputable universities (including medicine and veterinary science). Good HE advice ensures sixth formers make realistic choices and advice continues after they leave.

Money Matters

Scholarships and exhibitions offered at 11, 13 and 16 include academic, art, drama, sport and music. Five per cent sibling reductions; more for Forces, diplomatic and clergy daughters. Extras include ballet, learning support and golf.

This school has not yet completed our SEN Survey

School Features

Curricula

GCSE - standard English curriculum

A level - standard English curriculum

Sports

Lacrosse

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