Westonbirt School, Glos

[suenos]

Does anyone have any views/experience of this school please? Our year 9/3 DD is very unhappy (really desperate) at her large co-ed school. Fine socially with girls (although not in the in crowd), fine academically (in top third of her year), totally intimidated by the crowds of alpha males, and uncomfortable in this size of school.
She is bright, sensitive, caring, more introvert/reserved than extravert, a have a go girl when in secure environment. Now also fearful, anxious and her confidence is on floor.
Looking at Westonbirt and others as possible alternative but she would have to board (about which she feels v positive having observed it at her current school). Don't want to go from frying pan to fire.

I do know someone who works there in a support role (not a teacher), and he seems to think it has a good atmosphere, girls seem well behaved etc. Can't help you anymore than that, I'm afraid.

OK, thanks - that's a start!

My experience is a little out of date but anyway it will bump this for you! We looked round this school for my DD1, it seemed absolutely lovely. She was musical and they offered her a most generous scholarship and assured us convincingly they would make the most of her music and really support and encourage her. Ohhh, I was so tempted to send her - we only backed out because of some reluctance to go the boarding route. It really is a beautiful school as you probably know if you've visited, and the girls seemed happy, confident and pleasant.

I didn't get the impression it was academically high-flying - a look at the Honours board showed few Oxbridge successes, for example, though this was 15 years ago - but that's not everything and I'm sure they would make the most of any high-fliers that came their way, most schools are delighted to have one and do all they can to foster talents.

I 'feel' it would be a lovely school for a sensitive DD such as you describe - I really did get a good feel for Westonbirt's nurturing, peaceful, beautiful atmosphere, but as I say this was some time ago, I was only there with DD for a couple of days and obviously they put their best face on for visitors - you can't beat a personal recommendation of someone with a daughter in the school, if you can find one!

See if they have newsletters online, those can give you an idea of the ethos of the place. And of course you must visit, if you haven't already - they might have DD along for a trial day to see how she enjoys it.

Thank you so much oenophile for your thoughts and advice. I am arranging a visit and they have suggested that DD can stay 2 nights, which should help us to get a real feel for the place and what it can offer her.

Oh, what a good idea, yes! I'd love to know how she gets on - and I hope she enjoys it.

I know this thread is over a year old now but I was wondering if Suenos still posts and of so, what they thought of Westonbirt. Or failing that - anyone who knows the school????
It one we are considering as senior baording school. Have just sent off for the prospectus, Know its locality fairly well as I drive past it on way back to my home town frequently but want some personal inside info!!

No personal experience, I'm afraid, although we visited about 18 months ago for our DD1. Seemed lovely. I also 'felt' it would suit a sensitive DD, as described in the OP. Beautiful, with acres of gorgeous grounds but the downside is that the girls didn't seem to have a town or village they could walk to in their free time. Quite isolated geographically. Although not essential, I think this becomes more of an issue the older they get.

Do go and visit!