Westonbirt School

[CuriosityRover]

Hi All, it's not covered very well online. So just reaching out to current and potential past parents who have up to date views on the school. Looking at a Year 7 entry for DS, we are close enough todo the school run, but he's super keen on boarding as some friends are doing the same. undecided....

What's is like for boarders and day kids - we haven't decided yet.

What's are lessons like, are teachers good?

Is the pastoral care side of things good?

What is it like extracurricular wise - is there lots to do and is sport well done - especially things for boarders to do?

Thanks so much!

In short yes it's a good all
rounder local school. Since going co ed the earlier years are more mixed but it still has a strong all girl's feel to it. So boys sports is still a bit lacking for example.

I think the most important thing about Westonbirt though is that since the Wishford Trust took over it has a reputation of improving year on year so by joining in year 7 , things should be pretty strong by year 11.

What are your other options?

Just Wycliffe (semi)locally, otherwise it's boarding options, and they are further afield and all good options. The plan was to try and remain close to home and with some friends transitioning at the same time if possible. Do you have any other recommendations?

I guess main concerns are whether the academic side of things is any good - they took a lot of boys recently, which has made the school much larger, how is it coping to see standards up? Did your kids seem challenged and supported?

It what ways is it improving year on year. Is it facilities or just all round?

I heard the head is leaving too, is there a replacement announced as I can't seem to see anything at the moment?

I can’t recommend Westonbirt highly enough. The school has 50/50 boys and girls throughout the school now. The pastoral care is outstanding. Academically they do well and are improving all the time. It’s non-selective so you can’t compare results with selective schools but kids generally achieve higher than their predicted grades and A Level results are excellent. If you have an academic child they will be supported and challenged. Teachers are inspirational and very engaging. Drama, Music and Art are all very strong. They’ve had a new Director of Sport since last year who has made huge improvements. The variety of sport and level of coaching is fantastic now for boys and girls. The facilities are second to none and the grounds are incredibly beautiful. The Headmistress is not leaving until December as she gave a years notice. She has been there for 12 years. A replacement has not been decided yet but they will have plenty of time for a thorough hand over. If you have any specific questions PM me.

I know of a few families with negative experiences of Wycliffe so do your research if that’s one of your options.

The other schools in the area I would recommend are:

Dauntsey's and Kingswood - both similar and for a rounded package
Abingdon and KES for a more academic focus.
Cheltenham College
Kings Gloucester