Founded in 1923, the senior school is semi-rural and on a single site; its nursery, infant and junior departments are on four other sites and include separate girls' and boys' junior schools. The well-designed and pleasant buildings stand in attractive gardens and grounds. Facilities are excellent; the school has a full-size professional theatre and a Gold Sportsmark award for its sports facilities. Recent developments include a new all-weather pitch and tennis courts at the senior school and extension to the nursery. Its liberal and sound education is based on Christian principles and practice. Examination results are very good. It is strong in music, drama and art and high standards are achieved. There is a wide range of sports and games (many county and regional representatives) and other extra-curricular activities including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, Business Enterprise and a charity team.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 1044 day pupils (140 boys, 904 girls). Junior department 2-11, 406 pupils (140 boys, 266 girls). Senior department 11-18, 638 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 2, 4, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used including for sixth form entry (GCSE at least grade B in sixth form subjects). Non-denominational Christian foundation. Approx 50% of senior intake from state schools (plus few into sixth form); 50% from own junior school.
3 pa academic scholarships, 1 for entrant at age 11, 2 at 16. Bursaries awarded on the basis of financial need; some up to 100% of fees (foundation bursaries, 4 awarded in 2009), some up to 50% of fees (governors' bursaries, 104 in 2009).
Principal: Mrs Lillian Croston, in post from 1988. Educated at Accrington High School and universities of Durham and Cambridge (geography, geology, maths, PGCE). Previously Deputy Headteacher at Sale Grammar School, Head of Geography at Stretford Grammar, and taught maths and geography at Gorse Park Secondary School and Bolton School Girls' Division. Also ALCM; former Chief Examiner; Rotarian member of Lancaster University Court; school governor; occasional GSA, HMC and Ofsted School Inspector. Teaching staff (whole school): 157 full time, 14 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 39.
GCSE: 100 pupils in Year 11: 97% gained at least grade C in 6+ subjects. A-levels: 83 in upper sixth: 49% passed in 4+ subjects; 46% in 3 subjects.
89% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year), 8% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 13% in science and engineering, 43% in humanities, arts and social sciences, 6% in law, 14% in business and management, 3% in vocational subjects eg teaching. A few typically go on to accountancy or management training or further education courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS and 3+ at A-level; in addition, one of ESB, CSLA or general studies (AS/A-level) taken in the lower sixth. 31% take science A-levels; 55% arts/humanities; 14% both. Key skills integrated into courses and activities with portfolio developed; commented on in UCAS and other references. Vocational: Work experience offered, some abroad. ICT qualifications. Special provision: Children with physical disabilities can cope well. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Mandarin offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges and foreign visits. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject and use of it encouraged in other subjects; all take GCSE ICT.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12 musical groups include orchestras, strings, woodwind ensemble, flute choir, brass band, swing band, recorder consort, choirs, madrigal group, quartets. Member of National Children's Chamber Orchestra; several county groups. Drama and dance: Both offered as extra-curricular activities; ESB exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions (2 senior productions a year), all in house/other productions; recent productions include Jane Eyre and Peter Pan. Occasional member of National Youth Theatre. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 20 AS, 15 A-level; product design and textiles also offered. Some pupils accepted for art foundation courses most years.
Sport: Hockey, netball, gymnastics, dance, athletics, tennis, rounders, swimming, badminton, volleyball, aerobics, health-related fitness, water ballet and water polo are compulsory at some stage. Optional: ice skating, fitness gym, golf, life saving, squash, water polo, water aerobics, karate. AAA, ASA, CSLA awards may be taken. County/regional representatives in badminton, netball, swimming, hockey, tennis, athletics, cross-country. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Also Business Enterprise for sixth form; first aid/CPR training. Up to 34 clubs, eg art and craft, performing arts, cookery, debating, choir, recorder, science, justice awareness charity team, fair trade group.
Uniform: School uniform worn; different in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head of house and year/form prefects - elected by staff and pupils. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Compulsory Christian morning assembly. Social: Many trips abroad and exchanges. Secure coach service (wide catchment area). Sixth form allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect lunchtime detention; twilight detention for persistent offenders. Those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion after interview with parents. Good discipline promoted by strong pastoral care.
is run by Mrs Vivienne Davenport (davenportv@westholmeschool.com)
Anne Savage (dance DJ); Helen Flanagan (actress); Mohini Sule (CBBC presenter); Diana Vickers (singer and X Factor finalist)
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