A visit to Windermere School—or even a glance at our website—reveals what a truly special place this is. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, our breathtaking location has long inspired poets, artists, scientists, and adventurers. It provides a daily source of inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to call Windermere their school: a sanctuary away from the bustle of city life and an environment that encourages creativity, exploration, and achievement.
But a school is far more than its setting. At Windermere, our community is every bit as remarkable as our surroundings. Each child is recognised as unique, valued for their individuality, and supported in developing their talents. Our dedicated staff are committed to bringing out the very best in every pupil, with strong academic results, impressive university destinations, and confident, well-rounded young people as the evidence of that commitment.
Windermere’s deliberately small size is one of its greatest strengths. With around 220 pupils, we are able to offer a genuinely personal education. Small class sizes mean pupils are known, supported and challenged. Families are welcomed as an integral part of our community, and every voice is heard. The result is an environment where children thrive: happy, motivated and successful.
It is a rare privilege to be part of a school with such a rich history, a vibrant present, and such exciting potential. We warmly invite you and your family to visit Windermere School and experience it for yourselves.
Key Facts
Numbers: Around 220 pupils, including 160 in the Senior School. Approximately 15% of Senior School pupils are boarders. The size of the community fosters a friendly atmosphere and close staff-pupil relationships. Many teachers hold additional qualifications in outdoor adventure. Curriculum: Small class sizes and personalised teaching ensure pupils leave as well-rounded individuals. Every student has a personal tutor who supports them throughout their school years. GCSEs and IGCSEs are taken in Years 10 and 11, while Sixth Formers follow either the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the IB Careers Programme, BTEC Business or an NCFE in Outdoor Education. Specialist provision is in place for pupils with Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language. The Arts: Music, Art, and Drama are central to school life. Pupils take part in choirs, chamber groups, orchestras, and regional music festivals, with preparation for ABRSM examinations. Drama is taught throughout the school, with productions each year and opportunities to take LAMDA and Central School of Speech and Drama exams. The Art Studios provide scope for creativity, supported by a dedicated Art Library. Sport & Adventure: Sport is a vibrant part of life at Windermere, with competitive teams in hockey, netball, tennis, athletics, and more. Our watersports centre, Hodge Howe, located on 160m of private lakefront, is both an RYA Training Centre and a British Youth Sailing Recognised Club—the first school in the UK to hold this status. Pupils enjoy sailing, kayaking, and outdoor adventure as part of both the curriculum and extracurricular life. Boarding: Boarding is at the heart of the Windermere experience, creating a supportive family atmosphere. Each house is led by a House Parent with live-in staff, daily academic support, and a wide range of weekend trips and activities in the Lake District and beyond. Round Square: As a member of Round Square, Windermere pupils benefit from international exchanges, service projects and links with schools around the world. Pre-Prep & Prep School: Our Pre-Prep & Prep School offers a seamless progression into the Senior School. Boarding begins from age 8, with day pupils welcomed up to Year 6. Pupils benefit from continuity of teaching and shared use of specialist teaching facilities.
Fees per term (2025-2026).
Day Fees per term: Reception to Year 2 £2,450, Years 3–4 £6,000, Years 5-7 £6,700, Year 8 £7,750 Years 9-12 £8,583, Year 13 £12,750.
Weekly Boarding Fees: Years 3–4 £9,283, Years 5–6 £9,983, Year 7 £11,166, Year 8 £12,033, Year 9-11 £14,083, Year 12 £14,250, Year 13 £21,166.
Full Boarding Fees: Years 3–4 £10,133, Years 5–6 £10,833, Year 7 £12,383, Year 8 £13,400, Year 9-12 £16,166, Year 13 £24,000.
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.