Westbourne School

Since September 2024, Aidan Edmanson. State educated at Hastingbury Upper School, Bedfordshire, followed by one year at the US Embassy School in New Dehli. BA in English language and literature from Essex. A year as cover supervisor at Sir Robert

Non-selective academically, no assessments. Entry into juniors at age 4+ and into seniors at 11+, involving meeting the head, a tour, taster day, reference and reports from current school as appropriate. Provided the child is at a suitable level,

Around 80 per cent of juniors normally stay on into seniors, although recently this has dropped to 50 per cent, mainly to state schools due to VAT. A few trickle away before GCSEs, but not significant numbers and no clear patterns. Year 11s progress

In 2025, 45 per cent 9-7 at GCSE.

Reception enjoy creative play in their classroom stuffed with construction, art and other opportunities to explore. They have their own playground space too. Year 1 were engaged in the musical presentation, ‘Tuishi Pamoja, a friendship under African

The ethos of the school resonates with children with SEN and their parents. Over 40 per cent of the cohort are on the register, with eight EHCPs, overseen by a full-time SENDCo (a fully qualified teacher with no other teaching responsibilities) and

Talent in music was highlighted on our visit by the juniors’ African performance. Junior music room sets the tone, with keyboards, ukuleles, bongos and other instruments on display. Senior facilities include a main teaching room, appropriately in

The location presents massive challenges for sport, but just a 15-minute drive away are off-site facilities at Sheffield and Hallam unis, English Institute of Sport and King Edward’s swimming pool - far better than many schools could aspire to.

The use of vertical tutor groups in senior school fits the family ethos. Pupils from year 7 to 11 share form time, around three from each year. House system reinforces this cross pollination and students like it: ‘You are almost forced to speak to

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Parents like the cultural diversity – with 32 nationalities represented, of which Chinese is the largest cohort. Academically non-selective status also widens appeal. For some the school is ‘the last chance saloon’ in education. Some parents had

Scholarships for academic, sport, music, drama and art - worth one per cent of fees only. Bursaries also available, at six per cent.

Look beyond the tired rooms and physical challenges of the senior school as this is a place where potential is tapped and there’s a real family spirit. The perfect place for nurturing ‘the well-rounded and happy child’, as one parent put it.