Sir William Perkins's School

Since 2023, Debbie Picton MA (Oxon) – her first headship. Educated at an independent school on a full scholarship in her home town of Blackpool before reading classics at Oxford. A deep passion for her subject (‘I hated the thought of giving it up

Selective entry for 80 places in year 7. No sibling policy – each applicant is assessed on own merit. Pupils come from 60+ feeder schools; around 30 per cent from state primaries, 70 per cent from preps. Three times as many children sit the entrance

Around 35 per cent of pupils leave post-GCSE, either for co-ed schools or sixth form college. School is hopeful that this figure will decrease with introduction of boys. Most sixth formers to university – around 80 per cent to Russell Group.

In 2025, 84 per cent 9-7 at GCSE. At A level, 63 per cent A*/A (85 per cent A*-B).

A selective intake ensures school sits comfortably in the top 100 independent schools for results although all agree a SWPS education delivers ‘so much more than good grades’. Every parent we spoke to praised the ‘encouraging yet non-pressured’

No blanket approach here – the ‘personalised learning’ department (comprising full-time SENCo, two LSAs and part-time dyslexia teacher) caters for any child, not just those on SEN register. Currently 20 per cent have some form of SEN, including

‘Phenomenal’ head of music has an ‘inclusive ethos’. We encountered a year 7 vocal group performing at a lunchtime concert on our tour – ‘non-auditioned’, as our guide pointed out, but delightful nonetheless. Various choirs, with one having recently

Sporting prowess is evident – head’s wish list includes a bigger cabinet to house all the medals they keep winning but school is also proudly inclusive. ‘My daughter’s commitment earned her a place on the team even though she’s not the best player,’

Robust pastoral care includes ‘top-notch’ transition for year 7 pupils and their parents (welcome picnic, taster sessions, induction days) with additional orientation visits for SEN pupils. Year 11 mentors look after year 7 classes for first few

All the pupils we met were bright, confident, happy and very loyal to their school. No SWPS ‘type’ – ‘my children are very different and both fit in nicely,’ a parent told us. ‘What’s more, they have never been compared.’ Pupils arrive from every

Scholarships (academic, art, drama, music and sport) are awarded to pupils joining the school at 11+ and in the region of 10 per cent of fees. Sixth form scholarships (academic, art, drama, music, sport and rowing) attract varying fee remission.

Big enough to thrive, small enough to care, SWPS is a place where learning and enjoyment go hand-in-hand, meaning that good grades are the happy by-product of a well-rounded education. Perks include outstanding rowing programme, vast array of