A visit to Windermere School or a look at our website tells you this is a very special place indeed. Our stunning location has been the inspiration for world-famous artists, poets, and authors, a sanctuary and the antidote to congested city life, a fascination to scientists, a home for adventurers as well as part of the masterpiece of human creative genius that affords us UNESCO World Heritage status. It is a daily inspiration to every one of us fortunate enough to call it our school.
Schools are what we build together and the Windermere community is as special as the place itself. Every child is different, talented, and special and every child matters. Here their differences are respected, their talents developed and their individuality encouraged. Our staff are dedicated to bringing out the very best in everyone and our examination results, university destinations, and the confidence of our pupils bear testimony to this commitment.
The beauty of our location, expertise of our staff, and wealth of facilities are enhanced by our size. Windermere is a deliberately small school. Pupils are known and cherished for who they are, every family is a vital part of our community and the voices of everyone are heard. Our classes are small, our pupils are happy, our education is bespoke and the results are stunning.
It is a rare privilege to be part of a school with Windermere’s history and potential and we would be delighted to welcome you and your family to our school.
Numbers. There are approximately 320 pupils in total. The Senior School has approximately 243 pupils, of whom around 40% are boarders. The size of the community has the advantage of providing a friendly atmosphere of understanding and fosters good staff-pupil relationships. Many members of the teaching staff hold additional qualifications in outdoor adventure.
Curriculum. The curriculum offered at Windermere School reflects the belief that students should be exposed to as many opportunities as possible and leave the school as well-rounded individuals. It is tailored to the needs of each child, with small class sizes. Each pupil is provided with a personal tutor that stays with them throughout their years at the school, to oversee work on a daily basis and act as an advocate. One-year and two-year GCSEs and IGCSEs are taken in Years 10 and 11. Sixth Form students undertake the internationally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma or International Baccalaureate Careers Programme. Sixth Form students also have the opportunity to study BTEC Business.
There are qualified staff and programmes in place for Special Educational Needs, English as an Additional Language, and Gifted and Talented pupils.
Music, Art, and Drama play an important part in the life of the school. There are two choirs, and individual instruction leading to chamber groups and orchestra. Students are prepared for the written and practical music exams of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. The school participates in regional Music Festivals. The Central School of Speech and Drama and LAMDA’s examinations are also taken in Speech and Drama. Art and Design Technology provide considerable scope and opportunity. The Art Studios contain facilities for History of Art and an Art History Library. Drama classes are included in the curriculum, and there are several productions staged each year.
Extracurricular activities. Windermere School’s watersports centre, Hodge Howe, with over 160 metres of lakefront on the shores of Windermere, hosts a wide range of activities during the school’s timetabled curriculum, and as part of the extra-curricular activity programme. The centre has accreditation from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, as well as being a Royal Yachting Association Training Centre. In 2018, the School was announced as a British Youth Sailing Recognised Club by the Royal Yachting Association for its race training. Windermere was the first school in the UK to be awarded this status.
There are traditional competitive sports teams in hockey, netball, tennis, athletics and more. Many students play for regional and national teams, as well as for the school.
Religion. The school is Christian in outlook and welcomes other denominations.
Boarding. There is a strong boarding tradition at Windermere School that benefits the whole school community. Each Boarding House has live-in staff supervised by a House Mistress or House Master. Each evening, academic staff oversee prep and are available for extra tuition and advice. There are weekend activities, we offer on-site activities along with staff-led excursions throughout the Lake District and beyond. It is a safe and caring extended family environment where pupils can excel both academically and personally.
Round Square. The School is a member of the international Round Square group of schools. Exchanges and Overseas Service Projects are regularly arranged between the schools involved in Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Switzerland, South Africa and USA and Brunei.
Infant and Junior School. The nearby Infant and Junior School is in the care of a Head, and takes boarders from age 8, along with day children up to Year 6. The Infant and Junior School is fully integrated with the Senior School giving continuity of teaching programmes and use of joint facilities.
Fees per term (2024-2025).
Day Fees per term: Reception to Year 2 £2,375, Years 3–4 £5,833, Years 5-7 £6,500, Year 8 £7,500 Years 9-12 £8,333, Year 13 £12,500.
Weekly Boarding Fees: Years 3–4 £9,000, Years 5–6 £9,667, Year 7 £10,833, Year 8 £11,667, Year 9-11 £13,667, Year 12 £13,833, Year 13 £20,750.
Full Boarding Fees:Years 3–4 £9,833, Years 5–6 £10,500, Year 7 £12,000, Year 8 £13,000, Year 9-12 £15,667, Year 13 £23,500.
Discounts are available for Forces families eligible for the MOD Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).
Fees include VAT.
Charitable status. Windermere Educational Trust Limited is a Registered Charity, number 526973, with a mission to provide education of the highest quality.