Windermere School, Lake District, Cumbria
Welcome to Windermere School in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Established in 1863, we are a boarding and day school for boys and girls from age 2 to 18. We believe Windermere School is unique and very special, with the right balance of academic emphasis, physical well-being and a commitment to serving society. We equip our students with the skills, values and qualifications that provide an enduring foundation for the future. We aspire to excellence in all things, and for our students to combine confidence and compassion.
As a Round Square and IB World school we subscribe to a truly international curriculum. By the time our students leave Windermere School, we want them to know that with determination, they can overcome adversity and remain true to their purpose; they can be of value to society and help make the world a better place.
Windermere School offers a challenging and enriching educational environment starting with Pre-Prep through to the Preparatory School, Senior School and Sixth Form. In addition, we offer an International Summer School with EAL language courses and adventure activities each summer. With an emphasis on achieving personal excellence through self awareness and challenge, our curriculum combines academic study with outdoor education and service to the local and international community at every level.
The location is unrivalled in beauty - yet we are only ninety minutes from two international airports. The student body is predominantly British, with a growing number of international students experiencing what we have to offer. There is an even mix of boys and girls. The majority of pupils were educated at the school from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form, we have excellent acceptance results for university places. As well as impressive degrees and interesting careers, our Leavers share a common sense of purpose - to contribute. Whether this is on a personal level through friends and families, or a wider level through international service, we are proud that the values we instill can make a difference.
There is a long tradition of boarding at Windermere School and we offer residential options for children from eight years old. We can design flexible boarding arrangements tailored to the needs of each student and their family, from full or weekly boarding, or occasional boarding for a night or two each week. As a Round Square School, we are delighted to welcome international students of all ages.
Our students from around the world integrate quickly into school life, experiencing and learning about British culture while bringing their valuable perspective to our small and friendly school community. Our boarders are well looked after by our professional staff, with after school and weekend activities plus evening prep with specialist subject tutors who offer support and extra tuition. Ofsted awarded the School ‘Outstanding’ for its boarding provision.
Study at the Windermere
School 2024 - 2025
Our curriculum is world-class, from early years though GCSEs and IGCSEs and on to the International Baccalaureate, ultimately equipping our students for life at University and achievement beyond. With our clear focus on the individual and the broad scope of our facilities, we enable each of our students to explore and develop their strengths to become a fully rounded person.
From the earliest age, our Preparatory curriculum is designed to inspire our children to gain knowledge by thinking and discovering for themselves. Our range of subjects ensures a balance of progressive academic, creative and physical development to provide a rounded education.
In the Senior School each student is assigned a personal tutor who oversees their work and offers encouragement and support. Class sizes are small, enabling a clear focus on each of our students as an individual. Windermere School and the use of the outdoors as our greater classroom offers an array of academic, cultural and sporting opportunities and challenges that inspires each student in their own way. Our students find their personal route to achievement, discovering their own strengths and potential.
International students receive specialised EAL (English as an Additional Language) tuition from our experienced tutors, and have the option of a tailored package of study options to suit individual requirements for a small additional fee.
Life at Windermere School is challenging and enriching, with an emphasis on achieving personal excellence through self-awareness, adventure and service to others. From age two, our pupils are encouraged to respect their fellow students, the wider school team and the local community.
Sporting activity and achievement is integral to our ethos and appreciation of the outdoors at Windermere School. Our physical education team actively supports our students and we are proud to have many exceptional pupils competing at the highest levels, including National standard, in athletics, cross-country running, hockey, kayaking, netball, sailing, tennis and tag rugby (at the Preparatory School). Our other major competitive sports include cricket and football with a wide variety of additional opportunities including equestrianism, golf and swimming.
Windermere School has the perfect setting for musical, dramatic and artistic expression and our programme of productions is ambitious, with performances and exhibitions held each term. Our creative facilities include studios for dance and drama and a separate performance room in the music department.
Art students enjoy a dedicated studio with natural light, a large gallery and individual workstations for creative projects.
Our students enjoy a wide range of creative and academic extracurricular clubs and societies including a Debating Society, Chess Club, Art Club, Language Clubs, cultural exchanges and Round Square.
Tuition and Boarding Fees for international students per term (2024 – 2025)
Years 7 - 8 (age 11 - 14) £ 10,205 per term (three terms)
Years 9 - 11 (age 14 - 16) £ 11,890 per term (three terms)
Years 12 (age 16 - 18) £ 13,605 per term (three terms)
