Age range. 3–11.
Number of pupils. 176 Day Boys and Girls.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £2,351–£3,934 (net of VAT).
West Lodge was founded in 1940 and is now an educational trust. The main building is an extended Victorian house, well adapted to use as a school, while still retaining its homely atmosphere. Facilities include a science/cookery room and art room/crèche, which can also be used together as an additional hall facility, a fully equipped gymnasium, Astroturf-surfaced playground, art studio, music rooms and a computer suite. There are eight classes of up to 22 pupils, one class in each year group from Nursery through to Year 6. The staff to pupil ratio is extremely high and the children are taught in smaller groups by specialist teachers for many subjects. The school is open from 7.30 am and an after-school crèche and homework club operate until 6.00 pm.
The school has a strong academic tradition and a purposeful atmosphere permeates each class. The National Curriculum is at the core of our teaching but it is enhanced and enriched by the inclusion of a wider range of subjects. These include: English, mathematics, science, French, information technology, design technology, history, geography, religious education, music, art and craft, physical education and games, swimming and drama.
Great emphasis is placed on a thorough grounding in basic learning skills, with literacy and numeracy seen as key elements in the foundation, upon which future learning will be built. Particular care is taken to extend the most gifted children and support the less able. West Lodge has a consistent record of a high level of entry to local authority selective schools and independent schools.
Music has a particularly high profile within the school and all of the children are encouraged to develop their talents. Well-qualified peripatetic staff teach both group and individual lessons and children of all ages are encouraged to join the school orchestras and choir. Concerts and dramatic performances are staged regularly and parents are warmly invited to attend.
Sports of all sorts are taught and we are keen to get involved in both competitive and friendly sporting fixtures with other schools.
The school promotes a caring attitude between all its members and aims to help each child towards the achievement of self-control and self-discipline. The Head Teacher and the class teachers know each of the children well and the excellent pastoral care and family atmosphere are major features of the school.
Home–school links are strong and the open-door policy gives parents immediate access to members of staff, should worries occur. The school also has strong contacts with the local community.
Extracurricular activities are given the highest priority and clubs run each afternoon after school. Regular school outings form part of the curriculum for all children, the older pupils enjoying residential visits.
Charitable status. West Lodge School Educational Trust is a Registered Charity, number 283627. It exists for the provision of high quality education for boys and girls between 3 and 11 years.