Ages 
You’d be hard pressed to find a more spectacular backdrop for a school or one that makes such good use of its environment to develop its pupils in a truly holistic manner. Pushes children to explore their potential in so many ways other than academic. ’The best school I have ever been to and I’ve been to nine!’ Don’t forget your wellies and waterproofs.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 160 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 46 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £19,905 - £22,470; Boarding £32,500 - £47,000 pa
- Local authority
- Westmorland and Furness
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Frank Thompson
Since 2023, Frank Thompson, previously head of three schools – S. Anselm’s in Bakewell, Stoke College in Suffolk and Kilgraston in Perth. He was deputy head of Mount St Mary’s College in Derbyshire and director of admissions at Ampleforth College and
Entrance
Non-selective. It’s all about character and potential and there are no entrance tests. A tour, taster visit, interview, references from current school and the right aptitude are required. English and maths online assessments for some international
- Open days
- See website
Exit
Twelve per cent left after GCSEs in 2023. Most to local grammars, mainly Lancaster for A levels, or Kendal College for vocational courses. At 18, around half of sixth form leavers to university (some via a gap year), a third of those to Russell
Latest results
In 2024, 34 per cent 9-7 at GCSE.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Years 7 to 9 study the national curriculum. Pupils supply their own Microsoft 365 compatible devices. Mobiles allowed with permission or in designated spaces at specific times. Years 10 and 11 study nine GCSEs from 18 options, including English as a
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- BTEC
- GCSE
- IB
Learning support & SEN
Full-time head of learning support, plus dyslexia specialist and two full-time and three part-time assistants. Confident they can meet the needs of any pupil with a bespoke plan, ranging from speech and language development to ADHD (mild to
Arts & extracurricular
Art boasts three large studios flooded with light. A large kiln and access to IT as required. The department is open after school for boarders to work on their pieces to their hearts’ content. Pupils progress to prestigious art courses in Edinburgh,
Sport
In spite of the site’s limitations, most traditional sports are offered. Limited grass pitches so the all-weather pitch serves as the venue for football, netball, tennis and cricket. The sports hall provides basketball and others. Facilities and
Boarders
Although it’s relatively isolated, boarders can reach Windermere quickly, unless they hit the summer traffic on the A591. Ninety minutes to either Manchester or Liverpool airports, three hours to London by train. There are a few expat Forces parents
Ethos & heritage
Originally St Anne’s School in Lytham. On this site since 1924, changed name to Windermere St Anne’s in 1990 and co-ed since 1999. Formally merged with the junior school in 2016. Extensive additional building took place in ’70s and ’80s, but the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Children are given unique personalised curricular or support pathways as required. Parents said concerns are met with plans devised by the ’dedicated staff’. They know the children well, we heard. There is a wellbeing room at the heart of the
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Windermere School restricts mobile phone use during school hours to enhance learning, social interaction and pupil wellbeing. Pupils must lock their phones in magnetically controlled Yondr pouches upon arrival, with access granted at the end of the day. In the boarding house, mobile phones are used to the houseparent's discretion, use is monitored, and phones removed at bedtime. Inspired by global concerns over excessive phone use, this initiative aims to reduce anxiety, improve concentration and strengthen in-person connections with studies confirming how phone-free environments boost academic performance and behaviour, preparing pupils for success - both in school and beyond.
Pupils & parents
Parents a broad church, from families moving from China to locals lucky enough to find the right school for their offspring on their doorstep. Evenly split by gender, around 70 per cent are British while representatives from 30 countries make up the
Money matters
Bursaries available. Parental needs assessed independently by Bursary Administration Limited for a one-off fee. Scholarships of up to 50 per cent of fees are available in academic, adventure and creative fields. There is also a Round Square bursary.
- Fee information
- Day £19,905 - £22,470; Boarding £32,500 - £47,000 pa
The last word
You’d be hard pressed to find a more spectacular backdrop for a school or one that makes such good use of its environment to develop its pupils in a truly holistic manner. Pushes children to explore their potential in so many ways other than
