Windlesham House School

Windlesham House is a co-education independent prep boarding school, part of Charterhouse family of schools, providing education to pupils aged 4-13 in West Sussex.

Key Information

The ACE Learning Habits that are embedded in all our teaching and learning from Reception to Year 8, and 'The Windlesham Way' forms the foundation of our school. Pupils are intellectually curious with a positive attitude, open to opportunities and constantly trying new things. They are children living, learning and discovering who they are whilst making a valuable contribution to school life. Our core values are about respect - for ourselves, our school and one another. We strive to treat everyone with kindness and respect and in so doing create a happy place to learn, live and play.

Type of School Boys & Girls

Annual International Boarding Fees £42,927 per annum excluding termly visa management fee

Language Support & Qualifications Offered EAL,Cambridge ESOL

Dietary Options veg, vegan, halal, kos, nut, cfa

Religion/Faith Church of England

Qualifications offered gcse,ifp,iel,icg

Location Our beautiful 70 acres of grass and woodland, nestled in the South Downs National Park, West Sussex allows our pupils to be children, giving them space to learn, discover and play. Our weekly London bus allows parents to experience our flexible boarding options and our close proximity to major railway stations and airports makes us an excellent choice for international families. Being by the coast gives our boarders the opportunity to spend time at the seaside, on the downs or in the local towns.

History of the School Windlesham House is one of the oldest independent preparatory schools in the country and the first preparatory boarding school to become co-educational. The school was founded under a different name in 1837 on the Isle of Wight by Lieutenant Charles Robert Malden, who founded and began running the school with guidance from masters at the prestigious Rugby School in Warwickshire. The school moved to Brighton and Portslade for a number of years, and then to its present site, Highden House in 1934.

Pre-16 qualifications We are 'gently selective' and look for pupils who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and intellectually curious. Our admissions process involves an interview in which we look for the child's ability to think on their feet, engaged showing a desire to get involved. We are not looking for 'the right answers' but rather for the child who understands a good education is the start of an exciting journey. We look at reports, test results and confidential references from previous schools. Our selection process is based on experience and well-informed judgement of the potential of a child through the interview process.

Post 16 qualifications n/a

Academic performance The curriculum is broad and engaging. We believe children should be able to start their academic journey with a wide range of subject options to develop a full set of academic, creative and practical skills. Windlesham's ACE Learning Habits underpin teaching and learning; the pupils strive to be active learners, critical thinkers and explorers. These behaviours are recognised and celebrated across the curriculum. Pupils are supported through prep sessions, small-group interventions, academic clinics and an active gifted and talented enrichment programme. We have an impressive track record of places being offered at chosen senior schools, many with scholarship awards.

Boarding accommodation Windlesham House is committed to offering a genuine full boarding option with around 70 pupils staying each weekend. We ensure children are part of a special and kind community. Our boarders come 'home' after school finishes, enjoy their free time and know that there is someone there for them. We have two boarding houses, one for girls and one for boys from ages 7 to 13. The Years 3-6 pupils share dorms while Years 7 & 8 have separate dorms. Each house has three comfy rooms equipped with TVs, games and even table tennis. Our dorms are homely and spacious.

Pastoral care Our child-centred approach means we have a community that prides itself on knowing every pupil as an individual. A multi-layered structure ensures the little niggles don't become big concerns and the children know who they can talk to whenever they need to. Regular pupil voice sessions ensure they are listened to and feel involved in how their school experience evolves. The wellbeing room is open every break and lunch time providing a quiet space if needed. Of course, form tutors and staff from the medical centre are always on hand for both physical health and someone to talk to.

Extra-curricular activities We ensure the weekly and Saturday range of activities cover academic enrichment, sport, exercise, performing arts, outdoor activities, arts, craft, DT and computing. The children try a variety of activities spanning several of these areas. A sporty child can branch out and realise that they also love knitting or singing in the choir, a talented mathematician can embrace golf, scuba diving or Lego robotics. There is no end to the choice and combinations on offer. Regular boarders trips at the weekend are all part of what Windlesham House offers.

General school facilities Our school facilities are amongst the best of any prep school with dedicated science labs, a linguistics and culture centre, flexible classrooms, library with over 17,000 carefully chosen books carefully, 25m six lane indoor pool, nine hole golf course, sports hall, tennis courts, astro pitches, grass pitches, adventure playground, cricket nets, forest school, medical centre, drama studio, theatre, design and technology suite, food technology room, 12 music practice rooms etc. There are few subjects that are not taught by specialist teachers in well appointed space. We are more like a small senior school than a prep school.

A Quick Summary Windlesham House school prides itself on its academic rigour, recently introducing a bespoke Years 7 & 8 curriculum, the Diploma and Futures Programme, which is now highly valued by many highly regarded UK senior schools which are attended by many of our children. We have an excellent balance of local pupils and boarders, international and British pupils allowing the children to benefit from the rich diversity of cultures and are ready for a global future. Being future ready is a vital element at Windlesham House and we prepare our pupils for this through lessons, boarding experience, extra-curricular activities, the inclusiveness of sports and performing arts, visiting speakers and IT provision. There is a tangible spirit of excitement, happiness and enthusiasm at Windlesham House. It is impossible not to be swept along by the fun and enjoyment coming from the children. Nothing is unusual and the possibilities are endless.

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Recent quotes from parents "It is a home from home (better than being at home I suspect). Something in the dorms really works. There is warmth, belonging, guidance, and more emotional intelligence and communication than one might think is possible for a group of boys. We struggle to thank them enough for what they do. I enjoyed my son's description of boys boarding as being his idea of great leadership: liked, respected, consistent without showing off or shouting. I also agree with his take that it is something they will have for them for the rest of their lives. The valuable emotional support the staff provide day to day (or evening to evening) in dorms is impressive." "I don't have to worry about my children as you are taking such great care of them, and they are so happy." "I feel that I have developed friendships that will last a lifetime." "Windlesham House's weekend offer is so much more than any other school."Recent quotes from children "The best part of boarding is everyone is so kind." "The weekends are brilliant. There is always something different to do as well as a trip on Sundays. The matrons make sure we always feel like we are at home and doing family things." I love "When one of the teachers dressed up as the BFG and wore stilts all day." I feel extremely supported and looked-after at Windlesham, the care they offer us children is exquisite. The teachers are open to any conversation and there is no need to feel embarrassed telling them something. It is always reassuring to know that you can talk to someone at Windlesham. They also have phone numbers that you can call, the people answering won't know who you are and you won't know who they are, which is the best way to let off steam or tell worries that you have without getting embarrassed when seeing them in school.

Windlesham House School

A Day in the Life of

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