Exploring new things, enjoying fresh challenges, developing skills and character, feeling inspired to learn and forming lifelong friendships are all at the heart of a Westbourne House education.

Westbourne House is a very special place for children to grow up and gives each and every pupil an outstanding start to their education. Our teachers are inventive, fun and keen to share their enthusiasm for their subjects and make a determined effort to get to know new children: what makes them tick, their concerns and dreams. We encourage and champion kindness and, regardless of age, new pupils, both day and boarding, quickly feel settled, happy and appreciated for who they are.

At Westbourne House, children enjoy a wonderful sense of freedom in our beautiful 100-acre site and discover a broad and stimulating curriculum, a combination which makes each day exciting. We encourage all our pupils to make the most of every opportunity and be the best that they can be. Through each enriching experience – a visit to the beach, a close cricket match, meeting an author, canoeing on our lake, experiments in science, art in the woods, drama performance or concert – pupils expand their interests, follow their passions and, by doing so, develop humility and self-confidence.

A team of people including the headmaster and the academic head support our families to select the best fit senior school for their child. The senior schools our children move on to include Brighton College, Canford, Cranleigh, Eton, Hurstpierpoint, Marlborough, Seaford to name but a few.  Each year senior schools present our pupils with a large number of scholarships (special awards for excellence) in a wide range of subjects including music, science, all-round academic performance, languages, art, drama and sport.

We are situated close to the historical city of Chichester, between the hills of the South Downs and the sparkling sea, and we make the most of our special location.  We are also not far from London, Heathrow and Gatwick. Our proximity to these transport hubs allows for an impressive programme of trips abroad; choir performances in Brussels, Paris, Rome, Prague and Tuscany, academic and ski trips to France, sports tours to Barcelona, Amsterdam and Cape Town and a geography trip to Iceland.

Around 75% of children at Westbourne House learn at least one musical instrument, with many learning two or more.  Our Music School has four full-time staff and many more visiting specialist teachers. Regular concerts, both at school and in our local community, provide children with the opportunity to practise performing in front of an audience.

We are equally passionate about drama. Every year, each year group puts on a theatre production, many of which are straight plays and fully inclusive to give every pupil their chance to shine on stage.  In Years 6 and 8, pupils audition for big musical productions with West End-style costumes and makeup, live music, lighting, sound and dramatic stunts!  Most pupils perform on stage but there are also opportunities to work backstage or in lighting and sound.

Our boarders are a mixture of local, London and international pupils. We have seven different boarding houses: one in the main house (for Years 3 to 6), and the rest (Years 7 to 8) are set up as a friendly cul-de-sac of houses in the school grounds – each one has a married couple as houseparents and a home from home feel.

In addition to the support of houseparents, there are many more residential staff including matrons, gap students and academic staff, all of whom take great care of the boarders during their time at school. The Matrons’ Department, headed by qualified nurses, oversees all the medical requirements of the school on a daily basis.

Weekends at school are an opportunity to unwind and have fun.   Sports matches between Westbourne House and other schools take place on Saturday mornings. In the afternoon, we have optional Saturday Activities, which enable our pupils to do more of what they love or to try something new.  On Sundays, there is plenty of time to relax – contacting home, reading books, playing games and often an outing with their boarding friends to local beaches, stately homes and other local attractions.

Parents are often at school for assemblies, matches, picnics, concerts, plays and Chapel. We encourage all our pupils to be kind, look out for and support one another and throughout the school there is a wonderful community spirit.

“Boarders are articulate and exuberant in their appreciation of boarding at the school.” ISI REPORT

 

“Westbourne House is an excellent educational establishment which combines solid academic teaching with plenty of sport and many other activities to create great all-rounder pupils.” Registrar at Canford School.

 

“First-class problem-solving skills.” ISI Report

 

“We were totally bowled over by Westbourne House’s online learning provision. My son remained completely engaged and felt genuinely connected throughout the term with both friends and staff through Zoom lessons.” Parent

 

“A deeply fun experience.” Tatler

 

“One of the most fun and flexible boarding set-ups we’ve seen.” Talk Education

 

“What a great way for the older children to learn to be independent while having real housemates – a proper dress rehearsal for senior school, university and beyond.” Talk Education on the Westbourne House boarding set up.

 

“Building happy confident children is their theme.” Good Schools Guide

 

“Our children are very different to one another in character and interests, yet Westbourne House has drawn out strengths in all of them.” Bea, parent

 

“Exceptional creative talents are evident.” ISI Report

 

What is boarding at Westbourne House School like?: https://vimeo.com/475867503

Pupils show you around Westbourne House School: https://vimeo.com/568499181